HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.
General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there!

1947: Alice Schmidt, HHS '51

Alice contacted me a year or so ago with a fascinating reminiscence of her years of living in the Bromley section. She told how she and Joan Holland (another lovely gal I carried a torch for back in the old days) lived and played in the area, recalling Cook's Greenwood and Johnston Avenue store, the Palombi store, and other fabulous local lore from the Bromley area. Here she is seen in a clipping I saved from many years ago. The young boy with her has to be her brother, only because the family resemblence is strikingly obvious.

1947: Kuser Annex

How well I remember that cute little "Sis" McGlynn. Hey, I also remember "Pretty Peggy" Trolle, too! Don't you love those bobbysox and Saddle shoes Sissy is wearing? By the way, her name is Alvilda. The last I heard she was living in a small town in central Pennsylvania. They were practicing for our spring entertainment, "China Boy," starring Carl Williams as the China boy. I was to have been in one of the leads, but I crossed Miss Jean Larzalere, who felt that I should give up my after school job and come to all the practices. I couldn't do that 'cause my mom needed the money. Bottom line, Jean Larzalere was completely unsympathetic to my plight, and banished me from ALL music and thespian entertainment at K.A.

1951: Happy Times

You will note that there are a number of 1951 clips being posted at this time. The reason is obvious. We are getting ready for our 55th reunion at the Boat House at Mercer County park, and this is my website, and accordingly I am executing "executive privilege!" What a joy it is to read there fascinating Criterions which Ray and Sandy Holmes Danberry dropped of at the office for me to digitize! For the past 2 weeks, I have been back in 1951 remembering all my classmates. By the way, details on our reunion is posted on this site. I think you will find it in the June Archives. Just enter "Reunion" at the box above which reads "Search this Website."

1951: HHS Honor Society and Honor Roll

I must admit that I didn't apply myself as I should have when I was in high school. I was on the honor roll every single marking period from Kuser School first grade right up to 7th grade. When I reached 8th grade, I discovered girls, and from then on I was only an average student. Miss Florence Cornwell was furious with me for changing from the Academic course to General. My real life ambition was to be a teacher, but my Mom and Dad couldn't afford the $900 tuition to State Teachers' College! Miss Cornwell was a perceptive, and somewhat emotional teacher. I remember turning in a book report on "The Great Gatsby," and below the B+ I received, was the note from her, "Thomas, you have a flair for writing. You should develop that skill." It was only in 1981 when I began writing that I recalled her perceptive side.

1951: Candy Frenking and Tom Glover in the news

Here's a fascinating clip from the April, 1951 edition of "The Criterion." I must admit I have no recollection of desiring to eat during class! Perhaps I was looking forward to 3rd lunch and a hot dog from the late Russ Ayre's yellow and red hot dog push cart! As a point of interest, before Russ was banished from Park Avenue side the school, many of us opted for his hot dogs rather than the bland offerings of the cafeteria. Russ moved from the high school to South Broad Street, next to the Colonial Cemetery, and created a traffic problem there, and was moved again. I remember seeing 5 or 6 eighteen wheelers lined up along South Broad Street, partaking of his delectable hot dogs. He ultimately settled on a commercial spot on Route 206, a site which still exists and I can assure you that they still serve Russ's incredibly delicious hot dogs, and yes, the last time I was there, the yellow push cart is still there! I'll bet there is not one reader who remembers when Russ came around in the morning with those delectable cream donuts from Prior's Donut store on South Clinton Avenue! There was never a kinder more likeable man than Russ Ayres. Despite his handicap, he was always a cheerful guy, ideed, a real gentleman, and we miss him.

HEY CLASSMATES! HERE COMES NO. 55!

HHS CLASS OF 1951 ANNOUNCES OUR 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.
General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there!

CONCERT RESCHEDULED 6/28 7 TO 9 PM

MY CONCERT AT KUSER FARM PARK HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. IT HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW EVENING, AUGUST 28 FROM 7 T 9 PM. NOTE THAT THE STARTING TIME IS DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL TIME IN ORDER TO ALLOW FOR WORKERS TO GET HOME AND HAVE DINNER. NOTE ALSO THAT I MADE A MISTAKE BY LISTING THE MONDAY RAINOUT STARTING TIME AS 6 PM. I WILL BE IN CONTACT WITH THE TOWNSHIP TOMORROW AND ASK THAT I BE GIVEN AN ELECTRIC OUTLET IN ORDER TO FULFILL THE PROMISED 6 PM STARTING TIME.

1951 Tulip Time Players

With the reunion of my class of 1951 just around the corner (See the announcement elsewhere on this site. "Search this blogsite" for Reunion. It is probably in the July archive.) Many thanks to Ray and Sandra Holmes Danberry for saving this long forgotten treasure. Leon Belardino, you're looking great! So are you, George Mozer, Vance Johnson and in fact all of you look great! A special tug of my heart is in the lower left, the late Shirley Whitebread Applegate, one of my dear girlfriends from Miss Ruth Margerum's Kuser School Third Grade. Next to Shirley is our accompanist, Sandy Smith, without whom we would never have made such beautiful music. I'm not sure, but it looks like Arlene Seabridge second from right. If it isn't, my apologies. As I look at this long forgotten photo, I am reminded of the beautiful voice of the late Bill Baggott. (Back row, second from left, next to me.) In the lower right, Beverly Cowell. Bev and I sang a duet in our Sophomore or Junior year, "The Things We Did Last Summer." Remember, Bev? Vance Johnson, second from right in the back row, removed himself from the lead in our operetta and his role of "Burgomeister" was taken over by Ray Danberry. Oh those bittersweet memories!

1948: Henry Kauffman

In my years at HHS, I never once heard a negative statement against Mr. Kauffman. He loved his job and he was good at it. I know he and his son and my classmate Kieth will forgive me if I put one to many "f"'s in his name.

1948: Faculty and Administration "A" to "D"

Take a close look and bring back some great memories! Carl Abbott tooling into the parking lot with that yellow Buick convertible, Louise Baird leading our choir into another blockbuster musical proram, Jim Coursen doling out 5 hours to the guys who tried to hustle a six pack of beer on the school grounds, Harold Bills coming to school in his Navy officer's uniform and all the girls swooning, Mr. Byrd moonlighting as a shoe salesman, FLorence Cornwell chastising me for getting a pass to go to rehearsal for the operetta during her class time, Harlan Darling..........

HHS The Tarr Brothers

These two guys had a real penchant for sports. Both of them were active in nearly all competitive contests at Hamilton. "Jake," older brother to Ronnie was an upper classman who was a basketball star in his own right. Ronnie went right through school with me from Miss Kelly through graduation in the class of '51.

1951: The Choir, 1951

We made such incredibly beautiful music together! How I miss the incredibly beautiful harmony we sang as all of us got goose bumps listening to ourselves singing in EIGHT part harmony. I will never forget the unbridled, etheral beauty of our rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone," and "Now The Day Is Over."

August 27, 6 to 8 PM Mark Your Calendar!

On Sunday, August 27, 2006, I will be presenting a musical singalong and dance program at Kuser Farm Park in the gazebo. My program is called, "Once Upon a Time There Was Music." The program is from 6 to 8 PM and will allow all of us who like to drive while there is still light to get home early! No reservations required and the program is free, so bring a folding chair or a blanket and come back to what will prove to be a bittersweet nostagic "Sentimental Journey!" We'll be remembering and singing the songs of Patti Page, Joni James, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Don Cornell, Tony Bennett, Glenn Miller, Andy Williams, and all those great artists with whom we in the over 50 generation grew up. There's a concrete dance floor adjacent to the gazebo, and it is available for those of you who remember how to jitterbug, polka, waltz, stroll, and of course, I didn’t forget the line dancers! I hope to see many of you there. Rain date is the next night, Monday, August 28, same time.

HHS CLASS OF 1951 55TH REUNION

HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.

General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com. 'hope to see y'all there! Unfortunately, Judy has a committment for that weekend and will not be able to attend.

1943: The HHS "Victory Corps"

This is the first time I have heard of this patriotic HHS organization. I do have a news article in the Hamilton High School folder with the photo of a jeep that students purchased for the U.S. Army. Apparently the fundraising for that jeep was due to the efforts of the "Victory Corps."

1956: Their Grammar Schools & Their Hangouts

Here's a great reunion idea! How well I remember the entries under Kuser and Greenwood Schools! Well done, Hornets!

1956: Frank and Rita after all these years!

Unfortunately, many of the photos in this great photo disk of those who attended the reunion do not lend themselves to enlarging enough in order to make the name tags legible. This photo of Frank Lugossy and Rita Kleindinst Semler was elgible.

1956: HHS Missing Members

Hello? Where are you? If you know the whereabouts of any of these HHS '56 Hornets, send me an email and I will see that Jacks Lacy or Zoller will receive it.

1956: Class of '56 50th Reunion

Here's the sign in sheet indicating some of those who attended the 50th reunion of HHS' class of 1956.

1948: THE GREATEST GENERATION - Pg. 3

" WE WILL NEVER SEE THEIR LIKES AGAIN!"

1948: THE GREATEST GENERATION - Pg. 2

This is the second page of three scans of the HHS faculty from the 40's.

1948: THE GREATEST GENERATION - Pg. 1

Here is page one of the faculty we all came to know and love. Most of them have passed away, and they are sorely missed. Carl "Ace" Abbott, is still active. I'm not sure, but I think Morris Agress, Helen Sadley, and Harold Bills are also with us. If you know otherwise, please let me know.

Bernie Hughes, Ed Marchand, Lea Terry

These three guys were an integral part of the Hamilton sports program back in the 40's. I recently read an old column in which Ed Marchand gave up teaching because of the inadequate salary. I was one of his students as a sophomore, and always thought hHe was a great "phys-ed" teacher. Once again, thanks to Mr. Lea Terry for this photo.

1930: The New Hamilton High School

This is a Trenton Times photo of the school which was taken in September, 1930, when the school opened. Note tha absence of the familiar old Sycamore trees.

1949: "Yard's" Fashion Board

These 3 gorgeous ladies were members of the High School Fashion Board, a clever little sales gimmick used by Yard's Department Store back in the 1940's. Yard's always targeted the young ladies in various high schools in the area. After these ladies graduated and moved on another group of young ladies became fashion plates for the store.

1947: Hornet Footbll Team

Thanks to Mr. Lea Terry for this photo. I saw Lea at the 75th anniversary of HHS and he promised to bring some of his photos of the sports scene at Hamilton to me at the library for inclusion in our history files.

Louise Simpson Baird

Each of us has his or her own very favorite teacher.
Louise Baird is the choice of both Judy and me. It was in "Aunt Louise's" apartment at 1420 Hamilton Avenue that Judy and I spent the years following graduation, helping her as well as we could when her mother passed away in the summer of 1951. "Ouise" is responsible for whatever musical talents I may have exhibited over the years and she also had a direct influence on how to maintain a happy married life. Her system worked. Judy and I are in our 53rd year of marital bliss.

1945: WWII Scrap Drive

Thanks to Don Whitely, HHS '45, for this photo of Harlan Darling's Hamilton High orchestra
as they performed a patriotic "Scrap Drive" concert to build up an inventory of scrap metal for the war effort.

1945: Bill Collis and Herb Griffith

Thanks to Don Whitely, HHS '45 for these photos. Don donated an incredible DVD presentation to the Local History Collection at the Hamilton Library. These are two of the photos. Don is one of the very few of us in the over 60 generation who have taken the time to learn the computer. Well done, Don!

1938: Courtesy and Etiquette Club

What a fascinating and very quaint subject! Good manners and courtesy are not in vogue today in most of the school systems, but back in 1938, the clubs were well attended. The young lady second from left in the third row is my cousin Ruth Williamson Gore.

1938: Hamiton's "Ettiquette Club"

Wow! We sure could use clubs like this in today's schools. Ettiquette has unfortunately been banished to the cobwebs on the back shelf.

1996: HHS '51 - Our 45th

Our 55th is coming up in September at the boathouse in Mercer County Park. The guy you see on the lower left holding the banner doesn't look like that anymore. He's gettin' older than dirt!

1952: Hey 1951 Classmates, Where Are You?

Thanks to Martha Bisbee Bogdan for this graphic from a past reunion of my next door neighbors in the class of '51.

Mr. MAX JORDAN

HERE'S ANOTHER OF THAT GREAT GENERATION OF FACULTY WE HAD AT THE OLD HAMILTON HIGH BEFORE IT BECAME "WEST." MAX JORDAN WAS THE VERY SOFT SPOKEN GENTLEMAN WHO PRESIDED OVER THE MATH MINDED STUDENTS AT HHS.

2006: John "Jake" Conover

I was saddened this morning when I read of the passing of Jack Conover, a classmate of mine in the class of '51. "Jake" Conover was one of the lynchpins in our class, and a very popular guy. He was an athlete, and a leader in the management of our class. Jake was one of a number of class of '51 alumni who didn't attend our reunions, but that doesn't mean we forgot him. So sorry I didn't get an opportunity to see you after we all left HHS, Jake, but you should know that you were an important part of HHS '51, "The Class With Class." You will be included on the prayer list at my church.

MY GUESTBOOK

Over twelve hundred visitors and not a single guestbook entry? Either my guestbook source is throwing up roadblocks to those who sign or I amdoing something WRONG!

Hello, is anyone out there?

The guestbook is not for accolades and other forms of encouragement. I would like to know that you visited, and from which class. This information will determine if I continue to post the newer classes from the 80's and 90's. If you're "guestbook shy," just type in John Doe HHS '67, of course don't sign in as "John Doe" unless you're on the lam!

1987: HAMILTON WEST

Here are the top scholars of the class of 1987. Anyone there you know?

HHS '58

Here are the movers and shakers who planned the 30th anniversary celebration for the Hornets from the class of '58.

HHS '51 REUNION

ATTENTION ALL HORNETS FROM HHS'51, "THE CLASS WITH CLASS:"

CLICK ON "SEARCH THIS BLOG" IN THE UPPER LEFT. TYPE IN "REUNION" (WITHOUT THE " QUOTATION MARKS) YOU WILL SEE THE REUNION INFO FOR OUR UPCOMING REUNION AS WELL AS THOSE I WILL BE ANNOUNCING IN THE FUTURE. YOU WILL ALSO FIND PAST REUNION PRESS NOTES.

WHEN YOU GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LIST, YOU WILL SEE AN ARROW POINTING TO THE NEXT PAGE. NOTE THAT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCESS THOSE ENTRIES DUE TO SOME KIND OF RESTRICTIONS VIA THE GOOGLE HOSTING SITE.

1986: HHS '66 Twentieth Reunion

Hey, there's Ronny Stewart, the best local sportscaster we had in Hamilton...that is, until Cablevision decided that we in Hamilton weren't worthy of local coverage. We miss 'ya, Ronnie, maybe you'll be back if Verizon sees the need for local programming! These Hornets are seen making plans for their 20th high school reunion.

1986: HHS '55 Thirty First Reunion

Thanks to Jack Lacy for this photo from his collection of "Mercer Messengers" from his years as Publisher of the paper. His collection, along with those I have in my collection, and those which remain in the Library, will allow for posting more HHS, Steinert, Nottingham, and other local persons, places, and things. Stay tuned!

1986: HHS West "Interact Club"

Here's one of I hope many posts for my fellow Hornets from the more recent past. Unfortunately, I have had very few files in my collection until Jack Lacy came through with a stack of "Mercer Messengers" from the golden years of that great old community weekly. The Hornets in this photo are probably pushing their 40's by now, and I would like to hear from you if you have any material you would like posted on this site.

Charles "Pop" MItchell

Each of us has a teacher or teachers whom we regard as being an influence. For me the list consists of Julia McLain, Margaret Gaydos and Ruth Margerum at Kuser School, and Louise Baird and Charles Mitchell at Hamilton High. I can still see "Pop" Mitchell in our print shop class with a green visor on his head and his pristine white shirt which provided a stark contrast to that jet black printers' ink in the HHS print shop. Do you remember running those Hamilton "Job" presses, and the noisy "clank" they made when we fed one sheet into the bed, took it out, fed another, then another, then another....?

HHS 51 55TH REUNION

Classmate Pete Fless announces the 55th reunion "Gala" for the class of '51. There will be a cash bar and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres. The social affair will be held on Friday evening, September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 PM at the Boat House Marina, Mercer County Park.
General directions to Mercer County Park: At the "five points"in Mercerville, go out Edinburg Road and stay on it and note that it merges with "Old Trenton Road." Stay the course and look for the entrance to the park on the left. For more detailed directions, go to www.mapquest.com.
'hope to see y'all there! Unfortunately, Judy has a committment for that weekend and will not be able to attend.

1946 Bob Reed

Bob was a familiar figure to those Hornets who attended Hamilton back in the latter part of the 1940's. He was an excellent pianist and played in the High School band. The last time I saw Bob he was playing the keyboard in Dick Chime's wonderful Polka Band. Incidentally, Dick is my classmate from HHS '51.

Kuser School

FROM THE LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION AT THE HAMILTON LIBRARY:

My "UNOFFICIAL" Kuser School website can be found at

http://www.kuser-school.blogspot.com/.

As an alumnus from the class of 1947, I thought it would be logical to post some of the MANY items I have on the best grammar school in Hamilton.

Don't forget to sign the guestbook.

Ms. Sue Proulx's Hamilton West Chorus

On May 20, 2006, Ms. Sue Proulx, Hamilton West Vocal Music teacher extraordinaire, once again brought her incredibly talented choral group to the annual Armed Forces Day ceremony at Veterans' Park. Unfortunately, I had a former commitment and could not attend. However, having experienced the affair in the past with other of Ms. Proulx's choral groups, I would bet that there were a number of misty eyes and a proliferation of goosebumps!

THANKS TO MR. JAMES PULITI FOR THIS VERY BEAUTIFUL DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH!

1946 Operetta

Here's a vignette photo from the HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL folder in the Hamilton Library's Local History Collection. The operetta that year was Victor Herbert's "Red Mill," presented on February 15, 1946. One of the main songs, "Look For the Silver Lining" is still heard on occasion today.

HHS Second Annual Commencement

Alice Wilhelm was one of the original faculty who began teaching there when the school opened. Over the years she made it a point to follow the progress of her students. Alice was a dear friend and neighbor prior to her move to Florida. She knew I was preserving HHS and other local history and left her collection to me. Alice's dedication to her craft can be seen in the graphic. She followed her students as they embarked on their careers, and dutifully recorded their deaths when they passed away.

Before The Criterion was the "FLASH!"

This ambitious journalistic undertaking was short lived. It is speculation on my part, but I would bet that the budget for this high quality paper, printed on enameled glossy paper, was strained to the limit. Remember, we were in the depths of "the great depression" in the early 1930's. Within months, the "Criterion" was born. It was mimeographed, and a sad replacement for the flashy "Flash."

UNFORTUNATELY THIS GRAPHIC WILL BE DIFFICULT TO READ UNLESS YOU HAVE VERY HIGH DEFINITION ON A LARGE SCREEN.

Another Early Criterion

This graphic took quite a bit of "touching up" to clarify the faint memeographed text. However, it is bright and clear, and gives in interesting insight into the early years of HHHSW.

1954: Hamilton Alumni Ladies "Club 54"

Harry Blaze's wife, Alles Nitzsche Blaze, is a member of the class of 1954's "Club 54." Typical "Hornet" Class! These gals have kept their memories of high school years alive by having regular "get togethers." As to Alles' husband, Harry, a "tell it like it is" columnist.

MY "UNOFFICIAL" KUSER SCHOOL WEBSITE

Hey! Check out my "UNOFFICIAL" Kuser School website! As an alumnus from the class of 1947, I thought it would be logical to post some of the MANY items I have on the best grammar school in Hamilton. Check it out at www.kuser-school.blogspot.com. and don't forget to sign the guestbook. If I don't get many "hits" I will abandon the project.

VISIT THE GENUINE HHS WEST WEBSITE

You will note that this is the"UNOFFICIAL" HHS website. Did you check in to the GENUINE, ORIGINAL article, and if you did, did you include your name in the alumni section? If your answer to either of these questions is "no," may I suggest you CUT AND PASTE, OR OTHERWISE add this URL to your favorite sites, and by all means, add your name to the alumni list.

Class of 52: Only 2 alumni? Come on!

www.hamilton.k12.nj.us/secondary/hamiltonwest/Alumni/alumni.html

1951: Still side by side after all these years!

Were we ever this young? Here we are, still side by side after 52 years of wedded bliss. Both of us were years 1-2-3 and 4 in Louise Baird's choir, and indeed, that's where we met. You will note that we were only in the operetta "2-3 &4" because we were freshmen at Kuser Annex. My aspiration for a career in printing was never met. Back then one had to serve an apprenticeship with very minimal pay. Judy did acheive a secretary position with the Childrens' Home Society of New Jersey for a few years, but when we began our family, we both felt that children need a Mom to come home to. As a result, she ditched her secretarial aspirations and assumed the most difficult career of all: Homemaker!

A REMINDER!

IF YOU ARE NOT CLICKING ON THE "APRIL, 2006"
ARCHIVES LINK TO THE RIGHT OF THIS PAGE, YOU ARE NOT SEEING ALL THE POSTS ON THIS WEBSITE.
CLICK ON "APRIL, 2006" AND THE REST OF THE POSTS ON THIS SITE WILL LOAD.

HHS '51: 50th Reunion, 2001

This photo was taken with my little Canon 35 mm point and shoot. Unfortunately, the digital camera was not withing my financial reach back in 2001. Now I'm ready for the 55th with a 5.1 megapixel
Samsung, so look out! YOU WILL ALSO NOTE THAT THE LADIES FROM THE CLASS OF '51 ARE STILL LISTED USING THEIR MAIDEN NAMES. I PREFER IT THAT WAY; CALL IT JOURNALISTIC "LICENSE!"

HHS '51: 50th Reunion, 2001

How wish I had a quality digital camera back in 2001 when I snapped this photo of just a small part of my classmates who attended our 50th reunion.

hhs51.blogspot.com readership is
growing! Thanks to all who visited.

PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO SIGN

THE GUESTBOOK.

1986: Max Jordan: Another HHS Legend

During my happy years as a columnist for the MERCER MESSENGER, I was afforded the privilege of filling "Page 6" and also a spread under the byline, "Hamilton Scrapbook." One of my scrapbook pages was devoted to Mr. Max Jordan, a teacher quite familiar to those of us who attended HHS in mid 20th century.

1987: Eddie Forsthoffer

Eddie and I renewed an old friendship when he visited the library a few years before his untimely passing. Ed was very interested in my writings, and even suggested a few subjects to write about. As I recall, Ed was a year or so ahead of me at HHS. I believe he was a member of the class of 1950, but I am not quite sure.