USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Montclair > History of Montclair township state of New Jersey; including the history of the families who have been identified with its growth and prosperity > Part 21
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" The making of a library in the present day, when the vocation of librarian has become a profession and the art of administering a library has been organized into a science, is a very different thing from the happy-go-lucky way of former years. The thorough classification of books, the admirable advice of card catalogues, the many labor- and time-saving inventions, the accurate records, etc .. all need special trained intelligence for the best result. And as the Public Library in this fast-growing town is sure to be a large and important one, the trustees felt that the best beginning would in the end be the cheapest.
" Having secured quarters, which have been put in good order, the Board provided furniture and fixtures of
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thoroughly solid and workmanlike character-shelving, tables, chairs, card-catalogue case, counter, desk, etc .- and engaged the services of Miss Mary F. Weeks as librarian. Miss Weeks has had years of training and considerable practical experience in the work of a professional librarian, and brought to the work an interest that no stranger in the town would have.
" The old Montclair Library Association, a private corporation, had about 1,500 books, which for some years had been in use as a public library in the Central Public School-house. These books they have placed in charge of the new Public Library and will probably present them out and out. The books were all covered with paper wrappers : but as that is one of the old customs discarded in the new way, Miss Weeks has for some time been working at the books with the assistance of Miss Agnes Judson, uncovering them, repairing, arranging, entering in the ' accession book,' cataloguing, pasting on the numbers and shelf-labels and classifying them on the shelves, The reception of many books at once entails much of this preparatory labor, which results in convenience and time-saving when the library comes into use. And old books demand more time and care than new ones.
" When these are disposed of, the Trustees intend to go to the people, asking for donations of other books-new or old, but good. No one is to be asked to give a book that no one will want to read ; but many families have many books-duplicates, books out-grown or not needed any more, etc., which will be valuable in a library, and doubtless all who care for the Library at all will be glad to help it in this easy way. Others will take the opportunity of presenting new copies of favorite books or sets, and every book given will bear the name of its donor."
On June 29, 1893, the directors of the Montelair Library Association held a meeting and adopted the following Preamble and Resolution :
Whereas, The people of Montelair have voted for a Free Public Library, thereby doing away with the necessity for our Association, which has for over twenty years occupied this field of usefulness, and
Whereas, We are in full sympathy with the new movement, as it gives assurance of a Library on a sure foundation as to annual maintenance, and being desirous to the full extent of our power to aid the same, therefore be it
Resolved : That the Secretary be instructed to solicit the consent of the Stockholders to the transfer of the Books of this Association to the Trustees of the Free Public Library as a donation or otherwise, as the Directors may determine. And also to make such a disposition of the money in the Treasurer's hands as in their judgment shall most benefit the said Free Public Library.
In response to a circular sent out in accordance with above Resolution, the greater number of Stock- holders consented to leave the disposition of the Assets to the Directors, who met on January 19, 1894, and voted to donate the Books to the Free Public Library. They also authorized and directed the Treas- urer to pay over to the Free Public Library one thousand dollars as a gift, on condition that the same be used in the purchase of Standard Works on Science, Literature and Art.
CHESTNUT STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL HOUSE was erected in winter of 1890 and 1891. It is a large, roomy, two and one-half story brick building, 35 by 65, containing corridors, cloak rooms, and four class rooms and teachers' rooms. It cost, including land, $18,802.48. Four teachers are occupied in giving instruction in primary studies to an average daily attendance of 188. the enrollment being 174.
CEDAR STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL HOUSE, built in 1889-90. This is a one and one-half story wooden building, with hall, two class rooms and two recitation rooms. It cost, including land, 87,103.32. The enrollment of pupils is 74, and the average daily attendance, 55. All primary ; employ two teachers.
Both of these schools belong to School District No. S, and are under the same management as the Centre Primary, Grammar and High Schools.
Chapter XIII.
MUNICIPAL AND BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS, SOCIETIES, CLUBS, ETC.
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY .- MONTCLAIR FIRE DEPARTMENT .- THE MONTCLAIR WATER COM- PANY .- JAMES OWEN, TOWNSHIP ENGINEER. - THE PRESS. - MONTCLAIR TIMES, AUGUSTES C. STEDER .- MONTCLAIR HERALD, G. C. EARLE AND HI. C. WALKER .- UNITED STATES PRINTING COMPANY : JOSEPH E. HINDS .- BANK OF MONTOLMR .- THE MONTCLAIR SAVINGS BANK .- MASONIC LODGES : BLOOMFIELD LODGE. NO. 40. F. & A. M .: MONTCLAIR LODGE, No. 144. F. & A. M .- WATCHUNG LODGE, No. 134. I. O. O. F. - GEN. SHERMAN LODGE, NO. 51. A. O. I. W .- OTHER SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. - THE CITIZENS' COMMITTEE OF ONE HUN- DRED .-- GOOD GOVERNMENT ('LUB .- CHILDREN'S HOME, MRS. SAMUEL M. PORTER. - MOUNTAIN- SIDE HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION .- THE MONTCLAIR EQUESTRIAN CLUB. - MONTCLAIR CLUB .- THE OUTLOOK CLUB .- TARIFF REFORM CLUB. - MONTCLAIR GLEE CLUB. - MONTCLAIR DRAMATIC ('LUB. - MONTCLAIR LAWN TENNIS CLUB.
VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.
IIE beautiful shade trees which adorn the streets of Montelair, and which have proved such an attraction to strangers, are the result of a few enterprising individuals who organized what was known as the Village Improvement Society.
The first meeting of this society was held in February, 1575. the object being. as stated, "to promote the planting of trees along the highways."
At an adjourned meeting held on March 27th of that year, the following officers were elected : President, Thomas H. Porter : Vice-Presidents. C. H. Johnson and Philip Doremus ; Corresponding Secretary. Randall Spaulding : Clerk. I. E. Hinds ; Treasurer, Hiram B. Littell.
The following General Committee was appointed to promote the planting of trees along the several streets on which its members were residents: South Mountain Avenne. Mr. Dike and Mrs. C. Benedict : North Mountain AAvenne, Mr. Van Vleck and Mrs. Power : Watchung Avenne. Mrs. Ames and Mrs. A. Littlejohn : Bellevne Avenue. Mrs. Bird and Mr. Clark ; Grove Street, Samuel Holmes : North Valley Road. Mr. Wilson and Miss Mead ; Chestnut Street, Mr. Burgess and Mrs. Bradley: Claremont Avenue, Mr. E. M. Harrison and Miss A. Hawes ; Park Street. C. Il. Johnson and Miss Hattie Brown : North Fullerton Avene. Amzi Sigler and Mrs. Hall; Forest Street. E. Madison and Mrs. Campbell : Old Road. P. Doremus and Rebecca Crane; Willow Street, C. Van Riper and Mrs. D. Hall : Highland Avenue. W. A. Torrey and Miss Parkhurst : Bloomfield Avenue. P'. II. Van Riper and Mrs. D. V. Harrison : Clinton Avenne, Frederick Brautigam and Mrs. Robert Hening ; Eagle Rock Way. Mrs. L. B. Boll and Mrs. Samuel Crump : Elm Street, Dr. Marvin and Mrs. W. J. Harris ; Lexington Avenue, Mr. Hayes and Mrs. Cooper ; Lincoln Street, Mr. Tower; Fullerton Avenue. Robert Boyd and Mrs. Wilde: Cedar Avenue, Edward Williams and Miss Weston : Orange Road, south of Eagle Roek Way. Miss Blair and Miss Wileox : James Street. J. G. Crane and Mrs. Roberts: Central Avenue. William Jacobus and William Sigler: Orange Road. Thomas Russell and Mrs. Carey ; Harrison Avenue, Miss Bull and Thomas Porter : Gates Avenue. Mr. Francis and Mrs. Joseph Nason : Union Street. N. T. Porter and Mrs. Pratt : Hillsdale Avenue. Dr. Pinkham and Mrs. Wolfe: Church Street. Dr. J. J. II. Love and Mrs. Joseph Doremus: St. Luke's Place. L. S. Benedict and Mrs. Pinkham ; Myrtle Avenue, Mr. Frost and Mrs. F. H. Harrison : Plymouth Street, Mr. Pratt and Mrs. Dr. Clark.
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
The trees recommended for planting in Montclair, as being best adapted to the soul and elimate of this section, were the ehn, the Norway maple, the sweet gum, and the tulip trees.
The Executive Committee consisted of Henry A. Dike, Thomas Russell. T. B. Brown, Mrs. L. Bull and Mrs. J. R. Berry.
This Executive Committee was authorized "to employ all laborers. make all contracts, expend all moneys, direct and superintend all the improvements of the association at their discretion."
The Constitution provided that " Every person over fourteen years of age who shall plant and protect a tree, under the direction or approval of the Executive Committee, or pay the sum of one dollar annually, shall be a member of this Association. And every child under fourteen years of age, who shall pay the sum of twenty-five cents. or do an equivalent amount of work annually, under the direction or approval of the Executive Committee, shall be a member of this Association."
The payment of ten dollars constituted a life membership.
Suggestions made by Mr. Julius II. Pratt, who had had large experience in tree planting, were adopted by the Association-among these. the kind of trees to be planted, and certain fixed rules for planting, and for their protection.
MONTCLAIR FIRE DEPARTMENT.
For more than twelve years after the erection of Montelair as a separate township. no provision was made for the protection of its inhabitants against fire. During this period there were occasional fires attended with serions loss of property. Projects were discussed looking to the organization of a fire company, but no definite action was taken.
A fire ocenrred in the latter part of February, 1880, involving a loss of over $13,000, $7,000 of which was covered by insurance. It began in the Pillsbury building on Fullerton Avenue and was discovered soon after midnight. The Kindergarten School, with all its belongings, and the furniture, together with many of the books belonging to the Library Association, were destroyed. In October of the same year an effort was made to secure a fire department petitioned for by seventeen citizens, but nothing came of it.
The final effort which was made two years later was successful. The details of this, together with a complete history of the Montclair Fire Department, were published in the Montelair Herald in 1892-93, from which the following extraets are taken :
"People who resided in Montelair in 1852 remember the big blaze which destroyed the hand- some residence of Thorndyke Saunders, causing a damage of $20.000. Many readers will also remember the work they did at the fire trying to save the place from total destruction. But it was in vain. With no water or fire apparatus their efforts were futile. It was after this that Montelairites realized the necessity of some sort of fire department, and the exorbitant insurance rates impressed this need upon them until it was decided to do something toward more adequate protection from the red-tongued fire fiend.
" Through the efforts of Mr. A. B. Howe, Dr. Albert J. Wright and C. M. Schott, Jr., a meeting was held on November 28, 1882, at which Montelair Hook and Ladder Company. No. 1. was organized and the following officers elected : C. M. Schott. Jr., (an ex-member of the Summerville, N. J., Fire Depart- ment) Foreman ; George T. Westbrook, Assistant Foreman : Dr. Albert J. Wright (exempt member of Owego, N. Y. Fire Department) Secretary ; Dr. J. HI. Casey, Treasurer. The company was made up of many of the leading members of the township, the following persons being enrolled as members: W. L. Endlam, W. Lon Doremus, Dr. S. C. G. Watkins, George Inness, Jr .. George F. Westbrook, F. A. Brautigam, W. Y. Bogle. JJ. C. Stevens. J. II. Wheeler, Dr. A. J. Wright, Edward Madison. J. 11. Casey, M.D., J. R. Livermore, Hugh Mullen. I. Seymour Crane, James Owen, A. C. Studer, C. M. Schott, Jr., Peter A. Tronson, Wm. L. Doremus. Jesse II. Lockwood. R. M. Hening, E. M. Harrison. Jr., James MeDonough, Robert B. Harris, W. A. Riker, Vanghn Darress.
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IHISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
" Subscriptions were made by the residents of the township who desired the protection offered by the company and a truck was purchased. It arrived on April 6. 1 ~~ 3, and was stored in the old engine house of the D. L. &. W. Railroad for over a year and remained in service until 1592. On April 24. 14>3. articles of incorporation were filed.
" This company, which was the melens of the fire department, was unrecognized by the township or township authorities until March 11. 1st. when an appropriation of $500 was voted for at the spring election. to be devoted to the building of a truck hon-e. This building was enlarged in 1892 by the Township Committee and the rooms refitted and refurnished at the expense of the company, a pool table having been presented by George Inness, Ar. The same year a new truek was built for the company at an expense of $1,600 by order of the Township Committee, and fully equipped with all the modern appliances. This committee also provided horses and the company purchased a hanging double harness.
" About this time (1>>4) the famous Chemical Detail was formed and the apparatus increased by the purchase of a Babcock Chemical Engine by the company. In July of the same year the Township Committee ordered the building of a bell tower, and the purchase of a bell. The tower is sixty-three feet in height, and the bell. weighing 3,410 pound-, bears the following inscription : . Montelair, N. J., Fire Department. Township Committee. Thomas Russell, President : Stephen W. Carey, Warren S. Taylor. A. Eben Van Gieson, Shepard Rowland."
" These additions were completed in August, and in September twelve fire districts were established and the en-tom of ringing the fire bell at 9 o'clock r. M. was inaugurated. Through the efforts of the more progressive spirit- among the members of the company, the Di-trier Fire Alarm and Mesenger Company was formed and commenced operations in February. I>>5. The company placed in position and operated twelve public alarm boxes and also fire alarm bell- in each subscribing fireman's residence. Want of support caused the failure of this company in August of the same year. During March of that year the department's equipments remained the same except for the addition of a Rumsey pump. The present officer- are: President. Franklin P. Zeiger: Vice-President, Walter K. Hunt : Secretary, Raymond S. Pearce : Treasurer. Harold W. Armstrong: Foreman. I. W. Armstrong : Assistant Fore- man. John C. Doremns." (1-23 4. membership. 32).
FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION,-Many years ago the State Legislature passed an act providing that a two per cent. tax should be levied upon all foreign fire insurance companies doing business in this State, this fund being set apart for the benefit of firemen disabled in active service. It is for the purpose of collecting Montelair's share of this money, rendering it available for use here, and distributing it among those for whom it is intended, that the Relief Association has its existence.
When the Hook and Ladder Company constituted the entire Fire Department of the township. they organized and incorporated the Fire Relief Association, September 17, 1583. When hose companies cropped into existence, it became necessary to reorganize, which was done September 4. 1855.
The first officers were: President, Edwin B. Goodell; Vice-President, C. M. Schott, Jr. ; Secretary, R. M. Hening. Since this reorganization the government of the Relief AAssociation has been vested in representatives from all the fire companies, now including the Exempt Association. Every member of the Montelair Fire Department is a member of the Association, and, unlike members of benefit companies in general, are obliged to pay no dues whatever, although every one enjoys an equal benetit, and, again unlike the mutual enrichment companies, never fails to collect his benelits.
The sick benefits are distributed by a Board of Visitors composed of representatives of the different companies, and the wolf has been many a time driven from the door of some unfortunate fireman in distress, and unable, by reason of some injury, to work, by the intervention of this fireman's friend and guardian association.
At the annual meeting of the Association held on December 19. 1-93, officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President. A. J. Varno : Vice-President. Hugh Mullen : Secretary. W. Lou Doremus : Treasurer, John R. Livermore. W. I. Soverel was elected as a visitor for three years. The Board of Visitors is now composed of John N. Haley. Peter A. Tronson and W. I. Soverel. The
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
previous year's financial report showed a very favorable condition of affairs. Balance on hand Dec., 1891. 82,476.60 ; receipts, 2 per cent. State tax during year, $1,017.65 ; interest, $102.09; total receipts, $3,596.34 ; expenditures for relief of injured firemen, 860 ; general expenses, 889.20, leaving a balance on hand of 83,446.64. Of these funds 82,000 are placed at interest on bond and mortgage on Montelair real estate. The remainder is deposited in savings banks.
The annual meeting is held on the third Monday in December, at the house of Montelair Ilook and Ladder Co. No. 1, 647-649 Bloomfield Avenue.
ORGANIZATION OF THE MONTCLAIR FIRE DEPARTMENT .- On March 2, 1885, the Montelair Fire Department was organized by the Township Committee, rules and regulations were adopted, and Charles M. Schott, Jr., was appointed Chief Engineer, with G. A. Westbrook as Assistant Engineer. In November numbered badges were issned to the members of the department. Chief Schott's first annual report was issued in March, 1886, and showed : alarms during year, 23 ; damage. $18,700; insurance. $16,000.
WATER SUPPLY .- On March 9, 1886, the question of township water supply was defeated at the special election by a majority of 29 out of a vote of 873, and on the morning of that day the bell tower was burned. Chief Schott was reappointed with AAssistant Westbrook. In April the bell was taken to the D. L. & W. Depot, and tried there, but with no improvement in the sound, so in July it was placed back in the tower, but one story higher.
In February, 1887, the water supply was again voted upon, and adopted by a majority of 459 out of a vote of 695. In March following the Township Committee appointed Messrs. Owen, Van Gieson and Schott as a snb-committee to revise the rules and regulations of the department.
In June, 1887. the first election for Chief Engineer was held, and Geo. F. Westbrook was chosen, without opposition. He appointed Peter A. Tronson, First Assistant, and Elijah Pearce, Second Assistant.
In March, 1888, the first Fire Committee was appointed, consisting of James Owen, Chairman ; W. S. Taylor and Chief Westbrook (ex-officio).
At the annual election in June, Geo. F. Westbook was re-elected Chief Engineer. He appointed IIngh Mullen, First Assistant Engineer, and W. T. Myers, Second Assistant.
On November 17th, the annual parade of the Montelair Fire Department was held, and was followed by the first publie trial of the water pressure and drill of all the companies.
In March, 1889, the Township Committee appointed as a Fire Committee : Geo. Inness, Jr., Chairman ; W. S. Taylor and Chief Westbrook (ex officio), and they elected A. J. Wright as Secretary. This committee sneceeded in placing the fire bell in charge of the police, and in April they took charge of the fire alarm and the 9 o'clock bell which had, up to that time, been rung by firemen detailed for that purpose.
In June following, Chief Westbrook's report gave : alarms, 15; time on duty, 153 hours : loss, $4,571 ; total membership, 117. At the annual election G. A. Westbrook was re elected. Ile appointed G. T. Bunten, First Assistant : E. Concannon, Second Assistant, and W. B. Jacobus, Third Assistant.
In March, 1890, the following Fire Committee was appointed : Geo. Inness, Jr., Chairman ; W. S. Taylor and Chief Westbrook (ex-officio), and H. L. Yost, Secretary. Chief Westbrook's annual report, in June, 1890, gave the following figures : alarms, 7: membership, 117. At the annual election I. Seymour Crane was chosen as Chief Engineer, and he appointed l'. Keller, Jr., First Assistant; W. B. Jacobus, Second Assistant, and J. Jennings, Third Assistant.
In March, 1891, the following were appointed as a Fire Committee: J. B. Pier, Chairman ; A. A. Sigler and Chief Crane (exofficio), and II. L. Yost, Secretary. At the annual election in June following Philip Keller, Jr., was elected Chief. Ile appointed A. Brooks, Senior Engineer, with John Perrin, Melville Sigler and W. T. Meyers, as Assistant Engineers.
In March, 1892, the Fire Committee appointed was : J. B. Pier, Chairman : 1. Seymour Crane (ex-Chief), and Chief Keller (ex officio), with Il. L. Yost, Secretary.
At the annual election in June, Philip Keller, Jr., was re-elected Chief Engineer. He appointed
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
Abraham Brooks, as Senior Engineer, and Win. T. Myers, John Perrin and Melville Sigler, as Assistant Engineer -.
In 1593. the following Fire Committee were appointed : I. Seymour Crane (ex-Chief), Hugh Gallagher, and Chief Keller (ex-officio), with H. L. Yost. as Secretary.
At the annual election in June. Philip Keller, Jr., was again re-elected Chief Engineer, and he appointed Wm. T. Meyers, Senior Engineer, and Jos. Jennings, Theo. Sigler and John HI. Banks. District Engineers.
HOSE COMPANY NO. 1 was organized from the detail of Hlook AND LADDER COMPANY No. 1 (" the Chemical Detail "). March 24, 1887 (names in italie-, soon resigned), and the new company was incorporated on December 28 of the same year. The original members were George T. Bunten, Robert B. Harris, Elston M. Harrison, Philip Keller, dr. William Oliver, George H. Hayden, Jesse Il. Lockwood, Frank B. Ritter. Joseph Leist, W. J. Leddy, Hugh Mullen. James MeDonough, William A. Riker, A. G. Spencer, Peter A. Tronson. Wallace W. Wicks. The present membership is twenty-five. At the time of its organization the company elected the following officers :
President. R. B. Harris : Vice-President. J. MeDonough : Secretary. F. B. Ritter : Treasurer. J. Il. Lockwood : Foreman, Hugh Mullen : Assistant Foreman, P. Keller, dr. Soon afterward a Silsby carriage was purchased for $850,00, and stored in the truck honse. The new company made their head- quarters there until 1889, when their present home was completed and turned over to them by the Town- ship Committee, the furnishing, and all the equipment- having been proenred by the company. At the time of their taking possession a handsome silk flag was presented to the company by a number of ladies.
A hose wagon was subsequently secured, and all the modern appliances provided. The com- pany's home is now one of the best appointed in the town. The hanging harness, and other appliances for " getting out quick," give the place a wide-awake appearance, and the members are fully competent to do the work assigned them.
In 1893 a completely equipped hose wagon was ordered by the Township Committee for the company.
Officers: President. JJas. MeDonongh: Vice-President. Thos. P. Myers : Secretary. A. F. Smith : Treasurer. Elston M. Harrison : Foreman. E. E. Leach : Assistant Foreman, Fred'k E. Williams. EXCELSIOR HOSE COMPANY NO. 2 .- This company was organized March 24, 1587 (incorporated January 3. 138%), for the protection of the south end of the township. It was originally composed of twenty members, and the service it has always rendered has commended it to the Montelair public and won recognition and praise for it from all sides.
The first officers elected were: President. William H. De Witt : Vice-President, William F. Haviland : Secretary. F. R. Smith : Treasurer. C. A Scholtz: Foreman, Aber Bartlett, Jr .; Assistant Foreman, D. W. Ward. The first apparatus secured was a Rumsey four wheel hose cart purchased soon after organization at a cost of 8450, which was paid by subscription of the company and the residents of the South End. The township appropriated $300 with which to build a house for the company. and in this house, built at the corner of Orange Road and C'edar Avenne, the company still has its headquarters, although a number of alterations have materially changed the aspect of the building since that time.
For five years the company continued operations with the hand carriage, and then on June 1, 1892. it was disposed of. and a hose cart and horse purchased from the Newark Fire Department. This apparatus is now in use, and the company is well equipped for active service. It was the first to own a horse, and is the only company which has a man on duty at the hose house at all hours of the day and night. In 1858 the company was presented with a 150 pound fire bell by Carlos A. Schultz.
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