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Newspaper
Plainfield Record
Location
Plainfield, New Jersey, United States of America
Date
May 04, 1917
Page
4
A municipal budget hearing reveals poor public turnout and mixed reaction to proposed tax rates. Officials lament low citizen participation while residents complain about police, fire, and street department funding. The persistent gap between stated beliefs and actions fuels debate on municipal finance.
A local note explains Mothers Day, set for May 14, and urges Plainfield residents to honor mothers through visits letters gifts or tributes. The piece outlines the celebration as an international observance emphasizing kindness to mothers and family welfare.
The Common Council considers establishing a permanent building line on several streets to curb illegal sideline extensions that encroach on sidewalks and reduce property values. Widening plans would preserve future sidewalks on Front, Park, Somerset, and Grove streets, preventing further building forward creep and improving city streetscape.
Plainfield residents discuss a proposed food dictatorship led by a top Agriculture official. The piece cites rising bread prices, scarce flour, and warnings of wartime shortages. It links high costs to foreign actions and urges swift government action to boost acreage and stabilize prices. A separate note reports a false fire alarm on Spooner Avenue and South Second Street, with police hoping to catch the culprit.
Plainfield residents recall Civil War draft stir due to a new selective draft bill. The piece recounts Deputy Provost Marshal Morris’s rounds, riots at Elizabeth and surrounding counties, and wartime heroics including Dr. Frank W. Wesnatt and John North Goodwin. It notes policing, subterfuge, and the sharp memory of families torn by conscription.
The Post Office announces new windows and reallocation of divisions within the building. Evening collection will be forwarded at 9:96 and 1:20 and 2:00 trains will carry mail to New York and the East. Postmaster Hoagland details oak interior fittings and future hours for box collections and carrier routes. Winrow will vacate his route when Watchung avenue becomes the new depot with New Jersey Central bearing pouch transport costs.
A wage dispute pits journeymen barbers against bosses over rising wages likely to push prices up. A committee will meet Sunday to decide on better conditions including a minimum weekly wage, earlier closing times, and stricter morning starts. If talks fail, a strike is possible, with barbers ready to press demands despite potential price increases for patrons.
An mass meeting is planned at Debale's Hall under local direction to discuss the serious food question. Rev. Dr. Charles Haton of Water ing and other prominent members will discuss the site and record waste and those who will cultivate it.
WLAS' Minstrels will be presented at the Plainfield Theater by the Plainfield Lodge of Elks to aid dependents of soldiers. The show is set for Monday, June 4 with rehearsals starting tonight under the direction of William N. Rupyon.
A local report notes humor about the altered bread size and the shift to ten and fifteen cent loaves as flour prices surge. Bakers face criticism for price increases, with wholesale costs climbing on staples like oats salt and sugar, affecting both rich and poor as craft declines.
Leon Manetty of Fanwood was on a blacklist for trading with Germany and fell ill after the charge. With America entering the war and the blacklist lifted, his health reportedly improved and he began to recover. The case involved a ship cargo containing contraband and a legal dispute over damages.
The Jersey Journal celebrated its tenth year with a dinner in Jersey City. Present were current staff and former figures including M Dear business manager, Henry A Wise Weed, Joseph A Dear, Commissioner Hugh H Mara, and others from New York and New Jersey media.remarks honored past writers Archibald Firakley and Herbert Martin noted journalists who began careers at Phasel Courier News and Daily Fire.
A. G. Belknap, ex Ford Newark wholesale manager, launches a Ford agency at 417 Prycamore Street Plainfield. He brings Detroit mechanics for repairs and will showcase latest Ford models. The firm plans an exclusive building by August and invites locals to view new cars and services.
The American Nurses Association held its annual convention in Philadelphia with about 4000 attendees including Ruth Kenney Charitog Kathrys Knox Ete Humphrey and Eliasbeth Mien Humphrey acting as delegates. Sophia Scerpetts represented the Muhlenberg Alumnae Association and spoke on the Jacksonville General Hospital postgrad connection. The week-long event featured lectures and social events culminating in a trip to Valley Forge.
The Boy Scouts plan a large farm camp at Holly Park funded by a donation, to shelter about a hundred youths. P Robert Schmalla seeks applicants and outlines a 41 week spending stipend. Camp details, schedules, and camp staff are being arranged with Elizabeth assisting.
Vaudeville show at Platefield Theatre features The Tyler acrobatic act The Confection dramatic play by Tena Conpek Co Yates Wheeler lead the short vehicle Rose Botti Broadway prima donna performs with George De Lang last act The Three Charlottes singing and dancing act moving pictures shown
Arthur Huseitine donated four medals to the city police force to reward top marksman. The best improver will receive the first award, with the remaining medals awarded in order.
Congressman Capstick represents the Pitt District and has joined the committees on banking and currency. He serves as a notable member with influence over financial policy.
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