By Al Shipley, City Historian and Rahway Library Research Consultant
By the time the United States Congress officially declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, Rahway, like so many other towns across the nation, was ready to mobilize its efforts to aid the state and federal authorities as they prepared for the impending conflict.
Patriotic spirit was high in Rahway and all elements of the community united in the common cause of winning the “war to end all wars.” A committee was appointed by Mayor Harry Simmons to formulate plans that could be adopted to aid the War Department in whatever way they might need. The mayor also pledged his support to open a recruiting office in town. Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops pitched in with other civic clubs by selling Liberty Bonds to individual citizens and groups in order to raise money to support the war. Citizens were asked to cultivate vacant lots throughout the city, and plant them with corn. A local Red Cross unit had been organized in 1916 and received the full cooperation of residents. A Red Cross War Campaign Fund was organized which raised over $10,000. Alstead Kennels, a local collie kennel, hosted the Collie Club of America’s annual show in Rahway with all proceeds going to the Red Cross. During the war, Red Cross volunteers would spend many hours knitting and rolling bandages to be sent overseas. A Women’s Motor Corps also proved to be of special value and service during the war. Motor Corps volunteers were taught to drive ambulances and trucks, lift and carry stretchers, and administer first aid.
As is the case with all wars, it was the young men who traded in their school clothes, their sports uniforms, their club outfits, and their business suits for military uniforms who were asked to contribute the most. In the course of America’s involvement in the war, which lasted almost two years, 572 Rahway men enlisted or were drafted into the armed services fulfilling the quota that was assigned to the city. Prior to being sent off to war, the local Army/Navy Committee bid the soldiers and sailors farewell and supplied each man with articles for his comfort and an American flag to be carried in his pocket. Michael Quinn, president of Quinn and Boden Book Manufacturing Company, made a pledge at a flag raising ceremony for plant personnel that “Any employee who answers his country’s call to fight against Germany need not fear for his dependents for this firm will see that none come to want during his absence.”
The war record of the Rahway boys who fought in World War I was aptly detailed in the July 8, 1919 issue of the Rahway Record. “The Rahway boys were everywhere in the midst of the great events that terminated the war in favor of the Allies. In the first drive that was solely performed by American troops at Cantigny, Rahway boys went over the top. In the various enemy raids made in different sectors, Rahway boys were there to repel them. At Chateau Thierry and Beleau Woods they conducted themselves in a manner equal to the best American traditions. In the offensive attack on the town of St. Mihiel and the terrible battles that followed each other so swiftly in the Argonne woods and which finally broke the backbone of the German army, the Rahway boys were in the thickest of these frays. In the air service, on the submarines and submarine chasers, with the battleships and all other forms of naval service, in the signal corps, hospital, medical, supply, cavalry, artillery, engineers, in fact, all branches of military service saw the Rahway boys fighting their best for Uncle Sam and they contributed their full share to the success of the Allied cause.”
The war ended on November 11, 1918 and on July 4 of the following year, the city held a Victory Day Celebration to honor the soldiers, sailors, and marines who had served in the war. The festivities included flag presentations, a large parade, a dinner for the servicemen at the Empire Theater, a presentation of medals at Riverside Park (Veterans’ Field), and a block dance on Main Street.
Of the many men who went overseas, thirteen made the Supreme Sacrifice for their country. Corporal John J. Mulvey, Infantry, was the first Rahway soldier to be killed in action at the Battle of the Marne, France.
The other twelve heroes include Private John F. Burt, Second Lieutenant Henry W. Cleary, Private Kenneth Conover, Private Mariano D’Angelo, Private George K. Ditmars, Private James Healy, Private William B. Howard, Private Phillip O. Lamacchia, Private John B. Miller, Sergeant Edgar W. Rowley, Private Timothy Sachrobosky, and Private George J. Zirwee.
(above) Many of the Rahway boys who served gathered at Riverside Park during the Victory Day Celebration to receive special commemorative medals given by the city. The banner shows eleven stars for the men who gave their lives for their country. Two more stars would be added for the two soldiers whose deaths were not yet confirmed when the tribute took place.
