Milltown Historical Society

Category: Historic Sites

This Day in History: September 22nd, 1913

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This Day in History: September 22nd, 1913

BOB-TAIL CAR SPLINTERED IN COLLISION
Public Service Fast Line Car Wrecks One at Oak Hill—
Motormen Jumped from Cars to Save Their Lives—No Serious Injuries.

Through what apparently seems to be a misunderstanding between the crews of two cars following each other into this city yesterday morning at about 6:45 o’clock, the last one a bob-tail, in charge of Mr. Herbold of New Brunswick, collided head-on with one of the Public Service Fast Line cars, in charge of Motorman Amiel Kaiser, of Milltown, and conductor William Rosseau of New Brunswick, at the foot of Oak Hill, just outside of the Borough limits of Milltown, resulting in severe damages to both of the cars. In fact, the smaller car is now only fit for scrap, while the latter will be sent to Newark for repairs. There were no serious personal injuries.

The fast line car, with six or seven passengers aboard, had just left O’Rourke’s switch, bound for Milltown, and it was at the foot of the steep incline at the foot of Oak Hill that it met the city car, on which there was a motorman and a conductor in addition to the motorman running the car.

Both motormen, evidently realizing the danger ahead, jumped, Kaiser of the fast line jumping on the stone road to safety and Herbold, of the bob-tail, jumping into the ditch, both escaping with a severe shaking up, while the motorman and conductor that were penned inside of the car hardly knew what to do when they realized the danger ahead and fortunately escaped without injury. The passengers, (all men) on the fast line were uninjured as the weight of this car was so much greater than the completely wrecked one.

The crew in charge of the car that passed the fast line at O’Rourke’s switch and whom the motorman of the bob-tail claims he notified he would follow, (although the former contradicts), did not notify the crew of the fast line car, thus causing a head-on collision in broad daylight. Mr. Arnold of New Brunswick, and Mr. Law, of Deans, were in charge of the Codwise Avenue car that passed the fast line at O’Rourke’s switch. When one of the crew was regarding the accident, he stated that it was contrary to the company’s rules to make any statement. He did, however, say that the rails were very slippery owing to the damp weather.

In about forty minutes from the time of the accident, the wrecking crew delivered the wrecked cars to the barns at Milltown. The Public Service officials immediately started an investigation of the case.

Sep 22 1913 – The Daily Home News – Pg. 11Download

This Day in History: August 31st , 1914

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This Day in History: August 31st , 1914

FIRE DESTROYS SEVEN STACKS OF WHEAT AND RYE

Eureka Fire Company Saves Barn of Jacob Ross, of Dunham’s Corner, But Could Do Nothing to Save Grain – Other News of the Borough.

MILLTOWN, Aug. 31. – About 450 bushels of unthreshed wheat and rye, contained in seven stacks piled in the field near the barn of Jacob Ross at Dunham’s Corner were completely destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon, and only for a prompt response to a telephone call by Eureka Fire Company, No. 1, of Milltown, the Ross barn would also have been consumed by the flames.

The fire, it is believed, originated through mischievous youngsters whose names were not disclosed.

The fire started about 4 o’clock and it was not very long before it was beyond control of the owners. Then word was sent to the home of C. W. Waddington, of Milltown, who, together with Mayor William Kuhlthau, soon rounded up a number of fire fighters, and in about eight minutes from the time they left Milltown the apparatus was at the scene of the conflagration. The Milltown firemen could do nothing to save the grain, but they did save the barn, which was but twelve feet away from the nearest stack that was burning. The roof of the barn caught fire in one instance, but it was soon extinguished by the use of chemicals. Among the local firemen to make the trip were Mayor William Kuhlthau, Jr., C. W. Waddington, Winfield Fine, Voorhees Van Arsdale, Charles Wolff, Edward Emens, John Christ, John Hoelzer, Myron Fouratt. Second Assistant Foreman Martin Mueller also made the trip.

After the fire was extinguished the firemen were treated royally by the Ross family…

Birthday Party for Miss Downey.
A very delightful party was held at the home of Miss Jessie Lyle, of Van Liew avenue, on Saturday evening in honor of Miss Lillian Downey’s birthday… Miss Catherine Snedeker was a prize winner in one of the interesting question games… Musical selections were rendered and singing was indulged in. Tasty delicacies were served.

New Brunswick Baker Fined.
G. Swielersky, a baker, of New Brunswick, was arrested Saturday afternoon for peddling without a license. Constable Rupprecht brought him before Justice Headley, who fined him $5 and costs. The horse and wagon were held by the constable until the owner went to New Brunswick for money to pay the court claims. Swielersky was driving a galled horse and the Justice warned him not to bring the animal to Milltown again until it was healed up and fit for use.

Constable Rupprecht also arrested John Kislow on a peace warrant and brought him before Justice Headley, where B. Kashmer claimed that Kislow called him abusive names and then pitched in to fight him. Kashmer asked Kislow for a little money that was due him and Kislow resented it in a fight. Kislow signed the peace bond and agreed to pay Kashmer’s bill when he received his pay.

Constable Rupprecht was called to look after another fight on Riva Avenue. Two young Italians from New Brunswick had a scuffle on a trolley, and when they alighted at Riva Avenue wound up in a free fight. The officer caught one fellow, but the other made good his escape. No charge was made, but the fellow lost his coat in the scrap.

Lively Time at Parsons’ Grove.
From reports that were circulated about the borough yesterday, war must have been declared in Parsons’ Grove on Saturday night, and if the reports are true there were four or five fist fights between the male picnickers and some quarrels, too, if not hair-pulling matches, among certain feminine picnickers. It seems about time that some of our good citizens who are members of the organization that has charge of the renting of this resort would speak up for the right and either try to preserve strict order or do away with the regular Saturday night picnics altogether.

Where Were All the Democrats?
The meeting of the local Democrat voters which was called for Saturday night at the Borough Hall for the purpose of selecting two councilmen to run for election this Fall turned out to be a farce as there were not sufficient interested Democrats present to hold a meeting and the probabilities are that there will only be one ticket in the field.

The Republican candidates whose terms expire, namely, Charles Batters and Balthasser Miller, will both run again.

The-Daily-Times-New-Brunswick-NJ-Mon-August-31-1914 pg.-3Download

This Day in History: August 29th, 1905

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This Day in History: August 29th, 1905

Woman Falls Through Bridge –

Milltown Bridge Gives Object Lesson on Its Rottenness.

While members of the Board of Freeholders were busy testifying before Supreme Court Commissioner Van Cleef yesterday morning about the rotten condition of the Milltown bridge, the bridge was giving a practical exhibition of its rottenness on its own account.

Mrs. George Roeder, the widow of the late postmaster of Milltown, was walking across the bridge yesterday morning when a plank broke, and she fell partly through the structure. Her screams brought help from the trolley power house, and she was assisted to a firm part of the bridge. She was not injured beyond some scratches.

Street Commissioner Booraem, of Milltown, repaired the damaged plank. He declares that the bridge is not safe for travel. He fears that a trolley car will go through someday.

Mrs. Roeder may bring suit against the county for the accident.

The-Daily-Times-New-Brunswick-NJ-Tues-August-29-1905 pg.-1Download

This Day in History: August 28th, 1905

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This Day in History: August 28th, 1905

BLOCKING THE BRIDGE AT MILLTOWN


Freeholder DeHart Dodges Question About Award of the Contract on Bridge Company Plans.

The probe into the Milltown bridge contract award to Dean, Schweirs, Sutton & Company, was commenced this morning before Supreme Court Commissioner James H. Van Cleef at his office. Testimony was taken on the writ of certiorari taken out by Charles A. Bloomfield. The morning was devoted to examining James DeHart, the chairman of the Milltown Bridge Committee, and Engineer Lehay, of the Public Service Corporation. The case was still on this afternoon.

Willard P. Voorhees represented Mr. Bloomfield. Alan H. Strong represented the county, with County Solicitor Willis. Judge J. Clarence Conover, of Freehold, appeared for Dean, Schweirs, Sutton & Co., who have the contract for building the bridge.

“Do you think it fair to the bidder to invite bids on one set of plans and then award the contract according to another set of plans?” asked Lawyer Voorhees.

“All of the acts of the committee had to be ratified by the whole Board,” replied Mr. DeHart.

Mr. Voorhees inquired minutely into the award of the contract, which was made at the office of the Public Service Corporation in the Prudential Building at Newark on July 1. Freeholders Fountain, Jackson, and DeHart, with Engineer Dougherty, met Col. Hine and Engineer Lehay there that day. The engineers approved of the plan of Dean, Schweirs, Sutton & Co., and it was approved there. Mr. DeHart was unable to point out the advantages of the plan selected, saying that he took the engineer’s word on that point.

He admitted on cross-examination that he had received a letter from the West Virginia Bridge Company, after the award of the contract, offering to build a bridge according to the Dean, Schweirs, Sutton & Co. plans for $100 less than the contract price, $8,900, and that he had not reported this letter to the Board, as he had thought the incident closed. He said that he did not think a man would make a statement of that kind in earnest when he had not seen the plans.

He was followed on the stand by Engineer Lehay.

Among the Freeholders present at the hearing were Messrs. James DeHart, Arthur O’Neill, Asbury Fountain, Michael Concannon, Joseph Allgaier, and Mr. Rusher. Director Logan and Engineer Doughty, of the Somerville Freeholders, were also present as witnesses.

Freeholder DeHart testified that when the bids were opened the Board found that the bid of the West Virginia Bridge Company was the lowest. He had been advised against giving this company any work, he said. In Somerset County, the county had given a contract to this company and had had trouble with it and had been compelled to withdraw the work. Director Logan, of Somerset, he said, had warned him against this company. For that reason, the contract was not given to this company.

He held that the contract had been given to Dean, Schweirs, Sutton & Co., because the plan which they had presented seemed to be superior to the plans which the county had adopted and which had been approved by the Public Service. Mr. Voorhees brought out in cross-examination that the county had invited plans which had been approved by the county and the Public Service Corporation, and that after bids had been received on these plans, the bids were not considered because Dean, Schweirs, Sutton & Co. had submitted a plan of their own which the Freeholders thought superior, as the weight seemed to be more evenly distributed and because it provided for concrete sidewalks.

Mr. DeHart explained that the Freeholders had at first intended to let the bidders in on an offer of the Public Service Corporation to sell scrap steel to the successful bidder at cost but had abandoned this plan because it did not think the arrangement fair to the bidders, as one might be located nearer to the steel than the other.

The-Daily-Times-New-Brunswick-NJ-Mon-August-28-1905 pg.-1Download

This Day in History: August 27th, 1907

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This Day in History: August 27th, 1907

MILLIONS BEING SPENT ON NEW TIRE INDUSTRY


WORK BEING RUSHED ON THE MICHELIN TIRE PLANT DAY AND NIGHT—THE BOROUGH’S BIGGEST BOOM IS NOW ON.

The greatest boom that the borough of Milltown has seen is on foot at the present time with the completion of a part of the new Michelin Tire factory. People are hurrying about and the current gossip is, “What’s going to happen next?” About five hundred men are busy on the job, divided into a day shift and a night shift, hence the work never ceases. The first four sections of the factory, which were begun on June 2 last, and which were specified to be finished about September 1, are well under way and will be in readiness by that date.

People are rushing to Milltown daily in quest of rooms, and these are only to be had at a very high rental.

The new sections will be adjacent to the present structure used by the International A. & V. Tire Co. They are designated as sections Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 7, and their dimensions are: 276 feet by 104 feet; 109 feet by 69 feet; 51 feet by 137 feet; and 81 feet by 104 feet, respectively. Two other buildings, which are to be used in the manufacture of the company’s tires, are known as sections No. 12 and 13. Their dimensions are 82 feet by 104 feet and 124 feet by 104 feet, respectively.
Section No. 8 is a small brick structure used for storage purposes; section No. 9 is to be the engine room; section No. 10 will be the power house of the plant, in which there will be four 500-horsepower boilers and two powerful turbine engines. Section No. 11 will be a repository for benzine.

Machinery from France.

Five large presses and five lathes have been shipped from France to the scene of activity, and the machinery that has been received is being erected with the same rapidity as has characterized the erection of the buildings.

The new additions will give about 80,000 square feet of floor space, and buildings will be erected from time to time as more room is required.

The work is being done by the John W. Ferguson Contracting Co. of Paterson, and George L. Kyle, the company’s superintendent, is supervising the work.

With the completion of the work after the merger with the French company is consummated, the offices of the firm will be moved from Ford Avenue, where they are now located, to the second floor at the corner of Ford Avenue and Main Street.

In all, nine sections have been added to the present plant, whereas only four sections were contemplated when ground was broken on June 2 last. The factory will be run night and day, and will be illuminated at night by 8,000 powerful lamps.

Branch offices of the company will be established in all the leading cities throughout the United States.

Houses will be erected by the firm for employees that they will bring here and every advantage will be offered to those who will make Milltown their future home and engage in work at the factory. Some 2,500 hands will be required when the factory is completed.

The cost of the factory and machinery included will run well up in the millions, but as yet no definite figure will be given out.

The-Daily-Times-New-Brunswick-NJ-Tues-August-27-1907 pg.-1Download

This Day in History: August 25th, 1927

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This Day in History: August 25th, 1927

One House Has Burned Down Within Borough Since 1911

Equipment and Organization of Firemen, Headed by H. A. Christ, A. L. P. Kuhlthau, And J. M. Brindle Are Decided Asset To Community

MILLTOWN, Aug. 25.—The Firemen’s Carnival, which closed last Saturday evening, attracted the attention of all the town people and those of nearby places, proving to be a very successful affair. While some pressure was brought to bear on the firemen to continue the carnival this week due to inclement weather interfering with it last week, the committee decided not to extend the carnival beyond the one week. They are very appreciative of the public’s support.

The Milltown fire department was organized in February 1911, during the administration of the late Mayor Conrad Richter, with sixty volunteer members. The citizens voted to purchase apparatus consisting of a chemical combination ladder and hose auto car. This equipment was used until 1921 when the council voted to purchase a 750-gallon American LaFrance pumper. A little later, a Dodge Graham Brothers chassis was purchased, and the old auto car apparatus was placed on it. Today, this unit is considered as fine as any in the state.

In 1925, a new firehouse was constructed by the council on Cottage Avenue, which, in addition to housing the Dodge car, provides an office for the Recorder and two cells for law violators. The LaFrance pumper is kept in the borough hall.

With the completion of the new firehouse, it was deemed advisable to have two companies. Accordingly, the hose company and engine company were formed, each with twenty-five members. Today, there is a waiting list of those who would like to become members.

Following seven years of active membership, firemen may join the Exempt Firemen’s Association, organized in 1918, with Henry Kuhlthau as president and John Christ as secretary.

Insurance is carried by the fire companies protecting the firemen while on duty, a new feature at the time it was arranged but has since been adopted by many other places. The annual banquet of the firemen is recognized as one of the most important social functions of the community. When it is held next year, it is hoped to secure the entire community house for the affair to accommodate all who wish to attend.

Foremen who have served since the organization of the fire department are: Henry Kuhlthau (1911-1912), A. L. P. Kuhlthau (1913), Adam Thompson (1914), Elwood Boyce (1915), Martin Muller (1916), E. V. Emens (1917), C. W. Christ (1918), Chris Jensen (1919), John H. Lins (1920), and Charles Wolf (1921). In 1922, the council organized a board of fire officers consisting of John Bauries, fire chief; Henry A. Christ, first assistant; and John W. Glock, second assistant chief. Mr. Bauries served for two years as fire chief and was succeeded by Henry A. Christ, who is now serving his fourth year as fire chief. He is assisted at present by A. L. P. Kuhlthau as first assistant and J. M. Brindle as second assistant.

The firemen take pride, and rightly so, in their achievements. The only house that has burned down within the community limits was that of “Aunt Kate” Rappelyea, due to its location being too far from the fire hydrants to be reached by the hose. The men are exceedingly faithful in drills and in responding to calls, irrespective of time and weather conditions. They are a real community asset.

Women in Court Row Quieted by Officer

MILLTOWN, Aug. 25.—Mrs. Josephine Gerney of Tanner’s Corner made a charge of disorderly conduct against her husband, Joseph Gerney, before J. A. Headley, Justice of the Peace. The constable arrested Gerney, but Justice Headley, after hearing the case, dismissed it. During the court session, the Justice and constable adjourned to another room for a conference, and several women involved in the case got into an argument that had to be settled by the officer.

Dancing of Milltown Children At Cliffwood Beach Is Popular

MILLTOWN, Aug. 25.—Scores of people from here visited Cliffwood Beach last week when the beach carnival was held, as several local children participated in the events. Miss Blanche Wolf, nine-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wolf of Riva Avenue, and Miss Pearl Latham, twelve-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Latham of Tremont Avenue, danced solo dances at the queen’s coronation ball held at the Boardwalk Casino, in addition to taking part in the ensemble numbers.

Blanche gracefully executed a solo toe waltz, dressed in an abbreviated frock of green taffeta. She also danced a Spanish dance as a solo, wearing a dress of American Beauty fringe with a jet bodice. Both costumes enhanced her blond daintiness. For the ensemble doll dance, Blanche wore a picture dress of pink tarletan, and her dress for the black bottom ensemble was of rose and gold.

Pearl looked very sweet and demure as she danced her solo “The Waltz of the Rose.” Her ballet dress was of gold changeable taffeta and gold ballet shoes. In the ensemble doll dance, Pearl was very dainty in a many-ruffled dress of orange tarletan with a gold bodice. For the black bottom ensemble, her costume was of American Beauty taffeta and silver.

Both children are enrolled at the Godwin School of Dancing at New Brunswick.

In the baby parade on Friday, two local youngsters were prize winners. Little Verna Wolf, four-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Wolf of South Main Street, and her little cousin, Harold Fegley, three and a half year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Fegley of Poch Avenue, were entered in the first division as bride and groom.

Verna was a smiling bride in her white tarletan wedding gown and fine veil, which was held in place over her dark curls by a rhinestone band. On her tiny feet were white silk socks and white pumps. She carried a bridal bouquet of roses and ferns tied with white satin ribbon streamers. Harold was a study in black and white with his black satin cutaway coat and trousers, stiff white shirt, and high silk hat. They walked very properly arm in arm.

Blanche Wolf was a very pretty fairy in the parade. She wore a white paper dress with large wings and a gold crown and carried a gold wand. Pearl Latham also marched in the parade, wearing her corsage and gold doll dress.

Mrs. C. W. Kuhlthau of North Main Street was one of the five judges of the baby parade, and she says that the floats and carriages were so beautifully decorated and the children so adorably costumed that the awarding of the prizes was difficult.

Lindbergh’s “We” In Milltown Library

MILLTOWN, Aug. 25.—A new book, one which will delight all true Americans, has been added to the Public Library. It is Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh’s own book “We,” giving the story of his marvelous flight over the Atlantic Ocean. Everyone should avail themselves of the opportunity to read this book and discover the things that made this young man so successful and endeared him not only to all America but to all the world.

Prepare Schools For Opening Day On September 7

MILLTOWN, Aug. 17.—The school building and grounds present a scene of considerable activity as the janitors and several mechanics continue making preparations for the opening of school, which has been announced for September 7.

The inside of the building is being thoroughly renovated, with several rooms redecorated, floors cleaned, and many of the desks and other pieces of furniture re-surfaced and finished. Additional cupboard space is to be provided for the sewing and manual training departments, and the facilities of the latter department are to be enlarged to include sheet metal work. An outside fire escape is to be placed on the building, and doors not already equipped are to be provided with anti-panic bolts.

A modern iron fence is being erected around the school grounds. Arrangements are also being made for a better drainage system on the playground to prevent surface water from running into the basement, as considerable damage has already been done by recent heavy rains.

Both streets, in front and along the rear of the school lot, are being paved, which will add to the appearance and comfort of the school.

Local News Briefs:

Mrs. Richard Reed of Hill Avenue is enjoying a vacation trip to Chicago.

Miss Badie Heins of South Main Street is the proud owner of a Hupmobile.

Mrs. John Klotzbach, wife of Mayor Klotzbach, has returned from Middlesex Hospital and is convalescing at her home. Mr. Klotzbach’s sister, Mrs. S. Prosser, has come from her home in New Kentucky to visit them for a while.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Steinmetz have returned from their honeymoon and are now occupying their newly furnished apartment at South Main Street.

Little Austin Christ of Riva Avenue has returned from Middlesex Hospital where he had his tonsils removed on Monday. Carl and Willis Klotzbach, who also underwent tonsil operations, are able to be about again.

The-Daily-Times-New-Brunswick-NJ-Thurs-August-25-1927 pg.-12Download