Introduction
Founded in 1919, and a fixture in Camden for many years, Rohrer Chevrolet was located between 1930 and 1950 on what was then called Bridge Boulevard, across from the Sears-Roebuck department store.
When the state of New Jersey went forward with construction of the “Camden Connection” overpass that required use of much of the land used by the car dealership, William G. Rohrer acquired a large piece of ground on the Admiral Wilson Boulevard between 16th Street and the Cooper River. Rohrer Chevrolet remained in business at this location until 1983.
William G. Rohrer
Born in 1909, William G. Rohrer grew up in Williamsport and Pottsville, Pa. He moved to Camden County, N.J., to establish with his father the Rohrer Chevrolet Agency. He operated the dealership for 50 years, building it into one of the largest automobile dealerships in southern New Jersey.
A resident of Haddon Township since 1929, Mr. Rohrer served as a committeeman for four years and as mayor for 36 years. He launched the First People’s Bank of New Jersey in 1956 and served as its president and chief executive officer until 1982 and later as chairman emeritus of the board of directors. He also established and was president of Wm. G. Rohrer Inc., a real estate holding company and served as president or partner in several other real estate development companies. Mr. Rohrer was past president of the First National Bank of Stone Harbor and the Fidelity Bank of Pennsauken.
Mr. Rohrer passed away in 1989.
Photos — 1945 Letterhead and Business Cards
October 1945 Letterhead from Rohrer Chevrolet. Rolodex and business cards from Rohrer salesman Pete Cazello.
Rohrer Chevrolet — 1930 to 1950
Rohrer Chevrolet occupied this building from 1930 to 1950.
Camden Courier-Post — December 1930
Camden Courier-Post — December 1930. Vine Street — Admiral Wilson Boulevard — Memorial Avenue — U.S.S. Pensacola — Jack Parkinson
Camden Courier-Post — December 5, 1930
Camden Courier-Post — December 5, 1930. Vine Street — Admiral Wilson Boulevard — Memorial Avenue — Walter Smith — Albert Shires — Jack Parkinson
Rohrer Chevrolet’s Location After 1950
Rohrer Chevrolet’s location after 1950. This picture was taken prior to the purchase of the property. The existing bus garage became the service department, and a showroom was built in front of the garage. Clip Art from 1960s NJ Bell Yellow Pages.
Rohrer Pays $400,000 for New Car Agency Site on Wilson Blvd.
Camden Courier-Post —
500,000 Sq. Ft. Includes Huge Garage of P.S.
By Jacob M. Weiner
Completion of one of the largest real estate transactions in Camden’s recent history was announced today by the Rohrer Chevrolet Co. William G. Rohrer, head of the firm, has purchased a 500,000 square foot tract of land as the future site for the automobile agency.
The land is bounded by Admiral Wilson boulevard, the Cooper river, Federal, Mickie, and Fifteenth streets, and a point 200 feet west of Sixteenth street. The purchase price was not disclosed, but it was reported to be approximately $400,000.
A. S. Rosenfeld, Camden real estate man who handled the transaction, said the property was leased from the Public Service Co. and the United Petroleum Co.
The transaction included the huge garage now used as a repair terminal by Public Service. The garage, which fronts on Admiral Wilson boulevard near Sixteenth street, contains 60,000 square feet of floor space.
Rohrer said he was moving his automobile agency, now on Admiral Wilson boulevard, to a point 200 feet west of Sixteenth street. The boundary extends north to the Cooper river, then along the river bank to Federal street, then east on Federal to the west side of Fifteenth street, east on Mickie to within 200 feet of Sixteenth street, then south 602 feet to the boulevard.
The used car lot would be moved shortly to a site on the boulevard at Federal street. The state recently acquired 36,000 square feet of Rohrer’s present property for the Camden connection linking the boulevard to Federal street.
“We will take possession of the Public Service garage next May 1,” Rohrer said. “Until then, our showroom and service department will remain in our present building. When Public Service vacates the garage next May, we will remodel the building and build a 75 by 100 foot addition in the front. This addition will be modern glass construction, and will be used as a showroom.”
The Rohrer firm moved to Camden in 1929 and was located on Arch street. The following year it moved to its present location. Rohrer joined the firm in 1921 and served as parts manager until 1933, when he became service manager and general manager, and has been in active charge of the firm, except for three years during World War II when he was in the service.
“This expansion will enable our firm to become one of the largest Chevrolet agencies in South Jersey. We believe in the future of Camden,” Rohrer said.
Postcards
Rohrer Chevrolet — Postcard dating from about 1950. The new showroom does not appear to have been built yet.
Rohrer Chevrolet — Late 1970s
1959 Yellow Pages Advertisement
1959 NJ Bell Yellow Pages Advertisement