USA > New Jersey > Camden County > Merchantville > History of Merchantville, Camden County, N.J > Part 2
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THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
LOANED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK BY WM. LONGSTRETH.
series. Mr. Stetson resigned in 1874 and Thomas C. Knight suc- ceeded him. In 1880 the title was changed to the "Merchantville Building and Loan Association." It preserved the same officers until 1888, when David S. Stetson, Jr., became president and still holds that position. Matthias Homer remained its treasurer until his death, in 1893, when he was succeeded by his son, John Ho- mer. It has just issued its eighteenth series.
On account of the destruction of the books of the first associa- tion (the Cottage Loan and Building Association) it is impossible to give the total amount of the loans made by it. But since the organization under its present title this association has made loans to its shareholders aggregating $ See Note.
OUR POSTMASTERS.
Charles W. Starn was the first postmaster of the new settlement, also storekeeper, and was located where Dr. Bartine now resides. He was followed by Richard C. Schriener, his widow, Charles Shinn, Gottlieb C. Mick, W. P. Phelps, William Macfarlan and our present postmaster, Maurice B. Rudderow, who assumed charge November 23d, 1897.
OAK GROVE ACADEMY.
In the year 1869 the Rev. Thomas Cattell (a brother of Senator Alexander G. Cattell) opened what is now known as the "Oak Grove Inn" as an academy for boys, where the rudiments, as well as the higher branches of education were taught. It flourished for a few years, when it was abandoned and turned into a sum- mer boarding house.
THE FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE.
This stood on the grounds of Dr. Bartine. It was a small-sized one-story wooden building, erected in 1863 by a close corporation for the purpose of affording some means of instruction to the young children. One of the most emphatic clauses of its incorpo- ration was, "for no cause whatever, shall it ever be used except for religious or educational purposes."
In this little school house the entire settlement worshipped and it became the nucleus of the Trinity Methodist Church. After- wards it fell into disuse and was diverted from its original pur- poses. It finally came into the possession of Dr. Bartine, who sold it, and it was removed to Sordantown, where it still stands.
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.
Merchantville Lodge, No. 119, works under a warrant issued from the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Masons of the juris- diction of New Jersey, dated October, 1871. It met originally in the old Merchantville Hall, and remained there until the building of Collins' and Pancoast's Hall, where it removed in 1893, and still holds out the second Friday of each month. Really speaking. meetings looking up to its formation were held in what is now the freight station, corner of Park avenue and the railroad. Robert F. S. Heath was its first master, with Matthias Homer as treas- urer, a position he held until his death in 1893.
Harry R. Sharp is its present Master; George V. Sharp, Senior Warden; Elmer P. Strang, Junior Warden; Dr. Charles H. Jennings, Treasurer, and John Homer, Secretary.
The Past Masters of Lodge No. 119, F. and A. M., of Mer- chantville, have been Matthias Homer, Robert F. S. Heath, J. Earl Atkinson, A. Clifford Jackson, John Homer, T. Augustus Beck, George N. Conrow, William R. Lippincott, John S. Mor- gan, William A. Stavers, Charles P. Spangler, Joseph H. Wil- kinson, John H. Sinex, E. Budd Wilkins, William J. Flanagan, Alfred J. Briggs, William M. Duvall, Stacy S. Pancoast, John W. Elliott, Arnold H. Moses, William Mercer, James W. Stevens, W. W. Vickers, Stephen S. Childs, Charles H. Jennings,- Millard F. Peterson and Morris S. Smoker.
NEWCOMERS.
The Messrs. Homer, Louty. McFadden and Gerker, building substantial dwellings and adorning their grounds, were disap- pointed at the slow growth of the town, for it was not until be- tween the years 1866 and 1872 that much progress was made.
OLD FREIGHT STATION PENNSYLVANIA R. R. WHERE THE FIRST MEETINGS LOOKING UP TO THE FORMATION OF LODGE NO. 119, FREE MASONS, WERE HELD.
KINDLY LOANED BY FRANK E. MANNING, PHILADELPHIA.
During these years it received an impetus by the coming in of such families as David S. Stetson, Alexander G. Cattell, Edward M. Furber, Joseph H. Hollinshead, Amos K. Mylin, Jacob L. Tripler, John Hanna, Elijah G., Rev. Thomas and Senator Alex- ander G. Cattell, John W. Torrey, Dr. David H. Bartine, Harrison Robbins, D. Tenney Gage, James Millingar, George Crump, Ben- jamin F. Sausser, Jacob Mick, Edward S. Hall, William D. Kemp- ton, Richard C. Schriener, Francis F. Eastlack, Atwood Porter, Gottlieb C. Mick, Theodore L DeBow, John C. Miller, William C. Fox, Oliver Lund, Henry A. Macomb, Rev. D. H. Schock, John Homer, Charles H. Jennings, Martha Hinchman, John Laney, David W. Keen, Thomas C. Knight, Colonel James P. Mead. R. B. Knight, Joseph Bayliss, Joseph E. Wilkinson, Henry Trout, Christian E., Edwin J. and Charles P. Spangler, Joseph Shivers, John Peace, Rev. Nathaniel L. Upham, Allyn Brewer, Frank L. Kirkpatrick, William Marsden, John Senft, "Benny" Martin and probably a few others whose names I cannot now recall.
The railroad station was at that time located on Park avenue, opposite Gilmore street.
This brings us to about 1872, when the settlement called Mer- chantville (then forming a part of Stockton township) started on its way to permanent prosperity.
PLEASING INCIDENTS.
Did space allow, many pleasing incidents relating to our town might be given. The following must suffice:
A WELL ON FIRE.
As elsewhere said, the well at the Furber residence, on Walnut avenue, was over a hundred feet deep. After the introduction of the present street pipe system this old well was practically aban- doned, except for keeping butter, milk, etc., to cool at the end of a suspended rope.
Possibly the servants may at times have thrown down waste paper or other light rubbish. Be this as it may, one day the rope broke, and alas! for the butter and eggs, laying a hundred feet below. A hook with lighted candle was sent down, which, of course, took fire, and the cry of "Well on fire" startled the whole town. Even our Fire Department was called out and general ex- citement prevailed; the loss, however, was trifling.
FIVE CENTS OUT OF POCKET.
Many years ago a man and woman presented themselves at the residence of one of our clergymen for the "nuptial tie." They were accompanied by a friend of the minister; the pair were ac- cordingly married, the friend acting as groomsman and the worthy pastor's wife as bridesmaid.
This good lady, seeing in prospective a generous fee for her husband, sent out a servant and expended thirty cents for tea- cakes and lemons. After the usual prayer and good advice had been given she brought on a tray the cake, supported by a glass of lemonade (which, of course, was appreciatingly disposed of). Upon leaving, in the dark vestibule, the man slipped a coin in the hands of the minister. Fancy his astonishment (particularly his wife's,) when the good man entered the lighted parlor and found the coin to be a silver quarter of a dollar.
STRINGED ICE.
A resident of our town, on a hot August afternoon, was seen trudging along from the railroad station carrying the remains of a huge cake of ice (by means of a strong cord), which he brought from Philadelphia. He could easily have gotten it right in our town from the private ice houses of Homer, Stetson, Cramp or others.
WORSHIPFUL MASTERS
-OF-
LODGE No. 119, FREE MASONS
RESIDING THEN OR NOW IN MERCHANTVILLE.
MATTHIAS HOMER FATHER OF THE LODGE
ROBERT F. S. HEATH FIRST WORSHIPFUL MASTER 1871-1872
JOHN HOMER W. M. 1875
HARRY R. SHARP PRESENT WORSHIPFUL MASTER
CHARLES P. SPANGLER W. M. 1881
J. HARRY WILKINSON W. M. 1882
JOHN H. SINEX W. M. 1883
PLATES KINDLY CONTRIBUTED BY FRANK E. MANNING, PHILADELPHIA.
was unknown. Each new-comer, conscious of the rectitude of his. own character, felt himself neither superior nor inferior to any of his neighbors.
Every new-comer was gladly welcomed; his family visited at once without invitation. A general interchange of good feelings was manifested for the health and happiness of one another. Coll- sequently there were no "bosses." Each was animated by the love of a quiet home and the progress of its surroundings. Evenings were spent from house to house in social intercourse. There be- ing but one church in the town, all worshipped God together. Their wives and daughters were equally of the same mind. "Dor- cas" and sewing circles were planned; the sick and the poor were cared for, Sunday school scholars hunted up, and in every way motherly and sisterly affection existed between them.
Happy, oh! happy Merchantville in those olden days.
THE CENTRE STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL.
This building was erected on a lot one hundred by one hundred and seventy-five feet (purchased from James Homer) in 1871. It was of one story and had two rooms (one front and the other back). William Way was, strictly speaking, its first principal. It has from time to time been greatly enlarged. having at present six rooms, with Professor R. Howell Tice as principal (since 1896), assisted by five lady teachers and two hundred and forty scholars on the roll.
The last school census (made May, 1899) shows three hundred and seventeen children of school age living within our borough limits.
Our borough authorities have appropriated four thousand four hundred dollars for its maintenance during the present year.
Harry Knox Oakford is president of the board, composed of Mrs. E. H. Nash, Mrs. H. J. Stiles, Mrs. E. W. Preston, John W. Kohlerman, Arthur Truscott, Alexander B. Porter and Willian Early. John Homer is the clerk.
The results of this school are incalculable. Architects, farmers, mechanics, lawyers, ministers, civil and naval engineers, artists,
WORSHIPFUL MASTERS
-OF-
LODGE No. 119, FREE MASONS
RESIDING THEN OR NOW IN MERCHANTVILLE.
WILLIAM M. DUVALL W. M. 1887
STACY S. PANCOAST W. M. 1888
ARNOLD H. MOSES W. M. 1891
WM. MERCER W. M. 1892
JAMES W. STEVENS W. M. 1893
W. W. VICKERS W. M. 1894
CHAS. H. JENNINGS W. M. 1898
MILLARD F. PETERSON W. M. 1897
MORRIS S. SMOKER W. M. 1898
PLATES KINDLY CONTRIBUTED BY FRANK E. MANNING, PHILADELPHIA.
besides citizens in many other walks of life, received their early education in this same building.
Before it was built the children of our carly settlers were forced to trudge to the "Union School house," on the Burlington turn- pike, a distance of fully three miles from Merchantville.
THE INCORPORATION OF THE BOROUGH OF MER- CHANTVILLE AND MATTERS RELATING THERETO.
Our community, after vainly petitioning the officials of Stock- ton township (which then embraced Merchantville) for the return of some part of our taxes for many needed improvements, deter- mined to cut free from it and form a new local government. For this purpose George Crump (a lawyer by profession) drew up a proposed charter, and a "steering committee," composed of George Crump, John Homer, Edwin J. Spangler, Thomas C. Knight, Joseph Bayliss and Colonel James P. Mead, volunteered to take it up personally to Trenton and urge its adoption by the Legislature then in session.
This was in March, 1874. How successfully they accomplished their mission may be briefly stated. Upon the first day of their arrival in Trenton the proposed charter passed its first and second readings. The second morning it was enacted by both houses; was immediately signed by the then Governor, Joel Parker, and, with the big seal of the State attached, the "boys" brought it home- in triumph.
Some necessary time elapsed before the date of its actual incor- poration, May 18th, 1874.
Matthias Homer was made Burgess, and occupied that positions for thirteen consecutive years. The first Councilmen were Thom- as C. Knight, Joseph Bayliss, D. Tenney Gage, Elijah G. Cattell, James Millingar, Edwin S. Hall and Christian E. Spangler. John Homer filled the position of Clerk of the Board, retaining it for the twelve follownig years.
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Hon. Charles S. Ball, our present Mayor, was the first to be elected bearing this new title.
Matthias Homer was succeeded by Joseph E. Wilkinson, John H. Sixsmith, Harvey Knight, Herbert W. Johnson, Charles P. Spangler and J. E. Van Kirk.
A bonded debt of $2500.00 was created the first year, to provide for the payment of State and county taxes, besides immediate cur- rent expenses. The collections for the year 1874 amounted to $3105.50. The first annual report was not made until May 2d. 1876, which may be thus summarized:
Balance fom 1875
Receipts from all sources
$154.49 4,025.30
$4,179.79
Total payments
3,203.70
Leaving a balance of $976.09
Now compare this with the last annual report, made February 23d, 1899:
Balance, February 23d, 1898 $3.796.23
Receipts from all sources
31,947.84 $35.744.07
Total expenditures 30.527.49
Leaving a balance in hands of treasurer $5.216.58
Appropriations were made for the ensuing year, that is, for 1899, aggregating $11.175.00.
At a meeting of Council July 14, 1874, the Finance Committee reported that $1155.00 would be a suitable appropriation for the year. A tax levy of 41 cents per $100 was at once ordered. The whole tax rate was $2.00 per $100, made up as follows:
State tax $0.34
County tax .70
School tax .55
Borough tax .41
$2.00
THE CENTRE STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL.
LOANED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK BY WM. LONGSTRETH.
...
The borough taxes (August 1, 1899) are predicated on the following basis.
Assessed valuation of borough real estate .. ... $633,250.00
Assesser valuation of borough personal property . 65,475.00
Making $698,725.00
A tax of $2.70 per each $100 is levied in this manner :
State tax . .27
County tax .54
School tax .28
Borough tax 1.61
2.70
Which, with $302 from poll tax and $133 from dog tax, pro- duces a total of $19.300.57.
The Burgess' office and the "Lock-up" were built in 1874. The first official survey of our streets was made in 1890. Stone pavements were laid in 1898.
Gas was introduced in 1889.
Electricity-The first experiment made in our town was by Gottlieb C. Mick in a small frame building adjoining Pancoast's Hotel in 1889. Electricity was formally introduced about 1890.
Water was introduced by the street-pipe system in 1887. j
FREEHOLDERS.
Edwin J. Spangler was the first Freeholder of the borough. The position has been subsequently filled by Charles B. Coles, Charles P. Spangler, Gottlieb C. Mick, Herbert W. Johnson, and again by Gottlieb C. Mick, elected March 14th, 1899, to represent Mer- chantville and Pensaukin township.
"THE ORIGINAL MERCHANTVILLE WATER WORKS."
as it was facetiously called, was certainly a novel and ludicrous af- fair. It is necessary to state that on account of the great depth that water could be found, few houses were built north of the rail-
road until the introduction of the present pipe system; for in- stance, at William M. Furber's residence (the first house built on Walnut avenue), the well actually measured 107 feet from the top of the pump to the bottom. He succeeded in reaching water, but the exertion of getting it up was heroic.
This, of course, retarded building in that section ; while we may add that an ordinary hogshead, sunk even with the ground, fully supplied the water for the building of the Episcopal chapel, at the corner of Park avenue and Centre street. But to resume. This outrageously comical looking affair consisted of a huge unpainted hogshead (loaned by Jacob L. Trippler), placed on four wheels by Jacob Mick, and the horse supplied by Richard C. Schreiner. The "works" were located at the bottom of "Father" Homer's barn well, where the "plant" made morning calls, supplying the "over- the-railroaders" with pure sparkling water.
Our present worthy policeman, Daniel Carlin, was the "presi- dent, director, engineer and general forwarder," besides filling the important positions of cashier, secretary and treasurer. Such amusement did it create that Frank Haviland made a drawing of it and transferred it to stone, printed and distributed copies. Nor did the fun end here, for the Camden and even the Philadelphia newspapers noted it, and "wrote it up," to the amusement of their readers. (See illustration.)
POLITICAL MATTERS.
7 The First Democratic Mass Meeting
Was held in the fall of 1884 over Jacob Mick's blacksmith shop (derisively called from this occurrence Mick's Hall). Judge Charles T. Reed and J. K. R. Hewitt, of Camden, Gottlieb C. Mick and Francis F. Eastlack made speeches. There were only six Democrats in the borough, but a large number of Republicans greeted them and applauded their audacity.
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Merchantville Water Works.
Dan' Carlin Esq Sup! Expressly designed" to enable the residents to run their fountains und, minature lakes with more profusion than they do now " For further particulars see Lug Telegraph Aug 14th 1871
THE ORIGINAL DRAWING BY FRANK HAVILAND, CONTRIBITED BY HENRY A. MACOMB, MERCHANTVILLE.
PLATE GENEROUSLY PRESENTED BY LOUIS B. COX, CAMDEN.
Hon. Alexander G. Cattell (Republican).
This honored gentleman was appointed United States Senator by Governor Marcus L. Ward March 27th, 1866. He served as such until March 3d, 1871, when he retired full of honors. His public career is too well known to need comment here. President Grant afterwards sent him to London to negotiate a United States Government loan of two million dollars, which he success- fully accomplished. He died here amid universal sorrow in May, 1894.
Hon. Oliver Lund (Republican).
Was elected in the fall of 1875 to the State Assembly of New Jersey. He was re-elected in 1876. A remarkable feature of his first election was that he received the unanimous vote of the borough. Such was his popularity that, in addition to the support of his own party, every Democrat in Merchantville voted for hin1.
While in the Legislature he offered a number of wholesome laws, which were enacted and which still stand as statute laws of the State.
Gottlieb C. Mick (Democrat).
Though twice previously elected, he was again elected in March, 1899. as Freeholder (representing Merchantville borough and Pensaukin township). His past commendable record in the former Boards of Freeholders insures an equally satisfactory one for the present and future. We might add that among his many meritorious actions was the urging and successful construction of the new stone road on our Park avenue.
Hon. Herbert W. Johnson ( Republican).
Ever since this gentleman moved into our town (1887) he has been identified with every matter conducive to the best interests of Merchantville. For instance, he served several years in our Borough Council; was one of the Burgesses, besides filling the position of Freeholder.
In 1806 he was elected State Senator, representing Camden county, by a plurality of 9859. He has offered (and through his
efforts have been enacted) many important laws (far above local conditions). . I can here only cite a few.
The "Kindergarten Act," legally making this invaluable meth- od of infant instruction an integral part of our State public school system. An "increase of State appropriation for public roads," amounting to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which prac- tically means the construction of about a half million dollars' worth of "good roads" in New Jersey during the coming year alone.
Sufficient has been given to show the trend of his industry. It might be added that he has served as chairman on many State committees, such as "Finance, Labor and Industries" and "Mis- cellaneous Business," besides being a member of important com- mittees, "Militia." "State Library," "State Printing" and "State Corporations."
Another important matter should not be overlooked. He drafted a number of clauses in the new "Borough Act" in 1897, giving certain enlarged powers to the charter of our town.
Such industrious and useful work has naturally given Senator Herbert W. Johnson, from Camden county, an enviable reputation throughout our entire State. . In a word suffice it to say that the interests of Camden county in the State Senate have never been confided to a more watchful or more capable representative.
PUBLIC HALLS.
Old Merchantville Hall.
Its corner-stone was placed in position in October, 1870, by the Right Worthy Grand Master of Masons of the jurisdiction of New Jersey. It was for years our only resort for public meetings and entertainments, besides the meeting place for various secret and social organizations.
Collins and Pancoast's Hall.
Was built in the spring of 1893. The first entertainment given there was by the St. Agnes Guild of the Grace Episcopal Church. It is largely used for fashionable entertainments. It is also the seat of our United States postoffice and the Merchantville Lodge of Free Masons.
SECRET AND BENEFICIAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Amity Lodge, No. 166, I. O. O. F., was chartered June 6th, 1872. John Homer was its first Noble Grand and Francis F. Eastlack its Secretary for many years. It removed afterward to Cramer Hill, where it remained for some years, and has recently returned to its birthplace. John Crawford is its present Noble Grand, with F. A. Buren as Secretary, and George H. Amon, Treasurer.
Lodge No. 29, Knights of the Golden Eagle .* Chartered Octo- ber 10, 1887. John Homer was its first presiding officer. That position is now held by Edward M. Wright.
Washington Camp, No. 29. Patriotic Order Sons of America, was instituted September 28th, 1894, with William D. Stanger as President. Walter H. Eastlack fills that position at present.
Archimedes Senate, No. 27, Order of Sparta. Organized Au- gust 22d, 1895. Its first presiding officer was J. E. VanKirk. It is a practical relief association, based upon a new system. Say, for instance, a member dying within
1 year, his family receives $1875.00.
2 years, his family receives 2000.00.
3 years, his family receives 2375.00. 4 years, his family receives 2500.00.
Each member being fully beneficial at the expiration of five years. It has paid $5000.00 of death claims since its formation. Robert Riddle is the present presiding officer.
* Formally disbanded July 1th, 1899, dividing the funds and surrendering its charter.
ยท
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PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD STATION IN MERCHANTVILLE.
LOANED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK BY WM. LONGSTRETH.
CIRCULATING LIBRARY. "The Half Hour Club"
Was started in 1897. It is located in the Borough Council chamber and has about 2000 volumes. Mrs. Frank S. Walton is the present very efficient librarian.
INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Merchantville Protective Association
Was formed January 15th, 1894, for the purpose of protecting the business interests of its members. Ellis Parker, its president, and Walter H. Eastlack, its secretary, at the date of its formation, still hold these positions.
Merchantville Improvement Association,
Among other objects, has old paper and other similar refuse removed from our streets. It was started March 28th, 1898, with John B. Morton as president and William Early as secretary, who. still remain as such.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Miss Emma Culin has for years been engaged in educational work, such as the preparation of advanced students for college and imparting knowledge in the English classics.
The Misses Lucy and Edith Moses opened, in 1899, a kinder- garten, to which has since been added an academy for instruction in the higher branches of English education.
Francis F. Eastlack gives instruction in practical double-entry bookkeeping, besides private reading lessons in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, etc.
5
OUR FIRE COMPANY.
The Niagara Hose Company
Built its present house in 1889. John B. Hamel. Jr., was its first president. The hose carriage now in use formerly belonged to the Niagara Hose Company of Philadelphia. The bell now swinging in its tower was set up in 1897. John Senft is now president and Gottlieb C. Mick its chief.
NIAGARA FIRE COMPANY has a chemical extinguisher and 1200 feet of hose always ready for use. Our borough con- tributes annually $200 and Pensauken Township $150 towards its support. We have thirty fire plugs within our limits.
NEWSPAPERS.
The "Beacon" (a juvenile experiment), edited by William Pil- ling in 1873.
The "Plain Speaker" (also of same class), edited about 1878 by George A. Crump.
The "Weekly Record," edited by J. K. Miles and J. Fred Diin- leavy in 1894.
The "World," in 1895, edited by William Early.
The "Trinity News," published by the Epworth League of our Trinity Methodist Church, in 1897.
The "Merchantville Review," edited by W. H. Lewis, made its first appearance June 2d, 1889.
The "Star" was started in 1895 by F. C. Alexander as editor, but ceased to exist in July, 1899.
NIAGARA
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THE NIAGARA HOSE COMPANY.
LOANED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK BY WM. LONGSTRETH.
The Merchantville "Press," W. G. Taylor, publisher, and Francis F. Eastlack, editor, issued its first number September 2d, 1899. It is claimed it has "come to stay."
The "Review" still flourishes, and though locally circumscribed, is lively and sprightly and much appreciated by our community.
DIRECTORIES.
The first directory of Merchantville was issued in 1893 and fol- lowed in 1895, 1897, 1898 and 1899.
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