This Day in History: August 30th, 1909

This Day in History: August 30th, 1909

MILLTOWN COUNCIL MEETS

MILLTOWN, Aug. 31 – The Borough Council held an adjourned meeting on Saturday evening.

The Borough Clerk read an ordinance for the grading of Ford avenue from the westerly side of Main street to a point three hundred feet west of the westerly side of Main street. The ordinance was passed on its first reading. The clerk was authorized to post notices and intentions of the same in public places of the borough.

The profile map of Ford avenue made by the borough engineer was accepted. Mayor Perry stated that the Public Service was now busy in repairing the streets that were disturbed by the laying of the gas pipes. The meeting was then adjourned.

Miss Charlotte Heinz was a visitor of Miss Martha Brant yesterday.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams and daughter, of New Haven, Conn., are visiting at the home of Mrs. Mary Patterson, of Ford Avenue

Misses Lizzie Patterson and Elizabeth Kuhlthau start to-day for a week’s visit at Asbury Park.

Mrs. Conrad Heyl and Miss Alice Heyl, of Main street, have returned from an extended visit to George’s Road.

The Ladies’ Aid Society of the Ger man Reformed Church are busy preparing for their annual harvest home, to be held in the grove at the rear of the church on Thursday, Sept. 2. A good supper will await all that come, and a large crowd is expected.

The Ladies’ Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church will be held this evening at the home of Mrs. M. A. Evans, of Main street.

A petition is being circulated, signed by the property holders of North Main street, asking the borough, permission to oil said thoroughfare, providing the borough put the road bed in proper condition, and each property owner paying their share of the cost of oiling. It is, to be hoped that permission. will be granted, as it will greatly add to the beauty of the street and the comfort of those living along its roadbed.


This Day in History: August 26th, 1907

This Day in History: August 26th, 1907

MICHELIN TIRES NOW BEING MADE AT MILLTOWN


The manufacture of the Michelin automobile tire tubes was begun at the Michelin Tire factory at Milltown, today. The company is making great progress with its buildings
M. Joseph Tansey, of the Michelin Company, left last week with J. C Matlack, for France. Messrs. Matlack and Tansey are expected back the second week in September. The trip is a business one.

MILLTOWN WILL HAVE A BOROUGH HALL


The borough of Milltown is not going to be behind the times. Now that South River has voted upon having a borough hall and there is much talk of the Second Reformed Church In this city, being converted Into a city hall, the members of the Milltown Board of Education have transferred to the Borough Council the South Milltown school house to be used as a borough hall. While the new school will not be ready until the first of the year, the building will be used as a school up until that time, after which it will be turned into a borough hall and meeting place for the various borough committees.


This Day in History: August 23rd, 1907

This Day in History: August 23rd, 1907


MILLTOWN SEWER SURVEY

It Is Completed by City Engineer, After a Month’s Work Is a Valuable Map

The survey along Lawrence Brook for the proposed Milltown sewer has been completed by City Engineer Fred c Schneider and submitted to the Michelin Tire Co.

The proposed course of the sewer is about three miles. It took a month to prepare the gap, showing the fall and grade of the sewer and the abutting properties along the sewer course, and it cost $70. Even if the sewer project: is now consummated the map will be standing record from the Milltown Pond to the Weston’s Mills, something which the Water Department never had.

If the State Sewerage Commission insist upon a sewerage disposal plant, this could be erected at Cremoline Creek, a short distance below Weston’s Mills. The Cremoline site adjacent to the river is an ideal one for such a plant a it is low and marshy. A sewerage plant is erected at Plainfield and another al Freehold. The plant is made up of several vats or tanks into which the heavy matter from the sewer is collected and this could be readily sold to the adjacent farmers for fertilizers The light matter could be allowed to pass into the rive after it had passed through the sewerage disposal process.

The method of making the survey was two men of the corps in a row boat obtaining the level, while a third man re training on shore staking out the creek out every 10 feet. To do this he was obliged to chop the greater part of his way for the whole distance.

City Engineer Schneider was assisted in his work of making the survey by Walter Nelson, of New Market, and Monroe Taylor, of this city.

The Michelin people are now considering the project of the sewer, but are not undecided. It is understood that J C. Matlack, the vice president of company, took a blue print of the survey to France with him when he left last week.


This Day in History: August 2nd, 1923

This Day in History: August 2nd, 1923

FACTORY HEADS HAVE ONLY PRAISE FOR LOCAL JITNEYS

Industrial Chieftains Report Almost No Tardiness On Part of Employees.

MANLEY AGAINST EXCESSIVE FARES

The trolley strike has had no adverse effect upon the larger industries of New Brunswick and vicinity. Almost complete satisfaction with the emergency jitney service was expressed this morning by the manufacturers, who report ed practically no tardiness among the employees. The strike hasn’t affected us at all. “We have more hands at work today than we had on Tuesday,” and “We had fewer tardy workers today than we have had at any other time this year.” were some of the reports given by industrial heads. One official said so far an conditions indicated at his plant, there was no strike The Jitneys are making it a point to start shortly before 6 a. m. and every available bus is in operation between 6 and 9 o’clock. Many buses are also in operation during the noon hours and in the evening, while throughout the day A smaller number of machines are on the streets. The manufacturers had no hesitancy in declaring this morning that the trolley strike is not at all noticeable at their plants. They said the buses were giving excel- lent service and some employers declared better service was being given by the Jitneys than the trolley cars gave. “We are depending entirely on the buses of Mr. Lyons, as we have in the past. for the transportation of our employees,” said John Sokoloff of the Squibb Laboratories on George’s Road. “We are getting the best of service and there has been absolutely no lateness at the Squibb plant. We don’t even know there is a strike on. so dependable is the service at-c forded by Mr. Lyons.”

At Cigar Factory

A similarly cheerful report came from the General Cigar Company on Somerset street, where several hundred people are employed. “We have no particular trouble at our plant because of the strike,” said Jesse Strauss, general manager. “We have a large number of employs living in Piscatawaytown. Berdine’s Corner. Lindenau and other places but they have had no trouble thus far in getting to work. We are getting fine service and the employees during the past two mornings have arrived earlier than usual. The buses have more speed and are maintaining an excellent schedule and I have only praise for them.” said Mr. Strauss. The question of fares was raised by John A. Manley of the Johnson Johnson plant, who declared the city should prohibit excessive charging. “We have no real cause to complain as to the service,” said Mr. Manley. “It is comparatively satisfactory.” Mr. Manley pointed to the charge made by two Coney Island bus owners who made a trip from Bound Brook yesterday morning and charged fifty cents for a single trip. He also rebelled against the position of a ten cent fare in other cases. “You must remember that the Public Service asked for a tenement fare and was denied it. I believe the Jitneys should be stopped from charging this excessive fare. We should be fair in the matter and give the Public Service a square deal,” said Mr. Manley.  

Musical String Report

O. U. Page, general manager of the Musical String Company, declared that the service given local employees was of the best and there was absolutely no room for com- plaint but difficulty was being encountered in transporting employees from Berdine’s Corner and Mill- town. As for three employees residing in Bound Brook they were absolutely up against It. There is no service between Milltown and our plant and the buses operating to Berdine’s Corner do not go far enough out George’s Road to accommodate some of the employees. We plan to operate a truck for the transportation of our help to these two points. As for the employees living in New Brunswick and Piscatawaytown, excellent service is provided for them by the jitney,” said Mr. Page. Leslie P. Johnson of the employment department of the International Motor Company declared a few of the employers were inconvenienced but on the whole, the strike hasn’t affected this plant There is comparatively no tardiness and with the exception of the inconvenience to a few hands, we have nothing to complain about.” said Mr. Johnson. Between 500 and 600 employees) are being transported to the Raritan Arsenal by the buses and J. F Armstead of the arsenal declared this morning that the officials there were perfectly satisfied. “Buses are operating to our plant from New Brunswick and Perth Am boy and they are giving the heat of service, in fact better than the trolley cars for the buses are maintaining a better schedule. Tardiness was not as prevalent today as it was during the operation of the trolley cars.” said Mr. Olmsted.

Michelin Tire Plant

No trouble is being encountered at the Michelin plant, it was stated today by H. R. B. Meyers, employment manager and mayor of Milltown. He declared that the service provided by Commissioner Connolly of New Brunswick, the Raritan River Railroad, private autos and the Michelin cars for transportation of the Michelin employees was satisfactory. “Outside of the extra work of arranging the transportation, everything is lovely at the Michelin plant.” said Mr. Meyers. “All our employees are being provided with transportation and there is practically no inconvenience being experienced.”    

SIDELIGHTS ON TROLLEY STRIKE AS SEEN BY SCRIBE

Thousands of people who were strangers to jitney rode on buses yesterday, some with an air of curiosity, and some as if to say “I’ll go wherever the jitney takes me.”

Every pedestrian was able to be taken for an Information bureau, for one person after another approached people along the curb watching the constant stream of motor vehicles, and asked if this or that bus stopped there, and how to get to this place or that.

Jitney riders apparently paid no attention to the big signs on the cars. At the Jitney stand, many e would get aboard the first Jitney to pull into the curb, only to learn later that they were on the wrong Jitney. It was a case of getting off and waiting until the right one came along.

One aged couple loaded down with a suitcase of the vintage of 1776 waited at the jitney stand for over an hour for a Raritan Arsenal bus. At least four buses for the arsenal pulled away from the stand while they waited. Traffic Officer Wilcox, who inquired as to their destination, found they could not speak or write English. A friendly pedestrian spoke to them In a foreign tongue and learned their destination. It was not long before they were on their way to the arsenal.

The swan song at the jitney stand all day yesterday was “Where is the Bound Brook bus?” They are still singing it today as the local Jitneys refused to make the trip because of the impassable condition of the road. Regular commuters are compelled to ride to Metuchen and take a Plainfield bus and change at Plainfield for Bound Brook.  

These taxi drivers! Visions of fur coats, trips to Florida, college educations for the children and Paris gowns for wives hung about them like pleasant halos as they shouted, “Fare! Fare!” Were they busy? They were not.

Many taxicabs were available throughout the day in front of the railroad station, but there were few riders for some reason Or other. People either walked or took to the “its” One woman of foreign descent and of bulky proportions, and carrying a large bundle, had a tough job finding her bus.

Every time a bus pulled into the jitney stand, she got aboard. Learning each time that late was on the wrong bus, she rent the air with foreign lingo, that sounded like real “honest to goodness” scar words. Many suburban couples were compelled to take their wives along on their ride to business. On this account many pretty little misses were left waiting for another car- a jitney.

When the 11 o’clock shift left the Michelin plant in Milltown last night, numerous buses were waiting. These are better than trolleys,” said several passengers to Matthew Hogarty, bus inspector, who was on hand to look things over.  

The good-looking girls waiting for a ride to the Michelin plant this morning had the pick of sport cars, with the result that two Big Walter Raleighs nearly had a collision at the corner of Commercial avenue and George street. Commissioner Jaques has issued instructions to the police officers to give every aid possible to the Jitneys in helping care for the public. The cops were on the job and seemed to enjoy the task.

A big gang of workmen arrived this morning to complete the pavement on French street, near the Jitney station, which has been torn up for the past week. It seems that even the Public Service is willing to lend a helping hand to the “it” The blocks between. the rails were torn up a week ago, causing great inconvenience to the traveling public. The workmen today declared the pavement would be re-laid before dusk. For one thing. they were not disturbed in their work by trolley cars.

A Highland Park resident sold his automobile on Monday. “Guess I’m out of luck.” was his cry last evening as he waited at the Jitney stand for a car to take him home. He didn’t have to wait long as a jitney for the neighboring borough leaves every five minutes.

Traffic Officer John Manley at the corner of George and Albany streets missed (7) the rattling of the trolley cars as he directed traffic yesterday and today.

The bus owners are cooperating with the city officials in giving safe and adequate service. The owners of the buses were scattered along the various routes acting as inspectors. They will work with the police and bus inspectors in preventing any excess charges. No authorized bus operator is permitted to charge more than a five-cent fare and violations of this order will meet with prompt suspension or dismissal. The only thing unusual about the Milltown car barns today was the lack of trolley cars switching in and out. Quietness prevailed.

The employees, dressed in their Sunday best, gathered on Albany street and witnessed the buses pull away from the jitney stand loaded to the roof. The office of the Public Service Railway on Albany street was closed to the public yesterday and there was no sign on the door to acquaint the public the reasons therefore. Secretary Atkinson of the Board a of Trade is playing the part of the Good Samaritan by transporting his fair daughter, Miss Lillian, and  her Highland Park friends to the Michelin plant. Commissioner Connolly asked today that the public be patient for a few days if the bus service does not immediately come up to expectations.

The additional buses and the many changes in routes which to a certain extent are experimental, may cause a little con- fusion for a few days. This, Mr. Connolly says, will be corrected eventually. Commissioner Connolly rode over a proposed detour through the O’Rourke farm yesterday and found the going anything but pleasant. A force of men were grading and filing the low spots preparatory to building a temporary road. buses will be permitted to travel over this route until it is placed in safe condition.  

A bus inspector is detailed on every loaded bus to Milltown to assure the passengers of safety. The detour followed to Milltown is through the College Farm and Ryder’s Lane. The two bridges on the lane are in weak condition and as a precautionary measure. the passengers are compelled to alight upon reaching the bridges. Thomas Lyons, owner of the big Mack bases, gave a helping hand to the Michelin employes when he placed one of these buses: on the line at the request of Commissioner Connolly during the rush hours. Meyer Shift of the Burnet street line has a bus operating continually on the Milltown line in the hope of solving the transportation problem for the borough residents The Michelin office employes were discharged at 4:45 o’clock yesterday afternoon to permit them to make connections with the Raritan River Railroad out of Milltown Upon reaching New Brunswick, buses were waiting to carry them to the center of the city. I

t was believed that the schedule of the Raritan River line would be so altered as to meet conditions. but officials of the road have as yet made no changes. The present schedule doesn’t conform with the working schedule at the Michelin: plant and hence the advancement of the quitting time for the office hands by fifteen minutes. The buses were working smoothly last evening after a day of excitement among the operators and the city officials. The big rush between 5 and 6 o’clock was handled as smoothly as one could expect. No one had to walt more than fifteen minutes for any bus and the city buses were passing up and down Albany street every six or seven minutes.  


This Day in History: July 5th, 1922

This Day in History: July 5th, 1922

Judge Silzer Compliments Milltown at Unveiling Of World War Monument


MILLTOWN. July 5th-Before an assemblage of nearly 1,500 people the monument erected by the people of this place to their war dead was unveiled yesterday morning after one of the finest parades ever held in the borough. Practically the whole community turned out in tribute to the memory of the men who died in the struggle against militarism and autocracy.

The feeling of the community was voiced by Judge George S. Silzer of Metuchen who mentioned the help he received from the citizens when he started to practice law, and T. F.. Meaney, vice Commander of the American Legion, Department of New Jersey, who addressed the big assemblage which gathered near the monument at the Intersection of Ford avenue. and Main street.

“This is a momentous day in the history of the borough to whose citizens I owe considerable gratitude,” declared Judge Slizer In opening his address. “You are to be congratulated on the good sense displayed in the erection of such a fine monument which is to attribute to those men who went out from the homes of this town to fight that the world should be made free from autocracy.”

He declared that we should pray that God will never permit the tics that now bind America and France to be severed and that the 30% of our State suffering from the serious effects of the great struggle should be cared for through the best means that can Le provided as this is a duty and should be a privilege

To climax his remarks he appealed to the gathering to read at least once a year the Declaration of Independence.

T. F. Meaney, vice commander of the American Legion of New Jersey, was the next speaker, He delivered a most stirring address on the perpetuation of American institutions. He made a strong appeal to every citizen of this town and country to be 100 per cent. American.

Having served in the great conflict he could speak from experience and thus held his hearers spell bound during his excellent address.

Big Parade.

The parade in which about half the population of the town took part in marched through the main street headed by Marshalls Lins Beecher and Rupprecht. followed by Mayor H. R. B. Meyers and counsel, Michelin band, G. A. R. veterans of Milltown and New Brunswick in automobiles. memorial committee. Perry-Worthge Post, Spanish-American War veterans of New Brunswick who had an excellent representation in line, French War veterans of New York, and representatives of the French consul.

Local French veterans deserve much praise for the number of men in line and the interest manifested. They were headed by Captain P. Cholet a member of the memorial committee. The children of the public school did their bit to add to the parade by having a large number in line.

Next the Boy Scout organization in full strength, followed by representation of the Charles L Walters Council and Rescue Council. Last but by no means least came the fire department in full array, trailed by its fine engine.

W. G. Evans, chairman of the memorial committee, with a few chosen words presented the monument to Mayor H. R. B. Meyers, who in a most gracious manner accepted it on behalf of the peoples of the town.

He stated that it was with a feeling of great pride to accept it and to have the honor of being delegated to such a pleasant task. He complimented the memorial committee and Chairman Evans very highly.

At the first notes of the “Star Spangled Banner” as played by the Michelin band, Mrs.S. Rappleyea. mother of George Worthge who died in a hospital in France and Miss Patience Perry, sister of Spencer Perry who made the supreme sacrifice while in action “over there,” pulled the ropes that re- leaned “Old Glory” and revealed a fine granite piece, nine feet high. with a bronze tablet of a “dough- boy” and the following inscription, “In memory of those from Mill- town who served in the World War. Erected 1922.” This is at the head of a concrete wall in the center of which will be seen beautiful shrubbery to add to the beauty of the place.

Right soon the other end of the plot will be adorned by a cannon which is to be given the town. Further electric light will add greatly so that when all details are carried out which could not be taken care of until the monument was placed, something most appealing to the eye and pride of all Milltown will be the outcome.

Receive Colors.

Prior to the parade the Boy Scout troop was presented with colors by T. F. Meaney, through the Perry-Worthge Post. The gift was most greatly appreciated.

The library will be open at the usual hours this afternoon and evening. It was cloned yesterday owing to the holiday.


This Day in History: March 21st, 1907

This Day in History: March 21st, 1907

Michelin tire Promotional Postcard 1910

BIG TIRE FACTORY FOR MILLTOWN

Famous French Concern, the Michelin, Buys Out the International and Will Enlarge the Plant- Millions Behind the New Industry.

Little Milltown is to have the biggest boom in its history.

The celebrated Michelin Tire Co. has bought the entire plant of the International Tire Co. there and will turn the factory over to the manufacture of its own tires. In addition to this, it has plans already drawn for another factory to join the present structure. They will begin the manufacture of the Michelin tires next September. Work on the new factory building, however, will be started before then,

Ever since the Home News printed the fact that a $1000,000 company was incorporated in Trenton last week by the Michelin concern, mentioning Milltown as its New Jersey office and J. C. Matlack as the agent in charge, there have been rumors about the deal. These rumors it was not possible to confirm at Milltown, for little was known there.

The Home News succeeded today, however. In locating the general manager of the Michelin Tire Co. in New York and he informed us positively that his concern had bought the Milltown factory and would Improve and enlarge the plant. He said, further, that they expected at the outset to turn out 300 tires a day and Increase it as fast as they could get help He said also, that everybody employed by the International now who knew his business would be retained, but could say nothing now about the executive branches of the factory.

It is understood that the Michelin concern paid a handsome price to the International for its property. It is also believed that the present hands of the departments at Milltown will remain under the new concern.

The Michelin tire is the most famous automobile tire in the world, being at French patented article. The tire is Imported Into this country in great quantities and the import duty amounts to a considerable amount.

It Is High Class and Expensive. The French company has long desired n branch plant in this country where they can make the patented tire and save the Import duty. They fixed upon Mil- town as the proper site for their plant. The French plant of the Michelin company is located at Lyons, France.