Newark's Last Fifteen Years, 1904-1919. This compilation is an attempt by a busy library staff to put into form convenient for use a large group of such facts and figures as experience shows are often asked for. The notes which follow tell how we happen to be so interested in Newark's story, why so many questions on that story come to us, and what kind of help we hope Newarkers may get from it. About seventeen years ago the Library began to collect information about Newark. We began with a search for good topical poetry and for historical stories so written as to appeal to young people. Of these we found very little; though poor verse and poor history were both abundant. Then we extended our search to the field of Newark as a going concern. In this field we found so little in print that was fairly descriptive of the actual Newark of the time, from water supply to sewers, and from parks to jails, that we began to write it ourselves. We were moved to do this largely because certain changes in school work led many pupils and teachers to come to us for information. Our brief, typed and multigraphed statements about subjects like the city hospital, paving and street cleaning, proved to be very welcome. We gathered a vast deal of Newark information and, in time, cast much of it into convenient form for use in the Library and for lending. In these days we held in the Library several annual exhibits illustrative of and calling attention to events of both early and recent days in Newark's history. Mr. Frank J. Urquhart, one of the editors of the Newark Sunday Call, had long been an advocate of the study of Newark by its citizens, both old and young. At the request of the Library, he wrote a brief history of Newark for the use of young people, which later the Board of Education adopted as a text-book in the schools. Mr. Urquhart helped the Library very materially in the collection of historical data and in exhibits of Newark life and customs in the past. Several years ago the schools took over this Newark work and, of course, vastly expanded it, and made of it a Course, running through all grades, on the City of Newark, and supplied for it a text-book and more than forty pamphlets of Newark information. Dr. A. B. Poland, then Superintendent of our Schools, approved heartily of all this Newark study work, and at his request Assistant Superintendent J. Wilmer Kennedy prepared the Course of Study and the pamphlets just mentioned. The demand for Newark information which came to the Library was, of course, rather increased than diminished by this adoption of a Newark Study Course by the schools. Moreover, Newark has now a much larger number of persons who are interested in its development and its character and its recent self-improvement than it had fifteen years ago. Consequently, the requests received from adults for facts and figures concerning recent events in our city are much more numerous than they were formerly. Looking back over the world's history with the perspective of many years, you would not find it an easy matter to select any fifteen-year period about which you might wish to write even the briefest review. That is, events appear to lose their importance or to produce unexpected results with the passing years, and only a comparatively few happenings remain conspicuous for all time and for all peoples. There is, however, a peculiar fascination about history in the making, and especially local history within one's own memory. Perhaps it may be compared to the study of a dead language as an intellectual pursuit and the study of a live language for the pleasure or profit of human intercourse. Both are desirable—the one, as a background, the other, as a foreground of education. Newark's history from the days of Robert Treat was so thoroughly reviewed at the time of the 250th Anniversary Celebration, 1916, that we have elected to treat as background everything prior to 1904 and to concern ourselves with the story of Newark from that year to the present. This means that the high school graduate of June, 1919, should find between the covers of this pamphlet a record of the city from the time he or she entered the kindergarten. With these dates in mind it was really astonishing to find how many changes and what material advances had been made within the fifteen years. As you thought of the building of the City Hall and Court House; the changed appearance of the "Four Corners"; the opening of the Hudson and Manhattan Tubes; the new Public Service Terminal; the adaptation of automatic appliances in fire fighting; the impetus given movements like "Safety First", vacant lot cultivation and thrift with its school banks; the bigger civic undertakings like City Plan, Passaic Valley Sewer; Port Newark and the unexpected trend of its development due to the war; the war itself, representing the effect of a world event on a city's activities; the 250th Anniversary, a local celebration, but illustrative of Newark's relations with the outside world; and, finally, of the change of city administration to Commission Government—you wonder whether history at close range invariably presents so much of interest, or whether 1904-1919 happens to be a particularly progressive period, or whether Newark, suddenly conscious of its backwardness in many lines, is now making up for lost time. So many facts presented themselves that the pamphlet soon outgrew our original conception of it, becoming much larger than was originally intended. It is still, however, a succession of facts and in no sense a consecutive history. Because it grew from fact to fact, suggested by one assistant and perhaps set down by another; and because from the first day the idea was suggested to the day when work stopped, a lapse of three months, we were daily expecting that copy must go to the printer on the morrow, the entries are not as complete, or the whole as well balanced as we should wish. One consideration which delayed our work, but which should contribute to any value it may have, was the fixed desire to avoid loose, indefinite statement and to resist the inclination to make irrelevant comment when real information is wanting or difficult to acquire. This determination grew as our own searches and questionings showed how common is this looseness of statement. For the facts and information which it was impossible or very difficult to get from records on file, we wish to make grateful acknowledgment to city departments, newspapers, societies and individuals who responded promptly and graciously to our calls for assistance. August, 1919. C. V. D. All-Year School: Established at Belmont Ave. and McKinley schools, June 1, 1912. Each year's work divided into four 12 week terms instead of two 20 week terms. Enables pupil to complete 8 grades' work in 6 years instead of 8, as he ordinarily would. Attendance during summer term is not compulsory. Almshouse: New home for aged and infirm poor at Ivy Hill, beyond Irvington, erected 1913-14 and opened Jan. 1916. Accommodates 400 to 500 people. Has farm of 70 acres so those who are able can work and help to support themselves. Surveyed by Russell Sage Foundation, Dept. of Surveys and Exhibits, 1918-19. Alternating Plan: Introduced in Cleveland and Madison Schools, 1913. Nov. 1915, Cleveland and Abington Ave. schools organized on complete plan with daily vocational and recreational activities. Essential feature consists in so co-ordinating work of two teachers that each may make alternate use of classroom, court and auditorium. Makes for economy in erection of buildings, since under the alternate plan, it is possible to accommodate in any fully equipped building from 40% to 50% more pupils than under the regular system. Broader curriculum with longer school day. Modification of the "Wirt" system practiced in the schools of Gary, Indiana. Apartment Houses: City directory for 1906 lists apartment houses, 41, separately for the first time; now over 300. Athletic Association, Public School: Formed April 26, 1904. Athletic Field, Public School: Bloomfield and Roseville Aves. Annual meet held here for first time June, 1913. Automobiles: N. J. Dept. of Motor Vehicles was established 1906 for the registration and supervision of automobiles. Prior to that time this work had been done in the secretary of state's office and originally applications for car registrations were signed by the county clerk. In 1900, as far as the first records show, there were not more than 10 or 12 motor-drawn vehicles in the entire state. In 1918, the number registered was 155,519 exclusive of motorcycles. Band Concerts: First given, 1903, 25 in a year; appropriation, $3,000. 1918 appropriation, $5,000; 60 concerts; attended by 350,000 persons. Bank Buildings: See Buildings. Baths, Public: Public Bath Assoc. formed, 1907. By courtesy of Bd. of Street and Water Commissioners undertook supervision of 3 old bath houses on Summer Ave., Morris Ave., and Walnut St. Bill passed N. J. Legislature, 1910, permitting Newark to issue bonds for public baths, up to $250,000. Site of Montgomery St. bath purchased and work begun, 1911. Opened, Sept. 1913. Cost, $100,000. Placed under the control of Playground Commission, 1913. Hamburg Pl. (now Wilson Ave.) bath opened, July, 1917. Baths closed by order of Mayor on account of lack of coal, Dec. 10, 1917. Re-opened by vote of Commission, Jan. 25, 1918.
Blind, Work for: N. J. Commission for the Blind created by act of Legislature, 1909, to supervise and encourage work for the blind. State headquarters, originally established at 54 James St., Newark, now located at 147 Summer Ave. Here the Commission conducts classes in reading, writing, stenography, typewriting, basketry, cane-seating, weaving, piano tuning, and other manual arts. It also sends out teachers to instruct the adult blind in their homes. First public school class for blind in Newark inaugurated, Sept., 1910, in Washington St. School. Under act of 1918, creating State Dept. of Charities and Corrections (now Dept. of Institutions and Agencies), this Commission is given entire charge of all state matters relating to the blind. Boy's Vocational School: Opened April, 1910, in Warren St. School, at Warren and Wickliffe Sts. Building of new school, to be located on Sussex Ave., bet. 1st and 2nd Sts., and known as the Seymour Vocational School, in honor of James M. Seymour, Mayor of Newark, 1896-1903, has been postponed by war. Building plans and curriculum will follow recommendations made by an Advisory Committee to Bd. of Education (appointed Aug., 1916) in its survey, Vocational Overview of Newark, New Jersey, which was prepared by Charles H. Winslow. Buildings: (This list is here entered to show how many municipal, educational and notable commercial buildings have been erected within the last few years.) American Insurance Co., Park Place and E. Park St. Present building completed Feb., 1904. Merchants' National Bank, 770 Broad St., moved to new building Feb. 22, 1905. New City Hall, Broad St., between Green and Franklin Sts., cornerstone laid Aug. 5, 1903, formally opened Dec. 20, 1906. Cost $2,500,000. New Court House, junction of Springfield Ave. and Market St., completed 1907. Cost $2,000,000. Mutual Benefit Life Ins. Co.'s new building. Broad and Clinton Sts., completed 1908. Firemen's Office Building, 16-story, at "Four Corners", completed 1910. Ironbound Trust Co., Market and Ferry Sts. Present building opened July 25, 1910. N. Y. Telephone Co., 281 Washington St. New building completed Nov. 1, 1910. East Side High School, Van Buren St., bet. Warwick and Nichols Sts., opened March 1, 1911. Broad St. Theatre, Broad St., opp. Central Ave. Opened under name of Shubert Theater, Jan. 8, 1912. Lehigh Valley Railroad Station, Meeker Ave., Weequahic Park section, opened Jan. 27, 1912. Cost $60,000. Central High School, High St., bet. New and Summit Sts., opened Feb. 1, 1912. Essex Co. National Bank Building, 753 Broad St. Now occupied by Fidelity Trust Co. Completed June, 1912. National State Bank, Broad and Mechanic Sts. Present building completed Oct. 1, 1912. L. Bamberger & Co.'s Department Store, Market, Halsey and Washington Sts., opened Oct. 15, 1912. Kinney Office Building, 12-story, at "Four Corners", completed 1913. New Board of Health Building, William and Plane Sts., completed 1913. Young Women's Christian Association, 53 Washington St., completed 1913, and dedicated Nov. 3, 1913. Washington Trust Co., 477 Broad St., completed Sept. 1913. South Side High School, Johnson Ave., cor. Alpine St., opened Sept. 8, 1913. N. J. State Normal School, Belleville and 4th Aves., opened Sept. 16, 1913. West Side Trust Co., Springfield Ave. and High St. Present building opened July 1, 1914. Public Service Terminal, Park Place, completed, 1916. Cost, $5,000,000. Robert Treat Hotel, Park Place, named for founder of Newark. Completed during the 250th Anniversary Celebration, May, 1916. Federal Trust Co., 740 Broad St., adjoining Mutual Benefit Life Ins. Co.'s building and erected by Mutual Benefit Life Ins. Co. Completed 1918. Central Railroad of N. J. Station, South Broad St. Work begun on new building, Nov., 1916; completed Feb., 1919. Total cost, including property acquired, $650,000. Carteret Book Club: Established for printing fine editions and study of art of book making, Dec. 12, 1908. Published, 1917, a volume "Newark", containing "a series of engravings on wood by Rudolph Ruzicka, with an appreciation of the pictorial aspects of the town by Walter Prichard Eaton". Limited edition of 200 copies printed by Merrymount Press, Boston. Catholic Children's Aid Association of N. J.: Organized 1904 and headquarters established in Newark with paid agent. Proceeded to withdraw children from Catholic institutions and to place them in private Catholic homes. Instituted work to prevent separation of families and placing of children in institutions, by prosecuting parents and perpetuating homes. Headquarters now located at 776 Broad St. Charities: Bur. of Associated Charities, organized 1882, reorganized 1904. Private organization, supported by voluntary contributions, but with work so far-reaching and constructive that it has become a center for co-operative effort among all charitable agencies in the city. Has a visiting Housekeeper Department, Provident Savings Fund, General Information Bureau and trained social workers to study causes and conditions. In 1903-04 there were 239 contributors and contributions amounting to $3,000. In 1918-19 there were 3,000 contributors and contributions of $48,000. In 1906, at suggestion of Bureau, Bd. of Trade appointed a committee to examine claims of charities soliciting contributions, and to try to name those worthy of support. This is now known as the Bd. of Trade Endorsement Committee. In 1917 there were 63 endorsed charities. In 1912 and again in 1916, the secretary of the Associated Charities published a classified directory of the philanthropies of Newark, a genuine contribution to the study of social problems. For facts about distinct lines of work or particular undertakings consult this directory or the Associated Charities Bur. Charter, City: A city charter is the constitution or frame of government of a city conferred on that city by the state legislature. First charter incorporating township of Newark, granted by Queen Anne to Robert Treat, 1713. Legislature incorporated township of Newark, 1798. Legislature incorporated it under name of Mayor and Common Council of City of Newark, 1836. The 1857 revision, authorized by act of Legislature, embodied all changes made since 1836. Mayor Haussling appointed a committee which formulated and published draft of new city charter, 1911. Mayor Raymond appointed "Charter Revision Commission", which presented its proposed charter to Legislature, 1917. It provided for a mayor, and Commission of five, elected at large. Mayor to have veto power and to appoint heads of departments. This was defeated in Assembly, March, 1917. See also Commission Government. Child Hygiene Division, Board of Health: Established Aug., 1913, to supervise care of new-born babies, to study causes of infant mortality and to teach art and science of mothercraft. Chief, 4 clinic physicians and 14 nurses now in attendance. Has continued work of consultation stations, formerly directed by general board, at which advice is given expectant mothers and mothers of children up to school age. Supervises boarding-homes of infants up to 3 years of age, which by ordinance of July 6, 1915, must be licensed by Health Bd. Also supervises unmarried mothers and is planning convalescent home for them at Ivy Hill. A supervisor of midwives was appointed Nov., 1914, to investigate and report on practice of midwifery and has continued to direct work of midwives, who attend 50% of the births of the city. Christmas Trees, Municipal: The first tree, a Norway spruce, 48 ft. high, with spread of 30 ft., was set up in Military Park, Christmas, 1913. Illuminated at night with 800 electric lights, and 50 in star shape at top. Week of festival followed. Similar festivities held around trees set up in the park next 2 years. In 1916 a great Norway spruce was set up in south lawn fronting City Hall. Inside the building, a smaller tree was placed in rotunda for week of festival. These City Hall Christmas Festivals brought together old and young, rich and poor, for singing and games and Christmas good cheer of all kinds. For the past 2 years there has been no municipal Christmas Tree, but Christmas festivities have been held in the City Hall. Churches: Items of church history,—buildings erected, parish houses annexed, missions established, etc.,—are too numerous to be recorded in a brief, general outline. Detailed sketches of individual churches have been written by Rev. Joseph F. Folsom and appended to Urquhart's History of Newark, Vol. II., pp. 949-1020. City Home: See Delinquent Children. City Plan Commission: "City planning means development of our city according to carefully prepared plans; stopping all further random development, all haphazard extensions, and all improvements for certain favored sections or limited localities. It means considering every suggested change or improvement as to its effect on the entire city and all suburbs and nearby towns. "City planning is for all, and especially for the man of modest income. It means better housing and attractive and healthful surroundings for the humblest homes. It means securing for the cheapest tenement the sunny, airy, sanitary conditions which health, science and common sense demand. "It means a City Efficient, a City Clean and a City Enjoyable." An act providing for city plan commissions passed N. J. Legislature and became a law March 30, 1911. On June 1, Mayor Haussling appointed the Newark City Plan Commission. For its investigations and work, $10,000 was annually appropriated until the adoption of Commission Government. Under this form of government there were no further appropriations for special boards and the City Plan Commission went out of existence, Dec. 31, 1917. Some of the subjects studied and reported on by the Commission aside from street arrangement, were Centre Market, Housing Problems, Municipal Recreation, Interurban Improvement and Harbor Development. The Commission issued "City Planning for Newark" and "A Comprehensive Plan". Both are valuable documents and rich in Newark facts. Civil Service Reform: The system by which public offices are filled and promotions made through competitive examinations held under federal, state or city government. It is known as the "merit system", since it looks toward the appointment of men to office because of their competency. It is a reaction from the "spoils system" or the practice of giving public offices to political favorites. The state measure was adopted, 1910, by Newark, by popular vote. Coal Shortage: 27,000 emergency coal cards, entitling each person to 1,000 pounds of coal, were issued by Bd. of Health during coal shortage in the winter of 1917-18. U. S. government instituted Workless Mondays to conserve coal, and boards of education closed school buildings for lack of fuel. College of Technology: See Technical School. Comfort Stations: First public comfort station, in Military Park, ready for use July, 1910. Cost $14,734. Maintained by Shade Tree Commission, now a division of Dept. of Parks and Public Property. Commission Government: Adopted Oct. 9, 1917, at a special referendum election. Vote 19,069 for, and 6,053 against. Present commissioners elected Nov. 13, 1917, to serve until May, 1921, are: Mayor Charles P. Gillen. Dept. of Public Affairs. Alexander Archibald. Dept. of Revenue and Finance. William J. Brennan. Dept. of Public Safety. Thomas L. Raymond. Dept. of Streets and Public Improvements. John F. Monahan. Dept. of Parks and Public Property. Change of government authorized under Walsh Act, passed by the N. J. Legislature April 25, 1911. 5 commissioners, elected by the people and responsible to them, replace a mayor, 32 common council members, numerous departments and boards. The commission names one of its members to be mayor. He becomes chief Commissioner, but has no veto power. Contemporary, The: Organized April 23, 1909, by representatives of Sesame, Philomathean, Irving, Saturday and Municipal Art Clubs. To meet need for single large organization of Newark women, working toward a better knowledge of civic conditions and for the development of good fellowship among women. 204 active and 198 associate members enrolled at first regular meeting, Oct. 19, 1909. Admitted to State Federation of Women's Clubs, Oct. 24, 1909. Legally incorporated, April 19, 1915. Total membership, Sept., 1918, was 1,461. Among its activities have been the institution of a social hygiene movement; the organization of the Housewives' League; advocacy of the founding of a State College for Women; opening a boarding home for girls; and work for prison reform, mothers' pensions, child welfare and delinquency, emergency relief and food conservation. Co-operative School: First established April 3, 1916, in Fawcett School of Industrial Arts. Wrappers from several department stores given lessons in salesmanship during working hours without loss of wages. Course of Study: Uniform course for high schools adopted May 27, 1915. Educational and cultural value of manual arts recognized by requiring them in all curricula. Arts curriculum carrying full credit in music and art introduced as major subjects. All other courses modified and adjusted to meet more adequately needs of students preparing for office, shop, home or higher institution of learning. Crippled Children, School for: Opened July 7, 1912 in Home for Crippled Children. 17 pupils ranging in age from 4 to 13 years. Heretofore no schooling had been provided. Deaf, Public School Classes for: First class organized in Chestnut St. School with 11 pupils, 1910. In Oct., 1915, classes in lip-reading for adults were organized as part of evening school program. Death Rate: Statistics for this period are noteworthy because they show effects of infantile paralysis epidemic in 1916, and of influenza in 1918, which, though less alarming in its symptoms, had more fatal results.
[A] See Infantile Paralysis; Influenza. Delinquent Children: Juvenile court act, providing for separate trial of all offenders under 16 years, passed by N. J. Legislature, 1903. Essex Co. Juvenile Court established in Newark the same year. To prevent association of young offenders with hardened criminals. Judge may commit the boy or girl to a reformatory institution or refer the case to a probation officer. In the latter case the child is released but must report regularly to the officer until the probation period is passed. House of Detention, 120 Newark St., county institution maintained in connection with juvenile court, was opened Dec., 1910. For accommodation of children awaiting trial, and for those held as witnesses. Were formerly kept at police station or jail. Essex Co. Parental School, Sussex Ave., bet. Hecker and Duryee Sts., authorized by N. J. law of 1912, was opened May 1, 1916. Supersedes House of Detention now used only for juvenile witnesses. Provides a temporary home for juvenile delinquents and neglected children and aims to be an educational rather than penal institution. Here juvenile court is held and probation cases reported. Ungraded Schools, No. 1 (So. 10th St.), and No. 2 (Chestnut St.), were erected, 1911, for better accommodation of classes of truants and incorrigibles. Curriculum provides for usual common school branches with particular emphasis placed upon manual and vocational studies. These 2 schools, with the classes in Academy St., established 1898, are the only schools of this kind under direction of the Bd. of Education. In addition there is the Newark Parental School, at Verona, formerly known as the City Home. Maintained by the city for the most difficult cases from ungraded schools. Provides a home as well as schooling like the Essex Co. Parental School, except that it takes boys only. Dental Clinic Association: Organized 1909 and financed from private sources. Later supported by city under N. J. law of 1910, with amendments 1911 and 1913, allowing Common Council to appropriate $10,000 annually. Provides free dental services for children under 16, unable to pay for treatment. 3 clinics opened at 74 Newton St., 346 Ferry St., and 297 Orange St. 7,623 individuals treated and 24,878 operations performed in 1918. Orange St. Clinic closed Nov. 1, 1918, because of insufficient funds and scarcity of operators, is expected to re-open. Appropriation increased to $20,000 by N. J. law of 1919. Detention, House of: See Delinquent Children. Education Board: Change from elective board of 32 members, 2 from each ward for term of 2 years, to present board of 9 members appointed by Mayor for term of 3 years, made at general election held Nov. 5, 1907. Employment Bureau, Municipal: Established Nov. 15, 1909. Merged its activities with U. S. Dept. of Labor and N. J. Dept. of Labor, July 1, 1918. Shortly after the armistice was signed, a Soldiers' and Sailors' Dept. was organized to assist discharged men to secure positions, advising and aiding the injured to obtain compensation and vocational training. Exhibitions: Newark History, Free Public Library, May 17-June 1, 1905. Review of the city's growth from a little settlement of a few houses to prosperous industrial center. Maps, portraits, pictures, curios. Exhibit repeated in subsequent years as school children's interest in local history developed. Industrial Expositions, 1st Regiment Armory, (1) May 13-25, 1912 (the first since Aug., 1872); (2) Sept. 12-26, 1914; (3) May 13-June 3, 1916, 250th Anniversary event. Industrial, L. Bamberger & Co.'s store, Feb., 1913; Feb., 1914; Feb., 1915. Fire Prevention, City Hall. First exhibit held Nov. 12, 1913. Exhibits held annually since that date for week beginning Oct. 9th. This date, the anniversary of the great Chicago fire, 1871, is generally known throughout the country as Fire and Accident Prevention Day. In 1918 the date was changed to Nov. 11th that it might not interfere with the 4th Liberty Loan. See also Safety Movement. Municipal, City Hall. March 1-7, 1915. Showing work of various departments of the city government and their inter-relations. Held in connection with an exhibit of foreign and American city planning. Clay Products of N. J., Newark Museum, Feb. 1-March 28, 1915. Brick, tile, sanitary ware, electrical ware, table ware, crucibles, earthenware, etc., and demonstration of casting, pressing and turning on the potter's wheel. Textiles, Newark Museum, Feb. 1-March 28, 1916. Machine weaving, hand weaving, old and new, tapestry and weaving and embroideries, and a special group of textiles lent by foreign-born Newarkers. School Work, South Side High School, July 5-Aug. 4, 1916. Feature of 250th Anniversary. Showed (1) organization of public school system. (2) equipment, appliances, supplies, etc. (3) work of all elementary grades, high schools, special classes and special subjects. Homelands, Newark Museum, Feb. 1 to March 28, 1916. Costumes and textiles from foreign lands, mainly secured through the schools. Burnet St. School, July 10-Aug. 5, 1916. Jewelry, costumes, textiles, furniture, pottery, etc., from foreign lands, lent by Newarkers of foreign birth, representing, among others, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Ruthenia, Russia, Slovakia, Bohemia, Hungary, Italy, Armenia, and China. Plays, songs and native dances were part of the entertainment. Colonial Kitchen, Newark Museum, Nov. 27, 1917-Feb. 28, 1918. A room 16 ft. × 20 ft., completely furnished as in colonial days, with colonial domestic tools and utensils in cases. The Soldier and Sailor, Newark Museum, March 14-April 1, 1918. Complete modern equipment as required by Army and Navy regulations; model of Camp Dix, comparison of uniforms and equipment from Revolution to date. Industrial Housing and Better Homes Exposition, Krueger Auditorium, July 20-27, 1918. Many models made by manual training departments of Newark schools. Food conservation and war cookery, also features. Colombia, South America, Newark Museum. June 1-Nov. 30, 1918. Products, manufactures, life and customs of this rich but little known neighbor. Feebleminded, Public School Classes for: 5 classes established at College Pl., Lafayette St. and 7th Ave. Schools, Sept., 1910. Fire Department, 1906: First self-propelled steam engine, "Mount Pelee", placed in service, Nov. 22, 1906. Cost $6,000, weight 8½ tons, built by Manchester Locomotive Works. Strangely enough the engine itself sent forth so many sparks, thereby setting fire to numerous awnings and other things along its route, that it was later converted into a tractor engine and is now part of the reserve. 1907. Central office Fire Alarm Telegraph Office installed in City Hall. Cost $55,000. Bur. of Combustibles and Fire Risks established. Originated Fire Prevention Code which marked beginning of that important movement. Effective Dec., 1910. 1911. School of instruction for firemen established. First motor-driven fire engine, of general type now in use, placed in service. 1917. Two platoon system inaugurated, whereby the fireman's working schedule is so arranged that he has 24 consecutive free hours every week. 1918. First fire boat, "William J. Brennan", named for the director of Dept. of Public Safety, placed in service June, 1918. On the night of its first day of service it was successful in extinguishing a dock fire, which might otherwise have resulted in $100,000 loss. Flag, City: Officially adopted by Common Council, March 24, 1916. The field is white, with Jersey blue border. The city seal in gold, with gold-blue scroll and blue band beneath, occupies the center of the field. Food and Drug Division—Board of Health: Established, 1913. Prior to that, only work carried on consisted of taking a few milk samples wherever suspicion was directed. Today the chief of division, chemist, 2 veterinarians, 4 milk inspectors, 4 food inspectors and a meat inspector keep close watch over food in every form, especially milk. Food-handling places, including restaurants, are supervised and scored; food handlers physically examined; live stock supervised. Gary Schools: See Alternating Plan. German Language: War led to decision May 27, 1918, that no new classes in German would be formed, although study would be continued in those classes already organized. Girls' Vocational School: Recommended 1912. Opened Sept., 1914, in former Normal School building, Washington and Linden Sts. Gymnasium, Public School: First gymnasium installed in new addition to Hamburg Place School during school year 1906-7. Barringer High School gymnasium annex opened 1909. Health: See Birth Rate; Child Hygiene Division—Board of Health; Death Rate; Food and Drug Division—Board of Health; Infantile Paralysis; Influenza; Little Mother's League; Medical History, Museum of; Mental Hygiene, Bureau of—Board of Health; Milk Supply; Tuberculosis, Campaign Against; Venereal Diseases, Bureau of—Board of Health; Whooping Cough. High Schools: Barringer, formerly Newark High School, was the only high school in the city, 1838-1904. In 1907 the name was changed to Barringer High School, in memory of Dr. William N. Barringer, city superintendent of schools for about 20 years. East Side, opened March 1, 1911. Housing: U. S. Homes Registration and Rent Profiteering Committee created July, 1918, with office in City Hall, branch of national organization for equitable protection of home rent payers and owners of dwellings. Undertook compilation of list of homes where war workers could obtain rooms. Conducted "Rent-a-Room" campaign as war expedient. Originally planned to aid war workers, service has broadened so that office has become a general housing bureau. Basing its figures on local buildings reports Jan. 1, 1915-June 30, 1919, Sunday Call has estimated that Newark has shortage of 3,000 homes. See also Apartments. Indeterminate Sentence: See Prison Reform. Industrial Expositions: See Exhibitions. Industrial Schools: See Boys' Vocational School; Girls' Vocational School; Technical School. Industry: Added celluloid to the world's products; built first locomotive engine to travel up grade; leads in manufacture of umbrella frames. Produced first malleable cast iron; made first patent leather; is largest fine jewelry manufacturing centre; ranks 11th in U. S. in annual aggregate value of products. Ranks 1st in N. J. in number of wage earners, amount of capital invested in manufacturing, amount paid in wages to workers, and value of goods produced. Has one firm employing over 10,000 persons, 8 employing over 1,000, 19 employing over 500, 73 employing over 200, and 123 employing over 100 each. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR. 1. Stores and Factories:
2. Finance. Newark as a Financial Centre:
3. General Growth:
4. Factories:
Infantile Paralysis: Epidemic occurred during July, Aug. and Sept. 1, 1916. 1,360 cases with 363 deaths. Greatest number of cases reported week ending Aug. 12, 260. Highest prevalence under 5 years of age. Necessitated closing all-year and summer schools, July 19, 1916, and postponing the opening of fall sessions until Sept. 25. Influenza: Outset of epidemic apparent during last 4 days of Sept., 1918, when 435 cases were reported. Simultaneously a remarkable increase in pneumonia. Greatest daily number of influenza cases reported was 1,626, on Oct. 14. Most prevalent in Oct. but continued through Nov. and Dec. with a total of 29,269 cases of influenza and 3,853 cases of pneumonia. High prevalence was between 20 and 30 years. Total deaths, Oct.-Dec., 1918, were 1,354 from influenza and 829 from pneumonia. All public drinking places, theaters, churches, dance halls, billiard rooms and other public places of assemblage closed Oct. 10-22. Schools closed Oct. 11, reopened Oct. 28. Institute of Arts and Sciences, 367 High St. Incorporated 1910. Merging of Newark University Courses, given 1909, and College Extension Courses given for several years. To meet widespread demand for courses of university grade in Newark and nearby towns. Has co-operative support of New York University which supplies Institute with regular members of the N. Y. U. instructional staff. Credits courses taken for degrees in Washington Square College of N. Y. U. Italian Language: 3 year study course introduced at Barringer High School, Feb. 1, 1919. Jitneys: Or passenger auto-buses. First run in spring of 1916. 349 in operation July, 1919. Name originated in California, where a 5 cent piece, the fare, is commonly known as a "jitney".
Junior College: Established at South Side High School with 50 students Sept., 1918. Public school system thus extended to include the first two years of regular college course. Junior High Schools: Established at Robert Treat, Madison and Cleveland Schools, Sept., 1917. 9th grade, equivalent to 1st year high school, added to grammar course, with departmental system in 7th and 8th grades. Experiment of teaching modern languages as early as the 7th grade tried with success, 1919. Junior Museum Club: Founded June, 1916, by boy and girl delegates from 8B public school classes and members of the Irvington Museum Assoc., under leadership of Dr. Henry H. Rusby, of Newark, and the staff of the Newark Museum Assoc. Purpose: to collect and to study animals, insects, aquatic life, birds, botany, mineralogy, stamps and coins, electricity, photography, etc. Membership open to any boy or girl between 10 and 18 years of age. Affiliated with the Newark Museum Assoc. Headquarters, Public Library building. Juvenile Court: See Delinquent Children. Juvenile Delinquency: See Delinquent Children. Lectures, Public: 25 years ago, the lecture system was a feature of the evening schools, and continued as such, until 1906, when it was decided to have the lectures for the people given in school buildings, designated as lecture centers. In 1907 there were 15 lecture centers, including the First Presbyterian Church, the Free Public Library and 13 school buildings. During the season of 1907-08 there were 245 lectures with a total attendance of 105,210. For the season 1915-16 there were 30 centers and 400 lectures, with an aggregate attendance of 160,890. During the war period, 1917-18, the attendance decreased. Subjects treated in the lectures are history, patriotism, art, music, literature and geography. Many are illustrated by stereopticon views and a few by motion pictures. Musical programs have always proved popular. Library, Public: Building completed, March, 1901. Cost of building, $315,000; cost of land, $100,000. Architects, Rankin & Kellogg, Philadelphia. Number of books lent in 1904, 465,674. In 1911 the number passed the million mark and held it until, in 1918, the library's income was found to be inadequate, branch libraries were closed, and the number of books lent dropped, accordingly, 37%. Art Department and Picture Collection, which were getting well under way in 1904 and lent 3,000 pictures that year, now lend over 100,000 small pictures, photographs, lithographs and prints. These pictures are used by teachers in 36 different schools for classroom work; also by artists, designers, jewelers, newspapers and journals, advertising men and others in trades and professions, needing illustrative material. Barringer High School Branch. Opened, 1900, under management of Public Library. Management taken over by Bd. of Education and books purchased from the Public Library, 1915. Business Branch. First opened in 1904 at 16 Academy St., with a collection of directories and a general book collection. First public library of business literature and information for business men ever established. Similar branches have since been established by libraries of other large cities. During the 15 years it moved 4 times, always near the business center at Broad and Market Streets, and special development along business lines has been steadily carried on. Branch Libraries, General. Delivery stations were the Library's first attempt to reach people in sections distant from the main building. They were opened in drug stores at various centers as early as 1891 and were intended only for the collection and delivery of books borrowed by people in the neighborhood. Readers left their cards with a list of call numbers, taken from the old "finding list" or printed catalog. Requests were filled at the Library and books delivered to the station daily. In 1906, because of increased use, delivery stations were replaced by deposit stations. At these deposit stations, still operated in stores, the Library placed collections of several hundred books and continued the delivery system. When the lending of books outgrew deposit stations, branch libraries were the natural result. After branches were established, deposit stations were discontinued, Nov., 1914. From 1905 to 1915, seven general branches in rented stores and two school branches, were opened for the convenience of residents in neighborhoods two or more miles from the main library. All branches closed in 1918 because of insufficient funds to carry on the work, which had grown to large proportions. For notes about branches, see chronological "Story of the Branches", in pamphlet "The Roseville Branch", published 1917. Children's Books. The Children's Room at the Main Library always has a special collection of children's books to lend to children who live near enough to visit it. The branch libraries lent books also to children in their neighborhoods. The School Dept. sends to any teacher who wishes it, a school or classroom library of 25-40 books to lend to the children in her class. 400 or 500 of these libraries go into schools every year and 15,000 children read the books. Civil Service law in operation since Dec. 22, 1910. Fiction. Moved from the main Lending Room on 2nd floor to separate department on 1st floor Oct., 1912, for the convenience of borrowers. High School Room, on 1st floor of Main Library. Contains books on the required reading lists of the four high schools. Opened March 13, 1918, for convenience of high school students. The whole Library is open to them for general use as before. "The Library and the Museum Therein," first issued June 28, 1918. An eight page journal, illustrated, describing the activities and acquisitions of Library and Museum. Five numbers have appeared to date. Music collection added April, 1907. Over $500 raised by friends for nucleus of collection. "The Newarker", a "house organ", published "To introduce a City to itself and to its Public Library". Contained notices and articles on library activities and on local matters of public interest. Issued by the Library, Nov., 1911-Oct., 1915. Was taken over as news sheet of 250th Anniversary Committee of 100, Nov., 1915-Oct., 1916, and discontinued thereafter. North Lawn. $53,750 appropriated by Common Council for purchase of 25 ft. lot, May 8, 1906. Periodical Dept. Moved to 2nd floor corridor, Sept., 1918, for convenience of readers. Registration Dept. Special room for registering new borrowers, adults and children, and for general registration work; opened on 1st floor, Oct. 14, 1912. Put the clerical work of the Library in one place, under one head. Technical Dept., with books, magazines and pamphlets on trades and sciences, established Nov. 15, 1908. Time limit on the borrowing of books, extended from 2 weeks to 1 month, March, 1904. One of the first libraries in the country to do this. Lincoln Highway: Ocean-to-ocean highway from New York to San Francisco, named in honor of Abraham Lincoln. Formally opened in Jersey City and Newark, Dec. 13, 1913. Route through Newark: From city line east to city line south, on Old Plank Road, Ferry, Merchant, Lafayette, Broad, Clinton Ave., Astor St. and Frelinghuysen Ave. Section between Jersey City and Newark, formerly called Old Plank Road, now 100 ft. boulevard, cost $1,000,000. Turns marked by red, white and gold signs. Little Mother's League: Organized in Belmont Ave. School, May 10, 1915, with 46 members, and in Montgomery School, May 26, 1915, with 29 members. Under direction of Health Bd.'s Div. of Child Hygiene. Members, girls between 11 and 13 years of age, volunteer to help care for city's babies. Each member undertakes the care of one mother and baby in her own neighborhood, visits them once a week and reports at consultation meetings held in the schools. Since May, 1915, over 1,151 girls have received and given instruction in the care, feeding and management of babies. Lunches, Public School: Penny lunches served at Hawkins St. School, beginning Dec. 23, 1914. Average daily cost during first months, $1.80; average receipts, $1.51, and cost of free portions, 29 cents. Later provided in Lawrence and South St. schools. Medical History, Museum of: In 1916, steps were taken by Dr. W. S. Disbrow, then President of the Bd. of Health, to collect and exhibit "everything which would illustrate the history of medicine in our city, from its foundation". A large room on the top floor of the Bd. of Health Building, at 94 William St., was set aside for this purpose. Medical Inspection: Inaugurated in public schools, 1901, under joint control of Bd. of Education and Bd. of Health. Entire control passed to Bd. of Education, 1908-09. Originally organized as a means to control spread of contagious disease, activities have been enlarged to include all matters relating to the health of school children. In 1914 the number of school physicians was reduced from 38 to 8, and the number of nurses increased from 8 to 26. Public school clinic, 25 Market St., was opened April, 1916, and a trained psychologist added to the staff of experts, Feb., 1918. Medical inspection in parochial schools is carried on by Bd. of Health. Medical Library Association: Organized Nov. 18, 1905. The library is housed in and administered by Free Public Library. Memorial Tablets: See Tablets, Memorial Memorial Trees: See Trees, Memorial Mental Hygiene, Bureau of—Board of Health: Established May, 1919. Movement started by establishment of a psychopathic ward in City Hospital as early as 1908. Purpose is to provide a clearing house for cases of mental or nervous disorder and of defectives coming to attention of courts, charitable associations or other city agencies. Will study and contend against drug addiction, enforce prohibition, observe neuro-psychiatric cases among former soldiers and care of psychological cases in parochial schools. Mexican Border Uprising: First N. J. Regiment entrained for Sea Girt to prepare for border service, June 21, 1916. Milk Supply: Thoroughly supervised by Food and Drug Division of Board of Health, established 1913. Dairies and creameries are inspected and scored. Milk, except from exceptionally good dairies, must be pasteurized. Sale of unbottled milk prohibited by city ordinance, adopted Feb. 1, 1916. Present supply estimate is 100,000 quarts daily. About 25,000 less than 2 years ago. Decrease in quantity due to increased cost. 3 municipal depots, where milk is on sale at lowest possible price, opened by Mayor, Jan., 1919. Monuments: See Statues and Monuments Moving Pictures: First show licensed, Feb. 1, 1906, in 1919, 39. City ordinance under which "Shows and Exhibitions" are regulated, amended, 1910, to include moving picture houses. Municipal Christmas Trees: See Christmas Trees, Municipal Municipal Employment Bureau: See Employment Bureau, Municipal Municipal Exhibition: See Exhibitions Museum Association: Founded through the efforts of the members of the Fine Arts Commission, the Committee on Art and Science Collections, and John Cotton Dana, of the Public Library. Incorporated, April 29, 1909, with 50 elective trustees and 5 ex-officio trustees representing the city government and the Bd. of Education, by special act of N. J. Legislature. Established for the reception and exhibition of articles of art, science, history and technology and for the encouragement of the study of the arts and sciences. Rockwell Japanese Collection purchased for $10,000 and Museum formally opened in rooms in the Library lent by Library trustees, Feb. 24, 1910. With annual appropriations, collections, cases and equipment have been acquired, valued at over $100,000. Paintings, sculpture, pottery, glass, textiles, bronzes, American Indian material, models of the habitations of man, and many examples of art and industry. Collections also include over 3,000 objects lent to schools for classroom use. Systematic lending of objects. for classroom use began in 1914. In 5 years, 19,012 objects were lent. Largest number lent in one year, 1918, was 7,357. Disbrow Science Collections held in trust by the Library, were turned over to the Museum, 1912. Membership in the Museum Assoc. open to all. Dues paid used for maintenance of the collections and purchase of new objects. 10 or 12 special exhibitions are held each year in addition to permanent exhibitions of objects owned by the Museum. Admission, free. See also Exhibitions; Junior Museum Club; Medical History, Museum of. Music Festivals: First, held at 1st Regiment Armory, 1915. World-famous artists attracted thousands. Dates for the first and succeeding festivals, with the names of the leading soloists, follow: |