One House Has Burned Down Within Borough Since 1911
Equipment and Organization of Firemen, Headed by H. A. Christ, A. L. P. Kuhlthau, And J. M. Brindle Are Decided Asset To Community
MILLTOWN, Aug. 25.—The Firemen’s Carnival, which closed last Saturday evening, attracted the attention of all the town people and those of nearby places, proving to be a very successful affair. While some pressure was brought to bear on the firemen to continue the carnival this week due to inclement weather interfering with it last week, the committee decided not to extend the carnival beyond the one week. They are very appreciative of the public’s support.
The Milltown fire department was organized in February 1911, during the administration of the late Mayor Conrad Richter, with sixty volunteer members. The citizens voted to purchase apparatus consisting of a chemical combination ladder and hose auto car. This equipment was used until 1921 when the council voted to purchase a 750-gallon American LaFrance pumper. A little later, a Dodge Graham Brothers chassis was purchased, and the old auto car apparatus was placed on it. Today, this unit is considered as fine as any in the state.
In 1925, a new firehouse was constructed by the council on Cottage Avenue, which, in addition to housing the Dodge car, provides an office for the Recorder and two cells for law violators. The LaFrance pumper is kept in the borough hall.
With the completion of the new firehouse, it was deemed advisable to have two companies. Accordingly, the hose company and engine company were formed, each with twenty-five members. Today, there is a waiting list of those who would like to become members.
Following seven years of active membership, firemen may join the Exempt Firemen’s Association, organized in 1918, with Henry Kuhlthau as president and John Christ as secretary.
Insurance is carried by the fire companies protecting the firemen while on duty, a new feature at the time it was arranged but has since been adopted by many other places. The annual banquet of the firemen is recognized as one of the most important social functions of the community. When it is held next year, it is hoped to secure the entire community house for the affair to accommodate all who wish to attend.
Foremen who have served since the organization of the fire department are: Henry Kuhlthau (1911-1912), A. L. P. Kuhlthau (1913), Adam Thompson (1914), Elwood Boyce (1915), Martin Muller (1916), E. V. Emens (1917), C. W. Christ (1918), Chris Jensen (1919), John H. Lins (1920), and Charles Wolf (1921). In 1922, the council organized a board of fire officers consisting of John Bauries, fire chief; Henry A. Christ, first assistant; and John W. Glock, second assistant chief. Mr. Bauries served for two years as fire chief and was succeeded by Henry A. Christ, who is now serving his fourth year as fire chief. He is assisted at present by A. L. P. Kuhlthau as first assistant and J. M. Brindle as second assistant.
The firemen take pride, and rightly so, in their achievements. The only house that has burned down within the community limits was that of “Aunt Kate” Rappelyea, due to its location being too far from the fire hydrants to be reached by the hose. The men are exceedingly faithful in drills and in responding to calls, irrespective of time and weather conditions. They are a real community asset.
Women in Court Row Quieted by Officer
MILLTOWN, Aug. 25.—Mrs. Josephine Gerney of Tanner’s Corner made a charge of disorderly conduct against her husband, Joseph Gerney, before J. A. Headley, Justice of the Peace. The constable arrested Gerney, but Justice Headley, after hearing the case, dismissed it. During the court session, the Justice and constable adjourned to another room for a conference, and several women involved in the case got into an argument that had to be settled by the officer.
Dancing of Milltown Children At Cliffwood Beach Is Popular
MILLTOWN, Aug. 25.—Scores of people from here visited Cliffwood Beach last week when the beach carnival was held, as several local children participated in the events. Miss Blanche Wolf, nine-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wolf of Riva Avenue, and Miss Pearl Latham, twelve-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Latham of Tremont Avenue, danced solo dances at the queen’s coronation ball held at the Boardwalk Casino, in addition to taking part in the ensemble numbers.
Blanche gracefully executed a solo toe waltz, dressed in an abbreviated frock of green taffeta. She also danced a Spanish dance as a solo, wearing a dress of American Beauty fringe with a jet bodice. Both costumes enhanced her blond daintiness. For the ensemble doll dance, Blanche wore a picture dress of pink tarletan, and her dress for the black bottom ensemble was of rose and gold.
Pearl looked very sweet and demure as she danced her solo “The Waltz of the Rose.” Her ballet dress was of gold changeable taffeta and gold ballet shoes. In the ensemble doll dance, Pearl was very dainty in a many-ruffled dress of orange tarletan with a gold bodice. For the black bottom ensemble, her costume was of American Beauty taffeta and silver.
Both children are enrolled at the Godwin School of Dancing at New Brunswick.
In the baby parade on Friday, two local youngsters were prize winners. Little Verna Wolf, four-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Wolf of South Main Street, and her little cousin, Harold Fegley, three and a half year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Fegley of Poch Avenue, were entered in the first division as bride and groom.
Verna was a smiling bride in her white tarletan wedding gown and fine veil, which was held in place over her dark curls by a rhinestone band. On her tiny feet were white silk socks and white pumps. She carried a bridal bouquet of roses and ferns tied with white satin ribbon streamers. Harold was a study in black and white with his black satin cutaway coat and trousers, stiff white shirt, and high silk hat. They walked very properly arm in arm.
Blanche Wolf was a very pretty fairy in the parade. She wore a white paper dress with large wings and a gold crown and carried a gold wand. Pearl Latham also marched in the parade, wearing her corsage and gold doll dress.
Mrs. C. W. Kuhlthau of North Main Street was one of the five judges of the baby parade, and she says that the floats and carriages were so beautifully decorated and the children so adorably costumed that the awarding of the prizes was difficult.
Lindbergh’s “We” In Milltown Library
MILLTOWN, Aug. 25.—A new book, one which will delight all true Americans, has been added to the Public Library. It is Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh’s own book “We,” giving the story of his marvelous flight over the Atlantic Ocean. Everyone should avail themselves of the opportunity to read this book and discover the things that made this young man so successful and endeared him not only to all America but to all the world.
Prepare Schools For Opening Day On September 7
MILLTOWN, Aug. 17.—The school building and grounds present a scene of considerable activity as the janitors and several mechanics continue making preparations for the opening of school, which has been announced for September 7.
The inside of the building is being thoroughly renovated, with several rooms redecorated, floors cleaned, and many of the desks and other pieces of furniture re-surfaced and finished. Additional cupboard space is to be provided for the sewing and manual training departments, and the facilities of the latter department are to be enlarged to include sheet metal work. An outside fire escape is to be placed on the building, and doors not already equipped are to be provided with anti-panic bolts.
A modern iron fence is being erected around the school grounds. Arrangements are also being made for a better drainage system on the playground to prevent surface water from running into the basement, as considerable damage has already been done by recent heavy rains.
Both streets, in front and along the rear of the school lot, are being paved, which will add to the appearance and comfort of the school.
Local News Briefs:
Mrs. Richard Reed of Hill Avenue is enjoying a vacation trip to Chicago.
Miss Badie Heins of South Main Street is the proud owner of a Hupmobile.
Mrs. John Klotzbach, wife of Mayor Klotzbach, has returned from Middlesex Hospital and is convalescing at her home. Mr. Klotzbach’s sister, Mrs. S. Prosser, has come from her home in New Kentucky to visit them for a while.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Steinmetz have returned from their honeymoon and are now occupying their newly furnished apartment at South Main Street.
Little Austin Christ of Riva Avenue has returned from Middlesex Hospital where he had his tonsils removed on Monday. Carl and Willis Klotzbach, who also underwent tonsil operations, are able to be about again.
