1889: Deutzville Lots

Trenton Evening Times, Sunday, April 4, 1889

     Frank E. Arend, owner of a large number of lots in Deutzville, along with his uncle, Adam C. Deutz, established the Deutzville Jewelry Works in 1860.  The references in the ad such as "parks and lakes border on malaria-breeding marsh" and "Instead of overlooking a marsh" obviously was an attempt by the Union Land Association to discourage prospective homeowners from purchasing a lot from the Broad Street Land Association in Broad Street Park. 

1923: Fairview Park Carnival

Trenton Evening Times, Saturday June 30, 1923

          Those were nice prizes given away in 1923.  DeCou's Lane may have been what eventually became Hobson Avenue. 

WWII Gas Rationing

Rationing cards like this were used by BSP residents during World War II. The reverse states:  This card must last at least through June 30, 1942 in the rationed area.  This card must be presented to your dealer for cancelation (sic) of one or more units each time you purchase gasoline.

Rusling Hose Company 100th Anniversary Parade

October 1996

        Members of Rusling Hose Company, organized in October 1896,  march in the parade commemorating the Company's  100th anniversary on Bow Hill Avenue.   

Rusling Members Celebrate 110th Anniveresary

Members observed the organization of Rusling Hose Company on October 24, 1896 with a meeting in the former firehouse at 547 Schiller Avenue followed by a reception in the American Legion Post 313 hall where this picture was taken in October 2006.

1922: Unexpected Shower

Trenton Sunday Times, July 30, 1922

 Deliberately showering the spooners?  Nah, just a coincidence that the water fell on the hot spot sparks.

1909: Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument

Trenton Sunday Times, January 27, 1907

     The Mercer County Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a memorial to the brave men who fought for the flag.  The monument association was incorporated in 1901 and General Rusling, a veteran of the Civil War, was chosen president.  The monument was placed in Cadwalader Park and dedicated June 1909.

1987:Rainbow Senior Citizens

Trenton Times, Saturday, April 4, 198

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

     The group met in the basement of the New Covenant United Methodist Church at South Broad Street and Buchanan Avenue,  The group performed for the area's nursing homes, hospitals, church benefits, PTAs and organizational dinner meetings. 

RUSNAK COLLECTION

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

The prize reminds us (well, some of us) of the days when coal was used to heat our homes.  The days when the coal dump truck backed up to the basement window, put the coal chute into the window and released the coal into the coal bin. 

Original Fairview Park Firehouse

RUSNAK COLLECTION

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

     As previously mentioned, items from Fairview Park (DeCou Village) and Lalor Tract which border BSP and Deutzville will be presented.  The above photograph depicts the original firehouse constructed in 1914 of the Fairview Park Volunteer Fire Company organized in 1914.  The portion in the rear was constructed in 1928, the same year the company name was changed and incorporated as the DeCou Hose Company.  These buildings on Ruskin Avenue were razed in April 1950 to make way for a new one-story firehouse to house three fire apparatus.  

Horse Thieves in BSP

Trenton Sunday Times, May 31, 1914

Trenton Evening Times, February 23, 1941

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

A Theater? Yes !

     Local lore, heretofore unsubstantiated, has it that this building at 209 Harrison Avenue was a movie theater at one time.  A 1908 Sanborn map image below verifies that it was a theater.  It is indicated that moving pictures were shown in the building in summer.  This indicates it was a seasonal use to attract the many people who proceeded down Harrison Avenue from South Broad Street to enter White City Park.  The park entrance on McClellan Avenue is seen on the far left. 

White City Park

     In the late 1800s, the Trenton Passenger Railway Company ran its tracks out to a well-known picnic area called Spring Lake on the outskirts of Trenton, NJ.  In an effort to attract more riders, the trolley company developed Spring Lake Park which evolved into White City Park.  The fascinating history of this amusement park is rendered in the new book, "Let's Go to the White City:  A History of White City Amusement Park, Hamilton, New Jersey", published by Archway Publishing.

     Named for the white painted buildings on the property, White City Park opened in 1907 and was dubbed "The Coney Island of New Jersey."  Visitors enjoyed riding the roller coaster and carousel, as well as wandering up the midway  to see popular bands and vaudeville acts.  During the summer, visitors fished and rode the flume ride onto Spring Lake, and when winter arrived, they ice skated on its surface.  "Let's Go to the White City" preserves the memory of this long gone amusement park.  It presents an accurate recreation of a park and the memories of its visitors for a new generation to enjoy. 

"Let's Go to the White City"

Softcover 8.5 x 8.5 in.

ISBN 9781480803305

www.archwaypublishing.com 

Hamilton Public Library

1931 Genesee Street

     The Hamilton Township Public Library was organized in 1923  and located in the municipal building.  Since that location was not accessible to many people, Hattie Sherman and Lida Van Sant organized a branch in Broad Street Park.  At first it was located in Harry Robbins' store at the corner of South Broad Street and Sewell Avenue.  It then moved to the basement of the Broad Street Park Methodist Church.  Later it was located in a building across from the old Rusling Hose Company building.  While at this location the Library was open one night a week and Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Van Sant were paid $2 for working that evening.  Next the Library was moved to a house which was located on what is now the parking lot of Providence National Bank on South Broad Street.  In time, this house was moved to  Genesee Street to make way for the bank (then Yardville Bank) and then moved again to Independence Mall.  Interestingly, the Library located in the municipal building charged two cents per day for overdue books.  There was also a Library truck which picked up and delivered books to the various branches  Special thanks to Lee Lugossy for this narrative.

August 1933

Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection

1903: Crosswicks Creek Flood

     From time to time historical information from areas outside of Broad Street Park such as DeCou Village (Fairview Park), Lalor Tract and Deutzeville will be presented.  This Fairview Park post provides two images from the late Michael Rusnak's collection of the October 1903 Crosswicks Creek flood.

     This image depicts a barge or chucker, as it was sometimes called, on the swollen Crosswicks Creek at the Lacey Farm.  Submerged are trolley tracks where the telegraph poles are surrounded by water.  At the head of the barge is Tom Lacey, next with an oar is Isador Lacey and with the other oar is George Lacey.

     This image depicts a house across the road from where the long gone White Horse Bowling Academy once existed and the Lacey Farm showing flood water up to the front step.  

1942: BSP Youngsters

December 1942

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PAT PEOPLES

         This group of Broad Street Park youngsters collected "scrap' for the WWII war effort.  Pictured L to R are:  Unknown, Unknown, John (Jess) Peoples, Tommy Peoples and Theresa (Tess) Peoples..

1908: Potter's Night with "Admiral Lee"

Trenton Evening Times, July 17,1908

1907: "Admiral" Lee

Trenton Evening Times, July 21, 1907

NOTE:  story begins at the November 5 post

         The assemblyman looked calmly at the pilot and replied:  "I have heard that the bottom of this lake is full of quick sand pits and I choose to take a chance on the gasoline rather than get caught in quick sand:  you just swim along little boy, and I"ll be on shore when the bell rings."
         Just then the fast sinking ship gave a great lurch and over toppled the Assemblyman into the water.  He struck out for the shore like an old fashioned side wheeler.  Speaking about it afterwards, Mr Barber said he did not know he could swim with his clothes on until last night.
         As the war correspondent approached the shore he sighted a gay object headed due south and making good time.  Later it developed that his object was the new admiral's cap worn so proudly early in the evening by Admiral Lee.
         Although Admiral Lee was first to reach shore he was unable to leave the water until his crew arrived, then he was dry docked without injury.  Deckhand Blackwell offered a liberal reward to any one who would to back to the ship and get his other shoe but the ten gallon tank of gasoline offset any reward.
         Pilot Palmer was slightly burned and Paymaster Hamill was kissed on the funny bone by a large roman candle.  The rest of the crew and the Admiral escaped without any damages.  The boat was wrecked,
         Arriving at the White City Casino, the officers and members of the crew went into a judicial session which resulted in the court-martialing of Admiral Lee for being the first to desert the ship.
         This morning a survivors association was formed with Mr. Lee as president.

NOTE:  story begins at November 5 post

      When Admiral Lee went overboard, Paymaster Hamill was standing in the conning tower and the ship, relieved of the great weight of the admiral, careened viciously, tossing the paymaster into the lake backwards, new straw hat and all.  The paymaster thought the act was intentional on the  part of the admiral and he immediately struck out for him with deadly intent.  However, the admiral was swimming in a way that would have made Captain Webb open his eyes in wonder and the paymaster never got near enough to even tell him what he would do if he did catch him.
        On the battleship all was commotion.  The war correspondent was tying to throw the exploding fireworks overboard:  Deckhand Blackwell was sitting in the bottom of the boat dodging skyrockets and removing his shoes preparatory to following his brave admiral over the side:  Ensign Green was shouting to Admiral Lee and Paymaster Hamill that they were cowards to thus give up the ship while Deckhand Barber was calmly sitting on the forward deck admiring the fireworks display in the boat.  Suddenly, Pilot Palmer shouted "There's a ten gallon can of gasoline in the forward Part of the boat!"
         "Gasoline!"  That was the tip for the war correspondent to get into the lake and away from the ship as fast as possible and over he went.  Deckhand Blackwell followed suit with one shoe on and the other left in the boat.  Pilot Palmer also took to the water at this time and Deckhand Barber was the only one of the gallant crew left in the burning ship.  Pilot Palmer turned and seeing the Assemblyman, shouted:  "Great God, man, you are sitting right over that tank of gasoline - jump out before you are blown up!"

                                                                   (to be continued)

    NOTE:  story begins at November 5 post

     Admiral Lee ducked to the right and to the left but was unable to escape from the shooting brands of fire.  On the shore the cheers at this exhibition rivaled the roar of a mighty waterfall but on board the good ship "White City", the admiral and his crew heard not the applause.
         "Great guns" or "Oh Fudge", or something that sounded like that or something else, yelled Admiral Lee:   "these pesky things are plugging me fore and aft.  Man the pumps!  Someone turn a hose on me!"  Deck hand Blackwell warded off a flying rocket with his bare hand and told the admiral to go get his own hose and man his own pumps.  Ensign Green cut away the masts and took a look towards the shore for the purpose of determining whether or not he could jump the distance.
         Goaded beyond endurance, the gallant admiral, unable to hold the exploding roman candles and rockets in his lap any longer, hurled them to the bottom of the boat and jumping to the forward deck he hurled himself into the lake and as he went over the side a giant rocket shot after him puncturing his trousers about a foot below the waist line.
         As the admiral's head appeared above the surface of the water, he turned toward the burning ship and in a deeply grieved voice shouted:  "What, ho, my men - would you shoot your brave admiral when his back is turned"?
                                                                    (TO BE CONTINUED)

1907: White City Lake Fiasco

Trenton Evening Times, July 18, 1907

ADMIRAL LEE AND GALLANT CREW DESERT SHIP AND SWIM FOR LIVES

Ensign Green, Paymaster Hamill, Pilot Palmer, Deck Hand Blackwell and Assemblyman Barber and Local War Correspondent Retire Promiscuously and Riotously Under Hot Fire and Find the Water Fine

           After being under the hottest kind of fire for two and a half minutes last night, Admiral Francis B. Lee and crew of the flag ship "White City"  were forced to desert the ill fated battle ship and swim for the nearby friendly shores.

         The flag ship "White City" was leading the water pageant on White City Lake.  It was the most gaily decorated craft on the lake and in addition it was one of the boats selected to assist in making the fireworks display in connection with the event.  The admiral had purchased a new admiral's cap for the occasion and took his seat proudly in the bow of his gallant ship looking every inch the brave naval hero that he ultimately proved himself to be. 

         Admiral Lee volunteered to hold the roman candles, red fire sticks, sky rockets and other fireworks on his lap while the officers and crew were making the display.  Down the easterly shore of the lake glided the flag ship while thousands on the shore cheered madly, so imposing was the spectacle of the gallant admiral and his heroic crew surrounded by a blaze of red light and shooting rockets.

         But the triumph of the admiral and his flagship was fated to be short lived.  As the "White City" ploughed its way passed the applauding spectators to the far end of the lake, a stray spark from a roman candle fell in the admiral's lap full of fireworks and almost in an instant the flagship became the greatest Fourth of July spectacle ever witnessed in this city.  Sky rockets, roman candles, fire crackers and red fire all broke out at one in the maddest and merriest powder war imaginable.

                                                                 (to be continued)

1908: Park Floral Co. Greenhouses

Sanborn Map, Princeton University Library

     This image depicts the location of the Park Floral Company greenhouses on the corners of Buchanan and Lafayette Avenues in the first decade of  the twentieth century.  Click the Park Floral Company label on the right.

1908: Willey Bros. Limber Yard

                      Sanborn Maps, Princeton University

This image depicts the structures of the Willey Brothers Lumber Yard located on South Broad Street at Rowan Avenue.

     

1908: Gibbs Cement/Concrete Block Co

Sanborn Maps, Princeton University Library

     This map shows the location of the Gibbs Concrete Company on McClellan Avenue between Buchanan and Rowan Avenues in 1908.  The cleared site was later the location of a playground for many years.  It is a neighborhood park today.  See:  "Gibbs Cement and Concrete Block Company" at the Wesley Gibbs label at right.   

1956: Church Revue

Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser, May 27, 1956

1954: Church Expansion

Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser, August 22, 1954

1905: Broad Street Park

Trenton Times, Sunday, September 24. 1905

     The amusement pavilion was White City Park.  Rusling Hose Company moved into their new brick firehouse in 1921.

1911: Red Men Race

Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser, August 19, 1962

1896: Trolley Pass

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

The Trenton Passenger Railway Company began trolley service to South Broad Street and Harrison Avenue in 1893.   This provided access to Spring Lake and White City Parks for Trenton residents. I wonder if Samuel Smith used this pass for that purpose?

1906: Free Fun for Tots

Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser, July 15. 1906

The  Sunday Times Advertiser insisted that each coupon be good for all children in a family instead of one child only.  Funny pictures that appealed specially to juveniles were shown in the Electric Theatre.

1955: Holy Angels School Cheerleaders

Trenton Evening Times, Wednesday, March 9,1955

1907: Spring Lake Wharf

     The top photograph depicts the wharf that extended into Spring Lake used by patrons of White City Park to board boats for rides on the lake.  The bottom photograph shows steps descending from the top of the bluff to the wharf.  These steps can be seen in the top photograph on the left side and depicted by a white arrow.  Remember to right click and Open Link in New Window to enlarge the pictures.

1921: First Lady Harding's Gift

Trenton Evening Times, Tuesday, May 10, 1921

Trenton Evening Times, Friday, May 13, 1921

1933: Indian in BSP

Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser, October 8, 1933

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

1934: Forest Valley Dam

Trenton Evening Times,  Saturday, July 21, 1934

Sabo's Bakery

1851 South Broad Street

Sabo's Bakery occupied this building during the first half of the 20th century.  There have been architectural changes over the years.  Ruth tells us - Sabo's was located in a house with a storefront.  The store was small and the choice of baked items was not extensive.  They specialized in a few items that were displayed on doilies, not trays, in one long showcase.  Stephen Sabo passed away in 1957 at age 74.

1907: Celebrating the Fourth at White City

Sharing History

1906: Queen of the Lake

Trenton Sunday Advertiser, June 24, 1906

1906: New Boat On Lake

Trenton Evening Times, Friday, June 22, 1906



William B Widmann

The State Gazette, July 1923

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

Mr. Widmann is connected to Broad Street Park by virtue of being elected the first honorary member of Rusling Hose Company in April 1902.  Mr. Widmann donated a silver fire horn commonly seen as the horn carried by the Chief as he leads a parade.  The inscription on the horn reads, "Presented to Rusling Hose Company, Broad Street Park, by William B. Widmann, Yardville, N.J., April 22, 1902."  Mr. Widmann was the proprietor of the Yardville Hotel at the time.  He was a member of the Eagle Fire Company in Trenton - one of the volunteer companies in the City before it became a paid department in 1892.  Mr. Widmann was tragically killed when his automobile was struck by a train in 1923.    

1941: Buses on Lafayette

Trenton Evening Times, August 6, 1941



1940: Camp Fire Girls



1989: Holy Angels School Reunion

Hamilton Observer, January 20, 1989

Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection

The reunion this group planned was held in the parish center of Holy Angels Church on Saturday, January 21, with over 200 participants.  This picture posting is apropos since the current Holy Angels and St. Raphael Schools Alumni Association held its second annual alumni Mass and reception yesterday, April 7, at St. Raphael Church. Remember to right click and open link in a new window for easy reading,

Harrison Avenue of Yesteryear

This is the view experienced by the patrons of Spring Lake and White City Parks as they alighted from the trolley on South Broad Street beginning in 1893 for the walk down Harrison Avenue to the park entrance seen in the distance.  The White City Hotel, sometimes simply referred to as the Park Hotel, is seen on the left.

1989: Hamilton High Veterans' Memorial

Mercer Messenger, October 19, 1989

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION