This Day in History: November 4th, 1915

Luigi Aquino alias Louis Quinn

QUINN FREE OF MURDER IN ITALY

Fellow Countrymen Acquit Man Charged With Murdering Mrs. Tessie Kubbery at Milltown Remarkable Ending of Tragedy That Stirred the County.


Following closely upon the conviction of Porter Charlton, an American who was tried in Italy for murder, comes the announcement in the form of a communication to Prosecutor Florance that Luigi Aquino, alias Louis Quinn, charged with the murder of Mrs. Tessie Kuberry, at Milltown on July 25, 1913, has been acquitted and set at liberty by the Court of Assise at Avelino, Italy.

Following the crime at Milltown, Quinn escaped to Italy, his native country, where he was arrested in December, 1913, through a decoy letter sent by County Detective John

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R. Ferguson. The prosecutor at that time was George S. Silzer and nothing was left undone to bring about the arrest of Quinn, but efforts to have him sent back here for trial failed utterly.

Sworn affidavits, however, were forwarded to Italy by Mr. Silzer and later by Prosecutor Florance, including the testimony of two eye-witnesses to the tragedy, both of whom fastened the crime upon Quran. It WIA generally felt that the CISO against the prisoner was of the strongest, hence the action of the Italian Court is all the more surprising

Mrs. Kuberry was a general favorite and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Litkenhaus, of this city. She was employed at the plant of the Michelin Tire Company, in front of whose property the shooting took place. Quinn had also been an employee of the tire works and had paid attention to Mrs. Kuberry, who repulsed him. It was believed that Jealousy led to the shooting.

Charles Rick, a Syrian, who saw the murder of Mrs. Kuberry and tried to prevent Quinn’s escape, was shot in the neck and was a patient in a local hospital for some time after the killing. His testimony was among the affidavit sent to Italy and several photographs of the scene of the crime had also been forwarded.

The letter just received by Prosecutor Florance was forwarded from the office of Governor Fielder, by whom it was received from the State Department at Washington. It bore date of September 22 and set forth that Quinn’s trial took place on July 9 last.

A remarkable feature of the communication was the statement that the Quinn case is the fifth case within the past twelve months in which Italians, tried in Italian courts for murders alleged to have been committed in the United States, have been found not guilty by the Jury and set at liberty by the courts. Not & case has been reported to the American Embassy within the past year in which a conviction for murder or manslaughter has been secured by the Royal Prosecutor.

The treaty laws between the United States and Italy are such that It is impossible for this country to secure the extradition of men arrested in Italy for murders committed in the United States, and the disadvantage resulting to the Interests of justice seem to be amply set forth In the communication referred) to above.



August 2022: Milltown’s Iconic Landmark Water Tower and Smokestack to be Demolished!

August 2022: Milltown’s Iconic Landmark Water Tower and Smokestack to be Demolished!

While it may be said by some that this headline is utterly untrue, the fact is that without public outcry today these structures are in the direct path of the Milltown Ford Avenue Redevelopment Authority’s (MFARA) current legal framework. As of right now the current Ford Avenue Redevelopment Plan as amended in 2021 includes the following language with regard to open space…

            “Delivery of Open Space and Development Parcel: Demolition of
Buildings and Structures. Any and all structures or buildings, parking lots,
sidewalks, walkways, asphalt or concrete pads, and any abandoned below grade
piping, conduit or utility appurtenances, situated on the Open Space Parcel, shall
be removed and/or demolished by Developer. The cost of the demolition on the
Open Space Parcel and Development Parcel shall be shared 50/50 between the
Developer and the County….”

Looking at the conceptual plan it was reasoned and confirmed at a recent meeting of MFARA that one of the proposed building sites would sit at the location of the landmark structures in question.

It is true that there are numerous paths forward to save these structures. Options include the immediate creation of a Historic Preservation Commission to give authority over the designation of historic properties in the borough, the amendment to the four-party agreement, State Historic designation, and or lobbying of your elected officials. It is my opinion that it is too burdensome for the developer to keep the structures and maintain them. With the political will of both local Borough officials and the Middlesex County Commissioners who have the absolute authority to approve the location of the Open Space boundary. It is reasonable for them to ensure that not all structures within the county Open Space are demolished. Such a decision would benefit the residents of the State of New Jersey, Middlesex County, and the Borough of Milltown, as they could retain these landmarks, while also reducing the cost burden of the developer to unnecessarily demolish such iconic structures and the last remaining vestige of Milltown cultural contribution to the United States rubber industry and its own working-class roots.

For a timed video of the recent Milltown Ford Avenue Redevelopment Authority’s meeting where this was discussed see below for a YouTube link.

To contact your local leaders follow the links below.

Middlesex County commissioners.

https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/board-of-county-commissioners

Milltown Ford Ave Redevelopment Agency

http://www.milltownnj.org/261/Ford-Ave-Redevelopment-Agency


Written by: Randy Ruth – August 2022

This Day in History: August 9th, 1916

This Day in History: August 9th, 1916

JOE AUER IS BOY HERO AT MILLTOWN

Charged With Swimming in Lawrence Brook, He Refuses to Give Names of Other Boy Swimmers


MILLTOWN AUG 9.- Joseph Auer, 15 years of age, of this place was arranged before Justice of the Peace Joseph Headley last night on a charge of swimming in Lawrence Brook, the New Brunswick Watershed. The boy was released with a reprimand after a bearing which created more than the usual attention among Milltown people. More than 200 Milltowners attended the bearing, and several, including Harry Meyers, the principal of the Milltown schools, appeared in the boy’s behalf. Auer graduated from the Milltown public school last June and was first honor pupil. The complaint against the youngster was made by Charles Joris superintendent of the New Brunswick Water Department, but there was not sufficient evidence on hand to secure a conviction.

On Monday night the Amer boy was found on the bank of Lawrence Brook with his clothes off by one of the watershed inspectors. In the opinion of the Justice who beard the case this was not sufficient evidence to prove the boy had been swimming in the brook. Accordingly, be was released with a reprimand.

 For one time it has been believed that Milltown youngsters have been swimming various parts of the watershed, which furnishes the drinking water in New Brunswick, and the inspectors have been vigilant. The complaint against Auer, it is believed was made in the hope that he would

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give the names of the boys who have been making habit of swimming in places against the orders of the City of New Brunswick “Squealing” on one another is detested by the boys, and Auer absolutely refused to give the names of any of the boys who have been Swimming in the brook He was willing to take the consequences himself rather than being freed of the charge if he would give the names of the boys in the minds of many Milltown boys, Joseph is a real hero.

Swimming in the Milltown pond is not an unheard-of occurrence, either I is said. It is not done openly. but some young men have made practice of falling out of Towboats into the cooling waters with all their clothes on. Many of these happenings are accidental. On Monday night a young lady of the borough was seen to suddenly fall out of towboat. Instead of being alarmed for her safety, she seemed to enjoy the splash, though – fully attired.


This Day in History: July 21st, 1918

This Day in History: July 21st, 1918

RESIDENTS OF MILLTOWN BOROUGH HONOR THEIR SOLDIER BOYS BY THE NOVEL DISPLAY OF NAMES


To our neighbors in Milltown must go the credit for a unique and decidedly appropriate tribute to the men who have left there for service in the army and navy an honor roll of the names of the men placed on a board 10 feet high in a prominent part of the town.

The idea was “first suggested in the borough council by C. V. L. Booream and referred to the War Relief Council, who completed the plans that finally resulted in the dedication of the honor roll board on July 4th, the council financing it

The ceremony was most impressive. The board was draped with two very, large flags and at a given signal two girls drew them aside disclosing the names in clear letters that may easily .be read from some distance. Speeches were made by different ones, among them being Samuel Hoffman, one of the four-minute speakers in New Brunswick.

This tribute of Milltown to her departed soldiers is one that cannot help but appeal to everyone as being a fine expression of the sentiments of the “home folks.” It is an act that will be appreciated and remembered by these men who have offered their all to their country. The sign seems to say, just as plainly as if the words were written on it in huge letters: “These are men from Milltown who have gone to fight for us; we are proud of them and are standing back of them to the limit.”

Here are the names in the order in which they appear on the Milltown honor list:  


S. Bridier, C. Bordel, L. Bernard, J. Bourgarde, J. P. Saury, P. Barrere, H. Belin, J. Bernard, P. Bartherottte,  L. Bondee, S. Brickman, W. Barr, W. Bradley, H. J. Baier, C. Bluming, I. Bagoyne, P. Collins, Al. Christ, E. Collins, E. Chevalier, P. Cholet, T. Chardonnet, P. Coxie, R. Calledce, F. Cojean, E. Collet, L. Cannaff, F. Cretau, J. W: Dorn, J. P. Domas, L. Dheere, L. Decelle, M. David, L. Daviou, N. De Srnet, R. Evenou, F. Fleurant, M. Fichant, W. Galanias, J. Gaydier, C. Grand, L Corends. A. Grangemarre, H. Hartlander, C. Hartlander, G. Hartlander, M. Kulthau, C. M. Kulthau, L. LeGuillou. H. Okerson. J. Poigonec, G: Poigonec. F. Poupon, J. Magnet, J. Rupprecht, R . Rusellot, A. Renoux.

R. Richter, P. Schlumberger, P. Richards, Jr., P. Sheppard, C. Schwendeman, C. Villecourt, V. Troulakis, N. Suignard, A. Vauchez, N Van Voden. P. Ginelewet, J. Peflofky, G. Papas. Roy Reeves. R. Reeves, D. Romero, C. Syottonis, V. Van Canwenbuge, J. Genet, H. Fahrenholz, A. Anderson, J. P. Arvie, E. Gele, J. Gorgeon, R. Headley, J. Heimel, E. Jumet, M. Jegou, J. Kopetz, J. LeRoux, H. Meirose, S. Perry, Jr., J. Perry, L. Leroux, A. Pialoux, L. Mechan, A. J. Heim, J. Shea, N. Ropers, M. Queignec, E. Garde, R. Heimel, C Hughe, H. Kurmas, J. Kearborn, A. Lins, J. W. Lins, H. W. Lins, L. Mitton, W. Posekv, J. LaFaige, O. Haeg-ens, V. Laz, R. L. Walters, W. Wegant, J. Wegant, G. DeMontelleon, A. Dickinson, B. Christ, A. Wysems, G. Worthage, C. J. Weyde, A. Fabre, S. Farbat, Kupkrinski, F. Mather, N. Morzoraka, J. Poloski, J. Vandresitz, J. Zadusk, Ferdland R. Crabiel


This Day in History: July 14th, 1919

This Day in History: July 14th, 1919

MILLTOWN, July 14. Tonight is the time set to fittingly observe the independence of France In the borough when the French national holiday will be duly celebrated with a splendid program.

A street parade at 7 o’clock in which the war veterans of France will take a most prominent part, the local Red Cross of which every member Is asked to be In line with their usual costumes, the French school children and various other organizations along with the Michelin band will make up the line.

After the parade a patriotic meeting will be held at the Michelin Park at which Judge Peter F. Daly will speak, and Capt. Charles Reed, who was severely wounded in France, will give a description of the army life. Other numbers are on the program and the climax of the anniversary program will be a block dance on the ball diamond. This ought to be a splendid affair and everyone should turn out to celebrate the occasion.

Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday night is the regular meeting night of the Chamber of Commerce and arrangements have been completed to make this an unusually attractive meeting. The New Brunswick Sunday Times yesterday gave a fine description of the character and quality possessed for public speaking of the man who will address the meeting on Wednesday evening and all members, along with those who would like to join and citizens in general, are invited to come out and hear the good news that will come to the new borough developing body.

Off for Sea Girt

Elburn Matlack and Harold Glines of this place, left Saturday for Sea Girt, where they will train with the state militia men. both of the local men are members of Co. E of New Brunswick, and the trip down was made in Mr. Matlack’s car.

Arthur Foss, who has seen much thrilling war service in France, is spending a few days with his uncle. John Klotzbach, having arrived last week from overseas.

Installation of Officers

On Thursday evening of this week the installation of the newly elected officers will be held at the Daughters of Liberty lodge room and all members are asked to be present

Parade at 7 P.M.

The French Independence Day parade and celebration will take place promptly at 7 o’clock, and it is the desire of the committee to have a large representation of Milltown citizens In line two or three local organizations will march in a body, but the citizens at large are cordially invited to be on hand and to parade.

The local Red Men have planned to march in a body, and everybody is earnestly requested to meet at the clubhouse promptly at 6.45 o’clock.

Developing and printing for armatures done at Moore’s Drug Store All work guaranteed. Twenty-four hour service. Films and cameras on sale Moore s Drug Store. Red Men’s Building.

This day in History: March 4, 1924

Location of MIlltown National Bank 1917 - 1924

MILLTOWN’S NEW FIRE SIREN WILL BE TESTED TONIGHT


Milltown. March 4, — Tonight between the hours of 5 o’clock and 10 o’clock people may expect a loud shrill gong. Fire Chief H. A. Christ advises that none should be alarmed as it will be only a test of the new fire siren. Which is here for a period of thirty days for a test. The siren was Installed yesterday and while the exact time of the test is not known, the chief wanted the people to be on the “inside” as he did not want any frightened especially those living In the district of the alarm. The siren has been installed at the disposal plant. It has not been definitely decided as to what arrangement will be made regarding the new alarm which will be installed this year, but if the test tonight of the siren proves what it is expected to, it will undoubtedly be the one adopted. Rapid progress is being made by the Eureka firemen to have everything in first class working order and a good alarm system has been lacking here for years.