This Day in History: August 10, 1911

August 10, 2022August 10, 2022 Milltown Historical Society 0 Comment Historic Sites, Misc. Historic Sites, News, People of Milltown, South main street firehouse, This Day in Hisotry Aubrey Kuhlthau, boyd brothers, Conrad Richter, Fire Apparatus, Fred Gowen, Henry Kuhlthau, Milltown, Mr. Zehn, new brunswick FD, Philadelphia, Test

MILLTOWN FIRE APPARATUS IS A SUCCESS

Test Last Night Shows That Motor Truck Will Do the Work – Other Borough News.

MILLTOWN, Aug. 10.-At 7.45 o’clock last evening the whistle of the Michelin Tire Company announced the time for the test of the new Fire apparatus. At 7.43 a pile of boxes, barrels and other inflammable material were set afire on the grounds belonging to the Richter Brothers, on the corner of Richter Avenue and Clay Street.

In the meantime, the Mayor, four Councilmen, two firemen, two mechanics from Boyd Brothers, Philadelphia, and the Home News correspondent were at the Borough Hall, wandering about the premises. At the sound of the whistle all ran for the apparatus, the motor was started and the machine wailing down Main Street to Richter avenue, to the fire. The distance was made in three minutes and twenty seconds. The hose was quickly fastened to the tanks and the chemical stream was played upon the fire. In four minutes and fifty seconds after leaving the borough hall, the fire was practically extinguished.

The test was all that could be desired in showing the efficiency of the machine as a fire fighter. Previous to this the apparatus had been put through a running test, which proved satisfactory in every particular.

Mr. Zehn, of Boyd Brothers, directed the fire fighting last night with the aid of Foreman Henry Kuhlthau and assistant Foreman Aubrey Kuhlthau. The borough officials present expressed themselves as much pleased with the test.

“Billy” Killeen, a local fireman, who’s very active, did efficient work in putting out the blaze and was highly applauded. This called forth a speech and “Billy” gave his opinion that the apparatus was the best ever. After the test the local firemen were shows how to manipulate the chemical tanks and the motor.

Mayor Conrad Richter expressed in self as highly pleased with the apparatus.

Young People Draw the Crowd

The Young People’s Society of the German Reformed Church were having their annual supper in Milltown park last evening. As the grounds where the test was given adjoins the park, the large crowd proceeded to the picnic after the test and enjoyed of the society. Terry’s . orchestra, of New Brunswick, furnished fine music, while supper and refreshments were being sold. The affair was a great success.

Fred Gowen was one of the New Brunswick firemen who witnessed the test last, evening.

Mrs. R. M. Huesic, of Highland Park, was a guest of borough friends yesterday.

The-Daily-Home-News-Thursday-Aug-10-1911-Pg-6 Download

This Day in History: August 3rd, 1911

August 3, 2022August 3, 2022 Milltown Historical Society 0 Comment Historic Sites, News, People of Milltown, South main street firehouse, This Day in Hisotry boyd brothers, Drum and Bugle Corps, fire, firehouse, History, Mayor Conrad Richter, Milltown, Milltown Fife, Milltown PArk, parade, People of Milltown, picnic, Talk of the Town

FIRE APPARATUS FOR MILLTOWN

Will Be Exhibited at Fireman’s Picnic on August 5

MILLTOWN. Aug. 3. At 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon the new fire apparatus recently purchased by the borough from Boyd Brothers, of Philadelphia, for $4,100 arrived in the borough. On the truck was a chauffeur and representative of the firm and Mayor Conrad Richter, who, being anxious for fire protection in the borough, did much in bringing about the purchase of the truck.

The apparatus certainly made a fine appearance as it came through the borough yesterday. The body of the truck is red with yellow trimmings and on the front in large letters is the name of Milltown’s first fire company. On the truck are two chemical tanks, several feet of hose, extension ladders and hooks, which make a complete outfit.

The truck is propelled by motor power and is capable of making from 20 to 25 miles an hour. The body is set upon an autocar chassis. It is equipped with solid rubber tires.

The apparatus will be on exhibition on Saturday, August 5, when the firemen will hold their first grand picnic at Milltown Park. The day promises to be one of the greatest days of celebration in the history of the borough. The dancing will begin at the park at 3 p. m. and will continue until midnight. At 7 p. m. the officials of the borough. In automobiles, and the firemen will form a parade, preceded by the Milltown Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps. The line of march has not as yet been determined, but will include the principal streets of the borough.

But this- – pageant is not all. After dark there will be a grand display of fireworks at the park, which will attract many.

Saturday will be almost a holiday in the borough. It is thought that business places will close in the early afternoon in honor of the firemen. Houses will be gayly decorated with flags and bunting.

Complimentary tickets have been sent to the fire companies of New Brunswick and a record-breaking crowd is expected.

The-Daily-Home-News-Thurs-Aug-3-1911-Pg-6 Download

This Day in History: May 20th, 1911

May 20, 2022May 20, 2022 Milltown Historical Society 0 Comment Historic Sites, South main street firehouse 1911, boyd brothers, electricity, fire house, fire truck, Middlesex County New Jersey, Milltown, People of Milltown, Talk of the Town

WILL PAY $4,100 FOR FIRE TRUCK

MILLTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL AWARDS CONTRACT TO JAMES BOYD & BROTHERS, OF PHILADELPHIA THE RESOLUTION PASSES BY 4– 1 VOTE.

MILLTOWN, May 20 – The borough will pay $4,100 for a motor fire truck. It was resolved at an adjourned Council meeting last evening. The resolution to purchase the truck from Boyd Brothers, of Philadelphia, was introduced by Councilman George Crabiel, a member of the fire committee. When the call came for ayes and nays the vote was as follows:

Ayes, Councilmen Baurles, Kulthau, Morris, Crabiel.

Nays, Councilman Rappleyea.

Councilman Miller was absent.

The Mayor accompanied by council members last Wednesday were the guests of the Boyd Brothers and were allowed the privilege of going through the factory. A demonstration was given and it is said it proved highly satisfactory to the members on the scene.

Ordinance for Franchise Passed

An ordinance was introduced to give the New York Telephone Company the rights and privileges of operating and repairing their lines on all streets and thoroughfares of the borough.

Among the conditions named in the ordinance, were that two telephones were to be given free to the borough and that one telephone would be added for every fifty subscribers received after the one hundred mark was reached; that the company shall erect no poles in front of a property without the property owner’s permission; that the company shall trim no trees without the property owners permission; that the borough could use the poles of the company for its electricity light wires. The ordinance was unanimously passed on its first and second readings.

…the company shall trim no trees without the property owners permission; that the borough could use the poles of the company for its electricity light wires.

Robert A. Harkins is ill

For the first time in many years, Borough Clerk Robert A. Harkins, was unable to be in his chair last evening. The clerk sent word that he was too ill to be present.

The-Daily-Home-News-Sat-May-20th-1911-Pg-1 Download