Milltown Historical Society

Tag: fire

This Day in History: April, 18th 1919

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This Day in History: April, 18th 1919

Oil Stove Explodes and Threatens Home

MILLTOWN, April 18 – What looked for a time as though it would spread into a dangerous fire and necessitate the calling of the fire company started yesterday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the home of Frank Reed, on Washington Avenue, when an oil stove exploded on the second floor of the building. Miss Helen Zogg, a sister of Mrs. Reed, who was in the room at the time, showed her thoughtfulness and grabbed the stove and threw it out of the open window, but in doing so the flames set fire to the weatherboards and then Miss Zogg gave the alarm. Luckily, Chester Okeson, an employee of Russell’s Card Company, and Percy Lias, chauffeur for Dr. Forney, were in front of the house at the time and they rushed to the Raritan River Railroad station, which is next to the place, and got the big fire extinguisher from the railroad and did splendid work, assisted by the Raritan River railroad employees, so the fire got no headway as only the outside boards of the house were burnt. The place is owned by Henry Kuhlthau.

Paying Taxes

Borough Tax Collector John Christ calls attention to the collection of taxes this year which is to be made by installments of two payments, in accordance with the Pierson Act. The payments are due on June 1st, and December 1st. Owing to the new law, the tax bills may be late in being sent out but as soon as the people receive their first bill they will know that it immediately becomes due, for if it is not paid by June 1st, it becomes delinquent.

Warriors Degree Ceremony Tonight

Eight candidates will be given the Warriors degree at the Improved Order of Red Men’s lodge room tonight by the warrior’s degree team, which promises to be another good night in lodge circles. Those who will receive the degree are: Oscar Christ, Frank Witkowski, George Wilson, Howard Moore, Charles Crabiel, Miles Geer, Elbwin Matlack, and George Whittle.

Personal Mention

Ground has been broken by Charles Lins on the Kuhlthau Terrace, upper Main Street, for the erection of a beautiful homestead.

Miss Dora Harkins was a Newark visitor yesterday.

Mrs. Jacob Delart, of School Street, has been called to the bedside of her aunt, Mrs. Cottrell, of Jamesburg, who is well-known here.

Mrs. Charles Lins spent Thursday with friends in Newark.

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This Day in History: March 22nd, 1905

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This Day in History: March 22nd, 1905

TIRE WORKS FIRE WON’T STOP WORK

The storehouse of the International at Milltown was destroyed, but the main works are saved—the damage well covered by insurance.

The six-story frame structure, approximately 70 by 100 feet, which was the plant of the original Meyer Rubber Co., situated at Milltown, burned last night. So great was the danger to surrounding property that help was sought from this city, with Raritan Engine Company and Liberty Hose Company responding.

Although the building destroyed was the real factory in the time of Christian Meyer, it had only been used as a storehouse for some years past by the International Automobile Vehicle and Tire Company. The brick structure opposite, where active manufacturing is carried out, was not harmed, even though it seemed at risk as the flames were moving across the covered bridge connecting the old building with the new brick structure.

The origin of the flames is a mystery, but it is thought to have started on the fifth floor around 6:30 PM when the employees were leaving, spreading rapidly due to the building’s age and the inflammable nature of the stock. The fourth floor was used as storage by the Jersey Rubber Specialty Company.

The assistance of the New Brunswick firemen was pivotal in controlling the fire. Sergeant Kelly, upon receiving the news and call for help, notified Chief Kidney, who dispatched the Raritan Engine Company and Liberty Hose Company. The latter made remarkable time, and the route taken was via Livingston avenue, recently cut through to the Cranbury Turnpike, and on to Milltown.

Raritan Engine Company’s engine, drawn by Walter Flavel’s horses, went out in record time. Second Assistant Chief Puerschner, in charge at Milltown, deployed a crew to the connecting bridge, beating back the flames despite suggestions to tear it down. Fire shutters on the main building helped contain the danger until the firemen arrived.

The plant’s overhead sprinkling system activated upon the fire’s start, with three streams from the building’s fire connections playing on the flames, although their impact was limited. Minor explosions occurred when the fire reached particularly flammable materials, necessitating continued water application until nearly midnight.

The electrical current for trolleys was shut off due to the fire’s proximity to the overhead bridge and feed wire. No. 4 engine was stationed on the other side, with hoses crossing the tracks. Water was pumped from a pond, and the stationary engine in the brick building, installed for firefighting, proved effective. The dense smoke from burning rubber products and appliances made the firefighters’ work more difficult.

The building, valued at $15,000 and built quickly after its predecessor’s destruction, was part of the original rubber factory of Christian Meyer. Insurance, managed by Weed and Kennedy in New York, covered the entire property at $500,000. The destroyed building was insured for $125,000 across several companies.

Howard DeHart, a trolley conductor, was the first to see the flames, raising the alarm as he crossed the old wooden bridge to North Milltown.

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This Day in History: February 18th, 1911

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This Day in History: February 18th, 1911

FIRE ROUTS HUNGARIAN BOARDERS
Old Vunk Homestead Burns While Occupants Look on Helplessly – Lack of Water Handicapped Those Who Went to Help.

MILLTOWN, Feb. 28 – The boarding house owned by the Philadelphia & Boston Fire Brick Company, and which was formerly the old Vunk homestead, burned to the ground last evening. At seven o’clock, a number of local people noticed the flames and, thinking that the fire was very near the outskirts of the borough and that the local fire company would be called into action as a bucket brigade, made for the scene.

It seems that the house was situated a quarter of a mile from the trolley, and its avenues of approach consisted of roads containing a bottomless mire. As a result, the twenty-five citizens found the greatest trouble in getting to the place, and it was soon found that the fire, instead of being near the outskirts of the town, was halfway to South River.

The fire by that time was burning briskly and, as there was no water available, nothing could be done but to protect the nearby barn.

The house was occupied by a dozen Hungarian men, or more, one woman, and four boys, all of whom escaped uninjured. One of the inmates claimed that the fire had started on the north side of the building in the second story and was not discovered until it had gained great headway. No furniture was saved.

Nothing was seen of the local fire department as an organized body. There were two or three members on the scene, among whom were Clifford Waddington, treasurer, and W.E. Becker. The fire was discovered to be too far out of town and too far away from water to call out the members.

It is understood that the Brick Company has the building fully covered by insurance.

Charles Taggart, the entertainer from Vermont, will make his first appearance in the borough tomorrow evening at Redmen Hall. He will give an excellent program under the auspices of the Ushers Association of the M.F. Church. The admission will be 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children.

The Milltown Building and Loan Association is nearing its first birthday. Read the notice below.

FOR RENT – Four rooms, corner of Lincoln Avenue and Main Street, Milltown. Inquire Mrs. John Geer, Milltown, N.J., f18-1m

FOR RENT – Four rooms, steam heat, and water. Inquire John Christ, Kuhlthau Avenue, Milltown, N.J. 124-3t

The Daily Home News – February 28, 1911Download

This Day in History: October 1st, 1914

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This Day in History: October 1st, 1914

MRS. RAPPLEYEA NARROWLY ESCAPES DEATH IN FIRE

Aged Woman Who Lived Alone Has Her Home Destroyed – Nothing Saved – Other Local News

MILLTOWN, Oct. 1 – Mrs. Kate Rappleyea, widow of the late Jacob Rappleyea and better known as “Aunt Kate,” had a narrow escape yesterday. While resting in the front room of her home on Riva Avenue after lunch, awaiting water to heat for washing dishes, she heard a roaring sound from her kitchen. Upon investigation, she was met with a wall of flames. In under an hour and a half, her home was reduced to ruins.

The suspected cause of the fire is the flare-up of the kerosene stove. Mrs. Rappleyea mentioned that the rear door was partly open, and a strong northwest gale from yesterday had forced it completely open.

Upon seeing the flames, Mrs. Rappleyea tried to fetch water from a nearby pump to put out the fire. However, upon her return, she was met with a burst of flames that scorched her and nearly overcame her. Despite her age, she managed to exit the house and scream for help. Her cries were heard by Mrs. Titus and her son Harold, who lived a quarter of a mile away. They, along with Mrs. August Anderson and a road worker, rushed to assist.

At the same time, Councilman W. R. Evans and Addison Thompson, who were at the corner of Richter Avenue and Clay Street, heard her cries. They noticed the smoke and flames, prompting Thompson, an ex-foreman of the fire company, to run towards the fire. Evans, on the other hand, sounded the alarm.

Engine Makes Good Time

C. W. Waddington, the chief chauffeur for Eureka Fire Company, No. 1, promptly dispatched the chemical apparatus after the alarm sounded at one o’clock. He was accompanied by Chris Jensen, a patrol member. Others, including Henry A. Christ, Winfield Fine, Fred Hartlander, and second assistant foreman Martin Miller, were quick to arrive. Many neighbors and townsfolk also joined in the effort, assisting where they could.

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Heavy Gale Fuels Flames

When the local fire apparatus arrived on the scene, flames were already pouring out of the roof. Despite the firefighters’ efforts, the building burned completely to the ground. A strong northwest gale fanned the flames to such an intensity that the fire became unmanageable. At one point, even trees across the street caught fire.

Firefighters Save What They Can

About the only items the firemen were able to save were a shed at the rear of the house, several Maltese kittens, 13 chickens, and some bedclothes along with other minor articles.

Lost $30 in Flames

Mrs. Rappleyea mentioned she had thirty dollars stored in a bureau drawer in the upper part of the house. This money was earmarked for her winter coal supply. Anxious to recover it, she informed Harold Titus, one of the first responders on the scene, about the cash. Harold attempted to reach the bureau, but the heat upstairs was overwhelming. While searching, he was struck by a flying pane of glass, suffering burns on his arms. This forced him to retreat without recovering the money. Additionally, several important papers, including the deed for the property, were lost in the fire.

When Mrs. Titus arrived, Mrs. Rappleyea was nearly exhausted. Shortly after the fire team’s arrival, the injured lady was transported in Theodore Sutphen’s automobile from New Brunswick to the home of W. G. Evans. Dr. Forney was then summoned to provide the necessary medical attention.

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Mrs. Rappleyea, 74 Years Old

Mrs. Rappleyea turned seventy-four on the 16th inst. She had been living alone in her Riva Avenue home. Throughout her life, she faced numerous adversities. Her husband, Jacob Rappleyea, was tragically drowned near Parsons’ during a freshet some years ago. In a span of three weeks, she lost her three grown-up sons to diphtheria. Her brother, William DeHart, dropped dead right opposite her home just as it was completed. Yesterday, aside from the clothes on her back, she lost almost everything she owned.

For now, Mrs. Rappleyea will stay with Mr. and Mrs. Jacob DeHart on Main Street, Milltown.

Forest Fire Also Raging

While Mrs. Rappleyea’s home was ablaze on Riva Avenue yesterday afternoon, another fire ignited on the outskirts of South Milltown in the forest. The damages from this fire are not believed to be significant.

Insurance on Rappleyea Dwelling

The Rappleyea residence was insured for $1,000, but only for the house. The personal property inside is a complete loss.

Girl Faints

In the midst of the chaos and rush to the fire yesterday, a young Michelin employee, having recently finished a substantial meal, tripped over her own feet and fell face-first in the street. This left her unconscious for about fifteen minutes. When she awoke, she was astonished to find a crowd of people surrounding her, resting on a couch in a friend’s home. For a moment, she believed she was at a surprise party.

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Many at Picnic

Despite the late season and the cool evening, a significant crowd attended the first annual picnic of the Michelin Band at Parsons’ Grove. The music provided by the Michelinites was exemplary, ensuring everyone had a joyous time.

At Trenton

Local attendees at the Trenton Fair included Councilmen Charles Bauries and Albert Skewis, Messrs. Elmer Sayre, William Glock, George McGinnis, Peter Jensen and his son Peter, Edward Schlosser, William Beecher, George Detaler, Mr. and Mrs. George Kuhlthau, Miles Kuhlthau, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Kuhlthau, Mr. and Mrs. J.V.L. Booraem, Miss Mae Lins, Miss Lillian Wilenbrock, Mrs. Charles Denhard, and John Bauries.

Other Local Items

  • Charles Weyd and his son visited Newark.
  • Ferdinand Denhard injured his chin in a fall on his way home from school, requiring Dr. Forney’s services.
  • Louis Jensen visited Perth Amboy.
  • Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffer are at the Trenton Fair today, as is Charles Denhard.
  • Messrs. Harold Schlosser, James Selover, and Gilbert Gill enjoyed a bay trip aboard the “Ben Hur.”
  • C.E. Reichardt, a Michelin salesman in the Dakotas, has returned to the plant.
  • Oscar Wagner from Minneapolis is visiting his parents in the borough.
  • Chris. Crabiel has rented Jasper Field’s barns and took possession.

The Christs Surprised

Mr. and Mrs. George E. Christ were pleasantly surprised at their new Van Liew Avenue home on Tuesday evening by friends and family honoring Mr. Christ’s birthday. The celebration included musical selections, singing, games, and a delightful meal. Attendees were Misses Edith, Margaret, Martha, Elizabeth, and Mary Christ; Maria Lins; Messrs. Alfred Christ, Charles, John, and Harold Christ; Fred Lins; Russell Lins; Mr. and Mrs. Berthold Christ; Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Christ; Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Christ and son Vincent; Mr. and Mrs. George E. Christ and daughter Lorna; Mr. and Mrs. John Lins; and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Christ.

Rally Tonight

Local Epworthians will attend a rally at St. James Church, New Brunswick, this evening, departing on the 7:18 trolley.

Entertainment Tomorrow Night

Keith Cherry, the renowned impersonator and humorist from Philadelphia, will entertain at the Methodist Church tomorrow night. Admission is 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children.

This Day in History: August 5th, 1911

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This Day in History: August 5th, 1911

THIS IS MILLTOIWN’S BIG DAY

Parade, Picnic and Fireworks Will Help Celebrate the Arrival of Borough’s First Fire Apparatus- Boy Badly Burned.

MILLTOWN, Aug. 5. The day of great import to Milltown history has at last arrived and every resident from the ages of 5 to 90 will do honor to the firemen who take charge of the day.

Homes and public buildings are prettily decorated with the red, white and blue and the air of the town is one of gaiety. The borough hall is covered with flags and bunting and is a fit home for the borough first fire apparatus.

Picnic at Milltown Park.

The big picnic, which is staged at Milltown Park, begins at 3 o’clock, when Sheridan’s full orchestra plays for all who care to dance. On the adjoining grounds the Crescent A. C. are battling for supremacy over Spotswood and slump or no slump a Milltown team cannot lose today.

Parade Begins at 1 O’clock.

At 1 o’clock the firemen will meet at the borough hall to form the line parade. The line will be lead by the borough’s stalwart marshals followed by the Milltown Fife, Drum and Bugle Corps, which will reel off the tunes as never before. Then will come the Mayor, Council, and other borough officials In automobiles. Following these there will be the firemen and visiting firemen and last but not least the new apparatus which will be the cynosure of ail eyes.

Line of March.

The line of march will be from the Borough Hall on Main street to Church street, to Clay street, to Ford avenue, to Main street, to Booraem avenue, countermarch to Riva avenue, Riva avenue to grove.

When darkness has sufficiently covered the town a brilliant display of fireworks will be given at the grove. Great preparations have been made to accommodate the large crowd.

Mayor Richters’ Day.

This will be a great day for Mayor Conrad Richter, who has been the instrument in organizing a fire department and whose vigor has finally obtained fire protection for the borough. This is his day too.

Boy Badly Burned.

The four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Lee, met with a painful accident last night at his home on Clay street. While passing a kerosene light on a table, his clothes caught on the table cover upsetting the lamp. In a twinkling he was In flames. His father was standing near and managed to quickly beat out the flames, but not before the son was badly burned,

The boy was removed to the hospital where it was said that he was in a critical condition. The damage to the room was slight.

Mrs. William G. Evans, Miss Pearl Evans, and Russell Evans have returned from a visit to Long Island.

Miss Alma Kuhlthau has returned from Troy, N. Y., where she has been entertained by friends.

Mrs. Charles Sevenhair returned home last evening after a visit with Mrs. Henry Dorn at Avon.

Dr. N. N. Forney has purchased a Reo touring car.

Mrs. S. E. Stelle, Miss May Evans Miss Mildred Stelle and Clarkson Stelle were Asbury Park visitors on Friday.

Miss Florence Snediker starts tomorrow for a visit with friends in New Haven.

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This Day in History: August 3rd, 1911

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This Day in History: August 3rd, 1911

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.

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