This Day in History: April 28th, 1911

This Day in History: April 28th, 1911

OPPOSE 50 YEAR PHONE FRANCHISE

Opposition Crops Out at Public Meeting in Milltown to Give Citizens Opportunity to Be Heard Upon the Subject.

MILLTOWN, April 28-A public meeting was held in the Borough Hall last evening to permit the citizens to express their views on the granting of a 50-year franchise to the New York Telephone Company for the operation and repairing of Their system on all the thorough- fares of the borough. The company at the present time has an unlimited franchise on North Main street, Washington avenue and Riva avenue, and has obtained from the Borough Council by special resolution the right to operate their system on Church street and Van Liew avenue.

Mayor Richter explained the purpose of the meeting and then gave the citizens the privilege of the floor. William Kuhlthau was the first speaker, and advised the Council to go slow; he said that 50 years seem- ed a very long time to him.

Charles Richter urged that the Borough Council limit the number of poles to be erected, and that they obtain the use of the poles for the electric light wires.

The company asserts that it will erect no poles without the permisslon of the citizens in front of whose property the pole is to be erected, and promises to give one telephone to the borough for every 50 subscribers. The company, if granted the franchise, will install a telephone in the Borough Hall.

As there were no more opinions offered the Council adjourned until May 5, when the bids for motor fire trucks will be received.

Fire Meeting.

The firemen held their regular monthly meeting in the club room at the Borough Hall last evening.

A great improvement is being completed on North Main street. The concrete sidewalks in front of the Bauries, Rappleyea, Sevenhair And Evans properties add greatly to the appearance of the thoroughfare-

Raymond Van Hise. who succeeded Christian Crablel in the South Main street grocery business, is daily improving the appearance of his attractive place and reports progress.

Rev. J. W. Morris will attend the banquet of the alumni of Pennington Seminary, held at the Hotel Martinique, New York, at 7 o’clock this evening.

Everyone is interested in the cake sale which is to be held at the M. E. parsonage tomorrow afternoon.

Miss Mildred Stelle is one of a luncheon party at Brooklyn today. The First Quarterly Conference of the M-E. Church will be held in the church lecture room to-morrow evening. District Supt. Dr. John Hand- ley will preside.

J. Ryan left the borough yesterday afternoon for Kansas City, where he will take up his duties as agent for the Michelin Tire Co.

Henry Baler has purchased a Maxwell touring car.

Oscar Harkins is enjoying many trips on his new twin cylinder seven horse power Indian motorcycle.

MILLTOWN, April 28-Weather permitting, the Crescents will go to South River to-morrow to play their second game of the season. It is thought that a large number of local enthusiasts will accompany the team, in order to size up the chances for a good season.

Paul Matske. well known as a ball player in New Brunswick and vicinity, a former catcher for the Rutgers Prep. School and Dayton teams, will probably make his initial appearance with the Crescents tommarow He will probably play one of the outfield positions.

J. Snedeker and Kuhlthau will compose the battery for the Crescents.


This Day in History: April 27th, 1926

This Day in History: April 27th, 1926

Milltown Trolley Tracks To Be Paved, Says Board of Freeholders

County Fathers Meet With Council, and Consent to Expenditure of $25,000 to Pave Dangerous Section From Booream Avenue to Lincoln Avenue

MILLTOWN. April 27-After years of waiting and patient agitation the borough council was assured last night by the Board of Chosen Freeholders that the trolley tracks from Booraem Avenue to Lincoln avenue would be paved. The county fathers were represented last night by Messrs. Dey, Orpen. Quackenbush and Haight, as well as Solicitor Richardson. A representative of the county engineer’s office was also present.

A report from Freeholder George Applegate who has control of this section, showed that the tracks were in treacherous condition Many times the officials of the town since Mayor Christian Kuhlthau’s term have tried to get the freeholders or Public Service to do something about the situation, Mayor H. R B. Meyers during his regime tried hard to make the powers to realize the existing dangers and they saw it but could do nothing without funds. Mayor Herbert during his term used every effort possible but the same story arose each time. Mayor Klotsback tried next and this year action will be taken. The freeholders advised the officials that the tracks would be filled in with Belgian blocks and on each side of the tracks as well as the Trenton Junction turn-in. This gratifying news was received by council with pleasure.

Milltown has needed its trolley tracks permanently repaired for years, and there will now be s possible chance to enforce a traffic system through the borough.

The freeholders stated last night that there may be a slight delay In the paving work as they intend to take the matter up with the Public Service, but that the promises would be fulfilled and the street fixed up this summer. The Job is quoted as a possible expenditure of $25,000.

Pass Ordinance

The ordinance for paved sidewalks on all borough side streets was read and passed last night on first reading. The second and final reading will be at the first meeting of May and then the people will have to start putting down their walks.

Fire Drill

The borough firemen were called out last night to fight a field fire at Trenton Junction. It was allowed to run back several hundred feet. Fire Chief H. A. Christ started the fire as a drill, unbeknown to anyone else. This was done by the chief, who after a careful survey of the fire hazards in the borough, deemed it best to burn out this brush near the Junction before a serious fire occurred. Both companies responded in fine time. Several streams of water were placed on the fire as it took in quite an area with many homes in the Immediate vicinity, Chief Christ would like to have people advise him where other fire hazards exist in the borough so he can then arrange to have the firemen take charge and burn them out.


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: August 5th, 1911

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.


This Day In History: April 14, 1917

This Day In History: April 14, 1917

MILLTOWN MAYOR, DIES SUDDENLY


W. KUHLTHAU, JR., MILLTOWN MAYOR, DIES SUDDENLY

Milltown April, 14 – A shadow of gloom was cast over the borough of Milltown last night when the news of the death of Mayor William Kuhlthau, Jr., was announced. While the Mayor had been ill and confined to his home for the past month or so, his many friends had hopes for his recover, and the news of his demise comes as a shock to the community. For the past year Mayor Kuhlthau had complained more or less of his condition, but he had not taken the matter as being at all serious until about two months ago when he was compelled to relinquish his active duties with a view of regaining his health.

…he had not taken the matter as being at all serious until about two months ago when he was compelled to relinquish his active duties with a view of regaining his health.

The Daily Home News 1917

While his heart was affected other complications set in that hastened his departure from this world.

Only yesterday the Mayor was able to sit on his porch of his home, getting some fresh air and was making preparations to take an automobile trip to-day to Long Island to see his sister, he is believing that the country might be an aid in his recovery.

Later in the day his condition became more serious, however and despite the best medical aid that could be obtained he was call to his reward.

Mayor Kuhlthau was a man of sterling qualities whose presence will greatly be missed by his official colleagues and so many other friends in town, of New Brunswick and vicinity. He was 48 years of age, he leaves a wife, Mrs. Josephine Kuhlthau; a son Russell; mother and father. Mr. and Mrs. William Kuhlthau, Sr., of Milltown; a brother, Charles Kuhlthau, of New Brunswick, and a sister, Mrs. Joseph M DeHart, of Morris Park, L.I. to mourn their loss.

The funeral will be held on Monday afternoon. Internment will take place in Van Liew Cemetery under the direction of Undertaker Quackenboss.

William Kuhlthau, Jr. had served the Republicans of Milltown as their county committeeman for a long time and he came to the rescue of the party by consenting to accept the mayorship in 1914 when the political situation was very unique, the Republican, the Democrats nor the Progressives at that time being enthusiastic over the honor or labor attached with the Mayorship as the responsibility of the sewer and water problems which were in early stages at that time would fall upon the Mayor and Council. In the capacity of County committeeman at that time, Mr. Kuhlthau being unable to secure any other candidate took the reins in his own hands by accepting the nomination and under his administration the work (which was planned by the late Conrad Richter and his subordinates) was carried to a successful completion.

…he came to the rescue of the party by consenting to accept the Mayorship in 1914 when the political situation was very unique, the Republican, the Democrats nor the Progressives at that time being enthusiastic over the honor or labor attached with the Mayorship as the responsibility of the sewer and water problems which were in early stages at that time would fall upon the Mayor and Council…

The Daily Home News 1917

Mr. Kuhlthau was a business partner of Henry E. Lins, conducting their business at 58-60 Dennis Street. New Brunswick, under the firm name Kuhlthau & Lins.

While the Mayor accomplished a great deal in the town government, there were two suggestions in his message to council, ever upmost in his mind, which he did not live to see fulfilled, namely, more adequate fire alarm system and better heating system for the council chamber and fire department.

…he did not live to see fulfilled, namely, more adequate fire alarm system and better heating system for the council chamber and fire department.

The Daily Home News 1917