Discover the history of the greatest little town in all the land.
As the result of an accident at the Milltown power house the other day, Charles Jackson, of Throop avenue, is confined to his home, Jackson was severely scalded while he and some other workmen were holding up two pieces of steam pipe. The part of the pipe Jackson grasped spilled a quantity of the hot water upon his neck and back.
George Keller, familiarly known as “Dutch,” a Public Service motorman of Ward Street in this city, was shot through both legs early yesterday morning by Angelo Benedetto of this city, an Italian, who, it is claimed, attacked Keller without reason. The shooting occurred at 1:45 Sunday morning in the lunchroom of Michael Ducey on Main Street, Milltown, where Keller and a number of other Public Service employees who had just come off shift had gathered.
According to their story, Benedetto appeared in the place and said that he had taken a South Amboy car in mistake for a Middlesex, had fallen asleep, and had been carried out to Milltown, where he was put off the car. He ordered a cup of coffee and a sandwich, which he ate without speaking to anybody. The Public Service men were laughing and talking among themselves but did not address Benedetto. The latter, when he had finished, laid a ten-dollar bill down on the counter and started out, without waiting for his change.
Ducey, it was said, started after him with the change when the man suddenly drew a revolver from his pocket and, standing at the door, ordered everybody in the place to line up and put up their hands. Keller was sitting on a stool by the counter, some distance away. Thinking that the man was fooling, Keller did not get up but yelled at Benedetto to shut the door. The latter, without warning, fired at Keller and then fled into the street.
The bullet struck Keller in the right leg, passed through it, and into his left leg. A hunt was immediately organized for Benedetto. It was thought at first that Keller had been killed, and Chief County Detective Richard Peltier was immediately notified at his home at Fords. He at once sent County Detective Ferd David, who lives near South River, to the scene. Benedetto tried to escape by the back roads, but a cordon was thrown around, and apparently, he was frightened back into the town. At about four o’clock in the morning, he was seen by Officers George Hall and Harold Stults in front of the National Bank building on Main Street, Milltown. When he saw them, he attempted to draw his gun again, but they overpowered him.
He was given a hearing before Recorder Joseph A. Headley and was committed to the county jail here on charges of carrying concealed weapons, highway robbery, and atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill. Keller was treated by Dr. N.N. Forney of Milltown, who ordered him brought to St. Peter’s Hospital here. An operation was performed on his leg this afternoon to extract the bullet. His condition is regarded as serious.
The Wickatunk Tribe, No. 135, I.O.R.M. of Milltown, is planning to erect a hall and lodge room at the corner of Main and Ford streets in Milltown. The proposed structure, measuring 36×60 feet, is set to be a handsome addition to the town, equipped with the latest improvements, and estimated to cost about $10,000.
The ground floor will accommodate two stores. The second floor is designated for the upper sporting class of Milltown, while the top floor will house the lodge rooms and provide space for public meetings. The community of Milltown has long felt the need for a large hall, and this building aims to fulfill that need.
With 155 members and $7,000 in the treasury, the order’s prospects are very favorable.
MILLTOWN, Oct. 17 – In addition to the heavy auto truck that got stuck in the mud on North Main street yesterday, a horse owned by Alfred Christ encountered a similar problem. This occurred when Mr. Christ’s driver tried to cross an area that had recently been opened for the installation of water pipes near School street. As he did, the animal sank into the ground, and it took significant effort for him to continue his journey.
The large truck, which was stuck in the trench near the Methodist Church yesterday morning, blocked traffic for about two hours. It was only after being towed out by a trolley car that the chauffeur could continue. The chauffeur, a colored man, mentioned he was headed for Helmetta. This was his first time passing through Milltown, and he was unaware of the current conditions. Red flags and lights have been placed throughout the borough wherever there’s potential danger.
Other Local Items:
Around a quarter to six last night, there was a long blast from the Michelin gong, startling firemen from all parts of the town. In less than two minutes, the fire apparatus, under the direction of Chauffeur C.W. Waddington, was en route to the Michelin plant, where they believed a fire had broken out. Upon arrival, however, the firemen and many concerned residents discovered that the whistle rope had gotten caught in some unexplained way, and the gong couldn’t be stopped until the steam ran out.
Services will be held at the Methodist Church tomorrow at the usual hours. A special meeting of the official board of the Methodist Church is scheduled for Monday evening. At the German Reformed Church, Rev. Wm. F. Barney will lead the services tomorrow as usual, preaching in German during the morning service and in English in the evening.
MILLTOWN, Oct. 11—Owing to the repairs being made to the Borough Hall, the regular meeting of the Borough Council was held in the public school building last evening. Mayor Richter, Councilmen Wagner, Kuhlthau, Hauries, Rappleyea, Borough Clerk Harkins, and Attorney Weigel were present.
The following bills were ordered paid: William Wegant, $10; Henry Frisch, $136.00; Christian Crablet, $150.00; George Amary, $149; John Patterson, $45.00; Conrad Freezer, $500; Charles Patterson, $40.80; Philip Helna, $3.00; William DeHart, $3.30; John Patterson, $50; Public Service Corporation, $16.00; John Strassburger, $10.00; John Ghock, $1.00. The report of the Borough Collector showed a balance on hand on October 13 of $3,328.71.
PETITION TO GRADE BOORAEM AVENUE
The property holders of Booraem Avenue petitioned the Borough Council that the thoroughfare be graded. Later in the evening, a resolution was adopted to establish such a grade, and the ordinance was passed on its introductory reading.
18 RIVA AVENUE TO BE IMPROVED
A petition was presented before the council last evening signed by the property holders on Riva Avenue, asking that the avenue be widened seven feet. The request also contained a statement that the property holders who signed were willing to donate to the borough 3 1/3 feet of their frontage for the work.
The question of Riva Avenue started three years ago, when an attempt was made to grade it. The work was never satisfactorily finished and, as a result, the avenue has been impassable during the spring months. At that time, the borough tried to secure the land so as to be able to widen the thoroughfare but was unsuccessful.
If the scheme can now be pushed, it will not only improve that thoroughfare but it will also speak better for the borough.
RYDER’S LANE AGAIN WANTS LIGHTS
The residents of Ryder’s Lane once more petitioned the council for street lights, claiming that at night the lane was so dark that it rendered traveling precarious for man and horse. When this matter was brought up several months ago in the council meeting, the motion to light the thoroughfare was voted down. The communication was accepted and placed on file.
COUNCIL AFTER PUBLIC SERVICE
A motion was made last night to notify the Public Service Corporation to remove the blind ditches, formed of cobblestones, on North Main Street, within ten days. In July, Borough Clerk Harkins notified them and received an answer to the effect that they would be removed. Nothing has yet been done, and the condition of the road is at present a danger to the traveling public.
TO ESTABLISH RULES FOR LIGHTS
The Mayor appointed the Council committee to meet with the attorney and establish rules and regulations for the municipal electric light system. These rules will cover the minimum cost of light per month, the running of motors by the repair of meters and the inspection of the system, in general, were discussed. Attorney Weigel advised the council to hereafter purchase the meters and install them in the houses that desired electric light, diverging from the former practice where the consumer of the light owned the meter. It was voted that the Borough Clerk be authorized to notify a party on South Main Street to replace a meter which is out of repair.
After the regular meeting adjourned, the council came together as the committee on improvements to the borough hall. It was decided that a concrete flooring would be laid in the house for the apparatus.
CUPID IN THE CHOIR LOFT
Mrs. Joseph Crabiel, of School Street, has announced the engagement of her daughter, Miss Margaretta Crabiel, to Lester Snediker. It is understood that the wedding will take place early in November. Miss Crabiel, who is the daughter of the late ex-Mayor Joseph Crabiel, is employed in the office of the Michelin Tire Company and is very popular among a large circle of friends. Lester Snediker, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Olden Snediker, is also employed by the Michelin Tire Company, and is now in Cleveland on business for the company.
The romance can hardly be called a Michelin romance, as it probably started prior to the advent of the tire company in the borough. Some have hinted that Cupid lurked in the Methodist Episcopal Church choir loft. This is probably the case, and the rumor has it that another engagement will soon be announced.
BARN DANCE ON SATURDAY NIGHT
The Wickatunk Tribe of Red Men will hold a barn dance at Parsons Grove on Saturday night. Good music will be in attendance and refreshments will be for sale on the grounds. William Lins has accepted a position with a wholesale meat house in New York.
Mrs. Charles Sevenhair wishes to notify the members of the Loyal Temperance Legion to meet at the Methodist Episcopal Church tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at 1 p.m., prepared for an outing.
Dr. and Mrs. J.W. Morris and Joseph Crabiel are attending the Epworth League Convention at Farmingdale.
FOR SALE OR TO LET
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
J. Burr Herbert has received word from the Treasury Department at Washington, D. C., that the application of himself and four others to organize the First National Bank of Milltown has been approved. Announcement was made in the Sunday Times several weeks ago of such a plan.
There will be a lot of red tape to go through yet before the bank is established, but it is hoped to open it in January. The incorporators are John V. L. Booraem, Dr. N. N. Forney, Christian Kuhlthau, Charles C. Richter, and J. Burr Herbert.
