USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > New Brunswick > New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the world war, 1917-1918 > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
The incidental expenses of looking after these various activities was borne by the League, which was supported by voluntary contributions from patriotic citizens.
The amount expended was $23,997.31. The treas- urer was Eugene P. Darrow.
The league terminated its existence on December 13, 1918, because the emergency that called it into being passed and its work was at an end.
The moral effect of the league in repressing dis- order and giving stamina to the city's patriotic en- deavors can never be calculated.
New Brunswick owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. William H. Leupp, owner of the commodious and conveniently located building at 109 Albany street, which was, from the very start, placed at the dis- posal of the Home Defense League free of all cost. The Leupp building housed more forms of war ac- tivity and was the headquarters for more thoroughly American movements than any other center. Mayor Farrington was its president from the organization until the time of his death.
Permanent Blind Relief War Fund
The appeal of the Permanent Blind Relief War Fund for soldiers and sailors of the Allies, was generously met by New Brunswick. Three benefits were given in behalf of these stricken heroes. The first, a garden party held at the Drury Cooper resi- dence, June 23, 1916, brought in $518.50, but a part of this sum was contributed to other war sufferers.
The next benefit, given in January, 1918, was two fold, a Textile Exhibition arranged by the Jersey Blue Chapter of the D. A. R. and held for two after- noons and evenings in the Chapel of the Second Reformed Church, and later four card parties held
simultaneously. The result of these efforts netted $503, all of which was contributed to the blind fund.
The third benefit, a lawn fete and circus, was held June 4, 1919, at the War Camp Community Club House and grounds. More than 250 persons took part in the entertainment. Through their co-opera- tion and generosity, and also that of the press, the W. C. C. staff, the Merchants, Musicians and other artists who were large factors in the undertaking, $1,025 was forwarded to the Permanent Blind Relief War Fund Committee. The total amount collected was $2,046.50.
One hundred ten
IN THE WORLD WAR
War Camp Community Service
In June, 1918, the New Brunswick War Camp Community Service was formed with Dr. William H. S. Demarest, president of Rutgers College, as general chairman; Miss Molita Donohue, secretary; Henry G. Parker, treasurer. The Branch included this city, Naval Radio Station, Colonia Hospital and Camp Raritan, its headquarters being the property of Miss Harriet Anable, 66 Bayard street, formerly occupied by her as a Young Ladies' Seminary and which she kindly placed at the disposal of the W. C. C. S. The building was the most fitting for such use in the city as it was adequate for the work, afford- ing sleeping accommodations, rooms for games, read- ing, billiard, reception and other facilities. The ample grounds shaded by great trees, under which were placed cosy benches and tables, were most attractive to tired soldiers and sailors and here hun- dreds found rest and recreation during the summer. The building was renovated and transformed into a place of beauty, the top floor used for dormitory purposes, the second for billiard rooms, private offices, director's rooms and bathrooms. The first floor was turned into reception, reading rooms and office while the basement was fitted up for dining, kitchen and other purposes.
August 10th, 1918, the canteen opened with appro- priate ceremonies and closed August 12, 1919. It was a remarkable success. Special menus were served at considerably below cost to the men in service. The meals were wholesome and daintily served by voluntary waitresses from churches and organizations of the city.
Recreational centres were formed in the Summer of 1918 and block dances held various evenings.
This organization not only looked after the inter- ests of the men in the service and its problem, but also took up the subject of recreational facilities for the city's great army of women industrial workers. To this end the Girls' Division was formed to permit
every girl to give service to the nation in some form or other and to take up physical training and find congenial recreation.
If there was one phase of the work which im- pressed itself upon the thousands of people in this city, it was the community singing. These sings were held at Court House Square as well as other parts of the city. An orchestra was formed and gave concerts Sunday afternoons on the grounds, at the School Auditorium and also to the soldiers at Camp Raritan and the wounded men at Colonia Base Hospital.
The noble service rendered by the workers of the local Branch at the time of the Morgan disaster on October 4th and 5th, 1918, will never be forgotten. The local workers were among the first on the scene to aid the stricken residents of Morgan, South Am- boy and vicinity and provided food for more than 2,000 refugees. Canteens in this city, Metuchen, Perth and South Amboy were opened and provided food and shelter. Many refugees were sheltered in the local community house and the townspeople aid- ed the workers in bringing great stores of provisions as well as offering the shelter of their homes and placing their automobiles at the service of those who needed assistance.
The W. C. C. S. not only made an indelible impres- sion upon the homesick soldier, but stirred the citi- zens of the city in community work and developed a brotherly spirit among all creeds of people and from all stations in life. People in all ranks volunteered in the various fields of work and made personal sac- rifices time and again in order to do their bit for the soldier whether entertaining at the community house, at the home, remembering the sick in Colonia or soldiers at Camp Raritan. And their efforts earned the gratitude of the boys. The hospital committee cheered up wounded men at the hospital and gave dinners and entertainments.
W. C. C. RECEPTION COMMITTEE MAKES THE MARRIED MEN FEEL AT HOME.
One hundred eleven
NEW
BRUNSWICK
TO SOUTH RIVER
weBB
MIDDLESEX T. CO .
R
RC
*
New Brunswick, N. J. Unit, New
Jersey State Militia Reserve
At the outbreak of the war between the United States and Germany, it was necessary to have pro- tection of a nature that could take care of any local trouble and looking toward that end the organiza- tion known as the Home Guadrs as formed through- out the country.
New Brunswick has never been behind in looking after the welfare of its citizens and the very first act of the Home Defense League was to organize the local unit. At first it consisted of several small companies of a captain and twelve men, but after a tryout it was found that better results could be had by the formation of two full companies, which was done October 2, 1917.
The New Brunswick companies were under the direct command of Major R. C. Nicholas, with Percy L. Van Nuis as adjutant. The "rookies" were turned over to Sergeant George W. Nuttman, Military In- structor at Rutgers Preparatory School for prelimin- ary training before they were assigned to a com- pany.
Company A was commanded by Captain Leon Campbell with Ernest H. Webb and John P. Wall as Lieutenants, and George W. Nuttman, as Sergeant Company B, Richard Segoine as Captain, Charles Malmaros as lieutenant, and Harry B. Carpender, Sergeant.
In August, 1918, the local companies were made a part of the New Jersey State Militia Reserve, and as a result a reorganization took place and Robert C. Nicholas was made captain of C.o A, and Pichard Segoine captain of Co. B. The officers and non- commissioned officers went to the State camp at Sea Girt, N. J., in August, 1918, for a general course in military training.
The companies were on duty at South River during the riots of July 3-4, 1918, also at South Amboy during the Morgan disaster.
The emergency under which the companies were recruited having ceased to exist, the companies dis- banded on March 18, 1919, and the members given an honorable discharge by order of the Adjutant General of New Jersey.
ROSTER
A. H. Areeda, C. F. Adams, Corporal H. S. Adams, Corporal C. F. Arnett, E. Baker, Jas. Barrett, W. J. Barrett, J. C. Bogan, D. F. Booth, Corporal A. G. Brown, Chester Bunting, R. D. Caldwell, Captain L. A. Campbell, First Sergeant H. B. Carpender, Corporal S. B. Carpender, L. C. Carr.
W. H. Colburn, Fred Cole, H. E. Collins, Chas. Conklin, J. T. onover, A. B. ummings, C. M. Daire, F. De Lorraga, Chas. Deshler, George R. Deshler, M. Disbrow, A. N. Dunham, I. N. Earle, Frank Eckert, Peter Eckert.
Corporal Clark Ellison, C. E. Gensler, C. H. Glines, W. C. Gouch, Corporal W. H. Gulick, R. A. Gulick, A. G. Hall, Sergeant A. Hardenbergh, E. F. Hauch, W. W. Heath, A. Hendricks, E. A. Holmes, W. H. Johns, A. R. Johnson, H. R. Jurgens, S. Kahn, D. J. Kay, Wm. P. Kelly.
F. W. Kilbourne, D. M. V. Kinports, E. La Bone, S. W. La Bone, W. H. La Bone, H. J. Leach, G. F.
Leonard, A. A. Lepine, J. V. Lewis, A. McCloud, R. J. McElheaney, E. L. McGinnis, R. M. McGregor, Lieutenant Chas. Malmros, Jr., W. T. Marvin, P. Metz.
J. L. W. Mifflin, Corporal N. T. Miller, A. Moran, H. F. Nevius, Major Commander R. C. Nicholas, W. C. Nicholas, First Sergeant G. W. Nuttman, Serge- ant P. S. Ordway, Jas. Oxley, G. W. Paul, H. Pol- lins, A. J. Polon, Corporal C. B. Porter, J. V. Prall, J. H. Rastall.
Roy E. Reed, Russell E. Reed, L. Rhoades, L. K. Riggs, Leo Rodney, H. G. Roemer, Roy Rue, A. Sands, Jas. E. Scott, Wm. A. Scott, Captain H. R. Segoine, Wm. Sharpless, S. K. Siver, J. B. Smith, Sergt. R. O. Smith, Patrick Soden, Corporal Wm. E. Staat, T. M. Steele.
S. A. Stephenson, L. C. Stevens, C. F. Stone, J. H. Sutton, Corporal N. M. Terwilliger, Corporal A. S. Tindeil, J. D. Tunison, R. S. Van Arsdale ,C. S.
One hundred twelve
MIDDLESEX COUNTY FRENCH VETERANS
--
ENSIGN J. SEWARD JOHNSON In command of Submarine Chaser in European Waters
6 BREST. - Le Port de Guerre. The war harbour. - LL.
WAR HARBOR AT BREST
LIEUT. JOHN F. McGOVERN, M. D., A. E. F.
-
-
THE RUINS AROUND GRAND PRE
-
LIEUT. NEIL MCDOUGAL
Commander of Battery B, 314th F. A., in Meuse-Argonne Offensive
314TH FIELD ARTILLERY GOING TO THE FRONT To take part in the Meuse-Argonne Engagement, October, 1918
IN THE WORLD WAR
Van Buskirk, J. S. Van Middlesworth, C. S. Van Nuis, Capt .- Adjutant P. L. Van Nuis, C. S. Voorhees, Lieut. J. P. Wall, Carl Walter.
Jas. Warren, Lieut. E. H. Webb, Chas. W. Werner, F. B. Whitlock, Corporal J. D. Wilmot, Sergeant R. P. Wilson, R. F. Bogan, Hiram Braisner, John Boy- lan, H. V. Ramage, H. Treptow, S. Staub, R. Roth. RESERVES BAND
Eugene Ross, bandmaster; Jacob Knoll musical
director; Samuel Irven, drum sergeant; members, Jacob Knoll, J. H. Knoll, Samuel Irven, A. Hardy, O. Hardy, E. C. Hardy, James Howarth, Floyd S. Stein, Thomas F. Dolan, M. Schipman, J. F. Nor- man, G. S. Norman, Charles Latham, Leonard Lath- am, William Weller, L. Sapiro, J. Warner, F. L- Bochert, D. L. Armstrong, J. C. Hilliard and Eugene Ross.
Organization of Co. E .
New Brunswick's new militia company was mus- tered in on Friday evening, August 31, 1917.
The scene was an inspiring one. The galleries off the Company H armory on Codwise avenue were packed with spectators who had come to give the men a hearty encouragement as they began their work. The armory was handsomely decorated with the antional colors.
Captain Willard P. Clark, formerly captain of Company H. mustered in the company, Inspector- General Paterson being unable to attend as expected.
The company, 64 strong, was marched out on the floor of the armory by Ralph V. M. Gorsline, one of the most active of its organizers. The command was given to open ranks for inspection and then the roll was called, each man stepping forward in answer to his name. The oath was then administered.
A. P. Daire, of the Boggs-Janeway Post, G. A. R., then made a brief address to the men, in which he impressed upon them the dignity of the uniform they were about to receive and the importance of the work they were to assume.
The company was then marched into the company room, where they held a brief meeting to elect officers, Captain Clark presiding.
Ralph V. M. Gorsline, a Spanish War Veteran, was chosen as first lieutenant of the company, and George W. Pressler, for several years a member of
Company H, was made second lieutenant.
Later Fred Orpen was elected captain, he resigned and Ralph V. M. Gorsline became captain.
The membership of the new company follows:
John Armstrong, Henry E. Austin, Paul L. E. Ball- schmidt, James A. Bates, Herman Bollman, Watson H. Boudinot, Jr., William Burke, William Burlew, Michael M. D. Cavallo, Carl A. Christiansen, Joseph Cochran, Charles W. Culbertson, Vito Chance, Louis Du Bois, John Ellison, George C. Fisher, William J. Fletcher, Roswell Fulton, Rollin W. Gardner, Clar- ence S. Gordon, George H. Gordon, Ralph V. M. Gorsline, Edward F. Roben, Frank Grassini, Harold T. Holden, Chester R. Holman, Allan Holman, Wil- liam T. Hopkins, John A. Horan, Thomas Horrocks, William A. Hullfish, Otis W. Hye, Charles Horrocks, William E. Jackson, Charles A. Kern, Aldie A. Latham, Grover Lehlein, Christopher R. Lyons, Frank A. Martin, Walter Merrill, Frank O. Nason, Earl J. Owen, Elmer E. Powless, George Pressler, Alfred H. Puerschner, Alexande Reisfield, Millad F. Ross, J., Chals Schlosser, Joseph Schlosser, Thomas C. Shute, August H. Smalley, William Smickenbecker, Charles A. Smith, Clayton K. Smith, William A. Smith, William A. Space, LeRoy E. Stevens, John Smickenbecker, Walter Tausig, How- ard A. Teets, Royal Vanderhoef, Harry Van Sickle, Fairfield F. Vickery, C. Raymond Wickoff.
National Surgical Dressings Committee
In October, 1914, a local committee of the National Surgical Dressings Committee was formed in New Brunswick. The work was carried on by the guilds and societies of nearly all of the churches in the city by St. Peter's Hospital guild, the New Brunswick Girls' Club and other organizations. The Chapel of the Second Reformed Church, where a large amount of work was done, was used also as a center for col- lecting and packing the dressings. The committee
continued its activity until the spring of 1016. More than 30,000 dressings were made, all of old linen and cotton on account of the scarcity of new materail. The dressings were shipped to New York through the courtesy of Johnson & Johnson.
The work was discontinued later as it became a duplication of that of the Red Cross and it was deemed best that the greatest and most united effort should be put into that organization.
One hundred thirteen
NEW
BRUNSWICK
Food Administration
HEY ! YER EATING TOO MUCH CUT IT IN HALF
"BOB" ROSS HAD HIS HANDS FULL LOOKING AFTER THE GLUTTONS
Beginning on February 1, 1918, and extending for a period of six months 70 per cent less wheat flour came into New Brunswick than during the corres- ponding period of the previous year. Allowing for increase in population, this meant that the people of this city had to get along with one-third less flour in 1918 than in 1917.
Manufacturers could sell wholesalers but 70 per cent of their normal supply; wholesalers to sell re- tailers but 70 per cent of their normal demands. Wholesalers could not seek new customers for wheat flour and retailers were not allowed to advertise special prices on flour or endeavor to get customers to stock up.
In order to cut down the consumption of wheat flour dealers could not sell wheat flour to anyone without a corresponding quantity of wheat flour substitutes. In other words, for every pound of wheat flour bought a pound of wheat substitute had to be bought.
These wheat substitutes were Hominy, corn grits, corn meal, corn flour, edible corn starch, barley flour, rolled oats, oatmeal, rice, rice flour, buck- wheat flour, potato flour, sweet potato flour, soya bean flour, feterita flour and meals.
Dealers had to distribute their stock of flour equit- ably among their customers. Every customer to receive a fair share of the flour and no hoarding per- mitted. To prevent hoarding, dealers could not sell in quantities of more than 241/2 pounds or 49 pounds.
Those living in rural communities or the country, not handy to dealers could buy flour in 49 pounds or 98 pounds quantities, but had to buy a like quantity of wheat substitutes.
To further encourage the saving of wheat, Mon- days and Wednesdays were declared Wheatless Days and one Wheatless Meal a day was the order.
The conservation plans also extend to the bakers. After February 24 bakers were unable to buy any wheat flour, except whole wheat, unless they bought an equal quantity of wheat substitutes.
The United States Food Administration had absol- ute control of the wheat situation, through a licensing system, and had the power to put out of business those dealers who did not live up to its regulations.
Several of the bakeries of New Brunswick were closed and fined for useing more wheat in their bread than the law allowed. To get sugar it was necessary to have a card from a merchant, and the amount allowed each person a week was one half pound. The head of each home had to sign a blank and declare upon honor the amount of sugar on hand. Two pounds was all that was allowed to be sold to a customer, and at times it was not possible to get this.
Robert E. Ross was the food administrator. The task was no easy one, and the citizens owe him their deep gratitude for the manner in which he dis charged the duties of his office.
One hundred fourteen
IN
THE WORLD WAR
Fuel Administration
YOU ARE USING TOO MUCH COALO
"BILLIE" HOWELL INSPECTS A FURNACE
On account of the scarcity of coal practically all the industiral machinery of New Brunswick halted at midnight Thursday, January 18, 1918, in compli- ance with Fuel Administrator Garfield's order shut- ting down for four days all industries with few ex- ceptions, and remained motionless until the follow- ing Wednesday morning.
One exception made in this city was the Wright- Martin Aircraft Company, which engaged in the manufacture of aircraft engines for the government, and therefore one of the most essential industries in promoting war work. Even this plant was in- cluded in the original order of the Fuel Administra- tor, and all except a few departments, were closed. Officials, with the Fuel Administrators got in touch with the Government, resulting in the order that work in all departments both day and night shifts, was resumed at once.
The drastic Garfield order stunned the manu- facturers, but except in a few instances, where per- mission was granted to finish some work which had been started before the regulations became known, it was universally observed.
HEATLESS MONDAYS
All business, except that of war, with a few ex- ceptions, was suspended for ten Mondays commenc- ing January 20, 1918. The object was to conserve fuel, as the coal situation was very serious. These days became known as "Heatless Mondays." The street lights were not turned on until nine o'clock, and then were only sixty per cent lighted.
No window lights were allowed in the stores and on Saturday night all window lights were turned off at 10 o'clock. No outside illuminations were allowed. ed.
The following had to close all day on these Mon- days:
All manufacturing plants not engaged on war eon- tracts.
. Ail business and professional offices not specific- ally exempted.
All stores except food stores.
All saloons and bars. Hotels could not serve drinks with meals or in private rooms.
THE EXEMPTIONS
All food stores could remain open Monday until 6 p. m. Garages to keep open. Government offices, banks, and trust companies, physicians and dentists could do business as usual. Drug stores could sell drugs and medical supplies only. Restaurants could serve food.
All industries working on war contracts to con- tinue working on these contracts on Monday, but could not operate any portion of the plant not en- gaged in such work.
This exemption applied to all plants making parts of airplanes, equipment for warships, submarines and submarine chasers, munitions and medical, surgi- cal and biological products for the war department.
The schools were closed on December 21, due to the annual Christmas vacation and the lack of fuel in the school buildings, and did not reopen until January 22, 1919.
During the shut down, many of the pipes in the various schools were frozen. In several instances the pipes burst.
The city fuel administrator was Lewis Board, he resigned and William A. Howell was appointed, who served the city until the close of the war.
One hundred fifteen
NEW BRUNSWICK
Service Club
New Brunswick organized and established a Ser- vice Club for the use of the soldiers, sailors and ma- rines stationed near the city.
The rooms in the basement of the Second Re- formed Church, at the corner of Albany and George streets, were placed at the service of the committee by the church, and this church and other churches and individuals contributed to the fitting up and fur- nishing of the rooms in a suitable manner for a club for the men of the army and navy where they could meet for social purposes.
Many ways of entertainment were afforded. Cur- rent magazines and newspapers, always up to date, were kept on file. Other reading matter was fur- nished by an excellent library of fiction. There were two pool tables in constant use. Many sets of checkers, chess, dominoes and other games were always in use. There was also a piano and phono- graph.
It was on April 19th, 1918, at the suggestion of Jersey Blue Chapter, D. A. R., that the Service Club opened its doors, and 47,753 men in the service par- took of its hospitality.
Every Wednesday evening the young ladies of the city were invited by the entertainment committee to dance with the men in the service, and many gay and enjoyable times were had. Light refreshments were always served by different societies of the town. The music on these occasions was furnished by New Brunswick's musicians, who most gener- ously donated their services in a true patriotic spirit.
The various churches and organizations of the sity assisted the club in the line of donations and entertainments.
The club closed its doors on March 31, 1919, after a period of great usefulness.
The members of the Service Club committee were:
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene P. Darrow, Mrs. Asher At- kinson, Miss Helen Deshler, Miss Linette Lee, Mrs. M. B. Vail, Mrs. M. A. Blake, Mrs. Adam Best, Ambrose Hardenbergh, William Everson, A. S. Howell, Fred Hart, William P. Kelley, C. T. Stone, L. C. Stevens, Rev. F. K. Shield, William Schlesin- ger, Mrs. Frank LaBarr, Mrs. Nathan Wolfe, Miss Mary Taaffe Miss Bessie Taaffe.
Resolution to Ban the German Press
By unanimous vote of the City Commission. cn May 21, 1918, City Attorney Hagerty was instructed to prepare a resolution prohibiting the further sale of German language newspapers, magazines or period- icals within the confines of New Brunswick.
W. J. Francke, William H. Everson and John A. Manley, composing a committee from the New Brunswick Board of Trade, presented the resolution adopted at the annual meeting of the Trade Board requesting such action, and all three gentlemen spoke
in support of the measure.
It was held that the German language press greatly retards the assimilation of the German ele- ment of our population.
Commissioner Houghton made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Feaster.
No further action was taken in the matter. The Board of Education passed a resolution discontinuing the course in German, and no new classes were formed.
"TOP KICK DEDE" WELSH DOES A FEW STEPS FOR THE BOYS
One hundred sixteen
IN
THE WORLD WAR
a scholastic Socialist
tar
feathers
ROS
Samuel Chovenson Given Ride on Plank
And Warned to Leave Town
Samuel Harry Chovenson, of Millville, N. J., a freshman at Rutgers College, was "tarred and feathered" on April 23, 1918 by a group of patriotic college men. In place of the much used tar, a gal- lon of good old New England molasses was poured over the young man's anatomy, which was then sprinkled with the "stuffings" of two pillows from a nearby room.
Chovenson refused to speak on the Liberty Loan, and word of his seditious actions rapidly went the rounds of the student body, stirring up the patriotic young men, until every one was demanding that some action be taken.
A number of the young men got together and de- cided to take things in their own hands. Choven- son, who was not a citizen, was seized at Neilson Field at four-thirty after he had finished drilling with the Rutgers Cadet Corps. He was removed to a room in Ford dormitory where he was guarded until nine-thirty. At that hour the young men be- gan flocking to George street near the Johnson and Johnson plant. In a few minutes' time a group of four hundred men was present. Chovenson was quietly removed to the field along the canal bank opposite Neilson Field.
Here one of the young men announced that there was to be no mob violence. While the crowd waited, the committee in charge stripped Chovenson of his
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.