This Day in History: October 24th, 1913

This Day in History: October 24th, 1913

MILLTOWN GETS PLANS FOR NEW SEWER SYSTEM

Plans meet with the approval of the Commission. A special election will soon be called.

MILLTOWN, Oct. 24 – A meeting of the Milltown Sewer and Water Commission was held last night. Present at the meeting were Mayor Conrad Richter, Charles Richter, John Booream, E. J. Jaeger, C. W. Waddington, R. B. Sheppard, and Engineer Clyde Potts.

The plans and specifications, drawn up by Engineer Clyde Potts and approved by the State Board, were accepted by the local commission. It is likely that a special meeting will be called soon to make a report for submission to the Borough Council. Once the final report is received by the Council, steps will be taken to hold a special election, allowing the residents to make the final decision.

Engineer Clyde Potts provided the following report to the commission:

“On August 3, 1912, I presented complete plans for a water and sewerage system in the Borough of Milltown to your commission. Copies of these plans were filed with the State Board of Health. The water plans were approved in July 1912. Application was made to the State Water Supply Commission for approval of the source of supply, which was granted on August 13, 1912. However, plans for the sewerage works were taken under advisement by the Board of Health. A public hearing was held in the State House at Trenton on August 27. Various citizens and officials from New Brunswick objected to Milltown’s plans, fearing it would contaminate New Brunswick’s water supply.

Post the hearing, negotiations were held with New Brunswick authorities about altering the plan. On January 3, at a joint meeting of the sewerage committees of both Milltown and New Brunswick, it was proposed to pump Milltown’s sewage into New Brunswick’s sewers. This proposal formed the basis for an agreement on September 16. According to this agreement, Milltown will dispose of its sewage by pumping it through a force main on Main street to New Brunswick’s sewers at the Musical String factory. New Brunswick will share the cost of this force main and pumping station, contributing $12,500.

Supplemental plans were prepared in line with this agreement and filed with the State Board of Health on September 30. They were approved on October 7. These plans include a map showing the pumping station’s location and the force main’s route, a profile of the force main, and details of the proposed sewage pumping station near Lawrence Brook at the foot of Church street.

Due to the change in plans, it becomes necessary to modify the specifications attached to the August 3, 1912, report. Appended is a schedule of the necessary changes in the specifications for the sewers and sewage disposal works from the original report. The original specifications have not been rewritten. However, when printed for distribution among contractors, the printer can make corrections by referring to Appendix 1.”

The estimated cost of the sewage disposal works, as originally planned, was $21,505. The cost for the pumping station and force main to the New Brunswick sewers was estimated at $22,775. Of this amount, the City of New Brunswick will contribute $12,500. This leaves the net cost to the Borough of Milltown at $20,275. Regarding the operation of the pumping plant, the costs are estimated not to exceed $1,000 per annum for the first three years. For the fourth and fifth years, the cost is projected to be about $1,500 per annum.

In conclusion, I’d like to state that if the sewerage contract between the Borough of Milltown and the City of New Brunswick contains a clause where New Brunswick agrees to handle and dispose of Milltown’s sewage indefinitely (or as long as Lawrence Brook’s water is used by New Brunswick), I believe this plan, as proposed in the supplemental report, is superior to the original plan from August 1912. The members of your commission should be commended for finding an effective solution to this sewerage issue.


This Day in History: October 10th, 1913

This Day in History: October 10th, 1913

School Closed Until October 20 to Check Scarlet Fever Epidemic

MILLTOWN, Oct. 10 A meeting of the Board of Health was convened last night, presided over by President William Kuhlthau, Jr., with Secretary J. M. Brindle, Health Inspector Dr. N. N. Forney, C. W. Waddington, C. P. Stelle, and Mayor Richter in attendance. The primary objective was to strategize steps to prevent the spread of the burgeoning scarlet fever epidemic within the borough, which currently reports nine cases.

It was deemed prudent to close the public school until Oct. 20, attributing the continuation of the school as a potential catalyst for the situation. The nine reported cases involve children attending the local school, with 89 absences yesterday due to fears related to the disease.

Despite recent closure and fumigation of the school, five new cases have emerged among school children, spanning various grades throughout the institution.

Residents of the Borough are urged to heed the following ordinance, adopted by the Board of Health last night:

“All patients suffering from scarlet fever, diphtheria, or smallpox shall be isolated with an attendant in one or more rooms. Neither patient nor attendant is to leave the room(s) until quarantine is lifted by the proper authorities. Should the attendant or patient need to leave said quarantined room(s), the entire house shall be quarantined, with no person permitted to leave or enter said house until quarantine is lifted by the proper authorities. Any person convicted of violating the above ordinance shall be subject to a penalty of One Hundred Dollars ($100).”

“Resolved, That the Board of Health notifies the Board of Education to close the school until October 20 and that the inspector be ordered to fumigate the school twice during that period.”

The Board also mandated that churches and Sunday school rooms be fumigated.

Previously, it was customary for the sick room attendant to don a gown and dust cap when entering the patient’s room, removing these garments upon exit. However, it seems this custom was not adhered to as rigorously as it should be by some, prompting the Health Board’s action as outlined in the above resolution and ordinance.

Another meeting of the Board of Health is scheduled for next Thursday. The school is closed today. The board ordered the purchase of a gross of candles for fumigation purposes. Thus far, the cases are confined, with one exception, to North Milltown, almost within a circle of the school.

Borough Council Meeting

The regular monthly meeting of the Borough Council unfolded last evening, addressing several pivotal matters pertaining to the local community.

One of the key issues, the demarcation of the exact lines of Riva Avenue, was slated for resolution last night. However, in the absence of Engineer Fred Schneider of New Brunswick, no definitive action was taken. A previously issued notice, which prohibited Riva Avenue residents from installing any curbing or walks until the lines were established (issued approximately a year ago), was rescinded upon motion last night. C. P. Stelle, representing Engineer Schneider at last night’s meeting, stated that the Riva Avenue map would be ready any time after the upcoming Monday and would be presented at an adjourned meeting of the Council, scheduled for next Wednesday.

The sum of $275.00, representing the balance due on an appropriation made to the Sewer and Water Commission some time ago, was ordered to be paid last night. This amount pertains to the engineer’s expenses related to Milltown’s sewer and water proposition.

A request from the New York Telephone Company to attach wires to a pole on Riva Avenue was granted, with the proviso that the attachment shall be removed upon a thirty-day notice from the borough. Councilman Baurles reported that four more houses of the Michelin Tire Company have been connected to the lighting system, and the borough barn has also been equipped with electric lights.

The installation of a new 5 K. W. transformer in North Milltown was ordered. Although the well in the rear of the borough gym hall has been cleaned out, as per recent instructions of the Council, there remains an insufficient supply of water. No further action will be taken on the matter for the present.

During recent rainstorms, water has been damaging the gutter on Main Street, between Church Street and Ford Avenue. This issue was referred to the Street Committee, with the power to act. The Fire Committee was instructed to install boxes in the Fire Department for the safe housing of acids and related materials, ensuring a secure and organized storage solution.

The Collector’s report for the month was presented as follows:

  • Balance from the last report: $3,646.00
  • Licenses: $348.88
  • Dog Registration: $1.00
  • Total: $4,243.23

Expenditures for the month included:

  • Adam Christ Barn: $735.00
  • Public Service, Lights: $210.00
  • Streets: $54.00
  • C. Wagner, Insurance: $15.00
  • Incidentals: $23.15
  • Stanley & Patterson: $29.14
  • Total Expenditures: $1,086.29

Balance: $3,156.94

Grand Total: $4,243.28

Grange Meeting Engages Local Interest

A notably engaging meeting of the local Grange unfolded in their rooms on Wednesday evening. The gathering was enriched with several musical selections and captivating readings, providing both entertainment and insightful moments for all attendees.


Councilman Miller and His Pumpkins

Councilman Miller shares that his pumpkins are fetching quite favorable prices this year. Interestingly, the demand is so robust that he has found himself rising as early as 2 o’clock in the morning to manage orders and inquiries. On a lighter note, some playful would-be free traders, under the guise of jest, attempted to take pumpkins, later confessing to the prank. Despite their offer to return the pumpkins, Miller stood firm, stating, “Nothing doing. You pay me $5, or you’ll see what you get.” Ultimately, he received the five-spot.


Delegates Appointed to the Epworth League Convention

The following delegates from the Epworth League have been appointed to attend the convention scheduled to commence on October 17th in Asbury Park: Jos. M. Crabiel, Rev. and Mrs. L. L. Hand, and Miss Mildred Stelle. The delegation is anticipated to represent the local league and engage in the convention’s proceedings.

Walters Council’s Barn Dance

Despite the inclement weather on Wednesday, approximately 25 to 30 farmers, accompanied by their delightful companions, made their way to Milltown Park to revel in the big, old-fashioned barn dance. The event was meticulously organized under the auspices of Charles L. Walters Council, No. 178, Jr. O. U. A. M.

Among the attendees were notable individuals from various locales:

  • Brooklyn: Miss Gertrude Fehrer
  • New Brunswick: Misses Carrie Kilbourn and Lena Line; Messrs. W. Britton, Stults, and John Lowe
  • South Amboy: Peter Banks
  • The Borough: Misses Rose Warnsdorfer, Lulu Baker, Florence Baker, Mae Lins, Barbara Heyl, Gertrude Barney, Anna Herman, Alma Kuhlthau, Anna Kublthau, Gertrude Kuhlthau, Minnie Lins, Pearl Evans, Lulu Wolff, Mabel Deiner, Evelyn Smith, Lena Line, and Mamie Bennewitz

Messrs. J. W. Lins, A. L. P. Kuhlthau, Edwin Brown, Wm. H. Crenning, Arthur Lins, Alfred Christ, Chas. Christ, Howard Evans, Winfield Fine, George Skewis, Carl Herman, S. B. Perry, Isaac Van Arsdale, Herman Fabrenholtz, John Dorp, Edwin Kuhlthau, Chris Kuhlthau Jr., Herbert Schaefer, Chester Okeson, Jackson Barraud, Miles Kuhlthau, J. A. Montgomery, John Gerland, and Reuben Hoelzer, along with Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Crenning, and Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Kuhlthau, also graced the event with their presence.

Past Councillors Convene at South River

Charles L. Walters Council, No. 178, Jr. O. U. A. M., dispatched a delegation of approximately twenty Past Councillors to attend the regular monthly meeting of the Past Councillors Association of Middlesex County. The meeting was held in the Council chambers of Riverside Council, No. 33, Jr. O. U. A. M., at South River, N.J., following their regular meeting last evening.

The delegation, having won the honor banner from Friendship Council of New Market at the previous meeting, aimed to retain it for another month by presenting a strong attendance at South River. An amateur vaudeville show, open to any Junior in the State of New Jersey, followed the meeting. The Entertainment Committee offered a prize of $5.00 for the best act rendered. Walters Council, having made an entry, anticipated bringing home the prize.

Atlantic City Convention

In their last meeting, Walters Council appointed a Committee of three to oversee the welfare of their members intending to attend the State Council Convention of the Jr. O. U. A. M., scheduled to be held on Young’s Steel Pier at Atlantic City on October 22nd and 23rd. An excursion, set to run from New Brunswick on October 22nd, is expected to draw a large delegation from Milltown to participate in the big parade. The Council has already offered to pay half the fare, providing members with an incentive to take advantage of the opportunity. The Committee consists of Geo. E. Crabiel, J. A. Montgomery, and A. L. Kuhlthau.

A number of borough residents attended the Tall Cedars ceremonial and banquet, held in the Masonic Temple at New Brunswick last evening.

Jackson Barraud, of Riva Avenue, found himself notably hoarse today after fervently rooting for the Athletics at the Polo Grounds yesterday.

For a full account of the Past Councillors Association of Jr. O. U. A. M., please refer to another column.


This Day in History: October 7th, 1909

This Day in History: October 7th, 1909

FAMOUS AUTO DRIVERS PASS THROUGH HERE

All Stop at the Michelin Tire Factory at Milltown, for the Michelins Are Their Favorite Tires—Busy at the Works.

Many New Brunswick folk have noticed this week the almost daily passing through the city of automobiles, answering closely to the description of the imaginary Spanish torpedo boats that were not off the coast of Maine during the early days of the Spanish-American War.

Certainly, these automobile crafts are “long, low, and rakish” in appearance and show, too, every evidence of being built for speed. But few realize that some of the world’s most famous automobile pilots were at the wheels, as the uncharted shoals of numberless breakers and many rocks in Albany street were skillfully avoided during the stormy passage to Milltown.

Chevrolet Holds Big Record

First in importance of these great visiting automobile drivers comes Louis Chevrolet, who was here on Tuesday with a lightweight Buick car that he will pilot in the Fairmont Park race in Philadelphia on Saturday.

This particular Buick is a new car, but on another of the same model, Chevrolet broke all world’s stock car records for sustained speed at Riverhead, Long Island, last Wednesday, when he averaged 70 miles an hour over the 113-mile circuit.

Chevrolet, a heavy-set, smiling Alsatian, came to this country seven or eight years ago as an employee of the De Dion Bouton Motorette Company, then building light De Dion cars in Brooklyn. When the De Dion company discontinued in America, Chevrolet went back to France and later returned with the Fiat automobile people. This was at the time that the original agency of Hollender & Tangemann was first opened in New York. Chevrolet has now become one of the world’s best-known drivers. He drives with his head and not only with his hands. He understands “the game,” is fearless, and wins frequently.

Another Hero of Auto Racing: “Bobby” Burman

“Bobby” Burman, hero of many hard-fought speed battles, was also in New Brunswick the other day. Burman set a new 100-mile world’s track record at New Orleans last February. At Lowell, Mass., last month, he won the Vesper Trophy contest, and at the new Indianapolis Motor Speedway in August, he captured the 250-mile race for the Indianapolis Trophy. During the season, he has won any number of minor contests and will unquestionably make a creditable showing in Philadelphia on Saturday. Burman, as well as Chevrolet, drives a Buick car.

Strang Wins Many Contests

Yesterday, Louis Strang, now pilot of a big red Isotta car, went through New Brunswick en route to Philadelphia via Milltown. Strang won the famous Briarcliff race in Westchester County, New York, last year, as well as the Lowell Stock Car contest, while he finished second in the fast Motor Parkway Sweepstakes. At Indianapolis in August of this year, Strang won the 100-mile race and established at the same time new world’s track records for 50 and 100 miles. Strang went through this entire series without a stop for repairs, supplies, or tires, which by the way were Michelins, made right here in our busy suburb of Milltown.

Michelin Tires on Road and Track

It is a matter of local pride that all the world’s important road and track contests are won on Michelin tires. Michelins are generally recognized as possessing superior qualities of speed and endurance. Chevrolet, Burman, Strang, Ralph de Palma, George Robertson, in fact, all the great racing car pilots, will not enter a speed contest on any other tires. Almost daily, these famous drivers are approached by rival tire manufacturers who offer them all sorts of inducements to use their equipment, but rather than risk life or limb by accepting any of the attractive propositions offered, these well-known speed kings stick to Michelins and willingly pay for them. Michelin tires are never given away under any circumstances.

Michelin Factory Busy

In an interview, Sales Manager Libby of the Michelin company states that speed and endurance contests of all kinds have done more to develop tires to their present state of perfection than all the slow, old-fashioned tours ever held. Mr. Libby asserts that automobile tires are obliged to sustain harder usage in a 300-mile road race than in a whole season of ordinary touring. He attributes the success of the Milltown factory largely to the fact that an ever-increasing number of automobile owners are satisfied to use the tires that stand up best in real tests of quality and durability, such as those developed in fast track races or long-distance road contests. Such tires are found to be invariably best for ordinary service on family cars driven at moderate speed.


This Day in History: September 13th, 1909

This Day in History: September 13th, 1909

Milltown Proud of the New M. E. Parsonage


MILLTOWN, Sept. 13-William Jaeger, of New York, was a week-end guest at the home of Charles Smith. Mrs. Charles Herrmann, of Main street, entertained out of town guests over Sunday.

The manager of the football team of the Crescent A. C. has asked that all candidates for the 1909 football eleven appear ready for light practice next Thursday evening. As the Crescents are quite enthusiastic over the game, it is expected that there will be a large number of candidates on hand. Mrs. William C. Kuhlthau, who has been quite ill, is convalescing under the care of Dr. N. N. Forney.

The congregation of the German Reformed Church listened to a very excellent sermon given by Rev. J. M. C. Garmo, of Buffalo, yesterday morning. Miss Mamie Glock assumed her duties as teacher in the South River public school to-day.

The above sketch is a true representation of the new M. E. parsonage at Milltown. It presents quite an imposing appearance, and is one of the finest residences in the town.

It is provided with all the modern improvements, steam heat, electric lights, Kewanee water system, a well equipped laundry, together with a gas heating range for the kitchen. On the first floor are the reception hall, parlor, library, dining room and kitchen.

On the second floor are five good-sized sleeping apartments besides a fair-sized bathroom. The trimming is of red oak, with hardwood floors throughout.

The reception hall and parlor are separated by artiste grill work, and the winding stairway running through the center of the house makes the hall very attractive. The cost of the building is estimated at $5,500, the architect of said building being George K. Parsell, of this city.

The pastor and family are now occupying the parsonage, and expect, with the aid of the ladies of the church. to hold a reception in the very near future, to which all members and friends of the congregation will be welcome.


This Day in History: August 24th, 1905

This Day in History: August 24th, 1905

DANGER LURKS IN MILLTOWN


Local Water Supply O. K. Says Prof. Smith But Surface Drainage Flowing Into Milltown Pond, a Menace.


New Brunswick is to be congratulated on its water supply and its natural facilities along this line, according to what Prof. J. B. Smith said last evening, at the meeting of the Board of Health. The condition of the water is better than usual owing to the copper treatment. He said further that the analysis of the water from the tap by the chemist at the Experiment Station and by Fred B. Kilmer, a chemist of the Board, had showed not sufficient copper in the water to give a reaction to an ordinary chemical test.


Dr. Mitchell, of the State Board of Health, said he had found no trace of copper. He said the water indicates improvement, and that there was less organic material than usual this year in the water. Prof. Smith said that the Water Commissioners had paid all the bills for the work and that a fuller report of the matter would be ready by the next meeting.

Prof. Smith has received a letter from the Philadelphia Water Improvement Co., which uses the ozone process, and they will have figures showing the exact cost of a plant here by the next meeting.


Prof. Smith said a few words of comment in closing about the great natural advantages of the local water supply with Its area of two miles. He emphasized the fact that a danger lay in the wastewater from Milltown Flowing into the Milltown pond. He said he recently went over this part of the watershed with Inspector Clark and made photographs at the Milltown bridge and at the power station. In the Milltown drainage problem, however, Prof. Smith said there of was a danger that could not be eliminated till Milltown should have a drain laid to the dam to carry off the surface drainage.

There is a brook on Oliver Street which Is a dead one. The channel le not very deep, but runs across Oliver Street, and numerous drains run into the brook. The Inspector said that complaints have come In from the family at Oliver street, whose premises are flooded when the brook is up. All parties who run drains into the brook will be notified to connect with the sewer, according to a motion of the Board, post last evening. People will be so notified


Even the Board of Health had to acknowledge that they could not see any way for Peter Zimmerman, of 34 Hartwell Street, to rely on the wastewater which comes from his property. The place is so situated that the change in the location of the street had placed him too far off to sewer. Inspector Clark had notified him to do something, but nothing has been done. The counsel and Inspector will try to devise a way. The complaint was made against the property of Mrs. Abby Jaques, corner of John and Hassatt Street, where a bakery is conducted. There is no sewer. The counsel will look after the matter in company with the inspector.


Solicitor Willis reported the receipt of a letter from Dr. J. W. Wood, of New York owner of the property at Baldwin Street, against which a complaint has been made. He will comply with the request of the Board.


A letter from Justice Sedam stated that Martin Sinisky, of Burnet Street, who had been arrested and fined for digging a drain from a vault which was offensive, had paid $10 of his fine.
The report of Treasurer Wills for the month was that $352.37 was on hand. The report of Inspector Clark showed five cases of typhoid and one of scarlet fever. Counsel Willis reported the receipt of a letter from John V. Pralt, of 127 Commercial Avenue, regretting that as Mrs., P Saydam and Laundryman Van Horn of Commercial Avenue, had connected with the sewer, further proceedings be stopped. Those present at the meeting were: Messrs. Dr. Cronk, Prof. Smith, d Inspector Chirk, City Clerk Morrison, and Architect Parsell.


The bills of Seiffert Bros, for $3 S. L. Bennett, for $12, and W. H. Van Deursen 1 for $18.50 were ordered paid.


This Day in History: August 23rd, 1907

This Day in History: August 23rd, 1907


MILLTOWN SEWER SURVEY

It Is Completed by City Engineer, After a Month’s Work Is a Valuable Map

The survey along Lawrence Brook for the proposed Milltown sewer has been completed by City Engineer Fred c Schneider and submitted to the Michelin Tire Co.

The proposed course of the sewer is about three miles. It took a month to prepare the gap, showing the fall and grade of the sewer and the abutting properties along the sewer course, and it cost $70. Even if the sewer project: is now consummated the map will be standing record from the Milltown Pond to the Weston’s Mills, something which the Water Department never had.

If the State Sewerage Commission insist upon a sewerage disposal plant, this could be erected at Cremoline Creek, a short distance below Weston’s Mills. The Cremoline site adjacent to the river is an ideal one for such a plant a it is low and marshy. A sewerage plant is erected at Plainfield and another al Freehold. The plant is made up of several vats or tanks into which the heavy matter from the sewer is collected and this could be readily sold to the adjacent farmers for fertilizers The light matter could be allowed to pass into the rive after it had passed through the sewerage disposal process.

The method of making the survey was two men of the corps in a row boat obtaining the level, while a third man re training on shore staking out the creek out every 10 feet. To do this he was obliged to chop the greater part of his way for the whole distance.

City Engineer Schneider was assisted in his work of making the survey by Walter Nelson, of New Market, and Monroe Taylor, of this city.

The Michelin people are now considering the project of the sewer, but are not undecided. It is understood that J C. Matlack, the vice president of company, took a blue print of the survey to France with him when he left last week.