Toone & Hollinshed Department Store
The Toone & Hollinshed department store was owned by Isaac C. Toone and Thomas Hollinshed and stood for well over 20 years at the northwest corner of Broadway and Kaighn Avenue.
Isaac C. Toone was born about 1842 to Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Toone in Pennsylvania. His father was a merchant. Isaac Toone served as a Civil War veteran. He came to Camden, N.J. and owned and operated a dry goods and notions store at Broadway and Kaighn Avenue in the 19th century. At the time of the 1880 census the Toone family lived at 463 Kaighn Avenue in Camden. At home at the time were wife Annie, son Jonathan, and daughters Laura and Florence. By 1887 he had moved his family to 554 Benson Street. He also had taken on a partner, Thomas Hollinshed, and together they owned the Toone and Hollinshed Department Store, selling “dry goods, carpets, hats, caps, clothing and boots and shoes.” Isaac Toone and the Toone & Hollinshed store appear in all Camden City Directories from 1887 through 1891.
Isaac C. Toone was friendly with City Engineer Levi Farnham. On June 18, 1903 the Camden Daily Courier reported “William C. Riggs and wife, then City Surveyor Levi Farnham and wife, Daniel Garwood and wife, Isaac C. Toone and wife and George E. Taylor and wife are a party of Camdenites enjoying the grocers’ excursion to Eaglesmere, Pa. They will be gone a few days.” He was also friendly with Alexander G. Cattell.
Isaac C. Toone had passed away in June of 1910. He was survived by his wife Annie, and a son Howard, then living in Collingswood, who was managing the family business.
The Toone & Hollinshead Department Store was destroyed in a fire on December 14, 1921.
19th Century Trade Cards
19th century trade cards for Toone & Hollinshed.
Camden News
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Notes of Interest from the City Across the Delaware.
The stockholders of the new Camden National Bank held another meeting yesterday and elected the following Board of Directors: Henry B. Anthony, Dr. George W. Bailey, Irvin C. Beatty, Howard M. Cooper, John Cooper, James Davis, Herbert C. Felton, Philip H. Fowler, George P. Halnes, Zophar C. Howell, Zophar L. Howell, Rudolph W. Birdsall, William B. Mulford, Charles E. Thomas, Isaac C. Toom, Henry B. Wilson, Charles B. Coles. Zophar C. Howell was chosen president; John Cooper, vice president; Howard M. Cooper, solicitor, and Isaac C. Martindale, cashier. The committee, on procuring a suitable location, reported in favor of securing the store of Thomas Boyle, Kaighn’s avenue, above Locust street. The [sic] were instructed to procure the same and to make necessary alterations as speedy as possible. Fifty per cent. of the capital stock was paid in at the meeting.
New Jersey News
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Board of Education and Other Local Gossip.
President Toone called the meeting of the Board of Education of 1887-1889, of Camden, to order last night. A motion to adjourn sine die prevailed, and after swearing in the following newly elected members the board organized: First ward, James R. Corson;* Second ward, I. C. Beatty;* Third ward, Edward Gillingham; Fourth ward, W. H. Husted,* Fifth ward, Homer Snyder; Sixth ward, J. Wesley Sell; Seventh ward, Edward A. Martin;* Eighth ward, James Ware;* all of whom are Republicans. Those marked thus (*) are re-elected members.
James A. Carson, of the First ward, was elected president, receiving 10 votes to 6 for Joseph M. Engard, of the Fifth ward. Charles Copewall, of the Fifth ward, was re-elected secretary on the third ballot. Martin V Bergen, Fred. A. Rex and C. V. D. Joline were re-elected superintendent, treasurer, and solicitor respectively.
The Fire Department were called out last night by a slight fire at Frank Lee Dickinson’s flour and feed store, Water and Vine Street.
The case of the estate of the late A. J. Greene again occupied the attention of the Camden Orphans’ Court yesterday.
The Camden Press Club will take charge of their newly fitted-up headquarters at No. 139 Federal Street to day. At a meeting held last night the following were added to the list of members: C. S. Magrath, editor Camden Democrat; Adam P. Sloan, Call and News; Robert F. McDougall, Item and Bulletin, and Alexander Schlessinger, editor Camden County Journal.
Historical and Industrial Review of Camden, N.J., 1890
By Historical and Industrial Review of Camden, N.J.
Toone & Hollinshed, Dry Goods & Notions, Broadway & Kaighn’s Avenue
There is not an establishment in the city that is better known than the store of Toone & Hollinshed. This business was originally started by a lady by the name of Treble, many years ago, the present firm buying it out and being in business about seven years. The individual members of the firm are the well-known gentlemen Isaac C. Toone and Thomas Hollinshed.
The store occupied is on the corner of Broadway and Kaighn’s avenue, and has a frontage of about 100 feet on each street. Here may be found one of the largest and most varied stocks in the States. All grades of Dress and Dry Goods, all kinds of Silks, Cashmeres, Mohairs and the many grades of Plaids, Muslins, etc. All sizes and kinds of Hosiery and Underwear are always kept in stock. A special department is made of the Carpets, in which may be found all grades of Moquette, Brussels, Tapestries, Ingrains, Rugs, Matting, etc.
Boots and Shoes are also in a special department. Hats and Caps occupy a large space, and the stock in this line is particularly fine. Clothing occupies the second floor, in which department may be found one of the largest lines of Custom and Ready Made Goods. Full lines of Neckwear, Notions, Fancy Goods and Small Wares are constantly kept.
Twenty-five salespeople, who are ever on the lookout for the firm’s interests, are given constant employment.
Both gentlemen are well known and respected residents of the city…
Camden Daily Telegram — July 28, 1893
Toone & Hollingshed’s Store is Robbed.
$500 Worth of Goods Taken.
Entrance Was Effected From a Back Cellar Window—The Entire Store is Looted by the Burglars—The Police Were Missing.
Crime Runs Riot Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CRIME RUNS RIOT OVER IN CAMDEN
A Murder, an Attempted Murder and Two Bold Robberies Within a Few Hours.
Mrs. Copelain’s Assassin Confesses, But Says the Fatal Shot Was Accidental.
A Girl Struck on the Head By a Hatchet in the Hands of Some Person Unknown—Burglars Use Chloroform and Ransack a House.
Crime is rampant in Camden and the residents are in fear of their lives. Within a radius of two squares a murder, an attempted murder and two robberies were committed in ten hours. The murder was the shooting of Mrs. Lizzie Copelain, of 626 Kaighn avenue, and account of which was printed in THE INQUIRER yesterday.
Stanley Murray, a colored bootblack, went to the City Hall yesterday and told the authorities a man answering the description of the supposed murderer was hiding in a hayloft in Walter Campbell’s stable, Gloucester City.
Chief of Police Davis, Lieutenant Smith and Policeman Guthridge went to Gloucester, where they arrested Charles A. Jordan, 29 years old, of 1119 Sycamore street, Camden.
Says It Was Accidental.
Jordan made a confession in which he said he had stolen a revolver from James Kelly, a bartender in Foltz’s saloon at Seventh and Sycamore streets, and went into Mrs. Copelain’s store to sell it. He did not know the revolver was loaded and kept pulling the trigger when suddenly the weapon went off. He saw Mrs. Copelain stagger, and, becoming frightened, ran down the street.
An inquest will be held next Tuesday morning. Mrs. Copelain will be buried to-morrow.
An Attempted Murder.
About half-past 2 o’clock yesterday morning, within a stone’s throw of the Copelain crime, pretty 19-year-old Mary Morrison was nearly murdered by supposed burglars. There is considerable mystery attached to this case.
James Morrison keeps a grocery store at Kaighn avenue and Baring street, and the rest of the house is occupied as a residence by his family. The front room on the second floor is occupied by Mr. Morrison and his wife. Adjoining this is the room occupied by his daughters, Mary, Celia and Maggie, and in the back room his two sons and Walter Weeks, a boarder, sleep.
Hit With a Hatchet.
Miss Morrison was awakened by a noise about half-past 2, and attempted to get out of bed, when she was struck a terrible blow over the left eye with a hatchet. She fell back unconscious and the intruder escaped. The noise awoke her sister Celia, who called to her father. He immediately sent for a physician, who dressed her wound, which is quite serious.
The assault was at first supposed to have been committed by a burglar. He was told that the burglar had effected an entrance through the cellar window, but on investigation he found the dust on the window sill had not been disturbed.
The chief says he told Mr. and Mrs. Morrison he could lay his hands on the person who had committed the deed and asked if they wanted him arrested. They answered they did not think anyone in the house had done it and the chief left.
They Were Chloroformed.
Burglars entered the residence of Francis Crossley, 729 Chestnut street, Camden, and after chloroforming the inmates proceeded to ransack the house. They secured about $10 and several valuables.
The firm of Toone & Hollinshed, of Broadway and Kaighn avenue, was also robbed of $500 worth of goods.
Business Men in Line
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Organizing a Sound Money League in Camden.
A movement has been started in Camden to organize a Sound Money League of business men. An address has been issued, which says:
“Believing that the adoption of the Chicago platform as our national policy would be a menace to the welfare and prosperity of our country and realizing that those engaged in commercial enterprises would be the first to endure the evils resulting from the radical methods indorsed therein, it is important that business interests of the country should be allied in an aggressive movement in favor of a stable financial policy.
“It is proposed to organize the Business Men’s Sound Money League of Camden, and the co-operation of all those engaged in mercantile, manufacture or other business callings or occupations is solicited, irrespective of past party affiliation, to unite in the formation of a league for the election of McKinley and Hobart, as the representatives of sound money.”
The address is signed by Democrats as well as Republicans. Among the signers are the Esterbrook Steel Pen Company, Farr & Bailey, Gately & Hurley, Toone & Hollingshed, Frank D. Sitley & Sons, Howland Croft, George D. Van Sciver, William S. Scull, Anthony Kobus and John Campbell, Jr.
It is proposed that the organization shall take an active part in the campaign
In the Whirl of Camden Politics
Philadelphia Inquirer —
May Be Opposition to Ex-Sheriff Barrett’s Mayoralty Candidacy
CHAMBERS HESITATES
Thompsonites Hope to Coax Him Into Taking Their Nomination. Printing Registry Lists
Former Sheriff George Barrett, who is looked upon as the probable nominee of the Camden Republicans for Mayor, is likely to have opposition in the convention. He has stated that he will not accept the nomination unless it is tendered him unanimously. Delegates to the convention will be elected to-morrow night. The Fifth ward delegates will probably favor the nomination of Harry F. Wolfe, Director of the Board of Freeholders, for Mayor. Isaac Toone may be the choice of the Ninth ward delegation, while Lawyer John H. Fort is likely to have a few delegates. To insure Barrett’s acceptance of the nomination it will be necessary to overcome this opposition, but the leaders say this will be easy.
There are plenty of candidates for the City Recordership nomination. Among those who would like to preside in the police court are: Justices Philip Schmitz, O. Glen Stackhouse, Charles Baldwin, George R. Thompson and Frederick B. Kauffman. Recorder Benjamin M. Braker is also seeking renomination.
COAXING CHAMBERS.
The Thompson Democrats are working hard to induce David M. Chambers to reconsider his declination to stand as their candidate for mayor, despite the fact that Mr. Chambers has contributed to the funds of the Committee of One Hundred, has voted the “One Hundred” ticket, and is now a member of the Executive Committee of the reformers’ organization. Mr. Chambers has promised to withhold his formal declination until to-morrow morning. He told an Inquirer reporter last night that he had not receded from his determination to decline the nomination. He said he was getting along in years and had interests that would seriously interfere with his official duties if he was elected, to say nothing of the fact that his health compelled him to spend every summer out of the city.
If Mr. Chambers cannot be coaxed into accepting the nomination the Committee on Vacancies may select former Chief of Police W. H. Davis or Dr. J. W. Donges to head the ticket. Postmaster Harry B. Paul’s name is also mentioned.
The County Democracy has decided to save the expense of having ballots printed and distributed bearing their party caption. As they will indorse the Committee of One Hundred nominations they will use the committee’s tickets.
LISTS TO BE PRINTED.
For the first time in sixteen years the City Clerk will not order the registry lists printed. Lack of funds in the printing appropriation is given as the excuse. The Committee of One Hundred has ordered the lists printed at its own expense. Next Tuesday is the last registry day, and voters must appear in person to be registered.
Sheriff Baird, who went South with City Clerk Varney about two weeks ago, will return in a few days.
George W. Jessup, the Committee of One Hundred Councilmanic nominee in the Second ward, by order of his physician started yesterday on a ten-days’ trip through the South for his health.
The Paul Woodward Murder Case
October 1, 1902 —
On October 1, 1902 Paul Woodward murdered two young boys by giving them poison. Frank T. Lloyd, then Camden County prosecutor, was responsible for leading the investigation and prosecuting the case. County Coroner Dr. Paul N. Litchfield was involved in the investigation and empaneled a jury on October 4, 1902 for a coroner’s inquest. Isaac Toone was among the members of that jury. Other members included David Kaighn, George Leathwhite, George J. Pechin, Elmer E. Cox, and T.L. Bear. Woodward, who had been arrested earlier that day, was indicted for murder, was tried, and was convicted of murder in the first degree. On January 7, 1903 Paul Woodward was executed at the Camden County Jail.
Related pages: Frank T. Lloyd — Dr. William S. Jones — William D. Hart — Dr. Paul N. Litchfield — F. Morse Archer — John Foster — John Painter — John Cherry — Paul Woodward — George M. Beringer — Charles G. Garrison — J. Wesley Sell — Christopher J. Mines Jr. — Frederick A. Rex — J. Frederick Voigt — George F. Kappel — Isaac Toy — Harry S. Scovel — Francis Ford Patterson Jr. — John S. Smith — Frank S. Albright — Thomas Walton — Dr. William H. Iszard — George H. Stineford Sr. — Jennings’ Third Regiment Band — Benson Street
TOONE—On June 21, 1910. ISAAC C. TOONE aged 66 years
Philadelphia Inquirer —
TOONE—On June 21, 1910. ISAAC O [sic] TOONE aged 66 years. Relatives and friends, also Camden Lodge, No 15, F and A M; Camden Forest, No 5, Tall Cedars of Lebanon Valley, of Camden; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons; also Post No 5, G A R, and employes of Toone & Hollingshead Co. are invited to attend the funeral, on Friday afternoon, June 24, at 2 o’clock, from the residence of his son-in-law, H Raymond Staley, 704 Linden st., Camden, N J. Interment private, Harleigh Cemetery. Remains may be viewed Thursday evening, from 7 to 9.
Lightning Starts Fires, Hits Trees, Stuns Three Boys
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Costly Blazes in Camden—Youths Under Awning Badly Shocked
Sudden Torrent of Rain, High Wind and Bolts Cause Widespread Damage
Sudden and furious was the electrical storm which yesterday afternoon took Philadelphia, Camden and nearby towns by surprise. Fires were started by lightning in many sections, rain fell in torrents and the wind rose suddenly and played wide-spread havoc.
Camden was the centre of the disturbance and suffered the heaviest damage. Three boys were severely shocked there and the total damage from fires mounted to the $50,000 mark. Bolts in Ardmore felled trees across many roads, split a flag pole in front of the Ardmore public school and tumbled a chimney off the building.
Between 2.45 and 3.15 in the afternoon the thermometer dropped twenty degrees, from 85 to 65, a southwesterly wind rising at the same time to a velocity of thirty miles an hour. Typical of summer thunderstorms was the unheralded start of the downpour and its brief duration. The precipitation from 3.12 to 3.35 in the afternoon, the time during which the rain fell, was only .45 of an inch, but the greater part of this poured down in ten minutes’ time.
Many Fires in Camden
Every piece of apparatus in the Camden Fire Department was pressed into service at one and the same time, only quick response to the alarms averting disastrous blazes in two instances.
Out along the Main Line little damage was done. The house of A. J. Francis, at the junction of Grandview and Argyle roads, Ardmore, was struck by lightning and the roads themselves were blockaded by uprooted trees which forced motorists to go slow to avoid collisions with the obstructions.
The three Camden boys who were shocked, A. Goldberg, 15 years old; Richard Noon, 14 years old, and Howard Robbins, 9 years old, living at 310, 336 and 330 North Tenth street respectively, were all taken to the Cooper Hospital. Only one of the trio, Goldberg, is still in a serious condition. All were paralyzed when admitted to the hospital.
Boys Hurled to Pavement
When the storm made itself manifest with vivid flashes of lightning and reverberating thunder, the boys sought shelter beneath an awning at Tenth and Penn streets. Goldberg was leaning against an iron pole with his companions nearby. There was a blinding flash and the next instant the three boys were hurled to the pavement.
Others beneath the awning went to their assistance, although several were slightly affected by the bolt also. The boys were apparently dead when placed in the auto ambulance, but after several hours of work at the hospital, the youthful victims were revived. They said it looked like a great greenish white ball which descended from the darkened skies and which apparently struck the pole against which Goldberg was leaning.
Within five minutes four alarms of fire had been turned into the Camden Electrical Bureau. One was from the Parkside school at Wildwood and Princess avenues, another from the elevated bridge of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Third and Bridge avenue, the third from the department store of Toone & Hollinshed, at Broadway and Kaighn avenue, and the fourth from the Camden Curtain Rod Factory, Broadway and Jackson streets. In each instance it was a bolt of lightning that struck electric wires that caused the blaze.
At the Toone & Hollinshed store, one of the largest in Camden, and which is located in a three-story building, the fire had its origin in the basement. There were large quantities of mens’ and boys’ furnishing and duplicate supplies of dry goods stored there ready for display. This material was excellent food for the flames, and for a time they threatened to mount up through the stairway of the main floors, but the quick work of the firemen averted such a contingency.
Woman Saves Firm’s Books
At the height of the blaze, which raged fiercely in the basement, Miss Anna Brennan, chief bookkeeper, mounted a fire escape to the second floor. Standing by a window from which the smoke issued in thick volumes, she superintended the rescuing of the firm’s books. Not until all had been taken out did she leave her post. Fireman John McTaggart, of Chemical Company No. 1, rescued the books.
There was such thick, pungent smoke issuing from the windows that several firemen were temporarily overcome, but they were revived and went back to work. Harry Green, of Engine Company No. 1, was badly cut about the hands by falling glass.
It was stated by Thomas Hollinshed, a member of the firm, that the damage to the store and stock would total at least $25,000. This was due not only to the blaze, but also to the smoke which permeated all parts of the three-story building.
It was in the southwest corner of the building of the Camden Curtain Rod Company that the fire had its origin. It spread with great rapidity and for a time it was feared the entire three-story structure would fall prey to the flames. The fire fighters confined the blaze to the first floor however. The tons of water coupled with the fire caused damage estimated at $25,000, fully covered by insurance.
At the Parkside School it was found that the fire had caused but little damage and the railroad bridge at Third and Bridge avenue was only scorched. There was something of a furore at the latter place because over the structure were passing many seashore trains laden with passengers for Camden and this city.
The storm was one of the most intense Camden has experienced this summer, although it was less than half an hour in duration. Throughout the city trees and fences were leveled and on the surrounding roads, especially the White Horse pike, hundreds of autoists were forced to seek shelter. Some of the thoroughfares in the lower sections were converted into veritable torrents, so great was the rainfall.
4 Big Camden Fires in Six Weeks Bring Losses of $595,000
Camden Courier-Post —
Four fires in Camden’s business district within the past six weeks have destroyed or damaged a dozen retail stores, entailing losses fixed at $595,000.
They were: Baker-Flick Department Store, $150,000; Toone & Hollingshed and five nearby retail stores and shops, $225,000; Nell’s Haberdashery, $20,000; Economy Store and three other stores, $200,000.