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.

1941 KUSER HONOR ROLL

Here's the honor roll for the 3rd marking period of 1941. I was in the second grade, my sister Dot in the 5th and brother Bud was in 8th.

1940:The Kuser School "Glee Club"

We called it the "Glee Club;" today they call it by other names, but whatever it was it did indeed fill us with glee as we sang the many songs we were taught at Kuser. On September 26 at the
Alumni homecoming Centennial celebration, I will be remembering some of the songs we sung so very long ago. The above article tells of one of the many auditorium presentations put on by the students at Kuser. This one happens to be my brother Bud Glover's class.

1943: A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR KUSER PARENTS

Here's a listing of the honor students throughout Kuser during the second marking period. As I recall, there were originally six marking periods, and they were ultimately reduced to four. I also have a confession to make: Over the years I recalled the incredible number of times I made the honor roll. NOT SO! History has a strange way of coming back to haunt those of us who try to gild the lily. I am herewith retracting my often told story that I was on the honor roll nearly every year during my years at Kuser. I am finding that my name is missing from a few of those listings of honor students. Looks like I have a few 3:30 after school detentions!

2009: KUSER SCHOOL FROM THE AIR

Here's an interesting view of Kuser School as it would be seen by a low flying helicopter. Note the square shape of the Kuser court yard. Thanks to "Bing."

1915: OUAM Give Bible to Kuser School

If you haven't yet done so, by all means take a few minutes to see the display of Kuser School memorabilia which is currently on display in the Hamilton Township Public Library. I took the above photo of just one item in the fantastically interesting display. From my "KUSER SCHOOL" folder, I inserted the article describing the event. Kuser School, founded in 1909, is celebrating its centennial this year of 2009. By the way, "OUAM" is the Order of United American Mechanics.

1994: KUSER PTA FALL COUNCIL DINNER

Principal Ms. Lois Braender poses with PTA executives from the school and county.

1947: "PUPPY LOVE" AT KUSER GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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

(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!

1915: THE COLONIAL CIVICS CLUB

Without knowing the actual boundaries, I believe it is safe to assume that the Colonial Civics Club was instituted by citizens who resided in the Colonial Gardens area of Hamilton. My educated guess would be that the area was from Hamilton Avenue, along New Street, Liberty Street, Camp Avenue Beal, Ellwood, Edmund streets and Miller Avenue.

1945: The Big Red "K" and GAA!

Lorraine Feehan May was kind enough to share these two very unusual examples of memorabilia. I had never seen either of these emblems, but they are much appreciated as they also enter into the Kuser School Centennial Library of historic material. Thanks, Lorraine, and also please thank your sister for her addition to our "Kuser School Museum."

1945: Kuser Commencement Program

Thanks to Ms. Lorraine Feehan May for this 1945 Kuser commencement program. These were the "upper classmen" who were two years ahead of me at Kuser. There are many familiar signatures on the program.

1987: KUSER SCHOOL READING PROGRAM

That great faculty at Kuser has been carrying the torch for all these years, emphacizing the importance of CHARACTER and also the very important lessons of LITERACY.

1930's and 40's KUSER SCHOOL "GLEE CLUB" PATCH

Many many thanks to Ms. Alice Feehan Hasty for this incredibly preserved Kuser School "Glee Club" patch, which was proudly worn on our favorite sweater. Lorraine Feehan May, (HHS '49), brought her sisters Alice Feehan Hasty (HHS '41), Mary Feehan Kieffer (HHS '44), and Evelyn Feehan Appleby (HHS '46), to my Kuser Farm program "The Music We Grew Up With" on Sunday, June 28. It was such a pleasure to meet them. The Feehan family lived on Newkirk Avenue next to the Colonial Volunteer Fire Company. For many years Mrs. Feehan was the dispatcher for the fire company.

And Alice Feehan Hasty, thank you again for this wonderful addition
to the Kuser School memorabilia and history folder.