2009: CLARK PERRY-GOODBYE FOR NOW

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.

FYI: THE TRENTON TIMES WEBSITE

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!

2009: WELCOME SWEET SPRINGTIME

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.

1994: KUSER SCHOOL 75th ANNIVERSARY

Tempus Fugit! Has it really been 25 years since we celebrated the 85th anniversary of the finest and best grammar school in the U.S.A.? Considering the color of the hair on that dopey looking guy in the photo, I would guess that time has indeed past. Even today, as we prepare to celebrate the centennial of that grand old school, the charming atmosphere remains. Principal Roberto Kesting and his staff have managed to keep that "home town" mistique in that historic place. I, and many alumni who hold the same love of Kuser as I, will be here in spirit when the 200th anniversary is celebrated in 3009; albeit looking down from one of the many mansions the good Lord has prepared for us.

1989: KUSER CELEBRATES FOUNDERS' DAY

None of the Kuser kids are identified in the above photo, but it would be my bet that a visitor will be able to relate to this photo which was taken in the Kuser School auditorium. If you can identify any of the children in the photo, please email me or add it to one of the "comments" in this post.

2009: Thanks to Ms. Nancy Mull, Kuser Secretary

Here's a photo of the man who was loved and respected by those of us who attended Kuser School in the 40's. Mr. Shockey was a fixture at Kuser. Each morning as we arrived at school, we would find him on the front lawn raising the American flag, and as the day wore on we would see him doing whatever custodial duties were required of him. Many of us boys, yours truly included, were impressed by the huge number of keys he carried with him throughout the day. We were equally impressed with his navy blue trousers and policeman blue shirt with matching the contrasting black tie. Clarence Shockey: A Kuser School legend along with Emily Reynolds, Mary Kelley, Ruth Parker, and all those wonderful faculty who were instrumental in giving me . an education which has held me in good stead for over 70 years

Thanks again to Nancy Mull for the photo. Nancy, I forgot what Mr. Shockey's relationship to you was. Please let me know so I can include it on this page.

1989: THE EASTER BUNNY COMES TO KUSER

Little Jessica is sittin' pretty on the lap of the Easter Bunny in this 20 year old photo from Kuser School as published by the Hamilton Observer. It would be my "guesstimate" that little Jessica is now in her mid-20's, and perhaps a visitor to my Kuser School website.