LAST MINUTE HEADS UP TO ALL YOU NOSTALGIACS

Today (Feb. 7) from 1 to 3 PM I will be presenting a Valentines Day program at Kuser Mansion, Newkirk and Cedar Lane. THe program is called "The Love Songs We Grew Up With," with the sing-along music of Perry Como, Patti Page, Dean Martin, Neil Diamond, Elvis Pressley and others from the 40's, 50's and 60's. The Valentines Day angle will also include stories of my experiences of Valentines Day at Kuser School, and other Kuser School memorie. This is the first of a series commemorating the 100th anniversary of Kuser School. Once again we will recall blackboards, clapping erasers, those wonderful teachers we had in the 40's and 50's, Friday assembly, and all those long ago memories. Come on out. You'll love the two hour program.

1951: LEON BELARDINO - THE MELODY LINGERS ON

Lee and I have resumed a friendship that began in my Sophomore year when I came over from Kuser Annex to join Louise Baird's vocal music class. It was a time that changed my life....it also changed the life of Lee Belardino, HHS tenor, extraordinaire. Interestingly, both of us still carry the Louise Baird music tradition into our senior years. Lee as a talented part of a music group out in California, and I for the past 25 years, bringing my program, "The Music We Grew Up With" to those who know good music when they hear it. Keep hittin' those "Hi C's," Lee, and I'll continue to bellow out those baritone, or as we called it in Miss Baird's class, "Bass One" songs of our youth.

This memory of our golden years from Lee Belardino:

Tommy.

Thanks for the kind words and fond reflections. Wow, Were we ever that young. I remember Bob Beesburg. Little guy always with a smile on his face. Navy captain. Wow. hope people realize wath an esteem rank that is. . I salute you sir. Sylvia Arena,his beautiful wife together with your lovely wife Judy one of our great alto's in THEchoir. I think her dad owned a restraunt on Cedar lane and we sang there? Jesse Anderson,I wish I knew better. GOD rest his soul. I remember the octette. I think Kaufman and you were the basses,Me and Bill the tenors. Can't think of the other members but I do remember that we sang on some radio station once and the song we sang was:"Anybody know miss Nellie Gray" and Miss B. recorded it . We were flat,especially me and Miss B. gave me one her smiles that really meant"Leon,think high". 57 years ago and I still remember that particular smile. What wonderful,grand, times they were no matter how many times I say it. Wish to heaven I could have been to your Kuser performance today or any other day. I,m sure most of our generation attends. They can't even like what is playing now. Grammy awards.Are you kidding?Keep flying the high standards,Tom because its like tonic to our souls

Friend for always,

Lee

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, LEE.

1951: CAPT. ROBERT BEESBURG

1951 JESSE ANDERSON: GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

There's an old saying, "Old friends are the best friends." It's true. But when that old friend is a person you grew up with from childhood to manhood, the boy who was with you from Kuser School "Reception Grade," 1939, right up to graduation day as a classmate in the Hamilton High Class of 1951, there is a real part of your soul that sustains an enduring pain. As a proud, God loving Christian, it is my belief that as we age, we become more and more aware of our mortality. In truth, our journey in this physical life is only the beginning of another journey which all of us will make. My religion teaches me that physical death is not the end...that there is another place "which the eye has not seen, nor the ear heard..." I'll see you there, Jess.

1949: HHS MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Of all the teachers I had during my years in Hamilton Township's wonderful education system, Louise Baird stands out as the lady who made the deepest impression on my life. Were it not for her, I would never have realized my love of music from the performing standpoint. Judy and I became very close to "Ouise" (pronounced "weeze") during our years at Hamilton High, and also as nightly visitors to her apartment at 1420 Hamilton Avenue in the 40' and early 50's. Not having any instrumental music talent, I only knew Harlan Darling as the band master at Hamilton High. As to Ms. Williams, I'm sorry to say that she entered the grammar schools after I had left Kuser to attend HHS.

1949: ATHLETIC COACHES

It is a very unfortunate fact that my extensive collection of Hamilton High memorabilia is lacking in a number of graphics from the 1950's. I am missing 1949, 1950, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1958, and 1959. I try to post graphics which coincide with the reunion years. In this case, the class of 1949, and 1959. If any alumni from those years are visitors to this site, why not scan a few graphics and email them to me? (minimum of 150 dots per inch on your scanner; 200 dpi preferred).

This graphic from a 1990 column has been revised to include yearbook photos of two of the alumni who responded with their memories of life at Hamilton High School, along with a file photo of the front facade of the original entrance to the school. Pleasant memories from former Hornets always make for interesting reading.

1947: HERB GRIFFITHS - ALUMNI PRESIDENT

What a novel concept: A faculty member serving as alumni president. I hope Herb had better luck with forming an alumni association than we did back in the 90's when we printed up membership tickets, put out the word that the alumni association is back, sat back and waited for the hundreds of Hornet alumni to rush to membership. We waited in vain. Nada...Niente....zero...NONE. What a disappointment!

2008: JOE BARTLETT OBIT

Hamilton West had it's share of members of "The Greatest Generation" on the faculty staff. Joe Bartlett was one of them. Of course, in high school, he was "Mr. Bartlett," but during my numerous senior citizen programs in Hamilton Square, he was just plain "Joe," and just as gentlemanly and soft spoken as he was when he was in the HHS "Phys-Ed" department.

1951: HHS 30TH REUNION IN 1981

Wow! Did father time ever do a makeover on those of us who are now 58 years away from our Hamilton High School years! That guy Glover you see with his lovely wife Judy Britton, ain't nothing like the Glover guy of today. Maybe the same name, but let's add around 45 pounds, gray hair, and a somewhat reduced libido. Many of my fellow classmates have passed away. I am in the process of updating the list and will be posting it in the near future.

A TIP FROM TOM

Basic "How to" information is located
at the top of the home page.
(How to save graphics to your computer,
the guest book, etc.)

TO NOTEBOOK COMPUTER USERS:
AS I AGE, I AM BECOMING MORE AND MORE "OPTICALLY CHALLENGED." I HAVE FOUND A DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE IN THE PAGE WHEN IT IS VIEWED AT A DISPLAY RESOLUTION OF 800 X 600 (LARGER IMAGE) INSTEAD OF THE STANDARD 1024 X 768. (SMALLER IMAGE).
Click on START on the bottom left of your computer screen, click on CONTROL PANEL, find and click on DISPLAY, click on SETTINGS,
slide the resolution setting to the left
from 1024 x 768 to 800 x 600.
Your screen will blink and the new resolution will appear. Click Click APPLY, or click on OK.
Simply reverse the process to return to the
original screen resolution.

TRY THIS LINK TO LOCATE MY RECENT COLUMNS

A number of people out of the area have sent me emails advising me that they tried to get my most recent Trenton Times "Sentimental Journey" columns. They are buried deep in the "14 day archives." All of my columns are archived, but the only ones available free of charge are the two most recent submissions. The link below worked for me. Click on the link below and see if it works for you. If it does, copy and paste the link and save it to your hard drive for the next posting of my column. Let me know if you succeed (or fail). Each time I tried, it failed and resulted in a blank screen. However, I have found that it always comes up on the second attempt.

http://search.nj.com/sp?aff=100&keywords=tom+glover

1951: LEE BELARDINO: OLD FRIENDS ARE THE BEST FRIENDS

Wherever there is music, there was Leon Belardino, my singing classmate from HHS '51. Lee and I share the same love of music and the finer things in life. He was an anchor in the tenor section of our HHS '51 choir. I received the email below from Lee this morning and if there are any other HHS '51 classmates who visit this site, I'm sure his message will warm your heart. He recalls our "golden years" with love and respect. Lee, these graphics are only a few from my HHS folder, but as usual, you are right in there adding your splendid tenor voice to what was one of Hamilton High School's notable vocal music classes in the history of the school.
This one's for you, Lee Belardino, one of Hamilton's "Varsity Letter All Star Vocalists."

===============++++++++++===========
LEE WRITES:

Tommy:

I haven't communicated with you for awhile. Every day I open my computer, check the Trentonian web site (can't get the Times anymore), read the Philly inquirer for news about the Phillies and eagles and your site and the class of 51 site. Thats it every day. The other day you had a story about the Hamilton senior center in which there was a picture of one of my cousins, Frank Chiorello and his wife. I commented on it in your blog which resulted in getting a phone call from my cousin Joe Battisti whom I think you know. You are the connection to the most favorite part of my life (1947-1951) began when I walked into room 300, 4th period music and sitting on her desk with a smile on her face, a scarf around her neck was the women who had the greatest influence on my life:Louise Baird.Very few days go by that I don't think about her and the things that she did those 4 years. She introduced me to the finer things in life; not only music, but character.You said everything I wanted to say but didn't. There is a place in my heart that belongs to her and no one else. Tom, from reading your thoughts every day,I know we share the same ideals, same love of GOOD music, (My I-pod contains nothing but Sinatra, Andy Willams, Perry Como, Guy Mitchell, Pavarotti, Botcelli) WHOSE WORDS YOU CAN UNDERSTAND. Can you imagine what Miss Baird would think about the mumbling, screeching sounds that passes for music today? By the way I don't do too bad on your music tests, but buddy you are tough. I still sing and I belong to 3 groups: Barber shop (lead), mixed voices(tenor), and senior Ukulele band that only tolerates me because I can sing not play. We can sure use good baritone-bass, and alto; know of any couple? Won;t take any more of your time but please keep writing because your biggest fan is out here in California. Say hello to Judy.Oh by the way what happened to Trenton that we used to know?.

Lee

1986:

He was probably the most soft-spoken faculty member of HHS during my years there. Always impeccably dressed with a very stiffly starched collar, and shoes tha that looked like mine did in the army when we "spit-shined" our shoes. Mr. Phillips was in the Science department, and he doubled as a school "detective," nailing any one of us who chose to smoke a cigarette around the school. We were allowed to smoke, but we had to go out "past the 3rd pole" on Park Avenue.
Mr. Phillips was the consummate gentleman, except when he caught one of us in violation of the rules of the school. Hence, the rather un-complimentary nickname, "Sneakey Pete."

1989: PROM FASHION SHOW BY WEST STUDENTS

These handsome couples are posing for the Observer photographer
modeling suggested prom attire. Hamilton's class of '89 will be celebrating
their 20th in November 27th. Details here as they become available.

1989: HIGH HONORS BESTOWED UPON WILKINS AND BALOG

1989: GARDEN STATE SCHOLARS

Then Principal Neil Bencivengo recognized these 1989 Hornets as Garden State Scholars.

1989: HAMILTON HIGH CLASS OF 1990 INTERACT CLUB

1989: HAMILTON HIGH CLASS OF 1990 PROM PREVIEW FASHION SHOW

1989: TWENTIETH REUNION SET FOR NOVEMBER 27

The following post announces the new website of the class of '89. Thanks to Kirk Corless from HHS '89. I have started to put together graphics from my collection from the year 1989, and will be publishing them here and sometimes on my main website, http://www.glover320.blogspot.com/.

1989: FROM KIRK CORLESS, HHS '89 WEBSITE

I have received a guestbook notification that the Hornets from the class of '89 are now on line with their class website. They are also looking for classmates for their 20th reunion on November 27th. If you are from that class, check in and get on their list. Thanks for the heads up, Kirk. Hope you folks have a great reunion. Also note that I have already begun to post 1989 HHS posts, anticipating your reunion.

1989:HAMILTON HIGH'S VETERANS' MONUMENT

Just a couple months ago, in celebration of Veterans' Day, Hamilton west re-dedicated the above monument which was erected in 1989. The re-dedication resulted in new names being placed on the bronze plaque. The photo and article above details the building of the finished monument.
As you can see,

KUSER SCHOOL CENTENNIAL "KICKOFF" PROGRAM

A REDUNDANT REMINDER
This announcement was received from Mr. Roberto Kesting, Principal of Kuser School, announcing the kickoff celebration for Kuser School's Centennial Celebration. Call the school if you plan on attending the program. If you haven't already requested inclusion in the Kuser School alumni listing, call the school at the number on the graphic or email me at thomglo@verizon.net and I will forward your name and year of graduation to the school.

2009: TO ALL KUSER SCHOOL ALUMNI

A REDUNDANT REMINDER!
This announcement was received from Mr. Roberto Kesting, Principal of Kuser School, announcing the kickoff celebration for Kuser School's Centennial Celebration. Call the school if you plan on attending the program. If you haven't already requested inclusion in the Kuser School alumni listing, call the school at the number on the graphic or email me at thomglo@verizon.net and I will forward your name and year of graduation to the school.

HHS '56: Ronald Rehak Obit

Received the following from Jack Lacy, January 3:

Sorry to report sad news so early in the new year but we've lost another HHS56 classmate. Anyone so inclined can send condolences to Ron's family at: 8 Beverly Place, Hamilton, NJ 08619. Unfortunately that calendar keeps turning and Father Time keeps marching along.

Jack

****************************************

Ronald Rehak
Ronald Rehak HAMILTON - Ronald Rehak, 70, of Hamilton passed into God's loving arms Tuesday at Compassionate Care Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Trenton, he attended Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Hamilton. Ronald was president of Sogitec, a data company in France, and has also owned two antique shops, in Northern England and Newport Beach, CA. He enjoyed reading, traveling, playing golf, entertaining business associates and friends, and had a great love of animals. Son of the late Steve and Julia Sargo Rehak, he is survived by his wife of 14 years, Joan C. Haustowich Rehak; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Vickie Rehak of Arizona; his mother-in-law, Edna C. Haustowich; and two sisters-in-law, Barbara A. Haustowich and Patricia A. Greeny. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 465 Paxson Ave., Hamilton Square, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Deborah Hospital Foundation, 212 Trenton Rd., Browns Mills, NJ 08015. SIGN THE TIMES GUESTBOOK: Copy and paste: www.nj.com/timesobits

1989: THE HORNET BAND TAKES FLORIDA!

Excellence is, was, and probably always will be for the Hamilton High Hornet Band and Marching Unit. Here's a photo vignette showing the groups practicing for their participation in the "Sun 'n Fun" festival in Clearwater, Florida back in 1989.

1989: HHS to Present "OLIVER"

When Louise Baird retired many years ago, I was afraid whomever replaced her in the vocal music department at HHS would never be able to achieve the level of musical excellence that was the hallmark of her long career. And then along came Ms. Sue Proulx! I have heard at least one of her groups over the past years and those fears were groundless. Sue has that same special "something" that results in incredibly beautiful choral presentations. At the Viet Nam memorial dedication last Veterans' Day, Sue's group actually had many of us in tears! Sue will go down in HHS history as one of the very best.

1954: HHS '54 PLANNING FOR THEIR 35TH

HERE'S A PHOTO OF MY FRIENDS FROM THE CLASS OF '54. WASN'T THAT GIL LUGOSSY'S CLASS? ....SEEMS TO ME IT WAS.

2008: OBIT PEGGY PETRY OSZVART

I received the email below from HHS '51 classmate Alice Schmidt Mullen who was a close friend of Peggy. I remember Peggy as a sweet girl with a very winning smile. She will be missed. Thank you for the heads up, Alice.

==========******************============

Dear Tom,

We just lost another classmate......Peggy Petry Oszvart. She was a very close friend.

I saw it in today's obits and am very saddened by it. She was my buddy from before Reception Grade in Farmingdale School. We went all through school together and went to the same church.
Our mothers used to take turns walking us to Farmingdale School every day. They did that until we went to on to the 4th grade in Greenwood School.
She and I lived across the street from each other on Norway Ave. She was the one who took me to get my driver's license and asked me to be in her wedding party.
Very sadly, we lost track of each other after I'd married and moved down here. Several times I looked for her by way of the computer but couldn't find her, so I thought that she'd probably moved away..........and there she was......still in Mercerville, all of this time.

*************

FROM THE TIMES OF TRENTON:

.
Margaret K. Oszvart TRENTON - Margaret "Peggy" Katherine Oszvart, 75, of Mercerville passed away Monday in Royal Health Gate Nursing and Rehab Center. Born in Trenton, Mrs. Oszvart was a lifelong area resident and lifetime member of Bethel Lutheran Church of Trenton. She graduated from the Helene Fuld School of Nursing, class of 1955, and was employed as a registered nurse at Helene Fuld Hospital and at the office of Dr. William Hipple in Trenton, from where she retired. Predeceased by her parents, William and Margaret Petry, and her son-in-law, Daniel O'Brien, she is survived by her husband of 55 years, John Oszvart; two sons, John W. Oszvart and his wife, Joan, of Robbinsville and James S.; her daughter, J.A. O'Brien of Hamilton, and her grandchildren, Jason and Jessica Oszvart of Robbinsville. The funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday from the Saul Memorial Home, 1740 Greenwood Ave., Trenton. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton. Family and friends may call 9-10 a.m. Saturday at the Memorial Home, www.saulfuneral home.

2009: TO ALL KUSER SCHOOL ALUMNI

This announcement was received from Mr. Roberto Kesting, Principal of Kuser School, announcing the kickoff celebration for Kuser School's Centennial Celebration. Call the school if you plan on attending the program. If you haven't already requested inclusion in the Kuser School alumni listing, call the school at the number on the graphic or email me at thomglo@verizon.net and I will forward your name and year graduated to the school.

2008: BOB HERRERA, CLASS OF '51 OBIT

He was always ready with that cordial smile. Bobby and I went through Hamilton High together and graduated in the class of 1951, or as I like to refer to it, "the class with class." Bob and I also attended St. Anthony Parish in Trenton and were regular summer visitors to the San Alfonso retreat house in West Long Branch. Bob and his lovely wife, Emily were always there for me when I was President of the St. Anthony Grammar School PTA. I remember Bob being a part of one of our PTA "Fathers' Night" fund raising programs, where Bob was in the "MIchael Rowed the Boat Ashore" segment of the program. We met at our HHS reunions, and Bob was always there with his wife and that disarming cordial personality. I will miss you, Bob. You and Emily, Danny and Anne, whom I see frequently, and all the Herrera family will be in our prayers. May the Good Lord welcome you into his heavenly Kingdom.

1979: Ron Muses: HHS Basketball All Star

The photo of the handsome young gentleman from Hamilton's 1979 basketball team is shown proudly displaying his well-earned trophy. Assuming you were a senior at the time, Ron, you are now in your mid 40's. Thanks for making us Hornets proud!

1979: There's That Hornet Band Again!

Our high school music programs are incredibly effective! At the recent Veterans' Memorial dedication at Hamilton High School on Veterans' Day, Sue Proulx and her wonderfully talented choral group sang soul-stirring selections that had many of us in tears. On the other side of the musical horizon, Hamilton's various high school bands are also award winners. Of course, being an alumnis of the Orange and Black, I have a preference for the high school of my youth. HOWEVER, a few years ago, I attended one of those "battle of the bands" which was held at Steinert. I wouldn't want to have been a judge. They were all incredibly talented and the music was superb.

1981: AUDIO MP3 OF MY 8 WEEK "KUSER SCHOOL DIARY"

Way back in 1981, before digital audio came to personal computing, I made an audio recording of my Mercer Messenger "Kuser School Diary" columns. This particular series was published on 8 consecutive Thursdays. Please remember that this was recorded on a reel to reel MONAURAL (not stereo) tape recorder, and the quality is a click or two below marginal. With my audio-converting software, I was able to convert "Kuser School Diary" from analog to a digital "mp3" file. Below is the link to that file.

WHEN YOU CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW, YOU WILL BE TAKEN TO THE HOSTING WEBSITE. CLICK ON MY "KUSER SCHOOL MEMORIES" FILE AND DOWNLOAD IT. IT SHOULD LOAD AUTOMATICALLY INTO YOUR WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER.
(A RELATIVELY QUICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU HAVE BROADBAND FACILITIES.)

http://www.speedyshare.com/555173553.html

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU WERE ABLE TO PLAY THE FILE PLUS ANY OTHER COMMENTS. YOUR ASSISTANCE WILL DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT I POST FUTURE AUDIO FILES.
( thomglo@verizon.net )

2008: My Trenton Times "Sentimental Journey" column

A number of people who are located in various places around the country have contacted me and said they have not been able to access my "Sentimental Journey" column on the Trenton Times website. In contacting the Times, I was told that they would check to see what the problem was and re-post my columns. I just checked, and my last column (Nov. 15) wherein I recall Canteen night at Hamilton High School has been posted. Here's the link.

http://www.nj.com/living/times/community/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1226725527182740.xml&coll=5

2008: Another HHS '56 Passes On

This from Jack Lacy, HHS '56:

Hi All !

Received this info about the passing of HHS56 classmate Paul Patterson from classmate Jake Hasili. Paul was living in the Dallas, TX area with his sister and had been suffering from cancer for some time.

Jack

************************************

Just finished talking to Paul's brother about Paul's passing.

He died on Saturday, Nov 22, 2008.

Approx; 10;00 pm, Texas time.

He was at his sister's home outside of Dallas, Texas.

He will most likely be cremated and put by the remains of his parents in Texas.

God Bless him, his suffering is over.

Jake

2008: HHS '56 WALTER RAYWOOD OBIT

From Jack Lacy, HHS '56:

Hi All !

This remains the worst part of this class communicator job but, unfortunately, it's also the most constant. Walt was living at: 7274 Bass St., Wewhahitchka, FL 32465. I don't know of any surviving family members beyond the brief description in the obituary.

Jack

Raywood, Walter	View/Sign Guest Book
PORT SAINT JOE, FL - Walter Raywood, 71, formerly of Hamilton, passed away November 15 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his brother Bob Raywood and his wife Pat of Titusville and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services are private.
Published in The Times, Trenton, on 11/23/2008

1988: HAMILTON WEST BAND PARENTS

Here's a twenty year old photo of the incoming movers and shakers from the Hamilton West Band Parents Club.

2008: HAMILTON HIGH: The "Golden Years"

This is the title page of the "ASTOUND!" multimedia presentation which I presented to the public at Hamilton High's 75th anniversary celebration a few years ago. For at least 10 years, I have been sorting, choosing, scanning, and adding to this presentation so that at the present time it is quite lengthy (about 30 minutes) but quite interesting. I have arranged the program chronologically from the establishment of the school right up to the mid 1950's, where I encountered a serious gap in my yearbook collection. "Astound!" software is similar to Powerpoint, but has animation features which I don't find in Powerpoint. Unfortunately, "ASTOUND!" is obsolete. I will be working on converting the program to Powerpoint. It will be a very long and tedious process. The "Golden Years" presentation is "open ended," which allows me to add material as time permits. If and when Hamilton Township is able to once again support evening community programs, this will be projected on screen on the huge Kuser Mansion theater Cinemascope screen.

1951: Karen Peterson Brown

What a joy it is, as I go through the pages of my newspaper collection, to find people with whom I have walked at some time during life's lengthy journey. I have been posting photos of World War II veterans who served valiantly during the years of "Greatest Generation." It is special when I find very close friends with whom I went to school. Thus it is with Karen, who spent all 12 years with me as we journeyed through the excellent Hamilton Township public school system. I was moved to write a short poem, along with Karen's photos and the results are depicted above. Love ya, Karen!

1951: Carol Sine Black Remembers

One of the real joys of maintaining my websites lies in the fact that I am hearing from many of my friends and classmates from the past. As the old saying goes, "old Friends are the best friends." Carol was one of the many lovely ladies who made up the choir at Hamilton High during the late 40's and early 50's. It was so great to hear from her after all these years. By the way Carol, even as you pictured fellow classmates from memory before going to our yearbook, I didn't need to refer to our yearbook, either when I saw who sent the email to me. I immediately pictured the pretty young lady pictured above.

Carol wrote:

Tom:

I enjoyed reading all your information on your sites and can't believe I didn't know about them before this. Mercerville School and HHS certainly aren't the same anymore but I was lucky to have been able to experience the good years at a time gone by. Also, Trenton -- the movies, busses, and great department stores of days gone by.

How I remember the quote you mention that Miss Baird instilled in all of us; "travel the world over-"-- I found a card with that quote on it years ago and have kept it and look at it often, remembering her every time. There's so much to comment on that I wouldn't know where to start but be assured they are all good memories.

It was fun to hear of some classmates ('51) who contributed to your articles and I could actually picture them without going to my yearbook. That in itself is an accomplishment!

I'll bet you don't remember (silly me) Hughes ice house (and a small store) at the intersection of Nottingham Way and Rt. 33. When I was in Mercerville School and also when getting off the bus from Hamilton, it was the place to stop for a soda and hang out with the "gang." (That term doesn't have the same connotation today!) It's been awhile since I've been out that way but I believe it was replaced by a fast food restaurant many moons ago, one of the original ones, not Burger King or McDs. You know, when a hamburger was 10 cents. I'm not sure that's there anymore.

I have to get back on the sites and really spend more time going over all the articles again. It's amazing --thank you for doing it.

Carol

P.S. My brother-in-law was in the Seiler family (meat packing) business. I'll have to ask if he knows anything about the Trenton Sausage Co. Seiler's was also in business for a good many years and was well known not only in Trenton but all over NJ and PA.

2008 Jack Knarr of the Trentonian's Yearbook Story

HHS 1942 was the class from which brother Len, and my sister in law, the late Kathleen Britton graduated. The fantastic story of the old yearbook being found within the walls of a home in Trenton where it had reposed for so many years was beautifully handled by the Trentonian's Jack Knarr.

1956: FROM JACK LACY, HHS '56

The following information has been received from Jack Lacy regarding still another Hornet who has passed. Following in Jack's email:

=====================================================

Hi All !

HHS56 classmate Carole (Ferguson) Ovelman informed us today of the passing of classmate Joan (Hutchinson) Finewood on October 5. Joan lived in Lyons, NY. Unfortunately, our numbers continue to dwindle.

Jack Lacy
Communications Chair
HHS56 Reunion Committee

jrlacy@aol.com

1978: SENIOR PROM QUEEN FINALISTS

I would never want to be a judge charged with picking the prom queen from the lovely young ladies in the photo. I have started going through newspapers from the 70's and 80's. There will be more Hamilton High West posts from that era in the immediate future; stay tuned.

1941: When Scholastic Excellence Prevailed at Trenton Central High School

What a great story! Imagine Trenton having a school with an excellent scholastic record. Thus it was at Trenton High and also in Trenton's Junior and grammar schools. Where did we go wrong?

1941: Hamilton High's "TULIP TIME" Repeated as tenth anniversary operetta

Tulip Time was the first operetta presented at Hamilton High in 1931. It was repeated again in 1941 as seen in the above graphic. My class of 1951 also carried on the tradition and presented it as the 30th anniversary of the schools music-drama program. It would really be great had the school continued the custom right up to the present time. The quaint and innocent story line and lovely music would have brought an entertaining presentation to the audience.

1949" Remembering those Saturday Night Canteens

Iwrote this column back in 1983. It has aged well. Indeed, as time moves on and the years pile on, the canteen of which I wrote gains a certain amount of nostalgic charm. How well I recall those canteens! What a problem it was when I was an "underclassman" still tooling the rural streets of Hamilton Township on my bicycle. All those other guys had their drivers' licenses and could pick up their dates, go to the canteen and stop in at "Toone Towne" for an ice cream soda or a coke. The only dance I knew was the "two step," taught to us in 5th or 6yh grade at Kuser School. I was intimidated when I saw guys like Ray Kelvy dancing like Fred Astaire with his date. Back then "Coke" was Coca Cola. We never knew there was such a thing as cocaine until we had to visit the dentist for an needle. How innocent we were!

1971: Hornet J.V. Soccer

Thanks again to Lea Terry for this photo of the guys from the 1971 Hornet soccer team. Hamilton's soccer teams over the years have been extraordinary. Some of the 40's and 50's Hamilton teams I recall included Bobby Soffel, Lee Cook, Don Cook, and Thomann. All Group 4 champs.

1949: Thanks to Lea Terry for this photo

In the photo he's identified as Bernie Hughes. We knew him by the nickname, "Pinky" Hughes. Lea Terry let me copy many of his photos when he visited my table at the 75th anniversary of Hamilton High. Ed Marchand left the teaching profession because he couldn't live on the meager salary he was paid at the time. He was my "phys ed" teacher along with Don Divine in my Sophomore year.

1939: 70 Years ago! Will there be a reunion?

1954: JANET NILSEN MCGLATHERY: A SAD FAREWELL

A Goodbye to a Wonderful Friend
by Marion Goldenberg Schwartz
Hamilton High School, Hamilton, NJ, Class of 1954
September 12, 2008
Janet Nilsen Meglathery, Hamilton High School Class of 1954, passed away on May 23, 2008. I am deeply saddened. Following is the Obituary in the Asbury Press:

I just learned of her death and have been crying off and on for a few days. I have lost a great friend. She was my neighbor and buddy through elementary schools (Rowan, Willey, Lalor), through Hamilton High School and beyond our 1954 graduation. We shared a love for fun and for the absurd. Janet was very intelligent with a well developed, albeit droll sense of humor. We survived fights in elementary school about, for example, whose legs were more bowed! Together and in groups, we went swimming, skiing, ice skating, to the “Feast” in Chambersburg, to parties, to dances and to the movies in downtown Trenton. We just hung out, grew up together and shared our secrets and our dreams for the future.
Her mother Hilda, from Norway, was a skinny dynamo, who was always very well dressed and who fussed over Janet to a fault. She had a great sense of humor and taught me how to make fattigman, Norwegian cookies! I loved her as well! When they took a trip to Norway to visit relatives, they brought back lovely souvenirs for me.
In high school, Janet was a good student. She was a three year Modern Dance Club member and a two year member of All State Orchestra. She played the violin. She was captain of the Orange Sports Team and was a three year member of the hockey and basketball teams.
She was especially loved by me, Marilyn Block Lister and John Gibbs, also classmates of hers in 1954. Our lives in the fifties were carefree, unsophisticated and truly “happy days”.
Janet and Marilyn Block Lister were bridesmaids, when I was married in 1962. After we were all married and had children, we lost touch only to meet one more time at a bittersweet lunch, which included John Gibbs and Frank Giacobbi, when we celebrated our 50th year reunion. I never saw her again, even though we vowed to get together.
The worst part of getting old is the increasing loss of beloved family and friends. These are people who shared your unique place in history. But how lucky I am to have known someone to whom it was so hard to say goodbye. “A friend hears the song in your heart and sings it to you when your memory fails” (anonymous author).
Rest in peace, my old friend, Janet, you are loved and will be missed by so many.

1954: MARION GOLDENBERG'S TRIBUTE TO A BEST FRIEND

OLD FRIENDS ARE THE BEST FRIENDS. MARION GOLDENBERG SCHWARTZ, HHS '54 POSTS THIS TRIBUTE TO HER BEST FRIEND WHO RECENTLY PASSED AWAY. MARION GOLDENBERG AND JANET NILSON WERE INSEPERABLE COMPANIONS IN THEIR EARLY YEARS. IN MY NUMEROUS EMAILS FROM MARION, IT BECAME OBVIOUS TO ME THAT SHE HARBORS VERY PRECIOUS AND BITTERSWEET MEMORIES OF THE HAPPY YEARS SHE SPENT WITH JANET NILSEN FROM THE CLASS OF '54. JANET PASSED AWAY RECENTLY.
I AM ADDING A QUOTATION TO YOUR WONDERFUL SENTIMENTS AS POSTED ABOVE, MARION. LOUISE BAIRD WAS MY FAVORITE HAMILTON HIGH CHOIR AND VOCAL MUSIC TEACHER WHEN I WAS AT HHS. SHE ASKED US TO COMMIT THIS TO MEMORY. IT IS A REFRESHING SENTIMENT, AND EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NEVER MET YOU NOR JANET, I THINK IT FITS BOTH OF YOU. YOUR FRIENDSHIP CERTAINLY EPITOMIZES BEAUTY:

"THOUGH YOU TRAVEL THE WORLD OVER IN SEARCH OF THE BEAUTIFUL,

YOU MUST CARRY IT WITH YOU OR YOU FIND IT NOT."

I have received an email from Kuser Principal Roberto Kesting announcing the first formal meeting of the Kuser School Centennial Celebration. I know there are some visitors to this site who are "Kuser Kats" and have expressed an interest in being kept informed as to the activities surrounding the planning for this memorable and historic celebration. If you are interested in being kept informed, or are interested in attending as an alumnus (as I am), contact either Mr. Kesting at the address below, or email me.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF
THE FIRST CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION MEETING

The first Kuser School 100th Anniversary meeting will be held this Tuesday, September 9th @4PM. This will accommodate parents and alumni that wish to participate. The first meeting will be held at 4PM. The meeting is open to parents and alumni are cordially invited. The initial agenda will be a discussion of each committee's objectives and activities. We will solidify our memberships in each committee. Mr. Kesting stated that his goal is for our committees to be self-sufficient and our future meetings will be to discuss progress in each committee.Thank you for your support in this exciting endeavor!Roberto KestingPrincipalKuser Elementary School70 Newkirk AvenueHamilton, NJ 08629(609) 631- 4155 ext. 3850rkesting@hamilton.k12.nj.us

1929: HAMILTON HIGH CONSTRUCTION DISPUTED

THESE TWO ARTICLES WERE A COMPLETE SURPRISE TO ME. I HAD NO INFORMATION ON THE CONTROVERSY WHERE LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS DIDN'T WANT THE HAMILTON BOARD OF EDUCATION TO BUILD HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL. RATHER, THEY FELT THAT HAMILTON STUDENTS SHOULD CONTINUE BEING BUSSED TO
TRENTON HIGH SCHOOL, AND THE MONEY ALLOCATED FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL SHOULD BE CHANNELLED TO A JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL.

ATTENTION KUSER "KATS"

THE CENTENNIAL OF KUSER SCHOOL WILL BE CELEBRATED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 2009. MONTHLY EVENTS WILL CELEBRATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEST GRAMMAR SCHOOL IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. WE ARE CURRENTLY TRYING TO COMPILE A LIST OF KUSER ALUMNI EMAIL ADDRESSES. THERE ARE MANY WHO ARE NOT ON THE COMPUTER. IF YOU HAVE FRIENDS OR RELATIVES IN THAT CATEGORY, PLEASE GET THEIR PERMISSION TO INCLUDE THEIR MAILING ADDRESSE.
PLEASE EMAIL THE INFO TO ME AND I WILL SEE THAT THE ORGANIZERS OF THE CELEBRATION RECEIVE IT

I AM KUSER '47. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOURS! IF YOU WERE A KUSER "KAT" AFTER THE SCHOOL CHANGED TO A K-5, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR YEAR.

EMAIL: thomglo@verizon.net.

2008: HHS CLASS OF '53 ANNOUNCES THEIR 55th

I HAVE POSTED THIS ON MY MAIN WEBSITE, WWW.GLOVER320.BLOGSPOT.COM, AND ALSO ON THIS SITE. FIFTY FIVE YEARS! WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

A NOTE FROM TOM REGARDING KUSER ANNEX

POSTS RELATING TO KUSER ANNEX CAN ALSO BE

FOUND AT MY KUSER SCHOOL WEBSITE,

WWW.KUSER-SCHOOL.BLOGSPOT.COM

1950: HEY, THAT'S MY WIFE!

This photo was in Judy's collection. She was on a date with Bill Beckett, HHS '50. Judy, Bill Hellewell and Alvilda "Sissy" McGlynn were HHS '51 classmates, and of course, Judy Britton Glover and I have been happily married for 54 years as of this year of 2008.

1950" REMEMBER THOSE ANNUAL CLASS ELECTIONS?

Here's an interesting bit of memorabilia from the class of '50. Carl Pack Vs. Bill Flury for class president. For the real nostalgiacs among us, the green creature sitting on top of the "C" for Bob Clayton who was a Vice Presidential candidate, is a "Schmoo." You may remember that little critter as being featured in Al Capp's "L'il Abner" comic strip. Speaking of Al Capp.....Daisy Mae, I miss you!