This Day in History: 1935-02-21

Nearly all the members of the Mahwah Chapter of the Citizens Welfare Association of Bergen County, accompanied by the county officers stormed the Township Committee meeting to demand that Mahwah apply for relief funds for the unemployed.  Speaking for the group, County Chairman James Gibbons, insisted that gaining a state grant would more than double the benefit received by the needy families and might lower local taxes.  In what was reported as a “forceful presentation” he stressed the needs of the poor in Mahwah and stated that even if the Township did not apply for the grant, they were still helping to pay for grants to other communities.  Gibbons also stated that as soon as relief payments total the local relief pay for twelve hours of work, the recipient must begin to pay back by working.  He mentioned such useful work as repairing the roads and cleaning sidewalks as things which would be helpful to the community and beneficial to the men and their families.  Chairman Devine pointed out that Mahwah was the only municipality not on the state aid list to receive surplus food for distribution here.  Gibbons stressed the great benefits which his organization had helped win for neighboring Allendale.  The Committee took the suggestions under advisement.  The Mahwah chapter had been in existence for about 1 1/2 months.  W. Gesner was the President.  The other officers were David Winter, Francis Fitzgerald, Sherilan Conklin.  Meetings were held every Monday in the Town Hall.

(Bristow)