Clement T. Branch Village
Aerial view of Clement T. Branch Village.
Welcome to the un-official Branch Village Web page. Here you will find a web-page dedicated to the history of Branch Village, the times in which it was first built, and images and text covering life at Branch since the first families moved in on July 7, 1941.
At the time Branch Village was built, public housing was segregated in Camden. You will find on this page actual documents from the times. The English language constantly evolves, please remember that some of the documents were written using standard vocabulary and grammar in use in the 1940s.
Phil Cohen
Clement T. Branch Village
From “Housing in Camden” —
The Site
The 13½-acre tract on which Clement T. Branch Village was built is in an area bounded by Van Hook Street, Ferry Avenue and South Ninth and South Tenth Streets. To prepare the space for the project it was necessary to remove 81 houses in various stages of dilapidation. Overcrowded families occupied 69 of those dwellings and were obliged to rear their children in unsafe and unsanitary environments.
Kitchens in the homes that were razed to make way for Branch Village, photographed around 1938.
The crumbling shacks were vermin-infested and lacked running water, bathing facilities, indoor toilets, and heating systems. Their walls and ceilings cracked at the slightest vibration, and there were rooms without windows and without lights. Thirteen parcels of land were owned by the city.
Upper left: 1718 South 9th Street, 1938. Upper right: outdoor toilet. Lower: homes on 9th Street from rear — note Bethel AME Church in background, left. Photographed around 1938.
Of the 184 parcels of land included in the 13½-acre tract, only 40 percent could be acquired by deed; the remaining 60 percent had to be condemned because of a peculiar form of conveyance in vogue about 100 years ago (around 1840). Even the titles to the 7 of the 13 parcels owned by the city were too complicated to be sold normally, and condemnation was necessary to establish clear title. The property had been conveyed by a tax sale procedure which gave only a limited title; the dispensation of the full title at the expiration of the period covered by the tax sale conveyance was not made clear. Only an agency with the power of eminent domain, like the Housing Authority, could have obtained clear title to the property.
Project sign at the corner of South 9th Street & Ferry Avenue, August 1, 1940. See the full series of 30 construction photos of Branch Village taken in summer and fall of 1940.
The total assessed valuation of the site was $105,000.00 and there was due $38,500.00 in taxes, most of which the city recovered. The total cost of land acquisition, estimated at $198,000.00, actually reached $206,000.00.
Named for Dr. Clement T. Branch, an eminent Negro physician and the first member of his race to serve on the Camden Board of Education, the “Village” serves the South Camden district in which one-third of the Negro population of Camden lives. Three percent of the city’s total population of 118,000 is resident there, and 9 percent of all the people in Camden are Negroes. Their housing conditions generally are bad. The incomes of this minority group range from $750.00 to $1,100 a year. The “Village” site is adjacent to a Negro grammar school, community center, playground, and swimming pool. Good transportation facilities are available, and the project is within easy walking distance of many of the industrial plants in which residents of the section are employed.
The Plan
Under a contract between the city commission and the Housing Authority the city became a partner of the federal government in subsidizing the project by accepting approximately $1,500.00 as a service charge in lieu of taxes which, if the property were privately owned, were estimated at $47,300.00. The city was also to receive about $3,000 a year from water service rentals. It is obligated to provide police and fire protection and to maintain the streets, street lighting, and other services. Lighting and drives within the project are project-maintained.
There are 279 dwelling units in the brick two-story, semi-fireproof buildings. The smallest units, 3½ rooms, are apartments; those with 4½ and 5½ rooms are row houses, which have a kitchen and a living room on the first floor and two and three bedrooms respectively and a bathroom on the second. The bathrooms are tiled, and the kitchens equipped with electric refrigerators and gas stoves. Each dwelling has full storage and closet space. Heat and hot water are supplied through the central maintenance building.
Clement T. Branch Village, 1941.
Everyday life at Branch Village, 1941.
New bathrooms at Branch Village, 1941.
Life on the playground at Branch Village, 1941.
Tenancy
Families with the lowest incomes and those living under the worst housing conditions have been given preference in the selection of tenants for Clement T. Branch Village. Also receiving special consideration are families with children under 16 years of age and those families required to move from the site to permit construction of the development. Two general requirements have to be met for an applicant to be considered eligible for tenancy: the previous dwelling must have been sub-standard, and the family income may not be above a certain stated maximum. The annual maximum income at the time of admission for families with no minor dependents may range from $676.00 to $1,144; for families with one or two minor dependents, from $780.00 to $1,208.00; and the income of those with two or three minor dependents from $884.00 to $1,404.00 a year.
There is no minimum income requirement. A limited number of families deriving all or a portion of there incomes from the relief appropriations or the WPA have been accepted.
Rents depend on the income. Three different rent levels have been established for each of the three types of dwelling. Thus a family with a maximum income pays a higher rent than a tenant with the lowest income. To assure adequate living space for each individual and to eliminate the sub-standard mode of overcrowding, the Housing Authority assigns apartments on the basis of family size as the following table shows.
The rents and number of apartments available for each grade are as follows:
| Apartments Available | Rentals | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Size | Number of Units | Number of Rooms | Lowest Income | Middle Income | Maximum Income |
| 2–3 | 116 | 3½ | $16.25 | $18.50 | $22.50 |
| 3–5 | 123 | 4½ | $17.00 | $19.50 | $23.50 |
| 4–8 | 40 | 5½ | $17.75 | $20.50 | $24.50 |
The rents include water, heat, electricity for light, appliances and refrigeration, and gas for cooking. The Authority buys gas and electricity at wholesale rates.
The only restrictions are those necessary in any well managed community to insure the general comfort and welfare of all and for the proper maintenance of the project. For sanitary reasons and the protection of the grounds, no dogs or cats are permitted.
Significant Dates
September 15, 1938 — Application for project N.J. 10-1 begun. Filed with USHA January 5, 1939.
March 30, 1939 — President Roosevelt approves loan contract of $1,424,000 for the Clement T. Branch Village Project.
April 18, 1939 — Appraisals of properties included in the site are started by Ralph T. Baker and William T. Harker and options for properties are handled by Abraham Todiss, who had been appointed to perform such work by the local Housing Authority.
April 26, 1939 — Perring and Remington, an engineering firm of Camden, is engaged to make a survey of the site and locate points at which test borings should be made to determine the character of the land. The West Jersey Title and Guaranty Company, on its low estimate of $11,079.00, is awarded a contract for the furnishing of title reports on all properties within the site.
August 24, 1939 — Complete plans of the project are ready, are submitted to the Camden Housing Authority and are approved immediately. Joseph Hettel, architect of the Authority, has complete charge of plans.
November 21, 1939 — Bids for construction rejected because they exceed legal maximum per dwelling unit, and revision of plans decided upon.
January 12, 1940 — New bids from 36 contractors and firms are received and tabulated and awards of contracts are made to the following firms as the lowest responsible bidders: Anthony P. Miller, general construction work $651,000.00; Potts Manufacturing Company, structural metal, miscellaneous and ornamental metal work, $25,699.00; Harry Knecht Company, heating and ventilation work, $75,455.00; Harry Knecht Company, plumbing and drainage work, $103,595.00; Electro Construction Company, electrical work, $46,900.00.
May 4, 1940 — Ground-breaking ceremonies attended by City Commissioners, State and Camden Housing Authorities, A.P. Miller, general contractor, and Mrs. Bessie A. Branch, widow of the physician whose name the “Village” bears.
May 9, 1940 — Orders are issued to all contractors to commence work at once. The work will provide employment for 1,200 men for about a year.
February 29, 1941 — First application accepted by newly formed tenant selection staff.
The management office at Branch Village. Standing: Oliver Bond.
July 7, 1941 — First families move in.
September 8, 1941 — 100 percent occupied.
September 27, 1941 — Project formally dedicated.
Dedication Exercises for Clement T. Branch Village
Camden Housing Authority invitation —
THE CAMDEN HOUSING AUTHORITY
takes pleasure in inviting you
to be present at
DEDICATION EXERCISES
for its
CLEMENT T. BRANCH VILLAGE
AT 10th & FERRY AVENUE
on Saturday afternoon, September 27th
AT 1 O’CLOCK
BARTHOLOMEW A. SHEEHAN, CHAIRMAN
In case of rain the exercises will be held in the Community Building
[handwritten:] R.S.V.P.
Five and One-half Room Row House Plan
[upper floor:] BED ROOM; BED ROOM.
[lower floor:] KITCHEN; LIVING ROOM.
About the Branch Village Herald
The four-page Branch Village Herald was a newsletter put together by residents and staff of Branch Village. It contained news of direct interest to Branch residents, social news such as births, marriages, and obituaries, and news related to the war effort, including accounts of the service activities of Branch Village residents. Six local businesses placed advertisements in the paper. Four of the businesses would later be razed to make room for the Roosevelt Manor Homes, built adjacent to Branch Village in the 1950s.
Branch Village Herald
Branch Village Herald —
[masthead] BRANCH VILLAGE HERALD
Vol. I. CAMDEN, N. J., OCTOBER, 1942. No. 2.
PAGE 1
Housing For Negroes Soon To Be Built
Bids Have Been Received by Housing Authority for 180-unit For Defense Workers
Bids have been received by the Camden Housing Authority for a new Camden war housing project to be occupied by Negroes employed in war industries.
The new project containing 180 housing units will be constructed in the area of Eighth street on the East, Bulson street on the South, Master and Kossuth streets on the West, and Chelton and Ferry avenues on the North.
Cost of the construction, including landscaping will average about $4000 a dwelling unit. The project is to be completed 150 days after the U. S. Public Housing Authority authorizes the local authority to issue the proceed notice to the general contractor.
Units will be two-stories and are to be built of facing brick backed by masonry units.
A second war housing project for Negro defense workers has also been approved tentatively. Both projects, to be built under the Lanhan Act, will yield the city of Camden annual tax payments comparable to those paid on other city dwellings.
Rev. Sorrell Takes First Subscription
The first resident of Branch Village to sign up for a year’s subscription to the Herald was Rev. Grafton Sorrell.
Foster Adams, member of the maintenance staff, purchased the first copy.
If you didn’t obtain your copy of the September issue of the Herald contact the manager’s office.
Manager’s Corner
By Oliver H. Bond, Housing Manager
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. CLEMENT T. BRANCH
Branch Village was named for Dr. Clement T. Branch who was born in Farmville, Va., January 21, 1869. He died in Camden, November 29, 1933.
He was educated in the public schools of Farmville, Va.. and received his college training at Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, now Virginia State College. He studied medicine at Shaw University, Cornell University and Howard University, from which he graduated in 1900 and married Miss Bessie D. Avery, a school teacher, of Petersburg, Va., in 1903.
Dr. Branch began practicing medicine in Jersey City and came to Camden in 1902, where he practiced until his death. He rapidly reached the limelight in educational and civic as well as professional work. He was the first Colored Member of the Camden Board of Education in 1902, serving a term of three years. He was responsible for obtaining adequate Colored representation in the police and fire Departments of the city.
In 1912 he was a delegate from New Jersey to the “Bull Moose Convention” in Chicago.
Dr. Branch was responsible for the organization of the Hunton Branch Y. M. C. A., also the organization of the N. A. A. C. P. in Camden. He was chairman of the committee of management of the Hunton Branch until his death. He was always interested in Youth and in any movement that had the welfare of his race at heart.
Memorial services have been held by colored citizens of Camden on his birthday each year since his death.
Less Hot Water For Tenants of Village
To Conserve Fuel Oil Coal Must Be Used
Hot water for use by tenants of Branch Village will be rationed this fall and winter to conserve oil and to comply with an order issued by the Office of Fuel Oil Co-ordinator.
Horace R. Dixon, executive director of the Camden Housing Authority, has so advised Oliver H. Bond, housing manager. A similar letter has been sent by Dixon to Meyer Wessel, manager of Westfield Acres.
To further comply with the Government order it will be necessary to reduce the temperature of domestic hot water in the village.
Dixon points out that it will be necessary to arrange a schedule of hours when hot water will be available to tenants of Branch Village.
About 50 percent of the fuel oil used in the project is consumed for hot water, Dixon stated. The housing authority executive director said coal must soon be substituted for fuel oil in both projects.
Dr. B. S. Waugh Now U. S. Army Lieutenant
Dr. B. S. Waugh, of 1882 South Tenth street, recently entered the army as a first lieutenant. He was assigned to the Base Hospital at Tuskegee, Ala.
Dr. Waugh practiced in Camden six years and was well liked in Branch Village. He instructed the Village Red Cross first aid classes. We wish him good luck and God speed.
BUY WAR BONDS
PAGE 2
Branch Village Herald
Published monthly by tenants of Clement T. Branch Village
OFFICIAL STAFF
Editor, J. Maxwell Griffin; Managing Editor, Mrs. Emma Stevenson; Advertising Manager, Booker T. Washington; Asst. Advt. Manager, Thelma Hunley; Circulation Manager, Burnett Wright; Asst. Cir. Manager, Bennett Falana; Editorial Advisor, Daniel P. McConnell.
ADVISORY COUNCIL: Judge Bartholomew A. Sheehan, Chairman, Camden Housing Authority; Dr. Howard E. Primas, Vice Chairman; Commissioners Wilbert F. Dobbins, Frank J. Suttill, Samuel D. Shields and Horace R. Dixon, Executive Director. Oliver H. Bond, housing manager; Meyer Wessel, housing manager, Westfield Acres, Edward Crawford, Madelyn Bell, Rev. Grafton Sorrell and Bessie A. Branch.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS AT OUR DOOR
The War has not only created a demand for materials such as guns, ships, tanks, planes and other combat supplies but has brought about a definite need for education. The Government is providing schools, with night and day courses covering all branches of education and trades.
One branch which will mean a great deal to Camden and its vicinity is the NYA school, at Ferry Avenue and Seventh Street. This branch is under the personal supervision of Adolphus Bayton, who is a graduate of Virginia Union University and Dickinson Law School.
Our girls now have the opportunity to obtain training in the operation of power machinery for which there is great demand.
Any girl not over 25 years of age may enroll in either the day or night class. There are many who realize the great importance of learning a trade which will benefit them for the rest of their career and will appreciate the opportunity offered them to raise their economic standard.
After the war there will still be a demand for operators of power machinery which will not apply to a lot of the industry created by the war.
Our boys are offered a course in sheet metal work and welding and it is unnecessary to stress the value of such a trade as trained workers will be immediately absorbed after the war in the automobile industry and reconstruction work.
Realizing the Government’s desire to educate its youth and our Country’s urgent need for skilled workers, we are sure that these classes will be filled to overflowing. We will not only be helping America but we will be helping ourselves to the greatest opportunity ever offered us.
This is a technical education which will cost us nothing but our time and the Government pays $25.40 per month, while we are learning to fit ourselves for a worthwhile place in the country’s industrial life.
You can’t afford to cheat Uncle Sam by enrolling unless you wish to make a wholehearted success of this course for your own betterment.
J. M. G.
Letters to Editor
By Samuel D. Shields, Commissioner, Camden Housing Authority
Congratulations and my heartiest felicitations to the Tenants Council for the progressive spirit shown in their new publication “The Branch Village Herald.”
This community newspaper, I am sure, will serve in many helpful ways editing current events, news of the tenants, helpful suggestions for bettering conditions and the many social events that during these trying war days help lighten our cares.
It is very gratifying to know the folks in this splendid community are to be drawn in an even closer circle of friendship by this publication.
This is great stride forward and is certainly a compliment to our great leader, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s policies for the advancement and betterment of all people in our great nation.
By Meyer Wessel, Housing Manager, Westfield Acres
As the editor of the Branch Village Herald you and your staff will face many problems that may discourage you in making your project paper a success.
It means hard work with everyone connected with the paper from those that gather the news to the boys that make delivery, but your gratification will be in the good work your paper will accomplish by keeping your tenants informed of the activities that you have at the village.
I know of the splendid fellowship that exists among you. With the cooperation which you are receiving, and the sound advice your Housing Manager will at all times give you, your paper should have a long life.
As always, we are ready to help you on any occasion.
By Wilbert F. Dobbins, Commissioner, Camden Housing Authority
The Tenants’ Council and Management of Clement T. Branch Village, deserve the highest praise for their foresight and effort in connection with the Branch Village Herald.
This periodical should be a real influence on tenant relations, and serve to better the health and stimulate the morale of the tenants.
I heartily congratulate them.
PAGE 3
Mrs. Roosevelt Given Award By Youth City
President’s Wife Praised For Humanitarian Work
Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt was honored for her contributions toward improving conditions of the underprivileged, by Philadelphia’s Negro Youth City last month.
She was presented with a plaque by Samuel L. Evans, founder-president of Youth City, at a banquet held at 1717 North Twelfth street, Philadelphia. Evans said Mrs. Roosevelt was selected “for her wise counsel and guidance of youth . . . for her splendid work in the development of inter-racial good will . . . and for her self-sacrificing endeavor to make the world a better place in which to live.”
At the same time, Mrs. Roosevelt was given a 3½-inch amber cigarette holder to take to the president. On the gold band was engraved the President’s name and the words: “Made in Shangri-La.”
Social Notes
Seventeen members of the Junior set enjoyed an evening of games and dancing on Friday night, October 3, when Mrs. Frances Carrington entertained at a birthday party for her daughter, Elizabeth. Little Miss Carrington received many gifts.
Mrs. Mattie Denson, 167 Village, was hostess at a birthday party, given Friday, ter, and a grandson.
Catherine, at the recreation center. Miss Denson’s special guest was John Gray. Fifty young people attended the party.
Mr. and Mrs. Roland Northan, of 40 Village, had as their guest Mrs. Northan’s mother, Mrs. Annie R. Bagwell, of Cape Charles, Va.
Wedding Bells
Miss Mildred Wallace was recently married to Mr. Bayless, who is now serving in the armed forces.
BRUTEN’S
773 Central Avenue
West Barber Shop
Sanitary Equipped Service
767 Ferry Avenue
“The Crystal Slipper” Given By Children
The children of the village recently gave a play entitled “The Crystal Slipper.” It was given under the direction of the Recreation Center. Instructors were Mrs. MacPherson Cooper and Miss Viola Cuff.
The stage was decorated to represent a garden. The play was centered in the garden at a garden party. Maria Mitchell made a pretty god-mother in her transparent wings and crown.
Little Frances Clay took the part of Cinderella and was a typical beauty in yellow silk. Mallard Wallace was the charming prince. The two daughters looked charming as did their mother. These parts were taken by Peggy Carrington, Estella Reynold, and Bessie Moore. The affair was well attended.
In Memoriam
It is with regret that we mention the passing of Dr. M. O. Lee, who passed away Tuesday, September 29. He was a prominent leader in both civic and educational life in the city and Branch Village.
A veteran of World War I, founder of the Clarence Hill Post 1217, Veterans Foregin [sic] Wars, and for the past fourteen years he has been an Attendance Officer for Camden public schools.
Dr. Lee is survived by his widow, Mrs. Madge Lee, Mrs. Marian Billup, daugh- October 3, in honor of her daughter
WELCOME SOLDIER BOYS
Private Asa Kearney and Private Raymond Smith were home on a furlough from their camp in Indiana where they are serving in the army.
Camden 2275. Notary Public.
Arthur A. Waples
Funeral Director and Embalmer
Benson Funeral Service
824 Kaighn Avenue, Camden
New Arrivals
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Watkins, of 228, village, are the proud parents of a boy, Raymond Joseph, born September 1.
It’s a new girl at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett Falana, of 276, village. The baby arrived September 11.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bell, 166, village, are happy over the arrival of a daughter. Mr. Bell is president of the village tenant council.
Mr. and Mrs. Burnett Wright are the proud parents of a baby girl. Mother and baby are doing fine.
Mr. and Mrs. George Holmes welcomed the addition of a fine baby boy.
New Housing Project
Plans have been made for a 300-unit development to be constructed at 20th street and Packer avenue, South Philadelphia, for the Federal Public Housing Authority. Israel Demchick and David Supowitz, architects, both of that city, prepared the plans, which call for two-story units of brick construction.
This is one of a number of large housing developments proposed by the Federal Public Housing Authority in this area. Locations for these operations included Chester, Delaware county and Bucks county, Pa.
Mrs. Mildred Crosby, of New York, has been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Johnson, of 144 Village.
Abe’s Food Store
Eighth and Central Avenue
Harry’s Esso Station
Battery Recharging · Gas · Oil
Ferry Avenue & Van Buren Street
DO YOUR SHARE BUY— War Bonds and Stamps
PAGE 4
Parcels For Armed Forces Should Be Mailed Now
Parcels for armed forces abroad must be mailed between October 1st and November 1st. The earlier the better.
Endorse parcels Christmas Gift. Weight limit 11 pounds, length limit 18 inches, total 42 inches length and girth combined, but patrons are requested not to send more than 6 pounds in weight in size of shoe box. No food or clothing are to be sent or perishable matter. Wrap with heavy paper. No intoxicants, matches or lighter fluids can be sent.
Address fully, and send c/o Postmaster, New York, San Francisco or New Orleans. (Those to New Orleans must have custom tag.) Rate paid is to port of dispatch. Use money order service if you desire to send cash.
Queen Procession A Success
By Emma R. Stevenson
The Queens procession given Friday, September 18, by the Adult Art Needle Club of Branch Village was an outstanding event. Forty-five participants took part in the affair which included queens, matrons of honor, flower girls and maids.
All the colors of the rainbow vied in evening gowns and flowers. The line of march ended in a “V” for victory which was formed by the maids in front of the queens.
The affair was attended by more than 100 persons.
Mrs. Bessie Branch wore a figured evening gown of dark background sprayed in wild flowers and acted as mistress of ceremonies. Mrs. MacPherson Cooper, instructor of the Art Needle Club, acted as director of this affair.
Mrs. Cooper and members of the Art Needle Club wish to thank all those who helped to make the affair a success.
SYMPATHY TO MRS. BOND
Mrs. Oliver H. Bond, wife of the village manager, recently attended the funeral of her uncle, Riley W. Roberts, prominent citizen and Agriculturist of Concord, Sussex County, Delaware.
Negro Will Command 10,000-Ton Liberty Ship
Captain Hugh Mulzac Is Booker T. Washington Skipper
Named for the late Negro educator, the Liberty ship Booker T. Washington will be commanded by a Negro captain, the U. S. Maritime Commission announced.
The Booker T. Washington, a freighter of 10,000 tons was recently launched at Wilmington, Calif., and is expected to be in service next month.
The commission said Hugh Mulzac, of Brooklyn, the only Negro to hold a master’s certificate, had been assigned to command the ship.
Digging for the Scrap
It is up to American homes to dig into the dusty and cob-webby corners and pull out the metal articles they can spare, and donate them to the government. You may think you have but little of that stuff, but households are likely to gather refuse as the years go by. They lay things aside thinking they will have use for them again, but usually they lie idle.
Uncle Sam asks you for discarded metal stuff and for any metal articles you can spare. Will you not contribute them to the drive for scrap? Such material is badly needed for weapons for the boys who are risking their lives to defend our homes.
Bits of News and Notes
Dr. Howard E. Primas, Vice Chairman of the Housing Authority, recently was appointed Assistant Medical Director by the Camden City Board of Education.
William J. (Buster) Smith, Jr., of Baltimore, was a recent visitor at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver H. Bond.
Miss Anna Hargrove, Clerk-Stenographer of Branch Village, reports a very pleasant vacation in Detroit, Michigan.
Clarence Leigh, Bookkeeper-Cashier of Branch Village, spent a portion of his vacation in Washington, D. C.
Oliver H. Bond, manager; Mrs. Bond, Mr. and Mrs. David Tull and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Robinson, were recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Smith, of Baltimore.
Pre-School Age Group Is Showing Activity
The pre-school age group work is progressing satisfactorily under the direction of Mrs. Bessie Branch.
The enrollment numbered 69 children, of which 21 registered in the summer children.
The program consists of the “Good Morning” song, recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, short Bible story, nursery rhymes, block building, stick construction, freehand drawing, ring games, the flag salute and singing of “God Bless America.”
Miss Edna Gross is assistant director of the pre-school age group.
Tenant Council
The Tenant’s Council has been busy trying to arrange diversified forms of activity which will interest every Villager and as a result, we expect the village social room to become a beehive of buzzing during the coming months.
The Air Wardens meet Monday night. As we villagers believe firmly in the motto of the Boy Scount [sic], “Be Prepared,” these meetings are well attended.
The class in Handicraft for adults, meets Tuesday night. Such a class offers relaxation and enjoyment. Wednesday night will feature motion pictures for the children.
Thursday night has been set aside for social entertainments and there will be many of them.
Friday will be held open for the regular meetings of the Tenant’s Council.
Musical concerts are being arranged and your support of our program will be appreciated.
JOSEPHINE’S BEAUTY STUDIO
“Service With a Smile”
Helen J. Walker, Operator
Josephine Davis, Prop.
950 Jefferson Avenue
Management
The first manager of Branch Village was Oliver H. Bond. He resigned abruptly in the early 1950s. By 1952 the manager was Foster Meekins, who was there for the balance of the decade.
Examine Hammer For Evidence in Woman’s Death
Camden Courier-Post —
A small claw hammer, found in the home of a Branch Village woman, today was sent to the state police laboratory at Wilburtha by homicide detectives investigating her death.
The woman, Mrs. Mary Hackett, 22, was found unconscious by her husband, Joseph T., 27, an employe at the Philadelphia navy yard, according to Detective Capt. Thomas Murphy.
Hackett and another man, whose name was not disclosed, are being questioned, Murphy said. An autopsy of the body at Cooper hospital disclosed the woman died of a fractured skull.
Murphy expressed belief the hammer may have been used to kill Mrs. Hackett. He said the hammer contained dark spots which may be blood. Her vital organs will also be examined, Murphy said.
The husband told police, Murphy said, that he found his wife lying on the floor of their living room when he returned from a dance at 3 a.m. Tuesday. He said he thought she was drunk and put her to bed. Later when she failed to respond, he called a physician.
Branch Village Offices
Spring 1952
The management offices had received new floors.
Branch Village management offices, spring 1952.
A Resident Remembers
Cynthia McNeil —
Approximately 1957 or thereabout…Branch Village held teen dances in the cement courtyard adjacent to the leasing office…it was like a record hop…I don’t think we had a band…but we did have local talent from time to time…
I remember that concrete court so well because I fell down and had to have stitches and the scar is still there…I was about seven…
Branch Village Gets a New Truck
1962
Actual written quote on a 1962 Ford F-350 Chassis & Cab with Dump Body Truck, written to Francis J. Hufner of the Housing Authority of the City of Camden by H. L. Van Sciver of Berglund Motor Co. for Clement T. Branch Village.
Berglund Motor Co. Quotation for a 1962 Ford F350 Chassis and Cab
Berglund Motor Co. —
Berglund [FORD] MOTOR CO.
EMERSON 5-5110
[signs in the letterhead drawing of the dealership:] FORD Berglund; PARTS BERGLUND MOTOR CO. SERVICE; A-1 Guaranteed Used Cars and Trucks A-1; Berglund FORD USED CARS
ADMIRAL WILSON BLVD. AT 17TH STREET • CAMDEN 11, NEW JERSEY
April 13, 1962
Mr. Francis J. Hufner
City of Camden
Ninth Floor, City Hall
Camden 1, New Jersey
Dear Sir:
We are pleased to submit our quotation on the following Ford equipment.
One (1) 1962 Ford F350 Chassis and Cab, 6 Cyl. Engine
Four speed transmission
Heavy duty clutch
Oil Filter
Heater and defroster
Turn indicators
I.C.C. emergency flasher
Heavy duty and auxiliary rear springs
(7) 8 x 17.5 6 ply tires
Incl. spare and spare carrier
Daybrook 1½ yd. Dump Body
Rear mud flaps
Color - Green
Net Delivered Price with Tax Exemption Forms $2579.00
We wish to thank you for the opportunity of quoting and look forward to being of service to you.
Yours very truly,
BERGLUND MOTOR CO.
[signed] H. L. Van Sciver
H. L. Van Sciver
Sales Manager
HLVS:dr
“The House That Service Built”
Berglund Motor Co. Car Invoice No. 20783
Berglund Motor Co. invoice
BERGLUND MOTOR CO.
ADMIRAL WILSON BOULEVARD at 17th STREET
CAMDEN 11, NEW JERSEY
Phone: EMerson 5-5110
Car Invoice
No 20783
Sold to: Clement T. Branch Village
Street: Housing Authority of City of Camden
City: Camden 4, N.J. P.O. #139 REQ#154
Date: 6/19/62
Salesman: Bonelli ck
NEW USED: New. YEAR: 1962. MAKE: Ford F350. SERIES: J 132. BODY TYPE: Dump Truck. SERIAL No.: T6273 [typed above the line]; F35JE292977; Code: 32LF350F29. MOTOR No.: [blank]. KEY Nos.: FL004. CYL: 6. COLOR: Dark Green.
FACTORY AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT: RADIO; HEATER; TURN SIGNALS [printed form lines].
Four Speed Trans.
H.D. Clutch
Oil Filter
Turn Indicator & Emey Flasher
H.D. Aux Rear Springs
6 8x175 6 Ply Tires ( Spare & Carrier)
Day Brook 1 1/2 yd Dump Body
Rear Flaps
PRICE OF CAR OR TRUCK $3301 50
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT: Less Federal Tax with Forms signed and executed (219 00)
TITLE AND LICENSE
TOTAL CASH DELIVERED PRICE $3082 50
TOTAL TIME PRICE $3082 50
SETTLEMENT [handwritten in blue ink, circled:] Pay → 2579 00
CASH DUE ON DELIVERY
[handwritten in pencil across the form:] approved for payment, Francis J. Hufner [?]
NEW CAR FACTORY WARRANTY: yes
MOTOR No.: Discount. ALLOWANCE $ 503.50 [503 50 in the amount column]
TOTAL CREDITS $3082 50
IMPORTANT. NOTIFY BERGLUND MOTOR CO. IMMEDIATELY IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENT OR LOSS.
400 Housing Units To Be Added Near Present Projects
Camden Courier-Post —
Four hundred low-rent dwellings, half the number allocated to the city by the U. S. Public Housing Administration, will be constructed this year on land near the four presently owned projects, Joseph J. McComb, chairman of the Camden Housing Authority, announced Sunday night.
Several factors entered into the decision of housing authority to construct the homes on available land, McComb said. First, he declared, the city will receive revenue in lieu of taxes from unimproved ground yielding little or no taxes, based on 10 percent of shelter rentals, less utilities.
The four projects now operated by the authority are: Westfield Acres, Thirty-first street and Westfield avenue, 514 units, cost $3,250,000, opened 1938; Clement T. Branch Village, Ninth street and Ferry avenue, 279 units, cost $1,416,000, opened 1941; William Stanley Ablett Village, River road and State street, 306 units, cost $1,722,000, open in 1943, and Chelton Terrace, Bulson and Phillips streets, 200 units, cost $800,000, open 1944.
No Added Utilities Needed
McComb also explained that at present, the city receives only three and one-half percent in lieu of taxes from Westfield Acres, Branch Village and Ablett Village. The return from Chelton Terrace is equivalent to full taxes. Only the new projects, allocated under the Housing Act of 1949, will yield the 10 percent return, McComb pointed out.
No new schools will be needed and no new police, fire, health, electricity or gas utilities will be required to service the homes for low-income families, McComb declared.
“The city of Camden will not be compelled or obligated to spend money for additional municipal utilities because they are already provided in the respective four sections of the city where these homes will be built,” McComb said.
To Make Test Borings
The housing authority last week gave the new program the green light when it voted to enter into a contract with William T. Harker & Associates, Inc., Camden, to make test borings, soundings and to do other work on the sites connected with the preliminary survey to be financed by part of a $50,000 advance loan from the PHA for architectural and engineering services.
Under a PHA regulation, construction of the 800 dwellings will be spaced over a two-year period with the additional 400 units being earmarked for next year.
Several weeks ago McComb, following an inspection tour, announced sufficient land would be available as sites for the dwellings. He reemphasized that assurance Sunday but added that if it is found additional ground is needed, no inflated or speculative prices will be paid for it, whether acquired through purchase or condemnation proceedings specified by law.