Dr. Charles B. Helm
Dr. Charles B. Helm
Dr. Charles Blaine Helm was born in Camden in 1884. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1906.
After establishing a veterinary practice in Camden at 900 South 5th Street where he also lived for many years, Dr. Helm involved himself in a variety of pursuits. Active politically as a Republican from the Sixth Ward, Dr. Helm served as city veterinarian in the days prior to the acquisition of police cars. Considered for a spot on the Republican slate in the commissioners race of 1927, he was not on the ticket, but was named as the city purchasing agent for Camden, and served as such through the administrations of Mayor Winfield S. Price and Mayor Roy R. Stewart. William M. Dilmore served under him as Assistant Purchasing Agent. Dr. Helm then took a position with the federal government as a poultry inspector, and worked at the Campbell’s Soup Plant from 1934 through 1949, when he was transferred to Salisbury MD.
Dr. Helm was most famous in the city of Camden for his involvement in professional basketball. He was manager and co-owner, with one-time Camden County Sheriff W. Penn Corson of the Camden franchise of the Eastern Basket Ball League from 1913 through 1925. The team, coached by William “Billy” Morgenweck was known as the Camden Alphas prior to World War I. The Alphas were the league champions in 1914–1915.
1917 was a year of turmoil in the world as the United States entered World War I. The New York State League and the Interstate Basket Ball League both suspended operations but the Eastern League began play in mid-November. On December 3 the league disbanded abruptly as two teams withdrew from the league without warning. An unsuccessful attempt was made to reorganize with a four team league and the league remained inactive until the 1919-20 season.
One of Camden’s players during this abridged season was future Olympic rowing star, Jack Kelly. He later would become the father of Grace Kelly, movie star and Princess of Monaco.
After the abrupt season ending, Trenton and Camden agreed to play a best of seven series for the “Championship of New Jersey” with EBL President William J. Scheffer as referee. The first game was won by Camden 28-27 at Trenton on December 19, 1917. Two days later a second game was played at Camden and Trenton was the victor 47-19 but attendance was very poor. On December 14, 1917 the Dr. Helm called off the series due to the lack of fan interest.
Dr. Helm renamed the team Camden Crusaders after World War I. The Camden five were champions again in 1919–1920, winning both halves of the split-season with a combined 30 and 9 record. The team was renamed once again as the Camden Skeeters for the 1921–1922 season. They were one of the league’s better teams, until it disbanded in 1923. Dr. Helm fielded a team in the a new Eastern Basketball League in 1925 (note the new spelling of “Basketball”), but the team did not do well, and that marked the end of his involvement the professional game in Camden.
The Camden team was generally a winner in the league. Besides bringing players to Camden from out of town, Helm’s team employed and/or developed many fine players from Camden, including Eddie Ferat, Sam Lennox, Roy Steele, Joe Hyde, Neil Deighan, and his brother Rich Deighan.
Dr. Helm died in Salisbury MD on December 5, 1951 of a heart condition. He was survived by his wife Mabel, two brothers, and a sister. His nephew, Dr. David Helm Jr. was Camden’s health inspector at the time of Dr. Helm’s passing.
Camden Basketball Company.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Camden Basketball Company was incorporated yesterday with a capital of $5000. The incorporators are Charles Helm, Charles D. Empey and Clarence A. Turner, who are among those who recently purchased the franchise for the Eastern League Camden team.
Names Cattle Inspector.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
In response to a request from the government Mayor Ellis, of Camden, has named Dr. Charles B. Helm as cattle inspector. His duty is to inspect all cattle shipped to Camden and his compensation is paid by the cattle owners. The State Board of Health has sent the Mayor a letter approving of his selection.
Eastern League Goes Into Discard.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Attempt to Reorganize Basketball Organization With Four Club Circuit a Failure
Squabble Over Players and Latters’ Fickleness Caused Blowup; Trenton and Camden to Play Series
The attempt to reorganize the Eastern Basketball League has resulted in a dismal failure. In an effort to get the public interested enough to support professional basketball, Philadelphia, Camden, Trenton and Reading met last night in this city and when Reading failed to send a representative to the conference the other three clubs present decided to throw up the sponge for the season and officially disband.
The members felt that this was the best course to pursue in the face of the existing conditions. The attendance at the games had been far below normal and the inability of some of the four teams to agree on the allotment of players to certain teams had made matters continually troublesome. J. C. Kiver, of Trenton, and William J. Scheffer, of Camden, are of the opinion that there was no hope of presenting next fall if the conditions improve. The other two clubs were both discouraged and were ready to post their increased wages and Scheffer says the Camden club failed to have a representative at the meeting last night because he had decided there was enough trouble in trying to keep the thing going. In light of the circumstances he had decided not to try again.
Thrown on the market by the retirement of Jasper and Greystock, were McWilliams, Stutz, Moorhead and White. Most of these men looked toward Camden but only three were in demand, McWilliams, Sugarman and Lawrence. Camden with Steele, Deighan and Kelth as the nucleus agreed to use men from Philadelphia and Camden.
They, however, had failed to take into consideration the fickleness of some of their players. Williams had signed with the New York State League and would not play another game. Sugarman declined to play because he found it would interfere with his polo playing in the New York State League, and Lawrence only wanted to play on Saturdays when most games were played midweek. Camden could not get McWilliams and Sugarman, and Reading learned this on top of the stand taken by Philadelphia and there was a storm of disapproval from the owners.
World War I Draft Registration Cards
World War I Draft Registration Cards for Charles & David Helm
Camden Crusaders
1919–1920 Eastern Basketball League Champions
Front row, left to right: Jimmy “Soup” Campbell and Joe Hyde. Second row, left to right: Dr. Charles B. Helm, Neil Deighan, Roy Steele, Eddie Dolin, Dave Kerr and Sheriff W. Penn Corson. Back row, left to right: Bill Mitchell, trainer; Sam Lennox, Manager Bill Kennedy, Richie Deighan and Timekeeper Jim Kane.
War Vet Withdraws for Purchasing Job.
Camden Courier-Post —
Leaves Way Clear for Dr. Helm to Take City Position
Permanent appointment of Dr. Charles B. Helm as city purchasing agent was made possible today with the formal withdrawal of John R. Michaelson, a war veteran, as one of the Civil Service eligibles for the post.
Michaelson said today that he had notified the Civil Service Commission of his withdrawal, explaining that he prefers not to be considered for the position “at this time.” The veteran’s formal notice followed a conference with Mayor Price in City Hall.
Michaelson is adjutant of the 112th Field Artillery, New Jersey National Guard, with headquarters at Ninth street and Wright avenue. Mayor Price is a brigadier general in the National Guard. The two men are close friends.
“It’s for Mayor Price’s sake that I have withdrawn,” Michaelson explained today. “I consider him a high-minded man and I admire him as a gentleman. Mayor Price did not ask me to withdraw. As a matter of fact, no one approached me. It was my own idea.”
Michaelson’s announcement removes the last barrier in the way of Dr. Helm’s appointment, as Jack Weinberg, city assessor and another eligible war veteran, had announced his withdrawal after the eligible list was released by the state board several weeks ago. This leaves the way open for Dr. Helm, who passed the Civil Service tests.
Dr. Helm, who was third in the list of three eligibles, already has been appointed permanently as city purchasing agent at City Hall today. The appointment has been made by Commissioner T. Yorke Smith, director of revenue and finance, and is expected to be confirmed by the city commission Thursday.
Michaelson in the civil service tests attained an average of 80 and a fraction. Weinberg was second with 72 and a fraction, while Helm’s mark was 71 and a fraction. The post of city purchasing agent pays $4,000 a year.
Bids Opened for Base of City Tennis Courts.
Camden Courier-Post —
Frank B. Sweeten, with a bid of $1,258, was the lowest of three Camden contractors to submit estimates for the laying of a concrete foundation for a tennis court fence at Victor King Park. The bids were received by Dr. Charles B. Helm, city purchasing agent, at City Hall this morning.
The other bids were George Bradbury, $1,682, and J. J. Breslin, $1,790. The contract for the work is expected to be awarded at the city commission meeting Thursday. It specifies that the foundation be eighteen inches above ground.
Only one bid was submitted for a tractor-type chassis for the municipal motors towing machine. It was offered by the White Company, at $2,000. This contract also is expected to be awarded Thursday.
‘Black Bill’ Is Hurt When Car Hits Wagon.
Camden Courier-Post —
Thrown from his wagon when it was struck by a truck, Claude Brooks, known in the sporting world as “Black Bill,” was cut on the hand and suffered body bruises yesterday afternoon.
Brooks was driving on Haddon avenue when at Mickle street a vehicle driven by Rocco Turchi, Jr., 22, of 1526 South Twelfth street, Philadelphia, crashed into the wagon.
The horse was injured and was killed by Dr. Charles B. Helm, city veterinarian and purchasing agent. Brooks was treated at Cooper Hospital.
Turchi, driver for John Morrell & Co., Philadelphia, was arrested by James Wilson, motorcycle policeman, for reckless driving. He was released under $227 bail for a hearing Tuesday. Brooks, at the height of his fistic career many years ago, fought such notables as Jack Johnson and others. He is 42 and lives at 1028 Linden street.
Dr. C. B. Helm Dies at 67; Famed as Cage Manager.
Camden Courier-Post —
Veterinarian Helped Develop City’s Champ Basketball Team
Dr. Charles B. Helm, 67, remembered for his efforts which in large measure were responsible for building a championship basketball team in Camden from 1913 to 1925, died in Peninsula General Hospital, Salisbury, Md., Wednesday of a heart condition. Dr. Helm, a veterinarian, had been employed for the last 15 years by the federal government as a poultry inspector. He was stationed at the Camden plant of the Campbell Soup Co. until two years ago when he was transferred to Salisbury where he inspected at the Armour and Swanson plants.
With former Sheriff W. Penn Corson, also now deceased, Dr. Helm managed the Camden Basketball team in the Eastern Basketball League, one of the greatest teams ever formed here. Through the joint efforts of Dr. Helm and Mr. Corson major league basketball was returned to Camden.
Obtained Great Players
Financed jointly by Dr. Helm and Mr. Corson, the team obtained such players as Jimmy Brown, Jackie Adams, Eddie Dolan and Roy Steele. Others who played were Rich and Neil Deighan, Sam Lennox, Joe Hyde, Ross Steele, Bill Herron and Eddie Ferat. For about 12 years the Camden basketballers made history in the game for Camden.
Dr. Helm, who operated a veterinary hospital at Fifth and Spruce streets for many years, where he also resided, was active in Republican organization politics. He served several years as a freeholder representing the Sixth ward on the old large board. He was a native of Camden and was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school, class of 1906.
In the days when the city and police departments used horses, Dr. Helm was city veterinarian. A power in Republican politics in the Sixth ward, Dr. Helm was prominently mentioned as a candidate for the city commission in the second election of that form of government in the city in 1927.
Became Purchasing Chief
When the organization ticket was announced, his name was not listed as a candidate. Friends at once interceded for him and as a result it was decided that Dr. Helm would be given the post of city purchasing agent. The organization ticket won, and Dr. Helm succeeded Harry P. Pelouze, of Haddon Heights, in the city purchasing post. He held the post through two administrations. He was a member of the Sixth Ward Republican club.
Dr. Helm was the uncle of Dr. David B. Helm Jr., present director of the city health department.
Also surviving are his widow, Mabel; two brothers, David D. Helm Sr., of Oaklyn, father of the city health director, and Walter G. Helm, of Berlin, formerly in the feed business in South Camden and now in the produce business, and a sister, Mrs. Arthur Harmon, of Oaklyn.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed.
Dr. Helm Service Set Saturday.
Camden Courier-Post —
Services for Dr. Charles B. Helm, 67, will be held Saturday at 2 p. m. in a funeral home at 1820 Chestnut street, Philadelphia, where friends may call tonight from 7 to 9 o’clock. Burial will be in Fernwood cemetery, Philadelphia.
Dr. Helm, a native of Camden, and widely known for his efforts which in a great degree were responsible for building a championship basketball team in Camden, died Wednesday in the Peninsula General Hospital, Salisbury, Md.
He was a veterinarian and for the last 15 years had been employed by the federal government as a poultry inspector. Two years ago, he was transferred from the Camden plant of Campbell Soup Co. to Salisbury to inspect at the Armour and Swanson plants.
Active in Republican organization politics in the Sixth ward of Camden, he was a former member of the large board of freeholders and had been city purchasing agent.
Skeeters Brought Camden Only E.L. Court Crown.
Camden Courier-Post —
Dolin, N. Deighan, Campbell, Kerr, Steele 1919-20 Pro Champions
By Jack Carty
There was an era when Camden was known for more than its production of ships, soups, radios and sundry other commercial items. That was when the Camden Skeeters were the scourge of the Eastern Professional Basketball League.
It was over 35 years ago when a banner line screamed across four columns of an old Daily Courier sports page proclaiming that “All Hail the Champions!”
The date was March 11, 1920. It was the day after the Camden team won its first and only championship of the old Eastern League.
Kennedy Was Manager
After 10 years of striving to bring home the coveted flag, Manager “Whispering Will” Kennedy’s Skeeters sewed up the title by defeating the Bridgeport, Conn., quintet, 45-34 at the Third Regiment Armory, now known as the Camden Armory at Haddon avenue and Mickle st.
The date is a memorable one for many, especially those who were around in the days when professional basketball was “the thing” in Camden. Days when such outstanding stars as Neil Deighan, Jimmy “Soup” Campbell, Rich Deighan, Dave Kerr, Roy Steele, Eddie Dolin and others were the masters of the cage game. They mastered it to the delight of two and three thousand fans every time they stepped on the floor at the Armory.
That season and that 1919-20 basketball team provide one of the proudest sports memories in the history of Camden. Although its short-lived glory lasted for less than two years, the mark the Skeeters left is indelible.
Corson, Helm Owners
The Skeeters, owned and financed by former Sheriff W. Penn Corson and Dr. Charles B. Helm, a veterinarian, had many near misses in the search for the pennant. But they never made the direct hit until Kennedy stepped into the picture.
It was the first season the Eastern League had resumed operation following World War I that the ex-Jasper coach took over the club.
He molded a winner with three veterans of former years—Steele, the captain, Dolin and Neil Deighan—with a couple of comparative unknowns, Kerr, and a youngster named Campbell.
With this aggregation as his nucleus, Kennedy won the pennant for Camden and it seemed that only he could have done it.
Frank H. Ryan, late editor of The Courier-Post, who then was sports editor of The Daily Courier, wrote of Kennedy following the team’s successful first half finish:
Describes Kennedy
“He has been connected with the cage game for a score of years, never bullyrags his men and can get results where others fail. Working hand and glove with Steele, who is captain and the king pin of the men on the floor, Kennedy has succeeded in giving Camden what others have failed to do, namely, the much coveted pennant. If the Skeeters can crown their achievement with the second half crown the natives from the city of ships, phonographs, soaps, furniture and fair zone activities can well afford to look our way and give us a silent sneer.”
And they did.
The Skeeters went right on to win 16 more games and the second half, which also included the “much coveted pennant.” They tied a league record of the Reading Bears with 30 wins per season, even though they had one more loss—10.
‘Reading Bear Pit’
Ryan had said of the Skeeters: “The desire to do the right thing at the right moment, a willingness for team play and a general pull together spirit made a combination which the other five teams found too formidable to surmount.”
The first half saw the Skeeters in a tight race with Trenton. That half merited Camden second place with over 20 victories. In the final half race Kennedy’s courtmen again became the bridesmaid, despite a 15-5 record.
Campbell was back in the harness again and with Kerr, Dolin, Steele and Neil Deighan they had a pretty powerful club.
Eight teams, including the New York Celtics, battled in the first half, while the roster dwindled to six quintets in the final race.
But the league registered eight teams when it opened its 1922-23 season. It was believed by many to be the best setup for the Eastern League in its history. The other major circuits in the area had folded and the Eastern was supposed to be set solidly.
League Folds
It started an early season (October) and that was the beginning of the end. Football was in full swing. Baseball had just ended. Fans like their sports in season.
The league began to crumble when Scranton and then Wilkes-Barre dropped out. Atlantic City and Reading were next to toss in the towel. A meeting at Musical Fund Hall saved the league for a short time when Trenton, Camden, Coatesville and Philadelphia vowed to make a go of it.
However, in mid-January of 1923 the Eastern League succumbed as the four remaining teams went broke. The main reason for the crackup was put to the “inflated salaries” of the players. But the Skeeters’ backers decried that explanation when they said “every Camden player was worth every cent.” They had kept Camden in first place until the league folded.
Fans Were Confused
Following one of the last games played in the league in Camden, Ryan wrote, “Wednesday night’s crowd would have been a disgrace to the East Side Church League.” That about summed it up.
Constant rearrangement of the league had jumbled the schedule. Fans never knew when or where their teams were playing. The gates were pitiful and the teams couldn’t operate without the money.
That was the end of the championship era of players like Steele, the Deighans, Campbell, Kerr, Dolin and the others. Some of them competed in the Philadelphia League the following season, but Camden dropped out of that league in 1924-25.
Old-timers who can recall the days of the championship Skeeters claim it was the “greatest basketball” team the East ever had.
Players Still Around
And some of the boys who played on that club are still around to verify that. Neil Deighan runs a restaurant in Gloucester and brother Rich manages the Sports Center here in Camden.
Eddie Dolin is a familiar figure as the bridge operator at 12th and Federal sts. Sam Lennox tends bar on Hudson st. and Davey Kerr deals in sporting goods in Ohio.
The rest — Steele, Campbell, Hyde, timekeeper Jim Kane, Helm, Corson and Kennedy—have passed away. But the memories of their court capabilities are very much alive.
Eastern Basketball League Standings
Eastern Basketball League Standings
Camden Alphas and Camden Crusaders seasons in the Eastern Basketball League
1913–1914
| Team ↕ | W ↕ | L ↕ | Pct ↕ | Gb ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasper Jewels | 23 | 17 | .575 | – |
| Camden Alphas | 23 | 17 | .575 | – |
| Trenton Potters | 23 | 17 | .575 | – |
| Reading Bears | 22 | 18 | .550 | 1 |
| DeNeri | 20 | 20 | .500 | 3 |
| Greystock Greys | 9 | 31 | .225 | 14 |
1914–1915
| Team ↕ | W ↕ | L ↕ | Pct ↕ | Gb ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camden Alphas | 25 | 15 | .625 | – |
| Reading Bears | 25 | 15 | .625 | – |
| Trenton Potters | 20 | 20 | .500 | –5 |
| Greystock Greys | 18 | 22 | .450 | 7 |
| DeNeri | 17 | 23 | .435 | 8 |
| Jasper Jewels | 15 | 25 | .375 | 10 |
1919–1920 First Half
| Team ↕ | W ↕ | L ↕ | Pct ↕ | Gb ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camden Crusaders | 15 | 5 | .750 | – |
| Germantown G's | 11 | 9 | .550 | 4 |
| DeNeri | 10 | 10 | .500 | 5 |
| Trenton Potters | 9 | 10 | .474 | 6 |
| Reading Bears | 8 | 12 | .400 | 7 |
| North Philadelphia Phillies | 6 | 13 | .316 | 9 |
1919–1920 Second Half
| Team ↕ | W ↕ | L ↕ | Pct ↕ | Gb ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camden Crusaders | 15 | 4 | .789 | – |
| Reading Bears | 10 | 8 | .556 | 5 |
| Trenton Potters | 11 | 9 | .550 | 4 |
| Germantown G's | 10 | 10 | .500 | 5 |
| DeNeri | 7 | 11 | .389 | 8 |
| Bridgeport Blue Ribbons | 4 | 15 | .211 | 11 |
1914 Playoff Results — EBL Finals
Jasper won round robin:
23 Mar 14 at Trenton 30, Camden 24
25 Mar 14 at Camden 34, Trenton 22
26 Mar 14 at Jasper 42, Camden 18
27 Mar 14 at Trenton — Jasper 24, Trenton 20
28 Mar 14 at Camden 33, Jasper 24
30 Mar 14 at Jasper 29, Trenton 20
1915 Playoff Results — EBL Finals
Reading 1, Camden 1:
23 Mar 15 at Camden 45, Reading 35
24 Mar 15 at Reading 52, Camden 29
Third game not played as teams couldn’t agree on site
1920 Playoff Results — No Playoffs as Camden won both halves