Introduction
Issie Brody appears to have been born in Russia around 1898 to Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Brody. The family came to America in 1907, eventually settling at 101 Chestnut Street, where the Solomon Brody conducted a grocery store. Older brother Jack Brody was killed in action while serving with the United States Army during World War I. When the census was taken in 1920, Mrs. Brody had passed away. The family then consisted of Solomon Brody, Issie Brody, sisters Sylvia, Anna, and Vera; and brother Louis Brody.
In 1935 Issie Brody opened a car wash and detailing shop, an “auto laundry” in the parlance of the day, at 540 Washington Street, where he also stored vehicles and performed oil changes and lubrication. As time went by he acquired a total of nine properties on the other side of Washington Street, and in 1939 had built a new garage where he repaired cars and sold Esso gasoline. The new garage, at 527 Washington Street, opened in January of 1940. By 1947 Issie Brody moved to an apartment over a ladies hats store at 403 Broadway, a short walk from his business, with wife Molly and son Ormon Brody. 403 Broadway then sat between Wallen's Jewelry and gifts at 405, and Leo's Appliances and Jewelry at 401.
Issie Brody remained in business on Washington Street though at least the fall of 1959. The building was not being used as a garage by 1990. During the 1990s, 527 Washington Street served as a warehouse, and briefly as an indoor flea market. Around 2003 Respond Inc., a social services agency in Camden, acquired the building, and converted it into a job training center.
Garage Supplants Antiquated Houses
Camden Courier-Post —
Site of Washington Street Structure Formerly Occupied by Nine Dwellings
The new Brody Esso Service Garage opened for business at 540 Washington street, corner of Williams, yesterday. The business was formerly located at 527 Washington street.
Issie Brody began business in 1935, operating an auto laundry, lubricating service and storing facilities. According to Brody, the demand for a service of that type in the heart of Camden’s shopping district soon exceeded his facilities and equipment. He purchased nine antiquated dwellings across the street, razed them and erected his new fireproof garage. The building is in marked contrast to the former frame houses, and has improved the appearance of the vicinity.
With the opening of the new garage the business has been expanded to include high pressure car washing and lubricating, simonizing, repair work; storing facilities and automobile accessories. A call and delivery service will be inaugurated.
A number of Camden firms figured in the construction of the building. Louis H. Goettleman was the architect. John J. Welsh and Son were general contractors. The fabricated steel work and trusses were supplied by the Camden Iron Service, and the cinder blocks by the DiMedio Lime Co. Roofing was by Victor Biasi, plumbing by Joseph Mignona and electrical work by Joseph Radano.
Lumber and millwork was by the Colonial Lumber Co., Philadelphia.
A feature of the building is the latest type of Carrier gas unit heaters installed by the Comfort-Aire Co., 401 Broadway. This type of gas fire heater has recently been developed for garages. The heaters blow hot air toward the floor and maintain a nearly even temperature from floor to ceiling. They are thermostatically controlled to supply heat automatically.
The building is also equipped with Truskin bowstring steel trusses, concrete floor, steel window sash, overhead doors and asphalt roof.
New Mid-City Garage
Camden Courier-Post —
The new Brody Esso Service Garage, [5]40 Washington street, is now open. The building replaces nine dilapidated houses and has improved the appearance of the neighborhood. Issie Brody, proprietor, in inset, will feature complete automotive repair service including pressure washing, lubrication, storage and a full line of accessories.
Photos
403 Broadway, Camden. Photo taken in the fall of 2003. The building was razed a few weeks later.
527 Washington Street — March 22, 2004. Looking North from Berkley & Williams Streets
527 Washington Street — March 22, 2004. Looking Northeast from Southwest corner of Washington & Williams Streets