1936: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION HIGH SCHOOL DRAMATICS CLUB

 The above graphic is from the "TRENTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL" folder in the Hamilton Library's Local History Collection. There's the late Mayor Art Holland, whom I consider the best Mayor of Trenton during my lifetime, also Claire and Edward McManimon, and lo and behold, my very favorite Kuser School 8th grade teacher, Margaret Gaydos! I'm sure other visitors will find many friends and relatives in the photos.

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM....NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW THAT ART HOLLAND DISCUSSED WITH ME ABOUT HIS INTENTION EARLY IN LIFE TO ATTEND A SEMINARY AND BECOME A PRIEST. I WAS CLOSE AND VERY FRIENDLY WITH MANY PEOPLE IN THE GROUP ABOVE, A FEW WERE JOE SORRENTO, PETE MARCELLA AND JOHN KELTY. JOE SORRENTO'S BROTHER BECAME A PRIEST AND TAUGHT AT TRENTON CATHOLIC AND ALSO WAS A TEAMMATE ALONG WITH ART HOLLAND ON THE SOUTHARDS BASEBALL TEAM. FRED SORRENTO WAS WRESTLING COACH AT TCHS, PETE MARCELLA WAS AN OUTSTANDING BALL PLAYER WHILE THE KELTYS EXCELLED IN BASKETBALL. I ALSO RECOGNIZED MANY OF THE GIRLS FROM THE BURG. BEST REGARDS.

Monday, October 18, 2010

HI TOM....NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW THAT ART HOLLAND DISCUSSED WITH ME ABOUT HIS INTENTION EARLY IN LIFE TO ATTEND A SEMINARY AND BECOME A PRIEST. I WAS CLOSE AND VERY FRIENDLY WITH MANY PEOPLE IN THE GROUP ABOVE, A FEW WERE JOE SORRENTO, PETE MARCELLA AND JOHN KELTY. JOE SORRENTO'S BROTHER BECAME A PRIEST AND TAUGHT AT TRENTON CATHOLIC AND ALSO WAS A TEAMMATE ALONG WITH ART HOLLAND ON THE SOUTHARDS BASEBALL TEAM. FRED SORRENTO WAS WRESTLING COACH AT TCHS, PETE MARCELLA WAS AN OUTSTANDING BALL PLAYER WHILE THE KELTYS EXCELLED IN BASKETBALL. I ALSO RECOGNIZED MANY OF THE GIRLS FROM THE BURG. BEST REGARDS.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Stephen said...

Tom, This was the last year (1935-1936) that Immaculate Conception High School was co-ed. The following school year, ICHS was all boys and Cathedral was all girls. ICHS changed its name to Trenton Catholic Boys HS at the beginning of the 1938-39 school year.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Tom Glover said...

STEPHEN! THANKS FOR THAT INTERESTING BIT OF HISTORY. FOR ME AT LEAST, YOU ANSWERED A QUESTION I HAD LONG WONDERED ABOUT. THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENT AND THANKS FOR VISITING MY BLOG. I HOPE YOU RETURN OFTEN. TOM GLOVER

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

1909: IT'S HALLOWEEN SEASON AND TIME FOR THE "JERSEY DEVIL!"

Back in 1983, I wrote a story on the Jersey Devil for the "Mercer Messenger." In it, I told of my visit to Kuser Farm one night way back in time and on one of those typical windy, leaf-blowing nights. The engraving which accompanied that article has been lifted from my "HOLIDAYS' folder. A very talented young lady by the name of Sharon Tondreau drew it from the description I furnished to her based on material found in my
:"JERSEY DEVIL" folder. Jersey newspapers from the first decade of the 20th century contained many stories of the legendary devil whom some say still roams the pines of South Jersey.

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM....THE NICK NAME OF THE NEW JERSET TEAM IN THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE IS DEVILS. I WONDER IF THEY ARE REFERRING TO THE ARTICLE YOU ARE WRITING ABOUT TODAY.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Tom Glover said...

HI RALPH: I'M SURE THEY ARE NAMED FOR THAT VERY FAMOUS DEVIL. TOM

1928: SOUTH BROAD STREET MILL HILL - JOHN RAUM'S BIRTH PLACE

The mini article extraction above is from October 1928. It locates the birthplace of Trenton's most important historian, John Raum, whose "History of Trenton" is a favorite of those of us who love the incredibly interesting stories of old time Trenton. My interest in Mill Hill has increased over the past 20 years, as I became a parishioner at Sacred Heart parish, just up the street from the photo, on the other side of South Broad Street. Covello's Pizza shop is listed as 312 So. Broad Street, and it is assumed that the Raum home site would be in the area of the buildings in the far distance in the photo. 

1916: A GLIMPSE AT THE MONETARY VALUE OF HAMILTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS

This is an incredibly interesting ledger from the World War I era in Hamilton.A good indication of just how rural we were! Believe it or not, this, and many other valuable historic Hamilton Township Public School documents were destined for the recycle bin were it not for then-Superintendent of Schools and my friend, Al DeMartin giving me permission to preserve these files which were in the safe room at Greenwood School.

1936: PTA ACTIVITIES IN THE HAMILTON TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS

They started out as "Mothers' Clubs" in the earlier part of the 20th century, and morphed into an organization which has been an integral part of grammar and high schools. Here is a list of some of the local Hamilton PTA activities going on in Mom and Grand mom's generation.

Saturday, October 16, 2010:    Jim C said

...

Reading the information regarding the Rowan-Willey PTA reminds us of how community service is often a family activity. Mrs. William Dyott and Mrs. David Schaaf's husbands were Rusling Hose Company Chiefs. Mrs Emma Werner was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.

1938: Sts. Peter and Paul Class of 1938

Even as the Italians settled in Chambersburg and North Trenton, so too did the immigrants from southern Europe settle very prominently in South Trenton. The photo above includes many familiar names whose families still reside in our Mercer County area.

Mack said...
My Slovak Grandparents Mary Chech and Urban Zorichak were married in Saint Peter & Pauls Church. It was my Moms family Church growing up in the Burg our Family Church was Immaculate:)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

1938: JUNIOR 3 RIDING CLUB

How different were the school days in the 1930's and 1940's! There were countless elective clubs that were available to students;. long forgotten clubs including ETIQUETTE, BANKING, CHESS AND CHECKERS, MUSIC, and too many others to mention...but a riding club? Now that's what I call an elite club!

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM.....CAN YOU PICTURE A RIDING CLUB AT JUNIOR 4? THAT'S ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE ACTIVITIES BETWEEN THE BURG AND THE CHEESE AND CRACKERS POPULATION OF THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE CITY. THE CLOSEST THING WE CAME TO A HORSE WAS CLEANING OUT THE STABLES AT THE 112TH FIELD ARTILLERY IN THE 1930'S. I REALLY DO ADMIRE A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT JUNIOR 3 AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THEY CARRIED ON WITH THEIR PROGRAMS IN THE EARLY YEARS. BEST REGARDS.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

1944: JUNIOR 3 STUDENTS TOYS FOR OVERSEAS CHILDREN

During World War II, all of our schools were heavily involved in contributing and aiding the Red Cross. These students representin all the classes at Junior 4 went above and beyond with their toy drive for unfortunate World War II children overseas.

Michael said...

Tom: It was good to see some of my old Trenton High Classmates like Ronnie Urken, and Les Sykes in this photo. This was while in Elementary school, not Jr. High. However, your note referred to Jr.4, my alma mater, which was famous for it's operettas, and pretty girls. Best regards Mike Kuzma Now of Virginia

Monday, October 18, 2010

Tom Glover said...

THANKS,MIKE. IT'S REALLY NICE WHEN A VISITOR TO MY BLOG SEES PHOTOS OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES TO MY "LOCAL HISTORY WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH" BLOG. THANKS ALSO FOR BEING SUCH A LOYAL VISITOR. TOM GLOVER

2010: CRAFTSMEN AT WORK!

To paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt,  "Speak softly and make the best pizza!" That is certainly a fitting tribute to these two gentlemen who have carried on the tradition of the DeLorenzo family's incredibly delicious tomato pies. When young Rick took over the craft from his Dad, Rick Sr., I was honestly apprehensive that our favorite tomato pies would become a thing of the past. Well folks, the tradition continues on for many more years. The manyTOMATO PIES I ordered from "Ricky D's" since Rick Sr. retired were of the same consistent quality and taste that all of us DeLorenzo fans have come to expect. Keep up the good work, guys! Oh, one another thing: Those young men you have with their neat black and white uniforms and their very courteous manners reflect very positively on a very classy establishment. Where else can you go to pickup dinner, and have a young man open the door for you? My friend John, and the lovely young lady you have on the phone and cash register all contribute to very pleasant experience.  

beckinabox said...

Thank you sir! And thank you for the mention!

Friday, October 15, 2010

You're very welcome John(?)! You folks are the best.

Tom

Rick D. said...

Thanks Tom for the flattering comments about DeLorenzos Pizza. It's always nice to hear positive feedback especially when it comes from someone who knows a thing or two about a thing or two ! The lovely young lady you refer to in your post is my daughter Melissa. Thanks Again , Rick D

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Rick D. said...

Forgot to mention how much my Wife and I enjoy your column about the old days in the Times. Keep up the good work !

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Tom Glover said...

Thank you, Rick. I not only love DeLorenzo tomato pies, I also love my readers! Tom

Saturday, October 16, 2010

1943: GIANT TIGER - YES, ST. JOE'S AVENUE!

Thursday, June 14, 2007 from "Josh:"

Josh B said...

Greetings sir, Just to corroborate with the 1940 Ad you've displayed. I'm looking at the September 1941 issue of the Jewish War Veterans Poster (Trenton Post 156) and in a listing it refers to the "Giant Tiger -- North Olden Avenue". Have a nice day!

This is a reply to "Josh," who was kind enough to comment on that old North Olden-St.Joe's Avenue location of the Giant Tiger. Note that the article locates it as "St. Joe's Avenue NEAR No. Olden Avenue."

Tom 

1943: GIANT TIGER - YES, ST. JOE'S AVENUE!

Hopefully this article will put to rest those folks who told me my recent Trenton Times "Sentimental Journey" column was in error when I wrote about the Giant Tiger Supermarket that was once located on St. Joe's Avenue. Each and every one of those who said I erred in my column didn't know that this Giant Tiger preceeded the one on Calhoun Street which came a decade of two later.

Tony Luciano said...

Did they ever crack this case? These two fellas who worked at the store sound like they mighta been up to no good and involved here

Friday, October 15, 2010

1945: V-J DAY IN DOWNTOWN TRENTON

I was only 12 but I remember the horns, sirens, firecrackers and other gleeful revelry that went down when it was announced that the war was over. I was in the garden next to our house when the ruckus began. I ran in the house and the first thing I saw was Mom Glover sitting at the kitchen table crying, A huge load had been lifted from her with 2 sons off in the horrible conflict that was World War II.

Ralph Lucarella said...

IN AUGUST 1945 I WAS ON AN ISLAND IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC LISTENING TO THE GOOD NEWS AND LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK TO CIVILIZATION. THEN I HEARD THE BAD NEWS THAT MY RATE WAS FROZEN AND I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL WE WERE INCLUDED TO LEAVE FOR THE USA. WOULD YOU BELIEVE THAT ON THE DAY WE LEFT THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE AND THE SHIPS ON THE CORAL SEA WERE TOSSING AROUND LIKE TOPS. I NEVER WAS SO GLAD TO LEAVE A PLACE IN ALL MY LIFE. I'LL NEVER FORGET SAILING UNDER THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO AND HEARING LES BROWN AND HIS ORCHESTRA PLAYING "SENTIMENTAL JOURNAL".

 

Thursday, October 14, 2010

PRECIOUS MEMORIES FROM A CARD-CARRYING MEMBER OF THE GREATEST GENERATION WHO HAS"BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!" THANKS, RALPH! 

TOM GLOVER

1945: DICK LLOYD END OF WAR CELEBRATION....FREE GASOLINE!

Correct me if I am in error: 
Dick Lloyd had the Atlantic Gasoline station on the corner of Greenwood and Chambers Street back in the years when the attendants came to your car, checked your water, oil, and wiped your windshield. I recall going to that station on a number of occasions as a teenager. Gas was around 17 to 19 cents per gallon, and many attendants wore crisp and snappy uniforms. Who said the good old days weren't the good old days? I enhanced this rather interesting photo with red trim and even added an old fashioned "Atlantic" red and white sign; every bit as familiar as the old "Esso" sign.

1945: EDWARD C. SHARP OBIT

Along with the McGalliards, Gropps., Parents, Chapmans, and other old line White Horse families, the Sharp family is in integral part of White Horse history. I remember when I was a teenager driving past "Sharp's Lane" and my imagination got me carried away as I conjured up images of an old 18th-19th century farm.

1945: TRENTON SCHROTHS OFF TO ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

They were very prominent back in the mid 20th century and have earned a spot in the Hamilton Township Public Library's "BASEBALL" folder in the Local History Collection. Championship series seemed like an annual ritual with the Trenton Schroths Post 93 baseball club. In the graphic above, the players are on display, along with an interesting mini history of this legendary Trenton American Legion Baseball club. Does my fading memory recall a young man named Joe Schnorbus who burned up that league back in the 1940's? I seem to recall his as a real Schroth hall of famer.

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM....TODAY YOU'RE WRITING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT MY BROTHER AND I WERE VERY INVOLVED IN, THE TRENTON SCHROTHS. I WAS A MEMBER OF THE 1936 TEAM WHILE MY BROTHER "CHUCK" WAS A MEMBER OF THE 1947 AND 48 TEAM. THE 1948 TEAM WON THE AMERICAN LEGION WORLD SERIES IN INDIANAPOLIS. THE YEAR I PLAYED, THE HAMILTON POST BEAT US FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1936. DURING CHUCK'S TIME IN 1948 THEY WENT ALL THE WAY AND I'M SURE YOU RECALL THE PARADE AND GLORY THAT FOLLOWED. I WAS VERY ACTIVE IN THE PLAYGROUND LEAGUES OF THE 1930'S. THE COOPERS DID A TERRIFIC JOB FOR THE CITY AND MOST KIDS ENDED UP PLAYING IN MANY OTHER LEAGUES. BEST REGARDS.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

HI TOM....TODAY YOU'RE WRITING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT MY BROTHER AND I WERE VERY INVOLVED IN, THE TRENTON SCHROTHS. I WAS A MEMBER OF THE 1936 TEAM WHILE MY BROTHER "CHUCK" WAS A MEMBER OF THE 1947 AND 48 TEAM. THE 1948 TEAM WON THE AMERICAN LEGION WORLD SERIES IN INDIANAPOLIS. THE YEAR I PLAYED, THE HAMILTON POST BEAT US FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1936. DURING CHUCK'S TIME IN 1948 THEY WENT ALL THE WAY AND I'M SURE YOU RECALL THE PARADE AND GLORY THAT FOLLOWED. I WAS VERY ACTIVE IN THE PLAYGROUND LEAGUES OF THE 1930'S. THE COOPERS DID A TERRIFIC JOB FOR THE CITY AND MOST KIDS ENDED UP PLAYING IN MANY OTHER LEAGUES. BEST REGARDS.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Michael said...

Ralph: Legion ball was the closest thing to "free" professional baseball back in the day. It was only last month that I was in for my semi annual checkup, and the doctor mentioned his son was playing somthing called "Legion ball". I took the next half hour regaling him with stories of Post 93 and the 48 national championship. Several of my friends; your brother Chuck among them were outstanding. Gino Silvestro, Andy Greener, Ronnie Holford they not only played like Champions, but deported themselves in school, and on the streets like the true gentlemen they were. Legion Baseball was not only about sports, but about how to handle yourself in life. Chuck was one of the all time real nice guys. May he Rest in Peace.

Monday, October 18, 2010

1945: HAMILTON'S SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

This was the new building of the Seventh Day Adventists from our local area. My Aunts and Cousins were "Adventists." In fact, my cousin Harry Walker is a prominent member of the local church. The last I heard he was a Deacon. This beautiful building is now the home of  the Light of the World Family Worship Church.

Mack said...

This is the Church across from Independence Mall. I am surprised it was built in 1945. It always had a modern look to it. I think it was a Korean Church at one time:)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

1945: "THEIR NAMES HAVE BEEN WITHHELD DUE TO THEIR AGE"

Judge Cooper had little compassion for the spoiled brats who went around recklessly destroying peoples' property. Back in those "dark ages" we actually made these animals regret their crime. Back then, juvenile offenders names were published for all to see; today, the little darlings are protected. 

1945: TRENTON CATHOLIC SOCIAL CLUB

The above article brings back bittersweet memories to those of us who loved those high school social events. Though no one can accuse me of being a great dancer, I still loved the social intercourse with my fellow classmates at those Saturday night canteens at Hamilton High. I have intentionally highlighted a word that is fast vanishing from our 21st century societal lexicon: "WHOLESOME!" We have been bombarded with wholesome foods, but sadly lacking in applying the word to our social world. Today, the Saturday night dance is fading into oblivion. Indeed, I understand a number of schools have opted out of that great social custom because of rowdy fighting and behavior, drugs, and alcohol.It was at these social clubs and high school organizations that I and my contemporaries learned social courtesy and etiquette. I, and many of my aforementioned contemporaries still hold the car door open for our wives, walk on the outside of the pavement when we go for a stroll, and many other social amenities that have survived the years. How grateful I am for that informal education!

1945: MRS. RUDY BONANNI

In keeping with this blog's slogan, "Local History With a Personal Touch," herewith Mrs. Rudy Bonanni. Nearly everyone in the local area is  familiar with this prominent Italian-American family.

1946: THE NEW FORDS ARE HERE!

After being deprived of new automobiles due to the government's World War II takeover of the auto industry, the end of the war arrived and Americans once again were able to replace that old auto that had been held together with tape, glue and any other "make do" repairs caused by the automobile shortage. Ford came out with the 1946 models which were not unlike the 1941 models. A massive grille and minor interior trim were the main changes. Three years later, in 1949, the new Fords were introduced with major changes in body styles.

Ralph Lucarella said...

IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY THE 1946 MERCURY HAD WOODEN BUMPERS. AND I BELIEVE IT WAS THE FIRST YEAR OF AUTOMATIC TRENSMISSIONS.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

rayfromvillapark said...

Ralph, You are correct regarding wooden bumpers on some of the 1946 automobiles, but this was only a temporary measure and only on the very early production cars. As soon as steel became more plentiful, the dealers received the chrome replacements and they were installed on the sold cars. The first fully automatic transmission was the GM Hydramatic, which was available as an option on the 1940 Oldsmobile. Cadillac received the Hydramatic in 1941. The first automatic available for the Mercury was the Mercomatic, available in 1951. The new automatic for Ford was the Fordomatic, also in 1951. rayfromvillapark

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Tom Glover said...

And let's not forget Chevy's Power Glide and Chrysler's Fluid drive; zero to 60 in 20 minutes! Tom Glover

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

1945: MERCER AIRPORT CLOSES

Those beautiful Grumman Avengers lined up and ready for the war that ended. I will never forget those years when as a young boy, I watched those incredible airplanes as they passed over my Hartley Avenue home on the many daily test flights out of Mercer. Many times, they passed so low, you could plainly see the pilot in the cockpit.

1945: BASEBALL COMES OF AGE

I was only 12 years old when "Dem Bums" as they were locally known, made the then controversial decision to bring a black player to the major leagues. Many of the bigots among us swore off the the Brooklyn Dodgers, and many swore off the wonderful sport of baseball. Jackie Robinson is, and will always be one of my baseball heroes. Even though I was never a Dodger fan, the courage he exhibited during his very early years as the first black man to don a major league uniform was absolutely incredible. However, when one has an above average talent, and Lord knows this man did, the public finally realized that baseball would survive the racists among us and go on to remain "America's favorite pastime."

JoeZ said..

Tom, the Jackie Robinson Story, a movie is really great. Jackie played himself and you can just see the racism that existed against him, but his courage outlasted all the hate.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

1945: FIREBALL OVER E. FRANKLIN STREET

From the "WEATHER RELATED AND NATURAL PHENOMENON" folder, this interesting article verifying the fact that Mother Nature and her celestial family members can really impress we human beings, The fireball was seen all over the eastern seaboard and out to the middle of Pennsylvania on that morning in 1945. It scared the daylights out of anyone who was awake or happened to be a light sleeper.