Introduction
The Thirteenth Ward Republican Club was the successor to the Liberty Park Republican Club, which had been founded in 1900. The ward itself was recently created by Camden City Council, and in 1913 the club was located at 1313–1315 Haddon Avenue. By 1915 it had moved to 1324 Mechanic Street, near the corner of Haddon Avenue and Mechanic Street. The building was known for many years as Mechanic Hall, and 1324 Mechanic Street is listed in the 1947 Camden City Directory as such. The 1959 Bell Telephone Directory showed the Thirteenth Ward Republican Club at that address.
In April of 1964 the building was put up for sale. The liquor license was renewed in June and the building was finally sold in early 1965.
By June of 1966 a social club with the unlikely name of The Lost Seagulls of Stockholm Sweden Inc. occupied the premises. This group was still using the building as late as June of 1971. In August of that year, the Alighieri–Garibaldi Lodge 494 of Sons of Italy of the Order Sons of Italy of America Grand Council of NJ applied for a liquor license for 1324 Mechanic Street. The Sons of Italy were located there from 1971 through 1977.
In 1979 James Waters and John S. Wilson, trading as La Bona Casa, applied to have the liquor license previously applied to Kelly’s Cafe on State Street transferred to 1324 Mechanic Street. This business did not last long; in 1980 George and Ellen Clarke applied to transfer the license that had been used by Edward Hoff at 702 South Second Street since the 1950s to 1324 Mechanic Street. The new bar was called Bacchanal.
The 1982 New Jersey Bell Telephone directory has a Yellow Pages listing for this address under Taverns as Bacchanal. In 1986 and 1987 Floyd Caston operated a bar at this address known as Club Elite. By 1994 the building had been abandoned.
Many of Parkside’s prominent citizens were members of the Thirteenth Ward Republican Club over the years, including chief clerk of the City of Camden’s Health Department, Lewis A. Lee, Urquhart Ward, Thomas Walton, and Henry Knauer.
Ill Luck Defied by Maze of Thirteens
Philadelphia Inquirer —
In utter disregard to the usual superstition of ill luck in connection with the figure thirteen, the Thirteenth Ward Republican Club, recently organized, has planned to celebrate the thirteenth anniversary of the Liberty Park Republican Club, which it succeeded when the new ward was recently created by Camden City Council. The festivities will take place on March 13, 1913, at the club’s headquarters, 1313 and 1315 Haddon Avenue, Camden. A committee of thirteen has been appointed to look after affairs as follows: Thomas Cunningham, Lawrence B. Reader, Calvin F. Bucks, Harry Kurz, Hugh Greenan, J. P. Scull, J. P. Daly, James Cunningham, Frank Albright, Wilbur Ellis, Henry Budney, Edward Kabinsky and George Williams.
It is planned to have thirteen courses with thirteen toasts not to last more than thirteen minutes. Edward Kabinsky will be toastmaster and as it will be the thirteenth anniversary of the founding, the function will be of double interest to him. At the meeting at which all this was arranged thirteen new members were taken into the club.
13th Warders Fight for Street Openings
Camden Post-Telegram —
For the purpose of formulating plans to prevent the Pennsylvania Railroad from closing Whitman avenue or Everett street, the Whitman Park Improvement Association will hold a mass meeting at 8 o’clock to-morrow evening at the headquarters of the Thirteenth Ward Republican Club.
All citizens of the ward are earnestly requested to turn out as the promoters are desirous of having a large representation.
Photos
Thirteenth Ward Republican Club, 1324 Mechanic Street — October 5, 2003
13th Ward G.O.P. Club Pays Tribute to Rhone
Camden Courier-Post —
A meeting which was described today as “a gathering in honor of David S. Rhone, director of public safety,” was held last night at the Thirteenth Ward Republican Club, Haddon Avenue and Mechanic Street.
The speakers included David Baird Jr., Mayor Winfield S. Price, Commissioner Clay W. Reeesman, Sheriff Walter T. Gross, Urquhart Ward, ward committeeman, Theodore Kausel and Commissioner Rhone.
A large photograph of Commissioner Rhone was presented to the club by friends of the Commissioner, and has been placed in the clubroom. A photograph of Ward was also given the club.
Dances Are Dedicated to City Commissioners
Camden Courier-Post —
Dances dedicated to the city commissioners and to the Republican clubs of the various wards will feature the annual ball of the Thirteenth Ward Republican Club February 21 at New Hall, Tenth Street and Kaighn Avenue.
Programs for the ball have been arranged and printed under the direction of Urquhart Ward, county committeeman of the ward, and the officers of the club, including Thomas Walton, president; Henry Knauer, vice president; Robert Armstrong, treasurer; James D. Clancey, financial secretary; and Charles Davis, recording secretary. The programs contain photographs of the city commissioners and officials of the police department.
Women of 13th Ward to Hold Rally Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
The Thirteenth Ward Women’s Republican Club will meet tonight in the club headquarters, Haddon Avenue and Mechanic Street. Mrs. Edna Kruck, president of the club, will conduct the business meeting, after which a card party will be given. Mrs. Sarah Peel is head of the card party committee.
13th Ward G.O.P. Club to Hold Rally Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
A number of speakers will address a rally tonight at the Thirteenth Ward Republican Club, Haddon Avenue and Mechanic Street. They will include George Stevens, D. Tattersdill and Mrs. Etta C. Pfrommer. Mrs. Louella Whaland will be in charge of the meeting. There will be music and refreshments.
The committee in charge includes Mrs. Stella Deets, Mrs. Jennie Kisland, Mrs. Bertha Bateman, Mrs. Esther Blackwood, Mrs. M. Buesz, Mrs. A. Zeigler, Mrs. Kittie Storm, Mrs. Linda Colter, Mrs. Charlotte Fawyer, Mrs. Jean Keyser, Mrs. Lillian Myers and Mrs. Matilda Ward.
The women will also take part in the parade which will form at the club 8:00 p. m. Thursday. At Thursday noon a public luncheon will be given.
Checked and Double Checked
Camden Courier-Post —
By Jiminy
…Charlie Humes is fickle…His passion isn’t hamburgers; it’s anchovies now…The Thirteenth Ward Republican Club’s trip to Shibe Park for the ward’s boys and girls will be on July 29…The buses leave 1.15 p. m. from the clubhouse at 1324 Mechanic Street…
Memories
My father was a member and spent a lot of time there. It later on taken over and made a social club called The Lost Seagulls of something or other. My father took me in the 13th Ward Club for my first official drink when I turned 21.
— Dolores ‘Lady D’ Hayney, October 2003