MATAWAN HOOK AND LADDER IN 1877

By John Lazar

DOLORES M. HANLEY

MAY 26, 1931 - JANUARY 17, 2023

92, OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

CLARISSA O. MCNAB

JUNE 16, 1944 - JANUARY 16, 2023

78 OF OCEAN TWP. ALL ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN THE CARE OF THE WAITT FUNERAL HOME

IRENE H. ABT

AUGUST 16, 1938 - JANUARY 15, 2023

84 OF MORGANVILLE, FUNERAL SERVICES WAS HELD ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023, 11:00

AM AT THE WAITT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE

LOUIS DELLA VOLPE, JR.

JUNE 26, 1956 - JANUARY 14, 2023

66 OF MONROE, OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

One of the most disastrous events in Matawan history that you never heard of occurred 122 years ago. This event was such big news that it made the front page of the New York Times. (The second time Matawan made the cover of the world’s most famous newspaper, the other being the Shark Attack of 1916).

In the early morning of January 27, 1901, a horrible fire broke out that destroyed the main business district in Matawan. The west side of Main Street between Spring and Summit Street was completely engulfed by the blaze. The entire block of six buildings was lost. It was later believed to be the work or arsonists, but no arrests were ever made. “Incendiaries were blamed for starting the fire” according the WPA 1936 Matawan Book.

Three separate fires broke out simultaneously around town and the people were thrown into a panicked frenzy. One newspaper wrote “women wept and prayed in the streets while men armed themselves with shotguns and patrolled in front of their properties. ”Matawan’s fire brigade was eventually able to subdue the blaze with the help from Keyport, who arrived with their truck just as the Matawan apparatus failed. Miraculously no deaths were reported. The loss of property totaled $100,000 ($3.6 million in today’s dollars). 11 businesses, a public hall and 3 family homes were lost. The damage and loss of life would’ve been much worse had it not been for the bravery of the Matawan Firemen. 122 years later, the Matawan Borough Fire Department still watches over our town, forever diligent and ready to respond when they are needed next. www.matawanhistoricalsociety.com