CIRCA 1943: SOME WANT TO ELIMINATE "CURSIVE!"

Many years ago, Kuser School Custodian and close friend George Scott called me and told me he had been following my many Kuser School columns as had many of the teachers at Kuser. He said he had a very large black trash bag that he was told to dispose of and he thought of me. How grateful I am that he did. In that bag were countless VINTAGE class photos, and other memorabilia from the glorious past of Kuser School. Unfortunately, there are some administrators who are more interested in "tidiness" than they are in preserving precious historical photos and documents. Ironically, I have returned the collection to Principal Roberto Kesting with the promise that they will be saved and preserved for future generations. I am assuming that they are now back in their rightful place in the historical files at Kuser. HOWEVER, there is one that I have opted to keep. It is the one class room instructional poster that I remember quite well. I am hearing the very stupid opinion from some quarters that "cursive" writing is now an unnecessary subject to cover in today's society with the advent of the computer and its ability to communicate via the written word replete with "spell checking." What an idiotic observation! Hand writing was near the top of the list for those of us who attended grammar school in the first half of the 20th century. I remember how we were instructed to sit up straight at our desk, feet planted firmly on the floor, and to assume the posture of the students in the photo. Summoning all the humility in my power, I am proud to say that my handwriting at the age of 82 is every bit as good as it was when I was a student. Indeed, my handwriting ability has even led to a number of folks requesting that I calligraphically label wedding name tags. (No, I no longer do that service.) I remember when there was a class known as "PENMANSHIP;" which we all were subjected to. I also remember that constant use of the pencil and later the "straight pen" left a physical "bump" on our middle finger from extensive use of our writing tools. No need to ask me my opinion on "Common Core." I prefer the antiquated disciplined and work hard ethic of learning taught by teachers whose hand writing was beyond splendid.

1936: KUSER SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL

Long live the NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL! This article from 1936 lists the students at Kuser School, all now in their mid 80's who were on the "Boys' Patrol' and the "Girl Guard' which I assume is the predecessor to the old Keystone Safety Patrol which is more familiar to those of us who attended Hamilton schools in later years. My oldest brother Len is in the group as are many other familiar names from the Colonial Gardens/Liberty Street area.

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

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

1991: LOIS BRAENDER: ANOTHER OUTSTANDING KUSER PRINCIPAL

This charming lady was the Principal back in the 1980's when I was selected to be the Kuser alumnus who represented all Kuser "Kats" from past years. Doctor Braender was a classy Principal and fit in beautifully with Kuser School's roster of outstanding Principals. The last I heard, Doctor Braender was Assistant Superintendent of the Hamilton Township School system.

1982: TOM GLOVER'S KUSER SCHOOL

I will take memories of my years at school with me as long as I live and I hope into the great beyond. Kuser School and the enviornment in which I grew up were all conducive to my very receptive intellectual potential. From Miss Mary Kelly's "Reception Grade" way back in 1939, right up to my upcoming 78th birthday, I still fondly recall nearly all of the wonderful teachers we had back when decorum in dress and manners was a matter of good taste and expected of each and every student.

2011: THOSE MEMORIES JUST KEEP ON COMING

See? I'm not the only guy with wonderful memories of a great grammar school education. Here's a comment I received on the Hamilton Local History blog from Gordy Fish, who was a student during WWII when I was also a student. Gordy wrote:

Tom,
My wife pointed out the great article you wrote for the Trenton Times today. I attended Kuser from 1943-46 while my dad was in WWII. I very clearly remember Miss Kelly. I started Kindergarten in Homedell School over near Olden Ave and Liberty. At that time we lived on Liberty St. My dad took the trolley to work at Crecent Wire but had to leave the job due to asthma. He was in the NJ NG just before the war. Back to Miss Kelly, I remember one of the days in which I had no snack for recess. She always kept a jelly sandwich and gave me half. I remember Miss Reynolds and was in her niece's class at Jr. 3 and Ewing HS. I think there is a school named for her. I had Miss Forge for 4th grade, after which we moved to Trenton. Can't remember grades 2 and 3. Also remember Hogan's, the bldg. is still there. I was in front of Hogan's the day the war ended. We lived on Elizabeth Ave. between Atlantic and Pacific.

1939: KUSER SCHOOL GLEE CLUB

This very nice photo was a bit washed out when I received it from Ms. Clugston, but as you can see, with a little bit of Photoshop "TLC," like Phoenix, Kuser School 1939 comes back in clear and pristine condition. Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Clugston.