This Day in History: June 20th, 1913

This Day in History: June 20th, 1913

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.



J.V.L BOORAEM 1913

This Day in History: April 18th, 1924

This Day in History: April 18th, 1924

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.


This Day in History: April 17th, 1917

This Day in History: April 17th, 1917

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.




https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/82067389/william-h-kuhlthau

This Day in History: January 30th, 1911

This Day in History: January 30th, 1911

MILLTOWN IS AROUSED BY 3 REVELERS

New Brunswick Men Smash Windows and Heads and Defy the Entire Borough – Sent to Jail By Justice Headley.

MILLTOWN, Jan. 30.-A lively time was the result of a marathon race from New Brunswick to South River on Saturday night. Fred Stubblefeld, Harry Catheart, and Frank McCormick, of New Brunswick, after completing this distance in no-record time, decided to give Milltown the advantages of their presence on the return trip.

They had probably learned that the town supported no cops and as a result determined to paint the town red. Several hotels were visited and the men gradually warmed up to their duty. The windows of “Hotel Marguerite” disappeared from the sashes and this started the ball rolling.

An Innocent Frenchman, who made the startling discovery that he had musical ability, attempted a song and was immediately knocked unconscious by Stubblefeld.

MAYOR RICHTER ARRIVES ON THE SCENE.

Some one had notified Mayor Richter and Marshal Lins, and they appeared on the scene to keep the peace The Mayor expostulated with them for some time, and when the car came, bound for New Brunswick, the trio attempted to board it.

The presence of a dog, belonging to Engine Company No. 4, who had made the run with the men, was a drawback to the trip at that time. Conductor Dunlap refused to allow the dog on the car, at which one of the men made a pass at the conductor which was blocked by Jacob DeHart They were thrown off the car and Mayor Richter ordered their arrest.

JUDGE HEADLEY HOLDS COURT

Mayor Richter and Marshal Lins conducted the noisy trio to the office of Joseph A. Headley, justice of the peace. The Mayor made a complaint against them for disorderly conduct and the Justice, after hearing sides, imposed a fine of $10 or 5 days in the county jail on Stubblefeld and McCormick and a fine of $5 or 5 days in jail on Cathcart. The trio could not pay the fines and w committed to jail.

While drawing up the necessary papers McCormick and Stubble began to wreak their vengeance on Jacob DeHart, who was a witness of threats. Another charge was made by Jacob DeHart and John Richter who acted as witnesses. The result was ? days more for these two men.

Marshal Joseph Rupprecht was called and he linked McCormick and Cathcart together. Marshal Lins took care of Stubblefeld and the trip to New Brunswick was made. The dog was forced to follow the car

It is understood that a friend of the arrested men called on Mayor Richter yesterday morning and try to secure their release, but without success.

The people are asking today “Shall it be a borough fire department or a borough lockup?”

DEATH OF J. H. KUHLTHAU

MILLTOWN, Jan. 30-John H. Kuhlthau then passed away yesterday afternoon at 5.30 at the age of 54 years at his residence on North Main street, an illness extending for over two weeks. In this death the borough loses a respected citizen, who at all times was interested in the progress of the borough and took an active part in public affairs, serving as clerk of the school board for several years. He was lately interested in tile concrete blocks and the reinforced concrete business.

His genial nature earned him many friends, who will mirth his death. He is survived by his wife, and one daughter Mary, and one son Wilbur. His mother Mrs. Stella Kuhlthau, also survives him as well as one brother, Conrad, W. and two sisters, Mrs. Henry Kohlepp Mrs. Charles Snedeker.

Mr. Kuhlthau was recently reelected secretary of the Van Liew Cemetery association, a position he had held for a  number of years. He was also a member of the Milltown Kranken Heilfs Verein, also Wickatunk Tribe, Independent Order of Red Men, No. 135, and Charles L. Walters Council, No. 178, Jr. O. U. A. M.,

GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH MILLTOWN

Jan. 30.-A large congregation listened to the special music rendered by the choir of the German Reformed Church last evening. The vocal solos, duets, trios and choruses were much appreciated. George Christ, the organist, rendered several fine solos.

Rev. W. F. Barny, pastor of the church, made a few remarks relating to the history of the German and English hymns.

OTHER NOTES.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Richter, Trenton, were borough visitors on Sunday.

The Woman’s Home Missionary Society of the M. E. Church will meet at the home of Mrs. Mary A Evans to-night.

COLORED “LADIES” SOON GOT HIS $100

Steve Botcher, of Milltown, Out for “Good Time,” is Relieved of $104 in Burnet Street Alley-Small Fortune Soon Gone.

Steve Botcher, of Milltown, is down to his last cent today, Saturday he had a roll of money amounting to $110, which he had accumulated through hard work during the last month, Saturday he det decided to come to this city [New Brunswick] for a good time.

Late Saturday night he got in tow with two colored women on Burnet street. The women lured him into a dark alley, and during the conversation between them Botcher’s pocket was piled of the $104. After securing the money the women ran down the street and escaped.

Now Botcher wishes he hadn’t decided to have a good time,


This Day in History: December 1st, 1920

Location of MIlltown National Bank 1917 - 1924

$50,000 WILL BE GIVEN OUT IN XMAS FUND


MILLTOWN, Dec. 1 – In a few days Milltown’s big banking establishment, the First National Bank, will distribute to over two thousand customers a Christmas fund of about $50,000 which speaks well for the increased business the banks did in 1920.

The local institution has been building up a great savings account for many borough people through their knack of thriftiness. which while it helped their own. business enabled many to set aside. a nice sum for a rainy day. The National Bank here has been growing by leaps and bounds and in their step forward much credit is. bestowed upon the able cashier, Howard J. Booream, and his capable assistant, Edwin Kuhlthau, as well as Ernest Sheppard, clerk, and Miss Helen Lindstrom, stenographer.

Both Mr. Booream and Mr. Kuhlthau are experienced banking men. Mr. Booream with fifteen years of work in this branch. They have untiringly worked to bring the local. bank on a par with any other its. size in the State and the Christmas fund this year, which will be given. out about the 13th of the month, is almost double that of 1919. The 1921 fund will begin in the middle of the month and efforts will be made to have it set 1920 in the background.

Fast Work on School.

There is a probability of the new addition to the public school here being completed before the present school term runs out. The contractors are working exceptionally fast and the framework of the annex which is of course of brick is almost up and as soon as the e roof is on, the remaining work will be only a question of time as the weather will not, interfere them.

The educators will be pleased to see it finished for they have certainly been up against a bad proposition to regulate the proper training and the one session for the scholars is not by any means tr satisfactory.

Tomorrow night in the Community House the Michelin five will entertain by playing the fast Triangles of Bound Brook. A good game is looked forward to.

The Women’s Republican Club of Milltown will meet tomorrow evening at 7 o’clock in the public school. All members and others interested are urged to attend.


This Day in History: November 7th, 1925

Berdines-Corner-Sanborn-1927

Father and Son Week Starts Monday for Milltown People

Second Annual Banquet of St. Paul’s Brotherhood Monday Night Will Begin Event


MILLTOWN. Nov. Father and Son week is to be celebrated during the coming week and the Brotherhood of St. Paul’s Reformed Church will participate by conducting its second annual banquet in the Brotherhood building of the church Monday night at 7 o’clock.

The committee in charge has perfected all arrangements for the gala occasion and made arrangements for one hundred and fifty diners. Those desiring tickets may see either Henry Hartlander or Arthur Dickinson or any member of the Brotherhood, for there may be some left.

One of the biggest features of this annual affair is the orator of the evening, who will be the Hon. John T. Sproul, president of the Coal and Iron National Bank of New York City. From those who have heard M. Sproul comes the information that he is a very able orator, one gifted with the knowledge of how to win an audience and keep its attention. Mr. Sproul will give the main address of the evening, although Harry White will be in attendance and undoubtedly will have something to say, while the pastor, Rev. R. O. Castlos will also say a few words. E. M. Dowling of the County Y. M. C. A. will look after the singing numbers while Kuhlthau Brothers Orchestra will furnish music throughout the night. Tickets are selling for $1.25.

Arraigned Before Justice

Two boys from Berdine’s Corner were brought before Justice of the Peace J. A. Headley of this place last night on charge by Deputy Game Warden Theodore Ryerson of carrying guns in the field. The boys admitted that they had been shooting and on their clothes were several cartridges.

The law of 1925  prohibits such a misdemeanor but the lads were only sixteen and seventeen years of age justice Headley suspended the sentence, the boys paying only the cost of court.

Reformed Church Notes

Tomorrow morning at 9.30 the Progressive Adult Bible Class will hold their meeting with Harry C. White teaching the lesson. The other Sunday School classes will convene at the same hour. At 10:30 the sermon by the pastor, Rev. R. O. Castlos, to the Juniors will be “The Giver of Life” Sermon by the pastor to the seniors in German will be on “Sardes”. In the evening at 7:30 the pastor will conduct a home mission program entitled “The Pioneers of Christ.” This special program will be based on the treat Northwest dealing principally with the mission work In that territory.

Monday night in the Father and Sons Bouquet and on Wednesday night the Ladies Aid Society will hold their meeting and on Thursday night the Consistory of the church will meet.

Methodist Church Notes

Sunday School and Adult Bible class at the same hour of 10 a. m. with Prof. H. R, Mensch lending the Bible Class discussion. At 11 am, the pastor will preach on the theme, “An Unexpected famine” and in the evening at 7:30 p. m. the pastor Rev. D. E. Clair will preach on the theme “Angel Ministry of Today.”