Milltown Historical Society

Tag: Talk of the Town

This Day in History: October 8th, 1918

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This Day in History: October 8th, 1918

CLOSE ALL PLACES IN BOROUGH WHERE PEOPLE CONGREGATE

MILLTOWN, Oct. – The Board of Health last night decided, during the epidemic of influenza and pneumonia, to close all places where people congregate in the borough. The regulations went into effect this morning and, until the ban is lifted, all saloons, soda fountains, schools, churches, Sunday schools, lodge rooms, and clubs are closed. Last week there were only six cases of Influenza in town, and there are now at least 35 or 40.

An officer went through the town this morning, instructing all parents to keep their children in their respective yards. No congregation of children will be permitted. Public funerals, where the deceased died from influenza or pneumonia, are also forbidden.

Quarantine will not be placed on houses wherein there are influenza sick, but the patient will be quarantined. It is explained that the danger of contagion exists in personal contact.

Death of Fred Andrews

The death of Fred Andrews early Monday morning at the Middlesex General Hospital brought to a close a long struggle against disease. The deceased was born in Milltown but spent eight or nine years of his life in Colorado, seeking after health. The deceased was a member of Charles Walters Council No. 178.

War Relief Contributors

MILLTOWN, Oct. 3 – The following names are those of the Milltown War Relief contributors:

Daughters of Liberty, Chas. Heffner, Mr. Hanson, G. Gill, J. F. Leach, Chas Denhart, W. Hamon, Mr. Rider, J. Diehl, M. H. Geer, J. A. Selover, R. Cleland, Enos Huff, F. Rudnitzky, H. B. DeHart, Charles Fraser, B. Gil, M. Bailly, L. Porch, R. Patterson, L. Martinet, A. Souza, F. W. Pardun, H. Lins, A. Sheppard, C. Crabiel, J. Okerson, E. F. Sayre, C. Beecher, I. Mayenson, R. Manden, F. Miller, E. Elb, J. J. O’Connell, J. Holzer, M. Schneider, J. Melrose, Charles Schmidt, W. Bormet, H. Baler, J. Malleol, A. Gill, Mrs. M. Green, P. Cercy, J. Jacquemot, Mrs. J. Green, Y. Nelson, G. H. Walters, W. Crenning, A. Maxwell, W. Wallenbrock, B. Hortwiowich, H. Anderson, Y. LeRau, M. Wetzstein, C. Bruns, J. Doerr, Max Maserek, William Prill, Charles Lins, Robert Harkins, Rh Vilet, Borough Council, Boy Scouts, Rescue Council, Desire Bardon, Reformed Church Bible Class, Questionnaires, John Doerr.

Liberty Loan Campaign Lags

The Liberty Loan campaign in Milltown is beginning to lose its edge. Since the first three days, which witnessed a subscription total of $22,000, very few subscriptions have been turned in. While undoubtedly a number of the captains have reports to make, the quota of $39,000 is sufficiently far off to cause a little worry and force the realization that greater efforts must be made if Milltown is to do its share in the loan that has the earmarks of a victory loan. The captains and general committee will meet tomorrow night at the bank to make reports as to their territories. Captains that have not yet completed the canvass of their districts are urged to finish so that complete reports can be made on Tuesday night. The little blue button with the four bars means much these days. Get on the bandwagon and give Uncle Sam the money he needs and wear a button.

Milltown Fortunate Amidst Morgan Disaster

Milltown was exceedingly fortunate on Saturday, for while the Morgan disaster did damage many miles further away from the scene of the explosions than Milltown is located, practically no damage at all was done here. So far as is known, only one pane of glass was cracked, that being in the home of Mr. John Applegate on Main Street. The 10:30 o’clock warning to prepare for a greater explosion than any previous one caused great excitement. In a short while, windows all over town were up and stove fires put out. With valuables in hand, people waited on porches or congregated in the middle of the streets. It was not until late in the afternoon that things became normal.

Both fire engines were ready to take care of any fires that broke out. The Michelin Tire Co. sent all their employees home at 10:30 in the morning.

For more on the Morgan Disaster follow the link. https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-morgan-ammunition-explosion

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This Day in History: October 6th, 1911

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This Day in History: October 6th, 1911

Principal Made Truant Officer

Prof. Roe Appointed by the Board of Education at Its Meeting Last Night to Look After Scholars–Contractor Mangin Gets Contract for Bells in School.

MILLTOWN, Oct. 6 – The regular meeting of the Board of Education was held at the school last evening with President Conrad Richter and Members Spencer Perry, Balthaser Christ, William Kuhlthau, Jr., H. S. DeHart, George Kuhlthau, George Heyl, and J. M. Brindle present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted.

The board voted to hear parents who attended the meeting, seeking to have their children excused from attending school. Several hearings were conducted and decisions were made.

Rules regarding the use of the telephone in the school were read and adopted. The custodian’s report showed a balance of $2,426.66 on October 5. Prof. Warren A. Roe reported that $37.50 had been collected for the tuition of out-of-town pupils.

Electrical Contractor Mangin, of New Brunswick, was awarded the contract for placing bells in the school following a vote. Prof. Roe was instructed to purchase book racks, which were needed in the school.

The proposition of holding an art exhibit was discussed, but no action was taken. The report of the local medical inspector was read and accepted.

Prof. Roe was appointed as truant officer, with the borough marshals serving as his assistants, who will be paid at the rate of 25 cents an hour while acting in that capacity.

The following bills were ordered paid: Milton Bradley Company.

Meeting Expenses and Adjournment

$26.12: Conrad Richter, $60; J. M. Brindle, $60; American Book Company, $7.36; J. J. Hammett Company, $2.20; Warren A. Roe, $6.25; Conrad Richter, 40c.

The meeting was then adjourned.

In other news, Mrs. Herrmann Fahrenholz, of Woonsocket, R.I., visited with borough friends yesterday.

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This Day in History: October 5th, 1905

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This Day in History: October 5th, 1905

MILLTOWN, Oct. 8-It appears from good sources that the freight line which has been planned out to run beside the Trenton trolley to Milltown and so on to Elizabeth and Jersey City will cut across between Dennis Vanderbilt’s house and the Misses Vanderbilt’s. Mr. Vanderbilt will sell a strip through his place, and Mrs. Martha Booraem will not sell. This move will avoid a sharp curve and enable them better to meet the portion of the road now being made at Elizabeth.

Mrs. John Kuhlthau is improving from a spell of sickness.

For Milltown Councilmen the Democrats are running Messrs. Bright, Cantor and Barthold Christ, while the Republicans nominated Henry Dorn, Henry Lins and Nicholas Christ. Vote for the ablest men to manage our borough affairs.

A. W. Bullock has gone to Denver, Colorado, in the interest of the Rockland Engine Co., of New York City. He goes to install an oil system in the Government mint in Denver.

Edward Bingle, of John street, was very pleasantly surprised the other day with the present of a little daughter. All are doing well.

George Buhl, of Main street, was out for a spin on his motor cycle when he came up with a crippled automobile at Dayton. Two other strange motor cycles had stopped, and the three started out to tow the auto from Dayton to Hightstown. The trip of nine miles they did in 4 minutes, and they received lunch and a fine lunch besides. This novel trio was an object of curiosity all along the line.

Rev. J. E Shaw has started in now upon his second year’s work at the Reformed Seminary at New Brunswick. We would that there were more desiring better methods of spreading the gospel and of looking deeper into His word.

The-Daily-Times-New-Brunswick-NJ-Thur-October 5-1905 pg.-6Download

This Day in History: October 3rd, 1914

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This Day in History: October 3rd, 1914

John Fine and Son Thrown From a Motorcycle

Aged Father of Mrs. Voorhees Van Arsdale Meets With Unfortunate Mishap, Returning from the Trenton Fair at Night.

MILLTOWN, Oct. 3 – About eleven o’clock Thursday evening Mrs. Voorhees Van Arsdale, of this place, was aroused from her slumbers when an automobile, owned by a Hightstown doctor, drove up to her house on South Main Street, Milltown, carrying in the machine her aged father, who has passed his 74th year, and her brother, Harvey Fine with whom he had been at the Trenton Fair, both being injured from a mishap that occurred in Hightstown, and causing father and son to be thrown from the motorcycle upon which they were riding, and quite severely cutting and bruising the older gentleman, the junior member of the party escaped with a sprained foot and thumb. Mr. Fine, Sr., was cut about the legs and head, and will undoubtedly be laid up for a while.

John Fine and his son Harvey, had journeyed from South River to the fairgrounds on Harvey’s motorcycle in about fifty minutes, and upon their arrival there he was greeted by the Governor and due to his advanced years, was asked to give an exhibition in motorcycle riding, but refused. Everything went along fine, and a joyous time was had at the fair, and on their way home everything was going smoothly when they came to a wagon that was bound in the same direction they were going. The driver of the cycle blew his horn, but the man in the wagon kept crowding to the wrong side of the street. Fine slowed down and was holding close to the ditch, but as he attempted to turn back in the road he struck a sandy spot, the machine skidded and the pair, father and son, were thrown to the ground side by side. Harvey, however, had his foot caught under the machine, causing a sprain, while his father was thrown clear, but struck his limbs in some way as to cause several gashes and bruises. He was also cut about the face.


An automobile happened along at the same time and hurried the injured men to a Hightstown doctor, who, after giving them attention, kindly brought them to Milltown. Mr. Fine, Sr., remained there until last evening, and then was taken to his home in South River. Harvey lives with his sister, Mrs. Van Arsdale, here in the borough, and is nursing his several sprains and bruises.

Other Milltown News:

Mayor William Kuhithau, Jr., presided over the adjourned meeting of the Borough Council which was held last evening. The following councilmen answered the roll call by Clerk R. A. Harkins: Charles Bauries, Henry Kuhlthau, Albert Skewis, W. R. Evans, and C. H. Crenning.

Representatives of the Public Service Electric Company, of New Brunswick, met with the Borough Fathers last evening. After carefully going over the proposition of furnishing the borough with electric energy for the electric light system, pumping of sewage and water, they named an attractive figure and were awarded the contract.

The council has under consideration the purchase of several lengths of hose and couplings for emergency use. This matter was left in the hands of the fire committee.

The regular meeting of Borough Council will be held next Thursday.

Successful Entertainment:

There were about a hundred attendees at the entertainment given in the Methodist Church last evening by Keith Cherry, of Philadelphia, titled “The World From The Sidewalk.” Cherry made a hit with the audience, presenting many interesting and comical impersonations. About $18 was realized on the affair.

Renovating Red Men’s Hall: The local Red Men are painting and papering their lodge room, which will no doubt make an attractive appearance when completed. A. Doty is doing the work.

The Michelin basketball team will play the Tottenville A.C., at Columbia Hall this evening. The Michelin Juniors will meet the Crescent Five, of Perth Amboy in a preliminary contest.

At the Churches:

At the Methodist Church tomorrow morning, Rev. L.L. Hand will occupy the pulpit and will deliver a sermon on Christian Education, the theme of which is “The Text Book Used for Christian Education.” A class of probationers will also be taken in at the service, and any that have not already been baptized. A number are also expected to be received by letter at this service. Rev. Hand will also offer a special prayer for peace, in accordance with the proclamation of the President. Sunday school will be held in the afternoon at the usual hour, and a missionary collection will be taken. In the evening, the Rev. Hand will deliver the first of a series of Sunday evening sermons on the great men of the Bible, the theme of tomorrow’s sermon being, “David – the Greatness of a Devout Mind.”

The devotional services of the Epworth League will be held prior to the regular evening service at the Methodist Church tomorrow night, under the leadership of Miss Anna Hoffer. Subject, “A Song of Companionships.”

At the German Reformed: Sunday school will commence at 9 instead of 9:30 o’clock, at the German Reformed Church tomorrow morning. Preparatory service will be held at 10 o’clock, and regular service at 10:30. Communion service will be held in the morning following the regular service. The pastor will deliver a sermon asking for the restoration of peace in Europe in accordance with the proclamation of the President. Young People’s Society meets at 7 p.m. Regular evening service at 7:30.

Personal:

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hodapp attended the Trenton Fair yesterday. Miss Stella Booraem was a Trenton Fair visitor yesterday. Mrs. Alvah Peterson, of South River, visited with relatives in the borough yesterday.

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This Day in History: October 1st, 1914

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This Day in History: October 1st, 1914

MRS. RAPPLEYEA NARROWLY ESCAPES DEATH IN FIRE

Aged Woman Who Lived Alone Has Her Home Destroyed – Nothing Saved – Other Local News

MILLTOWN, Oct. 1 – Mrs. Kate Rappleyea, widow of the late Jacob Rappleyea and better known as “Aunt Kate,” had a narrow escape yesterday. While resting in the front room of her home on Riva Avenue after lunch, awaiting water to heat for washing dishes, she heard a roaring sound from her kitchen. Upon investigation, she was met with a wall of flames. In under an hour and a half, her home was reduced to ruins.

The suspected cause of the fire is the flare-up of the kerosene stove. Mrs. Rappleyea mentioned that the rear door was partly open, and a strong northwest gale from yesterday had forced it completely open.

Upon seeing the flames, Mrs. Rappleyea tried to fetch water from a nearby pump to put out the fire. However, upon her return, she was met with a burst of flames that scorched her and nearly overcame her. Despite her age, she managed to exit the house and scream for help. Her cries were heard by Mrs. Titus and her son Harold, who lived a quarter of a mile away. They, along with Mrs. August Anderson and a road worker, rushed to assist.

At the same time, Councilman W. R. Evans and Addison Thompson, who were at the corner of Richter Avenue and Clay Street, heard her cries. They noticed the smoke and flames, prompting Thompson, an ex-foreman of the fire company, to run towards the fire. Evans, on the other hand, sounded the alarm.

Engine Makes Good Time

C. W. Waddington, the chief chauffeur for Eureka Fire Company, No. 1, promptly dispatched the chemical apparatus after the alarm sounded at one o’clock. He was accompanied by Chris Jensen, a patrol member. Others, including Henry A. Christ, Winfield Fine, Fred Hartlander, and second assistant foreman Martin Miller, were quick to arrive. Many neighbors and townsfolk also joined in the effort, assisting where they could.

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Heavy Gale Fuels Flames

When the local fire apparatus arrived on the scene, flames were already pouring out of the roof. Despite the firefighters’ efforts, the building burned completely to the ground. A strong northwest gale fanned the flames to such an intensity that the fire became unmanageable. At one point, even trees across the street caught fire.

Firefighters Save What They Can

About the only items the firemen were able to save were a shed at the rear of the house, several Maltese kittens, 13 chickens, and some bedclothes along with other minor articles.

Lost $30 in Flames

Mrs. Rappleyea mentioned she had thirty dollars stored in a bureau drawer in the upper part of the house. This money was earmarked for her winter coal supply. Anxious to recover it, she informed Harold Titus, one of the first responders on the scene, about the cash. Harold attempted to reach the bureau, but the heat upstairs was overwhelming. While searching, he was struck by a flying pane of glass, suffering burns on his arms. This forced him to retreat without recovering the money. Additionally, several important papers, including the deed for the property, were lost in the fire.

When Mrs. Titus arrived, Mrs. Rappleyea was nearly exhausted. Shortly after the fire team’s arrival, the injured lady was transported in Theodore Sutphen’s automobile from New Brunswick to the home of W. G. Evans. Dr. Forney was then summoned to provide the necessary medical attention.

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Mrs. Rappleyea, 74 Years Old

Mrs. Rappleyea turned seventy-four on the 16th inst. She had been living alone in her Riva Avenue home. Throughout her life, she faced numerous adversities. Her husband, Jacob Rappleyea, was tragically drowned near Parsons’ during a freshet some years ago. In a span of three weeks, she lost her three grown-up sons to diphtheria. Her brother, William DeHart, dropped dead right opposite her home just as it was completed. Yesterday, aside from the clothes on her back, she lost almost everything she owned.

For now, Mrs. Rappleyea will stay with Mr. and Mrs. Jacob DeHart on Main Street, Milltown.

Forest Fire Also Raging

While Mrs. Rappleyea’s home was ablaze on Riva Avenue yesterday afternoon, another fire ignited on the outskirts of South Milltown in the forest. The damages from this fire are not believed to be significant.

Insurance on Rappleyea Dwelling

The Rappleyea residence was insured for $1,000, but only for the house. The personal property inside is a complete loss.

Girl Faints

In the midst of the chaos and rush to the fire yesterday, a young Michelin employee, having recently finished a substantial meal, tripped over her own feet and fell face-first in the street. This left her unconscious for about fifteen minutes. When she awoke, she was astonished to find a crowd of people surrounding her, resting on a couch in a friend’s home. For a moment, she believed she was at a surprise party.

Of course, here’s the revised version:

Many at Picnic

Despite the late season and the cool evening, a significant crowd attended the first annual picnic of the Michelin Band at Parsons’ Grove. The music provided by the Michelinites was exemplary, ensuring everyone had a joyous time.

At Trenton

Local attendees at the Trenton Fair included Councilmen Charles Bauries and Albert Skewis, Messrs. Elmer Sayre, William Glock, George McGinnis, Peter Jensen and his son Peter, Edward Schlosser, William Beecher, George Detaler, Mr. and Mrs. George Kuhlthau, Miles Kuhlthau, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Kuhlthau, Mr. and Mrs. J.V.L. Booraem, Miss Mae Lins, Miss Lillian Wilenbrock, Mrs. Charles Denhard, and John Bauries.

Other Local Items

  • Charles Weyd and his son visited Newark.
  • Ferdinand Denhard injured his chin in a fall on his way home from school, requiring Dr. Forney’s services.
  • Louis Jensen visited Perth Amboy.
  • Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffer are at the Trenton Fair today, as is Charles Denhard.
  • Messrs. Harold Schlosser, James Selover, and Gilbert Gill enjoyed a bay trip aboard the “Ben Hur.”
  • C.E. Reichardt, a Michelin salesman in the Dakotas, has returned to the plant.
  • Oscar Wagner from Minneapolis is visiting his parents in the borough.
  • Chris. Crabiel has rented Jasper Field’s barns and took possession.

The Christs Surprised

Mr. and Mrs. George E. Christ were pleasantly surprised at their new Van Liew Avenue home on Tuesday evening by friends and family honoring Mr. Christ’s birthday. The celebration included musical selections, singing, games, and a delightful meal. Attendees were Misses Edith, Margaret, Martha, Elizabeth, and Mary Christ; Maria Lins; Messrs. Alfred Christ, Charles, John, and Harold Christ; Fred Lins; Russell Lins; Mr. and Mrs. Berthold Christ; Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Christ; Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Christ and son Vincent; Mr. and Mrs. George E. Christ and daughter Lorna; Mr. and Mrs. John Lins; and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Christ.

Rally Tonight

Local Epworthians will attend a rally at St. James Church, New Brunswick, this evening, departing on the 7:18 trolley.

Entertainment Tomorrow Night

Keith Cherry, the renowned impersonator and humorist from Philadelphia, will entertain at the Methodist Church tomorrow night. Admission is 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children.

This Day in History: September 30th, 1907

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Milltown 1906

MICHELIN TIRE WORKS BOOMING MILLTOWN
Another Building Going Up – Etienne Neens Organizing Staff of Chemists.

The Michelin Tire Works of Milltown, which recently finished Building No. 8, is about to erect another building with double the capacity of the previous one. For now, the office is temporarily located in Building No. 2, but it will soon move to the building at the corner of Ford and Main streets. The repair department, under the supervision of S. B. Hughes, will install all the special machinery required.

The old offices are now occupied by the chemists and foremen of the different departments. Etienne Neens, twenty-four years of age and a graduate of the National School of Chemistry of France, is in charge of the experiments and is organizing the staff of chemists.

The Fiat car that won the twenty-four-hour race at Morris Park on Saturday was equipped with Michelin tires, as was the Renault car that won a race a couple of weeks ago. This speaks well for the durability of the Michelin tires.

Milltown is experiencing a significant increase in building operations, undoubtedly due to the advancements made by the aforementioned company. Five new houses have recently been completed, and seven more are set to commence soon.

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