Introduction
You can’t really talk about North Camden without talking about Pyne Point. After all, when William Cooper first settled in South Jersey, he named the place Pyne Point. The name Camden came much much later.
As Camden expanded, so did North Camden. The wave of construction that swept the city in the 1890s and early 1900s was especially strong in North Camden, where, prior to then had seen little development north of State Street and east of North 3rd. By the time America entered World War I, North Camden had been almost completely built out, and the need for a better park was evident.
Although the Cooper Mansion was being used as a public library early in the 20th Century, the park itself was not anywhere its later size or status. Private groups such as the Camden Motor Boat Club and the Camden Tennis Club built facilities there. In the early 1900s the City of Camden began leasing the property on a yearly basis, and eventually acquired title.
The great expansion of Pyne Point Park would come in the mid-1920s. Giving the citizens of North Camden a decent park was one of the priorities in 1923 for the newly-formed Board of Commissioners, which had just replaced the existing Camden City Council. Over the next few years under the direction of Commissioner H. Raymond Staley and Superintendent of Parks Benjamin R. Denny, many improvements were made, and Pyne Point Park was truly a place of beauty to rival any in the city, or the state, for that matter. The old Cooper Mansion was kept as best possible, rest rooms were installed, and ball fields were laid out.
In later years North Camden finally got its own Junior High School, as Pyne Point Junior High was built adjacent to the park in 1957. Municipally-owned Radio Station WCAM built its transmitter building and antenna tower at the northwest corner of the park.
Sadly, as North Camden declined, the park did as well. The burning of the Cooper Mansion is symbolic of what became of North Camden, a burned out shell, abandoned, and forgotten by an uncaring public and city government on the other side of Admiral Wilson Boulevard.
Still, hope lives on in Camden, and perhaps the winds of change that are sweeping the city in 2004 will breathe new life into Pyne Point Park. North Camden has a core of civic organizations such as Leveanhouse, the North Camden Land Trust, Camden Churches Organized for People, and Concerned Citizens of North Camden which may be able to effect the restoration of the park. In 1980 Rodney Sadler founded Pyne Poynt Marine Services at the foot of 7th Street, and hopefully the boating community will return to North Camden as well.
Pyne Point Park in 1915
Pyne Poynt Park
About two hundred years ago, the king of England appointed three men to act as commisioners for him in the southern part of his recently acquired province of New Jersey. Their duties were to purchase land from the Indians and to divide it among the Englishmen who made application for tracts that they wished to develop. Among the earliest applicatns was William Cooper, who was given a tract that included a large part of North Camden. He occupied the tract and farmed it, and either he or one of his sons built the old building now used as a Public Library at Pyne Poynt Park. He called his home “Pyne Poynt,” because of the pine trees then growing at the intersection of Cooper River and the Delaware. The iron stone of which the walls are built, and the hand-hewn oak rafters and laths, were doubtless procured nearby. Patrons of the Library are still warmed in winter time by logs burning in the same fire-place that the Coopers used, and the same old iron crane hangs in the fire-place, though it is ornamental rather than useful in these modern days. Many thousands every summer enjoy the shade of the poplar and buttonwood trees that doubtless were standing when William Penn walked about the bluff and looked across the river to his State of Pennsylvania.
Pyne Poynt Park in 1915
Pyne Poynt Park
ABOUT two hundred years ago, the king of England appointed three men to act as commissioners for him in the southern part of his recently acquired province of New Jersey. Their duties were to purchase land from the Indians and to divide it among the Englishmen who made application for tracts that they wished to develop. Among the earliest applicants was William Cooper, who was given a tract that included a large part of north Camden. He occupied the tract and farmed it, and either he or one of his sons built the old building now used as a Public Library at Pyne Poynt Park. He called his home "Pyne Poynt," because of the pine trees then growing at the intersection of Cooper River and the Delaware. The iron stone of which the walls are built, and the hand-hewn oak rafters and laths, were doubtless procured nearby. Patrons of the Library are still warmed in winter time by logs burning in the same fire-place that the Coopers used, and the same old iron crane hangs in the fire-place, though it is ornamental rather than useful in these modern days. Many thousands every summer enjoy the shade of the poplar and buttonwood trees that doubtless were standing when William Penn walked about the bluff and looked across the river to his State of Pennsylvania.
Pyne Point Comes into its Own
Camden First,
Pyne Poynt Comes into its Own; Camden First — July 1925
CAMDEN FIRST July, 1925 14
Pyne Point Comes into its Own
By FRANK B. ANDERSON, Former Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Public Property
UNTIL about two years ago Pyne Poynt was a park in name only. In those halcyon days it was the stereotyped boast of aspiring candidates for Council that "if I am elected I will put Pyne Poynt on the map." But these roseate dreams never materialized, until just recently. For years Pyne Poynt remained unchanged—virtually a vacant lot where occasional baseball games might be played, but of no value as a beauty spot or recreation center. Pyne Poynt, as the most historic spot in Camden, seemed deserving of better treatment. For it was in Pyne Poynt Park that George Washington is said to have tied his horse to the big tree which stands next to the old mansion. The place received its name from William Cooper, one of the founders of Camden. Finding a grove of pine trees at that point, he built a home there in 1681 and called it "Pyne Poynte."
[photograph caption:] View of the New Comfort Stations with River in the Distance at Pyne Point Park
When Commissioner Staley assumed charge of the Department of Parks with the advent of Commission form of government one of the chief problems confronting him was that of giving the citizens of North Camden an ideal park. Happily the problem has now been solved. Aided by an alert and capable Superintendent of Parks, Benjamin R. Denny, the Commissioner of Parks has been able to transform Pyne Poynt into a real city Park. In two years time it has been converted from a marshy, low-land dump to a thing of beauty.
Just what are some of the improvements which have wrought this change? First of all, a retaining wall was built to hold in the high land in the vicinity of the old mansion. Not only is this wall ornamentally a credit, but it was built at a minimum of expense from discarded Highway Department material. Old street blocks and bricks were utilized in the construction of comfort stations. Concrete walks were laid on the higher portions of the tract. Ornamental standards were set up and illumination provided for the various walks. Over 250 trees and a like amount of shrubs have been planted. A drinking fountain with an ornamental cluster of lights was erected. The Johnson electric fountain was removed from Johnson Park at 2nd and Cooper Streets and installed at the southwest corner of Pyne Poynt Park. This was done at a cost of $7,00, which was borne entirely by Mr. Johnson, head of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Over 30,000 cubic yards of fill were hauled to the park for grading purposes. Several hundred yards of hedging were planted, and the soil prepared for additional plantings.
Alexander Collins, one of the veteran nurserymen from Forest Hill Park, has been assigned to Pyne Poynt, and is there overseeing the care of lawns, trees and shrubbery. Five barges have been anchored across the extreme ends of 6th and 7th Streets where formerly there were unsightly ditches. These barges will be used as foundations for earth fill which is being brought in gratuitously by the American Dredging Company.
Work was started this spring on six tennis courts and a playground. When the latter is completed, which will be within the next few days, it will be one of the finest playgrounds in the State of New Jersey. Moreover, it will have been built at a surprisingly low cost. It will have two complete sets of playground apparatus, quoit courts, wading pool, and a hand merry-go-round for the kiddies.
The old mansion previously referred to, is one of the oldest buildings in Camden. It dates back to Colonial days and its site marks what was the principal landing place of the original Camden-Philadelphia Ferry. Its historical value is high and it is the aim of the City of Camden to restore it to its original state. It would indeed be a mistake to neglect this quaint old landmark when there are all too few historical buildings in the city.
The various improvements mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs have contributed to the making of the new Pyne Poynt as it is today. Residents of the northern section of Camden may well point out this park to the strangers within our gates as an example of a City Beautiful, a city that is rapidly expanding along all lines of endeavor and coming to the fore as one of America's most up to the minute communities.
Images of Pyne Point
The Benjamin Cooper House at Pyne Point, North 7th and York Streets. Houses on Erie and Bailey Streets would come later! Postcard printed prior to 1906.
The Benjamin Cooper House at Pyne Point, North 7th & York Streets.
Pyne Point Library, Camden N.J.
The Cooper House was made into a library, known as the Pyne Point Library.
[faint pink handwritten line along the lower edge, not legible]
Camden N.J.
Pyne Point Park. Postcard mailed in 1907.
PYNE POYNT
Camden, N.J.
Pyne Point Park.
A Glimpse of Pine Point Park,
Camden, N. J.
The Camden Motorboat Club, Pyne Point - 1910.
The Camden Motor Boat Club, Pyne Poynt, Camden, N. J.
60-75
This photo of the library was taken in the early 1900s. Note the telephone pole that does not appear in the postcards above.
In the foreground, Mrs. Martha Weber, wife of Rev. Paul C. Weber of Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, holds boy Carl W. Weber, with daughter Katherine by her side. July 4, 1923.
Carl W. Weber in his bay carriage, in front of the hot dog stand: “DOGS 5 CENTS.” July 4, 1923.
Carl W. Weber in front of a sign advertising the bottled soft drinks of North Camden businessman Oscar B. Weidenhammer, located at Point and York Streets. July 4, 1923.
Pyne Poynt Athletic Association July 4, 1926
PYNE POYNT MANSION
PYNE POYNT
A. A.
JULY 4TH
1926
Pyne Point Photos from The Real Estate Advertising Brochure
Pyne Point Photos from The Real Estate Advertising Brochure
An Historic Spot in Camden Interesting to You
By the Wood Manufacturing Co., Head of Seventh Street, Camden NJ.
The Wood Manufactoring Co., was building and selling 50 houses at Seventh and York Streets
Pyne Poynt Tennis Courts
Pyne Poynt Tennis Courts
Camden Motor Boat Club House
Pyne Poynt Library from Sixth Street Houses
Pyne Poynte House and Library, 1926
Pyne Poynt Park, Easter 1943. Elaine, Irene, & Dorothy “Dot” Cowley of 1020 Segal Street
'Pynters' Seek Tilts
Camden Courier-Post —
The Pyne Poynt A. A., of the Reesman Twilight League, is anxious to obtain games for Saturdays and Sundays either at home or away. For games call Ed Myers, 1881-W.
'POYNTERS' SEEK TILTS
The Pyne Poynt A. A., of the Reesman Twilight League, is anxious to obtain games for Saturdays and Sundays either at home or away. For games call Ed Myers, 1881-W.
Aitken Re-Elected by Pyne Poynt A. A.
Camden Courier-Post —
All Other Officers Retained; Committees Named for July 4 Celebration
Henry W. Aitken was re-elected president of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association at its annual meeting held last night in its headquarters at Fifth and Erie streets.
All other officers re-elected are: Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., vice president; George B. Plummer, recording secretary; Harry Walton, financial secretary, and Otto E. Braun, treasurer. Trustees are: Benjamin Covington, Charles F. Bonner, John T. Landold, George E. Ash, Alonzo Hires, Walter Reyno, Clifford Flennard, Charles McCurdy, William Lloyd, Henry Haines, Samuel Dickinson, Howard Baird, William Robinson, Robert Nelson, Jacob Strecker and Foster Willis.
Committee chairmen appointed to arrange for the association’s 32nd annual July 4 celebration are: Frank J. Hartmann, Alfred Ross, Walter A. Reyno, William L. Sullender Samuel J. Edwards, William L. Lloyd, Jack Schultz, Otto E. Braun, Foster Willie [sic], Clifford Flennard, Robert J. Nelson, Charles F. Bonner, Samuel Dickinson, Walter S. Agin, and George E. Ash.
Girls' Club Opposes Pyne Poynt Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Question Mark Bobbies - Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1932
GIRLS' CLUB OPPOSES PYNE POYNT TONIGHT
Pyne Poynt A. A. of the Reesman Twilight League will cross bats with the Question Mark Bobbies, a girls' baseball team, on the Pyne Poynt grounds tonight at 6.30 o'clock.
It will be the first time a girls' team has played a boys' club at the North Camden park and a large crowd is expected to be on hand to view the tussle. Tom McCurdy will twirl for the homesters with Tom Richter receiving the slants.
Question Mark in Tie with Pyne Poynt Club
Camden Courier-Post —
Question Mark Bobbies - Camden Courier-Post — June 11, 1932
QUESTION MARK IN TIE WITH PYNE POYNT CLUB
The Question Mark Bobbies, a girls' baseball team held Pyne Poynt A. A., of the Reesman Twilight League to a 7-7 deadlock before one of the largest crowds ever to witness a baseball game at Pyne Poynt Park last night.
Miss Mayers toed the mound for the female contingent and whiffed no less than eight of Eddie Myer's best batters. However, the homesters batted out 12 safe hits, bunching them in three innings to score seven runs while the Question Mark nine performed the same feat.
A two-run rally in the eighth and last inning enabled the Question Mark outfit to deadlock the tussle.
PYNE POYNT (ab r h o a): J. McC'y, lf 4 2 2 0 0; Smith, rf 4 1 3 0 0; Lutz, ss 3 1 1 3 0; E. McC'dy, cf 3 1 1 3 0; Brandt, 3b 4 1 1 3 0; Redshaw, 2b 3 0 1 4 0; Myers, 1b 3 0 1 6 0; Richer, c 4 0 1 5 0; T. McC'dy, p 3 1 2 0 0; Cohen, 2b 1 0 0 0 0. Totals 32 7 12 24 0.
QUESTION MARK (ab r h o a): Bard, rf 4 1 1 0 0; Speegle, cf 4 1 2 0 0; Tumelty, 3b 4 0 1 3 0; Ha'hton, ss 4 0 1 3 0; Barnes, lf 4 1 2 0 0; Wilson, c 3 2 3 8 0; Rob'son, 1b 3 2 0 6 0; Mayers, p 3 0 2 2 0; Hibbs, 2b 1 0 0 2 0; Marson, 2b 1 0 0 0 0; Carey, 3b 0 0 0 0 0. Totals 31 7 12 24 0.
Question Mark ......... 3 0 0 2 0 2 0 0—7
Pyne Poynt ........... 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 2—7
Errors—Brandt, Cohen, Robertson, Marson. Two-base hits—Speegle, J. McCurdy, Smith, Haughton. Three-base hits—Mayers, McCurdy. Struck out—By McCurdy, 5; Mayers, 8.
Pyne Poynt Group Plans Dual Fete
Camden Courier-Post —
Fourth and Washington Bi-Centennial to Be Observed This Year
Plans have been formulated for the thirty-second annual Fourth of July celebration of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association to be held at Pyne Poynt Park. The organization decided to combine the fete with a celebration of the bi-centennial anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
Arrangements will be made by the ways and means committee at a special meeting tomorrow night at the Pyne Poynt Social Club to solicit funds and prizes for the celebration. A committee to canvass the First ward will be named tomorrow night. A committee has been chosen to solicit funds and prizes in the Tenth ward. Frank J. Hartman [sic], chairman of the ways and means committee, will be assisted in the Tenth ward by Charles Bragan in the first precinct; Alonzo Hires, second; Otto Braun, third; William Robertson, fourth; Ray Dolan, fifth; D. Ellis, sixth; E. Emmons, seventh, and W. White, eighth.
Funds will be collected Friday evening, June 24.
Alfred Ross, chairman of the sports committee, reported a baseball game has been arranged between the Pyne Poynt A. A. and the Tenth Ward Republican Club for 9 a.m. This will be followed by a juvenile parade at 10 a.m. under the direction of Jack Schultz, with prizes to be awarded for the best decorated bicycles, go-carts, express wagons or velocipedes.
Memorial services will be next on the program in tribute to the deceased members, Oscar Boehm, Franklin M. Walton, Charles A. Them, George W. Evans, James Wilkinson, William Boddis, John A. Rogers, John L. Willis, Jr., Alfred Smith, Purnell W. Schofield, Joseph G. Corson and Charles B. Walker. The services will be under the supervision of William B. Sullender, who will announce the speaker at the regular meeting next Monday.
Numerous sporting competitions will be held in the morning and afternoon for children and adults. Samuel Dickinson reported plans for a dance in the evening, while Robert J. Nelson has arranged for outdoor motion pictures for the children. Otto E. Braun is in charge of the evening program with William L. Lloyd supervising the music.
Pyne Poynt Stars Plan 4th of July Program
Camden Courier-Post —
Plans for the financing of the thirty-third anniversary of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association to be observed with an all-day program of sports and entertainment at Pyne Poynt Park July 4, will be made at a meeting of the ways and means committee of the association tonight at the clubhouse, 939 North Fifth Street.
More than 30,000 persons attended last year’s celebration and more than 150 prizes were awarded.
Features tentatively planned include a children s parade at 9.30 a. m., under the supervision of Isaac Kyler; memorial services at 11 o’clock, under the direction of William B. Sullender, and sporting events for men, women and children under the direction of Alfred J. Ross, Jr., to start at 1.30 p. m.
Motion pictures will be shown out of doors again this year for children starting at 9 p. m., under the direction of Robert J. Nelson, while Samuel G.Dickinson, Jr., will again have charge of the dance to start at the same time, with awarding of prizes at 10.30 p. m.
Pyne Poynt Plans All-Day 4th Party
Camden Courier-Post —
Program to Have ‘Something’ on Continuously, Day and Night
Plans for the thirty-third anniversary of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association to be observed with an all-day program at Pyne Poynt Park July 4 were discussed last night at a meeting in the Pyne Poynt Social Club, 929 North Fifth Street.
Among the features tentatively planned are a children’s parade at 9.30 a. m., under the supervision of Isaac Kyler; memorial service at 11 a. m., under direction of William B. Sullender; sporting events for men, women and children to start at 1.30 p. m., under direction of Alfred J. Ross, Jr.; outdoor motion pictures starting at 9 p. m., under supervision of Robert J. Nelson and a dance in charge of Samuel G. Dickinson, Jr., starting 11t 10.30 p. m.
Committee chairmen chosen by Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., president, are: Grounds, Foster Willis; program, Otto E. Braun; police, Clifford Flennard; dancing, Samuel G. Dickinson, Jr.; first aid, Dr. Joseph E. Nowrey and William Hughes; transportation, Samuel J. Edwards; public speakers, William B. Sullender; motion pictures, Robert J. Nelson; decorations, Walter A. Reyno; sports, Alfred J. Ross, Jr.; ways and means, Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.; publicity, Walter S. Agin; parade marshal, Isaac Kyler; refreshments, George Washington Ash; light, William Hilton, and music, Frank Kelley.
Children of the Sheltering Arms Home, Home for Friendless Children and the Detention Home will be guests of the association during the day. Samuel J. Edwards will be in charge of their entertainment.
The association will meet again next Thursday night.
Route Announced for Fourth Parade
Camden Courier-Post —
Hundreds of Children Will Join Organizations in Pyne Poynt Program
Route of the annual Fourth of July parade of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association was announced last night. The event, one of the out standing Independence Day programs in South Jersey, promises to surpass any previous undertaking of the association.
Hundreds of school children and organizations are planning to march. The line will form on Erie Street, west of Seventh, turn south on Seventh street to York, east on Eighth, south to State, east to Ninth, south to Vine, west to Eighth, south to Elm, west to Sixth, north to State, west to Fifth, north to Grant, west to Fourth, north to York, east to Fifth, north to Bailey, east to Sixth, north to Byron street and then enter Pyne Poynt Park.
Named as parade marshal is Isaac Kyler, while John R. Schultz again will have charge of school children. William Hughes and George Zeitz will serve as assistant marshals. The Pyne Poynt Garden Club is planning to march and compete for a share of the 250 prizes to be awarded. Among the awards will be a token for the best decorated home in the Tenth Ward. A meeting of the committee in charge is to be held at 7.30 p. m. tonight at 939 North Fifth Street, to discuss plans for raising funds in the First Ward.
Water Carnival Set at Pyne Poynt Pool
Camden Courier-Post —
An aquatic carnival will be staged Friday at 2 p. m. at the Pyne Poynt swimming pool under the direction of James Hagans, WPA supervisor of recreation, it was announced today through the office of City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.
The Pyne Poynt pool is operated as a WPA project, with life guards and other employes paid by the WPA and materials including chlorinated water and suits furnished by the city.
Events will include the 20-yard free style for boys and girls in two classes, under and over the age of 16; the 40-yard breast stroke for boys and girls over 16, and the 20-yard breast stroke for boys and girls under 16; and diving events for boys and girls, also in two classes, over and under 16.
Other features will be stunt swimming by Tom Pooley and Walter Krown and buoy and torpedo rescues by J. S. Shields and Henry Pohl, life guards.
PYNE POYNT CLUB FETE SET TOMORROW
Camden Courier-Post —
27th Annual Get-Together Will Hear Gordon Mackay Tell of Oldtime Sports
When members, of the Pyne Poynt Social Club gather in the club’s headquarters, southwest corner of Fifth and Erie streets, tomorrow night it will be to mark the twenty-seventh, annual get-together which will be observed with a banquet.
Harry F. Walton, first president of the organization, which was formed in the latter part of January, 1911, will be toastmaster. He served as head of the club in 1911 and 1912.
Gordon Mackay, member of the news staff of the Courier-Post newspapers’ and an authority on sports, will be the speaker. Mackay will give highlights on sporting activities with which he has become so familiar in his 40 years of newspaper, work. Frank H. Ryan, managing editor of the Courier-Post, will be a guest.
“Many of the members of the club have gone far afield from Camden,” said Walton, “but on the occasion of the annual dinner they all try to get back home and rekindle the friendships made when they were kids up here in North Camden.”
Served As Freeholder
Walton, elected to the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Camden county as an independent Republican from the Tenth ward, served on the board in 1923 and, 1924. Born in Philadelphia, his parents brought him to Camden at an early age and he has lived in North Camden ever since. He has taken an active interest in civic affairs of the community.
“We believe that this year will be the best banquet that we have ever had,” he said.
Present officers of the club are: Ed H. Winters, president; A. S. Kahnweiler, vice president; Hamilton J. Batten, recording secretary; Frank Kelley, financial secretary; Walton, treasurer; Alfred J. Rose, Jr., house chairman, and George Ash, trustee-at-large.
Kelley heads the banquet committee with the following members: Ash, Batten, Walton, Richard Barry, Kahnweiler, E. Caskey, Jacob Dreher and Nick Adezio. Rose is chairman of the entertainment committee, with Robert Johnson, William X. Huber, Jr. and Ellery Caskey as other members.
Club’s Wide Membership
Other members of the club are Herman Brandt, Victor J. Paxson, Herbert Schaeffer, William N. Cann, Harry G. McKinney, Louis Schwaiger, David E. Barry, Thomas Kerr, Ren Plum, Ronald K. Lawrinson, William Brandt, William Walton, George A. E. Rheinbold,
Charles Seybold, Fred Schwaiger, J. Allen Brown, George Greene; J. Russell Taylor, Harry Edginton, Samuel Payne, Trester W. Vissell, George H. Schwaiger; George W. Muschlet; Arthur Messler; R. Thornton Greene, William C. Pommerer, Charles Glendenning, William E. Smith, Walter T. Adams, John T. Beal,Otto E. Braun, John Deardon, James Selby, William T. Steele, William Begg and Alfred Huber.
Also Samuel Burrows, William J. Denham, Thomas R. Peacock, Frank H. Haines, Clarence Rudolph, Albert R. Heap, Herbert C. Battle, William Oberst, Fred Stahl; John Begg, Charles Stahl, Charles E. Packer, Paul E. Mount, City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann Jr., Raymond Rickley, Ralph T. Githens, Howard Hurlock, Martin Steer, Harry Kerr, William Reimer, Curtis O. Sangtinette and Einar Odergaard. John LaRue, Jr., is president of the junior club of the Pyne Poynt Social.
Pyne Poynt Social Club Recalls 'Old Days' at 27th Annual Fete
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Courier-Post - February 28, 1938. Harry F. Walton - Gordon Mackay - Dave Barry - Charles Glendenning - Nick Altrock - Frank Chance - John Kling - Eddie Collins - Jack Barry - Jimmy Sheckard - Frank Schulte - Frank H. Ryan - George “Nig” Rheinhold - Harry Edington - Frank Kelley - Hamilton J. Batten - A.S. Kahnweiler - Elery Caskey - Jacob Dreher - Nick Adezie - Robert Johnson - William X. Huber Jr. - Pyne Poynt Social Club - Alfred J. Rose Jr.
Pyne Poynt July Fourth Program
Camden Courier-Post —
Pyne Poynt’s 41st annual all-day program is expected to attract a larger gathering than that of last year when 75,000 persons visited the park, The program, sponsored by the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association, will include a parade, contests and games for men, women and children, in addition to Patriotic exercises, music and night fireworks display.
Pyne Poynt on Parade
A salute of bombs and a flag raising at 6 a. m., will mark the beginning at the Pyne Poynt celebration. A parade will start at 10 a.m. from Seventh and Erie streets,
Twenty-two prizes will be awarded entries in divisions constituting floats, baby carriages, tricycles and go-carts, best appearing groups, bicycles and best appearing child on…
The route will be south on Seventh street to State, east on State to Ninth, south on Ninth to Pearl, west on Pearl to Sixth, north on Sixth to Elm, west on Elm to Fourth, north on Fourth to Vine, west on Vine to Second, North on Second to Erie, west on Erie to the park.
The annual memorial service will be held at the monument at 1.30 p. m. followed by the roll-call of deceased members. Wreathes wilt be placed on the monuments by school children.
Cedar Takes Second by Beating 'Poynters'
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Courier-Post - July 26, 1941
CEDAR TAKES SECOND BY BEATING 'POYNTERS'
DIAMOND LEAGUE W. L. P.C.
Pierce A. C. .......... 2 0 1.000
Cedar A. C. ........... 2 0 1.000
Pyne Poynt ............ 1 1 .500
Woodlynne ............. 1 1 .500
Main A. C. ............ 1 1 .500
Gloucester ............ 1 1 .500
Westmont B. C. ........ 0 2 .000
East Camden Giants .... 0 2 .000
Cedar A. C. retained its unbeaten mark in the Diamond League last night by pulling through on the winning end of a 7-6 battle with Pyne Poynt A. C., at Pyne Poynt.
It was Cedar's second win and Pyne Poynt's first loss in two tries. The winners came from behind to triumph, scoring two in the fourth and one in the fifth.
CEDAR A. C. (ab r h o a): A. Gor'm, cf 1 1 0 0 0; Hollen'h, 2b 2 1 0 1 0; Brennan, 1b 1 2 0 5 0; Davines, c 3 0 0 9 0; McCar'y, ss 2 1 1 1 0; Hillman, rf 2 0 0 1 0; Wilk'n, ss 3 1 2 1 0; Barret, lf 3 1 2 0 0; H. Menzel, p 2 0 0 0 1; Evans, rf 1 0 0 0 0; W. M'zel, 3b 0 0 0 0 0. Totals 20 7 5 18 1.
PYNE POYNT A. C. (ab r h o a): Harter, cf 4 1 1 2 0; Cuneo, ss 3 0 0 1 3; Martin, rf 3 0 1 1 0; Groch, lf 3 1 1 2 0; Hinni'n, 1b 2 1 1 1 2; Young, 3b 2 0 0 0 1; Dem'is, 2b 1 2 1 1 1; Righter, c 2 0 1 6 0; Bobson, p 1 1 1 1 0; Barker, p 1 0 0 0 2; Brady, 3b 1 0 0 2 0. Totals 24 6 7 18 9.
Cedar A. C. .......... 3 0 1 2 1 0—7
Pyne Poynt A. C. ..... 1 2 3 0 0 0—6
Two-base hits — Wilkerson, Harter. Three-base hits — McCarthy, Demarinis, Barrett.
John Moullette Memory
John Moullette,
THREE LANDMARKS stand out in my memory of North Camden: The railroad marshalling yards, the mansion or cow-lot [This was the Augustus Reeve mansion - Ed.], and Pyne Point Park.
PYNE POINT PARK was a lovely community park with hundreds of deciduous trees, a water fountain, concrete walkways, a gazebo, a bandstand (Um-pah! Um-pah!), a wading pool, a swimming pool, and baseball diamonds. We gathered there for most sports and events- mostly to meet girls as we became teenagers. Fourth of July was the major event at the park.
Parades, games, contests, band music, plenty of free ice cream and cotton candy. And, later at night when it was plenty dark, fireworks (Ah! Oh! Beautiful! Clap-clap!).
Later (during the war) the Army came to Pyne Point Park and they brought their anti-aircraft guns. They took over the pool, camped on the diamonds, and wired off the open spaces where they placed their guns, listening devices, search lights, and ammo bunkers. That was the end of the park as I knew it and I never returned there after the war.
John B. Moullette, June 2007
Cleanup at Beautiful Pyne Poynt
Summer of 2003
Americorps and New Jersey Community Water Watch led a cleanup at Pyne Poynt Park in North Camden. A large group of volunteers from The Waters Community Worship Center of Hurffville also made a major contribution to the effort.
Here are the best of the photos we shot while recording, not intended as full photojournalistic coverage. Courtesy of Life-Net Radio Online.
At water's edge, on a bank of the New Jersey Channel, across from Petty's Island (distance, left), looking across the mouth of the Cooper River toward East Camden (distance, right).
Former transmitter of radio station WCAM. A stone's throw from the water.
Display table, featuring Americorps, NJ Community Water Watch, and NJ Public Interest Research Group.
Leader Bethany Shaw, here working amidst tall bamboo, gets dirty right along with everybody else.
Volunteers at work, including The Waters CWC youth pastor William Jackson (right).
Sumac, commonly hacked down as a weed, is here allowed to show its beauty.
After only an hour, volunteers had already gathered this pickup-truckload of debris.
At the end of a trail leading off the west side of the park, just a few yards ahead lies a reader's paradise.
PYNE POYNT MARINE SERVICES
North 7th Street & Delaware River
The Camden Motor Boat Today
In 1980, Rodney S. Sadler founded Pyne Poynt Marine Services in North Camden. He purchased the land in 1990.
Camden's Other Historic Ship
LV 79 WAL 506
Lightship BARNEGAT
An active lightship from 1904 until 1967
The lightship Barnegate
The Camden Motor Boat club, Pyne Poynt, Camden, N.J.
The Camden Motor Boat Club, Pyne Poynt, Camden, N. J.
60-75
Camden’s Scarred Patriots
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fourth Marked by Absence of Serious Accidents
All Camden entered into the spirit of the Fourth of July yesterday. One noticeable feature of the day was the absence of serious accidents. Not a Fourth of July victim was treated at the Homeopathic Hospital, while at the Cooper Hospital but eight were admitted, as follows:
Albert Owens, aged 24 years, of 227 Mechanic street; powder burns of the back.
Charles Haines, aged 54 years, of 110 Birch street; burned hands.
Joseph Simons, aged 47 years, of 1113 Locust street; contusions of the eyelid.
Russell Hutchins, aged 11 years, of 557 Royden street, gunshot wound of right leg.
William Fabor, aged 14 years, of 226 Washington street; blank cartridge wound of right hand.
Florence McGann, aged 33 years, of 226 Erie street; powder burns of hands.
Samuel Ross, aged 14 years, of 5 North Third street; face burned.
Frank Kupp, aged 14 years, of 1043 Pine street; burned hands.
Yesterday afternoon flag raising and christening ceremonies were held at the new apartment house at Sixth and Mickle streets. At Pyne Point Park exercises appropriate to the day were observed. They consisted of singing, music, reading of the Declaration of Independence by F. Wayland Potter and addresses by Rev. F. A. De Maris, of the State Street M. E. Church; Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, and ex-Assemblyman Joseph M. Engard.
Last night splendid pyrotechnical displays were given.
The Lightship Barnegate (LV79 WAL 506)
An active lightship from 1904 until 1967.
Lightship Barnegate
| Detail ↕ | Statistic ↕ |
|---|---|
| Beam | 28.6 feet (8.70 m) |
| Builder | New York Shipbuilding Co., Camden, NJ |
| Contact price | $89,030 |
| Displacement | 668 tons |
| Draft | 12.6 feet (3.84 m) |
| Illumination | Cluster of 3 oil lens laterns raised on each mast |
| Length o.a. | 129 feet (39.30 m) |
| Material | Steel hull, 2 steel masts with wood spencers, stack amidships |
| Radio and visual call sign | NMGC (1940-1967) |
| Sister vessels | LV-78, LV-80, LV-81, LV-83 |
| Year of construction | 1904 |
History of the Lightship Barnegate
- 1904–1910 Station Five Fathom Bank (NJ)
- 1910 equipped with submarine bell signal
- 1910–1918 Station Five Fathom Bank (NJ)
- 1918 equipped with radio
- 1918–1921 Station Five Fathom Bank (NJ)
- 1921 375mm acetylene lens laterns mounted at mastheads, latern houses removed
- 1921–1924 Station Five Fathom Bank (NJ)
- 1924–1926 Station Relief (3rd District)
- 1927–1928 Station Barnegat (NJ)
- 1928 Illuminating apparatus converted to electric operation
- 1928–1930 Station Barnegat (NJ)
- 1930 equipped with radio beacon
- 1930–1931 Station Barnegat (NJ)
- July 1931 repowered with Diesel, Cooper-Bessemer 310 HP main engine, 5' dia 4 bladed propeller, max speed 7 knots
- 1931–1933 Station Barnegat (NJ)
- 1933 Fog signal changed to air diaphragm horn, 17" Leslie typhon
- 1933–1942 Station Barnegat (NJ)
- 1942–1945 during WWII withdrawn from station and based at Edgemoor (DE)
- 1945–1952 Station Barnegat (NJ)
- 1952 USCG lists the vessel with one 375mm 15,000cp lens latern in foremast only, fog signal and power as above
- 1952–1967 Station Barnegat (NJ)
- March 3, 1967 decommissioned
- October 13, 1967 donated to Chesapeake Maritime Museum, St. Michaels (MD), remaining there until early 1970´s sold to Heritage Ship Guild for floating display at Penns Landing, Philadelphia (PA).
The group disbanded and transferred ownership to the present owner Mr. Rod Sadler and a new group called Camden Museum and Learning Center. Mr. Sadler, owner of the Pyne Poynt Marine Services wants to refurbish the ship and move it to the Camden waterfront but unfortunately it is sitting in the mud at his private location in Camden (NJ) today. Pumps run during high tides to keep water out and its hull is fragile. The lightship is intact and has all its equipment. Its future is uncertain.