Young Men’s Christian Association
From George Reeser Prowell’s History of Camden County, New Jersey, published in 1886
The Young Men’s Christian Association next to the church, and therefore next to the heart and head of all religious work, has made great strides forward during the past quarter of a century. It was organized October 16, 1878, at the residence of Samuel B. French, corner of Cooper Street and Front, by George H. Davis, W. Howard Curtiss, Bartram L. Bonsall, Samuel B. French, Howard Carrow and I. S. Conover. Mr. Davis was chosen chairman, and Mr. Conover secretary. It was “Resolved, That we, members of the church of Christ, and believers in Him, organize ourselves into a Young Men’s Christian Association, to be called The Young Men’s Christian Association of Camden.” W. H. Curtiss, B. L. Bonsall and Fitch Taylor were appointed a committee on organization. Another committee was appointed to visit the pastors of the city with the view of obtaining their cooperation. The next meeting was held in the lecture room of Tabernacle Baptist Church (now the hall of Wm. B. Hatch Post, G. A. R.), on the 24th of the same month. By-laws and a constitution were adopted, and the officers elected were, President, George H. Davis; Vice-President, W. H. Bancroft; Corresponding Secretary, W. Howard Curtiss; Recording Secretary, George H. Higbee; Treasurer, Bartram L. Bonsall; Directors, Samuel B. French, Fitch Taylor, E. Dallas Stager, H. L. Titus and the officers. The association continued to meet in the Tabernacle until the 2d of December following, when the first meeting was held in the second story front room of the house at 318 Federal Street, and here the association remained during the year of 1879, growing in membership and influence, and carrying forward a good work at the Camden jail, at the rooms and at open-air meetings.
With the beginning of 1880 the association occupied the desired second and third floors of the hall now known as the Association Hall, at Third Street and Market. But, notwithstanding the limited quarters at 318 Federal Street, the older members still retain pleasant memories of the year spent there, and perhaps it would be entirely proper to claim that in no year of its history was the devotional work of the association conducted with greater enthusiasm. In 1881 Wilbur F. Rose was elected president, and he continued until January 1885, during which time the membership increased greatly, and W. H. Geistweit and William Getty successively filled the post of general secretary. John J. Robinson became general secretary afterward, and in the spring of 1886 George H. Barker, general secretary of the Bordentown Association, assumed the duties as general secretary of the Camden organization and has since done very effective work. Upon the retirement of Mr. Rose as president, at the close of the year 1884, Walter M. Patton was elected president, and is now the efficient head of the association. The official minutes show the officers of the association, from its institution to this date, to have been as follows:
1878.—President, George H. Davis; Vice-President, W. H. Bancroft, Corresponding Secretary, W. Howard Curtiss; Recording Secretary, George H. Higbee; Treasurer, Bartram L. Bonsall; Directors, Samuel B. French, Fitch Taylor, E. Dallas Stager and Harry L. Titus.
1879.—President, George H. Davis; Vice-President, William H. Bancroft; Corresponding Secretary, W. H. Curtiss; Recording Secretary, Jos. Alexander; Treasurer, B. L. Bonsall; Directors, Crowell S. Fewsmith, Fitch Taylor, J. Kelley Brown, Thomas S. Conover.
1880.—President, George H. Davis; Vice-President, Robert P. Stewart; General Secretary, W. H. Curtiss; Recording Secretary, Dilwyn C. Cliver; Treasurer, B. L. Bonsall; Directors, James E. Leadley, Samuel R. Murray, J. Kelley Brown, C S. Fewsmith, S.H. Higbee, Westcott Campbell, Thomas S. Conover, S. G. Wallace, Carlton M. Williams, Charles H. Armstrong.
1881.—President, Wilbur F. Rose; Vice-President, Robert P. Stewart; General Secretary, W. H. Curtiss; Financial Secretary, Asa L. Curtis; Treasurer, B. L. Bonsall; Directors, George H. Davis, A. Ledden Iszard, C.M. Williams, C.A. Hotchkiss, J.E. Leadley, S.G. Wallace, E.M. Howard, M.D., G.H. Higbee, E. Shivers, E.H. Plummer.
1882.—President, Wilbur F. Rose; Vice-President, Robert P. Stewart; General Secretary, George H. Davis; Recording Secretary, Clifford W. Shinn; Treasurer, Bartram L. Bonsall; Directors, Harris Graffin, E.M. Howard, M.D., A.L. Iszard, Samuel Finney, S.G. Wallace, C.A. Hotchkiss, E.H. Plummer, Asa L. Curtis, G.H. Higbee, Carlton M. Williams.
1883—President, Wilbur F. Rose; Vice-President, E.M. Howard, M.D.; General Secretary, W.S. Geistweit; Recording Secretary, Harris Graffen; Treasurer, George H. Higbee; Directors, J. Lynn Truscott, Harry Humphreys, Carlton M. Williams, C. A. Hotchkiss, S. Bryan Smith, Robert P. Stewart, Samuel Finney, George H. Davis, F. W. Ayer.
1884.—President, Wilbur F. Rose; Vice-President, E. M. Howard, M.D.; Treasurer, G. H. Higbee; Recording Secretary, J. Lynn Truscott; Directors, E. H. Bryan, Samuel Russell, Carlton M. Williams, Walter M. Patton, Oscar C. Molan, E. E. Read, Jr., J. T. Harker, Harry Humphreys, E. A. Armstrong, Louis T. Derousse, Thomas H. Harris, E. R. Smiley, M.D.; George E. Taylor, David M. Chambers, J. L. Truscott.
1885.—President, Wilbur F. Rose; Vice-President, E. M. Howard, M.D.; Treasurer, Harry M. Anderson; Directors, E. H. Bryan, Oscar C. Molan, E. M. Howard, Samuel Russell, Walter M. Patton, Harry Humphreys, Carlton M. Williams, George H. Higbee, R. P. Stewart, E. A. Armstrong, Bartram L. Bonsall, John T. Seymour, S. G. Wallace, E. H. Plummer, Charles Danenhower.
1886.—President, Walter M. Patton; Vice-President, E. M. Howard, M.D.; Recording Secretary, John F. Seymour; Treasurer, Harry M. Anderson; Directors, Carlton M. Williams, Oscar C. Molan, E. H. Bryan, E. A. Armstrong, S.G. Wallace, B.L. Bonsall, W.F. Rose, J.E. Roberts, Charles L. Reeves, Christian Schrack, A. E. Street.
“The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Young Men’s Christian Association,” one of its noblest supports, was organized in the hall on the 15th of January, 1883, a preliminary meeting having been held on the 10th. At the second meeting the following officials were chosen for the year: President, Mrs. H. L. Hotchkiss; Vice-President, Mrs. Wilbur F. Rose; Treasurer, Mrs. Harris Graffen; Secretary, L. W. Hurlbut. The Auxiliary from that date steadily grew in power for good, and it is now a most effective agency for the promotion of the objects of the association.
Camden Daily Telegram — March 21, 1893
Camden Daily Telegram — March 21, 1893
Camden Daily Telegram — February 28, 1896
MUSIC HAS CHARMS
As Was Shown by the Enthusiasm at the Jennings’ Band Concert.
The first of the series of promenade concerts by Jennings’ Sixth Regiment Band assisted by Miss Jennie Foell, soprano; and Euterpean Male Quartette, John Urban, first tenor; R. Williams, second tenor; Linwood Moulton, first base; Gilbert L. Hindermyer, second base; Miss Therosan Parrot, accompanist, was given at the Pennsylvania Railroad Y. M. C. A. rooms, Third and Bridge avenue, to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience of more than eight hundred persons who demanded encore after encore from Professor Jennings and the vocalists.
The large assembly hall was tastefully decorated with potted plants, palms, ferns and cedar trees while the walls and balcony were prettily festooned with green cedar, intertwined with mammoth pink rosettes which gave the room a most unique but pretty adornment.
The band, consisting of thirty pieces, occupied the stage, and as usual covered themselves with glory, rendering choice selections as only this body of crack musicians can.
The program of fifteen numbers was as follows: Sacred potpourri, “Joy to the World,” J. B. Barnhouse; Euterpean Quartette, Waltz Song, Temer; selection, Robin Hood, Wiegand; soprano sola, Conseils à Nina, J. B. Weckerlin, (Miss Jennie Foell); duet for cornets, Damon and Pythias, Hassolman (Comfort Bros.); tenor solo, selected, John Urban; overture, Poet and Peasant, F. V. Suppe; quartet, Phyllis; piccophone solo, Fire Fly, Galop, Stobbe (Harry W. Wakefield); baritone solo, Hear the Wild Winds Blow, Mattel (Linwood Moulton); Recollections of the War, Beyer; Descriptive, Drummer’s Call, Reveille, Grand March, For God and Country, Marching Along, The Assembly, The Flag of Columbia, Attention, Prayer, Commence Firing, The Battle, Star Spangled Banner, The Vacant Chair, Marching Through Georgia, Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, Glory Hallelujah, The Battle Cry of Freedom, Kingdom Coming, Finale; soprano solo (a), Persian Serenade, Colyn; (b) The Other Day, Borsey (Miss Jennie Foell); quartet, Banks of Allan Water; Indian War Dance, Wallstadt, Jr. (by members of organization); overture, Around the Metropolis, Beyer.
There will be two more concerts by the band, assisted by other talent which, no doubt, will be equally well attended.
The Entertainment Committee, consisting of C. S. Wilkinson (Chairman), Joseph A. Connell, Thomas Bodell, S. L. Jones, E. G. Blaisdell, L. E. Sheppard, John N. West and Thomas Dibble (Secretary), deserve great credit for the manner in which they conducted this their first concert.
The gentlemanly and handsomely ushers who added to the comfort of the audience were: Messrs. W. T. Rogers, Chas. Van Duyn, George Kadel, W. D. Cook, Aaron Watson, H. L. Jones, Thomas R. Dibble, W. A. Baird, A. M. Willetts, James Hope, A. McCall and W. P. Wolkert.
How the Y. M. C. A. Benefits Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Great Interest Taken in Association Work and Results Are Most Satisfactory.
A “Gym” Worth Praising
The New House of Muscle Is One of the Finest in the Eastern Section of the Country—Its Features, Methods and Instructor.
The inestimable benefit of a Young Men’s Christian Association branch to a large city has never been more forcibly demonstrated than in Camden, where for the past eighteen years an association has flourished, accomplishing good work with the most satisfactory results.
From the time of organization the work has been constantly enlarging, until now the association is one of the most healthy, in a financial way, in this section. Its splendid facilities for every branch of association work, the gymnasium, college, literary and religious departments make it exceedingly popular and its work is supported by a large number of Camden’s best known citizens.
The enthusiasm in matters relating to the association is at times remarkable and the churches assist greatly in the work, by pulpit utterances and help by the members of the congregations. The Y. M. C. A. and the churches work harmoniously together, and by co-operation mutual benefit is the result.
The present organization was formed at a private house, corner Front and Cooper streets, October 1[?], 187[?], it being the outgrowth of a union young people’s prayer meeting. Meetings were held for a short time in the rear room of what was then the Trinity Baptist Church, now known as the Hatch Post Building. Later quarters were secured at [?]18 Federal street, where they were located for more than a year. Then a move was made to Lincoln Hall, Third and Market, the second and third stories of that building being secured, where for ten years they remained. Then the Third and Federal streets building was used and from there the association moved to its present quarters.
Since the association moved from its old quarters at Third and Federal streets, the membership has been almost doubly increased, principally by the construction of one of the finest gymnasiums in this section of the country, being more complete than the central association of this city and possessing a fine swimming tank, which the mother branch here has not.
The “Gym’s” Great Attraction
There can be no doubt but that the athletic work in the Y. M. C. A. is its greatest attraction. It draws young men to the building, gets them interested in the work and lays the foundation for the accomplishment of the association’s purpose, leading them in the right path.
The Camden Association has had long and varied experience with gymnastics, and the addition of this great feature has more than proven its value to the work. The first “gym” in Camden was in the old building at the southeast corner of Third and Market streets. The space was very small, the athletic work suffering severely in the cramped quarters. However, the work was carried on there with great success for nearly four years, when the building at the southwest corner of Third and Federal streets was erected and the two upper floors engaged.
This change proved to be successful. A large gymnasium floor space was now at hand, with shower baths, dressing rooms and other features necessary for the carrying on of gymnastic work. The great drawback, however, was the ceiling, which was not more than fifteen feet in height. This prevented any development of flying and traveling ring work, while horizontal bar work was also handicapped to a certain extent. However, for nearly six years the work progressed there in the most satisfactory manner, the classes being large and interest at times very great.
The Present Quarters.
The building now in use at Broadway and Federal streets is the most complete the Camden Association ever had, and while the reading rooms, parlors and game rooms were not constructed especially for the work, yet they are almost exactly the desired arrangement. Just above the house was a space of ground nearly one hundred feet wide and very deep. On this space the “gym” was erected, and a beauty it is. It runs east and west, the front facing Federal street, and getting a good Southern sun exposure.
The gymnasium has a thoroughly modern equipment and, as said above, it has no superior in this section of the country. It is 43x7[?] feet, with a peaked roof thirty-two feet high. The running track overhead is a good feature in the “gym,” and it is, of course, very largely patronized.
Then the pool has been the means of drawing many men into the Association work. It is 21x39 feet, with a depth of water from four feet four inches to six feet. The sides and bottom are lined with white enameled bricks, and has a capacity of 33,000 gallons of water.
Physical Instructor Villee.
The gymnastic work is under the direction of A. G. Villee, who during his two years’ connection with the Camden Association has advanced and created great interest in the work. Mr. Villee is a follower of the Chicago Training School system, having received his gymnastic education there, and naturally believes in its teachings. He is 25 years old, a native of Lancaster, Pa., and has been in gymnastic work for the past five years. After his course at the training school he was appointed assistant at Milwaukee, going from there to Newcastle, Pa., then to Allentown, and then to Norfolk, Va., where he was stationed when he received his appointment as physical instructor at Camden.
Through Mr. Villee athletics have taken a healthy, vigorous turn, and there is a live, wide-awake interest in everything gymnastic in the Camden Association. The classes average eighteen a week, while the usual attendance by the senior members is thirty and the junior members thirty-five. The business men’s class at 5.15 has a usual attendance of fifteen.
With this year came a new feature in the association’s gymnastic work, that of indoor competitive athletic sports. The third of the series took place last evening. These meetings are trials or preliminaries to the final, which is slated for April. The men who have qualified in these trials will be handicapped according to their abilities for the finals, and the first three competitors will receive gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.
The class drill system introduced by Instructor Villee is an excellent one, and a person having a knowledge of gymnastic work will readily appreciate its good points. First there comes the health drill, which includes the free hand, arm, leg and body movement. Then the educative, which means work on the various apparatus, while the third, or recreative, covers games of various sorts on the floor of the gymnasium, exclusive of basket ball. This system is always maintained.
A leaders’ class is also a new feature adopted by Mr. Villee. The men who are included in this class are the best athletes in the association, who lead the different classes and assist the physical instructor. They meet once a week, practicing advanced work and becoming better acquainted with Mr. Villee’s system of physical education.
The junior membership is very large and among the boys, all of whom are under 16 years of age, there are some clever athletes. Mr. Villee also has junior leaders, the boys doing the best work being honored with the positions. This junior department also has a class of twelve club swingers, in which Mr. Villee takes great pride. He has them under his particular care, and without doubt they are a clever lot of boys.
There are many other interesting features in the gymnastic work, and the two fine bowling alleys and shuffleboards should not be forgotten in this brief review.
A feature in the winter’s work has been the series of “Health and First Aid to the Injured” talks. These began in November and will continue until April, the course being closed by Dr. E. M. Howard. The Saturday outings in summer will be continued the coming season. These delightful affairs are under Mr. Villee’s direction. A crowd of probably twenty leaves the association about 10 o’clock of a Saturday morning, riding as far as they can in the trolleys, then walking to some pretty spot, where all sorts of sports and games are indulged in.
The Association Officers.
The officers of the association are composed of Camden’s best-known men, and there is not a better known and more highly respected citizen than Walter M. Patton, who is now president. For years he has been an enthusiastic worker and supporter of the association. The secretaryship is in the hands of Harry Curtis, who has now been with the Camden Association about two years. Mr. Curtis is very popular with the members and has done much toward placing the branch where it is to-day.
The vice-president and treasurer is William J. Coxey, who has been long identified with the work. C. L. Craig is recording secretary. The Board of Directors is composed of Schuyler C. Woodhull, Joseph E. Roberts, William C. Lore, W. A. Davis, M. D., W. Bechtel, Gelbert Landis, Judge Frank Burdsall, Frank Sitley, Samuel D. Goff and Dr. E. M. Howard. The trustees are Abraham Anderson, Wilbur F. Rose, Harry Humphreys, Luther H. Kellum, W. J. Coxey, Carlton M. Williams, Joseph B. Van Sciver, Joseph E. Robert and Thomas E. Gifford. Frank Pierson is assistant secretary.
Camden Y. M. C. A. Gymnasium.
New Year’s Day Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mummers Were Out in Strong Force to Give Fantastic Greeting to ‘97.
POOR NOT FORGOTTEN
Jersey Fun-Makers Crossed the River to Compete for Prizes in Philadelphia—Features of the Day.
New Year’s Day was more generally observed in Camden yesterday than for many years. The mummers were out in greater force than ever before. Three local New Year’s associations contested for prizes offered by social organizations and business houses. The George S. Dilmore and the Fireside New Year’s associations made their initial bow to the public yesterday, and each carried handsome banners presented by their female friends. Both organizations belong in South Camden. North Camden was represented by the J. H. Trainer New Year’s Association.
COMPETING FOR PRIZES.
The friendly rivalry between the organizations resulted in some handsome costumes being displayed in their efforts to outdo each other. The Dilmore Association has a membership of 267, and turned out a large number of mummers. Clement H. Haines is captain. After parading through the principal streets of Camden they crossed the river to Philadelphia. A wagon, that brought up the rear of their parade, was filled with cakes that had been won. An amusing feature of the display was the “Dilmore Guards.” They were dressed in green suits, wore football hair and carried tin toy guns. A football team was represented with one of their number carried on a stretcher.
The Fireside Association was led by Captain John Dangleman and about 200 members fantastically dressed were in line. A Cuban flag, about twenty-five feet wide by fifty feet in length, was carried by twenty boys. They had the Sixth Regiment band and the Ivy Fife and Drum Corps. They crossed the river to Philadelphia and captured a number of prizes.
The J. H. Trainer Association also made a creditable display, and won several prizes. Walter J. Stanton was captain.
THE POOR REMEMBERED.
The young Men’s Christian Association kept open house all day at their headquarters, on Federal street, above Broadway. The building was prettily decorated with greens. An interesting program, consisting of vocal and instrumental music, volley ball, gymnastics and games of all kinds, was rendered. An interesting lot of relics was displayed in the library by Haydon West. Refreshments were served by the Ladies’ Auxiliary all day.
The poor in the southern section of Camden were not forgotten during the day’s festivities. “Long John” Gallagher, a practical philanthropist, who has a restaurant and lodging house at 330 Atlantic avenue, distributed 500 fish cakes, 50 gallons of coffee, a like quantity of soup and several hundred loaves of bread to the needy.
In North Camden 200 loaves of bread were given out at Sixth and Elm streets to the poor in that section of the city.
Nearly all the political and social organizations kept open house.
Philadelphia Inquirer — July 6, 1898
Named: Y.M.C.A., William J. Coxey, and Camden Safe Deposit & Trust Company.
Morgan’s Hall
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Rev. C. A. Janvier, who has spent several years in India, will address the men’s meeting of the Y. M. C. A. in Morgan’s Hall this afternoon.
Herbert Henry Booth — Salvation Army
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Herbert Henry Booth — Salvation Army
Men’s Meeting at the Y. M. C. A.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
•• Several hundred men participated in the services at the Y. M. C. A. yesterday afternoon, the address being made by Rev. Homer J. Vosburg, pastor of the North Baptist Church, who had as his subject “Christ, the Man.”
Philadelphia Inquirer — November 28, 1911
Philadelphia Inquirer — November 28, 1911. Click image for PDF.
Camden Post-Telegram — January 25, 1915
Walter L. Tushigham — Y.M.C.A.
Lectures About Playgrounds
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Camden Board of Recreation Commissioners yesterday announced the lectures that will be given during the course in instruction inaugurated the past week by Professor William A. Stecher, director of recreation of this city. They will be given Friday nights at the Camden Y. M. C. A. Among the speakers will be W. J. Cromie, University of Pennsylvania; W. Nichols, Temple University; Spencer M. Bennett, of Atlantic City; J. Leonard Mason, superintendent of playground work, Philadelphia; Miss Elizabeth O’Neill, superintendent of kindergarten, Philadelphia; W. D. Champlin, executive secretary of Philadelphia Recreation Board; Philip C. Jacobus, Philadelphia, and B. M. Hedrick, of the Camden Y. M. C. A. Director of Recreation Finkeldey, of Camden, will have charge of the classes.
Red Cross Active in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The National Red Cross headquarters at New York has sent a charter to the Camden County Chapter and it was stated yesterday offices will be opened this week in the Temple Building. The charter was issued to these directors: Mrs. Augustus Reeve, Mrs. Robert Patterson Finley, Mrs. N. F. Thomson, Mrs. Joseph Kobus, Miss Elizabeth Reeve, Walter L. Tushingham, A. W. Atkinson and Dr. Walter H. Smith. Next Friday night a mass meeting is to be held at the Y. M. C. A., at which the work of the society will be explained.
Mrs. Mary Harris Armour to Speak at Y.M.C.A.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Hold Patriotic Rally
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HOLD PATRIOTIC RALLY
Under the direction of the Religious Work Committee of the Camden Y. M. C. A., a patriotic rally was held last night from the steps of the City Hall on Haddon avenue. The fact that nearly 1000 Guardsmen have recently left the city for Sea Girt lent peculiar and impressive significance to last night’s occasion. There was spirited singing of patriotic songs, the address being made by Rev. Charles I. Fitzgeorge, pastor of the Union M. E. Church. The meeting was presided over by C. C. Read, chairman of the committee.
Police Elect Officers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden’s Police Beneficial Association yesterday at its annual session donated $25 each to the Camden Day Nursery, Camden Home for Friendless Children, West Jersey Orphanage, Mary J. Ball Nursery, Homeopathic Hospital, Y. M. C. A. War Fund, S. P. C. C., and the Associated Charities. They elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President, Arthur Colsey; vice president, Thomas Cunningham; financial secretary, Edward Hyde; recording secretary, James E. Tatem; treasurer, E. B. McClong; trustees, Charles Humes, Charles Whaland, Howard Smith, Ralph Bond and John Develin.
Philadelphia Inquirer — December 10, 1917
Philadelphia Inquirer — December 10, 1917. Click image for PDF.
Here and There in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The women who operated the booths during the Third Liberty Loan drive have formed an organization for the purpose of raising a fund with which to purchase an ambulance.
The Sixth Ward Republican Club yesterday contributed $25 to the Red Cross fund.
On a charge of selling sugar short weight, May Praissman, a grocer, of 701 Central avenue, was yesterday fined $25 by Recorder Stackhouse.
Plans for the Red Cross drive next week were laid last night by the Executive Committee and the workers at a meeting at the Y. M. C. A.
Agreeing to enlist, Jonas Davis, colored, aged 19 years, who was arrested on a charge of the theft of a watch from James Henry, was freed yesterday by Prosecutor Wolverton. He was sent to Fort Slocum, N.Y.
Grace Lutheran Church
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Named: Grace Lutheran Church, Rev. C.P. Swank, Arthur E. Armitage, W.H. Fry, Cyrus D. Marter, and Charles H. Wagner.
Kluxers to Meet Here for Talk on ‘Al’ Smith
Camden Courier-Post —
A public mass meeting will be held in the Y. M. C. A. Monday night by the Ku Klux Klan.
The principal speaker will be Rev. M. F. Allen, of Texas, a national Klan speaker. His topic will be “The Klan versus Al Smith.”
The meeting will be presided over by Crawford M. Smith, a local Klan officer.
Camden High School — YMCA Advertisement
Purple and Gold Yearbook —
Named: Camden High School, Purple and Gold Yearbook Ad, and January 1928.
Camden Tri-Hi Club to Hold Sport Dance
Camden Courier-Post —
The Tri-Hi Club, of Camden High School, will hold a sport dance at the Camden Y. W. C. A. Building, 565 Stevens street, on Friday, June 10. Those in charge of decorations are: Helen MacLauchlan, chairman; Lillian Davies and Cecelia Cummings.
At the last meeting, the club elected officers for the coming year. They are as follows: Evelyn Ratcliffe, president; Augusta Harrison, vice president; Mary Jennings, secretary, and Cecelia Cummings, treasurer.
The officers of the Merchantville Senior Tri-Hi Club for the next year are: President, Elizabeth Johnson; vice president, Marjorie Applegate; secretary, Erma McAsoos; treasurer, Winifred Armstrong; social chairman, Martinette Firth; service chairman, Florence Hackney; program chairman, Mary Feeney, and council representative, Helen McNichol.
The Merchantville Jr. Tri-Hi officers are: President, Catherine Jeffries; vice president, Betty Evans; secretary, Clara Eakins; treasurer, Virginia Ports, and council representative, Eleanor Krewson.
Armitage Resigns as Secretary of Y
Camden Courier-Post —
Consolidation of City and County Institutions Now Being Planned
Arthur E. Armitage, Collingswood’s commissioner of public works, yesterday resigned as general secretary of the Camden Young Men’s Christian Association.
This was announced following a meeting of the “Y” board of directors. The resignation is due to become effective September 15. That date will mark the twentieth year Armitage has served the Y. M. C. A. movement. Seventeen of these years have been with the local association.
Fulfillment of an early ambition and a desire to devote his time to other interests, was expressed by Armitage as the basis for his resignation.
Consolidation Planned
At the board meeting, over which Wilfred W. Fry presided, a proposal was considered to consolidate the local “Y” with the Camden County Y. M. C. A. Armitage was named with Charles Wagner and E. W. Stedman as a committee of three to study the plan and confer with officials of the county unit.
The retiring secretary first entered the young men’s work as boys’ physical director at the Orange Young Men’s Christian Association, on September 15, 1913. He remained there two years and then took up similar duties with the Carney’s Point Y. M. C. A. when the movement was sponsored there by the duPont interests. On September 15, 1916 he became educational secretary of the Camden “Y” and later was appointed general secretary.
In tendering his resignation he remarked: “My interest in the ‘Y’ movement is just as keen as ever, but I feel since I have given 20 of my best years to the work and have fulfilled an early ambition that now I would like to devote time to other interests.”
Founded Law School
Armitage’s other interests include the South Jersey Law School, which he conceived in 1926 and advanced with the aid of Elmer G. Van Name, an attorney, and the College of South Jersey, which was developed in 1928, Both are housed in the same building.
He is president of the Spartan Building and Loan Association, past president of the Camden Rotary Club and in addition to his borough duties at Collingswood also is active in Masonic circles.
In accepting his resignation the board elected Armitage to the directorate and chose LeRoy A. Goodwin, William Atkinson and S. B. Golf to draft resolutions commending the retiring secretary.
Elmer E. Long, vice president, Francis B. Wallen and Millard Tay were selected to consider a candidate for Armitage’s post.
World Fellowship Vespers Planned by Camden Y.W.
Camden Courier-Post —
The Religious Education and World Fellowship Committee of the Camden Y. W. C. A. will meet in the association’s headquarters, 565 Stevens street, tonight, to make program plans for the World Fellowship Vesper Service to be held at the Camden Central branch on Sunday, November 10. Similar services will be held in all parts of the world on this date.
Plans are also under way now for the next membership party scheduled for Friday, December 13. Members of the various Y. W. groups will participate at this time in a pre-Christmas program entitled, “The Hanging of the Greens.”
The Youth Leaders’ Council, composed of representatives from organizations working with teen age boys and girls in Camden are sponsoring a Youth Leaders’ Institute to be held in Room 416, fourth floor, New City Hall, this city on October 29, November 12, 26 and December 10.
Mrs. Marion F. McDowell, extension specialist in child training and parent education will conduct the classes at which time it is planned to have a lecture period, followed by a general discussion of questions evolving from the lecture topic.
Handball Tourney Closing at Y.M.C.A.
Camden Courier-Post —
Waldner Opposes Rubin Today; Swimmers Compete in Meet at Trenton
The Camden Y. M. C. A. handball tournament is rapidly nearing the end and John Waldner plays Raymond Rubin in the final match in the loser’s bracket of the Class “A” tournament today at 2.00 p. m. Waldner was defeated early in the tournament by Bill Schultz, but made a great comeback in the loser’s bracket by defeating Brad Walz and Fergie McGrath.
Rubin was defeated by Schultz in the final round of the winner’s bracket, and comes back for his last chance with Waldner. The winner of the Waldner-Rubin match will play Bill Schultz in the final on Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock.
In the Class “B” tournament, Jim Crow defeated L. Moses in the finals of the loser’s bracket. Crow’s victory enables him to again meet Dr. J. Del Duca. This match will also be played on Saturday immediately following the finals of the Class “A” tournament.
The Camden swimming team will also be busy this week and will take part in a meet tonight at the Trenton Y. M. C. A. The Camden “Y” team will include Bruce Farrar, Russell Hatch, Tom Pooley, Albert Rebstock, Gilbert Miller and Robert Middleton.
The team will again see action when it meets the strong Baltimore Y. M. C. A. team in an inter-state swimming meet on Saturday at 8.00 p. m. at the local tank.
Camden ‘Y’ Swimmers Star in Trenton Meet
Competing against the cream of amateur mermen in the state, the Camden Y. M. C. A. swimmers turned in a fine performance in the annual New Jersey A. A. U. meet held here last night at the Trenton High tank.
The Camden combination captured second place in the 160-yard medley relay, finishing behind the record-breaking Princeton University team timed in 1 minute 23 seconds. The Camden team, composed of Russell Hatch, Al Rebestock and Bob Middleton, was timed in 1 minute 31 seconds.
Rebestock also gained a third place for Camden in the 100-yard breast stroke. His time was 1 minute 12 seconds. The team prize was won by Princeton with 36 points, while Camden finished fourth with five markers.
‘Y’ Handball Stars in Crucial Matches
Camden Courier-Post —
McGrath Meets Schultz and Finn Encounters Waldner Today
The handball tournament of the Camden Y. M. C. A. will near a conclusion this afternoon, when two matches are scheduled to be played.
Bill “Fergie” McGrath and Bill Schultz, both Camden policemen, meet in the final game of the winners’ bracket, at 1 o’clock, while Frank Finn and John Waldner meet in the final game of the losers’ bracket just as soon as McGrath and Schultz finish their match.
The winners of the two matches will clash for the championship in the near future. The court at the “Y” has been completely renovated, new walls having been erected and a new floor laid.
Y.W.C.A. Girl Reserves Regional Conference
Camden Courier-Post —
The regional conference of Girl Reserve Clubs of the Y. W. C. A. is to be held in Wilmington on March 26. The Camden Girl Reserves serving on the planning committee are Catherine Carson of Camden Tri Hi, and Marie Fiume, president of the newly former “Bona Fide” club. Miss Kathryn Fisher is the adviser of the new group.
The all-department supper of the Business and Industrial clubs will be in the nature of a George Washington party tomorrow evening at 6.30 o’clock. The M.B.T. club is in charge of the menu; the Semper Fidelis club of the decorations, and the Kim club of the entertainment.
YMCA to Dedicate Gymnasium Floor
Camden Courier-Post —
Open House With Dancing to Follow Exercises at Central Branch
The Camden Y. M. C. A. will dedicate a new gymnasium floor tomorrow in its Central Branch, 614 Federal street, replacing one that served for 30 years.
Charles H. Wagner, president of the association, will conduct a meeting in the building at 5 p. m. at which dedicatory resolutions will be adopted. Following there will be “open house” for the public, a program of sports on the new floor and dancing.
The executive committee of the board of directors will present the dedicatory resolutions. Members are Wagner, Elmer E. Long, Alonzo W. Stedman, William H. Atkinson and A. Millard Taylor.
The sports program, arranged by Kenneth E. Smullin, “Y” director of physical education, will include two basketball games, a handball match, to determine the champion of the “Y,” a badminton exhibition match, a gymnastic exhibition by members of the boys’ gym classes, and a table tennis exhibition.
The first basketball game to be played on the new floor will be between the Limited Senior team of the Y. M. C. A. and the Camden Catholic High School quintet. The other contest will be between the “Y” variety team and one made up of high school coaches in Camden and nearby communities.
Music for the dance following the sports program will be furnished by the Nelson-Rainey Orchestra.
New Leader Named by County Y.M.C.A.
Camden Courier-Post —
William A. Rogers has been appointed executive secretary of the Camden County Y. M. C. A., with headquarters in Haddonfield, it is announced by the county committee.
Rogers formerly served as membership and social secretary of the Camden city association under Arthur E. Armitage, now Mayor of Collingswood. Although for some years inactive as a Y. M. C. A. officer, he continued to serve as director of the Underprivileged Boys Club, with Frank Buckman, of Oaklyn.
Survey Planned to Determine Need For Increased Play Sites
Camden Courier-Post —
Recreation Commission Sponsors Move in City-Wide Plan for Curb on Juvenile Delinquency; Y.M.C.A. Aide Outlines Athletic Program
A committee has been appointed to conduct a survey among underprivileged boys on the need for added recreation centers to curb juvenile delinquency by the Camden Recreation Commission.
The survey would be conducted by the committee, in conjunction with the local National Youth Administration.
Samuel E. Fulton, commission president, named C. Robert Perina, Samuel Brest and Jack Vadurro to the committee.
The commission also approved a plan to join in sponsoring an enlarged boy’s club activity in the local Y.M.C.A.
William E. Lovett, director of boys work of the local “Y,” outlined a plan to enlarge the basement of the Y.M.C.A. building to accommodate the members of boys groups throughout the city.
Lovett said the basement will be furnished with boxing and wrestling rings, a library, quoit, tennis and handball courts, marble rings and other paraphernalia.
Former Assemblyman Harry Roye and Herman Hensgen were named to co-operate with Lovett.
Gervas H. Stratton, representing the Fourteenth Ward Civic Association, reported his organization will select four recreation sites in Fairview to be operated under supervision of the commission and the NYA.
Mrs. Rocco Palese reported on the doll dressing and dressmaking contest. The three first prize winners were given a two day trip to New York City, Mrs. Palese said.
‘Y’ Group Organizes Special Gifts Drive
Camden Courier-Post —
$27,500 Goal Set for Funds to Support Non-Revenue Activities
Industrial, commercial and professional leaders in Camden organized yesterday as a special gifts committee for the 1938 campaign of the Camden Y. M. C. A. for maintenance funds. The committee met at luncheon in the central branch building of the “Y,” 614 Federal Street.
The campaign will extend from March 20 to 29, with a goal of $27,500 to cover non-revenue activities of the “Y” which are of benefit to the community.
Mayor Arthur E. Armitage, of Collingswood, is committee chairman. Other members are Charles H. Wagner, vice president of Eavenson & Levering Company; A. W. Steadman, president of the Standard Tank & Seat Company; Walter L. Tushingham, vice-president and business manager of the Courier-Post; Warren Webster, Jr., vice president of Warren Webster & Co.; Elmer E. Long, president of the American National Bank; Howard B. Hemphill, Broadway merchant; William H. Atkinson, controller of the Hurley Store, and Wayland A. Fry, advertising executive.
Wagner, who led the campaign last year, is again general chairman.
Mrs. Bean Names Committee Heads for ‘Y’ Activities
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. Albert M. Bean, president of the board of directors of the Camden Young Women’s Christian Association has named the chairmen of standing committees for this year. Mrs. Lester Dickinsheets will direct activities of Girl Reserves; Mrs. Arthur J. Casselman, health education; Mrs. Frank Tunstall, membership; Mrs. Alford Naus, world fellowship; Mrs. A. Haines Lippincott, public affairs; Miss Helen M. Eastlack, race relations; Mrs. Joseph Leaming, building and maintenance; Mrs. D. Trueman Stackhouse, personnel; Mrs. Joseph Walton, education; Mrs. John Kerrigan, business and industrial; Mrs. Wm. Tipper, finance; Miss Ruth Danford, publicity; Mrs. Charles Chase, social service; Mrs. Oswald Carlander, volunteer personnel; Mrs. C. T. Branch, committee of management Frances Harper Branch.
Joseph Sickler postmaster at Salem, will be the speaker at the “Fireside Group” on Friday, March 4, at 8 p. m. “Old Homes of Salem County,” is one of the books authored by Mr. Sickler, who is well versed on the historic points of interest in South Jersey. The public is cordially invited to attend.
The health education department will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 1 at Central Association, with Mrs. Arthur J. Casselman presiding. Plans will be formulated for the annual health education dinner to be held in April.
Y.W.C.A. — July 22, 1941
Camden Courier-Post
Ethel Curray — Jeanne Fritsch. Camden Courier-Post — July 22, 1941.
Philadelphia and Atlantic City Soroptimists to Be Guest of Local Club at Dinner
Camden Courier-Post —
Hotel Walt Whitman — Mrs. Ethel Butler — Miss Viola Shuler — Mrs. Olive Adams — Y.W.C.A.
Philadelphia and Atlantic City Soroptimists to Be Guest of Local Club at Dinner
Representative members of Philadelphia and Atlantic City Soroptimist clubs will be guests of the Camden Soroptimists at the dinner at the Iron Rock Country Club, on Thursday evening, June 23. The affair will climax one of the most successful years of the local club.
Miss Viola Shuler is arranging the program for the evening and Mrs. Olive Adams will act as hostess.
One of the highlights of the evening will be Mrs. Ethel Butler's account of the biennial convention of the American Federation of Soroptimist Clubs held in Sacramento, Cal., earlier this month. Mrs. Butler, the president of the Camden Club, is en route to her home in this city after having attended the week's sessions of the meet.
Although next Thursday's dinner will mark the official close of club activities until Fall, Soroptimists will meet weekly for luncheon in the Hotel Walt Whitman.