This Day in History: April, 18th 1919

April 18, 2024April 18, 2024 Milltown Historical Society 0 Comment Historic Sites, News, People of Milltown, Raritian River RR Station, Resources, This Day in Hisotry Dr. Forney, fire, freight station, History, Kuhlthau, Milltown, People of Milltown, RRRR, Talk of the Town, this day in history, Washington Ave.

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: April 15th, 1915

April 15, 2024April 14, 2024 Milltown Historical Society 0 Comment News, This Day in Hisotry Broadbent, Kuhlthau, Main street, Milltown, robbery, Talk of the Town, this day in history

MILLTOWN SCENE OF DARING ROBBERY IN DAYLIGHT

MILLTOWN, April 15.-The corner of Kuhlthau Avenue and Main Street, Milltown, was the scene of a bold broad daylight robbery yesterday afternoon, sometime between 2:30 and 4:00 o’clock.

While no definite statement was made as to who committed the theft of a pocketbook containing a small sum of money, the victim of the outrage, Miss Elizabeth Broadbent, the daughter of a well-known farmer residing near Dunham’s Corner, has every evidence to believe that the party is a resident of a nearby town, and has relatives living here.

The party who committed the theft is but a young man, and certainly was bold to attempt what he did in broad daylight. The cries of the woman soon brought neighbors to the scene, who joined and gave chase, together with one of the local officers, until late in the evening.

The man made his escape through the main thoroughfares of the borough, and thence to the woods, where he baffled the posse that pursued him. Late in the afternoon, it was thought that he was making his way toward the railroad.

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This Day in History: January 5th, 1907

January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 Milltown Historical Society 0 Comment News, People of Milltown, Resources, This Day in Hisotry John Fuchs, Kuhlthau, Michelin, Middlesex County New Jersey, Milltown, People of Milltown, Talk of the Town, this day in history

Noted Armless Man is Dead

John Fuchs, of Milltown, Who Hunted, Fished, and Rowed, Succumbs to Paralysis.

MILLTOWN, Jan. 5 – John Fuchs, the armless man of Milltown, died this morning at 8 o’clock. He was almost seventy-nine years of age. He was struck with paralysis on New Year’s Day and had been unconscious since. He leaves a younger brother, Michael Fuchs, of Highland Park, and his only child, Mrs. Katherine Kuhlthau, wife of the postmaster, with whom he had been living for many years.

Mr. Fuchs came from Germany some forty-one years ago and was soon employed in the old Meyer rubber grinding mill, which stood where the powerhouse now is. About a year after, both hands were drawn in between rollers; the left arm was pulled out at the socket and the right had to be cut off near the elbow.

A hook was fastened to this stump and with this, he has done marvelous things ever since. He shot four rabbits this December, one of them running. Fishing was a favorite sport each summer. For years he could be seen daily sculling his boat about the pond after the scaly inhabitants there.

Rev. W. T. Barny will have charge of the funeral services, the time of which is set for 2 o’clock Monday afternoon.

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This Day in History: June 20th, 1913

June 20, 2023June 19, 2023 Milltown Historical Society 0 Comment Uncategorized Booream, Kuhlthau, Milltown, post office, Talk of the Town, this day in history, Waddington

New Postmaster Begins Duties Here July 1

MILLTOWN, June 20.-On the 30th of this month William H. Kuhlthau will conclude his services as Milltown’s post- master, after faithfully serving the office fourteen years to the day… During that fourteen years there has been a vast increase in the growth of the borough as to population and manufacturing, thus greatly increasing the postal receipts and necessitating an advance in our office from fourth to second class.

When Mr. Kuhlthau was first appointed the postmaster in 1899 the receipts for that year aggregated $460.98. while the receipts ending the fiscal year! 1912 amounted to $24,230.80, showing an increase of 284,769.82 for the postal receipts. In addition to this the amount received for postal money orders during the fiscal year of 1912 aggregated 831,- 037.33, making the total amount of receipts 855,268.13. The Postal Savings Department has also been added, but the income in this department has not been so great.

When Mr. Kuhlthau was first appointed in 1899 the post office was situated in what is now the Waddington grocery store. In February of 1910 a change was made to the present site for a more central location and a more modern office was established. The increased business has also necessitated the use of more help, the present force consisting of a first assistant and two clerks. whereas the postmaster handled everything fourteen years ago.

Mr. Kuhlthau will not retire from business. He will engage himself in the coal and feed business of the Kuhlthau Brothers Company.

The following list shows the yearly receipts of the local post office and will give an idea as to the increase of the business here:

1899-1900 Sept. to July. $ 460.99

1900-1901 627.38

1901-1902 695.29

1902-1903 2,520 17

1903-1904 2.500.33

1904-1905 2,652.72

1905-1906 3,148.45

1906-1907 4,523 70

1907-1908 5.191.05

1908-1909 7,736.25

1909-1910 12,163.29

1910-1911 18,968.31

1911-1912 24,230.50

New Postmaster Takes Hold on July First.

J. V. L. Booraem, who has been appointed postmaster of Milltown, to succeed W. H. Kuhlthau, will take office on July 1st, and his friends are wishing him success in his new field of labor.

Mr. Booraem without a doubt is well fitted for the position. and will render to the public good and efficient service. He is very prominent here, being a large real estate owner, greatly interested in the the development of the borough. was for merely a member of the Assembly, having e been elected on the Democratic ticket for the term of 1910-1911, also being the 18 organizer and at present president and ha general manager of the Milltown Coal & Lumber Company.

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This Day in History: April 18th, 1924

April 18, 2023February 6, 2023 Milltown Historical Society 0 Comment Historic Sites, News, This Day in Hisotry, Uncategorized, Walking Tours Alexander Merchant, Booream, Connolly, De Voe, Earl Seaman, Forney, J. B. Herbert, John Kemp, Kuhlthau, L. Zach and Co, Middlesex County New Jersey, Milltown, Milltown Engineering Company, Milltown National Bank, Milltown Realty Company, New Brunswick, People of Milltown, Richard Perry, Richter, Robert Ferguson, this day in history, walking tour

MILLTOWN’S MODERN NEW BANK BUILDING WILL BE OPENED FOR INSPECTION TOMORROW

MILLTOWN, April 18-In recent years the growth of banking institutions in small towns has been most creditable. Tomorrow, however, Milltown opens the way for other communities when it will present the First National Bank for inspection; a structure equipped with practically all the labor-saving and protection devices of the Metropolitan bank. By these innovations, the local bank has opened up possibilities which will grow daily for the convenience of the population, and in a short while it is believed that the local institution will become an instrument of still greater service to the community. The new building is centrally located and makes a striking appearance with its front of Imitation granite. The exterior of the bank is readily understood by referring to the accompanying reproduction. Doors will be opened at 9 a.m., and will remain open until 9 p.m., for the general survey of the building, and a close Inspection of all the modern ideas which have been combined in this handsome structure.

The entire banking force of workmen will be on hand tomorrow to assist in the inspection as well as many of the directors. Souvenirs will be given away by the bank as a remembrance of the opening and it is expected that hundreds will avail themselves of the opportunity to view this magnificent new home of a fast growing organization. The bank directors make the invitation a most cordial one, and none should feel backward about making a call during the course of the day.

Wonderfully Well Arranged

Upon entering the bank, the vestibule and lobby with walls paneled off in Mycenian marble are attractive. To the right of the lobby is the president’s room, neatly decorated with walls of old ivory, making it an inviting place for business. An entrance is also made to this room from the information room which adjoins in the main banking space.

To the left of the lobby, will be found the ladies’ room, fully equipped dressed in the identical design as the president’s room.

The main banking room offers a picture of exquisite taste with plaster cornices set off with pilasters. This decoration refers to the upper part of the walls while the lower section is marked off and finished In Caen stone. The public space and the vestibule as well as the lobby carry a terrazzo flooring. To the right of the public space is the Information room, which has a flooring of natural cork, with checker board design. The floors of the president’s room, ladies’ room, and the working space provided for the employes is also laid off with cork flooring with checker board designs. Two check desks are in the public space and made of marble with heavy glass tops and pivoted windows.

Business Windows

The tellers’ windows comprise polished plate glass with wickets of solid bronze, while the counter looks handsome composed of Tavernelle and Mycenian marble. Five windows are placed in the screen to accommodate the customers, and each window carries a certain booth for the employe. The space alloted for the working force is ample and gives sufficient room for the transaction of all business. The lower banking room and public space is supplied with a wonderfully arranged lighting system, with eight large windows throwing down sunlight from the upper section, as well as several smaller windows in the lower section. Aside from this, five medium-large windows afford excellent light from over the mezzanine in the rear of the building.

The vault, built by the Herring-Hall-Marvin Safe Company of New York, is located directly to the left of the building next to the public space. Entrance to the section where the vault is located is through a bronze gate and grille. The vault carries a reinforced concrete shell. as well as a steel lining with a network of burglar alarm wires properly attached to a signal on the outside of the building. The door of the vault is a large circular one, supported on massive hinges with a combination time lock. The door is ten inches thick. Inside of the vault are several hundred steel safe deposit boxes as well as a large round magazine for the safe keeping of securities and cash. A large size mirror takes in the entire back of the vault. To the right of the larger vault, a smaller one is erected for the storage of records and books which, similar to the large one, is heavily reinforced.

Adjoining this vault, is a coupon booth of frosted glass where customers may be escorted to go over their papers, which are taken from the vault. On the extreme right of this is the men’s locker. Over the vaults is the mezzanine, which has been prepared in case of additional working space being needed. This is a very pretty part of the building, for a colonnade of heavy plaster columns, with an ornamental railing, gives an excellent set off. to the rear of the interior.

In depleting the artist’s taste In this interior decoration, one must not leave out the mahogany furniture and fixtures. The lofty celling is twenty feet high which affords an unusual chance for the light and air to come into the room. Over the front lobby and side rooms, is the board of directors department. It is a specious room in which to transact business. This room is paneled in several tones of pleasing colors with four large windows supplying light. A casement window overlooks the entire banking floor and from this position, one may get a full glance of the excellent taste of architecture used in the making of the building. In the large basement of the bank are located the boiler room, coal bunker, and two large vaults for the storage of records and the like. The bank will be heated by vacuum steam.

Directors Well Pleased

Every members of the Board of Directors of the bank is well pleased with the new home. The building should meet all requirements for years to come and has been erected at great expense.

President J. Burr Herbert and the other directors feel indebted to the architect and the contractors for the beautiful touch given the building. The architect apparently tried primarily for dignity of design and this was attained by study of the proportions of the building.

1917-1924

The First National Bank was Instituted in 1917, and with business of seven years in back of it, has advanced to the stage now where it has been able to accomplish much. The Iate J. V. L. Booream was the first president of the charter officials, and after his death J. Burr Herbert now president, was elected and has held the reign ever since. Of the original Board of Directors only the late Mr. Booream has been taken from the official body and his place has been taken by Cashier H. J. Booream. The bank has made wonderful strides in the past seven years and was compelled to Increase the capital stock from $25,000 to $50,000. The directors are a body of men with many business qualities, while the workers in the Institution are well versed in banking fundamentals. H. J. Boeream, the cashier, has been in this work for nineteen years, coming here from the First National Bank of New Jersey of New Brunswick. His interests in the local organization are keep and he devotes much time to making the bank one of the leaders in the county circles. Edwin M. Kuhlthau, assistant cashier, was also connected with the First National Bank of New Jersey of New Brunswick, and has been prominent figure in the advancement of the affairs of Milltown’s institution. Miss Helen Lindstrom and Miss Edith Lins are very capable members of the business staff and gained banking knowledge through the School of Banking in Elizabeth.

View this beautiful home tomorrow, and admire the tasty designs, Alexander Merchant of Highland Park was the architect in charge of the building, while the general construction work was under the supervision of the Milltown Realty Company, with Earl Seaman, a practical manager In charge of the work. The lighting system was Installed by Richard Perry, Plumbing work was done by L. Zach and Co., the masonry work by Robert Ferguson, heating by the Milltown Engineering Company and the painting by John Kemp.

The officers and directors of the bank are: President, J. B. Herbert: vice presidents, Christian Kuhlthau, and N. N. Forney; cashier, H. J. Booream: assistant cashier, Edwin M. Kuhlthau: directors. George Kuhlthau, Elmer E. Connolly, Spencer Ferry, C. C. Richter. and Fred W. De Voe, solicitor.

Walking Tour Location

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This Day in History: April 17th, 1917

April 17, 2023April 14, 2023 Milltown Historical Society 0 Comment News, People of Milltown, This Day in Hisotry Death, History, Kuhlthau, Mayor, Milltown, Talk of the Town, this day in history

Business Suspended Two Hours for Funeral of Milltown Mayor

MILLTOWN, April 17.- Business was suspended throughout the Borough of Milltown yesterday for a period of two hours. as the funeral services of the late Mayor William Kuhlthau, Jr., were being held. There were a large number of relatives and friends present to pay their last respects to the leading citizen of the town. There were representatives of the Borough Council, the Board of Education, the Board of Health, the firemen, Rescue Council No. 4. O. U. A. M., Wickatunk Tribe, No. 135, Improved Order of Red Men, New Brunswick Lodge 324, B. P. O. E. and many businessmen of the town present.

The services were conducted at the late home of the deceased by the Rev. William F. Barny, pastor of the German Reformed Church of this place. The pastor spoke very highly of the deceased and of the many plans he had underway for town improvement, etc. He praised the unselfish character of the Mayor for the work he had accomplished for the benefit of the town and organizations win it.

The floral tributes were exquisite and in abundance which showed the esteem in which he was held.

Several hundred school children marched from the public school yesterday afternoon to the home of the Mayor to view the remains for the last time, of their former Board president and contributed flowers. The Board of Education and Borough Council contributed a handsome floral piece in the way of a vacant chair. The Elks, the Michelin people, and other organizations and friends contributed flowers very liberally.

The pallbearers were two representatives each of New Brunswick Lodge No. 324, B. P. O. E., Rescue Council No. 4, O. U. A. M.. of Milltown, and Wickatunk Tribe No. 135, Improved Order of Red Men, of Milltown.

Services were held at the grave by Rescue Council No. 4, O. U. A. M., and Wickatunk Tribe No. 135. Improved Order of Red Men. Interment took place in Van Lieu Cemetery under the direction of Undertaker Quackenboss, of New Brunswick.

Besides a widow, Mrs. Josephine Kuhlthau, the mourners are a son Russell Kuhlthau, father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. William Kuhlthau, Sr… of Milltown, A brother, Charles Kuhlthau, of New Brunswick, and a sister, Mrs. J. M. De Hart, of Morris Park, L. I.