This Day in History: March 9th, 1920

This Day in History: March 9th, 1920

WILL HAVE PUBLIC HEARING ON PLAN FOR ANNEXATION

MILLTOWN, Mar. 9 – At a meeting of the Borough Council held last evening in the borough hall, a communication was received from the Chamber of Commerce asking the Council to endorse their action regarding the annexation of a portion of North Brunswick Township. Councilman C. V. L. Booream introduced the resolution requested.

A lively debate was held on the subject. The acting Mayor put the passage of the resolution before the Council, and only Messrs. Booream and Herbert responded in the affirmative.

Councilman Klotzback asked the members if they thought the sentiment of the people was for the annexation. Mr. Booream, in reply, stated that it was the apparent sentiment of the people at large as the Chamber of Commerce heartily favored it last Wednesday night at an open meeting to the public for their opinions. He continued and said that fully 75 percent of the people would favor the annexation. Councilman Jensen, misunderstanding Mr. Booream, questioned him, “Can you show us where 75 percent is in favor of it?” In reply, Mr. Booream said, “I didn’t say I could. I said 75 percent would be in favor.”

After a short debate, the acting Mayor called for the ayes and nays, and again Messrs. Booream and Herbert responded in the affirmative, while Messrs. Dorn, Jensen, and Klotzback passed.

The councilmen voiced their opinion as to a public hearing. Mr. Herbert said he was in favor of it and thought the Council should endorse the first real act of improvement for the borough that the new Chamber of Commerce has taken.

The other members refused to vote, so Councilman Booream withdrew his resolution of endorsement, and the Council decided to hold a public hearing on Thursday night to gain the sentiment of the people, and then they could vote intelligently.

Favor Daylight.

The daylight saving plan was discussed, and the Council went on record as favoring the plan and instructed Attorney Weigel to forward a letter to Senator Brown of this county, telling him of the Council’s action and asking him to vote in the affirmative.

Bids for the collection and disposing of garbage and ashes were called for, but only one was received, that of Frank C. Herbert of Dunham’s Corner for $1,488. The contract was awarded to Mr. Herbert.

The Council also decided to purchase a new flag for the Borough Hall. All the councilmen were present, including Messrs. Schlosser, Klotzback, Jensen, Dorn, Herbert, and Booream. Borough Clerk Harkins, Borough Attorney F. C. Weigel, Borough Engineer C. P. Stealle, Superintendent of the Water Department Samuel Spiers, Assistant Superintendent John Baurles, and Collector John Christ were also in attendance.

ORDERS for Painting and Paperhanging that will be left with Mr. Frank Jones, 309 Main street, will be taken care of by George A. Schnatter, Box 148, South River, N.J. All work guaranteed.


This Day in History: March 28, 1920

This Day in History: March 28, 1920

MOVEMENT FOR A BIGGER AND BETTER BOROUGH

MILLTOWN, Mar. 28-The recent meeting of the Chamber of Commerce brought out many new ideas for the betterment of the community that if successfully undertaken and worked out will place this town on a higher plane along the industrial building and business lines than it has ever been before.

Expanding of the borough has met quite a snag from a number of tax-payers who are apparently being misled in their views along this line but that has not hampered the Commerce men’s progressiveness. The matter of improving the road between Milltown and South River was thoroughly discussed and after a lengthy talk on the matter, the secretary was authorized to communicate with the Chamber of Commerce of South River and East Brunswick township in an endeavor to arrange for a joint meeting and discuss the subject after which they will take it up with the State Highway Commission. The explanation of the advantages that may be obtained by Milltown showed that all would benefit thereby, especially the business places and the local industries. The road at the present time is in, wretched condition and traffic as far as business vehicles are concerned is almost completely cut off as the Weston Mills road is used generally from New Brunswick to South River. Hence the local business places are deprived of the opportunity to get in touch with the big wholesale concerns. It was also shown where the industries would be benefited if a good road was laid. The recent winter was cited when trolleys were blocked and South River people had to go to New Brunswick by bus. thence to Milltown to their daily work by car, whereas if a good substantial road was there busses could successfully run over the hard bottom.

A Weekly Paper.

The issuance of a weekly paper was a topic for unusual debate and all the members seemed unanimous on the idea as the “Spokesman” of South River has made quite a hit with the downriver people. The secretary was instructed to get in touch with Mr. Christie of New Brunswick and have him give a talk on the idea at the next meeting.

Too Much Speed.

Excessive speeding of vehicles passing through the town was also inquired into and the commerce men will take the matter up with the borough council in an endeavor to reduce the unnecessary speeding as some have been taking advantage of “no law” and dangerous spots of the borough especially where the school is located has never been considered. by the fast autoist.

Church Notices.

A special Palm Sunday service will be held Sunday in the Reformed Church at 10:30 A. M., when Rev. W. F. Barny will confirm a large preparatory class. Special decorations and special music will feature the service. Sunday school at 9:30 A. M. and evening service at 7:30. Rev. Father Maher will conduct holy man with a special service at the Catholic Mission at 9 A. M..

At the Methodist Church Rev. W C. Mealing and wife, noted Pennsylvania evangelists, will open a three- weeks campaign. Morning service at 10:30 A. M., Sunday school at 2 P.M.. Epworth League at 7 P. M. and preaching by the Evangelist at 7:30 P. M. A chorus choir of thirty-five voices will sing.

School Election..

Interest next Tuesday night centers on the public school election.. The voters will vote on two very important subjects, the first: a four-room addition to the present school to meet the present needs of the community. Second: the purchasing of the four and a half acres of ground in the rear of the school.

The new addition will cost in the neighborhood of $55,000, while the land will cost the school an even ten thousand.

Some taxpayers cannot see the Ideas of the Board of Education in desiring this large strip of land and for that reason will vote against it. but the Perent-Teacher Association may offset the opposition vote as they are strong for the purchase for they have already laid plans for a recreational center. Sentiment favors a school in South Milltown. hence the four-room addition will be bitterly attacked especially by residents of South Milltown. The polls will open at eight o’clock.


This Day in History: April 28 1920

person dropping paper on box

ANNEXATION IS DEFEATED BY MILLTOWN VOTERS


MILLTOWN, Apr. 28 The proposal for annexation of a portion of North Brunswick Township by the Borough of Milltown was defeated in a special election held here yesterday.

There was a total of 122 votes cast for annexation and 183 votes against the proposition. The majority against was 61. The first voting precinct, which is in South Milltown, registered 17 votes for and 89 against annexation, while the second voting precinct, located in North Milltown, which section is adjacent to the territory which it was proposed to annex, gave 105 votes in favor and 94 votes against annexation. The annexation proposal was fought largely on the contention that it would mean increased taxation. It was the first big project backed by the Milltown Chamber of Commerce, the leaders of which worked energetically to secure Its adoption. This evening will witness the first annual banquet of the Chamber of Commerce, to be held in Red Men’s Hall, at 6.30 o’clock. A fine program has been arranged, and the principal speaker will be Adrain Lvon of Perth Amboy.