1917: Reverend Serafini's Immanuel Church

This church and this man of God is one of the many articles I find in my collection of old newspapers. The Reverend was a very active man in Chambersburg back in the day. This article has an interesting mini-biography of the distinguished reverend along with a story relating the the celebration of the 19th anniversary of the church Rev. Serafini presided over for many years.

1917: PARKER SCHOOL PERFECT ATTENDANCE

From the "SOUTH TRENTON" folder in the Library digital database, this truncated extract from the weekly
South Trenton page of the Trenton Times. If you have relatives in that area, and many visitors do, they probably went to the Mott School on Centre Street ( see the mini-photo) or the Parker School on Union Street. A very close reading of the names of students at Parker reveals many very familiar names. Perhaps you have a relative in the listing, or perhaps in the other articles on the page. I note the name of Samuel Lenox and wonder if it is the locally prominent judge or a relative.

Michael said...

Tom: Boy did bells go off, and the lights go on with this item. Previously I have noted that I was one of the first students to walk into the "New Parker School" in 1939, and also noted that I grew up in "Jew Town"; the heart and soul of South Trenton. This being the case, I read over the "Parker School list", and recognized names of neighbors, friends, and relatives. To wit: "special class: Alex Elias, his family were Syrian immigrants who ran a dry goods store at Bridge, and South Warren Streets. His brother George (3rd grade) was our Insurance man who came by every week to pick up the quarters for the Life insurance policies. A wonderful family. 6th grade: Rachel Meltzer was a neighbor on South Warren St. across from the Trent House. 5th grade: Anna Manze was my Uncle Jimmy's sister, as was his brother Tony Manze from the 2nd grade. Anna Married a Trenton Cop by the name of Butcher. Tony was my sister's godfather. 4th grade: Rose Sokalner, was the sister of the brother's who owned the firm my Dad worked for. Her brother Milton (3rd) grade or Mutkie as we called him, was my mentor in my business life. The Sokalner's were like family to us. When my dad took ill, they kept him on the payroll and paid his hospital bills up until he died. They looked after us throughout our lives. Really and extenstion of our family. Wonderful people. I was originally named after thier brother Arthur. Johnny Fue's family ran a small grocery store on Ferry St., and he later became Trenton's Civil Defense Director. Mary Krupienski though not related by blood, was always considered to be "Aunt Mary" She was a hostess at the Stacy Trent hotel for years. 1st gradel Harry Berbon He ran a neighborhood saloon, just down the street from Parker School, at the corner of Steamboat St. Harry Berkowitz, who coined the phrase" Valley of the Israulites" for our neighborhood. He too ran a saloon on South Warren St. a block south of the Trent House. His Brother Ben was the Famous Ben of "Ben's Deli" at Market and Lamberton Streets. Lastly: In another article alongside the one in question, the name Tallman Nutt appears. Mr. Nutt ran one of the classiest butcher shops at the corner of Centre and Ferry Streets, just over the railroad tracks from Sacred Heart Church. What fun to go over my memories from the greatest neighborhood of all. Thanks so much for the opportunity to keep the gray matter working. Best wishes always, Mike Kuzma Fun for you and fun for us, Mike. You brought your old neighborhood back to life. When one reads about the folks you related to above, a stark contrast presents itself when we look at that neighborhood today. Thanks for sharing your memories of your life in South Trenton. Stay tuned; more are on the way, and I hope you continue to lend more of your local flavor. Tom Glover

HAMILTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

In 1909 Hamilton Fire Company celebrated a centennial. The company was formed way back in 1909 when Hamilton was a very rural area. Indeed, the Bromley section as we know it today, was just beginning to become an area of interest to those who wanted to move over the city line at Greenwood and South Logan avenue and settle in what would become known as the Bromley section of Hamilton. These folks are the critical firefighters who cover to the city line an area that encompasses my 320 Atlantic Avenue home. Whenever that alarm sounds, those familiar gray fire trucks roll by in mere minutes protecting life and property. A closer look at the various graphics in the vignette will show penned in dates. Most of these graphics came from my Hamilton Township Scrapbook and not all of them indicate the source which is usually the Trenton Times ("TT") or the Times' sister paper, the Daily State Gazette.

1917: CHAMBERSBURG 94 YEARS AGO

It's nice to be able to take a peek at life as our earlier residents lived it. This post is a truncated extract from the original Chambersburg page; a page dedicated to the Burg each week with interesting news and photos. Over the years, a number of visitors to this blog have written and told me they found relatives listed; one of those "perks" that makes this blog such a joy to manage.

SJBill said...

I knew Isaac Tantum, the son of Elmer Tantum, of Calvary Baptist Church. Elmer Tantum was a deacon in the church, and IIRC, the hall at the rear of the church was dedicated in his honor. Don't tell anyone that there was a beautiful pool table located in the basement. ;-) Isaac was also a deacon; he took care of youth activities such as the "Calvary Pioneers," that met on Thursday evenings back in the late 50s. We kids got to share old Buster Keaton movies on a 16 mm projector and partake in a lot of fun."Uncle Ike" and his wife "Aunt Lil" had a small but beautiful home on McGalliard Avenue up in White Horse, where we had the occasional picnic - almost out in the country. Another posted name was Albert Mabey, who also was a long term deacon. The "new" building next to the church, constructed in 1956, was named in honor of Deacon Mabey.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Mack said...

Hi Tom:) I didn't know Andersons was there in 1917..It was Broad Street News in My Burg day. Love these posts:)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

THANKS FOR INPUT MACK AND JOE. EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS,

TOM

2011: SPRING COMES TO KUSER FARM

This is where I grew up. Just outside the fence on Newkirk Avenue at the corner on Hartley Avenue was the Glover home. The view you are looking at in the photo is far removed from the view it would be were we standing in this location 60 years ago. The "lane," as we called it, was a dirt road. Both sides of the the lane were lined with large Norway Maples. Over to the right beyond the "NO PARKING" sign was a wooded area with Norway Maples planted 10 feet apart and filling the entire area from the lane to the grape arbor.
The photo above of the gazebo was taken this morning, April 13, 2011. It is where I will once again be presenting my summer musical programs.

Mack said...

Nice picture:)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

MEMORIES: A TOM GLOVER EDITORIAL

In varying degrees, we all have a special place for memories of our younger years. These memories glow brighter and brighter as we grow older. I wrote the above "Forward" to one of my columns dealing with my 12 years in the Hamilton Township Public School system. As you can see, it was written before the advent of the computer on my old "Brothers" electronic typewriter. As I approach my 78th year in this wonderful township and prepare for my Easter Sunday 57th anniversary of true wedded bliss, those memories are coming back in glorious technicolor! Somehow I feel that most of the visitors to this blog share my sentiment on their own memories.

Sally Logan Gilman said...

How right you are, Tom. Many restless nights, I "walk'' through my home on Carteret Avenue and see it as it was. Everything is in its place and it always makes me feel better. I can visualize the kindergarten room at Junior 3 and remember my anxious mother "hiding'' across the hall in time to see me walk out because I had enough and was going home. Miss Rogers stopped me before I made the front door. The memories, as you say, are in glorious technicolor and always there when I need them. Regards and congratulations on your anniversary.

SALLY, I SEE YOU ARE ALSO A "KEEPER OF THE PRECIOUS MEMORIES"

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

XO

TOM

Happy anniversary to you and your wife. Also, the aromas I miss are fresh mown hay, burning of leaves in the fall and the scents eminating from Granny's kitchen. Good health for many years to come for you and your wife. Noel

Noel: I especially like your memories of new-mown hay. If I can find it, I wrote a column recalling the heady aroma of new mown hay. As I recall, I extracted a line from the old song, "Back home again in Indiana." ..."The new mown hay casts off a fragrance, in the fields I used to roam. When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash, then I long for my Indiana home." There is in indescribable wave of nostalgia that comes over one who experiences that exercise in aromatherapy!

Tom

1913: ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE

Did you know that St. Anthony of Padua Church on South Olden Avenue in Hamilton owes its existence to Immacualte Conception Parish? Along with St. Joachim's Church, "Immaculate" is alive with very interesting history. Over the oncoming years, I will be posting further fascinating historic photos and articles from the past as they relate to these two legendary landmarks.

Anonymous said...

Tom, Saint Francis College? I have never heard mention of this. Is there some relationship to the hospital?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Michael said...

Tom: The only connection I am aware of between Immaculate, and St. Francis College; St. Francis of Loretto Penna. was the ultimate college for many Trenton Catholic graduates. There was a good amount of "steering" to this school. Hope this helps. Mike

Hi Mike-Hi Anonymous:

Thanks for your input. I have added the 1913 graphic above to explain the St. Francis College - Immaculate connection. Note the involvement of the Franciscan Fathers, all from the order of St. Francis.

Tom Glover

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Stephen said...

St. Francis College on Chestnut Avenue existed as early as 1882. According to "Chronological Index of Events in Trenton During the Year 1882" published by Trenton Daily True American on Monday Morning, January 1, 1883 (see: http://trentonhistory.org/Index/Index1882.htmlhttp://trentonhistory.org/Index/Index1882.html) on Dec 21, 1882 Bishop O’Farrell ordained three students of St. Francis College as Sub-Deacons at St. Mary’s Cathedral. St. Francis College was more akin to today's high school in that boys usually entered the schoool around the age of thirteen. It was a three year course of study for boys interested in the priesthood. Subsequent studies at other schools were more akin to today's four year colleges. Sometime around 1920 I surmise that St. Francis College and its functions relocated to Staten Island, NY. I found references to students attending St. Francis College on Staten Island in relation to studying for the priesthood. At some point it was renamed St. Francis Minor Seminary and closed in 1997. The Staten Island school was operated by the same order (Franciscans, OFM Conv.) as found at Immaculate Conception parish. St. Francis Minor Seminary was like St. Francis College, a college preparatory school (4 years instead of 3) for boys interested in the priesthood. The November 20, 1921 edition of the Trenton Sunday Times-Advertiser mention a play being performed to make improvements to the the building formerly housing St. Francis College and now being used by the nuns teachinng at Immaculate Conception Grammar School. Part of the building is also being used as a Catholic high school for 40 pupils and that it is the beginning of a high school in connection with the Immaculate Conception Grammar School. This building was constructed in 1898. Around 1938 the former St. Francis College building became the Administration Building for Trenton Catholic Boys High School. It is now a parking lot.

The new Immaculate Conception High School building was dedicated on July 19, 1925 and opened that fall to accomodate all Chambersburg pupils. Having become an all boys school in Fall 1936, it was renamed Trenton Catholic Boys High School in 1938. The cornerstone of the Immaculate Conception Grammar School was laid on June 24, 1906 with the first students arriving in September 1907. The enrollment figures for September 1907 showed that there were over 600 pupils attending Immaculate Conception Grammar School.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Thanks you Stephen for the added information on the college. Like so many things of an historic nature, sometimes the newspapers publish differing accounts. The 1913 article I posted led me to believe that 1900 was the year of the college. However, I place more credibility in your findings and really appreciate the research you put forward. You are a special guy. Thanks much, and keep adding to our local history; that's what this site is all about------informed citizen input along with mine.

Tom Glover

1992: TOM GLOVER'S CAMP OLDEN - LAWTON CONNECTION

From the newsletter of the Camp Olden Civil War Roundtable, this note on the search for the very elusive Camp Olden:

The book, "The Search for Camp Olden, Hamilton Township" was written by Joseph Francis Seliga and published on May 20, 1995, the day of the dedication of Camp Olden Park. This park was renamed because research by the author showed that it was across the street from the Camp. Signed copies can be purchased at the Camp Olden Civil War and Indian Museum located in Veterans Park, in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey

Below is the column I wrote back in 1992, wherein I suggested that a monument to Camp Olden be constructed at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Liberty Street, based on the Lawton family reunion article which is cited in my column. I can't find my copy of Mr. Seliga's "The Search for Camp Olden." I am interested in Mr. Seliga's bibliographical information on his research so that I can continue my quest. If any Camp Olden C.W. Roundtable visitors

MY 1992 RESEARCH ALSO FOUND THE GENERAL LOCATION OF CAMP OLDEN, AND THE SUBSEQUENT ESTABLISHMENT OF CAMP OLDEN PARK. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR DEFINITIVE INFORMATION ON THE BOUNDARIES OF THAT CIVIL WAR SITE FOR YEARS. AT THE TIME, MR. BOB BUTERA AND VINCE MERCANDETTI CONTACTED THEN MAYOR JOHN RAFFERTY AND THE PARK WAS ESTABLISHED.

1914: CHARLES W. MOUNT: CIVIL WAR SAILOR

One of the things I consider a "perk" in this endless process of extracting and digitizing local history is the opportunity to read of the exploits of the LOCAL veterans of the Civil War, many of whom were alive and well during the years I am searching. Indeed, I would venture a guess that this site is unique insofar as bringing these local heroes into the 21st century. I will continue to include these veterans in my digital "CIVIL WAR" folder. It's especially rewarding to me when I manage to post a graphic and article on one of the many many visitors to this site; From Warren Rue, the following guestbook message:

Tom,
Once again you have hit my family. Charles W. Mount is a first cousin 5x removed and is from my father's side of the family about which not much is known.
Thank you for your diligence and perseverance in putting these things out to the public.

Warren Rue

Thanks, Warren

by-product of historic research.

AARON WILKES POST 23

1930: TRENTON'S PARKING PROBLEM

It has always been a real problem for the city of Trenton which, like many other Colonial towns on the east coast, was laid out long before the advent of huge trucks and the automobile. I believe that the city parking problems had a great deal to do with the success of the many malls that have sprung up over America during the past 50 years. years. Mayor Labarre's solution was not very popular with the downtown merchants of the city of Trenton.

Mack said...

Hi Tom. I agree 100%. As everyone got cars the mall easy parking of course ended downtown shopping. I would sat in Trenton the glass is half full as we have the stateworkers in town monday to friday so in our case the glass is half full:)

Sunday, April 10, 2011

1938: THE LAST CONFEDERATE-UNION CIVIL WAR VETERANS' REUNION?

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. 150 years ago in May, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln put out a call for Union volunteers to come to the colors. Just up the road from where I am writing this, thousands of Union patriots answered the call and assembled at Camp Olden on the Pond Run Road (today's Kuser Road). Throughout the year, I will be posting interesting and sometimes little-known Civil War history for those who are interested. It is a very sad fact that our local Camp Olden Civil War Roundtable (www.campolden.org) is no longer able to commemorate the event with their once annual Civil War battle re-enactments. It would really be great if all the banks and other civic minded organizations in the area got together and financed this very educationally worthwhile volunteer effort. Unfortunately, Hamilton Township like most of our local municipalities are mired in deep financial constraints and are unable to support such worthwhile endeavors.

Nelson Ames said...

Tom , I'm a Camp Olden member , Bruce shared your link w/ us ; thanks for posting the veterans' reunion article . I also hope your message is read about civic support for the reenactment ; it would be great to bring it back . Thanks again for all the wonderful columns .

Saturday, April 09, 2011

1891: THE OLD MERCER COUNTY COURT HOUSE

Absolutely lovely! A Lawn, beautiful trees, and a nice view from "Trenton Illustrated;" a pictorial booklet that has exquisite engravings as in the above example.

THANKS TO OUR VISITORS!

AS THIS BLOG APPROACHES A BIT OVER 1/3 OF A MILLION VISITS, AND AVERAGING 300 TO 400 VISITS PER DAY, IT OCCURRED TO ME THAT MANY FOLKS WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THE REASONS FOR TAKING ON THIS HUGE PROJECT. LAST JUNE, MS. NORINE LONGO SAT DOWN WITH ME TO ASK THE NITTI GRITTY QUESTIONS THAT ALL LEAD TO THE REASON FOR THIS HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY PROJECT.

Sally Logan Gilman said...

Hi Tom: Very intesting and a good look into who you are and why you do such great things. All your "friends'' are very lucky. Regards

Thursday, April 07, 2011

THANKS, SALLY; YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE VERY VALUED "FRIENDS!"

XO

TOM

1989: R.W. JOHNSON HOSPITAL AT HAMILTON

The photo shows the very earliest years of the Hamilton Hospital being constructed on still another of Hamilton's huge farm lands.As you can see by the photo, the facility has grown into a huge complex when we consider how expansive the facility is today.

1904: BOYS SHOOTING CRAPS CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Whoa there, boys! This is a house of worship and certainly not the place to "roll dem bones." Note the headline that indicates that the boys would be arraigned. Wayward youth were not coddled in those long ago years, and you may be assured that the punishment fit the crime.

Mack said...
Hi Tom:)
I love it. Our Burg, spunky from the start LOL:)

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

THANKS MACK: Perhaps we should explain to those of our visitors who are not into computer shorthand, "LOL" is laugh out loud.

Tom Glover

SJBill said...

Am I the only one to wonder if young Peter Lorenzo grew to start the fine restaurant at 66 S. Clinton Ave?

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

1897: TRENTON RETROSPECTIVES: TRENTON BEGINS TO GROW

An interesting read for those of us who are interested in the early years of the capital city of Trenton. Reading these lines 100-plus years later gives an interesting insight as to what the city of Trenton was like those many years ago.

1992 JIM MALONEY REMEMBERS TRENTON CATHOLIC BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL PART 2 OF 2

Mike Kuzma said...

Ok Tom, it's me again, and believe it or not, I was one of those who was sentenced to "TC" back in 1951. Seems my "outstanding" athletic abilities were outweighed by my mischief at Trenton High. I entered "Catholic" in the Winter of 51, Fr. Robert was the Principal, and he had the most unusual way of talking. His mouth would open, and there seemed to be a time delay before the words came out. Since he knew the circumstances under which I transferred, and my ability to imitate his speaking, he took an immediate "interest" in me. It was only through the effort of Fr. Arthur (Doc) Nazic that I survived. Doc was a hoot. Under his cassock he had an arm full of watches a jeweler friend Fred Doh from Philadelphis's Jewelers row would ask him to peddle to the parishorners of Immcaculate Conception. I bought my wife's engagement ring from Fr. Arhtur's buddy as he had requested we remember "our friends" thoughout life. I got to return Fr. Arthur's many assists, when his neice was a tenant of mine and needed help. He was proud to say he was from "Gloversville, NY" Home of Camp Drum. Do I remember the "Jug" who wouldn't. it was like "Devil's Island", and being next to Mrs. Hogan's cafeteria, it was worse. Surprised there was no mention of the infamous "Bear", the school disciplinarian. Does anyone remember the incident in the hallway when the McCallough (sp) brothers took on the bear?? After making a permenent indentation in floor of the aisle with my knees from being punished for my "3 point" kneeling stance at first Friday Mass, I left at the end of the school year to join the Air Force. I figured war was a lot easier thant Trenton Catholic. Warmly Mike

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Mack said...

Hi Tom Fantastic stuff:)))

Bob Kusnirik said...

Funny, I thought I was the first one to make the reverse transfer in '53, my Junior Year due to circumstances beyond my control.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Mack said...

Hi Tom Fantastic stuff:)))

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

1997: LOU AND GREG ZANONI'S WZBN READY TO BROADCAST

I was there on WZBN's "opening night" those many years ago, and I have tuned in every evening at 7:30 to watch the local news on WZBN, Cablevision's channel 25 in Hamilton. Of course, one of my favorite segments is the Monday evening "Moment in Time" portion where many local historical persons, places, and things are chronicled.

As usual, a fascinating insight from Mike Kuzma, another guy who has countless "repertoire" of local persons, places and things. Mike wrote:

Mike Kuzma said...

Tom: I am compelled to write and say that I have known Lou Zanoni since the mid 1940's, despite the fact that he was from North Trenton, and I was from the far reaches of South Trenton. Lou and I met during a water fight on ( here we go with a whole new column) on "Rotary Island"; home of the Rotary Club "Kitty's Camp." I came from the the Skelton branch of Boys Club, and Lou from the Reservoir Branch. In the midst of the water fight, we both were shoving to get to the water fountain, I became overly aggressive, and hit Lou in the nose. I immediately regretted it, and till this day 60 some years later still regret it. Lou was and still is one of the all time really nice, exceptionally talented guys in the whole world. Not only did we remain friends, but he became a client of mine in my Real Estate Appraisal Firm.He deserves only the best.Please extend my good wishes to him.Now "Rotary Island" Located in the Delaware, and assessed as being in the City of Trenton, it is situated across from Where Sanhican Drive, and the road up to Trenton State Hospital merge. Access was by Pole Boat which was attached to a cable so you wouldn't get swept down stream. It was a fully staffed camp, with Bunk houses, recreation hall, and playing fields. We were there though the good will of the people of the Trenton area whose donations supported the camp. My Uncle Mike Harhigh, and his buddy Jack McGowan ( who both worked for your Uncle Charley as stage hands) owned a fishing shack on the Island, and the family spent many a summer weekend on the Island sleeping under the stars.A great time in my life, both meeting Lou, and Kiddie Camp! Best regards Mike

Thanks again, Mike. As to sending your regards to Lou Zanoni, I sent a copy of this page to WZBN when I published it, but past history has shown that I will not receive an acknowledgment. I have sent material twice before and never received an acknowledgment. I assume that they have an overflowing email box.

SJBill said...

Mike, Did you ever bowl at Heil's? ;-) I think I was your pin boy. My dad was a roofer on S. Clinton, down on the 800 block. Glad to see you in business after all these years.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Bob Kusnirik said...

Mike, Did you live on Hancock Street in your youth?

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

My dad was a roofer on S. Clinton, down on the 800 block. Glad to see you in business after all these years.

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Michael said...

In answer to SJ Bill, and Bob Kusnirik: No I frequented Heils (bar that is) from than, to Conte's Keg, through Vince I'Orio's ownership. I too set pins in the 1940's at the Arcade lanes which was on West State St. above shops like Traver's book store etc. Maybe it was my Cousin Chet the great athlete who lived on Hewitt St. Bob: I assume you are the Attorney. I grew up with and was very close to; Mickey Kusnerik the ball player, he lived on Bridge St, above the Barbershop, and I lived around the corner on So. Warren St. next to the Trent House. Perhaps you knew my nephew Robert who grew up on Adeline St. Didn't your dad have the sports store? Best wishes to you both, and thanks for asking. Now living in Virginia near the Carolina border, and loving "Semi" retirement. Mike

Tuesday, April 05, 2011