Visiting Trenton, New Jersey in 1939 for some Pensupreme ice cream


Let's time-travel back to 1939 in Trenton, New Jersey, just for fun, and to have some ice cream. I found this image on the Duke University website, which archives historical advertising (see the ad for Old Stock?) That's the reason that this photo was taken, and why it's on the site, but I don't want any beer right now, I want some ice cream. Come on!

Just to get ourselves oriented, we're on Brunswick Avenue at Montgomery Street looking southwest. The spire there in the background is the Trenton Battle Monument, which is still there, and the building on the corner, where we're going in 1939 to get some ice cream, is still there, too. It was built in 1889. I'm no expert historian, it's written there on the top of the building.



I don't see a name on the store, but I see that they sell Royal Crown cola (just called RC nowadays), candy, and Pensupreme ice cream. Sounds good! Yeah, I suppose you could buy some Trenton Old Stock beer, I'll try it later - beer and ice cream doesn't sound like a good combination. Oh yeah, and if you smoke a pipe, you can get some tobacco. I can't really read the name there, but it says, "Rolls perfectly". If you know the brand, please let me know and I'll update the post.

And speaking of things I don't know, what in the world is that thing in the street? I've been driving since the 1970s, and collecting old photos since the '90s, and I've never seen anything like that. I really don't have a clue, do you?


Of course we've gotta take a closer look at the cars! And my eye goes to the Autocar sign, and the Chevrolet dealership. Gilbert & Mo__? Looks like I can get the best deal in town from the Service Manager Arthur - and I can call him Art!


And speaking of weird objects, what in the world is that thing on the sidewalk next to the ladies getting into the car? It's in front of a residence, so it can't be a gas pump? I really have no idea - is it a Trenton thing, or a 1939 thing? As my grandma would have said, "For land sakes!" Update: February 8th - thank you to Cpt. Cranky (see comment below) for identifying it as a fire alarm!

Well, I've enjoyed this visit to Trenton in 1939, and I hope you have, too. I sure enjoyed the ice cream!

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