1931: 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROEBLING ARRIVAL IN TRENTON

The front page says it all, but there is a continuation of this article (Page 2) which has yet to be digitized. It is a multi-column continuation, and will require substantial time to format into legible content. Almost every old time resident of the Trenton area had a relative or friend who worked at the John A. Roebling plant on South Broad Street in Trenton. During my time at a ball and roller bearing company, I was on a first name basis with Paul Toth who was the Purchasing Agent in the 40's and 50's. I also remember C.G. Benninghoff, one of the upper management personnel.

1909: TRENTON EXPANDS IT BOUNDARIES

Here is an interesting 1907 map by Abram Swan that shows the various "neighborhoods" that were annexed and became a part of "Greater Trenton." Even though it looks like a huge metropolis, many of the annexed areas were moving gradually from rural status.

1935: CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS " A CHRISTMAS FANTASY"

Chances are pretty good that at least one visitor to this site will recognize one or more names in the photo arrangements above. Unless a visitor corrects me, I believe that Cathedral was "Co-ed" during this time.

1876: "PATRIOT'S WEEK" 1876

This fascinating look at the events surrounding the 100th anniversary of the Revolutionary Ware and the town of Trenton gives a pretty complete portrait of the activities that were part of the celebration. Unfortunately, the page had a hole in it and a small part of the original text is missing.

1916 and 1925: FROM MY "POLISH-AMERICAN" FOLDER

My best friend today, and growing up as a boy was Don Slabicki. Don and I lived just around the corner from me on Sylvan Avenue. We both worked for Fred Kuser as young boys, doing odd jobs and caring for the Kuser Mansion when the Kusers were away at Jackson, New Hampshire in the summer, and wintering in Florida. Don taught me to appreciate Polka music, and taught me a number of Polish words, even teaching me to count from 1 to ten. "Yeden, Dva, etc.." The Polish immigrants like the Italians andmost immigrants during the early 20th century, came to this country for a better life. Unlike today, many of them attended night school in order to become more familiar with the English language and the customs of their new country. The graphic above is an example of the mark these wonderful people made in the city of Trenton. Wenczel Tile, N.J. Porcelain, and I'm sure many others were responsible for the success to those of Polish extraction.

1893: DEDICATION OF TRENTON'S BATTLE MONUMENT

 

The above graphics have been extracted and enhanced using the available engravings and information from the 1893 October "MONUMENT EDITION" in the Trenton "DAILY TRUE AMERICAN" newspaper. I have added the color and other outside graphics. The week following Christmas will be Trenton's annual celebration of "PATRIOT'S WEEK."

1934: CROSSWICKS AND CHESTERFIELD MINI HISTORY

For years, I, and countless other historians, have maintained that one of the best sources of local history is found in our local newspapers. My treasured collection of bound volumes of the Trenton Times, Daily True American, and Daily State Gazette are providing a treasure trove of little known historic treasures. The above graphic is an example. Just over that covered bridge in Groveville lies the historic town of Crosswicks. The above graphic has been painstakingly re-constructed, tweaked and reduced in size to give you an exquisite view of a full page from the Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser. In 1934, the Advertiser devoted front page sections to towns and villages in the Mercer County area. There will be more full page histories in the future.

1909-1911: EVOLUTION OF NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE "LALOR TRACT"

These two graphics show the evolution of the area along Lalor Street that includes Remson, Home, Virginia, and other familiar South Trenton neighborhoods whose real estate planning was laid out in the year1909.

 

1911: THE NEW JERSEY STATE FAIR

In the early years it was known as the Interstate Fair. Indeed, over the years it has been known as "the fair," "the state fair," "George Hamid's State Fair," and I'm sure there are numerous other names that come to mind. We just called it "the fair." What a sad day it was when the fair left Hamilton Township and set up came in South Jersey. We lost a wonderful attraction that spanned the calendar year from January to December, with July 4th fireworks, the annual September fair, and of course, nationally televised auto races. 

1936: THE ABRAMS BROTHERS: MARSH TRAPPERS

We've all heard scary stories relating to the Abrams brothers who lived hermit lives in a shack way back in "the marshes" a in the Broad Street Park area. For all you folks who remember these two unusual characters, here's the full story on what they do and how they do it. On a personal note, I find something fascinating about living in the wild as free spirits as those two boys did back in the 1930's and 40's. I would assume that they made a respectable living with the wildlife they trapped. 

The First Baptist Church on Centre Street in South Trenton has a splendid historical heritage. The article above, gleaned from my collection gives a very interesting look at what was originally known as the Trenton and Lamberton Baptist Church. It took a fair amount of cutting, copying and pasting to bring this history into a single readable page. The original full page of this article has been permanently encapsulated in laminate and preserved in pristine condition.

The ground laying ceremony for the new Trenton City Hall was an exciting event for local citizens back in the years when Trenton was a viable, beautiful, and safe city. We old timers who recall the Trenton of yesterday long for a return to civility and hope the old girl, like Phoenix,  with the assistance of the countless Trentonians who care, can rise from the ashes. 

2012 Marks the 20th year that I have been searching for definitive information on Hamilton Township's CAMP OLDEN. Back in 1992, I wrote a column relating to the Lawton brothers and their service record during the Civil War. In that article, I quoted Henry Lawton and his hopes that a monument would be constructed on the approximate site to commemorate this historic Civil War location. Henry's idea was a boulder or other marker at the foot of Johnston Avenue and Hamilton, adjoining the Lawton farm. Almost immediately after my Mercer Messenger column was distributed to the public, I began receiving emails and phone calls, and the result was Hamilton's current monument at the intersection of Hamilton and Liberty Streets in Trenton. As to my search for Camp Olden, it has evolved into a very very deep search into very very obscure venues, and will continue onward. There was a hand drawn map of the camp, but the local True American newspaper didn't have the ability to reproduce graphics and the drawing slipped into oblivion; what a shame. 

1946: GROPP'S WHITE HORSE TAVERN

THIS IS ONE OF THE LATER VIEWS OF THE WHITE HORSE TAVERN AS IT APPEARED IN 1946. IT IS A SAD FACT THAT MANY OF HAMILTON TOWNSHIP'S HISTORIC LANDMARKS FELL TO THE WRECKER'S BALL. THE BROMLEY INN IS NOW BOARDED UP AND ON THE ENDANGERED LIST. 

Circa 1921: SOUTH BROAD AT FACTORY STREET LOOKING NORTH

This photo gives a relatively clear view of the merchants who once peopled "the hill" area of South Broad Street. You will notice miniscule variations in contrast and brightness in this modified photo, as I tried to bring out the names and details on the signs. A beautiful photo of downtown Trenton during the roaring 20's!

1912: PENNINGTON AVENUE IN THE INGHAM AVENUE-RESERVOIR AREA

This isnteresting old photo from the Gazette is relatively clear when compared to many offset photos from the early 20th century. As to the actual location on Pennington Avenue, a Google search showed that we are in the area of the reservoir, Ingham Avenue, and environs. The Monument Pottery was located on the Trenton side of Ingham Avenue.

From the ever-growing "CIVIL WAR" folder in the Hamilton Library's Local History digital collection, this article relating to the veterans of the Second N.J. Brigade. Like today's WWII generation, survivors of the war between the states were dwindling.

VISIT THE LOCAL CAMP OLDEN CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE SITE  WWW.CAMPOLDEN.ORG 

1912: WILLIAM PATTON HOWE'S PENNINGTON

I had the privilege of knowing this gentleman from my numerous visits to Pennington with Fred "Fritz" Kuser, husband of Edna Howe Kuser and Fritz's father in law, whom he always referred to as cordially as "Mayor." Mr. Howe was the consummate gentleman. His calm and soft spoken manner genetically passed along to his children. Edna was one of the most wonderful women I have met in all my years, and she was a true influence in my life. I miss her with that incredible disarming smile and personality. Note: This clipping has been painstakingly tweaked and otherwise enhanced from a very poorly aged original. You will note that the lower part of the text is missing; a testament to the fragile pulp paper stock which was used during the early 20th century.

1912: WASHINGTON A. ROEBLING, TITANIC VICTIM

Included in the huge collection of bound Trenton newspapers in my collection is a number of pages detailing the horrible Titanic disaster. One of the victims of the disaster was a lady who resided in the Bromley section of Hamilton Township. Eventually there will be digitized graphics relating to the disaster posted in the "TITANIC" folder of the Hamilton Library's Local History Collection and also on this website.

1905:MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM KAUFMAN'S

When I was a boy, Goldberg's had the only "Toyland" that a kid wanted. Everything from the lusted for "Red Ryder" bee bee gun, to a Gilbert Erector Set, a Gilbert Chemistry Set, a Gilbert "American Flyer" train set, or a Tom Mix cowboy outfit. This 107 year old ad for toys from Kaufman's Department store is enough to warm the hearts of those who collect antique toys. Everything on that page would be worth a small fortune today.

1923: NOTTINGHAM WAY AT HAMILTON AVENUE

Perhaps other visitors can verify the orientation of this 88 year old photo of the intersection of Hamilton Avenue with Nottingham Way. I believe the lower view was taken with the camera man standing on Hamilton Avenue and looking toward Nottingham Way. The auto in the top photo is heading toward Trenton and points west, according to that the LITTLE sign in the top photo, (next to the telephone pole) which gives directions to Pennsylvania and the bridge. This is an incredibly interesting and early Hamilton Township photo. The directory lists the NOTTINGHAM GARAGE as being on Hamilton Avenue, even though in the photo it appears to front on Nottingham Way.

1887 TAYLOR OPERA HOUSE

During its heyday, the Taylor Opera House was THE entertainment venue for those interested in Vaudeville, theater, and other thespian endeavors. It was located on the site of  Trenton's Capitol Theater. Many nationally known performers appeared at the Taylor Opera House which was originally known as Taylor Hall.

This closeup view of East State Street opposite the U.S. Post Office on a rainy day is a fascinating glimpse of downtown Trenton during the height of the Great Depression. In the distance the old railroad crossing can be seen, running along Canal Street.

1872: BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF CHAMBERSBURG

This incredible view of the Borough of Chambersburg as it appeared scarcely 90 plus years after the battle of Trenton, show just how rural that highly populated area of today was. During my many many years of historical research, I have read about and chronicled the reminiscences of many old time residents of "the Burg" who told of the corn fields, orchards, and wild life in what was once a very rural area of Trenton. This is a huge graphic, and takes up an equally huge portion of my computer's hard drive; however, maintaining the high resolution is imperative in order to give you, the viewer, a pristine illustration of that historic Trenton district..

1916 MOTT SCHOOL MINI HISTORY

 The Mott School was the successor to one of Nottingham Township's first school houses in South Trenton. When Hamilton Township was formed in 1842, that section of what was then Nottingham Township wa annexed to the city of Trenton. The above story by young Mott student Jeanette Willey tells is a mini history of that great old school which still stands today on Trenton's Centre Street.

1909: THE NEW KUSER SCHOOL

As a loyal "Kuser Kat" going way back to 1939, I have had a consuming interest in that great old neighborhood school on Newkirk Avenue in Hamilton. It was here that I learned not only the fundamentals of the ABC's but also penmanship, music, poise, confidence and above all, discipline and self control. I hasten to add that most of my generation also were gifted with these fundamentals and the added grammar school advantages during their respective attendance at their grammar school. Above is an article detailing the opening ceremony attending the new *Rosalie Kuser School in Hamilton.

*This name persisted for a short time; named after the wife of Rudolph Kuser whose farm was across the Pond Run Road from his son Frederick's farm. 

1902: TRENTON LIBRARY 110 YEARS AGO

Here's a composite vignette showing various locations in the Trenton Free Public Library on Academy Street in Trenton. The quality of the originals we quite "washed out," and with a bit of Photoshopping, there is at least a better view of the various departments. 

1935: THE DONNELLY HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION

They tried awfully hard to furnish affordable housing to Trentonians back in 1940. Those homes lasted quite a few years, but as I understand it, they fell into serious dis-repair. This development was constructed at the same time as the Lincoln Homes on Old Rose Street.

1935: SITE OF THE FUTURE GLEN CAIRN ARMS APARTMENTS

Back in my younger years, the Glen Cairn Arms facility was peopled by the more affluent citizens of the city of Trenton. My wife's Aunt and Uncle lived there for many years. Here's a rather pristine Times photo which was tweaked and enhanced for digitization and presented herewith. Today, those old apartments have fallen into disrepair and are no longer the home of our more affluent Trentonians. More on the Glen Cairn Arms can be found in the "LABELS" (Index" column over on the right side of this screen.

This is an interesting view of North Broad and Acadamy Street, 1922. King's furniture store was a very popular shopping venue for those who were looking for quality furniture, as was "Smith's" across Academy and a bit up North Broad.

1922: BEAUTIFUL R.C. MAXWELL VIEW CENTER CITY TRENTON

The top graphic above is a closer view of the Wilson store that stood on the southeast corner of State and Broad for so many years. I tweaked the darker with contrast and brightness controls to bring out as much detail as possible from the pristine original seen below. This is center city Trenton 90 years ago; truly a "todelin' town," to borrow a line from Frank Sinatra.

1945: CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

What red blooded American boy didn't lust for a Red Ryder Bee Bee gun? The same red blooded American  boy who lusted for a "Flexi" as in Flexible Flyer. The Christmas season is time for nostalgic memories, and nothing brings them back to me as those four graphics. Approaching the year 2013 when I will reach the

golden age of 80, I find comfort in the knowledge that there are 2 stick model airplane models in my storage  

area. One is a Curtis P40  "Warhawk" and the other an ME 109 Messerschmitt. One day when I am limited

in my physical abilities, I will acquire a soft mounting surface similar to the  "Homasote" wall board we use to use, and diligently return to the joys of model building.......uhh, that is, if my aging eyes will allow!

1935: A SNEAK ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

This coming Friday evening I will be journeying over to Ewing Township's Municipal building, where I will be the guest speaker at the Ewing Township Patriotic Committee, as they commemorate the 71st anniversary of the "dastardly attack" on Pearl Harbor. One of the most fascinating specimens in my WWII folder is this INCREDIBLE article from 6 years prior to the attack, when the U.S. Navy went on maneuvers to replicate an air raid on the Hawaiian Islands! Obviously, this will be one of the numerous subject on which I will speak, but my subject will center on Eastern Aircraft and the legendary Grumman TBM "Avenger.".

2012: HELPING JERSEY LIBRARIES HURRICANE VICTIMS

We have all read and seen on television the disastrous damage done along the middle Atlantic seaboard. Even after all these weeks, there is still devastation everywhere along the coast. The above graphic announces a fund raiser that I will be hosting on behalf of the Hamilton Township Public Library, Ms.Susan Sternberg, Director.. The fun event will take place on Saturday, December 15 from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M and will really put you in the Christmas spirit as well as assist those libraries which weren't as fortunate as our Hamilton Library. Come on out to this delightful fund raiser.. 

WILLIAM "BUD" GLOVER: 1927 - 2012

There will be a temporary pause in new posts on this blog, as I and my family deal with the loss of still another brother, my very close brother "Bud" After a lengthy fight with COPD, and other old age ailments, and after enduring over 40 chemo treatments, Bud finally answered the Lord's call yesterday afternoon, Friday, November 30th, at 3:00 P.M. I have never, ever heard anyone say anything negative about Bud. He was a loving and faith filled man who kept a positive attitude right up to his last breath. He is one of my many WWII members of the "Greatest Generation" who gave 4 years to his country. 

Regular posts will resume after I and my family put the next few pain filled and emotional days behind us.

Thank you for your understanding.

1937: W. STATE AND WILLOW: A CLOSER LOOK

This is a segmented enlarged view of a small portion of the preceding post showing W. State and Willow in a wider field of view. Through the magic of digital imaging the above pristine cutaway gives a closer look at the Hotel Stacy Trent and down the street a bit, the Hotel Hildebrecht.

1937: WEST STATE AND WILLOW

Another fine view of Trenton's "downtown" area. The Stacy Trenton and Hildebrecht were in their heyday. I still love these old Maxwell photos.

1939: GREENWOOD AVENUE

I was only 3 years old when this photo was taken, but I do remember when Greenwood Avenue went clear through rom South Clinton Avenue to South Broad Street. This photo gives a teasing glimpse of that stretch of the highway. Ben Kuser's KUSER COAL CO. is on the left.

Tom, I went over that bridge twice daily going to THS from Clay Street.. At that time in the early 50s there were still a few steam engines running. It was quite a sight when a train passed under the bridge to see the smoke. soot and steam come up through the decking. A good era to live in.

Noel Goeke

FROM WARREN RUE:

I remember this bridge oh, so well. I crossed it many, many times to visit my uncles and aunts on South Clinton. My trip originated on Jackson St.then crossing over Greenwood. Unfortunately,one time I was hit by a car on Greenwood and dragged by said car over the railroad tracks. When all was said and done, I ended up with the brush burns of all times on the left side of my body.
Indeed, there are memories!

Warren Rue

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Anonymous said...

Ten Years after this photo was taken, I crossed this path enroute to my first year at Trenton Central High School. It was some experience, crossing over from South Trenton when you took Greenwood Ave. diagnally across from Sacred Heart Church and wound up on Mansion Row beginning at the corner of Greenwood and So. Clinton. This photo depicts a few of the grand mansions that graced Greenwood Ave. They were the homes of Trenton's Elite!
Sadly, 20 years after this photo in 1959 I began my career in Government with the City of Trenton Health Dept. as a Health Inspector. I was assigned as a "rooming house inspector, which took me into many of these former mansions which had been transformed into Rider College Fraternity Houses, rooming houses, and sheltered care homes.
It did not take long to deem many of them unfit for human habitation, and they became boarded up hulks, and eyesores.
Thanks to careless kids, and greedy landlords.

I guess there is very little to aspite too in Trenton these days.

Best wishes

Mike Kuzma