Everyone's Blog Posts - Milltown History2024-03-29T06:56:18Zhttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?xn_auth=noHoliday Events- Please support the MHS!tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2023-12-05:1239749:BlogPost:1086772023-12-05T04:41:36.000ZBarbara E Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/BarbaraEWright
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12308887086?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12308887086?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12308887086?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12308887086?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>Holiday Events- Please support the MHS!tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2023-12-05:1239749:BlogPost:1087862023-12-05T04:40:06.000ZBarbara E Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/BarbaraEWright
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12308887059?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12308887059?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12308887059?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12308887059?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>The History of St. Paul's Churchtag:milltownhs.ning.com,2020-07-01:1239749:BlogPost:319532020-07-01T04:00:00.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>St Paul's Church congregation began when a small group of Milltown residents began borrowing the Methodist Church to hold their own services around 1860. This group was pastorless, but relied on the services of Reverend C. Bank of The Reformed Church of New Brunswick.</p>
<p><a href="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872861061?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872861061?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500"></img></a></p>
<p>They built a wooden framed building in 1873 that they named St. Paul's Church,…</p>
<p>St Paul's Church congregation began when a small group of Milltown residents began borrowing the Methodist Church to hold their own services around 1860. This group was pastorless, but relied on the services of Reverend C. Bank of The Reformed Church of New Brunswick.</p>
<p><a href="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872861061?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://st4.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872861061?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>They built a wooden framed building in 1873 that they named St. Paul's Church, and united their group with the German Reformed Church of the United States. The first pastor, hired in 1875, was Reverend G.B. Shick. The original wooden church stood until 1956, and was moved off of Main St and onto Lakewood to as Fellowship Hall when the current stone church was built in 1923. From Gary Conger, "<span>Our granddaughters are 6th generation members of St. Paul’s Church. My grandparents Marie and Will</span><span>ard Garretson were the first couple married in the new (current) church building in 1924." Church member Barbara Petry also claims longstanding family membership in the church, with ancestors going back to Conrad Kohlepp, the church councils first treasurer in 1872. </span></p>
<p>Services were held mostly in German, until in 1905 it was decided that the congregants' English speaking children would get more out of church if the prayers were said in English. By 1930, virtually all services were held in English. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872863467?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872863467?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>This picture was sent to members of the armed forces serving overseas in 1943. photos courtesy of Brian Harto.</p>
<p>Recently, the large Tiffany Glass window on the church's front wall was restored to its original beauty. <a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/6483758252?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/6483758252?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>photo from Barbara Petry</p>Please delete and not reply to Kimberly McCourttag:milltownhs.ning.com,2020-05-05:1239749:BlogPost:317232020-05-05T19:11:53.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>A spammer has invaded our private website! He has been deleted, and I'm checking to make sure it doesn't happen again.</p>
<p>A spammer has invaded our private website! He has been deleted, and I'm checking to make sure it doesn't happen again.</p>Raritan River Railroad Station- Milltown NJtag:milltownhs.ning.com,2020-02-19:1239749:BlogPost:315252020-02-19T14:00:00.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872866254?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872866254?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a> The Raritan River Rail Road was begun in Sayreville, New Jersey in 1888 and by 1890 connected South Amboy to New Brunswick, serving the freight and passenger needs of the area. About 100 years ago a new passenger station was built in Milltown at the railroads crossing of Washington Avenue. This use came to an end in 1938 with the…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872866254?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2872866254?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a>The Raritan River Rail Road was begun in Sayreville, New Jersey in 1888 and by 1890 connected South Amboy to New Brunswick, serving the freight and passenger needs of the area. About 100 years ago a new passenger station was built in Milltown at the railroads crossing of Washington Avenue. This use came to an end in 1938 with the discontinuance of passenger service on the line. The station was then raised to boxcar unloading height and moved east along a new siding to serve as a freight station.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The station sat mostly dormant since the absorption of the Raritan River Rail Road into Conrail in April 1980. Shortly thereafter, Conrail removed the siding and sold the station to the adjacent property owner and it was briefly used for storage. Most of the original interior of the station has remained intact and is fairly well preserved; however the years have taken its toll on the exterior of the building. Eventually its state caught the attention of the Milltown Historical Society as well as several Raritan River Rail Road fans who have organized into a local chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) to promote its preservation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The station currently sits on private property, however it is anticipated that relocation to property located directly across Washington Ave previously acquired by the Middlesex County Open Space Preservation Program would allow for renovation and restoration of the station and accessibility to the public. To accomplish this, it is envisioned that the station be set back to its original passenger station height at ground level to accommodate the needs of all visitors.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The station is one story wood fram construction, approximately 18' wide by 50' long (about 900 square feet), divided in the interior into two sections by a wall with passage door and ticket window. The larger space, approximately two thirds of the station, was previously the passenger waiting room, and its original finished wood interior is well preserved. This room could become a meeting space for local civic, educational and historical groups; as well as a display area for photographs, maps, and historical narratives of Milltown, the station and the railroad.</span></p>Holiday Festival and Concerttag:milltownhs.ning.com,2019-11-27:1239749:BlogPost:312252019-11-27T14:42:17.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p><br></br><br></br><br></br></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">MILLTOWN, NJ</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SECOND ANNUAL MILLTOWN HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AND CONCERT</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Presented by the Milltown Historical Society</span></i></p>
<p><br></br><br></br></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Saturday, December 14th, the Milltown Historical Society will be presenting the…</span></p>
<p><br/><br/><br/></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">MILLTOWN, NJ</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">SECOND ANNUAL MILLTOWN HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AND CONCERT</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Presented by the Milltown Historical Society</span></i></p>
<p><br/><br/></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Saturday, December 14th, the Milltown Historical Society will be presenting the second annual Milltown Holiday Festival and Concert. Held at the American Legion, Joyce Kilmer Post 25 at 4 JFK Drive in Milltown, proceeds from the event will be used to preserve and maintain the historical museum in town as well as acquisition and restoration of Milltown antiquities. It is the Historical Society’s main fundraising event for the year. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, and children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket. Tickets will be sold at the door.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Doors will open at 11:00am for guests to view historic Milltown artifacts curated by the Milltown Historical Society. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the second year, The Central Jersey Wind Ensemble, conducted by Barbara Krauss Santoro, will be volunteering their time and providing the music for the event. The concert will begin at 1:00pm. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Founded in 1993, The Central Jersey Wind Ensemble is a professional organization comprised of some of the top wind and percussion instrumentalists in the state and dedicated to promoting the performance of wind band literature throughout the Central Jersey area, as well as providing concerts and clinics for thousands of students participating in school band programs. The musicians give freely of their time and talents, often participating in fundraisers to benefit schools and non-profit organizations. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Special guest, Santa, will be arriving at 2:00pm and will pose with families to take their own commemorative photos.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Milltown Historical Society merchandise, including the collectible annual holiday ornament, will be available for purchase. Other commemorative items will be available for purchase as well. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several local businesses have donated items for door prizes. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br/></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Refreshments, including hot dogs, will be available for sale throughout the event by the American Legion’s Women's Auxiliary. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Donations to support the efforts of the Milltown Historical Society can also be sent to: Milltown Historical Society, Attention: Barbara Wright, President, PO Box 96, Milltown NJ, 08850.</span><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3738734289?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3738734289?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a>2018 ornament. This year's commemorative ornament will be red and feature a drawing of Jacob Bergen's famous mill that gave Milltown its name.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3738728687?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3738728687?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" class="align-full"/></a><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3738726113?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3738726113?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p>MIlltown Historic Preservation Committeetag:milltownhs.ning.com,2019-11-05:1239749:BlogPost:307262019-11-05T18:40:22.000ZRandy Ruthhttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/RandyRuth
<p>To all who care,</p>
<p>It has come to my attention that there are laws on the books in Milltown borough which require not only a historic preservation committee but also an official historian. To my knowledge neither is active or exists. However, one official claims on the office Milltown website to be on this committee. He is RICHARD REVOLINSKY who will pending on tonights out come may be our mayor. Being that he is on the Ford Ave redevelopment committee it looks like he has quietly kept…</p>
<p>To all who care,</p>
<p>It has come to my attention that there are laws on the books in Milltown borough which require not only a historic preservation committee but also an official historian. To my knowledge neither is active or exists. However, one official claims on the office Milltown website to be on this committee. He is RICHARD REVOLINSKY who will pending on tonights out come may be our mayor. Being that he is on the Ford Ave redevelopment committee it looks like he has quietly kept this preservation committee in the dark so to advance other agendas.</p>
<p>We need to call on borough council to do their job and get a functional preservation committee going. This will put preservation at the table for all borough planning meetings and allow for greater input on historic matters. It can also help with administrative funding.</p>
<p>Hopefully, at the next borough council meeting on November 18th I will call out the council to do what's right. Anyone in support should be there too.</p>
<p>Randy Ruth</p>The Forgotten Years of Bibendum. Michelin’s American Period in Milltown: Design, Illustration and Advertising by Pioneer Tire Companies (1900-1930)tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2019-01-29:1239749:BlogPost:292242019-01-29T01:11:27.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>Professor Pau Merano-Bigas from the University of Barcelona in Spain has published his thesis, and it is available on the University's website as a series of PDF files.</p>
<p>The document has been fully translated into English, and tells the story of the rubber industry in Milltown, the Michelin company's venture in manufacturing in Milltown, and the impact of that business on the town. Professor Medrano-Bigas' academic focus is on print advertising, and he covers that topic in great depth,…</p>
<p>Professor Pau Merano-Bigas from the University of Barcelona in Spain has published his thesis, and it is available on the University's website as a series of PDF files.</p>
<p>The document has been fully translated into English, and tells the story of the rubber industry in Milltown, the Michelin company's venture in manufacturing in Milltown, and the impact of that business on the town. Professor Medrano-Bigas' academic focus is on print advertising, and he covers that topic in great depth, but has also fully researched the whole story of Michelin in Milltown.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Here is the link to the thesis:<a href="http://diposit.ub.edu/dspace/handle/2445/126382" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Forgotten Years of Bibendum. Michelin’s American Period in Milltown: Design, Illustration and Advertising by Pioneer Tire Companies (1900-1930)</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Here is the citation for the work: Medrano-Bigas, Pau. The Forgotten Years of Bibendum. Michelin’s American Period in Milltown: Design, Illustration and Advertising by Pioneer Tire Companies (1900-1930). Doctoral dissertation. University of Barcelona, 2015 [English translation, 2018].</p>Join or rejoin the Milltown Historical Societytag:milltownhs.ning.com,2018-12-19:1239749:BlogPost:285332018-12-19T16:30:00.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>Milltown Historical Society 2019 Membership Form</p>
<p>Founded in 1968 for the purpose of preserving the historical and cultural significance of Milltown and to provide a congenial atmosphere where the interests of the members could be shared. We currently have over 1,600 artifacts housed in two historic houses.</p>
<p>Meetings: Third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM at the Museum Annex.</p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>Barbara Wright- 732 828-0822 …</p>
<p>Milltown Historical Society 2019 Membership Form</p>
<p>Founded in 1968 for the purpose of preserving the historical and cultural significance of Milltown and to provide a congenial atmosphere where the interests of the members could be shared. We currently have over 1,600 artifacts housed in two historic houses.</p>
<p>Meetings: Third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM at the Museum Annex.</p>
<p>For more information contact:</p>
<p>Barbara Wright- 732 828-0822 barbarawp7@gmail.com</p>
<p>Dave Oryniak- 908 812-4265 daveo1002@gmail.com</p>
<p>Bring this form to a meeting, or mail to PO box 96, Milltown, NJ 08850.</p>
<p>Make check payable to the Milltown Historical Society.</p>
<p>We look forward to having you with us!</p>
<p>Dues: $20 per year Date: _______________</p>
<p>First Name_______________________ Last Name _________________________</p>
<p>Address: ___________________________________________________________________</p>
<p>__________________________________________________________________</p>
<p>Telephone: cell/home ___________________________________________________________</p>
<p>Birthday: ___________________________________________________________________</p>
<p><u>Interests</u> ( circle as many as apply): museum tour docent, social media, historical research, photography, gardening, medical history, genealogy, event planning, military history, industrial history, Milltown government, sewing, decorating, painting, carpentry</p>Milltown's Family Treetag:milltownhs.ning.com,2017-09-19:1239749:BlogPost:273242017-09-19T20:51:03.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>Several of us have recently been searching Ancestry.com, building our Milltown and extended family trees.</p>
<p>These trees are searchable on the Ancestry.com site. A post I put up on the Remembering Milltown Facebook page showed that there is even greater interest in finding the family histories of many individuals, either residing in, or from Milltown.</p>
<p>These are the trees that we have worked on. If you would like help and advice on looking up your own Milltown-related family tree,…</p>
<p>Several of us have recently been searching Ancestry.com, building our Milltown and extended family trees.</p>
<p>These trees are searchable on the Ancestry.com site. A post I put up on the Remembering Milltown Facebook page showed that there is even greater interest in finding the family histories of many individuals, either residing in, or from Milltown.</p>
<p>These are the trees that we have worked on. If you would like help and advice on looking up your own Milltown-related family tree, please reach out to Barbara Wright at bwright@milltownps.org or Rich Jacques at bransonil@aol.com.</p>
<ul>
<li>Kuhlthau- over 1400 people. Researched by Richard Jacques</li>
<li>Schlosser-</li>
<li>Crabiel-</li>
<li>Funk-</li>
<li>Billings-</li>
<li>Schwendeman</li>
</ul>
<p>We would love to be able to format the trees to be searchable on this site, and more information will be coming.</p>
<p></p>Box of picturestag:milltownhs.ning.com,2017-07-17:1239749:BlogPost:266252017-07-17T14:40:12.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>I was given a box of old photographs that I believe are of Grace Junker Regnault and her family. No names are written on any photos, but they were in the trash at her home on Chestnut St. as her home was being cleaned out after her death at age 101. Grace was the child of Catherine Heyl Junker and William Junker of Church St. Milltown. Her family were parishioners of St Paul's church. </p>
<p>I will scan and post the pictures on this website, but if you are a relative or descendant of Grace…</p>
<p>I was given a box of old photographs that I believe are of Grace Junker Regnault and her family. No names are written on any photos, but they were in the trash at her home on Chestnut St. as her home was being cleaned out after her death at age 101. Grace was the child of Catherine Heyl Junker and William Junker of Church St. Milltown. Her family were parishioners of St Paul's church. </p>
<p>I will scan and post the pictures on this website, but if you are a relative or descendant of Grace and would like the originals, they should rightfully be yours. </p>ford ave: questions!tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2016-12-04:1239749:BlogPost:246302016-12-04T20:30:00.000Zwill bradfordhttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/willbradford
<p>Hi everyone, i just have a few questions for some residents who might have some information on ford ave and the michelin complex. if you know any of the answers, please comment or email me at willbradfordbsa@gmail.com.</p>
<p></p>
<p>1) When was the building on the corner of main street and ford ave torn down? Its the building that used to stand on where the Knight's sell christmas trees. I can never find it in any pictures online, or anywhere for that matter...</p>
<p></p>
<p>2) Does anyone…</p>
<p>Hi everyone, i just have a few questions for some residents who might have some information on ford ave and the michelin complex. if you know any of the answers, please comment or email me at willbradfordbsa@gmail.com.</p>
<p></p>
<p>1) When was the building on the corner of main street and ford ave torn down? Its the building that used to stand on where the Knight's sell christmas trees. I can never find it in any pictures online, or anywhere for that matter...</p>
<p></p>
<p>2) Does anyone have any pictures of the insides of the buildings when any business was in there? I know it's doubtful, but I'm super interested in seeing the complex.</p>
<p></p>
<p>3)Does anyone have any Bibendum statues in their homes still? I read about how much of Milltown did while Michelin was here.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Will</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>"The Michelin Tire Company: The American Adventure"tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2016-11-27:1239749:BlogPost:246262016-11-27T22:34:41.000Zwill bradfordhttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/willbradford
<p>Hello All,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I found a really cool pdf on keepmilltownhistoric.org . It goes super in depth into Michelin's stay in Milltown, as well as their other branches in America in the early 21st century If you dig, you can find some really cool information.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Will</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.keepmilltownhistoric.org/Ford%20Ave%20Story.pdf">http://www.keepmilltownhistoric.org/Ford%20Ave%20Story.pdf</a></p>
<p>Hello All,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I found a really cool pdf on keepmilltownhistoric.org . It goes super in depth into Michelin's stay in Milltown, as well as their other branches in America in the early 21st century If you dig, you can find some really cool information.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Will</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.keepmilltownhistoric.org/Ford%20Ave%20Story.pdf">http://www.keepmilltownhistoric.org/Ford%20Ave%20Story.pdf</a></p>Pictures of a changing Ford Ave.tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2016-11-27:1239749:BlogPost:248262016-11-27T21:38:37.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>Readers, as you probably know, the Michelin plants on Ford Avenue in Milltown are being razed. Please share any pictures you have of the old or new Ford Ave here, so we can keep a record of the site.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Readers, as you probably know, the Michelin plants on Ford Avenue in Milltown are being razed. Please share any pictures you have of the old or new Ford Ave here, so we can keep a record of the site.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks!</p>The Michelin buildings are coming down!tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2016-08-27:1239749:BlogPost:238942016-08-27T03:05:45.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>More iconic Milltown buildings are being demolished. How do you feel about this? Feel free to comment and chat on this site. And add pictures!!!</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you want to see the smokestack and water tower preserved, please sign this petition …</p>
<p>More iconic Milltown buildings are being demolished. How do you feel about this? Feel free to comment and chat on this site. And add pictures!!!</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you want to see the smokestack and water tower preserved, please sign this petition <a href="https://www.change.org/p/milltown-borough-council-save-preserve-and-restore-the-iconic-smokestack-and-water-tower-in-milltown?recruiter=15142843&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_term=mob-xs-google-no_msg&recuruit_context=fb_share_mention_variant&fb_ref=Default" target="_blank">Change.org petition</a></p>JVSelover saves victims in ice -- 1924tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2016-01-30:1239749:BlogPost:226262016-01-30T19:52:32.000ZJames Seloverhttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/JamesSelover
<p>On Feb. 17,1924 my Dad was ice skating at Lawrence brook when he observed a number of people had fallen through the ice. He immediately set out to save as many of them as he could.</p>
<p>Following is a news clipping of the event</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A year later he received the Ralston Hero medal for his efforts. Following is a copy of the newspaper article recording the events.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I found a copy of a letter that my Dad sent to the New York Evening…</p>
<p>On Feb. 17,1924 my Dad was ice skating at Lawrence brook when he observed a number of people had fallen through the ice. He immediately set out to save as many of them as he could.</p>
<p>Following is a news clipping of the event</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A year later he received the Ralston Hero medal for his efforts. Following is a copy of the newspaper article recording the events.</p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I found a copy of a letter that my Dad sent to the New York Evening Journal in 1935 regarding the event for which he received the Ralston Purina Hero award. My Dad had never really talked to me about his heroism, but I recall seeing the medal he had received from Ralston Purina. I have been unable to find the medal amongst my mother’s collections. I emailed Ralston Purina to see if they have any information in their files, but learned that the old files were no longer archived.</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p>Following is a copy the letter Dad wrote in 1935 regarding his heroic act:</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Milltown N.J.</i></p>
<p><i>March 1, 1935.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Mr. Floyd Gibbons,</i></p>
<p><i>New York City.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Dear Mr. Gibbons,</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>I hove been reading daily, with much interest, your Thrill and Mystery column in the New York Evening Journal, with the result, that I find myself beginning this resume of the most thrilling and I might safely say, horrible experience, that I have ever had. In comparison to some of those that you</i> <i>have already chronicled, this event no doubt will lack some of the thrills, that you have managed to depict in your column, but to me it proved a harrowing experience, in which my only regrets were, the loss of the lives of a boy and a girl and</i> <i>that I was not possessed, with the power to do just a little bit more than my best,</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>As much</i> <i>as writing in the first person, concerning an incident such as this, is distasteful to me, I find that it is necessary, to do so in order to properly convey, a true picture, of what actually occurred, on that memorable February day in 1924. It is my earnest hope, therefore, that you will not consider this letter or any part thereof, as an attempt at braggadocio, or solicitous of any expression of commendation. I give it to you, for entrance in your contest, and for whatever else</i> <i>it is worth with the hope that you will, in one of your columns, find it possible to emphasize the warning, which a tragedy of this nature so</i> <i>graphically sounds, particularly at this season of the year, when such occurrences are generally common.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>On Sunday afternoon, February 17, 1924, I decided, regardless of my Mother’s admonitions, (and she was always out of sympathy, with such amusements on the Sabbath), that I would like to go ice skating, knowing full well at the time that the ice was hardly safe enough or thick enough to bear a man’s weight, but as though guided by a premonition of danger, I cast aside my better judgment and went anyway.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Near my home there is a stream known as Lawrence Brook and to this I hied. Even in the coldest of weather the ice on this stream, due to the swiftness of the current, is hardly ever completely safe, so being familiar with the most treacherous spots, I was more than usually careful, on this fateful day, Particularly since the weather for the past week, had been only moderately cold.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>After donning my skates and having proceeded about a quarter of a mile downstream, I came to a bend in the brook, where I knew the water to be fifteen feet in depth, the current very swift and always a treacherous spot. There were about twenty five or thirty other persons, skating in this vicinity and while chatting, with one of them, I happened to notice, two girls, two small boys and four men coming up stream in a group and approaching dangerously near to the bend, where I knew the ice would not hold. I shouted a warning, but too late, for the ice suddenly gave way and seven of them were hopelessly floundering around in the frigid water; one girl who was slightly detached from the test of the group and having stopped in time, managed to escape. Immediately pandemonium broke loose, but as is usually the case, when tragedy is imminent, everyone stood transfixed, as it were and as if stricken with the ague, powerless of comprehensive thought or motion.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Realizing that unless something was done immediately, seven lives would be lost, a long chance plan formulated itself in</i> <i>my mind and I proceeded without second thought, to put it into execution single-handed. Such was the position of the group in the water that, it was necessary, in order to reach them to successfully negotiate a leap, over six feet of open water. This I accomplished by getting about a one hundred foot start and diving head first, to land on my stomach, on the ice, on the other side. Proceeding to the shore and with what must have been, as I reconstruct the details, a superhuman strength augmented by the tragedy at hand, I managed to break off a sapling as thick as my</i> <i>wrist. With this, as</i> <i>the only instrument of rescue, I crept out to the edge</i> <i>of the hole and lying full length, with my skates as anchors, thrust the sapling out to an eagerly waiting hand and in this way managed to get hold of the clothes of the first victim and pull him successfully up on the ice, which bent like rubber under the additional weight and causing the water to nearly cover us. Had the ice, on which I was lying, failed to hold at this time, eight lives would surely have been lost instead of two.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>In this same manner I managed to drag five of the seven</i> <i>to safety but I distinctly remember one little boy, about seven years old, who was</i> <i>going down</i> <i>for the last time and was completely submerged, except for one arm, and who subconsciously took hold of the stick, in a</i> <i>vice like grip, when I thrust it under his little hand. Another was already submerged about a foot and going down for the last time, but being close enough, I managed to reach down into the water and drag him, in an unconscious condition to safety. These two especially are haunting memories to me, as both bore the purple and bloated appearance of the drowned.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>By this time the stillness of death had settled over the scene, for the unfortunate boy and girl had disappeared below the surface of the</i> <i>water, nevermore</i> <i>to</i> <i>skate again The boy, who was the only support of his widowed mother, was an excellent swimmer and no doubt would have been saved, but instead he sacrificed his life, in a gallant but vain attempt to save his friend.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p>Realizing that nothing more could be done for these two unfortunate youths and noting that the last victim taken from the water had not as yet regained consciousness, nor had any of the by-standers made any effort to assist, I now turned my attention to him and employing the knowledge of resuscitation, that I had acquired, while a member of our local boy scout troop, he shortly responded, to artificial respiration. At this point, I might say that, had any assistance been given, by those ether twenty-five or thirty, there Was a good possibility of saving the lives of all seven.</p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>The next day our local paper, The New Brunswick Daily Home News, chronicled the story under glaring headlines of about seventy-five point Bordoni. I read of it in the New York papers and in June of the same year, while visiting with an aunt in Oakland Calif., was very much surprised and pleased, when she showed me a clipping of the story, that she had taken from a San Francisco paper.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>My most prized possession, however, is a letter and a medal, which I received from the Ralston Purina Hero Commission of St. Louis Mo., and which bears the inscription; “Hero Medal Awarded To James</i> <i>V.</i> <i>Selover, February 17, 1924, For Service To Others.” I was nineteen years of age at the time.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>There it is Mr. Gibbons, a true account in every detail and I thank you for your indulgence</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Very</i> <i>truly your</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>James V. Selover,</i></p>
<p><i>134 No Main St.,</i></p>
<p><i>Milltown N.J..</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Do you have memories of Doby's Sub Shop, Doby's Deli or of the bowling alley on Broad St? a Post by Barbara Dobrzynski Justicetag:milltownhs.ning.com,2016-01-30:1239749:BlogPost:226242016-01-30T17:52:10.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p><span> My grandfather, Michael Stankowicz moved from NYC to Milltown to open Stank,s grocery store. This was around 1916. He brought his wife and three children, my Mother Victoria Dobrzynsi being a baby at the time. this store was on the corner of South and Broad Street. He prospered and then opened the first Bowling Alley in tHe area. 4 lanes. Grandpa ran this for years. Another child came to the family, a boy Al Stankowicz. Al grew up went to war with the Army came home and continued to…</span></p>
<p><span> My grandfather, Michael Stankowicz moved from NYC to Milltown to open Stank,s grocery store. This was around 1916. He brought his wife and three children, my Mother Victoria Dobrzynsi being a baby at the time. this store was on the corner of South and Broad Street. He prospered and then opened the first Bowling Alley in tHe area. 4 lanes. Grandpa ran this for years. Another child came to the family, a boy Al Stankowicz. Al grew up went to war with the Army came home and continued to run the Bowling Alley. Now grand pop had two thriving businesses. He was able to purchase 7 houses in the area. when grandopo passed away my Mom moved to the property and renovated and opened Doby,s Deli. she continued for 15 years. My brother then opened Doby,s Sub Shop for years. The Stankowicz-Dobrzynski legacy is strong in Milltown.</span><br/><span>My brother Al Doby,s Sub Shop has lived in the family home for the past 75 years on South. God Bless my family for generations living in the "Best Little Town in the State".</span></p>
<p><span>Barbara Dobrzynski Justice.</span></p>Milltown Historical Society Monthly Meetingstag:milltownhs.ning.com,2015-12-30:1239749:BlogPost:222242015-12-30T21:50:28.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>You are welcome to join us at the Milltown Historical Society Annex building on the third Tuesday of this and every month beginning at 6:30 pm.</p>
<p></p>
<p>You are welcome to join us at the Milltown Historical Society Annex building on the third Tuesday of this and every month beginning at 6:30 pm.</p>
<p></p>Open House Saturday December 5tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2015-12-04:1239749:BlogPost:218242015-12-04T00:34:56.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Milltown's 7th grade Girl Scout Cadette Troop will host their third MHS Museum Open House this Saturday between 1PM and 3PM. They will be serving cookies and cider and helping children make old fashioned craft projects. Make visiting the Milltown Historical Society Museum part of your holiday tradition! </span></p>
<p>For Information, call 732 828-0822</p>
<p></p>
<p><span class="font-size-5">Milltown's 7th grade Girl Scout Cadette Troop will host their third MHS Museum Open House this Saturday between 1PM and 3PM. They will be serving cookies and cider and helping children make old fashioned craft projects. Make visiting the Milltown Historical Society Museum part of your holiday tradition! </span></p>
<p>For Information, call 732 828-0822</p>Train Show Sat, Nov 14th and Sun, Nov 15!tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2015-10-22:1239749:BlogPost:214262015-10-22T14:47:57.000ZKathy Heilmanhttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/KathyHeilman
<p align="center"><b>FUN FAMILY event</b></p>
<p align="center"><b>Mark your calendars!</b></p>
<p align="center">Come see Toy Trains and Raritan River Railroad Artifacts</p>
<div><p align="center">Saturday, November 14 (11-5)</p>
<p align="center">Sunday, November 15 (11-4)</p>
<p align="center"></p>
</div>
<p><b> </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Ø <b>Spectacular Winter Wonderland with Operating Toy Train Layouts</b></li>
<li>Ø <b>Santa Handing out Treats (bring your camera)</b></li>
<li>Ø <b>Raritan River…</b></li>
</ul>
<p align="center"><b>FUN FAMILY event</b></p>
<p align="center"><b>Mark your calendars!</b></p>
<p align="center">Come see Toy Trains and Raritan River Railroad Artifacts</p>
<div><p align="center">Saturday, November 14 (11-5)</p>
<p align="center">Sunday, November 15 (11-4)</p>
<p align="center"></p>
</div>
<p><b> </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Ø <b>Spectacular Winter Wonderland with Operating Toy Train Layouts</b></li>
<li>Ø <b>Santa Handing out Treats (bring your camera)</b></li>
<li>Ø <b>Raritan River RailroadArtifacts, Pictures, Historical Presentations, and Maps</b></li>
<li>Ø <b>Refreshments, Shopping Area, Crafts</b></li>
</ul>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>Event Sponsors:</b></p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>•</b><b>Jim Reid, Owner of Frosty Automotive • Milltown Historical Society • Milltown Library</b></p>
<p align="center"><b>• Raritan River Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society</b></p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center"><b>Make your mark on history by helping to move and preserve the last remaining station from the Raritan River Railroad located in Milltown!</b></p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center">Suggested Donation: $5 per person (children under 3’ - free)</p>
<p align="center"><b>American Legion</b></p>
<p align="center">4 J F Kennedy Drive, Milltown, NJ</p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center">Questions: email Kathy at soygal05@yahoo.com</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p align="center">You can volunteer too! All money raised goes to the moving and restoration of the station!!!</p>Hello from France!tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2015-09-01:1239749:BlogPost:212382015-09-01T23:30:00.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p></p>
<p>A new member of this site writes :</p>
<dl>
<dd>I am documentalist for tv and cinema and I AM WORKING ON A DOUCiMENTARY FILM on the immigration of the people of gourin ( bretagne, france) in the usa and who had worked to michelin milltown factory at the beginning at the beginiing of the XX century</dd>
</dl>
<dl>
<dt>What is your interest in Milltown history?</dt>
<dd>For this movie, I am searching photos of the michelin factory from 1900 to 1929 :<br></br> workers who are working…</dd>
</dl>
<p></p>
<p>A new member of this site writes :</p>
<dl>
<dd>I am documentalist for tv and cinema and I AM WORKING ON A DOUCiMENTARY FILM on the immigration of the people of gourin ( bretagne, france) in the usa and who had worked to michelin milltown factory at the beginning at the beginiing of the XX century</dd>
</dl>
<dl>
<dt>What is your interest in Milltown history?</dt>
<dd>For this movie, I am searching photos of the michelin factory from 1900 to 1929 :<br/> workers who are working inside<br/> the outcoming of the workers outisde the factory<br/> and all photos who could be relive the michelin factory</dd>
<dd>Can you help her? Respond in a comment, or to her email.</dd>
</dl>Milltown Floodstag:milltownhs.ning.com,2015-03-02:1239749:BlogPost:205242015-03-02T16:59:37.000ZFrederick (Rick) E. Remlingerhttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/FrederickRickERemlinger
<p>I know that Milltown flooded under Hurricane Irene. Does anyone have any OTHER stories of Milltown floods (20thC or 19thc)? Any early photos of the floods? I would be interested, or if I can be steered in that direction. Thank You</p>
<p>I know that Milltown flooded under Hurricane Irene. Does anyone have any OTHER stories of Milltown floods (20thC or 19thc)? Any early photos of the floods? I would be interested, or if I can be steered in that direction. Thank You</p>Kuhlthau family genealogy in photo collectiontag:milltownhs.ning.com,2014-12-15:1239749:BlogPost:194832014-12-15T22:14:06.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>Many visitors to this website have a connection to the family of Philip Kuhlthau, the first of the German farmers from Oberzell, Germany to emigrate to Milltown. If you, you may be interested in some photographs of people who could possibly be your ancestors, and who might even be you!</p>
<p>Many visitors to this website have a connection to the family of Philip Kuhlthau, the first of the German farmers from Oberzell, Germany to emigrate to Milltown. If you, you may be interested in some photographs of people who could possibly be your ancestors, and who might even be you!</p>Holiday Open Housetag:milltownhs.ning.com,2014-12-04:1239749:BlogPost:193552014-12-04T01:00:00.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>Come visit the Milltown Historical Society this Saturday, and you will learn how our earliest residents decorated and celebrated winter holidays. Have you ever heard of a goose feather Christmas tree? Originally from Germany, these were the first artificial Christmas trees. We have a beautiful white feather tree in our annex building. Come see it and hear the whole history!</p>
<p>There are hundreds of stories at the Milltown Historical Society and we'd love to share some with you.</p>
<p>We…</p>
<p>Come visit the Milltown Historical Society this Saturday, and you will learn how our earliest residents decorated and celebrated winter holidays. Have you ever heard of a goose feather Christmas tree? Originally from Germany, these were the first artificial Christmas trees. We have a beautiful white feather tree in our annex building. Come see it and hear the whole history!</p>
<p>There are hundreds of stories at the Milltown Historical Society and we'd love to share some with you.</p>
<p>We will also have arts and crafts for the children, and cider and donuts for all.</p>Girl Scout Open Housetag:milltownhs.ning.com,2014-05-12:1239749:BlogPost:185292014-05-12T21:18:04.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>Girl Scout Troop 80273 is hosting an open house on Sunday May 18 from 12 noon until 3 pm. </p>
<p>Enjoy the hospitality of our Junior Girl Scouts as they describe life from mid 19th century until mid 20th century, and other fascinating history of Milltown. </p>
<p>We will be serving lemonade and cookies as an added treat for visiting!</p>
<p>Girl Scout Troop 80273 is hosting an open house on Sunday May 18 from 12 noon until 3 pm. </p>
<p>Enjoy the hospitality of our Junior Girl Scouts as they describe life from mid 19th century until mid 20th century, and other fascinating history of Milltown. </p>
<p>We will be serving lemonade and cookies as an added treat for visiting!</p>Welcome Facebook Friendstag:milltownhs.ning.com,2014-01-30:1239749:BlogPost:176232014-01-30T14:52:17.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p> Many new members have signed on to this website in recent weeks, echoing the great rush of activity on Brian Harto's Facebook group, "Remembering Milltown".</p>
<p>Please feel free to make this site your own. You may write blog posts, upload your pictures of Milltown and comment on other's photos, and share memories. Take a few moments to browse the photos that others have already shared, and read the Milltown History links if they interest you.</p>
<p>And if Milltown History is a passion…</p>
<p> Many new members have signed on to this website in recent weeks, echoing the great rush of activity on Brian Harto's Facebook group, "Remembering Milltown".</p>
<p>Please feel free to make this site your own. You may write blog posts, upload your pictures of Milltown and comment on other's photos, and share memories. Take a few moments to browse the photos that others have already shared, and read the Milltown History links if they interest you.</p>
<p>And if Milltown History is a passion for you, I hope that you consider joining us at the Museum for our third Tuesday of the month meetings, where we are devoting to sharing our past</p>tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2013-04-26:1239749:BlogPost:176302013-04-26T22:57:31.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/934111_642048762478030_136474220_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/934111_642048762478030_136474220_n.jpg" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/934111_642048762478030_136474220_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/934111_642048762478030_136474220_n.jpg" class="align-full"/></a></p>Come to Our Open House!tag:milltownhs.ning.com,2013-04-18:1239749:BlogPost:176262013-04-18T12:00:00.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>Visitors to the Milltown Museums frequently remark that they always wanted to visit, and that they are so glad they finally took the opportunity to go. Whether that is the case with you, if you have visited before, or if this your first time even noticing our old house near the fire house, we have some great new displays for you to see.</p>
<p><br></br> Along with the general store/post office, the old time school and Michellin displays, we feature in our parlor and kitchen the furnishings and…</p>
<p>Visitors to the Milltown Museums frequently remark that they always wanted to visit, and that they are so glad they finally took the opportunity to go. Whether that is the case with you, if you have visited before, or if this your first time even noticing our old house near the fire house, we have some great new displays for you to see.</p>
<p><br/> Along with the general store/post office, the old time school and Michellin displays, we feature in our parlor and kitchen the furnishings and appliances of the Victorian age. Bring your children and educate them about how food was prepared before microwaves. And this weekend we will be joined by the enthusiastic Raritan River Railroad group.<br/> It's sure to be a good time for all.</p>
<p>Open house from 1-3 PM Saturday April 20. </p>
<p>Also in town, the Milltown Library will hold a gently used book sale from 11-2 PM. Great bargains for a great cause.</p>Sentinel Article about Train Showtag:milltownhs.ning.com,2012-12-03:1239749:BlogPost:164442012-12-03T17:00:00.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-oht-subhead"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item odd">Historical society’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ part of efforts to relocate train station</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-oht-author"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item odd">BY JAMES McEVOY</div>
<div class="field-item even">Staff Writer</div>
</div>
</div>
<p><span class="inline inline-left"><span class="caption" style="width: 248px;">The model…</span></span></p>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-oht-subhead"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item odd">Historical society’s ‘Winter Wonderland’ part of efforts to relocate train station</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-oht-author"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item odd">BY JAMES McEVOY</div>
<div class="field-item even">Staff Writer</div>
</div>
</div>
<p><span class="inline inline-left"><span class="caption" style="width: 248px;">The model train display designed for the “Winter Wonderland” holiday event in Milltown took Jim Reid 40 hours to construct. The event on Dec. 8 and 9 will benefit efforts to relocate the borough’s former freight station.</span></span> The Milltown Freight Station, the last vestige of the once-prominent Raritan River Railroad (RRRR), stands on Washington Avenue, peering across the street at its future home.</p>
<p>Through the efforts of the Milltown Historical Society, the Raritan River Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), and numerous borough volunteers, funds continue to be raised to relocate the station.</p>
<p>Kathy Heilman, president of the Milltown Historical Society, said they are close, approximately 75 percent, to the fundraising goal, and are hoping the third annual “Winter Wonderland” holiday train show on Dec. 8 and 9 will put them over the top.</p>
<p>The event, she said, is unique in its appeal to families during the holiday season and those who hope to keep borough and county history alive.</p>
<p><span class="inline inline-right"><span class="caption" style="width: 248px;">The Milltown Historical Society hopes the borough’s train station, which ceased operation in 1980, will serve the community as a museum for the Raritan River Railroad.</span></span> “There’s something for everyone of all ages,” Heilman said, noting that even after the station is relocated, it will have to be refurbished before it can be used as a museum for the RRRR.</p>
<p>“This is how history stays alive,” Heilman said of the groups and volunteers working to preserve the station. “It doesn’t just magically stay alive.”</p>
<p>Families are invited to enjoy the trains, refreshments and the opportunity to see Santa, who will pay a special visit to the event at noon each day.</p>
<p>Much of the event has been changed to ensure families who enjoyed the festivities in years past will have new experiences, Heilman said.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Jim Reid, owner of Frosty Automotive and an avid model train enthusiast, constructed a massive model train display for the event. He said he spent nearly 40 hours constructing the display.</p>
<p>Aside from his love of model trains, he also has a special place in his heart for the RRRR.</p>
<p>“I literally grew up playing on those tracks,” he said. “During the summer vacations, we’d spend a lot of time down there. The engineers were really cool guys and they knew we were in love with the trains and they’d let us come up and give us a ride on the train.”</p>
<p>After seeing several other stations demolished or destroyed by fire, Reid is hoping to help ensure the last station remains for future generations.</p>
<p>“I saw all of the tragedies of the Raritan River Railroad,” he said. “[The Milltown station is] still in great shape, considering it’s been neglected for 30 years, but it’s at the point now if something’s not done, we’re going to lose it. I always admired that station.” Heilman expressed gratitude to the county and borough for their cooperation in regards to the land acquisition.</p>
<p>She also thanked James Curran, the station’s property owner.</p>
<p>“He offered to give [the station] to the borough of Milltown and have the historical society run it as long as he didn’t incur any expenses,” she said.</p>
<p>Reid echoed her sentiments.</p>
<p>“He was nice enough not to destroy it,” he said. “He wanted it to stay in Milltown. He wanted it preserved.”</p>
<p>Ken Durrua, of the Raritan River Chapter of the NRHS, grew up in nearby Sayreville and said the station is also linked to the industrial history of the area.</p>
<p>“The railroad was really vital to these industries being able to transport both their workers and their freight,” Durrua said. “I feel it’s important to save these structures because once they’re gone, they’re gone.”</p>
<p>He said the chapter will have photos and other materials on display at the event. He also hopes to have former employees from the RRRR — which was absorbed into Conrail in 1980 — on hand to discuss the railroad.</p>
<p>In addition to providing a unique holiday experience, the historical society will be accepting cleaning supplies, especially heavyduty garbage bags, for those still cleaning up after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.</p>
<p>The event is scheduled for Dec. 8 and 9 at the borough Senior Center. Santa will visit from noon to 2 p.m. each day.</p>
<p>Attendance is $5 per person, and 100 percent of the funds and money from food sales goes directly toward the relocation efforts.</p>
<p>The society is also selling memorial bricks as an additional fundraising source.</p>Holiday Train Show Rescheduledtag:milltownhs.ning.com,2012-11-30:1239749:BlogPost:164422012-11-30T15:04:26.000ZBarbara Wrighthttps://milltownhs.ning.com/profile/bwrightning
<p>The Milltown Historical Society is partnering with the members of Raritan River Railroad group to host a model train (and more!) show at the Milltown Senior Citizens building on December 8 and 9, 2012 on Violet Terrace in Milltown. Look for more details to come!</p>
<p>The Milltown Historical Society is partnering with the members of Raritan River Railroad group to host a model train (and more!) show at the Milltown Senior Citizens building on December 8 and 9, 2012 on Violet Terrace in Milltown. Look for more details to come!</p>