Westville, NJ

WILLIAM A. WATSON

Mayor W.A. Watson was sworn into office as Westville's first Mayor on June 1, 1914. He served a term which ended December 31, 1916. Serving under his leadership were Councilmen Edward Ristine, W.A. Sheppard, F.M. Heckmen , A.M. Plummer, R.M. Crawford and Mr. Ristine were replaced in 1916 by Mr. O.J. Humes and Mr. H.C. Hopper. Edward Ristine served as Council President through 1915 and was replaced by Mr. A. M. Plummer in 1916;

W.B. Atkinson - Clerk
W.H. Lawrence - Assessor
J.W. Paratt - Collector
S.P. Newsham - Recorder
Delmore Rolison - Marshal
F.A. Ellender - Constable
John C. Remington, Jr. - Engineer
Kates & Burling - Solicitors

The Borough deposited their funds in The First National Bank of Westville, and all legal notices appeared in "The Gloucester County Democrat." During this time period the annual municipal budgets ranged from $8,630.00 to $9,345.00. Council meetings were held on 2nd and 4th of each month in 1914 and 1915, but only on the 4th Tuesday of each month in 1916. In 1914, the Westville Board of Health was formed; the Delaware & Atlantic Telegraph & Telephone Company erected poles and wires along the Borough's streets, while Public Service provided electricity; Hazel Avenue was dedicated; and a railroad spur, complete with flagman, was installed between the main line and Campbell Soup (now Coastal). In 1915, railroad crossing signs were installed on the "new" spur and a bell was installed at the crossing in South Westville (now Olive Street). A petition was presented to Mayor and Council to open Olive Street from Brook's line (now Boundary Lane) to Glassboro Road (now Delsea Drive). Patterson Street had a name change to New Street. Metal street signs, blue with white enamel letters, were installed throughout town for the first time. In 1916 there was a CLEAN UP WEEK during the month of June, and sidewalks and curbs were installed in the "Victoria" section of town. Cigar smoke was so thick at the Council meetings, that a ventilator had to be installed in the Borough Hall.