Milltown Historical Society: Discover Milltown's History

05/20/2026

Rest in peace Grandpa Guise.

https://obits.crabiel.com/george-guise?fbclid=IwdGRjcAR6AshjbGNrBHoCmGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtRAZfIgp2YclNGMi2AgBNoBJXq8Gl4rfZc81wGlnl5ZU1UHPjbg5_klMbhX_aem_149UQyLg3NGjA2UE1wtSxA

View George W. Guise's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/19/2026

We will all miss George Guise. He epitomized what we love about Milltown. Public servant, friend to all.

05/19/2026

📜 This Day in History: May 19, 1909

Who grew the best asparagus in Middlesex County? 🌱

In 1909, Milltown farmer James M. Parsons and John Edward Clark of Piscataway Township agreed to settle the question with an asparagus contest at the Mansion House. Proprietor Jean Brivoul was chosen as the umpire, and the loser had to buy the winner a new hat. 🎩

The article noted that interest was running high, with “reserved seats” already being requested. Both farmers were soon seen heading home to water their asparagus beds and help the “grass” grow faster. 😄

The same day, the W.C.T.U. of Middlesex County held its spring institute at the Milltown M.E. Church.
https://milltownhistoricalsociety.com/2025/05/19/this-day-in-history-may-19th-1909/

05/18/2026

📜 This Day in History: May 18, 1919

In 1919, architect and town planner H. M. Olmsted visited Milltown and saw “splendid possibilities” for the borough’s future. 🏘️🌳

He praised Milltown’s homes, gardens, civic pride, lake, waterfalls, Lawrence Brook, Main Street, and the potential for parks, street lighting, and beautification around the Michelin factory area. 🏞️💡

More than 100 years later, many of those same places still shape Milltown’s identity and remind us why local history matters. ❤️
https://milltownhistoricalsociety.com/2024/05/18/this-day-in-history-may-18th-1919/

05/18/2026

📜 This Day in History: May 17, 1913

A Milltown peddler learned that one license did not cover everything. Samuel J. Nochomowitz had paid $3.50 for a license to peddle dry goods with a hand basket, but was fined $5 and costs for selling vegetables from a horse and wagon without the proper license. 🐴🥕

The same day’s news also included church updates, local visitors, club news, and a major school improvement. Robert A. Harkins of Milltown was awarded the carpentry contract for a new school addition, while Marcus S. Wright of South River received the mason work contract. 🏫

Milltown Grange also received 10 applications for membership, and four new members were initiated into Star Council, Daughters of Liberty.

https://milltownhistoricalsociety.com/2025/05/17/this-day-in-history-may-17th-1913/

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05/16/2026

📜 This Day in History: May 16, 1916

A Milltown family had reason to rejoice when 13-year-old Joseph Kozer of South Main Street was found after being missing since April 28.

Joseph was discovered by Newark police and held until his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kozer, could be notified. They traveled to Newark and brought him home that Sunday. ❤️

https://milltownhistoricalsociety.com/2022/05/16/this-day-in-history-may-16th-1916/

05/16/2026

📜 This Day in History: May 16, 1918

On this day in Milltown history, plans were made to observe Memorial Day at Michelin Park with community singing, special solos, a patriotic address, and a service in the spirit of President Wilson’s proclamation during World War I. 🇺🇸

The event was organized by the Milltown Civic Celebration Committee, appointed by Mayor Christian Kuhlthau, with local residents, officials, and community groups helping make the program possible.

https://milltownhistoricalsociety.com/2023/05/16/this-day-in-history-may-16th-1918/

📣 Come see us today at History Day at East Jersey Old Town on River Road in Piscataway! Stop by, say hello, and learn more about Milltown’s history.

05/01/2026

🏆 This Day in History • Milltown Spelling Champion 🏆

Milltown’s top young speller, Willard Lindstrom, earned his place as school champion after winning three preliminary spelling bees held to determine the borough’s best competitor.

📚 Principal Mensch organized multiple contests to ensure Milltown sent its strongest representative.

✏️ Willard went on to represent Milltown at the Middlesex County spelling bee, competing against 31 top student spellers for county honors.

A proud moment in Milltown school history and a reminder that academic competition has long been part of our community. 🐝✨
https://milltownhistoricalsociety.com/2023/04/30/this-day-in-history-april-30th-1926/

04/30/2026

🌎 This Day in History • April 30, 1906 🌎

In 1906, Rutgers geologist W. S. Valiant made a remarkable claim: Milltown was the center of a geological movement slowly lifting land along the Atlantic coast.

⛰️ He suggested that if New Jersey ever experienced a major earth convulsion, Milltown could be near its center—though he stressed any dramatic change would be in the far distant future.

🌊 Valiant pointed to the Raritan River, noting its bed had risen over time, making waters once deep enough for large vessels much shallower.

A fascinating glimpse into how early scientists viewed Milltown’s place in the natural world.

The Post
https://milltownhistoricalsociety.com/2024/04/30/this-day-in-history-april-30th-1906/
The current geologic Map
https://milltownhistoricalsociety.com/2024/04/30/this-day-in-history-april-30th-1906/

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04/30/2026

Calling all Milltown history fans to visit us at Mill Pond Park to celebrate Earth Day, Milltown style. Kayacking, live music at 12:30, help clean up and beautify the park and the borough, learn about Earth friendly pollinators and recycling, and more. The Historical Society will be there with some cool displays, and we are also at the Milltown Museum. At the same time! It must be magic!