Milltown Historical Society

Tag: Talk of the Town

This Day in History: March 9th, 1920

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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.

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This Day in History: February 18th, 1911

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This Day in History: February 18th, 1911

FIRE ROUTS HUNGARIAN BOARDERS
Old Vunk Homestead Burns While Occupants Look on Helplessly – Lack of Water Handicapped Those Who Went to Help.

MILLTOWN, Feb. 28 – The boarding house owned by the Philadelphia & Boston Fire Brick Company, and which was formerly the old Vunk homestead, burned to the ground last evening. At seven o’clock, a number of local people noticed the flames and, thinking that the fire was very near the outskirts of the borough and that the local fire company would be called into action as a bucket brigade, made for the scene.

It seems that the house was situated a quarter of a mile from the trolley, and its avenues of approach consisted of roads containing a bottomless mire. As a result, the twenty-five citizens found the greatest trouble in getting to the place, and it was soon found that the fire, instead of being near the outskirts of the town, was halfway to South River.

The fire by that time was burning briskly and, as there was no water available, nothing could be done but to protect the nearby barn.

The house was occupied by a dozen Hungarian men, or more, one woman, and four boys, all of whom escaped uninjured. One of the inmates claimed that the fire had started on the north side of the building in the second story and was not discovered until it had gained great headway. No furniture was saved.

Nothing was seen of the local fire department as an organized body. There were two or three members on the scene, among whom were Clifford Waddington, treasurer, and W.E. Becker. The fire was discovered to be too far out of town and too far away from water to call out the members.

It is understood that the Brick Company has the building fully covered by insurance.

Charles Taggart, the entertainer from Vermont, will make his first appearance in the borough tomorrow evening at Redmen Hall. He will give an excellent program under the auspices of the Ushers Association of the M.F. Church. The admission will be 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children.

The Milltown Building and Loan Association is nearing its first birthday. Read the notice below.

FOR RENT – Four rooms, corner of Lincoln Avenue and Main Street, Milltown. Inquire Mrs. John Geer, Milltown, N.J., f18-1m

FOR RENT – Four rooms, steam heat, and water. Inquire John Christ, Kuhlthau Avenue, Milltown, N.J. 124-3t

The Daily Home News – February 28, 1911Download

This Day in History: February 26th 1924

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This Day in History: February 26th 1924

Trolley Car Runs Wild for Eight Blocks on Main Street at Milltown; Collides with Another

MILLTOWN, Feb. 26 – What might have resulted in a very disastrous accident yesterday morning turned out exceedingly fortunate considering the circumstances. A Public Service trolley car, unguarded, ran over eight blocks through the busy section of the borough, and then crashed into a standing car at the car barn here. The smash-up occurred a little after 9 o’clock, when Motorman Andrew Coxey, after hitting the automobile of Earl Seaman at Booream Avenue, alighted to see what damage had been done and neglected, it is said, to properly turn off the air lever. The trolley car, being on a downgrade at the time, started off and did not stop until it came in contact with the standing car at the barns.

Motorman Coxey was towing another car out from New Brunswick at the time. When he found his vehicle running away from him, he immediately made an attempt to overrun the car, but due to the downgrade at this particular spot, the car gathered speed, even taking the switch at Richter Avenue. The slope from John Street down is such that the car was running at an estimated speed of twenty miles an hour. It crossed the Raritan River tracks leading into the Michelin plant and over the bridge, but in front of the car barns, was a car which only a few minutes before had been placed there. This stopped the leaderless car. When the cars came together, the force was so violent that both front platforms were raised fully fifteen feet off the ground. The damage to the cars was considerable.

The 9 o’clock passenger trolley going west had just made the Richter Avenue switch before the runaway car arrived, and it showed good judgment on the part of Motorman Jacob Van Deursen, who saw the “no man car” coming and he sped his trolley and the passengers to safety. He had no chance to leave his car and make an attempt to stop the other. Luckily no passengers were in either car at the time of the mishap, and fortunately, no one was in the car’s path from the starting point to the finish.

Bus Question

The matter of adequate service being secured from the buses now running through the borough came up for consideration at the council meeting. It was pointed out by Councilman John Lins that the buses do not follow out their plans, that of running to the borough limits and completing their route on schedule time. He advised the council that the bus drivers seem to have a habit of waiting along the line until it is time for the trolley cars to come along, and thus delay traffic. This the council could not deem as fair treatment from the bus owners and upon motion of Councilman Ochs, it was decided to bring the bus owners here at the next regular meeting and have a thorough understanding of the regulations to be followed.

Fire Fees

At a recent meeting of the council, it was decided to impose a fee of $50 for a trip to a fire on the outskirts of Milltown and $25 for every additional hour of service after the first hour that the fire engine and the men were out of town. It was later found that the fee was likely to be changed, and no official announcement was made as to the exact fee to be charged, although the neighborhoods to be affected by this ruling were notified of the change.

Mayor Herbert stated that representatives from the ships nearby would be present at the next regular meeting, at which time this matter would be thoroughly gone into. As the rule now stands, a fee of $50 is charged for service out of town for the first hour of work, or for a trip, and $25 for every hour after that. The new ruling of the council is that the Dodge car is the only one to be allowed to make these trips and the La France car will be available for local emergencies.

The-Daily-Home-News-Tuesday-February-26-1924Download

This Day in History: January, 23rd 1922

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This Day in History: January, 23rd 1922

BAGOYNE ASSAULT CASE HAS VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY

Charging that he was held up on the outskirts of Milltown by a crowd of men on the evening of November 10, and that they robbed him of $28, Steve Bagoyne, a farmer living near Milltown, testified this morning in the county court against Andrew Kroposka, identifying him as one of his assailants.

Kroposka and Frank Simko, also from Milltown, were both charged with the robbery. However, this morning, Assistant Prosecutor John E. Toolan motioned for the discharge of the Simko indictment, on the grounds that Simko could not be identified.

Bagoyne claimed that on the night of the robbery, around dusk, he was approached by a group of men who asked him for a match. He informed them he had none, but as he was smoking a cigar, they insisted he give them a light. They closed in around him and followed him for a short distance until one of them suddenly hit him in the back of the head with a blackjack. He stated he was knocked down and robbed, and identified Kroposka by his voice as one of the assailants, but admitted he was not entirely certain.

Kroposka denied the charges, claiming he was at work at the Michelin Tire Company plant when the robbery occurred. Fred Hartlander corroborated this claim with Kroposka’s time card. Andrew Hanlon testified he saw Kroposka leaving work around 5:45 p.m., while the robbery was alleged to have occurred at 5:15 p.m.

The counsel did not present closing arguments in the case. The jury, without leaving their seats, found a verdict of not guilty. Frederick F. Richardson represented the defendant.

The jury consisted of John Peters, S.C. Schenck, L.E. Gariss, Charles Melbourne, Theodore Brown, William Jemison, Charles Nafey, John O’Toole, Louis Seel, William H. Cladek, Emil Bohnsack, and Joseph Zar.

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This Day in History: January 16th, 1904

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This Day in History: January 16th, 1904

MILLTOWN MAY OWN ITS LIGHTING PLANT

MILLTOWN, Jan. 16 – The borough council, at its last meeting on Thursday evening, took up the question of borough ownership of the lighting plant. It has been proposed that Milltown follow the example of South River and control its own lighting plant, transitioning from gas lamps to electric lamps.

Sayre & Fisher, who furnish the electricity for South River’s plant, provided figures as to what it would cost Milltown. Before making any definite decisions, it was deemed advisable to conduct a survey of the borough to determine how many residents would install electric lights in their homes if the borough provides them. The cost is estimated to be about half a cent per light.

The idea of having arc lights has been abandoned, and incandescent lamps will be used instead. South River’s experience with arc lights was not satisfactory.

Several bills were paid during the evening. The bill from lawyer George S. Siler for $75 for legal services was deferred to the next meeting. The finance report showed a balance of $2,714.07 in the treasury.

Complaints were raised about the dangerous condition of the trolley rails in front of David Nevins’ home, and it was decided to notify the Traction Company.

HONOR ROLL OF MILLTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOL

The following pupils of the Milltown Public Schools achieved a perfect record for the month of December:

Tenth Grade: Mamie Glock, Emma Kubithan, John Deiner.

Ninth Grade: Mena Wagner, Mary Oehl, Myra Brown, Hattie Hughes, John Junker.

Eighth Grade: Fred Mather, Harold Kabithan, Hattie Evans, Edith Kohlhepp, Barbara Kahlthan, Viola Thompson.

Seventh Grade: Magdalena Crabiel, Mildred Hauries, Helen Glock, Barbara Heyl, Anna Kubitha, John Lans, John Dorn, John Bauries, Fred Hartlander, Laurie Booraem, Roy Thompson, Ralph Reeves.

Principal: ARTHUR M. WALLING.

Present During December:

First Year: Mildred Fahrenholz, Carrie Hardenburg, Charlotte Headley, Emily Lius, Maleta Perry, Alice Delois, Albert Bids, Arthur Blois, Carl Herman, Alfred Liu, Harry Moure, Stanley Okerson, Paul Reeves.

Second Year: Daisy Crenning, Pearl Evans, Cathiena Hardenburg, Martha Hans, Lizzie Sosok, Hattie Van Arsdale, Hosie Zenevich, Irving Crabiel, Charles Fahrenholz, Howard Moore, Isaac Okerson, Francis Walch.

Teacher: JENNIE ROBERTA WARK.

Primary Department:

First and Second Grade: Russell Shafer, John Helna, Henry Hartlander, Clifford Schlower, Charles Schlosser, Hennie Christ, Lewis Ochs, Edward Smith, Albert Murray, Charles Richter, Reuben Hoelser, Willie Schwinderman, Russell Kulthan, Panale Canter, Eleanor Jarger, Lily Gabelman, Florence Gabelman, Otilda Holzer, Annie Boehlach, Annie Ochs, Evelyn Smith, Sarah Melrose.

Teacher: MATTIE AUGUSTA LONG.

School No 2:

Sixth Grade: Rose Andres, Bertha Baediker, Martha Bauries, Amy Hammann, Mary Lin, Katie Steinmacher, Martha Brandt, Henry Christ, Arthur Hoelser, Harold Hustis, Charles Crabiel, John Gerland, Charles Kahlthau, George Moore.

Fifth Grade: Anna Kate Hoelser, Mary Zenevich, Maled Deiner, Katie Hartlander, Mary Kohlhepp, Ethel Thompson, Josephine Meiruse, Oscar Christ, Peter Zeevich, Howard Evans, John Himmel, Miles Kubithau, John Schwinderman, Charles Christ, Philip Christ.

Principal: MARGARET A. BURNETT.

Fourth Year: Edith Christ, Louis Hammann, Florence Hefner, Anna Herman, Frances Melrose, Mary Busok, William Andres, Pendie Gabriel, William Grodlich, Christian Junker, Arthur Lins, Henry Las, Harry Mosser, Theodore Baedeker, Russell Van Deventer, Gerhard Pank, Spencer Perry.

Teacher: MAUDEL CUNNINGHAM.

Third Year: Lizzie Baler, Katherine Baedeker, Julia Richard, Lillian Hess, Anna Zenevich, George Hauries, Arthur Christ, George Melrose, LeRoy Reeves, Herbert Belaffer, Robert Mosser, Charles Schwinderman, Herman Fahrenholz.

Teacher: EMILIE E. V. KEMLO

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This Day in History: January 10th, 1910

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This Day in History: January 10th, 1910

“FAST LINE” IS SOLD FOR $200,000

Trenton Trolley Bought By Bondholders at Auction Before Frank S. Katzenbach Here This Afternoon – Only One Bid Presented

Frank S. Katzenbach, Jr., of Trenton, as Master in Chancery, came here this afternoon to sell at auction the Trenton & New Brunswick “Fast Line” Railroad, which has been in litigation for some time past. The sale took place at the sheriff’s office.The railroad was sold to the bondholders.Mr. Katzenbach opened the proceedings by reading the notice of sale and conditions. The terms included all property on the right of way from here to Trenton, and Berthwaite, counsel for the receiver, stated that it should be understood that from 1,000 to 2,000 ties lying along the road were not included, not having yet been placed by the receiver.THE BIDDERS.Mr. Katzenbach stated that but two parties had qualified as bidders by depositing the $25,000 guarantee required. These were the Finance Committee of Pennsylvania, plaintiffs in the proceedings, and Irwin Shoup, Jr., and Charles Dickson, both of Philadelphia, constituting a purchasing committee named by the bondholders of the railroad company.Bids being called for, the purchasing committee bid $200,000. There were no other bids and the property was struck off.Acknowledgment of sale was at once signed, and title will be passed on May 1st. The bondholders, it is understood, will endeavor to dispose of the road, and it is strongly hinted that the Public Service may buy it in. To-morrow in Elizabeth, the New Jersey Short Line Railway, which has a right of way from Elizabeth to Milltown, connecting at the latter place with the “Fast Line,” will also be sold. The latter line, if connected, would give an air line from Elizabeth to Trenton, crossing the Raritan river near Martin’s dock. It is rumored that the Public Service wants to acquire this right of way, then connect by means of the Camden & Trenton line to Camden.The sale includes the right of way, bridge, rolling stock, etc., of the electric line from Milltown to Trenton. Both the Public Service Railway Co. and the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. were reported as anxious to get hold of the property.

NEW COAL CO. ELECTS OFFICERS

The Milltown Coal and Lumber Company, the organization of which was noted last week, met last evening and elected the following officers: President, J.V.L. Booraem; secretary, Spencer Perry; treasurer, C.W. Kuhithau.

It was decided that the main office of the company shall be at the home of J.V.L. Booraem, on Van Liew Avenue, Milltown. The Raritan River Railroad Co. is now putting in a siding to the yards on Van Liew Avenue.

The company will proceed at once to erect suitable buildings, and the work will be pushed with all celerity. A prosperous future is predicted for the new concern. Judge Hicks is attorney for the company.

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