Charles H. Ellis Jr.

CHARLES H. ELLIS JR. served as mayor of Camden NJ from 1905 through 1922. He was born in Camden on April 22, 1862. His grandfather was Samuel Ellis, the first City Clerk of Camden, who also published the first newspaper to appear in Camden. His father was a successful grocer, who had come to Camden around 1862 and established a grocery store at 5th and Berkeley Street. The family lived at 510 Berkeley Street in the 1870s through the 1890s. Besides Charles Jr., the family also included siblings Frank, Laura, Emma, Walter, and Wilbur Ellis. Both Walter Ellis and Wilbur Ellis became prominent in different aspects of Camden’s civic affairs.

Charles H. Ellis married Emma Taylor, daughter of another Camden grocer, in 1885. He appears in the city directories from 1887 through 1891 as a clerk, living at 931 South 5th Street. In March of 1891 he succeeded his father in the grocery business. In 1890 he was elected to the Board of Education, and served there until his election in the mid 1890s to the City Council. Charles H. Ellis was made President of City Council after serving for one year. At the time, he was the youngest man ever having filled that post.

Charles Ellis and family were still residing at 931 South 5th Street as late as 1895. The 1896 City Directory shows that he and his family had moved to 915 South 5th Street. Sadly, Emma Taylor Ellis died in October of 1897 at the age of 32, leaving Charles Ellis to raise his four children, Ella, Frank, Laura, and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ellis, alone. Charles Ellis hired a widow from the neighborhood, Mrs. Amanda Alloway, to work as a live-in housekeeper and help with the children. She remained with the Ellis family into the mid-1910s. Charles Ellis remarried on April 30, 1909.

Charles H. Ellis also served, beginning in late 1890s as a tax collector for the City of Camden. A Republican, he recaptured the Mayor’s office for his party, succeeding Joseph A. Nowrey as mayor.

A popular Mayor, Charles Ellis was re-elected five times, the elections then being held every three years. He left office mid-term, in 1922, to take the position of Postmaster for the city of Camden. During his time in office countless civic improvements were made, many of which have lasted into the present century. Camden High School was built during his tenure, the public playground system was inaugurated, and the park system greatly expanded. The Fire Department switched from horse-drawn apparatus to fire trucks, and the Police Department acquired patrol cars and motorcycles during these years. As the city grew, the importance of its Streets Department grew with it, and Mayor Ellis appointed Alfred L. Sayres to head that department. Sayres would serve until 1923. Later in his career, Mayor Ellis would guide the city through the trials and tribulations of World War I. Perhaps the greatest challenge he faced during his time in office was the influenza epidemic of 1918, a worldwide health crisis of proportions theretofore never seen.

At the time of the 1920 census, Charles Ellis is shown as living with his wife Hattie and son Frank M. Ellis at 913 S. 5th Street in South Camden. His neighbors included Fire Chief George B. Wade, stationary store owner Charles Devaull, and City Clerk William D. Brown, who lived at 920 S. 5th Street. Daughter Laura Ellis Miller passed in 1924, and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden.

After leaving the Mayor’s Office in 1922, Charles H. Ellis served as the Postmaster in Camden through 1934, when he retired shortly after the May elections. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Democratic activist Emma Hyland to the position. By 1929 and at the time of the April 1930 Federal Census, he was living at 915 S. 5th Street, with his wife Hattie, daughter Elizabeth Watson and her husband Byron, an auto mechanic for the U.S. Postal Service. Charles H. Ellis had been a political ally of David Baird Sr., and he was loyal to David Baird Jr. during the struggle for control of the Republican party in Camden in the 1930s.

Charles H. Ellis was a member of several fraternal organizations, including Trimble Lodge, No. 117 Free and Accepted Masons, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Odd Fellows, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics in Camden. In the 1880s he had been a member of Joseph Jennings’ Sixth Regiment Band.

Last a resident of Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he lived at 2137 43rd Street, Charles Ellis passed away on May 4, 1940, and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden NJ, near his first wife. Daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Byron Watson survived into the early 1970s, and are also buried there.

CHARLES H. ELLIS JR. served as mayor of Camden NJ from 1905 through 1922. He was born in Camden on April 22, 1862. His grandfather was Samuel Ellis, the first City Clerk of Camden, who also published the first newspaper to appear in Camden. His father was a successful grocer, who had come to Camden around 1862 and established a grocery store at 5th and Berkeley Street. The family lived at 510 Berkeley Street in the 1870s through the 1890s. Besides Charles Jr., the family also included siblings Frank, Laura, Emma, Walter, and Wilbur Ellis. Both Walter Ellis and Wilbur Ellis became prominent in different aspects of Camden's civic affairs.

Charles H. Ellis married Emma Taylor, daughter of another Camden grocer, in 1885. He appears in the city directories from 1887 through 1891 as a clerk, living at 931 South 5th Street. In March of 1891 he succeeded his father in the grocery business. In 1890 he was elected to the Board of Education, and served there until his election in the mid 1890s the City Council. Charles H. Ellis was made President of City Council after serving for one year. At the time, he was the youngest man ever having filled that post.

Charles Ellis and family were still residing at 931 South 5th Street as late as 1895. The 1896 City Directory shows that he and his family had moved to 915 South 5th Street. Sadly, Emma Taylor Ellis died in October of 1897 at the age of 32, leaving Charles Ellis to raise his four children, Ella, Frank, Laura, and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ellis, alone. Charles Ellis hired a widow from the neighborhood, Mrs. Amanda Alloway, to work as a live-in housekeeper and help with the children. She remained with the Ellis family into the mid-1910s. Charles Ellis remarried on April 30, 1909.

Charles H. Ellis also served, beginning in late 1890s as a tax collector for the City of Camden. A Republican, he recaptured the Mayor's office for his party, succeeding Joseph A. Nowrey as mayor.

A popular Mayor, Charles Ellis was re-elected five times, the elections then being held every three years. He left office mid-term, in 1922, to take the position of Postmaster for the city of Camden. During his time in office countless civic improvements were made, many of which have lasted into the resent century. Camden High School was built during his tenure, the public playground system was inaugurated, and the park system greatly expanded. The Fire Department switched from horse-drawn apparatus to fire trucks, and the Police Department acquired patrol cars and motorcycles during these years. As the city grew, the importance of its Streets Department grew with it, and Mayor Ellis appointed Alfred L. Sayres to the head that department. Sayres would serve until 1923. Later in his career, Mayor Ellis would guide the city through the trials and tribulations of World War I. Perhaps the greatest challenge he faced during his time in office was the influenza epidemic of 1918, a worldwide health crisis of proportions theretofore never seen.

At the time of the 1920 census, Charles Ellis is shown as living with his wife Hattie and son Frank M. Ellis at 913 S. 5th Street in South Camden. His neighbors included Fire Chief George B. Wade, stationary store owner Charles Devaull, and City Clerk William D. Brown, who lived at 920 S. 5th Street. Daughter Laura Ellis Miller passed in 1924, and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden.

After leaving the Mayor's Office in 1922, Charles H. Ellis served as the Postmaster in Camden through 1934, when he retired shortly after the May elections. President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Democratic activist Emma Hyland to the position. By 1929 and at the time of the April 1930 Federal Census, he was living at 915 S. 5th Street, with his wife Hattie, daughter Elizabeth Watson and her husband Byron, an auto mechanic for the U.S. Postal Service. Charles H. Ellis had been a political ally of David Baird Sr., and he was loyal to David Baird Jr. during the struggle for control of the Republican party in Camden in the 1930s.

Charles H. Ellis was a member of several fraternal organizations, including Trimble Lodge, No. 117 Free and Accepted Masons, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Odd Fellows, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics in Camden. In the 1880s he had been a member of Joseph Jennings' Sixth Regiment Band.

Last a resident of Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he lived at 2137 43rd Street, Charles Ellis passed away on May 4, 1940, and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden NJ, near his first wife. Daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Byron Watson survived into the early 1970s, and are also buried there.

County Clerk Hollingshead - Hiram E. Budd Sedgwick R. Devault Charles H. Ellis
William H. Davis - Christian S. Lloyd
Azell Roberts - Benjamin F. Perkins - James Deegan
George Bowyer - Albert Beckett
Jacob C. Lippincott - Jacob Nessen

cooper b. hatch
Arthur StanleyCharles H. EllisEdward Hyde

Charles H. Ellis - James E. Hewitt

Philadelphia Inquirer - January 28, 1909

In order that Camden veterans may have an elaborate celebration on Memorial Day, Mayor Ellis yesterday appointed the following committee of citizens to act in conjunction with them: William D. Vanaman, William Sangtinette, Frank W. Tussey, William Fox, Dr. J.W. Martindale, Walter L Tushingham, Ira E. Lutte,Harry C. Kramer, John W. Coleman, Bernhard Schroeder, Edward H. Nieland, Daniel M. Stevens, W.F. Powell, Abe Fuhrman, Jacob Neutze, Francis B. Wallen, Charles A. Ackley, Louis T. Derousse, James M. Bentley, John K. Newkirk, William Schmid, John Larsen, Sigismund Schoenagle, Charles M. Baldwin, and Harry A. Whaland.

Charles H. Ellis - Nathan Thornton - Clarence Boyer - Joseph Koplan

CAMDEN POST-TELEGRAM - May 10, 1914

THOUSANDS VIEW CHIEF'S REMAINS
Throngs Jam Court House While Body Lies in State for Two Hours.

Not since the memorable funeral of Chief of Police Foster ten years ago, has there been such a genuine public tribute paid an official of Camden as was in evidence last night at the bier of the lamented Fire Chief Worthington, and today at his funeral. It is hard to estimate the number of persons in a crowd, but from 7 until 9 o'clock last night there was a steady stream of men, women and children, two abreast, who passed from the main entrance, through the center corridor and beneath the illuminated rotunda, where the body lay, and thence out by the west corridor. There was never a stop, and it is estimated that at least 10,000 persons were there, perhaps more.

There could not have been a more ideal location for the repose of the casket containing the honored dead, and the great array of beautiful flowers than beneath the rotunda. It seemed to be a sacred shrine in itself where the citizenry dropped a tear for the lamented departed. The effulgence of the soft lights from above specially installed by Electrical Chief Kelly but lent to the scene and as the dark garbed escort of firemen, the active pall bearers, stood, on guard, the scene was unusually impressive.

Chief Worthington, aside from the pallor that comes to the dead, looked as he did in life, for the thread had been snapped so quickly that it was while he was in his full vigor that the vital spark had taken its flight. There were some marks on his face that indicated the intense though momentary suffering through which he passed on his fateful plunge from the roof of the burning building to his quick death, and the passing crowd remarked this. But withal there was that calmness and repose feature which seemed to indicate that the gallant leader of Camden's fire fighters but lay sleeping rather than that his soul had taken its eternal flight.

Public grief may be a mere ephemeral emotion, born of the moment and only to be succeeded by the acclaim of the newly arisen public idol, but last night's encomiums seemed to come from hearts that overflowed with genuine and permanent sorrow over the untimely passing of so excellent a public servant. Many tear-suffused eyes indicated this, many expressions of grief, of sorrow, of condolence of those left showed this. The sentiment in evidence everywhere can only be likened to the sweetness of the wonderful flowers whose odor spread thorough all the corridors and in all the rooms of the great marble building.

High in the clock tower of the City Hall the bell began tolling at 6:30 o'clock. At half-minute intervals its doleful strains went forth on the cold blustery east wind which had succeeded at day of spring sunshine. The bell and the screeching wind seemed to combine as a knell indicating the passing grief of the city. It was the preliminaries to the marching of the funeral cortege from the stricken Chief's home on Penn Street to the resting place at the Court House.

There were forty policemen in dress uniform with Chief Gravenor at their head. There were twenty-six fire heads from Philadelphia, with Chief William Murphy in the van, a tribute in itself of more than passing moment. There was the caisson on which was the black draped casket containing the body of he who all honored. There was the little red car in which Chief Worthington was wont to speed through the city at every alarm and there was his helmet and coat. There was Acting Chief Stockton and forty of the men who fought flames under the direction of he who lay so still. There as the family in cabs with curtains drawn, the members of City Council and the active pall bearers- Daniel Leach, Peter B. Carter, james white, William Patterson, Elmer Burkett, Samuel Harring.

When the cortege reached the Court House the Camden boys took up their position on the inside beneath rotunda while the Philadelphia visitors made an imposing array on the granite steps outside. And then came the public in its steady and unending stream.

Later the Philadelphia delegation was escorted to the Board of Freeholders room where tribute was paid to the dead and where a mingling of the two cities took place. Besides Chief Murphy the visitors included Battalion Chiefs William T. Barrett and George P. McConaghy, Captains L. F. Bunting, William Lindsey; H. Dinlocker, J. Higginson, J. E. Talbot, D. Campbell, T. O'Brien, F. Hughes, E. Basenfelder; H. Hutt, William McCusker, G. Rheim, R. Wilsey, J. Webb, H. Goers, H. Haines, Insurance Patrol Captain Joseph H. Shermer William Hickman, William Rodgers, John Wyatt, David Phillip, John Clyde, H. Wilkinson.

President of City Council James E. Hewitt spoke of the work Chief Worthington had already accomplished, of his plans, of his value and worth to Camden. Chief Murphy responded in a fitting way and this incident in itself was one to be remembered.

An affecting sight was witnessed by the handful of spectators, among them being other firemen, city and county officials and policemen who remained after the big doors on Sixth Street had been closed. The last to view the Chief's remains were a delegation of about twenty firemen. Solemnly the men passed by the bier and gazed upon the features of their departed brother.

As the last of the line approached Deputy Chief John A. Stockton was seen. He stopped and with his cap laid across his breast be looked down into the casket. For almost a minute Chief Stockton stood as though glued to the spot. Then he glanced about him and the sympathetic look upon his face thrilled all.

He heaved a sigh and perhaps the teardrops refused to come, but Chief Stockton, as the lines upon his face showed, was struggling with the inner man. His emotions were tugging at his heart, but a fire laddie cannot give way to his feelings although his brother superior officer and dear friend had answered his last alarm.

The floral pieces surrounding the bier bespoke the love, admiration and respect the donors held for the dead chief. One design particularly beautiful was a mammoth loving cup made of blossoms, f1owers and roses. This was the token sent by members of City Council and other city officials.

Another was the design sent by the Electrical Bureau through Chief Kelly. The original fire box, No. 134, which was pulled on the night of the fire by Chief Worthington was enshrouded by roses, carnations and lilies.

A maltese cross standing several feet high and bearing the initials of the organization was the tribute sent by the Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association. Chief Worthington was president of this association.

The Camden police sent a large shield of flowers and Council members offered a vacant chair of roses. The New Jersey Auto Supply Company, No. 2 Engine Company and No. 1 Truck sent beautiful broken circles and a wreath was the offering from the employees of the Victor Talking Machine Company.

A broken circle from member of the Sixth Ward Republican Club and a wreath from his friends in the sixth precinct of the Second Ward were other beautiful pieces. West Collingswood and Collingswood firemen sent two beautiful floral circles and from the Loyal Order Legion a wreath was received.

Other offerings were from the Camden Liquor Dealers league, a beautiful circle from No. 6 Engine Company, in which house Chief Worthington was captain previous to his elevation to the office of chief; sprays from the Bethany M.E. Church, Ladies Auxiliary of the Loyal Order of Moose; a wreath from the pupils of the eighth grade Sewell school, and a spray from North Baptist Church. There also were designs from members of the family and friends, all of which bespoke the great love held for the departed fire chief.

The impressive services of the P.E. Church marked the last sad rites this afternoon at St. Paul's Church. The guard of honor and city officials left Fire Headquarters at 1:20 and proceeded to the Worthington home and escorted the remains to the church, where services were conducted by the rector, Rev. R.E. Brestell, and Rev. H.O. Jones, rector of St. Stephen's P.E. Church. Interment was made at Arlington.

The honorary pallbearers were mayor ellis, Hon. David Baird, Frank F. Patterson, John W. Bell, General John A. Mather, Melbourne F. Middleton Jr., Harry R. Reed, Arthur L. Jones, Robert Gordon, David Jester, George Schneider, William Mills, J.O. Grear, William Hall, George L. Bender, and James E. Hewitt.

Frederick A. Finkeldey Jr. - Frederick A. Finkeldey Sr. - Rev. E. Ray Simons
Charles H. Ellis - F.D.L. Covely - Mrs. R.G. Develin - William C. Story
Camden Home for Friendless Children - Second Presbyterian Church
South 2nd Street - South 3rd Street - Beckett Street - Haddon Avenue
Ferry Avenue - Phillips Street - Mickle Street

Camden Police Courtesy Card – 1917 Signed by Mayor Ellis

Camden Police Courtesy Card - 1917
Signed by Mayor Ellis

Dr. Daniel Strock - charles h. ellis - Engine Company 3

Click on Image for PDF File of Complete Article

Another weapon to defeat the enemy was the establishment of City Farm Gardens in the country. They were urged by the Government and not only provided food for city residents, but abolished unsightly vacant lots. Mayor Ellis named the first City Gardens Committee on April 19, 1917, as follows: e. g. c. bleakly, Judge Frank T. Lloyd, Zed H. Copp, William Derham, L. E. Farnham, B. M. Hedrick, David Jester, O. B. Kern, M. F. Middleton, Dr. H. L. Rose, Asa L. Roberts, W. D. Sayrs, Jr., Charles A. Wolverton, Earl T. Jackson, H. R. Kuehner, Herbert N. Moffett and Hubert H. Pfeil. At the initial meeting of the above date B. M. Hedrick was elected chairman; Zed H. Copp secretary and M. F. Middleton treasurer. Brandin W. Wright, a farming expert, was employed as general superintendent on May 3, 1917. At a meeting on May 18, 1918, the names of Frank Sheridan and Daniel P. McConnell were added to the publicity committee in the place of
Messrs. Pfeil and Jackson.

In his annual report to City Council on January 1, 1918, Mayor Ellis urged the appointment of a committee by City Council on City Gardens and Councilman Frederick Von Neida was named as chairman. This committee with a committee of representative citizens met in the City Hall in February, 19 18, to organize for the ensuing summer. The members of the Councilmanic committee were: Frederick Von Neida, frank s. van hart, William J. Kelly and John J. Robinson.

The committee planned an exposition of farm garden products for the fall of 1918, but this plan was frustrated by the Spanish influenza epidemic.

The war gardens became victory gardens in the year 1919 when the committee met on January 29, 1919. Meyers Baker was elected secretary and William D. Sayrs, Jr., treasurer. At the meeting on March 25 committees were appointed for the Victory War Gardens
Exposition held in Third Regiment Armory from September 15 to 20. Benjamin Abrams was elected general manager and Frank Sheridan publicity agent.

Camden last night gave a splendid welcome to the Very Rev. Dean William J.
Fitzgerald, J. c. D., M. R. V. F., the new pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and Dean of the South Jersey Catholic parishes.

Citizens of other faiths, judges, doctors, lawyers and those in more humble stations of life, rubbed elbows in the vast audience that packed to capacity the Catholic Lyceum. All were present for a common purpose- to honor the new prelate, who comes to Camden with a splendid reputation as a Christian gentleman, patriot and ambassador of the Catholic Church.

At the reception in the Lyceum, former Judge William T. Boyle presided. He in turn introduced Rev. Francis J. McCallion, who was acting pastor of the parish. Father McCallion was given a wonderful reception after Judge Boyle extolled his oratorical and executive ability. In a splendid speech Father McCallion paid a glowing tribute to Dean Fitzgerald, the subject of the evening's testimonial.

James F. Lennon was the principal speaker for the occasion. Already famed for his ability as an orator, Mr. Lennon probably gave his best talk last night. It was a tribute to the new Dean and the members of the Catholic clergy and Sisters of Mercy.

In his remarks Mr. Lennon told of the duties of a priest, of his mission and his value to the community. To the good sisters a glowing tribute was also paid by the speaker. Mr. Lennon also lauded the public school system and explained the principles of the parochial school. His reference to the 312 Immaculate Conception members who fought in the war for Democracy evoked a storm of applause. To the late and lamented Monsignor Mulligan Mr. Lennon offered a deserved tribute. In the course of his address the
speaker told of the early struggles of the founders of the Immaculate parish. His description of the good old Irish mothers and fathers who erected a monument to Catholicism at Broadway and Market street struck a happy chord.

Turning to Dean Fitzgerald Mr. Lennon extended to him a warm welcome after which he presented the pastor with a large basket of beautiful flowers, a gift of the ladies of the parish.

Mayor Charles H. Ellis was warmly received and in a splendid talk the city's chief executive turned over the keys of the city. The Mayor's talk was punctuated with witty remarks concerning the “suburb of Philadelphia.”

The Mayor said that the great day had arrived when religious strife was no more and creeds were united for one common cause.

With much feeling Dean Fitzgerald told of his appreciation of the great honor. He was visibly affected by the testimonial, but modestly stated that he considered it not only a reception to him, but to the members of the Catholic clergy.

Dean Fitzgerald assured all that he was glad to come to Camden and he asked the hearty co-operation of his parishioners. He turned and gazed over the members of the reception committee seated on the stage and told how happy he was that men like former Senator Baird, County Clerk Patterson, Mayor Ellis and other big men of the city and county were present to do him honor.

After the reception in the Lyceum Dean Fitzgerald adjourned to the parlor of the Lyceum where he met members of the parish and other friends. He stood under a canopy of flowers and colored electric lights.

The guard of honor was comprised of fifty-fourth degree Knights of Columbus.
Three hundred members of the parish formed the honorary escort from the train terminal to the rectory.

Unable to be present, because of previous engagements, Rev. Leon K. Willman, pastor of the Broadway M. E. Church, and Rev. Edwin F. Hann, of First M. E. Church, sent letters of regret in which they wished the new pastor success in his new fields of labor.

Success of last night's eventful occasion can be attributed to Rev. Francis J.
McCallion, who directed the affair. He was ably assisted by Edward Clare, George Slake, George Burke, Cornelius J. Healy, James McGowan, Hugh Pattie, Michael Quinn, Robert A. Stack and James Wren.

This morning the church reception was held with a solemn high mass, which was sung by Dean Fitzgerald. F ather Whelan was deacon, Father Hennig, sub-deacon, and Father Shay, master of ceremonies. Father McCallion delivered a splendid sermon for the occasion and the singing of the altar boys was very fine. William H. Lorigan presided at the organ.

Children of the parish this afternoon tendered a reception to the new pastor. The altar boys will present Dean Fitzgerald with an enlarged and framed likeness of himself.

Camden Courier-Post * January 18, 1922

Mayor Ellis has ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the $2000,000 fire which swept the properties at 427 and 429 Kaighn Avenue and caused injury to five firemen, one of whom may be fatally hurt.

The fire centered about the property occupied by the Economy Store, formerly Handle's, and quickly spread to four adjoining buildings.

The fireman whose recovery is despaired of is Captain Martin B. Carrigan, of Engine Company No. 2, Fifth and Arch Streets. Carrigan, who lives at 618 West Street, is suffering from a fractured skull and severe burns and cuts of the face, legs, and body. He is unconscious at Cooper Hospital.

The firemen were injured when a wall, weakened by the intense heat, crumbled and crashed through a roof upon which they were standing, dragging them through the floor below, and into a cellar. Sensational rescues followed as police, firemen, and citizens with bare hands tore at the hot debris. The men were quickly extricated and carried to the street.

“We certainly shall investigate this fire,” the Mayor declared today. “Just what was the cause and who is to blame has not been determined but there will be a thorough investigation.”

“There have been too many of these fires during the past few weeks” continued the mayor. “Surely all of them did not just happen and I am sure there has been someone responsible in one or two of the fires.”

The conflagration was one of the most spectacular of a series of large fires that have visited the city in the past six weeks. The block in which it occurred- Kaighn Avenue between Broadway and Fourth Street is one of the most prominent business squares in Camden.

Flames shot 200 feet in the air, giving the sky a fiery hue and attracted attention for miles before the firemen brought it under control. The flame-lit sky was clearly seen in Philadelphia, Merchantville, East Camden, Gloucester and other communities.

More than a score of families living in the vicinity were forced to flee from their homes in scant attire when the fire threatened them. They were cared for by neighbors.

Fireman George Boone, 46 years old, of Engine Company No. 2, also is in a serious condition. He is suffering from burns of the right hand, right thigh and foot and probable internal injuries. Boone lives at 607 Mount Vernon Street.

John Voll, 22 years old, 509 Royden Street: both hands badly burned.

C.J. Andrus, aged 31 years, 570 Mount Vernon Street: burns of hands and legs.

Harold Lorang, 29 years old, 19 Hudson Street: burns of right hand and legs and sprained ankle.

Carrigan and Boone are in the hospital. The other firemen were discharged after their wounds were dressed. After being released from the hospital they returned to the scene of the fire and insisted upon continuing their duties. Chief Peter B. Carter, however, ordered them home.

Most of the loss was suffered by the Economy Store. A few charred walls remain of the large building. The interior was completely gutted. It was estimated today that the damage to that property will total $60,000 At least $50,000 damage, it was said, was done to the stock.

Morris Handle, local theatrical man, who owns the building, declared today that the property was insured for $30,000. “My loss will be quite heavy,” said Mr. Handle. “The insurance will not pay one-half the property damage.”

The adjoining building at 431 Kaighn Avenue is occupied by Dr. S.I. Yubas, optometrist, and L.R. Yubas, his father, a jeweler.

The rear and upper floors of the Yubas property were gutted and the stock sustained a heavy loss, due to water and smoke. The damage will total $40,000, Mr. Yubas estimated today.

Five persons who were asleep on the upper floors of the Yubas dwelling had narrow escapes. They were awakened by Samuel Goldstein, haberdasher, 417 Kaighn Avenue, who discovered the fire in the Economy Store and turned in the alarm. Mrs. L.R. Yubas, an invalid, was rescued with difficulty.

The property occupied by Mrs. Sadie Bodner, a widow, at 433 Kaighn Avenue, as a house furnishings store, was scorched and also damaged by water and smoke.

Adjoining the Economy Store on the west at 425 Kaighn Avenue is a vacant one-story structure, formerly occupy by the United Beef Company. Firemen were on the roof of that building when the west wall of the Economy Store collapsed. The wall tumbled down on the small roof and hurled the firemen through a hole in the roof, through the floor and then into the cellar.

Three policemen, Joseph Sparks, Thomas Cheeseman, and George Hill- and several spectators braved the fire and smoke to rescue the trapped firemen.

The property at 423 Kaighn Avenue, occupied by the Charles Jamison Department Store, was damaged in the rear and the stock ruined by water and smoke. The Kresge Five-and-Ten-Cent Store, at 519-531 Kaighn Avenue, was also damaged by water.

Louis Richelson, who owns the properties from 519 to 525 Kaighn Avenue, was unable to estimate his loss today.

Hundreds of spectators, who were watching the fire from the opposite side of the street, shuddered as they saw a brick wall, weakened by the intense heat, totter and sway. Before the firemen on the smaller roof below could scurry to safety, it collapsed.

A groan escaped the crowd as they heard the cries of the entrapped firemen and the deafening thud of the brocks as they landed on the roof where the firemen were at work.

As the full weight of the brocks struck the roof, it caved in forming a gaping hole. The firemen were literally swept into the opening.

The bricks tumbled down, causing another hole in the floor between the firs story and the cellar and dragging the imperiled firemen into the cellar with them.

Mayor Charles H. Ellis was among the spectators who witnessed the collapse of the wall. Other officials were Chief James H. Long, of the Water Department; Fire Chief Carter, Assistant Police Chief Edward S. Hyde, Captain Lewis Stehr of the Second Police District, and Street Commissioner Alfred L. Sayers.

Observing the peril of the trapped firemen, Policemen Sparks, Cheeseman and Hill, together with a dozen other spectators, rushed across the street to the vacant store. They rushed through the smoke and fire, leaped into the cellar and 5reached the struggling firemen.

Sparks, the first to leap into the cellar, reached Voll, who had been pinned beneath a pile of debris and was pleading to be rescued. The policeman feverishly extricated Voll from his precarious position and carried him out into the street to safety.

Policeman Cheeseman had accidentally fallen into the cellar and, though himself injured, groped about in the dark until he found Boone, whom he dragged outside.

Policeman Hill carried Carrigan out of the cellar in his arms.

The five firemen were carried to a waiting police ambulance and rushed to Cooper Hospital. Carrigan was unconscious. He haws a slim fighting chance to recover.

Carrigan was promoted to a captaincy the first of the year. He is popular among his comrades and has the reputation of being a fearless fireman.

Mayor Ellis praised the work of the firemen and the bravery of the policemen who had risked their lives to effect the rescue.

“Never did I see such remarkable work” said the Mayor. “When I arrived at the scene, it looked as if the whole block was doomed. The flames were shooting upward and the whole sky seemed lit up. The firemen tackled their job with dispatch and courage. I was proud of them. They knew their business and showed it by confining it to a comparatively small area. The work of the police also was commendable.

Mr. Goldstein discovered the fire shortly before midnight.

“I had just left my home at 417 Kaighn Avenue,” explained Mr. Goldstein, “intending to get a soda. As I passed the Economy Store I noticed strong odor of smoke. I peered into the glass doorway of the store. I immediately saw the place was afire.”

“Then I ran back to my store” continued Mr. Goldstein, “and I telephoned police headquarters. I went out again and returned to the scene. I remembered that the Yubas family were asleep on the second and third floors and rapped on the doors. Mr. Yubas came down in a bathrobe. He was not aware of the fire.”

The six persons asleep in the Yubas home were Dr. Yubas, Mr. And Mrs. L.R. Yubas, Bernard Helfand, Miss Bertha Cuden and Anna Recowitz, a domestic.

Mrs. Yubas, who is recovering from an illness, was too weak to make her way outside through the smoke. Assisted by her husband, Policemen Becker and Cheeseman and Constable John Cunningham, Mrs. Yubas was half carried downstairs, and out through the rear of the building to safety.

“The fire had gained such rapid headway,” said Sergeant Thomas Cunningham, “that when the firemen arrived, smoke was actually issuing from cracks in the sidewalks and between the cobbles near the trolley tracks.”

The second and third floors of 419 to 423 Kaighn Avenue are occupied by private families as apartments. In the rear were number of frame dwellings. More than a score of families were obliged to leave their homes in scant attire when the firemen began playing hose upon their properties as a precaution against the fire spreading.

Mrs. Catherine Fox, 410 Sycamore Street, and Mrs. E. Chambers, 412 Sycamore Street, whose homes are in the rear of the Economy Store property, had removed part of the furniture to the street. Even after firemen assured them the danger of their homes catching on fire was over, the women and children could hardly be persuaded to return.

Crumbling walls and cracking of glass hampered the foremen in their work and made their task hazardous. The firemen were further handicapped by the big start the fire had gained. Despite this, they stuck dangerously close to the flames.

To play hose upon the fire to advantage, several firemen scaled the outside walls of adjoining properties and reached cornices, from which they directed streams of water.

A high wind gave them great difficulty. A number of times, when the firemen seemed to have the fire under control, the flames burst out afresh and compelled them to retreat. Then the reflection would light up the sky overhead.

Water Chief Long gave the firemen great service in maintaining the water at a high pressure to ensure facility in getting the streams to play upon the flames.

Kaighn Avenue, between Broadway and Fourth Street, was literally alive with residents and passers-by attracted by the flames. Included among the spectators were scores of persons who came from Philadelphia and distant points, in the belief the blaze was much more serious.

According to the estimate of the loss made today, the insurance on the property and stock damaged by the fore will not pay for one-half the loss sustained.

Chief Carter was determined to take no chances with the fire because of the high wind and the fire was attacked on all sides. While firemen were fighting the flames from Kaighn Avenue several companies of firemen had worked their way into the yard in the rear, from whence they played streams of hose.

An effort is being made today to determine the origin of the blaze.

Thomas Shanahan, Engine Company 6, was a spectator when the wall crashed in. Hearing the cries of the buried men, he immediately dashed into the dirt. Six men, including Harry Seeley, formed a human chain and pulled four of the men from the heap of rubbish.

Someone had the presence of min to turn off the nozzle of a hose, which was playing directly on the mound. When found, the water was trickling through to the pinned men.

Camden Courier-Post * January 23, 1928

LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAN FOR CAMDEN
Promoter of Club Here Given Support of Mayor and Councilman

Edward M. Higgins, a real estate operator of Camden, conferred today with Mayor Ellis regarding the forming of a professional baseball club in this city. At the conclusion of the conference it was announced that the Mayor would support the movement and so would Dr. Henry S. Riddle, City Councilman from the Sixth Ward.

Mr. Higgins hopes to obtain a franchise in the Tri-State League for the team. Failing in that he: proposes to form a league with teams in North and South Jersey. He plans to lease the “old line ditch” property from the city for baseball grounds and will erect a modern plant on that site.

The real estate man has written the mayors of the following New Jersey cities regarding the formation of the league; Bridgeton, Perth Amboy, Trenton, Paterson, Passaic, Atlantic City, New Brunswick, Elizabeth and Phillipsburg..

Camden Courier-Post * January 11, 1928

SPANISH WAR VETERANS INSTALL 1928 OFFICERS

Mayor Price was among the speakers last night at the annual installation of officers of General John A Mather Camp, No. 39, United Spanish War Veterans, held at 114^th Regiment Armory, Haddon Avenue and Mickle Street.

Other speakers were Colonel George L. Selby, in charge of the permanent registration bureau, Senator Clifford R. Powell, Burlington County, and Postmaster Charles H. Ellis.

Mayor Price said plans will be made for the erection of an All-Wars Memorial building, similar to that in Atlantic City.

Officers installed were: Robert Riley, commander; Harry Rose, senior vice commander; Harry Todd, junior vice commander; Edward Bearint, adjutant; John J. Doyle, quartermaster; John Buel, guard; Lenny B. Orr, chaplain; Edward Daves, instructor; Edward Phifer, color bearer; PO.C. McCormack and Frank Tomlin, trustees; John Pierce, sergeant major.

Camden Courier-Post - October 20, 1931

Italian Women Republicans Stage Second Annual Ball

Prominent Republicans gathered last night at the First Italian Republican League hall, 813 South Fourth Street, for the second annual ball of the Camden County Italian Women's Republican Club.

The grand march was led by Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Mecca, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Laviano, Mr. and Mrs. Cascini, Mrs. Mamie Piraine, president of the club, with Anthony Di Marino, and Mrs. Anna Larusso with Harry Larusso.

Mrs. Mecca was chairman of the ball, assisted by Mrs. Laviano, secretary; Mrs. John Gargano, treasurer; Mrs. Frank Valeriano and Miss Mary Lario.

In addition to Mrs. Piraine, officers of the club are Mrs. Larusso, secretary; Mrs. Margaret Viggiano, secretary; Mrs. Josephine Tamru, financial secretary, and Mrs. Madeline Salvatore, treasurer.

Among the guests were Walter S. Keown, chairman of the Republican county committee; Assemblymen Frank M. Traveline, Jr., and George D. Rothermel, Postmaster Charles H. Ellis, County Detective Fiore Troncone, Miss Marie Doyle and Mrs. Pauline Caperoon, of Republican headquarters, and Walter Sekula, candidate for freeholder from the Eighth Ward.

Camden Courier-Post - June 14, 1933

DICKINSON TO GET HOLLOWAY'S PLACE
Late Custodian's Aide at Courthouse is Freeholders Choice

The Board of Freeholders will appoint Thomas Dickinson Jr. as acting custodian of the courthouse and the city hall-courthouse annex at its meeting this afternoon.

Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga will be appointed to a new term of five years on the Board for the Supervision of Old Age Relief, of which she has been secretary-treasurer for one year. The post carries no salary.

Dr. Leslie H. Ewing, director of the freeholders, revealed the pending appointments. In the case of the custodianship, his announcement came as rumors spread that one of the bigger politicians would be named to the job left vacant since the death of Edward Holloway, the incumbent, last month.

“Dickinson, who was assistant to Holloway, will be named acting custodian to serve tor the balance of the year,” Dr. Ewing said. “The freeholders will make the appointment tomorrow.”

Prior to Dr. Ewing's announcement, rumors circulated at the city hall and courthouse mentioning postmaster Charles H. Ellis, City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, Assembly- man F. Stanley Bleakly and former Sheriff Walter T. Gross among possibilities for the custodianship, which pays $2520 a year under the general county cut of 30 percent.

Reports that the aforementioned were candidates for the job could not be confirmed, and in certain quarters they were considered without foundation, mainly because the pay would be smaller in most instances than what those mentioned all possible candidates are now receiving in their other posts.

Other possibilities mentioned include Robert Brennan, First Ward Republican county committeeman, and Freeholders William P. Cotter and C. Leonard Brehm. Brennan had been employed for some time at the city hall and courthouse in maintenance of the building. Dickinson also is reported to be a candidate for the custodianship.

Acting custodian Dickinson will continue at the same salary he has been receiving as assistant, Dr. Ewing said. The director added that the freeholders may consider the custodianship vacancy again early next year, but whether the post will be filled is problematical because of the economic situation in the county.

Camden Courier-Post - June 16, 1933

Wiley Mission to Hold Colorful International Service Tonight
'All-Nation Revue' To Be Presented as Part of 'Indoor Camp Meetings'
in Old Federal Building; Program Will Be Broadcast

An evangelistic “League of Nations” will be held in Camden to night. The international gathering will take place in the old mail sorting room of the former federal building at Third and Arch streets, and will be sponsored by Wiley Mission.

Speakers and singers of ten nationalities will participate in the program arranged by C. Harold Lowden, organist, composed and music publisher, for the “All-Nations Revue” to be presented as part of the “indoor camp meetings” now in progress at the mission.

The nationalities will include German, Italian, Scotch, Greek, Chinese, African, Ukrainian, Polish, Slav and English. Some of the singers will appear in native costumes, and hymns will be sung in several languages. Brief addresses will be made by representatives of the various countries.

The program will he broadcast by WCAM over the new radio equipment installed in the mission yesterday.

Rev. John S. Hackett, superintendent of the mission, and pastor of Wiley M. E. Church, last night said arrangements had been completed for broadcasting portions of the “indoor camp meetings” on Monday and Friday nights.

Mrs. Amy Ungrae, known as “Amy of Chinatown,” started the broadcasting service yesterday at the all-day meeting held in the mission. She spoke on “Faith.” Mrs. Ungrae will speak each afternoon at the mission during the “indoor camp meetings.”

Arthur N. Morris, paper box manufacturer of Philadelphia, who spoke Tuesday night, spoke at the meeting last night. Morris teacher of the Wanamaker Bible class of Bethany Presbyterian Church, one of the largest men's Bible classes in Philadelphia. He was accompanied by a delegation from the Bible class.

Tomorrow night's program will be in charge of a delegation from the Philadelphia Highway Mission and Jail Workers. Rev. Hackett will preach Sunday night on “Open Sunday. vs. the Workingman.”

The program for next week includes a “Welcome Back” night for postal workers of Camden, when they will be honored in the room where they handled thousands of letters daily before the federal offices were moved. Postmaster Charles Ellis has been invited to speak, and several quartets composed of clerks and carriers will sing. The oldest clerk and the oldest carrier will be honored.

Donald Redding, musical director of Bethany Presbyterian Church, and Bernard Poland, member of the National Male Quartet, are leading in the singing at the “camp meetings.” Lowden is chief instrumentalist.

N.R.A. DRIVE HERE OPENS TOMORROW; COMMITTEE NAMED
168 Shoemakers in Three Counties Form Code; Big Firms Sign Pacts
HONOR ROLL LISTS 1749

The personnel of the National Recovery Act campaign committee for Camden city and county was announced yesterday by Chairman Clinton L. Bardo.

The committee members and their assignments follow:

James V. Moran, department stores; Leonard R. Baker, department stores; S. Lester, retail stores; Francis B. Wallen, miscellaneous business; A. D. Ambruster, banks; Clinton L. Bardo, shipbuilding; A. C. Held, industry; J. W. Burnison, industry; Harry A. Kelleher, industry; Warren Webster, Jr., industry; William H. Chew, Sr., printing; J. Alex Crothers, maritime interest.; Carl R. Evered, real estate and building trades; Fred T. Gates, chain stores; B. H. Hudson, transportation; Harry C. Stevenson, public utilities; Watson Shallcross, automotive; Elwood S. Thompson, insurance of all types; Robert C. Perina, all professional lines, and J. David Stern, publicity.

The committee will hold its first organization meeting tomorrow afternoon in the offices of the Camden County Chamber of Commerce in Broadway-Stevens Building. A plan of action will be mapped out at this session, Chairman Bardo said.

Meanwhile, Postmaster Charles H. Ellis and his staff at Camden post office were still able to supply the “Blue Eagle” Insignia in limited numbers white waiting for an additional 1500 copies from Washington. Several hundred Insignias were obtained yesterday from the Philadelphia post office, Ellis disclosed, to meet the demand of Camden employers, but this supply was quickly exhausted when 190 additional employers signed the blanket code, raising the total N.R.A. employers in this area to 1749.

One hundred and sixty-eight shoemakers of Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties have prepared a code to be forwarded to Brigadier General Hugh S. Johnson, National Recovery Administrator in Washington immediately.

The shoemakers who are organized under the name of the Shoe Rebuilders of Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties, also entered into, a “gentleman's agreement” as to operating hours.

Under the agreement, the stores will be opened from 8 a. m. to 6 p. m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 8 a.m.to 9 p. m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Under provisions of the adopted code, no shoe repair shop owner shall employ his labor for more than 48hours per week, no repair shop shall remain open less than 52 hours each week and no shops will be opened on Sundays or legal holidays,

The code also sets up a list of minimum wages.

Under its provisions, manager or journeymen would receive $25 a week; bench men would be paid $21 a week; finishers would get $18 a week and unskilled apprentices would be paid $12 weekly.

A list of minimum prices are included in the code.

Among local firms signing the President's agreement yesterday are the PrudentialLife Insurance Company, with 30 employees in its Camden office; the American Oil Company, 30 local employees; the Hajoca Corporation, 15, and the Sinclair Refining Company; 12.

It was announced by C. R. Moore, manager of the Household Finance Corporation, 130 North Broadway, that the concern had signed the President's agreement and already placed it in effect.