Introduction
In the days before Prohibition was enacted in 1919, there were two bars at the intersection of Fillmore and Jefferson Streets. John B. Bouillion was in business at 524 Jefferson Street, while Joseph Schneider operated a saloon across the street at 1939 Fillmore Street. Schneider sold his bar after Prohibition was enacted and left the saloon business. John B. Bouillion passed away prior to April of 1930. By the time the 1930 Census was enumerated, Caroline Bouillion, his widow, operated the cafe with her son Nicholas and daughter Stella.
In October of 1936, Blanche Cook acquired the bar from Mrs. Bouillion and renamed it, appropriately enough, the Blanche Cafe. Blanche Cook later wed, and the 1947 City Directory indicates that the bar was owned by Blanche Peacock and her husband Harry H. Peacock. Blanche operated the bar, while her husband worked as the yardmaster for the Pennsylvania Railroad in Camden.
Harry Peacock was born in Pilesgrove Township, Salem County, NJ on February 23, 1891. He later moved to Camden, where he operated the bar with his wife. The Peacocks moved from Camden after the October 1956 New Jersey Bell Telephone Directory was compiled, after selling the bar. Harry Peacock spent the last years of his life in Toms River, NJ, passing away in November of 1978.
524 Jefferson Street became the An-Be Tavern in the 1950s, and remained as such until August of 2003, when David Gonzalez of East Camden purchased the building, remodeled the bar, and re-opened it as the El Bohio Bar and Grill.
Photos
Advertisement for John B. Bouillion, Filmore and Jefferson Ave., Camden, N.J. — Jefferson Athletic Association Banquet Program, February 2, 1919.
Blanche and Harry Peacock, late 1940s.
The building that housed the Blanche Cafe — August 2, 2003.
2 Taprooms Drop Attempt to Move
Camden Courier-Post —
Dealers Withdraw Pleas for Transfer of Licenses at Board Hearing
At hearings before the Camden Municipal Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control last night, two requests for transfers of alcoholic beverage licenses were withdrawn by the petitioners, and one transfer was granted by the board.
Bert Bootura, of 600 S. Third street, asked that no hearing be held on his request to change his business to the southeast corner of Delaware avenue and Market street. The board voted the withdrawal.
Counsel for Alfred R. Munyon, who had asked for a transfer from 3125 River avenue to 3425 River avenue, was granted permission to withdraw the petition. A protest against the transfer was made to the board last week by residents in the latter vicinity.
The board granted a person-to-person transfer of the business of Mrs. Carolina Bouillon [sic], at 524 Jefferson street, to Mrs. Blanche Cook. John L. Morrissey, chairman, presided at the meeting in city commission chambers, city hall.
Dart Tournament Continues Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
24 Matches Scheduled to Be Played in Championship Event
The second matches of the South Jersey Golden Dart Tournament will be held tonight with a total of 24 contests on schedule. The same teams which met in the openers on Monday night will pair off tonight with the sites reversed. Finals of the event will be played at Eagles Hall, near Broadway and Washington Streets, following completion of preliminary rounds. Both team and singles champions will be decided at the final rounds at Eagles Hall.
Blanche’s Cafe participated in the South Jersey Golden Dart Tournament.