Introduction
Engine Company 1 was organized on September 2, 1869 as one of the original units of the paid fire department, and entered service on December 7, 1869 at 409 Pine Street in South Camden, occupying quarters that had been built in 1860 and used by the volunteer fire department. New quarters were erected on the same site in 1892, where the company remained until November 2, 1978 when relocated to its present location at Fire Headquarters, 2 North 3rd Street, at North 3rd and Federal Streets, in the center of Camden’s downtown district. The former firehouse at South 4th and Pine was sold by the city and was used by a private party as late as 1994.
On May 16, 1870 Camden City Council authorized a contract with builder Abram Lower to build a brick stable adjacent to the Engine Company 1 headquarters at 409 Pine Street. The building cost $1,650.
The first major fire that the new paid Camden Fire Department confronted was on December 20, 1869 at the R.M. English & Company oilcloth factory at Cooper’s Point. Almost a year later, on Christmas Morning, December 25, 1870 fire destroyed St. John’s Episcopal Church at Broadway and Royden Street. This had formerly been a floating chapel anchored on the Philadelphia side of the Delaware River. The wooden church burned to the ground in an hour. A second St. John’s was built, only to be lost to fire in 1892, and was replaced by the current building.
Leadership in the Fire Department at this time was not subject to Civil Service regulations. When the Democrats gained control of City Council in 1876, future mayor Claudius Bradshaw was elected Chief Engineer for the City of Camden, George Horneff of Engine Company 1 was named as Assistant Engineer, and another Engine 1 member, Thomas McLaughlin, was named as Extra Engineer. Bradshaw and Horneff were both re-elected in 1877. Cornelius Brown was promoted to foreman of Engine Company 1.
With Republicans regaining control of the city in 1879, Samuel Buzine of Engine 1 was named foreman of Engine Company 2. Cornelius Brown continued as Engine 1 foreman. Both men remained in these positions until March 27, 1882. George Rudolph Tenner was then named Engine Company 1 foreman. In 1884 Samuel Buzine was named Foreman of Engine Company 1. He was promoted to Assistant Engineer the following year, his place being taken by John Stockton, who later became Chief of the department.
Engine Company 1 — Original Members, 1869
When first organized, Engine Company 1 consisted of an Engineer, a Driver, a Stoker, and ten extra men (call members). Annual salaries for the members of the paid force in 1869 were $600 for the Engineer, $450 for the Driver and the Stoker and $50 for the extra men. All but the extra men were paid monthly. The Chief Marshall received $800, and the Assistant Marshall $200 per year as well.
Engine Company 1 Roster
Camden Fire Department Engine Company 1, 1869
Officers
| Name ↕ | Position ↕ | Badge ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| G. Rudolf Tenner | Engineer | |
| William H. Clark | Driver | |
| Thomas McLaughlin | Stoker |
Extra Men (Call Members)
| Name ↕ | Position ↕ | Badge ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Allibone | Extra Man | 1 |
| William Deith | Extra Man | 2 |
| George Horneff | Extra Man | 3 |
| John J. Brown | Extra Man | 4 |
| William A.H. White | Extra Man | 5 |
| James Sutton | Extra Man | 6 |
| Cornelius M. Brown | Extra Man | 7 |
| Alexander Peacock | Extra Man | 8 |
| Samuel Buzine | Extra Man | 9 |
| Jesse Chew | Extra Man | 10 |
Apparatus
1893 — Engine Company 1 at 409 Pine Street, South Camden, with its two-wheeled Silsby hose cart.
1896 / 1890s — Engine Company 1 with its second class Amoskeag steamer, which had been rebuilt by the LaFrance Engine Works of Elmira NY, and its two-wheeled Silsby hose cart. 409 Pine Street.
1902 — Engine Company 1 at 409 Pine Street.
1934 American LaFrance Pumper, 1000 GPM — 409 Pine Street.
June 1952 — 1934 American LaFrance Pumper, 1000 GPM. 409 Pine Street. The front of the building and the garage door had been remodeled.
April 17, 1960 — Camden Catholic High School, Broadway & Federal Street. Engine 8 with 1952 GMC Hose Wagon, 200 GPM (photo courtesy of Bob Bartosz) and Engine Company 1.
July 1960 — 409 Pine Street. 1958 American LaFrance Pumper, 1000 GPM; 1958 Dodge–American LaFrance Model K-D-500 Hose Booster Wagon, Hale 200 GPM pump, 300 gallon booster. Captain Jones in charge of company.
August 31, 1972 — 1967 American LaFrance Pumper.
1986 — 1986 Hahn Pumper, 1500 GPM. Mickle and Riverview Towers apartment buildings in the background.
1994 — At 2 North 3rd Street. From left: Captain Paul Matyjasik, Firefighter Ed Olleck, Firefighter David Person, Firefighter Daniel Baker.
From the Camden Fire Department 1869–1994 125th Anniversary book. Photography by Bob Bartosz.
Engine Company 1 — 1989
620 Sycamore Street — June 17, 2006
Story and Photos: Bob Bartosz
Busy 24 Hours in Camden NJ — 6 Working Fires Along with a Rescue
Camden Firefighters had a busy 24 hour tour starting on June 16th and ending on June 17th with four All Hands fires and two second alarms all in the South Camden section of the city.
The first job was a working fire in a row of two story dwellings in the 1200 block Morton Street. Later that day they had a working fire in the middle of a row of two story dwellings in the 700 block of Spruce Street. A few hours later in the AM hours they were called to the 700 block of Cherry Street.
First-in companies found heavy fire showing in a large 3 story brick dwelling that put all companies to work within minutes. Part of the structure collapsed and Battalion 1 called for a second alarm. A few minutes later while the fire was going another alarm came in for a working fire at 908 Haddon Avenue, about 6 blocks away.
As the companies were coming in they found another blaze a block away from the first job, in a row of 2 story dwellings at 903 Haddon Avenue.
Fire Radio put in a Special call to Camden County Fire Units to respond into the City. Fire companies from Gloucester City, Oaklyn, Westmont, Collingswood, and Pennsauken Township were put to work fighting these blazes. By 4:30 AM all the fires were placed under control.
A few hours later firefighters were dispatched to 620 Sycamore Street for an explosion and fire with reports of people trapped. Engine 8 was first in with Captain Dan Baker. He reported he had the end of a row brick 2 story dwelling that had exploded and had numerous people injured and one victim still trapped on the collapsed second floor, and he requested the Second Alarm to be transmitted.
Rescue 1 was arriving with Captain Frank Sandrock and Battalion 1 Chief Daryl Lewison along with Squad 7 and Engine 1 and Ladder Companies 2 and 1 and Battalion Chief 2 Mike Dipascale on the second alarm with Engine Companies 6 and 9, Ladder 3 and Special Operations Rescue unit and Car 3 with Deputy Chief Mike Harper and Chief of Department Joseph Marini in Car 1.
Firefighters could hear a female calling for help from the collapsed second floor. They went to work shoring up the collapsed building. Captain Sandrock of Rescue 1 was OPS Officer. About 30 minutes later firefighters were able to get to the badly injured woman. She had burns over 70 percent of her body. Rescue 1 firefighter Eli Hall was sent up the ladder to bring her down. Camden EMS removed her to Cooper Hospital Trauma.
Two other males were blown out of the second floor of the building onto the street and were taken to the hospital by Camden EMS. Two of the victims were admitted in critical condition. Car 3 Harper placed the assignment under control.
The explosion is under investigation by the Camden Fire Marshal Office and Camden Police Arson Unit along with the ATF. Cherry Hill Twp Canteen Unit RIT team and Rehab Unit, and County Fire Police and Camden County Field Com units were Special called. This was a busy 24 hours with 4 All Hands and 2 second alarm fires and a life saving rescue.
620 Sycamore Street — June 17, 2006. Photos: Bob Bartosz.
Engine Company 1 Personnel — March 15, 1909 to April 22, 1910
The information below was gleaned from the actual attendance log for Engine Company 1. Please note that William Buzine served with Engine 1 in September of 1909 and November of 1909, but not in October of 1909. James Navins served as a substitute at least once in each month beginning in September of 1909, through April of 1910. William Morris served as a substitute in July, August and September of 1909. Josiah Sage served as a substitute in August and September, 1909.
| Name | Start | End / Status |
|---|---|---|
| John A. Stockton | March 15, 1909 | Active on April 22, 1910 |
| William O. Sawyer | March 15, 1909 | Active on April 22, 1910 |
| George R. Tenner | March 15, 1909 | Active on April 22, 1910 |
| Andrew Miller | March 15, 1909 | Active on April 22, 1910 |
| Joseph B. Ayres | March 15, 1909 | Active on April 22, 1910 |
| Joseph Daley | March 15, 1909 | Active on April 22, 1910 |
| Martin Carrigan | March 15, 1909 | Active on April 22, 1910 |
| James P. Lewis | March 15, 1909 | March 1, 1910 |
| Frank N. Stockton | March 15, 1909 | April 15, 1910 |
| George H. Hunt | March 2, 1910 | Active on April 22, 1910 |
| Joseph Sparks | April 16, 1909 | Active on April 22, 1910 |
| James Navin (substitute) | September 1909 | April 1910 |
| William Morris (substitute) | July 1909 | September 1909 |
| Josiah Sage (substitute) | August 1909 | September 1909 |
| William Buzine (substitute) | September 1909; November 1909 |
Engine Company 1 — 1990s
Philadelphia Inquirer — July 8, 1873
Yesterday afternoon about half-past five o’clock the hose cart to Engine No. 1, of the Camden Paid Fire Department, was upset and considerably broken in turning the corner of Second and Market streets, while running to Cooper’s Point on an alarm of fire. The horse was also thrown down and somewhat injured.
Camden’s Big Fire
Philadelphia Inquirer —
THE DYE WORKS OF JOHN J. HAYES COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
Two Firemen’ [sic] Injured and an Engine Badly Damaged—Other News from Across the River.
A fire at Sixth and Mechanic streets, Camden, yesterday afternoon, destroyed the dye works of John J. Hayes. About 5 o’clock workmen were startled by the cry of “Fire!” from an outsider. The drying room, which was in the main building, was found to be in flames. The workmen rushed through the building to close down the windows to cut off the draught, but soon had to cease, owing to the rapid spread of the flames. The men had hardly got out before the whole building was enveloped in flames. The two adjoining buildings soon caught, and within fifteen minutes the whole establishment was on fire. The entire fire department was out, but only three engines could get into service. No. 3 engine, while attempting to round the corner at Sixth and Mechanic streets, got in a hole, was upset and so badly damaged that it was totally unfit for use. Driver Samuel Lodge leaped from his feat [sic] in time to escape being injured.
At 6 o’clock the front of the main building fell in. Foreman Mortimer Wilson, of No. 3; Hoseman William Bogia, of No. 1, and Ladderman Charles Robinson were at this point and had a close call. Foreman Wilson was badly burned about the face and hands and sustained a scalp wound. He was conveyed to the Cooper Hospital. Hoseman Bogia had his leg injured, Robinson escaped uninjured.
The buildings and stock were all destroyed. Mr. Hayes, who operates the dye works, places his loss at $15,000. He is unable to tell how much insurance he has, as all his papers and books were burned up. Daniel Scofield, the owner of the building, puts his loss at $10,000, making a total loss of $25,000.
Philadelphia Inquirer — January 10, 1904
While responding to an alarm of fire from Farr & Bailey’s Oilcloth Works, on Pine Street, yesterday, Engine No. 1 crashed into a repair wagon of the Public Service Corporation. Fortunately no one was hurt, although the driver of the repair wagon was hurled into a snow bank.
Camden at a Glance
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Changes made necessary by the elevation of John A. Stockton to the post of Fire Chief were announced last evening by the Fire Committee of Camden City Council. Stockton will be succeeded as Deputy Chief by Captain Peter Carter, of Engine Company No. 1. Lieutenant Samuel Whitzell will take Carter’s place and will be succeeded by Charles Cook, who was chauffeur for the late Chief Worthington.
Pleading guilty to a charge of burglary at the store of Sig Schoenagle, 424 Federal street, Kim Lee, a Japanese, was yesterday sentenced by Judge Boyle to serve not less than three and a half years or more than seven years in the State Prison. With a paving stone Lee broke a bulk window at the store and stole two Panama hats.
His jaw broken and skull probably fractured by being kicked in the head by a horse in his father’s barn, 15-year-old Edgar Leech, of Paulsboro, is in a serious condition in Cooper Hospital, Camden. Hurried to Camden on a train, the boy was in an unconscious condition when admitted to the hospital, and was still in a state of coma last night.
Decreeing that the defendant concern was not responsible for the accident, Judge Boyle yesterday dismissed the liability claim filed by Henderson Martin against the Camden Iron Works. Martin sought damages for injuries sustained to an arm by a pipe rolling on it.
Fireman Joseph Ware Dies
Philadelphia Inquirer —
As a result of being struck in the face by an automobile crank on June 6, Fireman Joseph Ware, son of Policeman James Ware, died yesterday at his home at 170[?] Fillmore street, Camden. He is survived by a wife and a young child. Ware was a member of No. 1 Engine Company and he operated the battalion chief’s auto. After going to a fire at Locust and Pine streets he was cranking the machine when the handle slipped and he was struck in the face. The facial bones were crushed.
Firemen Honor Dead Comrade
Philadelphia Inquirer —
With a guard of honor composed of forty fellow firemen and his body reposing on the combination fire apparatus, the funeral of Fireman Joseph A. Ware, of No. 1 Engine Company, Camden, was held yesterday, interment being in New Camden Cemetery. The services were conducted at the Church of Our Saviour by Rev. Martin Stockett. The pallbearers were Ware’s comrades of the engine company and included Lieutenant Charles Cook, Richard Marter, James Navin, Louis Shaw, Spencer Smith and Alfred Hayden. Ware had his face crushed in on June 6 when the crank of the battalion chief’s auto struck him. He became blind and paralyzed.
Final Honors for Mrs. Jos. Maxwell
Camden Post-Telegram —
From the residence of her husband, 620 North Third street, the funeral of Mrs. Katherine Maxwell, wife of Fire Captain Joseph Maxwell, who died on Saturday from pneumonia, was held this afternoon. Rev. Rudolph B. Brestell, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, conducted services, and interment was made in New Camden Cemetery. The pallbearers were Harry Green and William Walton, of Engine Company No. 1, of which house Mr. Maxwell was captain, and Rollo Jones and Joseph Daly, of Engine Company No. 4. The floral designs were in abundance and very beautiful. Pretty floral tokens were received from members of the Camden Fire Department and Engine Companies Nos. 1 and 4.
7 Children Saved in Blaze; City Fireman Overcome
Camden Courier-Post —
ONE OF SEVEN CHILDREN RESCUED from a burning house at 444 S. 5th st., Friday, is shown being carried to safety in the arms of a fireman. Three of the children and a fireman were overcome by smoke. Two civilians rescued four of the children before firemen arrived.
Neighbors Help Family Trapped By Flames
Neighbors and firemen rescued seven children from their beds when fire damaged a home at 444 S. 5th st., Friday afternoon.
Three of the children and a fireman were overcome by smoke from the oil stove fire, that caused minor damage. They were treated at Cooper Hospital.
The three children are Jose Castiano, one year; Louis Colon, eight months, and Henry Rodriquez, seven months. The latter two were visiting at Castiano’s home and their addresses were not immediately learned.
The injured fireman is Charles Cook, of Engine Co. 1, 4th and Pine sts.
Children of Widow
Mrs. Yolanda Casiano, 28, a widow, and mother of five of the children, was not at home at the time of the fire. Her four other children were given shelter in the home of Mrs. Margaret Young, of 526 Washington st. They are Huberto and Margie, 7, twins; Juesu, 4, and Yolanda, 3.
Mrs. Concha Garcia, 62, grandmother of the Casiano children, sounded the alarm. She is the wife of the Rev. Hipolito Garcia, minister of the Christian Pentecostal Church of the Living God, located on the first floor at the 5th st. address.
Her cries attracted Phillip Rossi, 34, of 429 S. 5th st., a foreman on the Reading Railroad who was returning home from work, and Michael Cemini, 25, of 925 N. 22nd st., who was tending bar in his father’s saloon at 5th and Washington sts.
Rescued By Ladder
Rossi ran into the house and made his way to the second floor. In the meantime, Cemini found a ladder and placed it at the window. Between them they removed four of the children to safety. By this time firemen from the Pine st. company and 5th and Arch sts. station arrived and removed the other three children on a ladder placed at the front of the house.
Cook was overcome by smoke after he had searched the house to make certain no one remained. He collapsed at the front door.
According to Winfield Leviseur, district fire chief, a crowd of 400 spectators attracted to the scene, cheered as firemen and neighbors carried the children from the house.
Cemini told reporters he recently passed fireman and police civil service examinations, placing, he reported, first on the fireman list, and fifth on the police.
Firemen reported the fire was caused by an oil stove in the kitchen of the home. Damage was confined to furniture, walls, ceiling and floor.
Fireman Is Suspended for Being Intoxicated
Camden Daily Courier —
Roscoe Tribbett, a hoseman attached to Engine company No. one, Fourth and Pine streets, was suspended this morning following a charge of being drunk and disorderly while on duty, preferred by Captain W. Scott Franklin.
Tribbett, who lives at 1190 Penn street, was summoned to appear at Commissioner Hitchner’s office, City Hall, this morning, for a hearing. A committee composed of John W. Kelly, Chief of Electrical Bureau, acting in Commissioner Hitchner’s absence, Chief Marshall, Captain Franklin, and Assistant City Counsellor Frank Neutze.
Tribbett was ordered suspended to await action upon the return of Commissioner Hitchner, who is ill.
$225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants
Camden Courier-Post —
How Flames Gutted Big Industrial Building
Residents Flee as Flames Rage in Big Building
Factory of Evans Leather Co. Saved by Valiant Work of Firemen
Apparatus Is Disabled; Debris Buried Fire Plug
Metal Stamping Firm, Textile Concern Heavy Losers; Pattern Shop Saved
Taken shortly after daylight today, this photograph shows firemen still pouring water on the ruins of the Varoma building on Erie street from the roof of the Evans Leather Company building adjoining. Five industries were wiped out in the blaze which caused damage estimated at $225,000.
Sweeping through the Varoma Building on Erie street and driving 80 persons from their homes, a spectacular fire early today wrecked the quarters of five industrial concerns and caused damage estimated at $225,000.
Responding to three alarms, every piece of fire apparatus in the city, with the exception of the “cover-up” companies, fought the blaze for hours.
Handicapped by the location of fire-plugs and the breakdown of several pieces of apparatus, the firemen prevented the flames from spreading to the huge building of the Evans Leather Company, which forms an “L” on two sides of the burned structure.
Twenty dwellings on the east side of Segal street, separated from the Varoma building only by a narrow alley, were also saved after their occupants had fled to the street.
Fire Chief Thomas Nicholas announced later today, after the flames had been brought under control, that he would begin a rigid investigation into the blocking of Segal street by a high board fence and the piling of refuse around a fireplug at the head of the street.
The wrecked building is owned by the Varoma Corporation of which Thomas Van Osten, of Palmyra, is president; William MacIntosh, 3[?]7 Vine street, vice president; Alfred Van Osten, of Palmyra, secretary, and David B. Robinson, of West Collingswood.
Building Loss $50,000
MacIntosh today estimated the damage to the building alone at $50,000. He is also president of the MacIntosh Printing and Lithographing Company, of which James J. Stinson, of Merchantville is secretary. Damage estimated at $10,000 resulted from the fire in the quarters of that concern.
The other industries, all located in the big brick building, which suffered in the blaze, with official estimate of the damage to each, are as follows:
Blue and Gray Textile Company, of which T. A. Carr, of 302 Porter road, Fairview, is president, $30,000.
Allied Metal Stamping Company, of which Joseph A. Skublicki, of 115 State street, is president, and William Daugherty, vice president, $75,000.
James A. MacMillan & Co., manufacturing chemists, headed by James MacMillan, of 809 North Third street, $10,000.
Philadelphia Metal Stamping Company, of which firm Clement A. and Mrs. Florence Perrin, of Collingswood, and Edwin L. Seabrook, of 566 Benson street, are members, $50,000.
Other Concerns Escape
The fire was discovered at 5.35 o’clock by a watchman who sounded the first alarm. The flames had started, from causes as yet undetermined, in that portion of the building occupied by the Blue & Gray Textile Company. The building, which housed nine separate industries, covered an area 100 by 300 feet. Part of it was one story in height and another part two stories. Four of the industries in the two-story section of the building escaped serious damage. They are Kruse & Slattery, tool-makers; the Camden Hardware Manufacturing Company, the Wolf Company, manufacturers of advertising novelties; the Thomas C. Van Osten pattern-makers, headed b[illegible]dent of the concern w[illegible] building.
The structure, at 105-107 Erie street, extends back almost to Segal street and has a frontage covering most of the block on Erie street between Second and Burns streets.
Arrivnig [sic] in response to the watchman’s alarm, Chief Nicholas visioned the danger of repetition of the fire nine years ago when buildings at the same location were wiped out by flames. He immediately sounded the second and third alarms, bringing almost every piece of apparatus in the city to the scene.
Carr, president of the textile company, estimated the loss there at $30,000, stating that a large shipment of intricate machinery from Germany had arrived only a few days ago. The concern was anticipating removal, in a short time, to larger quarters at Ninth and State streets, Carr added.
From the two large rooms occupied by the Blue & Gray textile firm, the flames swung over to the quarters of the Allied Metal Stamping Company. Daugherty, the vice-president of this concern, said his company was filling a large order for electric switch-boxes and had been working at capacity for several weeks. Switch-boxes valued at $40,000 were destroyed by the fire, with machinery and other equipment valued by Daugherty at an additional $35,000.
Blasts Add to Perils
Moving northward, the flames next struck the MacMillan plant, where chemicals are manufactured for paints and drug companies. Here the flames reached a number of containers of chemicals and, for a time, the blaze was punctuated by a series of explosions. Here, firemen risked imminent peril to their lives by carrying other containers of chemicals out of reach of the flames.
Still continuing northward; the fire next reached the MacIntosh lithographing plant and spread through the cutting and shipping rooms, causing damage estimated at $10,000 before firemen succeeded in dragging two lines of hose into this section of the building and driving back the flames.
The Philadelphia Metal Supply Company went next as the fire swept eastward. In this plant, metal cornices and valuable hand-made dies were destroyed at a loss estimated by Perrin, a member of the firm, at $50,000. Arriving at the scene, apparatus from Engine Companies No. 1 and No. 7 developed boiler trouble and were unable to work. Firemen were further handicapped by the fact that the Evans Leather Company has blocked off Segal street at the north end by a high board fence. A fireplug at this point was also blocked by a pile of chemical containers, declared to have been placed there by the leather company.
Declaring that he could have attached at least four more hose lines had this plug not been blocked, Chief Nicholas announced that he would conduct an investigation. He said also that the leather company had failed to place gates in the Segal street fence, as city officials required them to do when permission was given for erection of the barrier.
Hose lines were taken to the flat roof of the Evans company, high above the burning building, and water poured onto the flames from this altitude. Hundreds of persons were attracted to the scene by the spectacular nature of the fire, which was visible from the Camden bridge and for miles around. A police detail led by Chief James E. Tatem and Inspector Lewis Etehr [sic] kept the crowds in check.
Firemen escaped injury while fighting the flames at their height, but while they were still pouring streams of water onto the ruins shortly before noon today, the first casualty occurred. Emanuel Kane, of 703 North Third street, a fireman attached to Engine Company No. 6, was struck on the head and knocked down by a 12-foot length of steel bar, six inches thick, which pinned him under it as he fell. Companions ran to his aid, lifted the bar from him and revived him. Hospital treatment was not necessary.
Eight other firemen narrowly escaped serious injury a few minutes later when a section of the east wall fell. The eight men were standing under the wall when one of them saw it totter. They dashed from the spot just in time to avoid being buried by the falling debris. Three of these firemen were from Engine Company No. 1 at Fifth and Arch streets; three from No. 4, Fourth and Vine streets, and two from No. 2 Company, Front and Linden streets.
Jack Sperry, an Evening Courier photographer, was walking along the roof of a part of the burned building when he fell through a portion of it which had been burned from beneath. Pinned at his arm-pits, he was dragged out. He got his picture.
While carrying a hose line into the [illegible] structure, Firemen Harry Lee [illegible] David Ellis were knocked down when a [illegible]pling blew off the hose but [illegible] hurt.
[illegible] wild confusion was [illegible] street when members [illegible] whose homes were threatened by the flames, rushed to the street, many of them clad only in night clothing. Carrying screaming children with them, occupants of the dwellings also dashed out with furniture and personal belongings which they piled in the street. Cellars of the score of houses on Segal street were flooded by water from the firehoses, which was knee-deep amid the ruins.
Families whose homes were menaced and who were driven from the dwellings were those of Paul Warner, 1002 Segal street; Frank Bosco, 1004; Giles Beebe, 1006; Howard Pratt, 1008; Mrs. Mary Sweeten, 1010; Charles Randall, 1012; Harry Burr, 1014; John Sweeten, 1016; Leona Moore, 1018; Dora Annastasio, 1020; John Hamilton, 1024; Abe Granis, 1026; George Stewart, 1028; Arthur Wilkins, 1032; Charles Stutzenburg, 1034; George Wilson, 1036; George Bowers, 1040, and A. W. Dickinson, 1042 Segal street.
The fire today was the fourth big blaze that has occurred on the site. The first was in 1867, when a roller mill and nail factory were destroyed.
In the second, in 1908, flames destroyed the morocco plant of R. H. Evans Company.
In 1919, with the temperature at the zero point, firemen were again called out to fight another disastrous blaze in the Evans plant that had been rebuilt.
Two Camden Toddlers Die As Fire Razes Row House
Camden Courier-Post —
Babysitter Seriously Burned
—Courier-Post Photo by Bob Bartosz
BODY of child, one of two young victims of Camden blaze, is carried from Fern Street row house by Capt. Al Collum of Engine Company 1.
By BOB REICHENBACH, Courier-Post Staff
A Camden man was in critical condition at Cooper Hospital today and two children were dead after a fire swept through a North Camden row house yesterday.
Stanley Brown, 25, was burned over 50 per cent of his body in the blaze at 825 Fern St. that took the lives of James Lyles, 3, and his brother John M., 2.
The two boys, sons of Mrs. Inez Brown, 22, died of burns over their entire bodies, according to an autopsy report released today by Blair M. Murphy, investigator for the Camden County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Flames Spread Rapidly
The first alarm was called at 1:40 p.m. Six minutes later a second alarm was issued as heavy winds whipped flames and the blaze spread throughout the small two-bedroom row home.
The fire apparently started in the kitchen in the rear of the home, a preliminary investigation has turned up.
“The gas stove was lit,” Deputy Chief Theodore Primas explained, “just to help take the chill away.”
According to Brown’s hospital bedside testimony, the children were playing in the house.
“The kids were running around,” Primas said, “and there most probably is a link between the stove and the children.”
Brown, he continued, was asleep in one of the second-story bedrooms when the fire started.
A member of the family said Brown had been babysitting for the boys while their mother went shopping. A sister, Dorothy, 4, was visiting a grandmother. The children’s father is stationed in Kansas City, Mo., with the Army.
Leaps To Safety
According to reports, Brown jumped from the second floor window and told firemen that the two boys were trapped inside.
Firemen were unable to get into the house until about half an hour later when the flames subsided.
A fireman, Robert Troutman, 40, of Engine Company 6, was injured when he was blown from the front door he was trying to enter, according to other firemen.
He was treated at Cooper Hospital for smoke inhalation.
Troutman had been called to a one-alarm fire a block away, at 531 N. 9th St. Shortly after that fire was under control, firemen were ordered to the Fern Street address.
Firemen said Troutman and Capt. James McGrory, 44, of Engine two, tried to enter the home when they arrived. An explosion of undetermined origin apparently sent them flying to the sidewalk.
High winds threatened two adjoining homes as flames and smoke spread along the roof eves. Firemen cut through the ceilings of all three homes to combat fire spreading through the roof crawlspace.
Firemen found the two children in the bathroom at about 2:15.
“There was a big one and a smaller one,” said Primas, “but I don’t know which was which, they were both burned beyond recognition.”
The two-alarm fire followed within almost 15 minutes of a one alarm fire that Battalion Chief John Mogck said was “deliberately set in the kitchen.”
Spring winds again fanned the flames and the vacant rowhouse on N. 9th Street was “completely engulfed” when firemen arrived.
Mogck said an investigation of the 9th Street blaze will definitely be made.
Family Mourns 2 Boys
Children’s Grandmother Inconsolable
Mrs. Doris Brown sat weeping on the sofa in a home across the street following the two-alarm fire that took the lives of her two young grandchildren.
The family there was trying to keep people away from the distraught grandmother but they failed.
Neighbors and friends were crowding around. They wanted to find out what had happened. “I really don’t know,” she said, rubbing her surviving granddaughter’s head.
Looking at Girl
“She . . .” Mrs. Brown said, looking at the little girl, “was over here when it started.”
Dorothy, 4, looked up at her grandmother. She was confused.
But she seemed to know she should be quiet.
“My daughter was uptown shopping,” Mrs. Brown said between sobs, “and her friend (Stanley Brown) was watching the kids.”
The mother of the two small boys, Mrs. Inez Brown, 22, was shopping at Broadway and Kaighns Avenue, according to Blair M. Murphy, Camden County Medical Investigator.
Mrs. Brown cried more, probably thinking about how she would break the news to her daughter.
‘Where’s Father?’
“Where’s the father?” someone asked.
Mrs. Brown looked up from her crumpled handkerchief and said, “He’s in Kansas City (Mo.) with the Army.”
She looked at Dorothy again. “She was visiting me (at 531 Elm St.) and then said she was going home,” the grandmother said.
She sighed. “She must have come here instead,” she continued.
Mrs. Brown began crying harder. A neighbor tried to comfort her. Those crowding around began to leave. On their way out, they saw two small bodies wrapped in white sheets being lowered from the bedroom window across the street. Attendants carried the covered bodies to waiting ambulances.
Crowd Falls Short In McIntire March
By LARRY WILLIAMS, Courier-Post Staff
WASHINGTON — Fewer than 15,000 pro-Vietnam war demonstrators were on hand as Dr. Carl McIntire’s “march for victory” started down Pennsylvania Avenue today.
McIntire said during the prayer meeting that he was “heartened” by the number of persons who attended the hour-long session, despite earlier
16 Coal Miners Killed in Blast
VIENNA (UPI)—At least 16 coal miners died early today when an explosion rocked a mine in northeastern Czechoslovakia, the government announced.
The government announcement said two other miners have been saved and 10 “are being rescued.”
The announcement by the official news agency CTK said 28 men were in the Paskov mine, near the city of Ostrava, when the explosion occurred. The blast occurred just before the changeover from the night to day shifts.
7 Area Policemen Finish Drug Course
Seven South Jersey police officers were recent graduates of the twelfth class in a special drug law enforcement training program for municipal officers, conducted at the State Police Academy, Sea Girt.
They were Ptl. William Sheffield, Collingswood; Capt. Joseph Foster, Pitman; Ptl. Anthony Francesco, Edgewater Park; Det. James Dooley, Atlantic City; Sgt. Charles Rankin, Margate; Ptl. Walter Oliver, Middle Township, and Sgt. Dominic Romeo, Wildwood.
Engine 1 Helmet — Firefighter John Meksa
Credits
Many of the above photographs are from the limited edition book Fire Department Camden NJ 125 Anniversary 1869–1994 and were taken by Bob Bartosz. Others are courtesy of Joel Bain of the Camden Fire Department.
4 Cops, 4 Firemen, Widow of One Win City Pensions
Camden Courier-Post —
Johnson, Garrity, Crawford, Stahl Retire Aug. 31
Four police officers and four firemen applied for pensions under the mandatory 65-year-old retirement law today.
The applications, all approved by the police-firemen pension board, are in line with Commissioner Aaron’s order in December, 1948, advising chiefs of the respective services that state law requires retirement of all personnel who have reached 65.
Police officers to be pensioned are Detective Capt. Samuel E. Johnson, 71, Capt. John T. Garrity, 65, Detective Frank Crawford, 69, and Patrolman Harry Stahl, 68.
Fire department members include Deputy Chief Clarence Madden, 67, and Firemen John Prucella, 75; Spencer Smith Sr., 68, and Frank L’Esperance, 66.
The eight men will retire Aug. 31, with each receiving one-half of the average annual salary of the last three years.
Also approved today was an application for a widow’s pension by Mrs. Carrie Bean, 1103 North Twenty-sixth street. Her husband, Patrolman Howard Bean, died June 8, eight days after being pensioned. She will receive $1000 annually.
Captain Johnson, of 211 Elm street, is considered the dean of the police department, having served 40 years.
Johnson, who will receive $2019 annually, was appointed in April, 1910, and was made a detective 10 years later. He was elevated to sergeant in November, 1928, and to lieutenant in 1930. One year after he was cited in 1942 by former Public Safety Director Mary Kobus, Johnson was raised to captain. He served as acting police chief from December, 1947, to December, 1949.
Captain Garrity will receive $1601 annually. He served as commander in each of the three city districts. Garrity was appointed in January, 1920; made sergeant July, 1930; lieutenant in 1940, and captain on June 30, 1944. He lives at 2515 Morgan boulevard.
Following a “pep” meeting with city detectives Thursday, Aaron announced he had transferred Captain Garrity to his office for “special assignments.” Sgt. William Schultz was named acting captain to head the third police district to replace Garrity.
Crawford, of 578 Chestnut street, will draw $1501. He was named to the force in 1912 and resigned eight years later. In 1931 he was reinstated and received a promotion to detective status in 1942. He was cited by former Chief John Golden.
Stahl Appointed in 1917
Stahl lives at 1513 Baird avenue. After his appointment in 1917, he saw service in most departments of the bureau. He will receive an annual pension of $1401.
Chief Madden, 2760 Mickle street, is serving as fire commander for the second fire district at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. He was appointed July 1, 1910 and assigned to Engine Co. 5, Fifth and Arch streets.
In 1922 he was raised to lieutenant, and six years later became senior captain. Madden was named battalion chief Nov. 21, 1944 and deputy chief on Dec. 16, 1949.
Madden will receive about $2000, with the others drawing approximately $1358 annually.
Prucella, 919 Penn street, was sworn in on Nov. 1, 1911 and joined Engine Co. 5. Since 1933 he has been serving at No. 6 Engine Co., Front and Linden streets.
Smith was appointed May 1, 1914 and assigned to No. 1 Engine Co., Fourth and Pine streets. He has been attached to No. 10 Engine Co., Ninth street and Morgan boulevard, since 1920.
Frank L’Esperance, 604 Clinton street, is also a member of No. 10 Engine Co., where he has been attached since 1938. He was appointed June 6, 1918 and served with No. 5 and No. 3 engine companies.
Fire Captain Is Promoted
Camden Courier-Post —
CAPT. HAROLD H. PIKE
Camden Fire Capt. Harold H. Pike today was promoted to district fire chief. He was sworn by City Clerk Odorisio at ceremonies in the City Hall office of Public Safety Director Kaufmman [sic].
Pike of Engine Co. 1, 4th and Pine sts., is 38 and lives at 939 N. 31st st. Appointed as a ladderman in November, 1950, he was made a captain in 1961. Kauffman, Fire Chief Edward R. MacDowell and acting Deputy Chief Edward Michalak witnessed the swearing-in ceremony.
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.
3 Firemen Grads Given Assignments
Camden Courier-Post —
Three firemen were graduated today from the Camden City Fire Training School, 9th and Market sts. Their training began June 11 and included one week at the Philadelphia Fire Training School.
Assigned in ceremonies at fire headquarters, 3rd and Arch sts., were Truman Maples, 26, of 1024 N. 35th st., to Engine Company 11, Ernest A. Fagan, 25, 105 S. 35th st., Engine Company 1, and Spencer Smith 3d, a third-generation fireman, 22, of 1523 Collings rd., to Ladder Company 1.
Camden Lodge of Elks Has Magnificent Home
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Latest Happenings in the State of New Jersey
Camden Lodge, No. 293, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is now thoroughly established in its new home at Broadway and Federal street, Camden. The building, plot of ground and house furnishings together are valued at $50,000, and the house is declared by well informed persons to be one of the best equipped properties of its kind in the State.
The plot of ground on which the house stands is 40 by 180 feet and in the rear of the house there is a large brick stable now used by Engine Company No. 1, of the Camden Fire Department, while a new engine house is being built at Fifth and Arch streets. The first floor of the club house comprises a library, a parlor and a large dining room. On the second floor there is a social room, a pool room, secretary’s office and a spacious and well-shaded piazza. On the third floor is the lodge room, which is capable of seating 200 persons. On this floor there are also several smaller rooms for preparing candidates and the use of committees. During the coming winter the basement will be used as a grill room.
Camden Lodge was instituted largely through the efforts of John Henry Fort, on January 24, 1895. The lodge started out with 152 members, and it now has a total of 361. Its roll of membership contains the names of many of Camden’s most prominent men, who were attracted to the lodge portals by the atmosphere of good fellowship that envelops any group of Camden Elks, as well as by the deeds of unassuming charity and benevolence that have been found to emanate from the lodge.
The present officers of the lodge are: Exalted Ruler, Samuel A. Kilpatrick; Esteemed Leading Knight, Dr. A. H. Lippincott; Esteemed Loyal Knight, Charles F. Amwake; Esteemed Lecturing Knight, William P. Walsh; Secretary, Chester D. Van Duyn; Treasurer, Edwin R. Saunders; Esquire, Colonel William H. Stansbury; Inner Guard, Frank H. W. Gardner; Tyler, Robert W. Harper; Organist, Joseph Osmond; Trustees, Former Senator Maurice H. Rogers, Former Judge Alfred Hugg, County Clerk Robert L. Barber, Former Judge Richard T. Miller and Former Assemblyman George D. Borton; Board of Governors, D. Harry Condit, Dr. A. H. Lippincott and Samuel A. Kilpatrick.
LODGE ROOM.
SOCIAL ROOM
LIBRARY.
Three of the Rooms in the Pretty Lodge Home of the Camden Elks