Motorcycle Polo: The Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club
The Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club — William Raube, 7th player from left, on motorcycle
Introduction
Motorcycles arrived in Camden about the same time automobiles did, and were quite popular. By 1919 there were dealerships in the city. In the 1910s William Heckenhorn operated a Harley-Davidson dealership at 1246 Haddon Avenue. One of his employees was Frank DeViney, who in 1923 opened a Harley dealership of his own, the successor to William Heckenhorn’s operation. DeViney located his shop at 1124–1126 Kaighn Avenue, where he had a sales, parts, and service operation. He sold motorcycles to the general public and to local police departments.
One of DeViney’s first acts upon opening his business was to found the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club, which engaged in touring, racing, and hill-climbing events throughout South Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. The club also fielded a team in the Eastern Motorpolo League, which competed in the sport of motorcycle polo, also known as motoball.
Considering the helmet technology of the late 1920s and early 1930s could not have been all that hot, it seems amazing that such a sport would be able to retain healthy riders, let alone become popular or attract a fan base, but it apparently did for a few years. Besides the Camden club, the league featured teams from Millville, Atlantic City, Trenton, Metuchen, Jamesburg, Philadelphia and Reading PA. There was another Camden team also, known as the Red Hearts.
Besides DeViney, the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s team included Bill Gommel, Walter Norris, William Raube, Bruce Saunders, Lou Ellis, Charley Ellis, Clayton Albertson, Freddy Gagliardi, Walt Norris, C. Wentzel, Freddie Gomba, and men only known by their last names: Altesleben, Falone, Lombardo, Garriardi, Sherttuck, Oilinger, L. Lewis, and Ostrow.
While motorcycle polo basically died out in these parts, the sport has remained popular in Europe, and is played to this day.
Photos
Left to right: Bill Gommel, Frank DeViney, unknown, unknown — Photo dates most likely from 1928–1931
Camden Poloists Tie Philadelphia Rivals
Camden Courier-Post —
In one of the most thrilling motorcycle games ever played in this locality, the Camden Motorcycle Club’s polo five battled through four periods to tie Philadelphia, 6-6, yesterday at Watsontown.
Camden was forced to come from behind to deadlock the score as the invaders got away to a commanding lead by shooting the ball through the Camden goal posts twice in the opening period. The Philadelphians added one more in the third, while Camden scored once in each of the last three periods.
Wollin and Wolverton starred for the invaders, while L. Ellis and Gummel did the best work for Camden.
Camden — Philadelphia W. Norris … right guard … D. Wollin C. Ellis … left guard … K. Higgins W. Gummel … right center … D. Grexory L. Ellis … left center … S. Pedrick C. Wentzel … goal tender … L. Wolverton Camden — 0 2 2 2—6 Philadelphia — 4 0 2 0—6 Goals—Wollin, 2; Wolverton, Philadelphia. C. Ellis, L. Ellis, W. Gummel, Camden.
Camden Trips Philly in Motorcycle Match
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden defeated Philadelphia in a motorcycle polo match yesterday afternoon on the Silver Lake grounds, White Horse pike, an extra period being necessary to decide the issue.
With the score tie at two goals apiece, the Camden cyclers got busy and scored two more points in the overtime session to cop the honors.
Next Sunday, Camden meets the Red Harts, also a Camden team, on the Silver Lake field. The Camden team has only been defeated twice since its organization in 1923.
Motorpoloists to Play Title Scrap Tomorrow
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Motorcycle Club will oppose [t]he Red Hearts in the weekly motor-[c]ycle polo contest at Watsontown to-[m]orrow. The game will start at [3] p. m.
Tomorrow’s game is expected to be [a] hummer as great rivalry exists between the contestants. It is a championship tilt and as the teams are deadlocked for first place, the bugs are certain to witness some daring riding on the part of the players who will battle to the limit in an effort to cop the fracas and take the league lead.
The game has become popular with sports fans in this locality and the crowds are increasing weekly. Thrills are furnished at every stage of the contests as the riders are among the best in the East.
Alcyon Park Opens for Season Memorial Day
Camden Courier-Post —
1929
MOTORCYCLE POLO GAME AFTERNOON FEATURE OF DAY’S PROGRAM
GRAND DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS AT 10 P. M. SHARP—PARK OPEN DAY AND NIGHT AFTER MAY 30
Alcyon Park, South Jersey’s famous picnic ground, will open for the season tomorrow, Memorial Day, Thursday, May 30, with “Wash” Carr again in charge for the company.
A feature of the afternoon program will be the Motorcycle Polo Game between Camden and Philadelphia at 3:30. The line-ups of the two teams:
Philadelphia Motorcycle Sporting Club—L. Ellis, C. Ellis, W. Gummel, F. Gumba, W. Norris, L. Sanders. Camden Red Heart Motorcycle Club—H. Bowker, J. Williams, A. Williams, R. Cox, R. Rauba, G. Kirchner.
If the weather permits, a big crowd is expected to witness this thrilling game for the small admission price of 25c. Children under 12, free. Parking space will be provided free. Game called at 3:30 P. M.
The teams that have the best league record at the end of the season, December 1, will be declared the Eastern Champions, and will play the California title winners.
(Continued on Page Seven)
INFORMATION ON THE GAME
Motorcycle polo is played with five players on each side.
The game is played in four fifteen-minute quarters with a five-minute rest between quarters and ten minutes between the half.
The object of each team is to kick the ball through their opposing side goal posts, thereby scoring a field goal.
Only one player on each team is permitted to touch the ball with his hands and then only when the ball is in the goal circle which is a 35-ft. semi-circle at the goal posts—these players are called Goal Tenders.
When the ball is cornered or tied in the field it is the duty of the referee to put the ball in play but within the goal circle the referee must let the players fight it out among themselves.
When the ball is kicked out of bounds it is again put in play by the linemen who are stationed on the side lines.
A foul is called when a player touches the ball with his hands or a player should carry the ball. A call foul allows the opposing team a free kick—if the ball passes between the goal posts it scores one point. A goal scores two points.
NEW GAME IN EAST
The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin on May 22, commenting on Motorcycle Polo in the East, says: “A new game for this part of the country is gripping New Jersey. It is motorcycle polo, and the men who ride the iron horses must be regular boys with sinews of steel.
“For sixty minutes there is action and also a roar that increases proportionately with the speed of the motorcycles.
“A league has been formed and Philadelphia is represented by two teams, the Ramblers and the Motor Cycle Club. Camden also has two teams, the Motorcycle Sporting Club and the Red Hearts. Trenton, Princeton, Atlantic City and Baltimore complete the league.”
FIREWORKS AT NIGHT
The park management announces there will be a grand display of fireworks on Memorial Day night at 10 o’clock sharp.
Alcyon Park will be open every day and night after Memorial Day. Picnic Associations, Industrial Companies, Lodges and Outings of all kinds catered to. Picnic ground, ball ground, tables and benches free, plenty of shelter in time of storm. Everybody welcome.
PROMOTED GAMES
Robt. M. Fisher, of this borough, is promoting this first Motorcycle Game in Gloucester County at Alcyon Park or Memorial Day, and is said to have promoted the first automobile race in the State of New Jersey at Alcyon Park on October 22, 1910.
Robt. M. Fisher, Promoter for Motorcycle Game at Alcyon Park.
Robt. M. Fisher — Promoter of the First Motorcycle Polo Game in Gloucester County
Camden Courier-Post —
ROBT. M. FISHER — Promoter for Motorcycle Polo Game at Alcyon Park.
Information on the Game
Camden Courier-Post —
Motorcycle polo is played with five players on each side.
The game is played in four fifteen-minute quarters with a five-minute rest between quarters and ten minutes between the half.
The object of each team is to kick the ball through their opposing side goal posts, thereby scoring a field goal.
Only one player on each team is permitted to touch the ball with his hands and then only when the ball is in the goal circle which is a 35-ft. semi-circle at the goal posts—these players are called Goal Tenders.
When the ball is cornered or tied in the field it is the duty of the referee to put the ball in play but within the goal circle the referee must let the players fight it out among themselves.
When the ball is kicked out of bounds it is again put in play by the linemen who are stationed on the side lines.
A foul is called when a player touches the ball with his hands or a player should carry the ball. A call foul allows the opposing team a free kick—if the ball passes between the goal posts it scores one point. A goal scores two points.
At Alcyon Park
Camden Courier-Post —
At Alcyon Park — June 30, 1929
Big plans have been made for the celebration of July Fourth at Alcyon Park. All amusements will be free from 10:30 to 11:15 A. M. for children 15 and under. A feature of the afternoon program is the motorcycle polo game, Philadelphia vs. Camden, at 2:30. Mule race immediately after the game. Admission to all, 25c; grandstand, 15c.
Mr. Robert M. Fisher, promoter of these race events at Alcyon Park, has received a number of letters congratulating the park management for booking a motorcycle game on July 4th. The following letter from President W. H. Norris, of the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club, gives the lineups of the two teams participating in the game:
Camden, N. J., June 29, 1929. Mr. Fisher:—In regards to polo game to be played at Alcyon Park on July 4th, I would like to state it will be the fastest and best game ever played in South Jersey. The Philadelphia Motorcycle Club is one of the best polo teams in the league. Any team playing the Philadelphia Polo Team has to be up to the minute at all times.
The Philadelphia team will have such stars as Capt. Al. Higgins, Dixie Wolin, Bill Gardner, Sam. Pedrick, Jules Horkey, Ike Peters, Bill Mills. Motorcycle Sporting Club will have the strongest team it has ever placed on a polo field. They will be led by Capt. L. Ellis, who will use such players as Bill Gummel, L. Sanders, C. Ellis, Freddie Gomba, R. Rauba, Walt Norris, with their star coal tender, C. Wentzel.
Wentzel has the name of being the best goal-tender playing polo today. I feel sure that the public attending this game on July 4th, at Alcyon Park, will see one of the best games ever played on a polo field, as both teams are out to win.
W. H. Norris, President Motorcycle Sporting Club of Camden
Four-Day Grange Fair at Alcyon Park, August 21 to 24
Camden Courier-Post —
HON. DAVID H. AGANS, MASTER NEW JERSEY STATE GRANGE, TO SPEAK
Frank H. Stewart to Talk on “Historic Gloucester County”—Many New Features This Year
The Granges of Gloucester county will hold their thirty-sixth annual fair at Alcyon Park for four days, from Wednesday, August 21, to Saturday, August 24, inclusive. The committee, of which Chas. H. Brown is chairman, and E. Arlington Jones, secretary, has announced a special program and a number of new features for the entire fair. The picnic will be conducted on standard time.
There will be exhibits of poultry, cattle, swine, farm produce, woman’s work, machinery, manual training work, trucks, heaters, tractors, automobiles, radios, electrical devices of various kinds, etc.
Other features will include twilight vaudeville in front of the grandstand on Thursday and Friday.
Motorcycle polo game will take place on Thursday, when Camden will meet the Philadelphia team. On Saturday the motorcycle polo attraction will be Camden vs. Red Hearts.
Motion pictures will be held at 7:30 P. M. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Band concerts will be held day and night.
Keep Your Eye on Alcyon Park
Camden Courier-Post —
Big Program for Labor Day Monday, September 2, 1929
All Amusements FREE from 10 to 11 A. M.
Motorcycle Polo, 2:30 P. M. Camden vs. Millville Admission 25c—Autos Free
GRAND DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS 10 O’Clock Sharp
G. W. Carr, Manager for the Company.
Cyclists in Polo Battle at Watsontown Today
Camden Courier-Post —
Cyclists in Polo Battle at Watsontown Today — October 6, 1929
Two thousand persons are expected to attend the motorcycle polo contest between the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club and Atlantic City at Watsontown this afternoon.
The contest will be a championship game of District No. 6, League of the American Motorcycle Association, with Camden seeking to avenge a defeat from the shore aggregation last Spring.
The Camden team includes Charles and Lewis Ellis, William Gommel, Harry Raub, Lewis Saunders and Walter Norris.
Camden Cyclists Defeat Shore Five
Camden Courier-Post —
Come From Behind to Win Eastern League Motorcycle Match, 10-5
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club defeated Atlantic City, 10-5, yesterday when the teams clashed in an Eastern League motorcycle polo match at Watsontown.
Camden clinched the match by a comfortable margin by scoring another quartet of goals in the final period.
Atlantic City was awarded a point in the third when Camden committed a foul.
Lou Saunders and Charley Ellis each accounted for four of Camden’s markers, while Harry Raub netted the ball twice. Bill Lafferty was the invaders’ star. He scored four of the visitors’ goals. Tony Rajau, who played a brilliant defensive game for Atlantic City was knocked unconscious in the second period when he collided with one of the Camden players, but resumed play.
The victory enabled Camden to tie Atlantic City for the league lead. Each club now has won six games and lost one.
Lineups Camden — Atlantic City Ellis — Rajau Gommell — Lafferty Saunders — Walsh Raub — Shrewsburg Garriardi — Walsh Substitutions—Camden: Albertson for Gommell; Norris for Raub.
Camden Polo Club Defeats Ramblers
Camden Courier-Post —
Local Motorcyclists Win 8-7 Encounter; Saunders and Linsley Feature
Before a crowd of about 3000 motorcycle polo enthusiasts, the Camden Motorcycle Polo Club defeated the Philadelphia Ramblers, 8-7, in a thrilling District No. 6 match yesterday at Watsontown.
It was the third victory in four starts for Camden and enabled the local cyclists to remain in a deadlock for the league lead along with Atlantic City. Both teams now show a record of three wins against a single loss.
Yesterday’s contest was a bitterly fought struggle and was featured by exceptionally daring riding and frequent spills. However, Camden showed a slight edge in every department and held the lead throughout. The locals scored a field goal in each of the four periods, while the Ramblers accounted for field goals in the three closing periods and also tallied a foul goal in the second quarter.
Lou Saunders was the outstanding offensive star for Camden, scoring in both the second and fourth quarters. Bill Gommel tallied Camden’s first goal in the opening period, and Charlie Ellis added another in the third period.
Tom Linsley was particularly brilliant for the Ramblers, accounting for all of the invaders’ seven points.
Camden Ramblers
Sherttuck Gommell
Oilinger Saunders
L. Ellis Linsley
C. Ellis Shaaffar
Raub McDonald
Norris
Albertson
Score by periods:
Camden 2 2 2 2—8
Ramblers 0 3 2 2—7
Local Cycle Team Cinches Polo Title
Camden Courier-Post —
Saunders Stars as Camden Beats Philadelphia in Overtime Match, 4-2
Camden won — Lost — P.C. Camden 9 1 .900 Atlantic City 6[?] 1 .8[?]7 Philadelphia, M. C. 3 3 .500 Trenton 2 5 .285 Philadelphia Ramblers 1 4 .200 Princeton 1 8 .111
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s polo team virtually clinched the championship of District No. 6, American Polo League, yesterday, when it nosed out Philadelphia Motorcycle Club, 4-2, in an overtime match played on the Watsontown field.
It was the ninth victory in ten starts for the locals and Atlantic City must win its remaining three games in order to tie for the title. Lou Saunders’ daring riding produced the winning goal in the extra period, the Camden ace scoring after the teams had finished the regulation period of play at 2-all. He also accounted for Camden’s goal in the second quarter, while Pedrick scored Philadelphia’s lone tally in the same period.
The game was featured by hard, fast riding and frequent spills occurred from start to finish. Saunders was the outstanding star for the locals, while Pedrick stood out for the visitors.
Camden — Philadelphia Saunders F — Higgins C. Ellis F — Gardner Gommell F — Peters L. Lewis F — Hickey Raub G — Dorsey Norris G — Wolverton Galardi G — Pedrick Score by periods: Camden — 0 2 0 0 2—4 Philadelphia — 0 2 0 0 0—2
Camden Motor Poloists Open Season Tomorrow
Camden Courier-Post —
Motorcycle Polo Club of Camden, 1929 champions of District No. 6, Eastern League, will prepare for the opening league season next Sunday by playing an exhibition game with Millville Motorcycle Club tomorrow on the Watsontown field. The game is scheduled to start at 3 p. m.
Camden’s starting lineup will comprise Lou Sanders, Charley and Lou Ellis, Bill Gommell and Clayton Albertson. Freddy Galardi, William Raub and Walt Norris. Millville’s opening five will consist of Paul and Everett Barris, P. Sappelo, B. Benvichio and J. Varisvi. The reserves are F. Alteslaben and Angelo Mancusi.
The locals, who won nine out of ten games to win the championship of this district last season, open the 1930 campaign next Sunday in opposition to Philadelphia.
Camden Motor Poloists Battle Millville Today
Camden Courier-Post —
Motorcycle Polo Club of Camden, 1929 champions of District No. 6, Eastern League, will prepare for the opening league season next Sunday by playing an exhibition game with Millville Motorcycle Club today on the Watsontown field. The game is scheduled to start at 3 p. m.
Camden’s starting lineup will comprise Lou Sanders, Charley and Lou Ellis, Bill Gommell and Clayton Albertson. Freddy Galardi, William Raub and Walt Norris. Millville’s opening five will consist of Paul and Everett Barris, P. Sappelo, B. Benvichio and J. Varisvi. The reserves are F. Alteslaben and Angelo Mancusi.
The locals, who won nine out of ten games to win the championship of this district last season, open the 1930 campaign next Sunday in opposition to Philadelphia.
Rain Fails to Halt Motor Polo Scrap
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Downs Millville by Count of 11-3 on Mud-Soaked Field
Rain did not dampen the ardor of the members of the Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s polo team to open the season yesterday on the Watsontown field.
Despite the fact that the field was a sea of mud, the Camden cyclists insisted upon going through with their scheduled exhibition game with Millville and demonstrated that they were just as proficient as they are on a dry field by defeating the Cumberland County five by a score of 11-3. Plenty of spills characterized the contest, which was witnessed by a large crowd.
Camden, which won the championship of Division No. 6, Eastern League, last year, scored in every period but the fourth. Lou Ellis accounted for a field goal in the first chukker. He added another early in the second, while Lou Sanders also contributed a two-pointer before the close of the stanza. Sanders added another field goal in the third and Walt Norris accounted for a field and a foul goal.
John Varisio scored Millville’s three points through the medium of a field goal in the second quarter and a foul goal in the third period.
Line-Ups Millville — Camden Varisio — Sanders Banveshio — O. Ellis Sapello — L. Ellis P. Bower — Albertson E. Bower — Galardi Score by periods— Millville — 0 2 1 0—3 Camden — 2 4 5 0—11 Field Goals—Camden: Ellis, 2; Sanders, 2; Norris, 1. Millville: Varisio, 1. Foul goals—Camden: Norris, 1. Millville: Varisio, 1. Substitutions—Camden: Raub and Norris. Millville: Batchelor and Mancus[?].
Camden Is Winner of Motor Polo Tilt
Camden Courier-Post —
Gommell and Garlardi Score in Overtime Period to Beat Philadelphia, 8-4
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club, last year’s champions of District No. 6, Eastern League, opened the 1930 season in impressive fashion yesterday on the Watsontown field by booting its way to an 8-4 victory over Philadelphia in an extra period game.
Field goals by Bill Gommell and “Gumba” Garlardi in the extra period accounted for the locals triumph as the clubs finished the regulation period of play on even terms at four points each. It was a bitterly contested game and there was little to choose between the rival booters during the first four chukkers.
However, in the overtime session, Camden displayed its best teamwork of the game with the result that Gommell and Garlardi each kicked a field goal through the Philadelphian’s net. While Gommell and Garlardi were the stars of the extra session, the work of Lou Sanders kept Camden in the running during the regulation game. He scored both of the locals’ field goals, netting one in each the first and second quarters. Bill Mills scored Philadelphia’s first field goal in the second period, while Jules Horky accounted for the visitors’ second and last goal in the third chapter.
More than 3000 fans lined the field and were treated to a spectacular exhibition, which was featured by frequent spills.
Camden — Philadelphia Sanders — Higgins L. Ellis — Horky Gommell — Mills Garlardi — Wolen Raub — Buckman Philadelphia — 0 2 2 0—4 Camden — 2 2 0 0 4—8 Field Goals Camden: Sanders, 2; Gommell, 1; Garlardi, 1. Philadelphia: Mills, 1; Horky, 1. Substitutions—Camden: Alber[?]; Norris. Philadelphia: Dorsey; Schaeffer.
Camden Downs Trenton in Motor Polo Tussle
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s polo team, champions of District No. 6, Eastern League, traveled to Trenton yesterday to down the capital city booters in an exhibition game by a score of 4-2.
It was the third win in as many starts for Camden, which defeated Millville in an exhibition game last Sunday and also upset Philadelphia in its first league game two weeks ago. Lou Sanders and Bill Gommell each accounted for one field goal for the locals, the former scoring in the first period and the latter coming through with what proved to be the winning goal in the third. Neuls scored Trenton’s lone field goal in the final chukker.
Camden meets Trenton in a league contest next Sunday on the Watsontown field.
Camden — Trenton Sanders — Darling Ellis — Fulmer Gommell — Katoney Garlardi — Graeff Raub — Kay Score by periods: Camden — 2 0 2 0—4 Trenton — 0 0 0 2—2 Field Goals—Camden: Gommell, 1; Sanders, 1. Trenton: Neuls, 1. Substitutes—Camden: Norris and Lister. Trenton: MacPherson, Scribner and Neuls.
Rodeo Meet Is Slated for Motorcycle League
Camden Courier-Post —
At a meeting of the District No. 6 Eastern Motorcycle Polo League last night it was decided that members of the circuit will combine forces in staging a motorcycle rodeo meet which will be held on June 15 at Buena, N. J.
The teams which were represented at the meeting here last night were Camden, one of the three undefeated leaders in the league, Millville, Trenton, Philadelphia Ramblers, Middlesex, Reading and P. M. C. of Phila.
The events listed for the meet are: surprise event; polo kicking; polo kicking for distance; pony express ride using three machines; relay races including four men to a team; package deliver race; tilting contest for side cars; trick and fancy riding; plank ride; balloon busting contest and pursuit race.
Camden Beats Trenton Motorpolo Scrap
Camden Courier-Post —
[Camden] Motorcycle continued to re[tain its] slate in District No. 6, [Mot]orpolo League, by defeat[ing Trenton], 7-0, on the Watsontown [fiel]d.
[Trenton] held the locals to one goal in the first half, but Camden came on in the final half to score two in the third period and two in the [fourth] chukker. Lou Saunders [netted f]ield goals, Raub scored one and Galardi accounted for Camden’s [fin]al goal.
Local Cycle Club Keeps Slate Clean
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Cyclists Score Easy Victory Over Metuchen Club, 14 to 2
Watsontown, May 5.—The Motorcycle Sporting Club of Camden kept their slate clean yesterday and at the same time maintained its hold on first place in the circuit comprised of teams representing the sixth district of the American Motorcycle Association when it easily defeated the Metuchen Club by the score of 14 to 2.
The Camden Club outplayed the visitors in every period except the last. The game was filled with thrills and fast riding from start to finish. Lew Ellis, Camden’s goalie, kept the Metuchen team’s score down by exceptional saves at the net.
Walt Norris was Camden’s star by kicking two field goals and one foul goal for a total of five points, while Bill Raube was a close second with four points on a pair of field goals. Others who scored for the winners were Clayton Albertson, Lew Sander and Bill Gummell. Johnny Stropki scored the only field goal for the losers.
Metuchen — 0 0 0 0 2—2 Camden — 6 1 7 0 x—14 Field goals—Norris, 2; Raube, 2; Sander, Albertson, J. Stropki. Foul goals—Norris, Gummell.
Camden Cyclists Continue Streak
Camden Courier-Post —
Local Motorpolo Team Drops Trenton, 6-5, in Extra Period to Win 4th in Row
Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s motorpolo team continued its unbroken string of victories by defeating Trenton, 6-5, on the Watsontown field, yesterday.
It was the fourth straight victory for the locals and enabled them to clamber into first place in District No. 6, Eastern Polo League, as previous to the game, Trenton was tied for the leadership with Camden.
The capital city cyclists forced the locals to the limit before going under. The regulation period ended with the score knotted at 4-all, but Bill Gommell iced the fuss for Camden by booting a field goal in the extra-period. MacPherson scored a foul for Trenton to whittle down Camden’s lead at the finish to a single point.
Gommell was the offensive star for Camden, with two field goals, while MacPherson stood out for Trenton. He scored one field goal and one foul goal.
Camden — Trenton W. Norris — Katoney Raub — Darling Ellis — Kory Gommell — MacPherson Albertson — Schribner Score by periods: Trenton — 1 2 0 1 1—5 Camden — 3 0 0 1 2—6 Field goals—Camden: Gommell, 2. Trenton: MacPherson, 1; Kory, 1. Foul goals—Camden, Norris, 2; Trenton, MacPherson, 1. Substitutions—Camden, Saunders, Galardi; Trenton, Downs.
Camden Takes Lead in Motorpolo Loop
Camden Courier-Post —
Beat Philadelphia Ramblers, 10-5, to Go First in Eastern League, No. 6
Showing its best form of the year, Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club’s polo team administered a sound trouncing to the Philadelphia Ramblers on the Watsontown field yesterday to take undisputed possession of first place in the Eastern Motorpolo League, District No. 6. The final score was 10-5.
Prior to the start of the game, the clubs were tied for first place, each having won four and lost one. Camden virtually won the hard-riding contest in the opening quarter, when two field goals by Gommell and one by Saunders accounted for six points. However, Raub boosted the locals’ total to eight points by scoring a field goal in the second quarter, while Saunders added his second two-pointers in the final chukker.
The Ramblers’ five points were credited to Tinsley and Manson, each of whom scored a two-pointer in the final period, while Tinsley tallied a foul goal in the opening quarter.
Frequent spills and personal clashes featured the game, with Camden outriding the Philadelphians at every stage of the game but the final session.
The Lineups Philadelphia — Camden Manson — Saunders Tinsley — Gommell Kaney — Garlardi McConnell — Raub Welden — Ellis Score by periods: Philadelphia — 1 0 0 4—5 Camden — 6 2 2 0—10 Field goals—Saunders, 2; Garlardi, 1; Raub, 1; Tinsley, 1; Manson, 1. Foul goals—Tinsley, 1. Substitutions—Camden: Albertson, Norris; Philadelphia, West.
Millville Loses to Local Cyclists
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Motorpolo Team Beats Visitors, 8-3, to Finish With Clean Slate
Camden Motorcycle Club’s polo team finished the first half season schedule of the Eastern Motorpolo League, District No. 6, with a clean record, winning its eighth straight game by downing Millville, 8-3, on the Watsontown field, yesterday.
One of the largest crowds of the season saw the local speed kings boot their way to a rather easy victory. In fact, last year’s champions set a fast pace in the opening quarter and literally rode the visitors off their cycles. Camden accounted for five points in the first chukker to clinch the game.
Raub and Garlardi each scored a field goal in the opening canter, and Norris added a foul goal. The latter also kicked a penalty goal in the second period, while Albertson finished the scoring in the eighth by booting in a two-pointer. Mankus scored Millville’s first point on a foul kick in the first, and Bonnvechio tallied a twin-pointer shortly before the last period ended.
Line-Ups Millville — Camden [?]. Bowers — Saunders M. Bowers — Gommell Mankus — Ellis Hinvechio — Garlardi Ripley — Raub Score by periods: Millville — 1 0 0 2—3 Camden — 5 1 0 2—8 Field goals—Raub, Garlardi, Albertson and Norris. Foul goals—Norris, 2. Substitutions—Applicci, Albertson and Norris.
Camden Wins Again
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden won again at the Alcyon Park polo grounds on Decoration Day. Score: Camden, 10; Millville, 5.
The Camden Sporting Club and Motorcycle Polo Club are champions of the U. S.
There is talk of Camden vs. Trenton game for the Fourth of July.
Keep Your Eye on Alcyon Park
Camden Courier-Post —
Special Features July 4th
Motorcycle Polo Camden vs. Trenton Admission 25 cents — Autos Free
Swimming Races — Diving Contests — Boat Races
FIREWORKS 4th of July Nite, 10 O’Clock
There will be no fireworks Saturday night, July 5th. Fireworks display will be resumed Saturdays on and after July 12th.
Geo. W. Carr, Manager
Pitman Plans Big Fourth of July Celebration
Camden Courier-Post —
1930
Parade in Observance of 154th Anniversary of Independence
All-Day Programs Arranged By the Pitman Cottagers’ Association and at Alcyon Park
Pitman has planned a big Fourth of July celebration on the 154th anniversary of American Independence, today, Friday, July 4, in which the permanent and summer residents will participate. All-day programs have been arranged by the management of Alcyon Park and the Pitman Cottagers’ Association.
AT ALCYON PARK
Big plans have been made for the celebration of July Fourth at Alcyon Park. A feature of the afternoon program is the motorcycle polo game, Camden vs. Trenton, at 3 o’clock. Admission, 25c. Autos free.
Camden will meet the capital city polo team of Trenton. This will be one of the best games of polo ever played at the park. Both teams want to win this game. Camden played Trenton a league game, which was won by Camden 6-5, after playing five quarters. Trenton will have the same team that played in this game. Camden will have the team that won the championship of the No. 6 District Polo League for them. Lineups:
Trenton—Darling, Fulmer, Katoney, Graeff, Kay, Kory, MacPherson, Scribner.
Camden—Gummell, Raub, Albertson, Norris, Garlardi, L. Ellis, C. Lister.
At night there will be a grand display of fireworks. The management of the park announces there will be no fireworks this Saturday, but every Saturday night thereafter.
Camden Motor Poloists Wallop Phila. Foe, 9 to 1
Camden Courier-Post —
Watsontown, Nov. 17.—The Camden motorcycle polo team came through with flying colors yesterday afternoon on a muddy field by trouncing the Philadelphia riders by the score of 9 to 0 [sic].
The summaries: Camden — Philadelphia C. Ellis … centre … Shaw Garlardi … right guard … Higgins Raub … left guard … Horkey Gommell … right forward … Peters L. Ellis … left forward … Manson Score by periods: Camden — 3 0 2 4—9 Philadelphia — 0 0 0 1—1 Goals—Garlardi, 2; Ellis, Gommell, Shaw. Foul—Albertson.
Local Cycle Riders Score Fifth Victory
Camden Courier-Post —
The Motorcycle Sporting Club, of Camden, chalked up its fifth straight victory in as many starts this season by defeating Reading in a hard fought game on the Ludington Sports Field. The score was 4 to 1.
Camden — Reading Gommell R.F. — Marks Albertson L.F. — Wolverton L. Ellis G. — Fritz Alteslaber R.G. — Peters L. Saunders L.G. — Johnson Substitutes—Reading: Clark and Jones; Camden: C. Ellis, Norris and Gaglariodi. Referee—Parker. Scorer—Lister.
Local Motorcycle Club in Polo Tilt Tomorrow
Camden Courier-Post —
The Camden Motorcycle club will take on as an exhibition contest the Jamesburg cyclists in a polo match tomorrow afternoon at the Ludington Sport field. The contest is scheduled to start promptly at 2:30 o’clock.
Camden Cops 2d Half Motor Polo Loop Flag
Camden Courier-Post —
The Camden Motorcycle Club copped the second half championship of the Eastern Motorcycle Polo League when it defeated the Jamesburg club by the score of 6 to 2 yesterday afternoon at the Ludington sport field. It marked the eighth straight victory in as many starts for the local squad.
Camden — Jamesburg C. Ellis … right forward … Rankin Sunder … left forward … Meissner L. Ellis … centre … Smith Albertson … right guard … Silvers Norris … left guard … MacPherson
Field goals—MacPherson, 2; Norris, 1; Sanders, 2. Substitutions—Jamesburg: Watson, Cook; Camden: Garlardi, Raub, Alteslaber. Referee—Buck. [the last line is half cut at the crop’s lower edge; its words are read from the visible upper halves of the letters and match the earlier transcription]
Local Motorcycle Club to Battle Jamesburg
Camden Courier-Post —
The Camden Motorcycle Sporting Club will play its second game of the season, under A. M. A. Sanction, tomorrow, when it meets Jamesburg at Garden Lake. Field is located on the Chews Landing to Clementon road near Clementon.
The Jamesburg team consists of a number of that city’s motorcycle police officers. The captain of the team being a former state policeman and is now chief of police of Jamesburg.
The Camden boys have been doing some recognized fast playing in the past and under their able Manager Nelson Hubbs, who was president of the Polo League last season, they should make a good showing.
Camden Poloists Meet Trenton at Runnemede
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Tigers motorcycle polo team will meet the strong Trenton outfit, 1930, ’31 and ’32 champions of the Eastern Polo League, Sunday afternoon, at the Runnemede field. The Tigers will have to do some fast, hard riding.
The Lineups:
| Camden Tigers | Position | Trenton |
|---|---|---|
| F. Gagliardi | center | J. Darling |
| Alteslaben | rear guard | Fulmer |
| Ostrow | left guard | Latony |
| Falone | forward | McPherson |
| Lombard | goal | J.E. Brown |
Gangway for the New “45” Twin — Harley-Davidson Advertisement
Camden Courier-Post —
GANGWAY for the new “45” Twin
Here’s your motorcycle—if you want a speedy, powerful, classy, easily handled Twin. New paneling and attractive color combinations. Years in advance of any motorcycles offered heretofore—a motorcycle distinctively NEW.
Come in and see it today. Ask about our easy-pay plan. We’re open evenings.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON Motorcycles
FRANK DE VINEY
1124–26 Kaighn Ave.
Phone Camden 943-M
While the sport of motorcycle polo passed from public popularity, motorcycles and the Harley-Davidson obviously have not. Frank DeViney remained in business on Kaighn Avenue into the mid-1930s. By 1947 he had moved from Camden, eventually settling in Forked River NJ.
Motoball
While Motorcycle Polo passed from public fancy in the United States, it has a strong following in Europe, especially in Germany. Kenny Houben from the Netherlands wrote the following description of the game in Europe, which is known as Motoball.
Motoball
What is Motoball? Motoball is, like the name says, playing football [soccer] on motorcycles. The bikes can have maximum 250cc and they need some assimilation like being closer to the ground etc. The ball is 45 cm across. The rules are fundamentally the same like in a soccer game. A team exists of 4 players on motorcycles and one pedestrian [dismounted] goalkeeper. This sport is quite popular in the East European countries like Belarus, Russia etc. Every summer we have a European Championship. The countries who take place [part] are Germany, Holland, France, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and Lithuania.
European Motoball