This Day in History: 1938-07-08

A convoy of 25 trucks passed through Mahwah on Route 2, now Route 17, carrying the first shipment of silver to the newly completed depository at West Point. Nearly twelve tons of silver were included in this first shipment, out of a total of $1,290,000,000 being shipped. The government contracted the job out to the Peter J. Mahey Trucking Company. They said that they were moving 5,000 bars a day and 3,500 on Sundays. It was estimated that it would take ten months to complete the contract. A coast guardsman armed with a rifle sat in the front with the driver of each truck and another in the rear. Police protection was given by each town as they passed through. The Mahey Company was to receive $157,000 for the job. (Bristow)