Hamilton High: "EVER WE'LL LOYAL BE"

1951: THOSE HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS

2011-11-27T15:52:00.002-05:00

THE POEM BELOW IS A CLASSIC TAKE ON REUNIONS, AND AS I READ AND JOURNEYED THROUGH THE YEARS, I FOUND THAT THE AUTHOR REALLY NAILED IT. "WRINKLE CITY?" YOU'RE DARN RIGHT; WE EARNED EACH AND EVERY ONE! I GOTTA GO NOW ....Uhhhh. I FORGET WHY......WAIT, IT WILL COME TO ME.....Hmmmm.....MUST BE THAT EVOLVING SENILITY THING. READ THIS AND SMILE, THE GRAPHIC ABOVE IS BORROWED FROM MY ON SCREEN PRESENTATION ON THE HISTORY OF HHS:
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THE CLASS REUNION

Every ten years, as the fall season nears,

An announcement arrives in the mail,
A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand;
Make plans to attend without fail.

I'll never forget the first time we met;
We tried so hard to impress.
We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars,
And wore our most elegant dress.

It was quite an affair; the whole class was there.
It was held at a fancy hotel.
We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined,
And everyone thought it was swell.

The men all conversed about who had been first
To achieve great fortune and fame.
Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses
And how beautiful their children became.

The homecoming queen, who once had been lean,
Now weighed in at one-ninety-six.
The jocks who were there had all lost their hair,
And the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.

No one had heard about the class nerd
Who'd guided a spacecraft to the moon;
Or poor little Jane, who's always been plain;
She married a shipping tycoon.

The boy we'd decreed 'most apt to succeed'
Was serving ten years in the pen,
While the one voted 'least' now was a priest;
Just shows you can be wrong now and then.

They awarded a prize to one of the guys
Who seemed to have aged the least.
Another was given to the grad who had driven
The farthest to attend the feast.

They took a class picture, a curious mixture
Of beehives, crew cuts and wide ties.
Tall, short, or skinny, the style was the mini;
You never saw so many thighs..

At our next get-together, no one cared whether
They impressed their classmates or not.
The mood was informal, a whole lot more normal;
By this time we'd all gone to pot.

It was held out-of-doors, at the lake shores;
We ate hamburgers, coleslaw, and beans..
Then most of us lay around in the shade,
In our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.

By the fiftieth year, it was abundantly clear,
We were definitely over the hill.
Those who weren't dead had to crawl out of bed,
And be home in time for their pill.

And now I can't wait; they've set the date;
Our 55th is coming, I'm told.
It should be a ball, they've rented a hall
At the Shady Rest Home for the old.

Repairs have been made on my hearing aid;
My pacemaker's been turned up on high.
My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled;
And I've bought a new wig and glass eye.

I'm feeling quite hearty, and I'm ready to party
I'm gonna dance 'til dawn's early light.
It'll be lots of fun; But I just hope that there's one
Other person who can make it that night.

1951: HERE COMES OUR 60TH! (RIGHT CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

2011-11-11T10:49:00.006-05:00

The list of missing classmates is the latest I have in my records. If any classmates can add or see errors, please email me.

1951 - 2011: 60 YEARS!! WHERE DID THE TIME GO?

2011-10-19T09:34:00.005-05:00

Apologies to those visitor to this website who left comments that have gone unanswered. I discontinued posting on my Hamilton High and Kuser School sites due to my inability to keep all three sites going simultaneously. That was a mistake, and I am hereby resuming posting. To those of you who didn't receive a response to comments left on the site, please know that it was unintentional. A bit of simple math, 2011 minus 1951 equals 60 years, and at the golden age of 78, I admit that I let up a bit on the accelerator. However, I have decided to resume posting on this website. As to the goals of this endeavor and even though I have a very soft spot in my heart for my HHS '51 classmates, you will see that www.hhs51.blogspot .com is a chronological history of Hamilton High School West (Watson) which in my biased opinion is the best high school in the state of New Jersey.

I would like to make a suggestion to those visitors who are familiar with tweaking your computer. This site is much more legible if you reset your monitor display to 800 x 600 (from 1024 x 768).
(Go to CONTROL PANEL, CLICK ON DISPLAY, CLICK ON SETTINGS, MOVE THE SLIDER TO 800 X 600 AND CLICK APPLY.)
800 x 600 is much more comfortable for those of us who advancing age has resulted in our being "optically challenged."

1951: WE MADE SUCH BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TOGETHER!

2011-10-19T08:47:00.000-05:00

Those were such wonderful years! As I pile on the years, memories of those years of singing with the gentlemen above will remain until we prayerfully meet again in the great beyond to resume our vocal talents. The photo was taken while we were in stage makeup as you can see by the lipstick and the flesh-colored make up we wore as we performed for the public. (don't miss our lily white necks where the makeup begins!) Each of us had a specific talent. Our "anchor," Bill Baggott along with Lee Belardino handled the tenor section. Keith Kauffman and Bob Thompson handled the deep, deep, "bass II" and George Mozer and I took over the baritone ("bass I") section. I will never forget the beautiful, indeed ethereal harmony we made together as we sang those great old "barbershop" songs; "When You Wore a Tulip," "Drifting and Dreaming," "In the Evening By the Moonlight," "Shine on Harvest Moon," and countless others.

1992: PAUL WHITE, HHS '93 GETS AN EAGLE SCOUT AWARE

2011-10-12T10:09:00.003-05:00

This is from Thursday, November 19, 1992 "MERCER MESSENGER" when my friend Niel Bencivengo was Principal of the best high school in the whole U.S.A. (My opinion of course!) My son Tom so wanted a job with the Hamilton School system. He had an interview based on my telling him that there was a part time and a full time position available. However, when he got to the interview he found that the full time position had morphed into a part time position only.

1992: PAUL WHITE, HHS '93 GETS AN EAGLE SCOUT AWARE

2011-10-12T10:00:00.002-05:00

2011:MERCERVILLE SCHOOL CENTENNIAL THIS SATURDAY!

2011-09-20T06:43:00.000-05:00

Even though Sandtown's (Mercerville's) "School No. 27" dates back to the 19th century when the Mercerville School House was located on Quaker Bridge Road, the year 2011 marks the centennial celebration of that legendary old Hamilton Township school on Regina Avenue in Sandtown....uh, make that Mercerville. On Saturday, September 24th from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M., the school yard at Mercerville School will be filled with teachers, alumni, local area residents, and perhaps some local dignitaries as the school celebrates this centennial milestone. I will be there with some of the local history that reposes in the Hamilton Township Public Library's Local History Collection. I hope to see you there!

1956: HERE COMES A n HHS 55th REUNION!

2011-09-18T10:40:00.006-05:00

"HOAGLAND," in a subtle-as-a-crutch email, reminded me that my math is slipping; a message with which Max Jordan would be in complete agreement.

The error has been corrected.

I received this announcement from my friend Jack Lacy, HHS '56. Here's another historic milestone from the best high school that every existed,

HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL!

Congratulations to all those seniors from that class who are now card-carrying seniors!

1956: DECEASED FROM HAMILTON HIGH CLASS OF 1956

2011-09-07T21:34:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Jack Lacy for this updated listing of Hornets who have passed on. They will be in our prayers and our memories.

1969: HAMILTON'S JIM COURSEN RETIRES

2011-09-02T10:50:00.001-05:00

Back in the 1960's and early 1970's, "Charles Van" created quite a community controversy as he wrote a number of very controversial and critical columns relating to the inefficiencies of the Hamilton Township school system. A number of letters to the editor suggested that "Charles Van" was a pen name, and the actual author should identify himself. As my research continues, I may find more information on the writer. In the meantime, he wrote this article on the retirement of Jim Coursen; "Jim Crow" as we called him back during my Hamilton High School years. .

2011: THIS IS A RE-RUN, BUT THIS IS PRICELESS

2011-09-01T17:03:00.001-05:00

2011 MARKS THE YEAR WE WOULD HAVE OUR 60th HAMILTON HIGH REUNION. I HAVEN'T HEARD WHETHER THERE WILL BE AN ANNUAL LUNCHEON, WHETHER THE MILESTONE WILL BE BYPASSED, OR WHETHER ONE OF THE "YOUNGER" MEMBERS OF OUR CLASS WILL REACH OUT AND INVITE THOSE WHO ARE STILL GRASSY SIDE OF MOTHER EARTH TO WHAT MIGHT RIGHTLY BE CALLED "AN HHS WRINKLE CITY REUNION." THE POEM BELOW IS A CLASSIC TAKE ON REUNIONS, AND AS I READ AND JOURNEYED THROUGH THE YEARS, I FOUND THAT THE AUTHOR REALLY NAILED IT. "WRINKLE CITY?" YOU'RE DARN RIGHT; WE EARNED EACH AND EVERY ONE! I GOTTA GO NOW ....Uhhhh. I FORGET WHY......WAIT, IT WILL COME TO ME.....Hmmmm.....MUST BE THAT EVOLVING SENILITY THING. READ THIS AND SMILE:
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THE CLASS REUNION

Every ten years, as the fall season nears,

1956: Obituary of John J. Kerlin, HHS '56 FROM JACK LACY - HHS '56

2011-08-31T21:27:00.001-05:00

Hi all:

Sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings so often but someone has to do it. Been away on vacation so this is a bit late.

Jack

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John J. Kerlin John J. Kerlin, 74, passed into God's loving embrace Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at Compassionate Care Hospice in Saint Francis Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Trenton, NJ, John was a longtime Mercerville resident and businessman. He attended Hamilton High West and was an avid photographer there. Following graduation, he was a Navy reservist and veteran who proudly served on the USS Harlan R. Dickson and received the Good Conduct Medal. Upon completing his military service, John worked at Reedman Auto for several years. True to his entrepreneurial spirit, he opened and successfully operated Kerlin's Auto Service until 1972, when he decided to pursue a new career that would allow him to spend more time with his wife and two young sons whom he adored. Thus, John's Heating and Air Conditioning was born. John could always be found in his blue uniform and bright red truck. He loved working side by side with his devoted son, Wayne, who continues in John's footsteps, proudly wearing the uniform and driving the bright red truck. When not working, John enjoyed reading heating and cooling technical manuals, watching football on television, taking trips with his beloved wife, Diana, gardening, and attending weekly Mass. He always insisted on sitting in the first pew. A member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, he also enjoyed attending Mass at Saint Gregory the Great Church. John was predeceased by parents, John W. and Anna (Vlaszac) Kerlin, and father and mother in-law, Joseph and Anna Glonek. Left to honor John's memory are his devoted wife and best friend of 47 years, Diana Glonek Kerlin; his dear son and daughter in-law, Paul and Jennifer Kerlin of Colorado; his loving son and daughter in-law, Wayne and Roseanne Kerlin of Yardville, NJ; his precious grandchildren, Christopher and Nicholas of Colorado; a sister-in-law, Joan Doll, and a host of other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Chiacchio Southview Funeral Home, 990 S. Broad St., Trenton. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Sunday evening. Burial with military honors will be held privately at Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ. Parking and handicap access are located behind the funeral home.

1954: MARION GOLDENBERG SCHWARTZ'S TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND

2011-01-27T17:35:00.001-05:00

When we were young, we looked in the Society page to see who was getting married to whom. As we age, we now look in the Obituary section of the daily paper to see if one of our relatives, friends, or treasured classmates have gone to be with the Lord. Marion Schwartz's moving tribute to her friend late Marilyn Lister hearkens back to those carefree high school years.

1956: OBIT, CAROL DELP GLODAK

2010-07-21T07:08:00.001-05:00

My friend Jack Lacy has been very helpful in keeping his classmates from HHS '56 updated on the passing of classmates from that class. The above graphic was appended to Jack's notification of the passing of Carol Delp Glodak, still another member of the Hamilton High class of '56. Thanks Jack. This post will also appear on my Hamilton High website, www.hhs51.blogspot.com.

1952: OBIT Jim "Skip" Porter HHS 1952

2009-10-31T09:07:00.000-05:00

From "THE TIMES," October 31, 2009

James Porter "Skip"

James 'Skip' Porter PENNINGTON- James "Skip" Porter, 74, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home. Born in Hamilton Township in 1934, Skip lived most of his life as a Hopewell Valley resident. He enjoyed summers on Long Beach Island and winters in Hobe Sound, FL. He was a graduate of Hamilton High School West, four year class president and four year captain of the Hamilton High School football team. He spent a year as a post graduate at Hun School of Princeton then attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, where he was a part of the undefeated 1954 football team. He was a U.S. Army veteran involved with the Second Guided Missile Group at Fort Bliss, TX. Skip enjoyed being a part of his community, serving as the president of the YMCA, coaching many athletic activities in the township and enjoyed serving as a deacon of the Pennington Presbyterian Church. He was instrumental in initiating the boys basketball and girls softball leagues, and enjoyed coaching in these leagues as well. Son of the late Robert S. Porter and Mae Porter, he is survived by his wife Janet; son, James Thomson, his wife Debbie and grandchildren Hunter and Jessica Porter of Port St. Lucie, FL; daughters, Jill Ellen Jones, her husband Randall and grandchildren Randall and Tyler of Titusville, and Janiene Elizabeth Baxter, her husband Gary and grandchildren Jeffrey and Paige, of Titusville; also surviving are brothers, Robert Porter of Browns Mills, William Porter of Whiting and Earl Porter of Walla Walla, WA. We are so appreciative of the many hours of care given to Skip over the past three years by Kris Niepsiej, a loyal and dedicated caregiver and friend. A special thanks to our many friends that always gave Skip a helping hand, a smile and constant support. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to The Parkinson's Alliance, P.O. Box 308, Kingston, NJ 08528-0308. A celebration of life service for James Porter will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at The Pennington Presbyterian Church, 13 S. Main St., Pennington, NJ 08534. Calling hours will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5 at The Wilson-Apple Funeral Home, 2560 Pennington Rd., Pennington, NJ 08534.

1946: PAT MCGARRIGLE HHS '51 IS TOM SAWYER

2009-10-22T11:50:00.001-05:00

My classmate from Hamilton's class of '51 entered the 1946 Tom Sawyer look alike contest and won. The Trenton area was celebrating the arrival of the Hollywood movie, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and for publicity held a contest for a look alike.

1938: Alice Wilhelm's "Tri-Y" Club

2009-10-06T11:16:00.001-05:00

I will leave it to those visitors who have family who were at Hamilton High 70 years ago to tell us what the "Tri-Y" Club did. When Alice Wilhelm retired, she passed along many wonderful Hamilton High photos and articles to me. This is one of them.

1943: WHO SAID "YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN?"

2009-09-20T21:21:00.002-05:00

This guest book entry from Ms. Kathryn Lacy Wake was posted today. Kathryn is looking for fellow HHS '43 classmates with whom to re-establish contact. Kathryn, it is an unfortunate truth that your generation is sadly lacking in computer involvement. I just wrote about that very thing in my "Sentimental Journey" column in the Trenton Times. I hope you find a classmate who is into computing and reads this, but the chances are mighty slim.

1983: MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

2009-09-17T06:55:00.001-05:00

Even though this column I wrote back in 1983 related to Hamilton High School, Kuser School and Kuser Annex played a major part in my 12 years of education. As you will see as you read my "Odyssey," the part my fellow "Kuser Kats" played in my grammar and high school career reached a climax on the warm and rainy June night in 1951. Even in this year of 2009, I still feel a very close kinship with all my wonderful alumni from both Kuser and HHS.

Tom Glover’s

Hamilton High School Odyssey

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I drove by the place the other day. Something made me go around the block and drive by a second time. As I rounded the corner of Park Avenue and South Clinton, I decided to stop and take a closer look. I pulled over to the curb, parked, and for a minute or two, just stood on the sidewalk, closed my eyes and savored the moment.

One of my favorite movies of all time is the 20^th Century Fox production of "Twelve O’clock High." You may remember the opening minutes of the film, as an aging Dean Jagger journeys back, alone in time, to the very spot where he spent a very memorable period of his life, with very memorable people. The background music, the prop wash from the B-17s readying themselves for another mission, the almost ethereal sound of male voices coming from out of the past in song:

Bless them all, bless them all The long and the short and the tall…”

Dean Jagger was on a nostalgia trip; a mental journey, if you will, into the past. Such a journey may be taken by anyone who has pleasant memories, just sitting there; awaiting recall. As I stood in front of Hamilton High School, thinking about "Twelve O’clock High," I became aware of the warm spring breezes rustling through those familiar Sycamore trees on the front lawn of Hamilton High School. I took a seat on the settee at the base of the equally familiar Hamilton High flagpole. My thoughts of the movie vanished, and were replaced by pangs of bittersweet nostalgia ... sort of a melancholy feeling that I had been here before ... right here, on this settee ... with a lovely girl ... the girl I would ultimately fall in love with and marry. It was spring. It was 1951. I was a senior at Hamilton High.

A strange, almost supernatural sound came to my ears as the breezes whispered through the trees. "Good morning... Hamilton High School ... Yes, this is Miss Gropp. Yes, Mr. Hesser is in ... he's in a meeting. Mr. Coursen? Yes, one moment please.

Six or seven cream-colored Trenton Transit busses pull up to the curb; their doors open and busloads of 1950's type teenagers jump to the sidewalk. Over on the Park Avenue side, Joe Layton pulls up with the "Blue Goose"... repeating the same ritual his competitor is doing on South Clinton Avenue. The "Blue Goose!" What a bus ...beautiful velour seats, a roof-top luggage rack ...a remnant of the depression. Still another Layton bus pulls to the curb. It's "Red." He does have a last name, but we don't know it; all we know is he is a nice guy. He still doesn't have any teeth, he still needs a shave, and his cigarette has a one inch ash hanging from it. How vivid everything is in my mind!

"Richard, Did you read chapter two of "David Copperfield?" "Yes, Miss Cornwell."

"If you read it, Richard, which is highly doubtful, I would think you would have gotten at least one question correct."

"Yes, m’aam," came the plaintive reply.

I pass Miss Cornwell's English class...pausing at the entrance way to Mr. Bird's history class: "Listen, you birds, tomorrow we will have a quiz on chapter 14. Be sure you study."

"Mr. Bird, these shoes are too small."

"It doesn't matter. I can get you any size you want."

"OK. Get me 8-D's in brown." Mr. Bird is moonlights as a shoe salesman for Mason Shoe Company.

As if on a magic carpet, I am standing outside the Park Avenue door of Hamilton High. It's a very cold winter day; too cold to go out past the third telephone pole for a cigarette. I have one cupped in my right hand; my hand is in my pocket.

"Thomas, put that cigarette out and come with me." It's Wendell Phillips. One of his assignments as a teacher is to police the "first," "second," and "third" lunch periods for those of us who choose to break the rules of the school. Mr. Phillips is a small, slight, man. He is very soft-spoken, and at the same time, a strict disciplinarian. He wears rimless glasses, and is impeccably dressed. He has a super white, stiffly-starched white shirt, and shoes so shiny, one's reflection can be seen. His uncanny ability as a faculty detective constantly takes us by surprise. He leads me into the office, and matter-of-factly tells Mr. Miss Gropp to write me up for "five hours" of detention. Detention; How we despise it! We miss the bus, and it's a long walk home; especially in the rainy weather.

And now I'm out in the athletic field. It's Friday afternoon, and the end of another week. Don Devine, Kip Breese, and Joe Bartlett are supervising intramural sports. We're playing softball. My team is batting ...I'm up. At home, when we play softball at Plaag's Grove, I smack the ball a country mile. Why is it when I'm playing high school sports, I can't get a hit? For that matter, I can't field too, either. I don't understand. I'm facing Buddy Rick. Rick is good at all sports. He looks in at Art Perry and winks…..a windup, a stinging underarm fastball….. another….. then a third. I'm called out on the third strike...I'm embarrassed. I didn't even swing at one of them. I'm such a wimp!

Gene Grauer's up next. As I hand him the bat, I hear somebody say something about a barn and a snow shovel. I mumble something about a sore shoulder. I have to have some kind of excuse ...I mean ...three straight strikes...not only that they all saw me miss that fly ball out in right field ...hell, I would have one-handed that if we were playing over at Plaag's...how come? I'm confused.

Now I'm off the athletic field. I seem to be in a shop ...yes..."Hamilton Job Press"...print shop! Who's the teacher?..."Remember boys, FFI and FFL are called ligatures. They are next to each other in the California Job Case. You must learn where each and every letter is stored. Spaces are called "quads "...there are "em" quads and "en" quads.

That Charles Dickens accent! It can only be "Pop" Mitchell ...It is! He sits at his desk with a green celluloid visor over his forehead. It contrasts with what is left of his silver hair. He stops his discourse on ligatures long enough to rebuke one of his talkative students:

"Mr. Wilson! I shall recite a poem just for you. You would do well to listen to every word. I shall be happy to explain it should you not understand the meaning. Are you ready?

Charlie Wilson is a happy-go-lucky guy. He likes Pop, and Pop likes him. Charlie is a good print shop student. He tells Pop he is ready. "Very well, here it is:

A WISE OLD OWL LIVED IN AN OAK.

THE MORE HE SAW, THE LESS HE SPOKE.

THE LESS HE SPOKE, THE MORE HE HEARD.

WHY CAN'T WE BE LIKE THAT OLD BIRD?

Do you understand the poem, Mr. Wilson?" "Yeah, I do, Mr. Mitchell."

"Very well, if you try to be like that old bird you will have very little trouble understanding ligatures. FFI, FFL..."

The voice trails off, along with the hum of the Hamilton Job Presses. And suddenly, I'm seated in the third row, front section of the Hamilton High School auditorium. It's operetta time. We're having rehearsals for the 1951 production of "Tulip Time". Louise Baird is playing the piano, accompanying Bill Baggott. Bill's lovely tenor voice obviously pleases Miss Baird as she plays the piano with a smile of satisfaction. Bill's solo ends and the chorus called to the stage. For the umpteenth time we will go over the one song which seems to need work.

"All right, choir, listen to me." It's Miss Louise Baird. Petite is stature, but with the uncanny ability to demand, and get, attention, and then perfection. "The last time we did this song, some of you basses were growling around off pitch. Was it you, Keith Kauffman?"

"No Miss Baird, it was probably Clark Perry." Clark is a tenor. We laugh at Keith's always present sense of humor.

Miss Baird's glasses are tilted on the top of her head, aviator style, as she calls Saundra Smith in to provide the accompaniment. Miss Baird takes up a position at the front of the stage so she can hear the offending voice, or voices. She taps her pencil for attention, and Sandy begins to play. We wait for the introduction, which by now is more familiar than out national anthem, then we sing:

“..TULIP TIME IN HOLLAND IS A TIME FOR MERRY FUN.

MARKET PLACE IS CROWDED, AND THE JOY HAS JUST BEGUN,

WE ARE HERE TO CELEBRATE, AND WHEN THE DAY IS DONE,

WE WILL NOT FORGET THE HAPPY HOURS...”

Again, the voices fade, and just as suddenly, I'm out of the auditorium. It's a warm June night. School will soon end. It's the last canteen of the year. It's such a delightful evening; almost as if God mandated soft moonlight, rustling leaves, and the heady smell of romance.

"Let's go outside and get some air, Jude."

We hold hands and walk out into the delightful spring evening. I can't explain the vibrant electricity I feel between my hand and hers. I wonder to myself if I'm trembling. She looks fresh and clean as the spring. I'm in love. We face each other ...holding each other's hand. We look at each other and wonder at the strange and beautiful happening. I kiss her. She's soft and fresh, and beautiful. She is becoming a woman ...I'm becoming a man.

And now there's a clap of thunder, followed by a brilliant flash of lightning. It's still June, but it's our big day. Graduation! My brother drops me off at the side entrance to the War Memorial Building. Many of the guys are standing on the sidewalk. All of us feign confidence and composure. Inside, we're all experiencing butterflies. I walk up to Larry McGlynn. "Hi Stony ! ... `be glad when this is over, won't you?" Joe Kasian saunters over; always ready with that smile. Geez! I've gone through 12 years of school with Joe; from kindergarten to senior. I've grown up with him ...and George Morley, Joan Tart, Karen Peterson, Shirley VanMarter, Charlotte Wilson, Ronnie Tarr, Tony Gies, Elaine Globus, Jess Anderson, Don Slabicki…..all those "Kuser Kids"...I silently wonder to myself if I'll ever see them again after tonight. What an unsettling thought. There's uneasiness about this graduation business. The lightning flashes and it rains….hard. We rush for the protective shelter of the huge awning at the side of the War Memorial. My Uncle Charlie Gaudette comes out in his short sleeves and unlocks the doors. He's the superintendent here, and I'm kinda proud that my uncle has such an important position.

"Hi ya Tommy…. 'Ya all ready for the big night? Tell your Mom and Pop we'll be over Saturday". Almost as an afterthought, he reaches into his wallet and hands me a five dollar bill ...then wishes me well.

And suddenly, we're all on the huge War Memorial building stage. We're sitting on bleachers. The kids in the back row are way up there ...I mean way up...near the roof. The program begins. A minister delivers a stirring invocation. Reverend John Oman delivers a short, relevant prayer. The minutes tick away. Feet rustle and throats clear, more out of nervousness than necessity. On cue, the choir takes a place in the front of the graduates, center stage. We look down beyond the footlights and see the friendly and familiar face of Miss Baird, as she begins to lead us in song ...her smile is reassuring:

Our harmony is superb. All of a sudden, I realize the beauty of these lyrics. We've been singing this song for 3 years, and I never understood the full beauty of the thing.

“Now the day is over, night is drawing nigh,

Shadows of the evening, steal across the sky.

Jesus gives the weary, calm and sweet repose,

With thy tenderest blessing, may my eyelids close..”

As I ponder the lyrics, I am strangely choked up; my eyes are glistening ...the end is in view. I cast a furtive glance at some classmates...am I the only one with this intense emotional feeling? There's Judy Britton, Shirley Whitebread, Phyllis Booz, Joan Delowise, Karen Peterson, Charlotte Wilson...all crying. Most of the girls are crying ...what about the guys? ...Geez! I have this lump in my throat ...I feel the tears welling up to overflowing. The song ends. Miss Baird looks up at us, a smile of complete satisfaction on her face. She nods and silently sounds the word "good". We assume our places with the graduates. My nose is running ...I need a tissue, and don't have one. Who would have thought I would have needed one? ...I sniff and swallow.

And now, Mr. Hesser is presenting the class to Mr. Howard D. Morrison. We're on our way! They're handing out the diplomas. The applause, as each name is called, seems to emphasize the popularity, or lack thereof, of the recipient. And suddenly, they're all distributed ...there are no more ...this is the end. Twelve years of school ..this is really the end! Am I glad or am I sad? Mr. Morrison speaks the final words:

"And so, to the class of Hamilton High School, 1951, good luck, and may God Bless each and every one of you."

Suddenly the scene changes. I'm out of the War Memorial. It's September ...I don't know what year...yes I do...it's 1983...a school bus rumbles up to the curb on the Park Avenue side of Hamilton High School. Now they call it "Hamilton High School West". Here comes another bus, and another. They're not Trenton Transit ...not Joe Layton...they're all bright yellow and black. 1983-type school kids hop, skip, and jump to the curb and head toward those familiar old doorways. I'm standing in their midst but they don't seem to see me. Strange! How I envy them! I remember Victor Herbert's song, "Toyland"...how does it go...let's see...

"Toyland, toyland, dear little girl and boy land,

While you are within it, you are ever happy there,

Childhood joy land, dear little girl and boy land,

Once you've passed its portals, you may never return again..."

How true! Look at those Freshmen! Four years of high school still ahead of them! Oh, please enjoy it...Learn! Live every golden minute of it...someone please tell them it's all over so soon ...it ends so fast!

The bell rings; a bell much louder than the bell we had, and they are all in class. The breeze rustles through the trees, and ethereal voices, clear and bell-like, echo through the grand old building and a song mingles with the rustle of those big Hamilton High Sycamore trees….

“The New Years Eve, we did the town, the day we tore the goal post down,

We will have these moments to remember.

The quiet walks, the noisy fun,the ballroom prize we almost won,

We will have these moments to remember..."

----- Original Message -----

From: Iamdpw@aol.com

To: Thomglo@verizon.net

Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 11:55 AM

Subject: Permission

Tom-

I sent a copy of an item from your blog to some of my classmates as a suggestion of what we could present as entertainment at our next annual class meeting. It was your piece about "day dreaming" of going back to HHS and recalling pleasant memories of those days.

My question is this- Can we have your permission to quote some (or maybe all ) of that article in our presentation at our luncheon in June? We would of course acknowledge that the words are yours.

Don Whiteley

1951: Elise Mueller, Queen of the Senior Ball

2009-09-08T08:05:00.003-05:00

One of the really great things about my web blogs is re-kindling old acquaintances. Elise visited my website, hopefully as a result of my recent TIMES column on the subject of computers and the lack of senior citizen involvement. Lovely Elise was the queen of our class of '51 senior ball. There she sits, majestically on her throne, a vision of loveliness. Another vision of loveliness is standing to her immediate right (on the left in the center photo), a young lady named Shirley Whitebread who was a blazing "old flame*" back in Kuser School, and also a regular duet partner of mine in the Kuser School glee club. *"old flame" is a seldom heard phrase familiar to only those of us who are in the over 60 generation. The phrase has been replaced with "an ex."

2009: CLARK PERRY-HHS '51--GOODBYE FOR NOW

2009-09-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

Today I received an email from Audrey Perry looking for my tribute to Clark. I was amazed to note that I posted it on my www.glover320.blogspot.com blog, but neglected to post it here.

I really get a morose and melancholy reaction when I read of the passing of still another classmate. Especially those who went through twelve years of school with me, from Miss Mary Kelley's Reception grade at Kuser School, through Hamilton High Class of 1951. Clark was one of the stalwarts as a tenor in our years with Louise Baird's vocal music class. I have been blessed with an incredible ability to remember persons, places, and things from my very earliest years. Countless memories of Clark and his twin brother Art will always be with me. Louise Baird used to mix a bit of philosophical wisdom in with our music repertoire. One of those philosophical gems applies to my old friend, Clark:
"Make the world a bit more beautiful because you have lived in it." Clark did. Rest in Peace my friend, we WILL meet again.

2006: HHS CLASS OF '56. ANOTHER "CLASS WITH CLASS."

2009-08-26T22:05:00.002-05:00

Fellow Hamilton Hornet Jack Lacy gave me a CD/DVD loaded with photos from the 50th reunion of Hamilton's class of 1956, celebrated back in 2006. The above photo has been enhanced and tweaked to give you an idea of just one small portion of the time and labor that was brought into play by alumni from that class. Check out the neighborhood display, and don't miss that old Wurlitzer juke box. I am posting this on my HHS51.blogspot.com blog, but it is also very appropriate as a post here at Glover320.

1951: LEE MOUNT, HHS 51 AND BROTHER CARL

2009-08-25T10:07:00.002-05:00

Here's HHS '51 classmate Lee Mount and his little brother Carl on a sled, winter, 1938.

1947: "PUPPY LOVE" AT KUSER GRAMMAR SCHOOL

2009-08-10T10:11:00.001-05:00

This is one of my childhood girlfriends whom I met long before meeting my dear wife of 56 years, Judy Britton. most of us guys had a young lady during our years in grammar school who gave us that very interesting emotional malady known as "Puppy Love." Millie Long was one of those grammar school classmates who captured my 13 year old heart. Few indeed are those of us who will ever forget the object of our affection in those grammar school years. The late Mildred Long was one of those lovely young girls who brightened my life when I first met her in 8^th grade at Kuser School. I recently went to that big old Sycamore tree in front of Kuser School and looked in vain for the heart that I carved on that tree that I thought would last forever: “Tommy G. + Millie L," but it was nowhere to be seen.

2009: A REDUNDANT REMINDER

2009-08-09T07:07:00.000-05:00

(I will be posting this graphic on this, and my Kuser and Hamilton High websites periodically to remind any alumni who are interested in attending this historic event.)

I have no idea how many Kuser alumni visit this site. However, I would be remiss if I didn't remind those Kuser Kats who are visitors to mark their respective calendars for Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 1 to 5 P.M. for a visit back to the best grammar school in the world! I hope to see you there!

1974 Hamilton High Class of '74 to celebrate their 35th

2009-07-28T20:05:00.001-05:00

With the arrival of the Fall reunion season, I will be posting any and all reunion notices on this website, and those from Hamilton High West on this and my www.hhs51.blogspot.com website. I received this note from Steve Allen, HHS '74, and gladly post their reunion announcement from the HHS '74 website. (See the link to their website on my "Links" section.

2009: HHS'51 Shirley Gress Obit

2009-07-25T08:07:00.002-05:00

I had seen Shirley on a number of occasions during my frequent Senior Citizen outreach programs. She was a lovely gal who was always there with that ready smile, and cordial personality. Rest in Peace, Shirl,
"we'll meet again, don't know where don't know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day..."

1954: IT WILL BE REUNION #55 FOR HHS '54

2009-06-24T08:38:00.003-05:00

When I lost my complete list of email addresses and ALL the correspondence, I lost contact with many of my visitors. As explained elsewhere on this site, in my quest to be logical, I assumed that the transition from Verizon Fios to Verizon Broadband would not erase all of my thomglo@verizon.net library of messages and addresses. Such was, and is not the case. Here's a warning to all who are considering the move I made. Believe it or not, Verizon Broadband told me they are a different organization than Verizon Fios, and have no facility to host emails. I learned too late that my quest to apply logic can be very twisted. So Karen Golden, if you are reading this post, thank you so much for the yearbook. Please contact me at my NEW email address
tglover320@optimum.net

A REDUNDANT REMINDER

2009-06-22T10:56:00.001-05:00

2009: Come Sing With Me and Also Remember Kuser School Days

For those local residents who were unable to attend the June 4th Centennial Dinner Dance at the Nottingham Ballroom, I will be presenting my onscreen multimedia presentation,
"KUSER SCHOOL: A LOCAL LEGEND" on Sunday afternoon during my regular singalong program. The program will be from 1 to 3 PM in the Kuser Mansion theater. I hope to see you there. Call 890-3630 to reserve a seat or seats.

1989: HHS PRESENTS "OLIVER!"

2009-06-15T08:14:00.002-05:00

Last month, Judy and I journeyed down to Seneca High School in Tabernacle, N.J. to see my grand daughter Jessica in "Oliver!" It was a SMASH hit. As we left the auditorium, I opined to my dear wife Judy and my daughter, Juliane, that Seneca's production was as good as those which have been presented by Hamilton High under the direction of Ms. Sue Proulx, and earlier, Miss Louise Baird. And that is a well-deserved compliment to the very talented music students and the faculty at HHS!

1989: HHS MATH CLUB

2009-06-13T09:14:00.003-05:00

Here are four Hornets doing what I couldn't do in a million years: excel in math. I have absolutely no mathmatical talent.

2009-06-13T09:14:00.001-05:00

2009: Come Sing With Me and Also Remember Kuser School Days

2009-06-09T22:30:00.001-05:00

DON'T FORGET THE ARCHIVES

2009-06-09T10:48:00.001-05:00

ATTENTION NEWCOMERS:

BE SURE TO CHECK THE ARCHIVES. THEY GO BACK TO THE YEAR 2006

2009: OBIT: SHIRLEY VAN MARTER EDWARDS

2009-06-08T08:40:00.006-05:00

It was with extreme sadness that I noted the passing of Shirley Van Marter (Edwards), still another member of the "Class With Class, HHS 1951." Shirley was a class mate of mine through all 12 years of grammar and high school. I will always remember that quick and ready smile. She had a truly wonderful personality.The Van Marter family were neighbors of the Glovers back in the 1930's. We lived on Beal Street and the Van Marters on Partridge.

1967: A REQUEST FROM RICHARD SANNA, HHS '67

2009-06-06T21:16:00.002-05:00

I received an email from Richard Sanna requesting information on the class of '67. Unfortunately, the HHS51 guest book does not allow for responses to guest comments, so I am taking this opportunity to address Richard's questions:

Sorry to say Richard, the only 1967 HHS post on my website is one revealing the fact that Betty Reed and Herb Griffiths were transferring over to Steinert.

As to requesting using my column, sorry to say my space is too limited for PSA's. I suggest you send one in to the Times' Community editor and if he/she is not the person, to please forward your request.

I will be keeping an eye out for future HHS material from the later years.

Tom Glover

1956: Obits of Morris Agress and Marilyn Louise (Soren) Sailey-Schmidt

2009-06-05T17:10:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Jack Lacy, HHS '56 for the following notifications:

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

Hi All !

Regretfully we report the passing of another HHS56 classmate, Marilyn (Soren) Sailey-Schmidt, and one of our few surviving teachers, Morris Agress. Their obituaries are listed below.

Special thanks to classmates Barbara Snyder Dauber and Myrna Comiskey Doolittle for their assistance on tracking down the information on Marilyn. We had missed the original obit notice.

Jack

Marilyn (Soren) Sailey-Schmidt

Marilyn Louise (Soren) Sailey-Schmidt

HAMILTON - Marilyn Louise Sailey-Schmidt, of Crosswicks passed away peacefully Sunday, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton, after a valiant battle. Born in Trenton she was a lifelong area resident. Marilyn received her Bachelors Degree in English with a Minor in Journalism from Trenton State College in 1986. She began her work life as a bank teller at the Roma Bank, she then worked for the Aim One and Kelly Temporary Agencies for several years. Most recently she was a Client Representative for the Prudential Company in Ewing. Marilyn had several passions including a love for travel and learning. Her greatest passion was writing. She published works in the short story and poetry genres and was the 2006 recipient of the 'Outstanding Achievement Award in Poetry' given by the International Society of Poets. Her passion for writing allowed her to become an Adjunct Faculty Member of the English Department at the Burlington County Community College. She was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Yardville and member of the New Jersey Romance Writers as well as a member of the Romance Writers of America. Marilyn was predeceased by her first husband Douglas Alan Sailey. She is survived by her husband Herbert L. Schmidt; her daughters Karen L. Wira and her husband Michael, Janet McSloy and her husband Mike, her grandchildren Lynne Wiley, Elizabeth L. Bashiti, Christopher and Sean Wira, her sister Gail Shuman, her nephew Todd Shuman and her 5 silky terriers; Max, Molly, Abby, Sparky and Keely. Funeral Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at St, James Episcopal Church, 1040 Yardville-Allentown Road, Yardville. Interment will be at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ Relatives and friends may call 5-7 pm Tuesday at the Saul Memorial Home,1740 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure , 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas TX, 75244. www.saulfuneralhomes.com

Published in The Times, Trenton, on 4/6/2009

Morris M. Agress

HAMILTON SQUARE - Morris M. Agress, 97, died Monday at his residence. Born in 1912 on what is now Agress Road in Perrineville, NJ, Mr. Agress was a graduate of Rider College (B.A.) and Rutgers University (M.A.) A career educator, Mr. Agress taught in Morristown and Monmouth College. For over 40 years, he taught business courses for the Hamilton Township Board of Education. He was a soccer coach in Hamilton for 20 years, winning several state championships. Mr. Agress served two terms as president of the Roosevelt (NJ) Board of Education and two terms as president of the Hamilton Township Teachers Association. He was an officer and trustee of the Mercer County Credit Union. After retirement, Mr. Agress studied history at Mercer County Community College and was appointed the Evening School administrator at the college, where he served for several years. He was a member of Congregation Beth El, East Windsor, and the Perrineville Jewish Center. When Mr. Agress was in the fifth grade, he had a crush on his red-headed teacher. In December 1939, he married the former Dorothy Cobin, the red-headed teacher. They were married for 69 wonderful years, and she survives him. He is also survived by two children, Dr. Lynne Agress of Towson, MD, and William S. Agress of Lawrenceville, and a grandson, Andrew J. Agress. Mr. Agress was the brother of the late Bea Zuckerberg and Louis Agress. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Perrineville Cemetery Chapel in Perrineville. The period of mourning will be observed at the Agress residence in Hamilton on Wednesday afternoon, Thursday from 5-7 p.m., Sunday afternoon and Monday evening. Memorial contributions may be offered to Congregation Beth El, 50 Maple Stream Road, East Windsor, NJ 08520. Funeral arrangements are by Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township.

Published in The Times, Trenton, on 6/3/2009

2009:JUST A REMINDER BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE

2009-05-22T10:36:00.000-05:00

If you are going to the Kuser School Centennial dinner dance on Thursday, June 4, 2009, and haven't yet reserved a place or places, call the number above and reserve a place. This affair promises to be a memorable event. I hope to see you there!

1989: HHS CLASS OF 1954 CELEBRATE THEIR 35TH

2009-05-22T09:15:00.002-05:00

1954: It was a very good year. some 55 years later, Judy Britton and Tom Glover celebrated 55 years of wedded bliss, along with those infrequent incidents that added wrinkle after wrinkle to our once young countenance. Here's an article I wrote for the Hornets from the class of '54. Unless my math is faulty, they will be headed for their 55th this year of 2009.

1989: HHS JUNIOR CLASS FASHION SHOW

2009-05-20T12:09:00.001-05:00

These Hornets would go on to become the class of 1990.

1949: THE OPERETTA HOLLYWOOD EXTRA

2009-05-20T08:38:00.000-05:00

I miss those annual high school operettas. It would really be nice to see the high schools do what is being done on Broadway with musical revivals. Wouldn't it be nice to see "The Red Mill," or one of Gilbert and Sullivans masterpieces? As I was reading over the program which I have digitally re-mastered, I was transported back to the year 1949 where a lovely Bettee Beiger
Farmer loaned her beautiful voice to still another HHS annual operetta. There were a few of my teen age crushes in that cast.

1974: Steve Allen-HHS '74- A New Hornet Website

2009-05-19T12:51:00.003-05:00

The following is from Steve Allen, HHS '74:

Hi Tom,

My name is Steve Allen (Class of ’74). Recently we started working on our plans for our F35^th reunion to be held on Friday, November 27^th, 2009. Specific details regarding place, costs, time, etc have yet to be established. However, as a result of the planning, and since I have my own web/graphic design company, I am responsible for all internet communications. Again, since my company designs websites, we created a site for the class of 74 (www.hhswclassof74.com). It just went “live” this weekend and still have some pages to complete. The reason for my e-mail is to see if you would be willing to mention us in your blog. In return, I have created a link on our site for “Links” which I will be placing Classmates.com, the Official HHSW website and Alumni site and would be more than happy to add your hhs51 blog if you would like.

This June 10^th we will be having our first fundraiser at Applebees on Rt. 33, from 11am till 10pm with 10% of each bill going towards our fundraising efforts. Within the next day or two I will have the flyer online that everyone needs to take into the restaurant in order to get the donations. Of course we would appreciate any publicity your blog could offer as I am sure you have numerous fellow hornets that are avid readers of your blog and would be willing to help out by dining out on that day.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me…

Thanks,

Steve Allen

1949-1950 (Circa) HHS Soccer Team

2009-05-19T08:38:00.002-05:00

There's Tommy Corelli on the far right, Jack Pierson on the far left. I also see classmates Donnie Frounfelker, Ronnie Lynch, Kieth Kauffman, Paul Henon.....Memories of our youth!

A FANTASTIC HIGH SCHOOL REUNION POEM

2009-05-17T14:00:00.006-05:00

This gem comes from Carl Hoagland via Jack Lacy, both Hornets from the HHS class of '56. It is priceless, and quite typical of human nature.

Many thanks, Carl and Jack!
================
Every class has one or two classmates who refuse to give in to the ravages of father time and admit that they have aged dramatically from their school years.
If I should be blessed with another reunion for my HHS '51 class,
I herewith forewarn all of my classmates:
As you squint to read my name tag, know that I have earned each and every wrinkle in my 75 year old countenance. Trusting you will forgive my one 50 year old exercise in vanity, when I opted for a man-made hair do, I want you to know that at the golden age of 75, I have no problem reminding myself almost daily that I am no longer a young stud. Don't look for me to do a teenager-type jitterbug, Cha Cha, or polka.....maybe a very slow two step. All the while, remember those eternal words of wisdom from Robert Browning:

"Grow old with me....the best is yet to be.."

============
THE CLASS REUNION

Every ten years, as summertime nears,

Author Unknown

1954: Dorothy Boulden Ridolfi Obit

2009-05-11T21:10:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to Marion for sending this heads up regarding the passing of Dorothy Boulden Ridolfi:

Hello Tom,

Hope all is well with you and yours!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Dottie Boulden-Ridolfi passed away, I think from cancer. She was a very nice and very sweet person and a classmate of mine at HHS, as was Ed Ridolfi (Class of 1955). I have attached the link to her obituary:

http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/trenton/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=123372941

Thanks,
Marion

2009: COME SING WITH ME!

2009-05-10T07:03:00.001-05:00

A case of bad planning, along with a lack of publicity will probably result in a dismal turnout for my Wednesday night May 13th musical program at the Kuser Mansion. Unfortunately, the dates available did not coincide with the appearance of my "Sentimental Journey" column in the Times of Trenton. However, the program will go on, and perhaps a visitor or visitors to this website will be interested in participating in our journey back to the years of good music.

Here's the advertising poster for another of my very popular Kuser Mansion music programs. If you have two hours available next Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30, come on over to Kuser Mansion on Newkirk Avenue and Cedar Lane and join those of us who love the music we grew up with. We'll be remembering all those great 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's vocalists that sang the music we loved. Remember Tony Orlando and Dawn?....Barry Manilow?.....Englebert Humperdinck? Perry Como? Bobby Goldsboro? There's music with a melody and understandable lyrics....music for all ages from World War II right up to the recent past, when the music died, vocals turned to spoken words or screams, and instrumentals that puncture the ear drums.

2009 : HHS '89 NIGHT AT RED ROBIN MAY 13

2009-04-25T13:26:00.003-05:00

Attention HHS '89: Kirk Corless has sent me the following email announcing a
"Class of '89 Night" to be held at Hamilton's Red Robin. Copy and print the graphic above to participate in this necessary fund raiser. Go Fellow Hornets!

Kirks Email:

Mr Glover,

I want to let you know that the Class of '89 Reunion Committee is holding a HHW Class of '89 Night at Red Robin on May 13th from 5-8 pm at Hamilton Marketplace. For information, go to the hhwclassof89.com website, click on Fundraisers, then click on the Red Robin logo, a page will open for the flyer to print out and then go to the restaurant to be given to the server and the Class of '89 will get 15% of the proceeds from that night.

Thanks again for your support!

Kirk

1989: HHS CLASS OF '89 NIGHT MAY 13, 2009

2009-04-25T13:17:00.000-05:00

Mr Glover,

I want to let you know that the Class of '89 Reunion Committee is holding a HHW Class of '89 Night at Red Robin on May 13th from 5-8 pm at Hamilton Marketplace. For information, go to the hhwclassof89.com website, click on Fundraisers, then click on the Red Robin logo, a page will open for the flyer to print out and then go to the restaurant to be given to the server and the Class of '89 will get 15% of the proceeds from that night.

Thanks again for your support!

Kirk

1952: LOUISE BAIRD'S HAMILTON HIGH CHOIR

2009-04-25T10:49:00.001-05:00

Some of these singers were in my years as a member of the HHS choir. Through the years, Hamilton High's vocal music accomplishments are legendary. During WWII, the choir sang at numerous events for the soldiers at Fort Dix. Louise Baird had a scrapbook filled with warm letters of appreciation from those who were exposed to our music. Today, Ms. Sue Proulx keeps the tradition of musical excellence as the vocal music director at "West."

2009: DON'T MISS THE KUSER CENTENNIAL DINNER!

2009-04-22T13:35:00.001-05:00

I will be keeping this form near the top of my website posts for the next few weeks. If you haven't already done so, right click on the reservation form, choose "Save Image As," save it to your hard drive, print it out and mail it.

1950's LET'S DO LUNCH AT WOOLWORTH'S 5 & 10!

2009-04-10T16:14:00.001-05:00

Many thanks to HHS '51 classmate Joyce Adams Elliott for this splendid menu from Woolworth's "five and dime." I remember how great it was to have a hot dog at either Kresge's or Woolworth's in downtown Trenton back in my younger years. Check out those prices!

2009: MY "SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY" COLUMN IS NOW ONLINE

2009-04-04T12:35:00.000-05:00

Talk about "hi-tech!" As I was writing this post, I recalled with bittersweet memories how as a lonely and homesick soldier, serving two and a half years in Italy and Germany, I was starved for hometown news, I asked Mom and Pop Glover to send me the Trenton Times. It took upwards of two weeks to cross the ocean and be put in my barracks mailbox, but I savored each and every paper. Now, those lonely G.I.'s and others who yearn for the news from home, can just click on their computer and journey across the miles to read their hometown newspaper. Incredible!

Online newspaper readership is growing rapidly and a portent of things to come in this digital age. Personally, I don't think anything will ever replace my first-thing-in-the-morning cup of coffee with my favorite morning newspapers spread across my breakfast table. Most of my fellow senior citizens prefer reading the morning paper as they have been for decades. Conversely, most of the younger generation are computer users, and reading the local news online. Realizing the changing demographics, Times Editor Brian Malone has brought the "Times of Trenton" (known to we old timers as the "Trenton Times") into the digital age with a much easier to negotiate website. The Times is the oldest daily newspaper in Trenton, and among the oldest in the Trenton-Bucks-Burlington-Delaware Valley area. The website is very attractive, and those who prefer to read their local news via the online newspaper, along with those who live anywhere in the world can now read comprehensive daily hometown news in brilliant, living color.
My bi-weekly "Sentimental Journey" column, along with all of your other favorite Times columnists, is now available online and quite easy to access. The graphic above is a cut and paste of today's "Sentimental Journey" column. Bookmark the website below for your daily online read of the Times of Trenton, and thanks for being a reader!

Go to:

http://www.nj.com/times

Arrow down to "COLUMNISTS" and click on my name, along with any of the many Times columnists.

2009: CLARK PERRY-GOODBYE FOR NOW

2009-03-31T09:35:00.001-05:00

FYI: THE TRENTON TIMES WEBSITE

2009-03-29T21:32:00.000-05:00

They tell me that multitudes are reading newspapers on line. Personally, I don't think anything will ever replace my first-thing-in-the-morning cup of coffee and my favorite morning newspapers. But for the growing internet newspaper readership, the folks at the Times of Trenton have made it easier to surf their website. It will be much easier for out of towners to access my latest
"Sentimental Journey" column. Go to:

http://www.nj.com/times

Arrow down to "COLUMNISTS" and click on my name.
Thanks to all my loyal readers!

1944: Captain Ralph Able and Ginny

2009-03-28T09:46:00.003-05:00

Ginny Abel was a classmate in Hamilton's class of '51 (the class with class). Her winning smile and pleasant personality endeared her to her classmates. Ralph Abel was in the "Phys Ed" department with Joe Bartlett, Kip Breece, and Don Devine, Carl Abbott, Herb Griffith, Lea Terry, and Bernie Hughes.

1963-1964 HHS 45TH AND 46TH COMBINED REUNION

2009-03-22T21:41:00.004-05:00

FROM CLAIRE DWIER ZARR, HHS '64, THIS REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IN LOCATING MISSING MEMBERS OF THE HHS CLASSES OF 1963 AND 1964.

On Saturday, October 10, 2009, the HHS-W Classes of 1963 and 1964 are planning a combined 45th High School Reunion. At our age, retirement and relocation has taken a toll on the accuracy of our mailing lists. So we've spent several months searching for and locating classmates, but some have not been located. Finding female classmates is especially difficult, since many married and have different last names. We plan to advertise in the local media this summer, but your site now reaches so far and wide, we thought a notice from you might help us find more missing classmates.

2009: WELCOME SWEET SPRINGTIME!

2009-03-21T10:23:00.004-05:00

Join us tomorrow (Sunday, March 22) from 1 to 3 PM as I bring the program, "Welcome Sweet Springtime" to those of us who remember the golden years. The program will be presented in the main dining room-theater of Kuser Farm Mansion on Newkirk and Leonard Avenue in Hamilton. I will be recalling those wonderful years of our youth as we played sandlot baseball, the first girlfriend, the story of the old boiler, and of course, the main feature of our program, singing along to the songs we all loved. Come on out; based on past programs, I can assure you that you will spend a very happy two hours.

1951: HHS: The Memories Linger

2009-03-20T10:25:00.001-05:00

I have been writing newspaper columns for nearly 30 years, and in all those years, many of the hundreds of columns have dealt with pleasant and sometimes bittersweet memories of Kuser Grammar School and Hamilton High School. (before it became Hamilton West). The above column told of the trials and tribulations of a young man who was just approaching puberty, and the social and emotional toll it took on his emerging journey to adulthood.

1994: HHS PRESENTS "WEST SIDE STORY"

2009-03-19T16:20:00.001-05:00

1989: HHS 20TH COMING IN 2009!

2009-03-05T12:40:00.002-05:00

When you reach the golden age of 70 and up, one thing shines out above all others. Time moves by so very very swiftly. I was in the twilight of my full time working career in 1989, but it seems like only yesterday. Pretty Jennifer Favens who is featured in the photo above, seems to be in a pensive mood as she takes in the various facets of the thing they call "commencement." I'm sure Jennifer will agree that the time has really slipped by with incredible speed.

1959: HAMILTON HIGH EIGHTH GRADE ???

2009-03-04T11:56:00.003-05:00

This one has me completely baffled. Was it an error on the part of the Trenton Times? Was this really the class of 1959 at Hamilton High? Did the high school host a graduating class whose school was not available? 'tis a mystery. Perphaps a 1959 visitor can explain this article.
Thanks to Alan Wildblood for solving this rather confusing article. Alan Writes:

These are 8th graders. When half of Hamilton upperclassmen of that year (went) to Steinert, there would have been room at the old school for some 8th grades. You see Carol Wirth, daughter of Pauline and a friend of mine. She graduated from 12th grade at Hamilton High in 1963 so it works out.

HHS PRESENTS CAROUSEL

2009-02-26T18:52:00.004-05:00

I need help from HHS alumni to date this program. Recalling the many times Louise Baird played music from this wonderful operetta while we were nightly visitors to her next door apartment, I would guess that the date was 1959. I do remember the lovely Kay Salvatore and her beautiful singing voice; a very capable Julie Jordan, as was George Bolge who was Billy Bigelow. Carousel is still my very favorite operetta and motion picture. I still fill up with tears in that last scene where Billy comes back to visit Julie and his daughter at graduation. Heavy stuff, but ethereal in nature.

1955: Beverly Brenner Muschiatti Obit

2009-02-23T14:00:00.004-05:00

This email received from Jack Lacy, HHS '56, via Noreen Brenner McBride:

Hi All !

Noreen "Ish" (Brenner) McBride asked me to pass this on to those on my several mail lists who knew her sister, Bev, who was also the former wife of Larry Muschiatti. Bev was in the HHS55 class.
Jack

BEVERLY (BRENNER) MUSCHIATTI
Beverly (Brenner) Muschiatti, age 71, of Bear, DE passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 19, 2009 surrounded by her family.
Born in Trenton, NJ, Ms. Muschiatti was the daughter of the late Fred and Iva (Collins) Brenner. For over 20 years, she worked for Delaware Importers, retiring in 2005. She was the first woman president of the Newark National Little League in 1977 and the Football Director of the NCC New Castle Bulldogs and Glasgow Dragons for the NCCFL. She also coached cheerleading for Capitol Trail Junior Football and taught ceramics. She enjoyed garage sales and flea markets and was a proud supporter of the Delaware Stars Cheerleaders.
Ms. Muschiatti will be dearly missed by her sons, Jeffrey of Sherwood, OR, David of Wilmington and Michael of Newark; her daughter and son-in-law, Debi and Kurt Bartell of Bear; three grandchildren, Ashley, Kelly and Makayla; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Doris Brenner of California; and her sisters, Joyce Berrien of Lakehurst, NJ and Noreen McBride of Trenton, NJ.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday, February 24 between 6-7 pm at Mealey Funeral Home, Limestone and Milltown Roads, Wilmington, with a memorial service beginning at 7 pm. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, 111 W. 11th St. #3, Wilmington, DE 19801.
www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com

1972: HHS ALUMNUS PAT MCGARRIGLE MAKES A CAREER MOVE

2009-02-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

2009: A HEADS UP FROM TOM

2009-02-18T07:47:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

2009: HEADS UP FROM TOM

This Sunday afternoon, February 22, from 1 to 3 PM, I will be presenting my music program " When Music Was Music" at Kuser Farm Mansion, Cedar Lane and Newkirk Avenues in Hamilton. We will be singing the songs of Patti Page, Dean Martin, Barry Mannilow, Joni James, Andy Williams, and all of the "easy listening" songs from the 40's, World War II, and choice ballads and novelty songs through the 60's and 70's. This year, in recognition of the centennial of Kuser School, I will also be recalling grammar school in the years of my (and our) youth. Once again we'll be singing "Do You Know the Muffin Man," "Go In and Out the Windows," and other school playground songs, and recalling ink wells, blackboards, milk boards, girlfriends, lavatories, cloak rooms and all those fascinating vestiges of a now vintage era. I can pretty much guarantee a fun filled two hours. I hope to see you there. Call 890-3630 and leave a message to reserve a seat (or seats). I hope to see y'all there!

1951 ALICE SCHMIDT MULLEN: "KEEPER OF THE FLAME"

2009-02-16T10:24:00.003-05:00

Sincere gratitude to Alice Schmidt Mullen, HHS '51 for diligently recording the activities and obituaries of our HHS '51 classmates. Though the years, Alice has clipped those articles and saved them for posterity. The numerous obits and achievement articles on this website would not have seen the light of day were it not for Alice. With gratitude, HHS '51 salutes you; you're the best!

1965: RONNIE LYNCH - HHS '51

2009-02-16T09:54:00.003-05:00

Ronnie was a classmate through most of my Kuser School years, and all through HHS '51. As you can see by the graphic above, he was another of our "Academic" classmates who went on to a very successful career as a lawyer. Ronnie was known for that contagious smile.

2009: Lucia "Lucy" Spera Di Polvere - HHS '51

2009-02-16T09:16:00.003-05:00

I only know her as "Lucy." She was a "straight "A" student all through her school years. She came over to Kuser Annex from Homedell, and after attending college became a local legend with the DiPolvere Nursery School on Cubberly Road. Lucy is very active in the local community, including a lengthy affiliation with the Contemporary Club. She and her husband Ed are also locally renowned for their dancing abilities.

2007: Ray Danberry-Goodbye old friend

2009-02-16T08:56:00.003-05:00

Ray and I renewed old acquaintances in 2005 when he came to my office in the Hamilton Library to add material to this HHS '51 website. He and I had the "character" leads in our operetta of 1951, "Tulip Time." He was the "Burgomaster, and I was his flack, "Hans." He recalled that it was a very simple task for him to pick up my 98 pound frame and place it from point "A" to point "B." I can still hear him sing one of his lines in that production: "I am der Burgomaster of dis place, der guy vot fills der office. In politics und funny tricks, you'll find dot I'm no novice..." Ray and his lovely wife "Sandy" were an integral part of happy years at Hamilton High. He is missed by all of us who knew him. Rest in peace, Ray. We'll all meet again!

2009-02-15T07:51:00.002-05:00

RICK STANICS:

Many thanks for the encouraging email, Rick. It's folks like you who make all the hard work worthwhile. Stay tuned; there will be more HHS articles which I am sure will be of interest to you. Thanks again for taking the time to write in my guest book. I was beginning to wonder if any Hornets were actually visiting the site, other than my class of '51.

Tom

A MORALE BOOSTING EMAIL FROM RICK STANICS, HHS '79:

Name:

Rick Stanics

Comments:
Mr. Glover, I am an HHS Hornet from 1979. Ten days after graduating I joined the service and have not lived home since. I came across your site by accident the other day and have spent many hours since, pouring over the articles. It was like finding buried treasure to see articles from my graduating year. You are doing an incredible service! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this link to my past, living so far away in Chicago. Thanks for all of your efforts

2005: HAMILTON HIGH'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY

2009-02-14T12:06:00.005-05:00

This, and the next graphic are souvenirs of the 75th anniversary celebration of the founding of Hamilton High School. Unfortunately, I had to stay in the history room wherein I had tons of HHS yearbooks and other memorabilia on display. There were 5 on-screen computer generated viewings of my multi-media program, "Hamilton High-The Golden Years." Carl Abbott, Helen Sadley and many other retired HHS personnel viewed the program and thoroughly enjoyed the 25 minute production. It will be shown again at Kuser Mansion in a future date to be announced.

1975: HHS 75TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM

2009-02-14T12:04:00.000-05:00

1941: HAMILTON HIGH HONOR ROLL

2009-02-14T12:02:00.002-05:00

Many familiar names in the list of HHS students in the above graphic. Kuser Annex, which was 9th grade for Kuser School area residents, is included in the list of honorees. I see a "Feehan" in there, and I just bet it is a relative of either Lorraine or Chet Feehan.

1940: Ca 1940 Harvey Hesser

2009-02-14T11:57:00.002-05:00

To those HHS Hornets of the 30's through the early 60's, no identification would be required for the familiar face in the above photo. It wasn't until well after our high school graduation that my wife Judy and I got to know Harvey and his lovely wife Dorothy Hesser. The Hessers moved to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania upon Harvey's retirement in the early 60's, but kept in touch.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

2009-02-14T08:02:00.004-05:00

"LOVING GREETING" from this early 20th century trade card in my collection. I hope each and every visitor to my website has a love-filled St. Valentine's day. Have a great day, and remember to keep that

lamp of love burning brightly! As Petula Clark sang so beautifully back in the 1960,s,
"What the world needs now is love, sweet love..not just for some, but for everyone..."

1951: HHS '51 CLASSMATE GEORGE MOZER

2009-02-11T07:59:00.002-05:00

George was one of the leads in our 1951 production of "Tulip Time." He was also an excellent athlete. During the 1950's, George and classmate Bob Shinkle were very active gymnastically in a tumbling presentation that made it to the Ed Sullivan TV show. They performed some impossible feats of physical contortion and impressed all who saw their program. Look up the words "humble," "talented," and "personable," in your Funk and Wagnall's, and you could see George's photo. He moved to the Virgin Islands way back in the 50's and recently visited my office at the library with Bob Shinkle. We miss you, George and hope the next time you return to Hamilton you will make another visit to the library.

2009: THANK YOU, BETSY FITZMEYER

2009-02-09T15:05:00.000-05:00

I have received a message from the webmaster at Facebook.com that Betsy Scott Fitzmeyer has sent a message to me on my Facebook "Wall." As you can see by the message, Betsy is a published author who rightly gives credit to her Kuser School and Hamilton teachers for instilling in her the talent and ability to write. Thanks very much for the post, Betsy, it's a privilege having you as both a visitor to this website, and counting me among your friends.

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

Betsy wrote on your Wall:

"Hi, Tom,

Don't know if you have had a chance to check out my website, www.betsyscottfitzmeyer.com. The site profiles my new novel, SEASON of the FLAME. I've had some book signings so far. A cross-section of readers, from teenagers to seniors have apparently found worth in the book, which glorifies God, and the overall theme of which is forgiveness. In any event, Tom, as I conveyed to the current principal of Kuser, I credit a lot of my passion for the written word to my dedicated English and Latin teachers of Hamilton.

Much appreciation for your work,

Betsy Fitzmeyer"

To see your Wall or to write on Betsy's Wall, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?profile.php&v=feed&id=700676840&aref=22380357

2009-02-09T12:26:00.003-05:00

Thank heavens for HHS '51 classmate Alice Schmidt Mullen! Through all these years, she has diligently kept clippings on any and all events and obits which appeared in the press, and relating to our Hamilton High Class of '51; "The Class With Class." Following are the first of the clippings Alice forwarded to me for publication on my HHS website. Alice, be assured that your efforts are really appreciated; additionally, those of our classmates who are out of the area will really be delighted to be kept up to speed. There are more HHS '51 graphics from Alice; they will be included in future posts.

1989: WILLIAM R. BAGGOTT III

2009-02-09T12:13:00.003-05:00

Oh, the stories I could tell about Bill! He was the shining star in the choir at Hamilton High School during my years at HHS. Bill had the voice of an angel, and as you can see by the graphic, he was an accomplished professional singer who could well have been at the N.Y. Met. I first met Bill one evening in 1949 or at a Trenton Giants baseball game at Dunn field. He happened to take the seat next to me. As we got to know each other I found that he would be a classmate when I began my HHS years in 1949. Needless to say, Bill was already a major factor in Louise Baird's choir. Bill, Joe McManimon and Leon Belardino loaned their beautiful tenor voices to many of the Fred Waring choral arrangements we sang. I recall one assembly when Bill sang the beautiful and sacred, "Sanctus." It touched me so deeply, I actually had tears in my eyes and a huge outbreak of "goosebumps." Elsewhere on this website is a column I wrote as a tribute to Bill when I received the devastating news that he had gone on to be with the Lord. He is up there as one of the leading tenors in the heavenly choir. It was a true privilege for me to be able to say I sang with him in our old barbershop quartette back in the 40's and 50's. Like Judy and me, Bill also married a classmate from HHS '51, the lovely Barbara Eckert, whom I still hear from on occasion, and whom I know misses one of the area's most beautiful voices.

1990: Anthony Gies, HHS '51

2009-02-09T12:10:00.000-05:00

Tony and I went through all 12 years in the Hamilton school system from Kuser School right up the the class of 1951 at Hamilton High. We were close friends during all those years, and I recently met Tony's sister Viola at one of my senior citizen programs. Tony was a gentleman, and is missed.

1989: Jimmy Brittain, HHS '51

2009-02-09T12:09:00.000-05:00

HHS '51: ROBERT J. "RJ" GALLOS

2009-02-09T12:06:00.001-05:00

Bob was always ready with the striking smile and personality. He and classmate Robert A. Gallos usually confused us. Two guys in the same class with the same name was very unusual. As I recall the two were cousins. Bobby, we miss you.

LAST MINUTE HEADS UP TO ALL YOU NOSTALGIACS

2009-02-07T10:06:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-07T09:58:00.003-05:00

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

2009-02-07T09:56:00.001-05:00

1951 JESSE ANDERSON: GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

2009-02-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

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

2009-02-05T12:40:00.002-05:00

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

2009-02-02T12:38:00.005-05:00

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).

2009-02-02T12:30:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-27T15:38:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-27T10:08:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-27T10:02:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-25T08:21:00.001-05:00

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

2009-01-23T15:55:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-23T08:34:00.005-05:00

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:

2009-01-18T23:03:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-09T10:52:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-08T12:43:00.000-05:00

1989: GARDEN STATE SCHOLARS

2009-01-08T12:41:00.000-05:00

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

1989: HAMILTON HIGH CLASS OF 1990 INTERACT CLUB

2009-01-08T11:20:00.001-05:00