Introduction
Charles V. Dickinson, 1957
CHARLES V. DICKINSON was born July 26, 1891 to Lewis and Anna Dickinson. A veteran of World War I, by 1925 he had attained the rank of Major in the New Jersey National Guard, serving with the Headquarters Company of Second Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, which was stationed in the armory on Wright Avenue.
The 1920 Census shows the family living at 570 Mount Vernon Street in South Camden. Besides Charles and his parents, the family included a brother, Mauroce Dickinson and sisters Lillian, Edna May, and Charlotte. Also residing at 570 Mount Vernon Street was brother-in-law Chester J. Andrus, who would go onto a long career with the Camden Fire Department.
Charles V. Dickinson married Lillian Hanson at the age of 22. When the census was taken in April of 1930, Charles V. Dickinson, wife Lillian and daughter Charlotte were living with his parents at 570 Mount Vernon Street in Camden. Also living there was his sister Edna, her husband Chester J. Andrus, and Chester Jr., their son. Charles V. Dickinson was still with the National Guard at that point and was working as a foreman with the State Highway Department. He was named Public Safety Director for the City of Camden not long afterwards. This position took on added responsibilities as Chief of Police Lewis Stehr Jr. suffered a heart attack at the end of April and another on Thanksgiving. Chief Stehr died on December 10, 1930.
Charles V. Dickinson served as the acting chief of the Camden Police Department, succeeding Chief Lewis Stehr Jr., as it was decided that a permanent chief would not be named until after the May 1931 election to decided Camden’s mayor and city commissioners. He was succeeded in turn by Acting Chief John Golden. Charles V. Dickinson was still serving in a law enforcement role in Camden as late as October of 1932. He later moved to Palmyra, New Jersey where he served as Mayor for a time. He was later elected to the Burlington County Board of Freeholders.
When the New Jersey National Guard was mobilized in 1940, Charles V. Dickinson was recalled to active duty. He was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he served as inspector general. He had been promoted to full Colonel by war’s end.
Charles V. Dickinson was Director of the Burlington County Board of freeholders when he died in October of 1957. He was survived by his wife, daughter Mrs. Charlotte Snow, brother Maurice E., sister Mrs. Edna Andrus, and three grandchildren.
Dickinson Confers With Lieutenants
Camden Evening Courier —
Camden Evening Courier — December 3, 1930. Featuring Ralph Bakley, Charles V. Dickinson, George Frost, Charles T. Humes, Lewis H. Stehr, George Ward, Walter Welch, Charles Laib, Clarence Thorn
Cop Asks Job Back Day After He Quit
Camden Evening Courier —
Cop Asks Job Back Day After He Quit
COP ASKS JOB BACK DAY AFTER HE QUIT
Father of Five 'Broke,' Seeks Reinstatement; Phoned in Resignation
Mahlon Allenbach, who was a traffic policeman until he suddenly telephoned Inspector Charles T. Humes yesterday and resigned, turned up at police headquarters today and tried to be reinstated.
Military System Adopted for Cops
Camden Evening Courier —
Dickinson Makes District Heads Responsible for Men; Vice Squad Disbanded
Following closely upon the heels of disbanding the special vice squad, Major C. V. Dickinson, deputy director of public safety, today announced that the commander of each of the four police districts will be responsible for the conduct of the men under him.
The same system of burden of responsibility existing in military services will be in effect in the Camden police department, the major averred. Each patrolman will be responsible to his sergeant, each sergeant to his lieutenant and the lieutenants to the deputy director.
Major Dickinson, Camden’s new “police czar,” also reiterated that he is demanding strict adherence to the police regulations and rules. One rule requires that no member of the police department, whether he is in uniform or plainclothes, on duty or off, may enter a soft-drink parlor or other drinking resorts “except in the strict commission of duty.” He has also informed the police heads to instruct their men to faithfully observe all other rules, including those requiring salutes to superior officers and those regulating neat appearance.
Major Dickinson completely abolished the special vice squad last night, reassigning the remaining five members to other units in the department.
Three of the squad were assigned to special duty and will work directly under Major Dickinson. They will be stationed in his offices at city hall and will take orders from him alone.
They are Detectives Theodore Guthrie, former head of the squad; James Paradise and Clarence Bunker. Guthrie and Paradise both live in the Sixth ward, the home bailliwick of Major Dickinson, while Bunker lives in the Thirteenth ward, within a few blocks of the residence of Dr. Rhone.
Of the two remaining members, Howard Smith is assigned to detective headquarters and Clarence Arthur was ordered to report to the Fourth Police District today in uniform. Smith, a resident of the Second ward, will take up his new position at 4 p. m. today. Arthur was appointed to the police department from the Third ward.
Other Changes Made
Two other changes in the department were announced yesterday by Major Dickinson. Henry Lutz, a patrolman in the Second district, was appointed a member of the mounted squad under Sergt. Clarence Thorn. John Kowal, who was an acting district detective in the Fourth district, was shifted to police headquarters as a member of the bandit chaser crew stationed there.
The vice squad was formed by Police Chief Lewis H. Stehr on May 26 after a series of holdups had been perpetrated. The squad originally consisted of nine men, but gradually became smaller as the members were reassigned to the various districts.
An order was sent to all district commanders compelling members of the department on patrol duty to remain in their district until relieved. In order that this may be carried out all policemen must report at their various station houses 15 minutes earlier than previously. Instead of each shift leaving the station houses on the hour they will leave ten minutes sooner thus reaching their districts before the man they are relieving has reported off for the day.
Police rules and regulation books have been issued to all men and they will be expected to “learn the contents by heart,” according to Major Dickinson.
New Cafe Applications
Dr. Rhone, director of Public Safety, announced yesterday that new application forms for 1931 soft drink permits will be made. A drastic change will be made in the forms.
They will delve extensively into the personal character and integrity of the applicant. He will be asked if he is naturalized, and if so when he obtained his final papers. He must tell if he has ever been arrested and the disposition made of his case. He will be asked if any place of a like nature operated by him has ever been raided or padlocked.
If the applicant can satisfactorily answer all questions on the form and his permit granted a $100 fee is charged. The permits will probably be granted the latter part of January, Director Rhone said. He will endeavor to keep the number below 100.
Heart Attack Kills Chief Stehr After Illness of 10 Days
Camden Evening Courier —
Heart Attack Kills Chief Stehr After Illness of 10 Days
Heart Attack Kills Chief Stehr After Illness of 10 Days
Lewis H. Stehr, Chief of Police, Dies Suddenly
Camden Morning Post —
LEWIS H. STEHR — The Camden chief of police, died in Cooper Hospital yesterday of heart disease. He had been at the hospital since December 1. He had headed the department since July 1, 1928.
Head of Camden Force Succumbs to Heart Disease in Cooper Hospital
CITY FLAGS ORDERED AT HALF-STAFF FOR MONTH
Body to Lie in State Friday Night; Final Rites at 2 P. M. Saturday
Funeral rites for Chief of Police Lewis H. Stehr, who died suddenly at 11.30 a. m. yesterday in Cooper Hospital, will be conducted at 2 p. m. on Saturday.
The body will lie in state between 7 and 10 p. m. on Friday at Schroeder chapel, Broadway and Royden streets, where the funeral services will be conducted. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery.
The Camden police official, who lived at 621 Chestnut street, had been in the hospital since December 1, suffering from heart and kidney trouble. He suffered an earlier heart attack last April.
Chief Stehr’s death was unexpected, although his condition had been considered grave. He had just asked a nurse what time it was and collapsed as she answered. The nurse, alarmed, summoned a physician, who pronounced him dead.
Chief Stehr, the son of the late Lewis Stehr, city assessor, was 58, and is survived by his widow, Mrs. Anna Stehr. They had no children.
Mrs. Stehr had been at the bedside of her husband constantly since he was stricken Thanksgiving Day. Yesterday nurses assured her her husband’s condition was unchanged and she was making Christmas purchases at Chief Stehr’s request when he died.
Won Several Promotions
The chief was born in the Fifth ward and later moved to the Sixth ward. He was first appointed to the police force as a patrolman on July 1, 1905. His record was one of a steady rise. He was named a sergeant Aug. 1, 1912, and on Feb. 15, 1918, was appointed a captain. He served as commander of the Second District.
On June 23, 1927, Stehr was elevated to the post of police inspector, holding that rank until July 1, 1928, when he was appointed police chief exactly 23 years after he became a policeman. The appointment was made by Dr. David S. Rhone, director of public safety.
“At the present time Major Dickinson will be in charge of the police department until a temporary chief of police is appointed,” Dr. Rhone stated.
Rhone Expresses Sorrow
Dr. Rhone expressed profound regret when he learned of the chief’s death. He said he and Chief Stehr had been personal friends for years. He noticed, he said, that Chief Stehr was failing in health after the heart attack last spring. Recently, the chief appeared to be in such poor health that his physician, Dr. H. S. Riddle, ordered him to a hospital for a rest.
Dr. Rhone stated that he appointed Major Charles V. Dickinson as deputy director of public safety to take over some of the duties attendant to the office of chief of police, in order to relieve Chief Stehr of some of the pressure of his work, so that his health would not further be impaired.
The decedent was an active member of the Sixth Ward Republican Club, and was well liked not only by members of the police force but throughout the city.
Mayor Expresses Sorrow
Mayor Price issued the following statement: “I was very greatly shocked to learn of the death of Chief Stehr. While I understood he was in a serious physical condition, I did not anticipate his death.
“Chief Stehr had devoted practically his entire lifetime to the service of the city, having entered the police department in his early youth, and is entitled to the commendation of his fellow citizens for his efforts in the public service.”
Commissioner Frank B. Hanna, when apprised of the police chief’s death, said: “The news of Chief Stehr’s death was a terrible shock. I feel a personal loss, as we were close friends. I knew him since I was a young boy, and our contacts in the past two years were most pleasant.”
Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin declared: “The suddenness of the death of Chief Stehr comes as a shock to those of his friends who were wishing him well in his illness. His passing naturally causes grief to those whose work brought them into close contact with him.”
City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman said: “The passing of Chief Stehr is a great loss to the community. We were all hoping that Chief Stehr was on the road to recovery and only several days ago when I inquired at the hospital, I learned that his condition was greatly improved. His sudden passing is a terrible shock.” City officials last night ordered all flags lowered to half mast on all police stations for 30 days. Deputy Director Dickinson and Captain Arthur Colsey today will convey to Mrs. Stehr the police department’s official condolence.
Funeral for Stehr to Be Held Saturday
Camden Evening Courier —
Camden Evening Courier — December 11, 1930. Featuring Lewis H. Stehr, Dr. David S. Rhone, Charles V. Dickinson, Arthur Colsey, George A. Ward, John Kowal, Donald Swissler, Clarence Phifer, Archie Reiss, John Skolski, Herbert Anderson, Thomas Cheeseman, Harry Kyler, George Nowrey, Frank Truax, Ralph Bakley, Clay W. Reesman, Clifford A. Baldwin, Winfield S. Price, Clifford A. Flennard, Camden Local No. 35, P.B.A., Cooper Hospital, Broadway, Royden Street, B.C. Schroeder
Pallbearers Named for Stehr Funeral
Camden Morning Post —
Camden Morning Post — December 12, 1930. Featuring Lewis H. Stehr, Dr. David S. Rhone, Charles V. Dickinson, Arthur Colsey, George A. Ward, John Kowal, Donald Swissler, Clarence Phifer, Archie Reiss, John Skolski, Herbert Anderson, Thomas Cheeseman, Harry Kyler, George Nowrey, Frank Truax, Ralph Bakley, John J. Breslin, Cooper Hospital, Rev. Edward T. Weeks, Union Methodist Episcopal Church, B.C. Schroeder, Broadway, Royden Street, Sixth Ward Republican Club
6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers
Camden Morning Post —
Camden Morning, December 12, 1930. Featuring Garfield S. Pancoast, Charles T. Humes, Charles V. Dickinson, Jeff Kay, Thomas Kauffman, Charles Smith, William Moll, Henry Davis, Alonzo Singleton, David Watson, Wilbert Williams, Walnut Street, South 2nd Street, Broadway, Mickle Street, West Street, Mt. Vernon Street, Kaighn Avenue, Chestnut Street
Camden Will Honor Chief Stehr Today
Camden Morning Post —
Camden Morning Post — December 13, 1930. Featuring Lewis H. Stehr, Dr. David S. Rhone, Charles V. Dickinson, Clarence Thorn, Rev. Edward T. Weeks, B.C. Schroeder, Union Methodist Episcopal Church, Cooper Hospital, Broadway, Royden Street, Kaighn Avenue, Haddon Avenue
Giant Distillery Falls in North Camden
Camden Morning Post —
Giant Distillery Falls in North Camden
Giant Distillery Falls in North Camden
[Photo caption:] A portion of the huge 500,000-gallon-per-day alcohol distillery raided and seized by local police yesterday is shown in the picture. Detectives are shown draining alcohol from a 3000-gallon still into empty cans. Nearly 100 gallons of alcohol were taken from the plant, which also contained five storage tanks, believed to hold mash, and two stills with a capacity of 50,000 gallons each. The raid was led by Deputy Director of Public Safety Charles V.H. Dickinson and Lieut. George Ward of the First District.
Camden Will Honor Chief Stehr Today
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Courier-Post — December 13, 1930. Featuring Lewis H. Stehr, Charles V. Dickinson, Dr. David S. Rhone, Broadway, B.C. Schroeder, Kaighn Avenue, Haddon Avenue, Rev. Edward T. Weeks, Union Methodist Episcopal Church
Probe Started by Dickinson in Raid ‘Leak’
Camden Evening Courier —
Camden Evening Courier — December 13, 1930. Featuring Lawrence T. Doran, Charles V. Dickinson, Clifford A. Baldwin, Walter Mattison, Howard Smith, George A. Ward, Jeff Kay, Alfred Shires, Harry Kyler, Archie Riess, Walter Smith, Harry Cattell, Earl Rider, Charles F. Smith, Charles H. Smith, John Toal, John Taylor, Frank Carle, Oscar Thompson, Highland Worsted Mills, North Camden, State Street, Moore Street, Chestnut Street
To Get Promotion?
Camden Evening Courier —
To Get Promotion?
To Get Promotion?
SERGEANT HERBERT ANDERSON
Camden Father Dies in Fight With His Son; Both Jobless
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Camden Courier-Post, April 10, 1931. Featuring Reino A. Thompson, Linden Street, Clifford A. Baldwin, Fern Street, Kimber Street, Todd Rooney, William Moll, Clifford Carr, Anson Kelley, John Golden, Charles V. Dickinson, Melvin Cain, Francis Zoll, Herbert Townsend. Rose Thompson, May Thompson, Irene Thompson, Diamond Thompson, Frederick Alanko Thompson, and Onni “Esel” Thompson.
Mayor Orders Cops to Drive All Gangsters From Camden
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Courier-Post — August 14, 1931. Featuring George W. Frost, Roy R. Stewart, Charles V. Dickinson, John Bretschneider, John W. Golden, Regina Boskowska, William Stevenson, Thomas Ward, Raymond Scherneck, Haddon Avenue, Mt. Ephraim Avenue, Euclid Avenue, South 9th Street, Sycamore Street, Chestnut Street
Wilkie to Receive Reprimand on Raid
Camden Courier-Post —
(Continued from Page One)
Wilkie, but he refused to sign it. He was granted an audience by Mayor Stewart yesterday. The “note book cop” told the mayor that the transcript was incomplete and did not include many important things which developed at the hearing. He also advised the mayor that he wanted to be heard on some “other things.” His request that he be permitted to submit a detailed report on those “other things” met with no objections from the mayor.
Mayor’s Statement
Mayor Stewart’s decision follows:
“After reading the transcript of the examination given Patrolman John Wilkie by Major Charles V. Dickinson and staff, I have decided as follows:
“Patrolman John Wilkie be reprimanded for taking independent action in the making of a raid without first reporting to his superior officer and that he be warned that a like occurrence in the future will mean suspension.
“I have further decided to call before me Lt. George Ward and the officers under him to ascertain from them why they did not have knowledge of the violation of law existing at 831-833 Market street and why they failed to make a report of the same to either Major Dickinson or myself so that proper action might have been taken by the police department.
“I want it understood that it is the duty of every officer to report and receive orders from his superiors and it must be understood by all members of the department that the decision rendered in this case is equally applicable to them, the violation of which will be punishable by suspension.
“R. R. STEWART, “Mayor.”
Local Police Heads Greeted at State Prison
Camden Courier-Post —
Headed by Major Charles V. Dickinson, local police officials made a tour of inspection of the state prison at Trenton. Photo shows Colonel George L. Selby, chief deputy warden at the prison, greeting Major Dickinson and his companions at the prison gates. Left to right: Patrolman John Stevenson, Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, Captain Arthur Colsey, Major Dickinson, Lieutenant George Frost, Colonel Selby, Lieutenants George Ward, Ralph Bakley and Walter Welch. The police officials were the guests of Colonel Selby at luncheon before the tour.
Wilkie Threatened by Eight Men in Auto
Camden Courier-Post —
Search for a maroon-colored touring car believed by John V. Wilkie, Camden’s “notebook cop,” to contain eight beer runners was made yesterday after Wilkie had been threatened by an occupant of the automobile while in his traffic booth at Baird and Wilson Boulevards.
The car containing the eight men, three in the front and five in the rear, was proceeding northwest on Admiral Wilson boulevard when one of the occupants uttered the threat against Wilkie.
“Come on out and fight; you ____” the stranger shouted. Wilkie said he placed the light at amber and sought to learn the license number of the automobile. The plates however, were indistinguishable, he said, or had been either smeared or turned around to be unrecognizable.
Wilkie said he reported to police headquarters and that Major Charles V. Dickinson, deputy director of public safety, and Motorcycle Police Sergeant Jeff Kay and Policeman Nathan Wine searched and waited for hours for the return of the mysterious car without avail.
G.O.P. Is Charged with ‘Crookedness’
Camden Courier-Post —
“Realizing the utter futility of their efforts to elect David Baird to the governorship, the Republican party in Camden County is resorting to every contemptible means at its command to intimidate the voters.”
This declaration was made last night by Miss Marie V. Kelly, former jury commissioner, at a meeting of 200 voters in the Fourth Ward Democratic Club, 455 Berkley Street.
“At a meeting of election officers,” Miss Kelly said, “William E. A. King, a member of the county board of elections sworn to preserve the sanctity of the ballot box, told these officers that the Republican party has promised Baird a 50,000 majority in Camden County and that they were to get the votes no matter how they got them and that they would be protected. He told them if the Democrats interfered that the Republican police would take care of the Democrats.
“Today Major Dickinson, deputy director of public safety, raised a false howl of gunmen to come here to make a rough house of the city. We know that this is weak propaganda to cover what the Republicans intend to do.”
Points to Murder
“Mr. Dickinson has evidently forgotten the murder committed at Third and Benson Streets on the eve of the city election in May by gunmen imported by the Republican workers to intimidate the voters of that ward—gunmen who remain uncaught and unpunished to this day.
“The most flagrant act on the part of the Republican Party is the removal of the polling place yesterday from the fourth district of the fourth ward from the E. A. Stevens School on Fourth Street to a private residence on Berkley Street. The polling place has been in the school for a number of years and no complaints had been made by Democratic members of the elections board. This change has been made without a meeting of the county elections board.’
“Frank Albright, city clerk, took it upon himself to make the change, basing his action on the statement the school was totally unfit for the board to sit in for a day to conduct the business of election.”
‘Refreshment’ cited
“However, school children are forced to use this building every day of the school year. The residence to which the polling place has been transferred was reconditioned so that it could be used. The real reason for this change was that it will be much easier to dispense liquid refreshment in a private home than in a public school.
“It is a fine state of affairs when the people are called on to build a $10,000,000 city hall within six blocks of a school where children are forced to occupy a school which the city clerk says is in a horrible condition and totally unfit for use.
“I urge the people in the third and fourth wards of Camden to rise in revolt against the Republican organization that is trying by every means to prevent an honest exercise of the franchise at the polls on Tuesday. The protest must be registered by marking every blank on the ballot under the Democratic column.”
Del Duca on Trial in House Raid Case
Camden Courier-Post —
Del Duca on Trial in House Raid Case
Cops to Testify Prisoner Was Proprietor of Fairview Street Place
Arthur “Gyp” Del Duca went on trial yesterday before a jury of 12 men in Criminal Court before Judge Austin H. Swackhamer on an indictment charging him with operating a disorderly house. The trial will be continued today.
The house, at 674 Farview street, was raided twice in 24 hours last June 29, once by armed bandits, who robbed two sailors of $26, and once by the police.
Del Duca was not in the house when it was raided after the sailors notified the police they had been robbed. A warrant was issued for his arrest, but he surrendered the next day.
The first two witnesses yesterday were Richard Powers, 17, and David Hickman, 21, inmates of the Rahway Reformatory. They were sentenced by Judge Swackhamer in Gloucester County Criminal Court last April 15 after they had admitted participating in robberies in Camden, Gloucester and Burlington counties.
They were brought here by a guard and testified that on several occasions they had gone to the house and had seen Del Duca there.
Anthony Fields, a vacuum cleaner salesman, said he had gone to the house to sell a sweeper and was there when the police raided the place.
Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin introduced as evidence a certified copy of a deed in which Del Duca is shown to be the proprietor.
More than 20 Camden policemen are expected to testify for the state. All of them took part in the raid. The first one called was John Kowal, police detective, who testified that six men and three girls were arrested in the place.
Major Charles W. Dickinson, deputy director of public safety, and Lieut. George Frost will be among the witnesses today.
Camden Sleuths Nab Man for State Police
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Sleuths Nab Man for State Police
CAMDEN SLEUTHS NAB MAN FOR STATE POLICE
Phillip Attardi, 39, of 320 Vine street, was arrested by Detectives Vernon Jones and Thomas Cheesman last night as he was waiting for a bus at Broadway and Line streets.
A charge of "on suspicion" was placed against Attardi. Deputy Director of Public Safety Charles V. Dickinson said Camden police had been requested to look for him by state police. He did not know the nature of the charge they have against him.
2 Cops Go on Trial Tuesday as Echo of Election Row
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Courier-Post — June 6, 1932. Featuring Ralph Bakley, Joseph Tumulty, Roy R. Stewart, T. Harry Rowland, Charles V. Dickinson, Arthur Colsey, Clifford A. Baldwin, Samuel M. Shay, Austin H. Swackhammer, Manle J. Steyer, William Sharkey, Dr. C.N. Mason, Gustave Huseman, John Uboldi, Albert Cohen, James Jordan, Herman Romaine, Harold Nickturn, Howard C. Franklin, Arthur “Gyp” Del Duca, Charles Fanelli aka Charlie Mack, Harry Fleisher, John Cernivo, Thomas Gibbons, Walt Mills, Edward J. Walsh, Owen Sweeney, William Marshall, Conrad Bittner, Harry Underwood, Frank Truax, Walter Kennedy aka Walt West, Harry Willingmeyer, Fairview Street, Penn Street, Rand Street
Bakley and Truax Freed by Court in Election Row Case
Camden Courier-Post —
BAKLEY AND TRUAX FREED BY COURT IN ELECTION ROW CASE
Indictments on Charges by Jersey City Democrats, Quashed at Trial
POLICEMEN EXONERATED
Indictments against Police Lieutenant Ralph W. Bakley and Sergeant Frank Truax, growing out of election disorders last November, were quashed before a crowded Criminal Court yesterday when prosecution was dropped.
Approximately 75 policemen, from Deputy Director Charles V. Dickinson down, business men and others were waiting to testify for the accused officers when the three Democratic attorneys from Hudson county who had preferred the charges asked that the case be dropped.
The latter are Joseph Tumulty, of Jersey City, nephew of the private secretary to President Wilson; his brother, John Tumulty, also of Jersey City, and Charles Rubenstein, of Bayonne. Their charges of assault and battery and false arrest had brought three indictments of four counts each, against the defendants.
T. Harry Rowland, attorney for the policemen, at first objected strenuously to disposing of the case without a jury verdict, but consented to quashing the indictments after a conference with his clients. Judge Austin H. Swackhamer, who came from Gloucester county to assist Judge Samuel M. Shay, then ordered the case dismissed, saving what might have been a lengthy and expensive trial.
Political Sores Healed
The sudden denouement of a case which had attracted statewide attention, indicated that bitter feelings, engendered during the election campaign which sent A. Harry Moore back to the governor’s chair over David Baird, of Camden, had been forgotten.
The Tumultys and Rubenstein were among a score or more of attorneys sent here by the Hudson county Democratic organization on election day last November to aid Camden county Democrats at the polls. The three attorneys were on duty at the Third precinct of the Fifth ward, a difference arose over a point of law and the policemen were called in. The North Jersey men said they were roughly handled and then arrested, later obtaining their release.
When the case was called in court yesterday, the three lawyers conferred with Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin for 15 minutes. Baldwin then told the judge the plaintiffs wanted to drop prosecution, since they had no personal grievance against the policemen and felt the officers only were following the orders of superiors.
“I would like to have a jury in the box to hear this, and bring in a verdict of not guilty,” Rowland objected. “We have prepared this case at a great disadvantage, scouring the highways and byways for witnesses, and if these plaintiffs have suffered a change of heart, that does not compensate these policemen for the ridicule and criticism they have suffered on account of these indictments. If they want to drop the case, let it be done before a jury and a verdict of not guilty be returned.”
Judge Questions Request
Judge Swackhamer said, “You don’t expect me to order that, do you?”
“I do not feel I can agree to that, either,” said Baldwin.
“But I want a jury verdict so that these charges cannot be resurrected at some time in the future,” Rowland persisted.
“I cannot guarantee immunity from indictments,” retorted the prosecutor. “These lawyers have assumed a fair attitude. They came here prepared to go ahead and we are ready to do so. But they realize the policemen are merely wage earners, and they bear no malice.”
Rowland conferred with his clients during a five-minute recess while the witnesses were ordered outside. On their return, Rowland addressed the Court.
“I must confess the wisdom of my clients is greater than my own,” he said. “They feel, as I do, it would take a week to try this case and put the county to great expense. I’ve known these men all my life. As a kid I worked in a foundry and Bakley was my foreman. But they are willing to take the criticism as good police officers and co-operate with the prosecutor. We feel we’ve had our day in court, and have no further objection to quashing of the indictments.”
Legion Burial Lots to Be Dedicated
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Courier-Post — June 17, 1932. Featuring Aaron Heine, Rev. John Pemberton, Centenary Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Brestell, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Harry A. Kelleher, Herbert H. Blizzard, General Winfield S. Price, Roy R. Stewart, Charles V. Dickinson
Suspended Jail Sentence is Given Operator Where 17 Were Taken in Raid
Camden Courier-Post —
Pleading non vult to charge of operating a “numbers” headquarters raided by the police last July, Dominic Olivette, 28, of 444 Royden Street, was fined $100 and given a suspended sentence of six months in criminal court yesterday.
Olivette was arrested by a detail of police led by former Director of Public Safety Charles V. Dickinson and Lieutenant George Frost when they captured 17 men in the Royden Street house.
In police court the day following the raid Olivette was fined $100 by Judge Garfield Pancoast on charges of violating Section 422 of the city ordinances prohibiting disorderly persons from congregating in a building.
Olivette paid the fine and was later indicted by the grand jury following an investigation by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin. Judge Shay, in imposing the fine, refused Olivette’s plea that he be allowed to pay the sum on installments.
One other man charged with “numbers’ writing was fined $100 with the privilege of paying at a $2 weekly rate. He is Herbert Lantry, 35, of 519 Ray Street, arrested by Lieutenant Herbert Anderson November 26. He was held for the grand jury by Judge Pancoast when arraigned in police court.
Public Fills City Churches for V Prayers
Camden Courier-Post —
Sharing the joy of a world again at peace, Camden awoke today after a night of jubilant celebration that a war of three years, eight months and seven days was ended.
In sober response to the magnitude of Victory Day thousands early today wended their way to churches to offer prayers of thanksgiving as the dawn of a new era broke over the land.
Mayor Brunner announced the city’s planned celebration of Victory Day will be held today at 2.30 p. m. at Roosevelt plaza, and urged that citizens gather there to share in prayers and inspirational ceremonies.
Many Places Closed
All banks, federal, state, county and municipal offices were closed today.
No mail deliveries are scheduled and postal authorities here awaited orders from Washington on the question of resuming service tomorrow.
War industries abandoned work in compliance with President Truman’s proclamation of a two-day holiday for all personnel except those required for maintenance and other essential jobs.
Many stores are also closed for the entire day
New York Shipyard officials announced the yard and offices will be closed today and tomorrow, and will reopen Friday morning at the usual time. Payday has been set for Friday, a spokesman said.
Radio Condenser Company will be closed today and will resume work at the regular hour tomorrow, a spokesman for that firm announced.
John Trumpy & Sons shipyard at Gloucester will abandon work schedules today and tomorrow.
Big Plants on Holiday
RCA Victor Division of the Radio Corporation of America announced all offices and plants were closed today and will be closed tomorrow.
The Campbell Soup Company is closing its plants today and tomorrow. The company issued this statement:
‘In order to safeguard any loss of food, however, and to cooperate fully with farmers who grow tomatoes, the company announced arrangements have been made to receive any tomatoes delivered on the two days during the regular delivery hours.
“It is expected that the farmers will want to enjoy the celebration of Victory and will probably defer, as far as possible, the picking and delivery of the crop until Friday, when the plants will reopen.”
Saloons Closed Half Day
By decree of Governor Edge, taprooms and package stores were ordered to close at eight o’clock last night and remain closed until noon. ABC Commissioner Driscoll issued a statewide proclamation following the governor’s declaration.
Last night’s celebration broke spontaneously shortly after 7 o’clock, following announcement by the President that Japan had accepted the Potsdam declaration.
An anxious citizenry had waited since Friday morning, when first word of the Jap surrender offer was announced. On Sunday there were false reports that Japan had capitulated and again yesterday conflicting announcements kept the public confused.
Tears of Joy and Sorrow
Already strained nerves broke with the world stirring news and not since Armistice Day closing War I was such wild celebration observed.
Amid tears and shouts of joy, men and women hugged each other and many wept. To thousands it meant their loved ones soon would be home. To many others it re opened wounds of memory and sorrow for the sons and husbands who would not be returning, ever.
Every locomotive whistle on the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines began blasting at once shortly after 7 p. m. This was followed by every factory whistle being tied down. Then followed shrieks of the air raid warden signals over the city fire houses
Signal for Jubilation
That was the call for real jubilation. Thousands poured into the streets within a few minutes. Hundreds of shouting children, waving flags and blowing horns, ran through the streets.
It seemed as though Broadway was the mecca for the shouting throngs. All the people seemed to surge to City Hall. Every motorist, bus and truck driver was blowing the horn of his vehicle. Thousands milled on the sidewalks, cheering, laughing, blowing horns.
Thousands more went into the churches to thank Almighty God for the greatest victory of all time. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the Catholic churches by the direction of Bishop Eustace. Prayers were offered for the repose of the heroic dead, who made the supreme sacrifice that the Allies should triumph over the Nazis and Japanese warlords
Church Bells Toll
The chimes of old St. Mary’s church, Gloucester, and First Methodist in Camden tolled. They played sacred and patriotic selections. Special thanksgiving services were held in the First and the Parkside Methodist churches.
Although Camden streets were packed with noisy, boisterous throngs, Police Chief Frost reported no disorder after several tours of the city. He ordered all taprooms closed at 8 p. m. At the same hour Philadelphia clamped the lid down on the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Frost opened temporary headquarters in the City Hall basement. Every patrolman was called to duty. Auxiliary police organized during the early days of civilian defense augmented the local force. Thirty Military Police reported for duty to Frost. The Shore Patrol also sent 26 men from Eleventh and Winter streets police station, Philadelphia, to help keep order among jubilant servicemen.
City Hall Lights Aglow
For the first time since war was declared in 1941 the lights on the City Hall beamed. When they went on with the lights all over the world a great cheer went up from the thousands milling on Broadway between the Camden bridge plaza and Mickle Street.
A huge cross was formed by lights in windows facing Roosevelt Plaza. Windows were lighted from the eleventh to the sixteenth floors. The cross bar was formed from three windows on the fourteenth floor.
All main roads leading into Camden were clogged, with traffic heading for the City Hall and Broadway. Admiral Wilson Boulevard, Haddon Avenue, Kaighn Avenue, Market and Federal Streets were jammed with buses, trucks and automobiles with gaily singing and cheering crowds. All but the buses were headed for the Broadway parade.
Mayor Brunner announced that today was a holiday for all city employees, while Freeholder J. McCarthy, speaking for the freeholders, announced it was a holiday for all county employees, excepting those engaged in essential services.
“This is the hour of victory for which we have waited with patient hearts for three years,” said Mayor Brunner. “The sacrifice and tears are over for most of us. Let us celebrate the end of bloodshed, and remember with an undying gratitude those who gave their lives,
“It is now up to us to resolve that these men have not died in vain. As we fought the war, so let us fight to establish an America of full employment, a city, state and nation of the Four Freedoms which our late President Franklin D. Roosevelt left us as a heritage to light the way on the path of freedom for all peoples.
“Let us go forward in the faith that undying principles for the right and just is the best character builder that any American can possess. If we are as patient in peace as we were in war, we shall have much to offer to those homecoming men who fought our battle on foreign shores.”
Lt. Col. Charles V. Dickinson, who left Camden with the New Jersey National Guard in 1940 and served as inspector general at Fort Sill, said last night that the agreement of Japan to surrender was great news for the general public but sad for those who lost their sons or loved ones as their loss can never be made up. Colonel Dickinson, who was former deputy director of public safety, participated in exercises last night marking the presentation of medals to war heroes in the City Commission chamber.
Flags were waved from cars.
Hirohito was hanged in effigy from the front of automobiles.
Military Rites Monday for Col. Dickinson
Camden Courier-Post —
Military Rites Monday for Col. Dickinson
Military Rites Monday for Col. Dickinson
Palmyra, Oct. 4—Col. Charles V. Dickinson, 66, freeholder director of Burlington County, former mayor of Palmyra and a veteran of Wars I and II, died Thursday in Zurbrugg Memorial Hospital, Riverside.
Burial Monday for Dickinson
Trenton Evening Times —
PALMYRA—Charles V. Dickinson, 66, director of the Burlington County Board of Freeholders and former Palmyra mayor, died yesterday in Zurbrugg Memorial Hospital, Riverside.
Dickinson, who retired in 1944 as a full colonel from the army after 35 years, was a former public safety director in Camden, a former deputy director of internal revenue and a former supervisor of the New Jersey State Highway Department.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Lillian Dickinson; a daughter, Mrs. Charlotte Snow of Buffalo, N. Y.; a brother, Maurice of Camden; a sister, Mrs. Edna Andrus of Camden and three grandchildren.
Services will be held Monday at the Snover Funeral Home, 313 East Broad Street. Interment will be in Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, and friends may call Sunday evening.