The Borough of Matawan had stone crosswalks on Main Street and Broad Street before the First World War. They were managed by the Streets Committee of the borough council. Besides the crosswalks, these articles include references to an ongoing project to extend Broad Street, as well as such things as the building of sidewalks, the addition of electric street lighting and the placement of trash cans along the road.
An excerpt from the editorial page in support of the poll tax mentions crosswalks:
"The poll tax is not a tax for the privilege of voting, as our Asbury Park contemporary would have its readers believe, and the tax is collectible by law whether the man votes or not.
There is no question but that the enforcement of the collection of the poll tax is unpopular. But the poll tax delinquent should be the last one to refuse to pay the $1 tax. This is the only direct tax that in most cases he is called upon to pay for the education of his children, the protection of the fire and police departments, the street lighting and public water services and the use of the streets and crosswalks."
(Source: 23 Nov 1911 edition of The Matawan Journal)
Reporting from the council's meeting circa 8 Jul 1913:
"The Street Committee was asked to secure estimates for laying crosswalks on Main Street."
(Source: 17 Jul 1913 edition of The Matawan Journal)
Reporting from the council's 12 Aug 1913 meeting:
"Mr Thompson for the Street Committee stated that he had not been able to get a bid for laying crosswalks, and Mayor Bedle said that E S Lupton offered to do the work, charging for the labor and stone at cost with 15 per cent added on the latter for his profit. The number of crosswalks had not been determined and Mr Thompson suggested that the number be ascertained and Mr Lloyd offered a motion that the bids be obtained after the number is determined. This was adopted."
(Source: 14 Aug 1913 edition of The Matawan Journal)
Reporting from the council's 10 Nov 1914 meeting:
"The Street Committee, through Chairman F R Thompson, reported crosswalks on Broad Street as having been fixed."
(Source: 12 Nov 1914 edition of The Matawan Journal)
Reporting from the council's 24 Nov 1915 meeting:
"Councilman S. C. Thompson for the Street Committee reported that Grigg's Street had been graded and graveled and the crosswalks repaired."
(Source: 25 Nov 1915 edition of The Matawan Journal)
Reporting from the council's 28 Mar 1916 meeting:
"The question of additional crosswalks on Main Street and new crosswalks was up for discussion. It was the opinion of all that something should be done and a motion prevailed that a conference with the Board of Freeholders regarding Main Street be arranged.
It was agreed that the present crossings are too low. An additional crossing was asked for the vicinity of Sanford's drug store. A motion was carried that the Street Committee go over the side streets and place crossings where they were deemed necessary."
(Source: 30 Mar 1916 edition of The Matawan Journal)
Reporting from the borough's 1916 annual report:
The Street Department paid E S Lupton $44.50 on 13 Oct 1916 for work related to crosswalks.
(Source: 5 Apr 1917 edition of The Matawan Journal)
Reporting from the council's 14 Aug 1917 meeting:
"For the Street Committee Chairman Woolley reported that the stone crosswalks had been removed from Main Street to Van Brunt & Son's property for storage and will later be used for crossing on Broad and other streets. Other work desired to have done was held in abeyance because of inability to get needed men." (Source: 16 Aug 1917 edition of The Matawan Journal)
Reporting from the council's 13 Nov 1917 meeting:
"Mr Woolley, for the Street Committee, reported that the crosswalks had been placed where ordered, so that those who have occasion to use them can do so in inclement weather with less discomfort."
Source: 15 Nov 1917 edition of The Matawan Journal)
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