Charles L. 'Charley' Humes

CHARLES L. HUMES was born in New Jersey to Charles T. and Lydia Humes. His father, Charles T. Humes Jr. had joined the Camden police force, and by 1920 had risen to the rank of Captain. At the time of the 1920 Census the Humes family lived at 907 North 3rd Street in North Camden. Uncle George Humes lived around the corner at 908 North 2nd Street with his wife Ivy and their 10 children. It is likely that the Humes brothers could walk to each others homes by going out their back doors. While Charles L. Humes was an only child, the presence of so many cousins nearby certainly must have been influential. During the 1920s, Captain Humes worked in the Camden Police Department’s traffic bureau. In the spring of 1928 he took ill. He spent a month at West Jersey Hospital, and after a two month recovery he returned to the police force.

When the census was taken in April of 1930, Lydia Humes had passed away. Charles L. Humes had married, was working as a reporter, and then lived with his in-laws at 203 Byron Street. Captain Humes, then 54, was still working as an inspector with the traffic bureau. Brother George, now the father of thirteen children, still lived at 918 North 2nd Street.

By the mid-1930s Charles L. Humes was a featured reporter with the Camden Courier-Post, and had a column, as Charley Humes, covering local social and political activity called What Do YOU Think. The 1940 Census shows him living at the Helena Apartments, 125 North 3rd Street with his wife Nina and daughter Shirley. The 1947 Camden City Directory shows that Charles L. Humes was then living at 2924 North Constitution Road in the Yorkship Square neighborhood of Camden. His wife, Nina Humes, was then the secretary to Camden’s Chief of Police. In the 1940s his next door neighbor at 2926 North Constitution Road was Camden police detective William A. Deery, head of the department’s identification bureau. The two became close friends.

Still writing as Charley Humes, he penned the Life Hereabouts column for the Courier-Post in the late 1940s. Still active in the new decade, he was hospitalized in January of 1950 and his column was written by other reporters until he could resume work in March. He was hospitalized at Hahneman Hospital in Philadelphia in August with a serious liver ailment, which took his life on September 22, 1950. Sadly, his friend William A. Deery died shortly thereafter.

Taken into perspective, Charley Humes was a member of a writing tradition at the Courier-Post of gifted columnists that ran from Ben Courter, Gordon Mackay, James M. “Jiminy” O’Neill, and Dan McConnell through Charley Humes and on to Pete Finley and in more recent years Kevin Riordan. Through the years, Camden has been a richer place for their work.

Second-half competition in the Reesman basketball league will begin tonight with a twin bill at Convention Hall.

Thirteenth Ward, which holds the edge in the yet unfinished first-half race, meets the formidable Camden Police quintet. Wayne and Ninth Wail meet in the other tussle.

Two new clubs have joined the league, for the second-half title hunt.

Charley Humes, manager of the Camden Community Club in the County League, will pilot his First Ward club in the municipal loop during the final semester while further interest is assured with the addition of the Central Camden aggregation. These clubs are keen rivals and both boast of strong rosters.

It is understood that Humes will file the names of several players who saw service in the county circuit as members of his old First Ward outfit while others who played with that team are also listed with Central Camden. Albert ‘Reds’ Malloie is boss of the Central outfit and has signed up a classy collection of cagers for this type of play. Grover “Worm” Wearshing, who led Central Camden to the Reesman baseball championship last season, and who is regarded as one of the best backfield performers in this vicinity, is one of the Malloie entrants. Sam Godfrey. A teammate with Wearshing at Temple University, Johnny Chambers, Clayton Phifer, Lucky Mezger, Johnny Morrissey, Tom Tracy, and Ross “Bunny” Blood complete the cast with Malloie.

At the last meeting of the league managers it was decided to reduce the salaries of referees from $5.00 to $3.50 for each night’s work. Officials in the past have handled two games and the same stipulation is required for the lower fee in the second half or the schedule.

All eight of the first half combatants are planning to strengthen their rosters far the final drive. South Camden, Haddon A.A. Radio A.A., St. Paul, Ninth Ward. Camden Police, Wayne, and Fifth Ward are the contenders.

The first contest tonight is timed to start at 8:00.

There’s many a heart throb that never gets into the papers,

F’rinstance, the other night up in North Camden a family of three were enjoying the comforts of their cozy little home when— bing, and they’re all in a turmoil.

It was the night of the $5,000,000 rum ring story. A car bearing New Jersey tags came within the scope of the investigators and news hounds. It was registered in the name of a North Camden lass and a reporter was dispatched to her home to find what, if any, connections she had with the rum smugglers.

The reporter was admitted to the girl’s home by her father, his pipe and paper were beside the radio. The mother was busy about the kitchen, another daughter sitting in another room. Everything was quiet and peaceful.

And then the reporter made known his errand.

The eyes of the father stared ahead as the mother wiped her hands on her apron. The daughter merely gasped and said nothing. They were thunderstruck by the news, but all three immediately came to the defense of the daughter.

Frantic telephone calls. Worried voices. All for what? Just because some dizzy bird in Philly was attempting to scare up a sensation.

The daughter was finally located.

She admitted being where reports had her but explained her reason. It was a simple one. It was true. And she dared anyone to print anything different. Plucky Girl.

And then the family relaxed. They went back to their cozy habits, just a little the worse for the scare.

And the reporter? Why he went in search of other news.

* * *

Some guys oughtta be shot. That’s our opinion of a low-down hoss-thlef of a man who would come out of the West with a title of Superin-general or sumpin’, Investigate conditions at a South Jersey factory, lower wages so that a family could not survive off them, make working conditions in general miserable, and do all manner of things to the hired help so that the board of directors, who don’t investi-gate methods, will heap praise upon him and then spend his nights at the best shows. Sleep In the best hotels. Eat In the best restaurants. And do as he pleases because he gets a big, juicy salary.

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NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR ALL THIS

Patrick J. Ryan, Federal man in charge of the local drys is not going to remain long … He is an important fella in the prohibition situation and is here only to organize the local unit. So that’s what’s been the matter. They’ve been unorganized:

… When Patrick J. leaves his place will be taken by a chap named Johnson… Who lives with his family in Delair… And if all this don’t happen we’ll fire one of our spies … We have it on good authority that the iron workers’ strike at the new Post Office operation will be settled in time for the men to go to work early next week … In whose office were those slips bearing information regarding the local prohibition enforcement crew printed? … And why didn’t ALL the Beer Men get them?

How Morris Green can eat when someone else is paying the bill. … Things must be tough in Strawberry Mansion … Eh, Morris … The Ma and Pa of Edward V. Martino, youthful attorney, will celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary tomorrow night. Eddie and one brother survive The Fourth Annual picnic of the Kaighn Avenue Suckers’ League will be held this coming Sunday at a spot near Blenheim … Everything free But fetch along a lot of dough… You Suckers … The “Boys” down that-a-way need new overcoats, you know … There’s an old farmhouse near Riverton where you, you and even you can lay ’em across the board … The Gamboleers there are mostly from Philly … We wonder if that inebriated person in that Broadway restaurant knew his gun was showing … And that he scared Us out of one hamburger … The nut…

THE WAY OF ALL RACKETS

Two young men were in the same company in the Army during the World War.

Mustered out of service, one of the men, who was the son of a prominent broker, obtained a position for the other. The poor lad made money. He came to Camden with his roll and made his home here.

He became a “nickel man” in local craps circles. Soon he was in other rackets and finally became one of the “big shots” in the beer business. He made money and lots of it.

He married, built himself a fine home in the suburbs.

Then came the depression in the beer market. The government knocking some of our hero’s business enterprises for a loop.

Frantic and in need of more cash the man turned to the races.

There he lost nearly everything he had. Today he is nearly broke, most of his past prestige going with his dough.

His pal, the broker’s son, stuck to the straight and narrow. Today he is in the same position formerly occupied by his dad.

Will he again befriend his buddy of wartime days?

It’s the only thing that will save the racket guy.

And most everybody will know who we mean.

* * *

We’ve just been informed our choice bit about that Public Service lass has brought results. The machine is parking in a different spot now. Further down Fifth Street.

But what we started out to say was that the wife of the Man in the case and the Boy Friend of the other party are getting wise. In fact one of the aforementioned is Our Informer.

And If the Gal and the Man are wise they’ll end the thing.

Or else— My what a story that’ll make!

* * *

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

All the boys will attend that, celebration tonight, given by Max Schmeling and Bill Morrissey, at Thompson’s, in Gloucester … Wonder who that swell looking gal is they’ve hired as a stenog for the mayor’s relief committee this year? … Thanks, F. J. L… Did you know that there are eight candidates for governor at the coming election? .. Or don’t you care? … Among the many things we’d like explained is why so many people keep calling in and asking about a dance marathon in town … When, as far as we know, there isn’t. … Or, if there is the promoters have had wonderful success in keeping the affair a secret … That blonde is back in Old Marble row again … There’s a band of roving Gypsies camped near Bordentown … And do they fleece the suckers at night. … Oh, no! … Somebody told us that … Aside to our friends of Broadway and Federal— We wonder if the girls involved would kick if we used their names? … What Camden policeman thought his pockets were being picked during a tour of the, state prison yesterday? … And was his face red when he learned his brother officers were playing a joke on him … Yep, Johnny, one of your pals framed that one … We hear that City Detective Johnny (Bumps) Opfer has been suspended from the house committee of the First Ward Republican Club because he made some of his famous snapper soup for another Republican club in town … Your soup’ll taste better’n ever now, Johnny … And every club in the city will request you do them the favor of making some for their members … And the man responsible for your discomfiture has not made any friends by his move…

IT’S ALL, OVER TOWN

—About that recent meeting at Margate … When someone became brilliant and sounded the fire siren … And the entire town turned out to help extinguish the blaze … But learned it was of a political nature …

* * *

—About those two cops who openly bet the “numbers” in a mid-city lunch car … And also tell others what the lucky digits will be …

* * *

—About that “numbers” bank which “dropped” Nine Grand last week because a certain number is said to have been fixed way down at the Race Track …

* * *

—About Ellis street, in Gloucester … Where all those cars used to park… But haven’t been doing it lately … That is, since we learned about it …

* *- *

—About the picture “Graft,” at the Lyric … Henry Beck say’s if you don’t like the show don’t sue us … Sue Carol. … Great Boy, that Henry …

* * *

—About all that wise money at Penn-Wisconsin football match … And how the lads in the “know” were offering as high as 20 to 1 against the Red and Blue at game time … Wonder who the “suckers” are now? …

* * *

—About the new headquarters of the Beer Boys … In that certain hotel where all those whoopee parties take place.

* * *

—About that Limb of the Law who is peddling booze in North Camden … The lad is a friend of ours and I this may make him stop the racket. The Sap …

* * *

—About that well-known attorney who parked his car near the Walt Whitman Hotel the other night. … Meanwhile his wife reported to police it was stolen … And the cops were about to tow the car away when the attorney appeared and wanted to know what it was all about….. And was he Burnt Up when told.

* * *

—About Steve Schuster’s run on Saturday … Which was reported as being anywhere from 70 to 80 yards … When as matter of fact the kid started the brilliant dash from his own eight yard mark … And completed 92 yards for the touchdown … (Look, he thinks he knows sports too.)

* * *

—About Johnny Devlin telling that Big Politician what it was all about some several nights ago …

* * *

—About Eddie Martino’s “brother” … We met “him” the other day and was properly rebuked … When we learned the “brother” was a girl. (See, he’s’ wrong again) …

* * *

—About that Collingswood Widow and that Court House fella … Is that enough … Because we know more …

WHETHER YOU CARE OR NOT

State prison authorities will arrest an escaped convict within the week … And we don’t mean one of those four who recently gained their free-dom … This feller has been free for 16 years anti is in a prosperous bus-iness in a Southern city (when the news breaks you can say: “See, he knows everything”) … Your old friend Jiggy Black is Third Basing It for the San Juan (Porto Rico) nine … Parker (North Grill) McGonigle and that blonde. are cracking … And the reason is a certain North Camden brunette … Get Ed (prosecutor’s office) Newman to tell you why he was walking north on the Black Horse pike the other before dawn … It was Charley Reed who was dancing with those girls on Broadway the other a. m … What prominent Camden man-about-town is mad over a. certain blonde hairdresser? … or is it a manicurist? … What takes Shamus Maguire to Lindenwold (and in a borrowed car) every Monday night? … We found out the answers to all those questions the management of the Lyric asked us the other day….But they’re too hot to tell you here… This is the last day you can learn for yourself, too … Larry Casey offers the following receipt: One pint of fire-water, a dash of lime, two tablespoons of powdered sugar, the white of one egg and car fare home .. , . What Fourteenth ward politician is peddling ‘home brew’? … That Fourth street hoss racin’ place is open again … What big political feller from way up state was soused at one of the County Whisper-Inns the other night? … And what local business man was partly responsible for the chap’s condition? … And did the local get what he was after? … What newspaper person takes a gigolo along when he goes whoopee-making?

What former First ward political leader is now a bartender? … Two prominent Federal Street business men are contemplating partnership in a new night club … They made whoopee at the West Collingswood Heights, home of William Krause, Golden Slipper headwaiter, the other midnight, till dawn … It was the occasion of the first anniversary of the “Slipper” … They’re building an addition to a well known South Jersey drinkee parlor … And the place is not going to have its license renewed (think we’re smart) … What’s happened to Mickey Duffy’s former Scranton pal? … How’s business in Reading, Jimmy? … What former hero of the prize ring was tossed out of a Broadway restaurant the other night? … Aside to Mae, of Blackwood: Why don’t you ask the Sergeant, he’s too big for us … Thanks for calling, anyway … The story of why all those cops were mugged will break before we go to press again … At least we are so informed … Wonder if that Atlantic City man identified any of the photos? … or maybe we’re on the wrong track entirely (there he goes apologizing again) … A restaurant in the First ward is making strenuous efforts to obtain a “soft drink” license … That Brooklawn (badger game) fella and his squaw are back at Broadway and Federal again … A great comedy is enacted on the Court House steps each day when several paid squawkers stage a prearranged argument, much to the delight of many hundred passersby … And they think they’re making an impression … The Nuts … Henry Beck says: “Though it’s October the strawberries are out in Delaware Township” … But that’s nothing, our raspberries are always out.

Mr. Nobody and Aides Unload Lager Cargo From Freight Cars Near Police Station; Citizen Rouses Cops Too Late to Nab Hijackers

Staid, dry old Collingswood is shocked!

‘Safact, and the reason for all the agitation is somebody un-loaded two freight car loads of beer in the very heart of the town while everyone was asleep yesterday morning,

That is, nearly everyone was asleep. But William S. Esher wasn’t. He lives directly opposite the railroad siding, between Irving and Collings avenue— that’s where the beer was— and only a few hundred feet from the police station,

He was lying in bed, awake, when he heard the strangest noises.

Thump! Thump! What was that? Esher wondered·, Thump! Thump! There it was again. He’d investigate.

He did, and there, directly in front of him was six large trucks backed to two freight cars. Ten or twelve workmen were busy rolling something from the height to the truck. Other men were patrolling the neighborhood as though looking for someone.

This was a mater for police.

So Esher called them up. This was at 2 a. m.

The call was received by Sergeant William McCullom. At 2:00 the sergeant located Patrolman William Patterson, who was assigned to the district which included the railroad Riding where the beer —beg pardon the freight were.

Patterson hurried. The trucks were gone. The cars empty.

Came the dawn— and explanations.

Mayor Joseph H. Van Meter was told of the strange happenings. He was shocked, and admitted it.

Railroad officials were notified. They began an investigation. Federal dry agents were advised. They began an investigation.

Fingerprints were taken. Two railroad watchmen, on duty nearby when the freight cares were unloaded, were questioned. Yes, they saw six trucks. But what of it? They often saw trucks pass in the night.

Station Agent L C. Shaw said the cars had arrived the day before from Nutley. Bills of lading said they contained “shingles” and they were consigned to the Collingswood Coal Company, a concern that has been out of existence for two years. But Shaw thought there might have been a mistake. So he held the cars on the siding, believing someone would call for them the next day.

He was right. There were callers, but they arrived many hours before the station is opened. They git what they came after.

But how was it known the cars contained beer? Why, Patrolman Patterson smelled it. And so did Mayor Van meter. And likewise Station Agent Shaw.

PHILADELPHIA BOOTLEGGERS are rejoicing now that the latest attempt by politicians and police to make them pay heavy duties to conduct their business has apparently I been nipped in the bud. You might recall how the 1928 Grand Jury investigation across the bridge revealed a highly organized graft ring among police and politicians. At that time it was the reported custom for a district detective or plain clothes policeman to make the rounds of the bootleggers and cafe proprietors, collect the cut and turn same over to a superior officer for divvy among several persons. Under the plan just halted (or was it) the small ward heel was to take a leading part. Instead of a member of the police department making the collections it was planned to send the division leader, or one of his hirelings, to collect the duty. Bootleggers claim they can sell their stuff $3 to $5 a gallon cheaper if organized graft is repulsed and they don’t have to make weekly payments to police.

* * *

Well, sir, it happened. That First Ward Politician and myself have met. And a lot of differences have been ironed out. The occasion was Johnny Daly’s big blowout the other nite. And did the crowd cheer when he walked up and shook my hand. Now we’re both gonna wear a white carnation at that big pig roast at the First Ward Club on March 27.

* * *

Have you heard about that Camden fireman who intends to get married shortly and not tell his buddies anything about it. … when as a matter of fact they know already … Freddy Tooley is all bronzed up now…Maybe that “red-head” has some-thing to do with it. … Skip Gardner is buying raw steaks now … What Camden hairdresser and Newark attorney are planning to go around with each other steady? … Johnny Murphy was telling me about some fellow who wanted to get his name in here but I can’t seem to remember the name … Mt. Holly had the flags out when Russell “Hop” Stoddard returned from Hopewell the other day · … They were starting a business drive, you nut. … Detective Benjamin Simon recently lost two gold teeth on a small bridge … And with crime at a minimum the past week the entire detective force have been invoked in the search for them … I wonder if Johnny Opfer is gonna make any of his famous snapper soup for the First Ward pig roast? … There’s a budding romance on the top floor of one of the city’s skyscrapers (There’s only three you know, so that ought to be easy) … I’ve been told about a recent offer of $150 to three children of a man killed in the line of duty … This is in full settlement for the man’s death, which came by no fault of his own … I’m wondering if the company making the offer can really afford it … Even though it will be denied Philly is wide open … And beer as plentiful there as in Camden … What Philadelphia councilman staged a wide-open party at a certain Republican club Thursday night … And transported the entire ensemble of a Philadelphia burlesk house to the place for his guests entertainment. … See you later.

From a round-about source I was informed that the ransom now asked by the kidnapers of the Lindbergh baby is $500,000 … A cool half million … But I do know that the original ransom asked was $50,000 … And if you don’t believe me ask, Postal Inspector Gardner how I found out … But I shouldn’t take credit for that … Because it was really Russell “Hop” Stoddard who pulled the trick … That boy is getting smarter by the day … It must be close association with Cliff Cane … Speaking of “Hop” reminds me of that Mt. Holly merchant who twice left New York in such a hurry he forgot some of his wearing apparel … And sent a telegram to the hotel to hold the stuff as he would be back … Frankie Pool is a real smart singer, if anyone should stop and ask you … But he lost his voice the other morning … When he was being entertained on a certain entertainer’s front doorstep at 4 a. m … Mike Joyce’s Irish Melodies were the main attraction at that First Ward pig roast Sunday … Where that First Ward Politician was master of ceremonies … A lot of your old friends were there.

* * *

What a show this boy Happy Rathbone is putting across for the Elks’ Minstrel Revue … Pete McGuire and his Egyptian eel dance will be featured … As will Joe Hamilton, Camden’s most famous minstrel man, and a host of others … Hattie Evans will be Mistress of Ceremonies … And that, in itself, is a treat.

* * *

Speaking of that “open door” that was closed … I wonder where all those persons that were falling all over Broadway Satdee nite came from … There must have been a thousand or more stretched all along the Main Stem of the town … And were they eggnoggy? .. And in comes another letter about those Philly Speaks … This bird insists there’s a million of them open over there … 1 don’t believe him … ,Because I can only name 11,000 … ‘N if you don’t believe me send in a self addressed (and stamped) envelope … I’ve got the lists all prepared … The dive on Sycamore street did a “Russian” business over the Easter holidays … And was that Lansdowne avenue hostelry hot. … With persons attending a party there who later put the “heat” on a subordinate for attending another party … Only this chap was caught and the “Big Shots” were not!!

Stop me if you’ve heard about the fella who took the rap for a. liquor law violator… .Even after the scofflaw had been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury.. . .Now there is a certain attorney whose knees are quaking for fear the thing wi1l be found out. .. .which will mean disbarment… and maybe arrest

* * *

Now one of our better sporting men is planning a wedding. . . .At one of the larger Philadelphia hotels with more than 1000 guests invited in to the shindig the gal in the case being the former secretary of a prominent Philadelphia. jurist.

* * *

A local restaurant which recently passed into new hands advertised for waitresses… .and many applied… After hours of questioning some were accepted. … but only after measurements on their size and weight had been taken… .Were you one of the gals turned down?

* * *

Dave Adams writes to say that the Tell Sisters, Gladys, Jean and Catherine, are really as clever as the Boswell Sisters… .And that given time and the opportunity may surpass in brilliance the great sister team of the air. All of the Tell girls are still in their early teens. And they live in Hammonton which explains Dave’s interest…

* * *

In a virtual maze of telephone calls the other night were many requests to tell on a certain South Camden magistrate whose Gal is a blonde and lives in North Camden… The callers all wanted it known that the magistrate thinks he is a sheik but always goes heavy on blondes… .So there it is…

* * *

For four months or more the Camden County Park Board has been ordering bills paid “if, as and when” funds are available. A certain member is considering the introduction of a resolution to declare the commission a 100 percent “Micawber” body, who, if you’ve never read Dickens, was the gent eternally waiting for “something to turn up.”

* * *

What Camden lawyer has the habit of picking wedlocks?… and by the bye, that Collingswood husband has his eye on him. Well, we note an operation on a boy in England to extract a raisin from his ear. . . . which gives us the idea this is the strongest kind of propaganda to teach little boys they should not bury themselves neck-deep in their pudding after that. I’ll apply for a job on Mrs. Roosevelt’s “Baby” magazine. If you didn’t know it before you now, that Ebenezer Elmer, of Bridgeton. was South Jersey’s first congressman he served in the First Congress and was a Democrat.

* * *

Now if your still bored go see “The Kid From Spain” and chase them blues… .Eddie Cantor’s eyes look swell. … They should playing opposite that chorus…

That Charley Lafferty of Atlantic City will succeed Edward L. Sturgess as Collector of Internal Revenue with offices in the local Federal Building . . . And that that’ll be denied by more persons than Ellis Parker too (All right then, you pick Harry L. Maloney, I’ll stick to Mrs. Lafferty’s boy, Sharlie) . . .

That certain investigators for the State Emergency Relief are refusing food orders to families with life insurance policies . . . The chumps making the poor folks turn in their policies for cash and live off that ’til gone . . . :May they bury all such punk investigators in Potter’s Field (where they forget to put American flags on graves on Decoration Day) . . .

That a Dame downtown who operates One of Those Places refused recently to testify for a lad accused of a holdup because she thought she might have to close her joint (when her testimony would have saved the kid from a long stretch in the Pen, which my friends tell me he didn’t have coming) . . .

That that member of a suburban school board who recently said certain school was too good for a certain section because everybody living there were swamp dwellers, is knertz . . . And that maybe he’ll be singing a different chune following election, the umpchay . . .

That there’s hoss racin’ joints open in at least two political clubs (but that’s not half as what they’re doing in another political club-but you’ll have to go on from there cause I can’t tell anymore) . . .

That Bill Schultz, local copper, recently plugged a silver half dollar three shots out of three at a distance of skeen-teen feet (much to the dismay of a certain elevator operator who donated the coin) . . .

That Philly Sport scribes who recently Okay’d that draw verdict between Johnny Jadick and Johnny Lucas sure had sand in their eyes because Johnny kick’d the daylights out of the reputed Junior Welter Champ (But then a Philly draw is as good as a win anyhow, especially when you’re fighting Jadick up in the Cambria. . .

That I might as well end this column with Ellis Parker-and tell you that he will deny he has a good clue in the Bradway Brown murder but that he really has a clue and it’ll be a honey if it turns out.

PUT THESE TOGETHER, YOU JIG-SAWERS:

That big Roadhouse opening in Burlington County February 11… That swell social cellar in that Haddonfield home where all the biggies travel (They claim it’s not a speak but they sell what it takes there, including some of that Brooklyn beer)… The two football stars that took it on the eye t’other night when they attempted to lay it on several lads from Burlington County…

What Mt. Holly churchman bitterly opposed to Sunday movies attended a show the other Sabbath (Maybe he was investigatin’, huh?)… That Honey-Hive in Philly (near Fortieth and streets), where a lotta Camden wives and ex-wives go… What Burlington County erster parlor lets its customers wash it down with beer?. .

In what Camden County road easy does the chorus wear a fig leaf? ..Who were the three local Gals “picked up” by that New York car in Philly night before last or the before that?. .And why the three name three Camden newspaper people as friends? (it would have been okay if they’d left their names, too)…The Fairview Gal who took it on the chin last Satdee (Much to the later disgust of a well-known felIa)… What Mt. Holly man gets real peeved when tagged “Greenberg?” ….And who is the young man in the same town who purchased a marriage license and then failed to use it? (Going back to New York and leaving the Gal all bothered)…

Who is the famous politician who parades the Philly streets with his big Jersey-licensed car until he makes a blonde or two?… In what Pennsauken house was an important political gathering held one or five nights ago when it was decided to ditch a prominent person running for the School Board?.. Why was that fella recently arrested for having a slot machine fined $100 for his first offense and the rest of the places in Pennsauken using the machines not bothered? … Who are the two prominent politicians (one from each party) who have formed an alliance that they make trouble for certain individuals in the coming election? ..What political county chairman will have opposition in every town in the county next spring?.. The works are in for what Big Shot in the political field whose resignation will startle old-timers and make a place for a younger fella (And I don’t mean that City Commissioner who is going to resign despite pressure and denials)… What political fella made the rounds the other day and collected about $1500 and then.. .And what big politician got all hot and bothered because his office furniture was assessed for $5OO?.. “.

HOME, SWEET HOME!

(And a trlllion scallions to the mugs who said it wouldn’t come back)

A two weeks’ vacation sure piles up the stuff … Now who’d have thought that North Camden apartment house owner who won’t allow children would give the O.K. for dogs in his dingy apartments … A bucket of heat to the chump … Then there is that house on Cooper street which harbors a mother who recently made a personal appearance at several roadhouses while her children were left to roam the streets.

There’s been a holdup at a certain place recently … And one of the victims was a cop … He had his gun taken away from him. (And failed to report the theft or banditry because the crooks returned the shooter following the affair and the proprietor won’t tell because he hasn’t his license yet) … It’s all around town about that red-headed woman downtown (Yea, you’re right, it’s a frame house) …

Those two ladies from the East Side who took over a certain politician (knowing he couldn’t squawk) are all worried because the lad’s influence at headquarters is beginning to tell … They tell me there is a dining car owner who totes a girl all the way from Collingswood to a Burlington county watering place for fun (and to get away from the missus)… The same bird recently paid off employees via the small-cost courts …

What North Camden girl wears flamingo red (and black) pajamas … Wonder what that gal from Twenty-eighth and Stevens streets is doing lately since that noospaper fella doesn’t come around any more (Maybe she gets solace out of that big white pooch, huh?) …

There’s a justice of the peace in Audubon who holds “regular” court, sometimes with a jury and everything … Camden attorneys recently argued their small-cause cases there… Even Prosecutor Baldwin has spent some of his eloquence before the “squire” … Among the “commuters” every Wednesday and Saturday are “Bo” Lynch, Bill Clisham, who admits he’s hanging on the ropes already, and Leon Mickleman. Also comes the tale of that certain gentleman who doesn’t like beer and won’t drink over half of a glass (except that time a few weeks ago when he attended an affair and the beer was free— he drank 30 glasses and still maintains he doesn’t like it) … down in West Collingswood they are calling Ike Hart the “Commodore of Newton Creek” … Maybe it’s because of that canoe he paddles about in …

Showing the same grit and determination that carried him through battle-scarred France and then on to heavyweight heights, Sergeant Ray Smith attended the Battle of the Maxies in New York last Thursday … . And with a broken back … The Sergeant had to bribe an attendant in a New York hospital to get his clothes for him so that he could get to the affair … And was there, gritting his teeth to hold back the pain, cheering his old friend Jack Dempsey’s initial go as a big-time promoter…

Now that certain amusements are about ready to fly their kite that certain politician (?) in Pennsauken is about ready to bust right open if he doesn’t collect on their successors.

Get Joe Feinstein, to explain “if and reverse” bet … And then try and borrow three bucks from him … Bobby Brest says he will demand a handicap from “District Attorney” Rocco Palese next time they play golf… Rocco winning five out of the last six games but Jack McCarroll says he can take them both if he had two broken arms … So What Do You Think?

HOME, SWEET HOME!

(And a trlllion scallions to the mugs who said it wouldn’t come back)

A two weeks’ vacation sure piles up the stuff … Now who’d have thought that North Camden apartment house owner who won’t allow children would give the O.K. for dogs in his dingy apartments … A bucket of heat to the chump … Then there is that house on Cooper street which harbors a mother who recently made a personal appearance at several roadhouses while her children were left to roam the streets.

There’s been a holdup at a certain place recently … And one of the victims was a cop … He had his gun taken away from him. (And failed to report the theft or banditry because the crooks returned the shooter following the affair and the proprietor won’t tell because he hasn’t his license yet) … It’s all around town about that red-headed woman downtown (Yea, you’re right, it’s a frame house) …

Those two ladies from the East Side who took over a certain politician (knowing he couldn’t squawk) are all worried because the lad’s influence at headquarters is beginning to tell … They tell me there is a dining car owner who totes a girl all the way from Collingswood to a Burlington county watering place for fun (and to get away from the missus)… The same bird recently paid off employees via the small-cost courts …

What North Camden girl wears flamingo red (and black) pajamas … Wonder what that gal from Twenty-eighth and Stevens streets is doing lately since that noospaper fella doesn’t come around any more (Maybe she gets solace out of that big white pooch, huh?) …

There’s a justice of the peace in Audubon who holds “regular” court, sometimes with a jury and everything … Camden attorneys recently argued their small-cause cases there… Even Prosecutor Baldwin has spent some of his eloquence before the “squire” … Among the “commuters” every Wednesday and Saturday are “Bo” Lynch, Bill Clisham, who admits he’s hanging on the ropes already, and Leon Mickleman. Also comes the tale of that certain gentleman who doesn’t like beer and won’t drink over half of a glass (except that time a few weeks ago when he attended an affair and the beer was free— he drank 30 glasses and still maintains he doesn’t like it) … down in West Collingswood they are calling Ike Hart the “Commodore of Newton Creek” … Maybe it’s because of that canoe he paddles about in …

Showing the same grit and determination that carried him through battle-scarred France and then on to heavyweight heights, Sergeant Ray Smith attended the Battle of the Maxies in New York last Thursday … . And with a broken back … The Sergeant had to bribe an attendant in a New York hospital to get his clothes for him so that he could get to the affair … And was there, gritting his teeth to hold back the pain, cheering his old friend Jack Dempsey’s initial go as a big-time promoter…

Now that certain amusements are about ready to fly their kite that certain politician (?) in Pennsauken is about ready to bust right open if he doesn’t collect on their successors.

Get Joe Feinstein, to explain “if and reverse” bet … And then try and borrow three bucks from him … Bobby Brest says he will demand a handicap from “District Attorney” Rocco Palese next time they play golf… Rocco winning five out of the last six games but Jack McCarroll says he can take them both if he had two broken arms … So What Do You Think?

THINGS I’D LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT. (If only I were a columnist).

About Eddie Lobley and his new job as a school marm (or should I say professor) … which he worked so hard to obtain … If I were a kid again I’d feel proud to study under that guy … And if they have any athletics down at Fetters .. you can bet your spare dimes those kids will know what it’s all about …

About that north camden blonde … the one who goes into that Broadway shop and slips the manager there some do-re-me .. which he uses to pay his board … And the Gal parades Broadway… near the store … to keep an eye on her gigolo …

About that Cooper street house … ’neath the shadows of a great industrial plant … which is running wild … and harbors, among others, that mother of those tiny youngsters … And like Eva Tanguay … She doesn’t care … Ketch on, sister … About my friend Harris … up at the Garden State I’ve watched hundreds hungry and broke … and heard their praises after they met up with Harris …

About Fitz and that joke he told on Ralph Bull and me … In which I’m 300 years late (I’m putting the joke here to make it public) in getting the story of the beheading of Mary, Queen of Scots … Well, Fitz oughtta know … That was the first infliction of the death penalty he ever watched …

About a Third Ward gangster … who poses as a politician … and parks his car in spots where he knows it’ll draw an argument … just to show his authority … the unkpay …

About the internal scrap in a certain Pennsauken political organization … in which a good fellow was ousted with a bad one (merely my opinion) … And about certain chaps in the, enemy camp who are, chuckling now (but won’t when their own gimme goof starts showing his true colors) …

About a Delaware, township political feller … who intercedes every time one of his friends gets pinched for drunkee … And the reason is because the political feller sells them the stuff … ketch on … oh, yes, I could print names….

About two Chester boys making book in Deepwater … much to the dismay (and disgust) of some of the local gamboleers …

Assemblyman Millard E. Allen has been reading a book, I betcha.

And in the book, the big, dastardly villain, his legs shackled in irons that clanked as he walked, is being led to the slaughter.

And right then, Mister Assemblyman Allen gets an idea. At least he is of the opinion that it is an idea, but I don’t go for it very much.

As I go about my daily chores, I see a lot of things I would much rather do than be guillotined; despite Mister Assemblyman Allen and his idea.

Even Mister O’Neill wouldn’t wish that I be guillotined. He might want that I be shellacked, slugged, kicked, pushed around or even chastised, but not guillotined.

“If I had my way,” sez Mister Assemblyman Allen, “everybody on the paper would be led to the guillotine.”

“And if I had my way, I sez to myself as I read about it, “Mister Assemblyman Allen would get a couple of Mickeys in his tea.”

Personally, being led to the guillotine would be very distasteful to me. I doubt very much if I would get over it. There are several forms of chastisement I. think I would like a lot more.

I am not a broker, even though I am broke most of the time, but even with my limited capacity for solving life, I could do a lot better with an idea than Mister Assemblyman Allen,

F’rinstance, there is a guy I don’t think is any rosebud what works with me, but never did I think of the guillotine for him. Once I thought I might influence Mister O’Neill into sending the fellow up to listen to Mister Assemblyman Allen stun the legislators at Trenton with his silence, but then I figured that would be a little tough on the guy.

The more I think of Mister Assemblyman Allen’s idea, the more I sez to myself who is’ this guy. Maybe it is better that he is only an Assemblyman and not a Mussolini.

So I decide I will find out all about Mister Assemblyman Allen and I ankle over to the Courthouse and I ask Mister Assemblyman Rocco Palese, who I bumps into.

“Oh,” Rocco sez in his best legislative manner, “He is an allright fellow. He just has an idea.”

Which makes me a little hurt that I voted for Mister Assemblyman Palese, ’cause anybody what thinks anybody else who wants me to be guillotined is an all right fellow is not all right himself, as much as I like Mister Assemblyman Palese…

With a pained expression,. I decide I will hunt further for information concerning Mister Assemblyman Allen. It seems funny to me that I never hears of this fellow before last Fall, me being one of them fellows what gets about a bit, too.

As I am making a bee-line for Tom Kenney’s, where I figure I will see a great many politicians so that I might make proper queries concerning Mister Assemblyman Allen, I bumps into Mayor George Brunner, leader of all us Democrats in Camden county.

“Your honor,” I sez in my very best I-want-something-manner, “who is this Mister, Assemblyman Allen?”

“Why, sez ’hizzoner, I couldn’t just properly say. I believe he is one of them Republicans what got washed into office on the shirt-tails of Mister Clee after your piper had got everybody so riled up around here against Mister Moore that they went ahead and voted for Mister Clee and then forgot to get back, into the Democratic column again until they had passed the Assembly candidates. “

With that I leaves the mayor, feeling much better now that I have an idea myself as to who Mister Assemblyman Allen really is. As I am pushing in one of those swinging doors at Tommy’s place, the Mayor hollers:

“They’s no use of you bothering to find out about Mister Assemblyman Allen anymore, ’cause us Democrats will take care of him next Fall.’”

* * *

I am inclined to lean towards Mister Brunner’s idea, but I am not yet completely satisfied, so I continue my probe, But I am disappointed in Tommy’s because all the guys what would know Mister Assemblyman Allen had taken a powder and disappeared before my arrival.

So I ambles down Broadway and I was somewhat surprised to see a Republican county committee member coming out of Broadway and Stevens. But I recover quickly and I sez here is my man. I bet he knows this Mister Assemblyman Allen. And he did.

He told me that Mister Assemblyman Allen was some sort of a compromise candidate the Republicans decided to run in order to get out of endorsing somebody else favorable to Mister David Baird.

The C. C. also sez that Mister Baird had recommended Evans, Scovel and Reiners for the Assembly posts, but that the committee decides Mister Baird’s recommendations are perfectly terrible and so they go right ahead and endorse Palese and Ellis, who are the Choices of the late Committee of 21, and that they then vote on Evans, Reiners and Mister Assemblyman Allen, the latter getting into the picture when a chap named Marshall, who I don’t know either, insisted that Mister Assemblyman Allen be voted upon.

* * *

All of which reminds me of the time they run Man O’ War up North one time and all the other horses in the race drop out but a nag named Upset, because they are all afraid of Man O’ War. Well it finally ends up by Upset beating Man O’ War.

Now I don’t say that all the other candidates dropped out of that fight because they were afraid of anybody else, but like Upset, Mister Assemblyman Allen won out and he won out because a lot of folks who were allowed to cast a ballot thought he was not a Baird man.

But like the betters what laid It on the line for Man O’ War, they was fooled too, and Mister Assemblyman Allen turns out to be a Baird man also.

And like Upset, Mister Assemblyman Allen will probably never win another race because you can’t fool a few guys around this town twice in a row. So that’s what I found out about Mister Assemblyman Allen..

The way some of the members of the Camden County Republican Committee are behaving these days, the Democrats can stay home on their own meeting nights … The Republicans are doing their work for them … Now some 70 of the Republican committeemen have signed a petition to give Baird a job that won’t pay him anything… It’s about time they’re giving him something … They took the U. S. Senatorship away from him … Moore took the governorship away from him … Woodruff took the state committeeship away from him … The New Deal took the city commission away from him … The New Deal took the freeholders away from him:.:. Somebody always is taking something away from Baird …

It isn’t a question of Baird’s ability to fill the bridge job … The only one to even mention that as an issue was Fred von Nieda … He’s a city commissioner, you know … It’s a matter of principle … At least, that is what Florence Baker, state com-mitteewoman, says … Mrs. Baker is telling Senator, Clee and others at Trenton that they owe it to Baird to support him for the job because he has always helped Clee …Let’s, in all fairness to Baird, look at the record … In the primary, during an address at the First Ward Republican Club, Dave Baird stated he was for Cliff Powell against Clee … Mrs. Baker did not come out against Clee … She didn’t come out against Powell. Instead, she said she was neutral. In the general election, Mrs. Baker said she was for Clee. Baird never said he was for Clee. (If he had, Clee’s majority of 35,000 would have gone to Moore) …

So we don’t think that Mrs. Baker is very convincing when she tells Clee that Baird helped Clee … She said that the Camden county legislative delegation helped Clee’s program against Hoffman. Was Baird a Democrat last year? Sheehan, Roye and Lodge were … Burling was a Republican, and helped Clee, but he is not for Baird. Perhaps it was because Baird “helped” Clee’s program against Hoffman opposition, that Hoffman slipped in Baird’s appointment without the knowledge of Burling or the state or county committee members … Mrs. Baker stated at a banquet that she has copies of the Courier-Post in 1931 in which Baird was praised for his bridge work … If anyone cares to look at our files, we will show what Mrs. Baker said about Baird in the neighborhood of 1931. … Or what we said about Baird at other times … Also what Mr. van Nieda and Frank Travaline said.

But enough ado about nothing … All we’ve done is talked about Baird when it had been our plan instead to talk about politics.

* * *

The political ax is hanging over the head of a Mt. Ephraim official on the charge he is assuming too much authority … One of the policeman is a member of the P.B.A. which will carry his fight into court in a case that will be a precedent for the other township cops, too … Herb Taylor will be county engineer if it goes to a Republican … It may be a Democrat however, and newest among the candidates, on that side of the ledger is former City Commissioner Carroll P. Sherwood … There may be only one assistant county solicitor instead of two in which case it will probably go to Carleton Rowand, city school board member …

By the way, don’t, be surprised if under the new contract between the city and county on maintenance of the City Hall, the city takes full control of the building with consent of the county … Which will be tough on some of the county jobholders …* * *.

Assemblyman Allen now denies he wants all us newspaper fellers to go to the guillotine … He says he meant lawyers … Charlie Humes wants to be guillotined … Standing up … Incidentally, Charlie is defending his last-place position in the ping-pong league tonight… Firefighter Lennox went to church the other day… And found the roof braced up. When will the borough of Merchantville fix up that dangerous hole in Browning road at the railroad tracks north of Maple Avenue? … Or is that in the township?

Whenever the state police want Detective Wojtkowiak at the prosecutor’s office, they ask for “Sergeant Watchyourcoatandhat” … The Mt. Ephraim commissioners are going to buy a police car for their chief … He’s also in for a pay rise … Bellmawr’s chief of police won’t get the salary increase he wants, but he will get an additional allowance for the use of his car … Runnemede’s two new cops will also get pay increases …

The other day an alarm was sent to every police department in the county and also to the Philadelphia cops that a car had been stolen in Audubon … The culprit is glad no cops saw him … He was none other than a police official who wanted to borrow a storekeeper’s car but took the wrong one by mistake … His face is almost as red as Vince (deP) Costello’s … At the K. of C. roller skating exhibition the other night, Luke McKenna did a few fancy turns … Vince recalled he, too, had been pretty good at one time, so he essayed to show his friends … His intentions were better than his legs, and a couple of well--wishers followed him around the floor with a stretcher.

This all happened quietly The Runnemede police received a complaint from two storekeepers … It appears that a group of high school students from another town had stopped off at Runnemede to purchase some cakes … Several other articles disappeared from the stores … A few days later the dean of the high school went to Runnemede paid one shopkeeper $10 and the other $2.60 … Representing the goods they said were taken …

Aside to that clairvoyant weakly editor who reported yesterday that Joe Van Meter is going to be the Republican nominee for sheriff: A sheriff cannot succeed himself in New Jersey … Silvio Fittipaldi, former Haddon Heights High star, is a veterinarian and doing nicely … A Philadelphia college professor who lives in Pennsauken uses his spare time writing a book … Home by 4.30 p.m. from work, he retires at 8 p.m., rises at 3.30 a.m., writes for four hours, breakfasts and goes to work … The Playcrafters are busy rehearsing “Post Road” for Feb. 18 and 19 … A warrant is in the mails for a suburban doctor … Illegal operation … Fred Homer. Merchantville song-bird, had an audition in New York recently before the Metropolitan Opera Audition Committee … What Collingswood shopkeeper’s missus is having trouble getting a costume for a minstrel show? … They’re still looking for better buses on Route 14 …

Carlton Rowand told this one at a dinner the other night… The foreman on a western WPA job wired Farley for more materials to finish the job … “We need 2000 shovels in a hurry,” the foreman wired …“We ran out of shovels,” replied Farley. “Let the men lean on each other.”

Editor, Courier-Post.

Dear Sir:

I have just finished reading the column, “What Do YOU Think?” by Charley Humes.

I always was under the Impression that the Courier and Record employed intelligent reporters. That piece of reading is about as ignorant as I have seen. At least we who read your paper think a reporter has an education of a high school student but that writeup comes from the mind of an infant. Some one who needs a toy in the form of a pen to amuse himself and a few others like him.

He says Mr. Allen has been reading a book. I think Charley Humes has been smoking a pipe.

Why doesn’t he have the “guts” to ask Mr. Allen himself .who he is? Any time he wants an interview just call me I’ll see he gets plenty.

The trouble with a few of you people up there at the Courier, a man with a little will power is a novelty to you. You are so use (as written, don’t blame me) to the- politicians running to you for advice that a man who can think for himself is so disgusting to your point of view that Charley Humes writes an article that turns an intelligent person’s stomach.

Our only trouble is there are not enough Mr. Allen’s to make politics a little cleaner and God knows there (as written, not my mistake) rotten enough.

Hope you show my letter to Mr. Humes, maybe he will wise up to himself. I have read the Courier for over 12 years and hope to continue reading it, but please write some sensible articles or print the comics in place of such low-brow literature as Charley Humes writes.

Sincerely,
MARY VANDOORNE.

* * *

Wuz my face scarlet!

And all because I object to being guillotined. And. worst of all, my severest critic turns out to be a Lady.

Now how did Missus Vandoorne find out that I had gone and got myself left back in the very first grade up at Cassady School. And who told her about all that trouble I had tryin’ to smoke a pipe, a nationally advertised pipe at that. Hereafter, I’ll stick to cigarettes.

And my intestinal fortitude (referring to the sixth word, fourth parygraph of the lady’s article). Well, I am what I am and that’s all I am. Can I help it if I shy from a cat, if a mouse gives me the jitters no end?

As for printing comics in place of this low-brow literature, I honestly believe I could enjoy that, too, that is, if they were really funny comics.That part where Missus Vandoorne sez she has been reading the Courier for 12 years is fine, too, and I hope she does as she sez and continues right on.

But, as I often sez to myself, I am very bad on puzzles and that part in the kindly little note which tells us reporters what our trouble is, and that part which hints there should be a couple of more guys named Allen around sure puzzles me.

Now, as I sez before, Mister Assemblyman Allen can go right ahead taking orders from Mister Baird and I won’t turn a hair. I won’t have to, ’cause a lot of us “ingrate” Republicans will take care of that situation when they count the ballots again in the Fall.

Maybe Missus Vandoorne’s idea of Mister Assemblyman Allen and all those mythical Allen’s cleaning up politics is keeping things out of the paper, where a lot of guys named Joe might see just what is going on with their tax money which fellas like Mister Assemblyman Allen are elected to spend.

And as for politicians running down here for advice, I can’t go for that either. The only time I ever see these politicians down here is when they have a headache and want for some medicine to cure it.

My main contention with Mister Assemblyman Allen runs along the lines of personal protection. One of the very worst things I hate to do is to be led to the guillotine. Any of us old guillotine prospects will tell you that.

As for going to see Mister Assemblyman Allen personally, well, Missus Vandoorne, you know how us people will talk about ourselves and I was slightly a-skeered I might get the wrong perspective. Not that I wouldn’t go to see him. In fact I did see him at last Sat-dee’s forum. I didn’t talk to him, nor he to me. But I left the meeting with absolutely no qualms about going over to his idea of us reporters being guillotined.

But then, Missus Vandoorne, we can’t really expect everybody to agree with us, can we? Just like that time some months ago when a member of your family, a very close relative in fact, ran for the local committee down in Laurel Springs. As I recall it, most of the voters down there didn’t agree with you that he should be elected, did they? So you must know the keen disappointment I feel when one of my readers, and you are one of my readers, Missus Vandoorne because you said so, does not agree with me.

And I am still very happy that Mister Assemblyman Allen is merely an assemblyman, and not a Mussolini.

P. S.—And I am very happy that there is only one Mister Assemblyman Allen, too. Think what would happen to us reporters if he was the Dionne Quints.

now that harold g. hoffman has become “brother rat” to Heywood Broun, Jay Franklin, charlie humes, Dan McConnell, John Fitzgerald, By Jiminy and Yours Truly, it seems only clubby to warn our new fraternity brother of something that he is up against for sure.

Perhaps the former Governor felt he was using slick polities when he waited until the eleventh hour before he named David Baird, Jr., to the bridge commission. Perhaps Hoffman figured he would hand a kick in the ‘slats to certain sources the former Governor disliked. Perhaps Hoffman figured it a keen piece of work for a slicker to toss the former U. S. Senator in Camden’s lap and tell the county to like it or lump it.

I don’t know the motive’s that actuated our Brother Rat in this move. Nor am I aware of his idea in making the appointment.

In fact I’m not even critical of the nominee or of his nomination to the commission. I’m merely taking the former Governor into my confidence and telling him that the sorest folk in local G.O.P. circles over the appointment of B’rer Baird are the Baird adherents.

Seems far-fetched to make such a statement, but they have confessed that very fact to yours truly. Don’t get the idea they are not as strongly behind the former U. S. Senator as ever they are. The thing that riles the Baird folk is that Hoffman tossed that bundle of woe and trouble on their doorstep about 24 hours before he, Hoffman, was through as Governor of New Jersey,

Baird factionists pay no tribute to Hoffman by citing that he appointed David Baird, Jr., through any friendship for either the appointee or the Camden county G.O.P.

BLAMED HOFFMAN FOR PRESENT STRIFE

No indeed. These Bairdites tell me the party was getting along pretty well. The factions had been solidified behind Senator Clee during the latter’s gubernatorial campaign. The Republicans controlled the legislative delegation from Camden county, the three assemblymen and state senator are allied with the G. O. P.

True, the Board of Freeholders was lost and the Baird faction was disappointed over that fact, as one might expect. Still the Baird allies had become reconciled to the loss of control of county affairs, were yielding to the inevitable. Olive branches were extended in several directions. Prominent Baird lieutenants were willing to listen to harmony with the Kobus wing of the party.

Came the appointment. Instantly the old wrangle broke out afresh. It might have occurred in any event but the peculiar circumstances under, which the appointment was made added to the complexity of the situation and the anguish of the factions. First there came a difference as to the meaning of the law which states that a Governor may appoint a commissioner, ad interim, until the legislature elects.

Whether the ad interim appointment continues until a commissioner is chosen by the legislature is a moot question. So involved is the present dispute, indeed, that I learn on good authority that T. Harry Rowland, New Jersey counsel to the bridge commission, will in all probability be asked at the next meeting of the commission to give an opinion as to the meaning of that law.

Rowland will be called upon to render his opinion as to whether David Baird Jr., sits legally on the bridge commission today, or whether his term of office as an ad interim appointee expired when the present state legislature came into life.

ROWLAND WILL HAVE TOUGH JOB

If this question is broached to Rowland he’ll wind up behind the eight ball, too.

If he decides the appointment continues until the legislature elects a successor, that will fix Baird’s appointment as certain on the commission until somebody is elected to the vacancy caused by the retirement of John B. Kates.

If Rowland determines the appointment terminated with the inauguration of the Governor and legislature, then comes a legal battle that may wind up in the Court of Errors and Appeals. In either event it’s not so hot for Brother Rowland.

Meanwhile I hear by the firmly established Mackay grapevine that neither of the present candidates mentioned for bridge commissioner has sufficient votes to be elected. Both sides, I’m told, assert that when the proper time arrives they’ll have the votes to elect their man.

Others who are impartial in the survey declare neither of the candidates has enough votes. Unless something gives, these seers contend, there will be a stalemate continue so long as the legislature wishes the present situation to exist.

I understand that the balance of power to determine the election of Baird or former senator Albert S. Woodruff rests with Union county. Four members of the Assembly from that bailiwick, voting together, can hand the plum to either candidate.

Senator Charles E. Loizeaux, president of the upper branch and Herbert J. Pascoe, Speaker of the Assembly, both hail from Union county. The matter of having their assemblymen vote for Baird or Woodruff has been placed squarely before these two solons.

Loizeaux, it was told to me, tried to duck the issue with the old moth eaten excuse that he never interferes with “the Assembly matters.” Whereupon a Woodruff ally called to Senator Loizeaux’s attention a couple of occasions when he seemed to slip from such attitude.

When confronted with the charge that on several occasions Senator Loizeaux did not hesitate to stick his fingers into Assembly matters, the presiding officer shut up like a clam. Only to open his mouth anew to intimate that he might give the Woodruff cause a boost with the Union county delegation in the Assembly.

Under such circumstances, and, with a rift wide enough to drive a 10-ton truck created in the party ranks, no wonder exists as to the antipathy the pro-Baird folk feel toward Hoffman.

These same Baird allies provoke considerable comment when they assert that if Hoffman had kept his hands out of the pie, Governor Moore would have named Baird to the commission to spite certain sources of opposition to Moore that dwell in this part of the world.

Altogether Brother Rat Hal made no 10-strike in his selection. To be frank the pro-Baird chaps insist that he just “played hell all around” with his appointment under such conditions.

Mister Marry Ecky,
Republican Registrar,
Court House, Camden.

My Dear Harry:

This is just a few lines from one First Warder to another. You know us First Warders are clannish folk, especially us old-timers what spent years up around the old Poynt.

And I sez to myself, when I sees that Mister Baird is out for your scalp, now its about time we wise up to ourselves and do something about all this business.

As you know very well, Harry, you and I have not seen eye to eye on things political for a long time and I often wonders to myself when Mister Baird will decide to lop off your ear, because that is his style, Harry.

What I mean is that the more I loyal you are to Mister Baird, the I sooner you will get booted around, and I know, Harry, that you were very loyal to Mister Baird up in the First Ward.

I ought to know, cause you smacked the ears off my side in your precinct time and again, and nobody can say I was up in the First Ward trying to hand Mister Baird any cake or candy. A mickey, I would give him.

But to get back to the main subject, Harry, us First Warders are a clannish sort, as I sez before and you can depend upon it, Harry; that us New Dealers up there will take it right to heart if Mister Baird gets you out and gets Willie Lehman in. But I wouldn’t worry much, Harry, cause Willie is mentioned for more jobs that he doesn’t get than anyone I know. He holds some sort of a record for that, Harry. Besides, if they made him a registrar, he might not be in a position to tear up any more of Congressman Wolverton’s petitions. Willie will understand that, I’m sure.

So best regards, Harry, and you probably will be the Republican Registrar for many moons. I think Mister Baird is having his hands full trying to keep that bridge job for hisself, let alone work out on a GOOD Republican.

CHARLEY HUMES

* * *

Hushemups That Arrived With the Rain!

Is there a new coalition out in Pennsauken which is attempting to oust Les Rogers? And are those in on the deal Mrs. Florence Baker, Bill Wimer and Mrs. Elsie Geister? And do they have the “undercover” support of Mrs. Elizabeth Verga and Doc Stem? …

How will Senator “Cliff” Powell explain to his Burlington county Republicans his opposition to the vote probe in Hudson county? Or is he so sure of himself that he thinks he can prove, but definitely, that he always has been tied up with the Hoffman-Hague combine and still win up there? …

Who was it that holds a state job, who found a brand new automobile in his yard at Xmas? And howzabout those other state jobholders who received those mysterious gifts at the same time? Do they know they are being investigated, and certain people are anxious to know the reason for the presents? …

A Haddon Township Democrat will get Charley Clark’s job on the county election board and a Camden City Democrat (probably Ed Borden) will replace Mary Tegge (Mister Baird’s new confidant) on the county tax board.

Did you know that Johnny Morrissey won the election for the anti-Bradway group. in Wildwood? Get Johnny to admit what he did in the Second Ward. Hague is being given a lot of credit for winning Wildwood, but that is a lot of malarky. The reason Morrissey, et aI, were there was as a favor to Pat Short, the Democratic leader, and they were asked to go there by Eddie Kelleher.

Those 10 deposed political leaders who invested 250 slugs in the “new county paper” are in bad with a lot of weekly publications hereabouts. These rags have turned all manner of flip-flops to garner the county advertising and now more competition, yet.

Fair, charming and, clever, Mrs. Rocco Palese is one of my “favorite girl friends” —this is rather an exclusive organization— to be found in South Jersey. When this charming-matron proceeded to rebuke me with the chastening rod the other day, I was obedient to the command of Camden’s fair daughter.

“The great trouble with you,” opined Mrs. Palese, who was talking with Mrs. Florence Baker, Republican state committeewoman, who is also one of the “F. G. F.” is that you don’t write enough about women.”

“Why you should have column after column about the fine women we have in Camden,” she added.

As I left the charming Mrs. Palese and the equally winsome Madame Baker it was my fortune to encounter one of the others who are ensconced in the Circle of “F. G. F.” She is Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, postmaster of Camden and for years the brave matron who carried aloft the banner of an unterrified but unwelcome Democracy.

Mrs. Hyland smiled in that manner so disarming, and in ‘her’ own diplomatic way. My thoughts meanwhile ran back to a banquet that was held a few nights before, in which the winsome Mrs. Hyland administered one verbal spanking to that glutton for punishment who writes this potpourri.

Mrs. Hyland verifies sapient remarks made by that astute counselor, Samuel P. Orlando, to wit:

“The great wonder in my mind has been that mrs. hyland cou1d battle in politics the way she has and still retain her femininity to such a marked degree.”

HARMONY DWELLS IN DEMOCRACY

The sentiments expressed so tersely but eloquently by the limb of the law named Orlando meets with my emphatic “aye.” Therefore, when Mrs. Hyland proceeded to chastise this scribe because the Mackay hinted that harmony does not does not dwell in Democracy’s tents, the lady appeared vocally ruffled as she proceeded to shoot Mackay at sunrise.

We acknowledged the lambasting, but still there lurked in our mind the same old seed “of suspicion. We recalled when Harry Moore was inducted into office as the only Governor’ to thrice have held that exalted office. The inauguration tickets were not profuse in the Brunner-Kelleher camp, hence we wondered why.

At the same time we remembered an innocent remark that we had read in the column of our able colleague, the cheery sprite, known as charlie humes. it was to the effect “that i am not supposed to bring people up here now.”

As we trudged along the streets our minds burrowed in thought and our brains (?) deeply immersed in imagination we pulled up near Broadway and Stevens street in front of the red brick building which the unrighteous now call “No Man’s Land” or more formally the Republican county headquarters.

We were startled out of our reverie by hearing a dulcet voice shouting: “My car is afire! My car is afire! I can’t put it out!”

Instantly we knew that voice. It was that of another of our “F. G. F.” in trouble, this time Mrs. Baker. Her gasoline chariot had come ablaze. She was in quandary terrific as to extinguishing the flames.

SQUISH! SQUISH! OUT GOES FIRE

Don’t tell me why woman loses her head in an emergency. Out of a store came a lady; racing with a can in her hand. She was Sadye Levinsky, One of the few women pharmacists in Camden county.

Miss Levinsky knew her stuff as she also knows Mrs. Baker. Sadye went at her job in calm. matter-of-fact fashion that would have won the envy of any volunteer fireman who ever borrowed Fred Lynch’s rubber boots.

Squish! Squish! Squish! went the pump in the can. Out, pronto went the flames. Mrs. Baker was profuse in her thanks as Miss Levinsky waved the emergency treatment of the fiery chariot aside, it was all in the day’s work.

“Boy,” we were saluted. “I’ve just seen the best emotional thespian, that hasn’t made Hollywood. She’s a knockout, about the prettiest girl in this county.

“Where is this paragon,” we queried, wanting to know something about such a lady myself.

“She is in court trying to get alimony from her husband, Dr. Eppelman,” said the barrister. We trudged over to the courthouse where we met a group who were discussing the Ethel Barrymore who had just asked her dentist husband be compelled to support her and a child.

“Phew,” said Walter Keown, who was hubby’s counsel, “what an actress, what, an actress;” Now that was some tribute for we’ve seen Pete Keown in court and he can do a John Barrymore, too.

It was at that moment that a petite blonde; with a face that rivaled Helen of Troy’s and could launch a thousand ships from any dock in the world came around the corner. She was fetchingly dressed and surrounded by a flotilla of males; all members of her families.

She was Mrs. Eppleman, and that lawyer’s description ot her glamour and charm was a prize bit of understatement. If she can act as good as she looks they better get Carole Lombard, Lucille Ball and some of those other gals an annuity right away, for they’ll be pushed off the map.

Hardly had we sauntered away from this beauty when we encountered Mrs. Pauline Caperoon, our best bet for the prize politician among all her sex in Camden County. Pauline was as energetic, as politic and loquacious as is characteristic and we had a talkfest about certain folk and their foibles that was enriched, by the strength of Mrs. Caperoon’s vocabulary, with an added trimming of a most conservative type from the writer.

After we had chatted with Pauline and learned plenty we should know we walked away again. Just in time to see Mayor Brunner and Mrs. Kobus hiking for a train to Trenton. Of course, we knew they, were just running up to see the Governor, but nothing political. We subsided.

Thus, Mrs. Palese, we feel that we have covered the ground pretty today in a single column, to bring to the attention of our readers (?) something about women.

It is a blue’ day and I am in one of them funks, what with Wildwood elections, O’Conner trials, gettin’ ready to move and what not. I am also a little low in pocket, havin’ takin’ a bath a few days age in one of them friendly card games.

But a few dimes jingle in my pocket and I decides I will try one of them Camden Bocks I am hearing so much about. I am only going to. take one, because Mister O’Neill don’t leave any doubt in my mind when he wants me back in the efface when I leave this a.m., so I figure it is best I only blow the suds off one, or maybe two, before angling back.

I am lined up against the bar at the Hudson swapping lies with Joe Feinstein and bemoaning the fact that, I must do a column and I am all out of soap when in walks a gent what is all excited and sez the G-men is in town.

Now so far as I can remember, anything I have done is outlawed by the statue of limitations or sumpin, so they is no reason I should get excited about the G-men being in town.’ But the gent what is telling the story has’ an “in” somewheres and he claims he knows why the G-men is here. He sez that they is here on a specific probe of county park projects and contracts. Well, I sez to myself, someday when things look brighter I will look up these’ G-men and see if the rumor is true.

As I mull ever the subject I musta talked out loud, because the gent sizes me up and sez are you a reporter? ’I sez I think I am, but they is a let what don’t agree with me and he sez how is Otto Braun, the ex-city clerk, gettin’ along and he hears he is taking up a course in journalism. I sez it is news to, me and he sez it is a fact nevertheless.

Well, by this time we are fast friends and I decides Mister O’Neill I won’t be so terrible excited if I· just take one or two more, the bock beer being what it is and me with more than car fare left.

So, I change feet en the brass, lean on my right elbow and listen to the gent some more. And he is full of news. He sez as how the Burnison Committee is checking all county departments and expenses in the 1938 budget. Now it is well known that I can do less with a budget than anyone I knew, but if the Burnison comittee is checking budgets then it is my duty to find out just what they have in mind. So. I sez to the gent have a bock and he sez he guessed he will, meanwhile keeping right on talking …

He sez as how one of the things the Burnison committee wants to knew is why they is two deputy sheriffs and couldn’t one do the job because all they use to have is one. Well,. the gent has me there but I keep noddin’ and he keeps talking and sez the Burnison committee also would like to. know why some of the lower-salaried people in the sheriff’s office get such low pay and couldn’t one of the deputy salaries be used to better advantage if it was divided among the L.S.E.

Well, this gent is gold mine for me, cause he justs rambles on and the next thing he pops up with is why don’t us Republicans run Les Rogers for sheriff. I sez maybe that is a good idea, talking kind of fast like, so as not to interrupt the gent’s train of thought. Well, the next thing he counters with is that Bob Johnson, the New Brunswick first aid biggie, may be a dark horse for the Republican nomination for the U. S. Senate and that former Senator Barbour is worried because he thinks maybe us Republicans will think we need a little first aid for a change and decide to nominate him.

By this time I am down to my last dime and Joe is looking at me with that don’t-put-the-elbow-on-me stare, but I have decided to stay around and it is just too bad for Joe . . .

Well, the gent is just about ready to leave, when I sez have another and he guesses the same as the previous time and I am into Joe for a dime.

The bock seemed to loosen the gent’s vocal arrangements and he starts in again right where he left off, that is almost where he left off. He sez as how the coalition in the freeholders might ask Dr. Pinner to take Dr. Stem’s place at Lakeland and if Dr. Pinner goes for the plan, why then former Mayor Fluharty of Runnemede will be appointed a freeholder to succeed Dr. Pinner. The gent sez they is other changes brewing at Lakeland but he is having a hard time getting his memory in shape, it seems like, and so I sez have another. And he, does, despite the looks Joe is tossing us because there is no silver on the bar.

Then the gent tells me they is quite a feud at Lakeland between some of the officials and that the feud is likely to go places and in the end somebody else will be in charge of both things. Anyhow, the gent continues, they is a rumor abroad that Dr. Anthony Gorham will be ousted as a dentist at the institutions and. somebody, else will get that job. The gent also says that Dr. Gorham has just bought a farm in Marlton and don’t live in Camden County no more.

Well by this time we are having ourselves a time, but it is getting late and there is no telling what Mister O’Neill will do, so both the gent and me guesses we will have one or two more, which we do, and then I hurries out of there, having got into Joe for two bucks, and ankles back here with a column. The last I hear of the gent is that he is still talking and if my pal Hyman will O. K. me some expenses I have half a mind to go back and get another bock and another column.

THE Guy named Joe dropped around this afternoon (Friday) to tell us the latest about Farmer Baird’s campaign to reward one of his most faithful followers by taking his job away from him … The Guy named Joe is the fellow who supplies columnists with most of the “inside stuff” by which they fondly hope to amaze readers (if any). … At various times he is a county jobholder, a judge, a senator, a waiter, a county officer, a bus driver and a fellow newspaperman … He gives tips to other columnists, too, like Charlie Humes, and Funnies Fitz, and some weakly editors (?), but he assures us that he saves the best for us …

So the GUY named Joe tells us this with every confidence that knows whereof he speaks … This time … “Mr. A, a friend of mine, just met Otto Braun: You know Otto Braun. He used to be City Clerk until the New Deal. Well, Otto was a faithful supporter of Dave Baird. You remember Dave, of course. Well, Dave is going to reward Otto’s years of service to the Baird machine, question mark, by giving Otto a job. That’s one thing you can say for Dave; he believes in helping those who help him. So He’s going’ to give Otto Braun the registrar’s job held down by Harry Ecky., That’s some reward, if you know from what side to look at it. Of course, Harry has been a faithful Baird supporter, too. Just as long as Braun has. So maybe we’re wrong about Dave. Maybe.

“You might ask me where I got hold of this. Well, Otto told it to our friend Mr. A. Otto also told Mr. A. that he has the support of Mrs. Florence Baker. You know her, too. She’ll get her reward for fidelity to Baird, too. Probably when Mrs. Mary Tegge gets her reward.

“But Mr. A. hustled right off to Harry Ecky, and Harry called Mrs. Baker to see if it were true. And Mrs. Baker indignantly insisted she is for Harry Ecky.

“So there you are. Maybe Mr. A. is wrong. Maybe Otto Braun won’t get Harry Ecky’s job. Maybe Bill Lehman will. And again, Maybe.”

* * *

THE Guy named Joe also tells us on the best of authority that all these reports, which apparently are parent to the wish, about Sheriff Joe Van Meter going to run against Congressman Charlie Wolverton are all wet … Van Meter positively will NOT run against Wolverton, who is going to be a candidate to succeed himself … But Joe WILL be a candidate for the combined job of county clerk and register of deeds in 1940.

Farmer Baird is trying to make something of Freeholder Bart’s contention that it costs $1.65 to produce a dozen eggs at the county farms … Will Farmer Baird tell us, as a noted breeder of stock, how much it costs the county to by milk for the county institutions?’ … And why?

* * *

UNDER election laws, the naming of members to county election boards is quite simple … In each county, the state committee members and county chairman for each party recommends a name to the state chairman … The state chairman APPOINTS the county board members and sends their names to the governor merely for commissioning … The governor has no choice but to issue commissions to the state chairman’s appointees, provided the names of those appointees are in the governor’s hands before March 1 … Former Governor Hoffman (Boy, doesn’t that sound good!) once ignored State Chairman Jeffers’ appointments and made his own on the plea that he didn’t receive the names before the deadline …

Governor Moore has this year’s appointments this week from State Chairman Clayton Freeman … But don’t be surprised if Governor Moore refuses to recognize Freeman’ as the appointing authority and instead, interferes with Republican factionalism on behalf of Hoffman, .. By the bye, the Guy Named Joe tells us that Freeman absolutely gave George Walton’s (Haddonfield) name to Governor Moore as the successor to Bill King … And when the Democratic list of appointees is given to Moore, the successor to Charles Clark on the county election board will be John Trainor of Haddon township …

Burlington county Republicans are puzzled, and plenty disgusted, with Cliff Powell’s pro-Hague attitude … If Cliff thinks that Hague and Hoffman will help him in his 1940 drive for Governor, he’s all wet, and his own county is going to tell him so … Hoffman has told everybody who will listen that he himself intends to run for Governor again in 1940 … And South Jersey Democrats are excited about the reports that Damon and Pythias are no longer the best of friends …

We mean that Johnny Malone is sore because Frank Hague went South and left Johnny holding the bag during all the election probe fuss … Malone is a pretty smart politician, having learned a great deal as Second Boss Man of Jersey City, and if he definitely breaks with Hague, he’ll find plenty of support in this end of the State .. We also hear that House Speaker Pascoe won’t run against Senate President Loizeaux for the Union county senatorial Republican nomination, after all … He will be given a congressional vacancy (that doesn’t exist yet but will when another judgeship is handed out) and will run for the next full term of Congressman … Newark papers may copy. …

BILL GOTSHALK, former assistant prosecutor and Fall Guy for the ridiculous councilmaniac bust, told the folks at a service club luncheon this week that he doesn’t see why such columns as Humes’ and Fitz’ are published … What are you afraid of, Bill? .. Aside to Frank Stetser: Define the word “Communicate” … The Daly team should and will walk off with first prize in the dart tourney …

Prosecutor Howard Eastwood and County Detective Cliff Cain, of Burlington county, are in Florida trying to extradite a man under indictment on illicit liquor charges, but they’re probably secretly thanking him … For being pinched in such a nice place as Florida at such a time of the year … Mrs. Elvina Carson, of Paulsboro, claims to be one of the youngest grandmothers in the country, .. Her first great- grandchild was born when Mrs. Carson was 53 …

Recommended for your diversion: “Happy Landing,” the Savar fillum … “brother rat” the Locust stage attraction … Millard Allen sitting to one side and refusing to speak to his two fellow Camden Assemblymen … A glass of Camden bock … Charlie Humes trying to get out of the ping pong league cellar … Any of the Duseks against any of their opponents.

13th Ward Republican Club – Mechanic Street

IT MAY HAVE BEEN cold outside somewhere yesterday … but not in Our Town… here it was warm… and in most places, comfortable… Indian Summer maybe… and the folks in the mood to sit down and talk… like Bobby Cicero, the great photographer . . . telling humorous tales of Charley Gregg . . . the Mighty Mite . . . like the time the boys played a trick on Charley . . . and strapped his foot to the bottom of the bed … and the terrible crash that followed when Charley tried to get up in the middle of the night . . . awakening the whole household … and the words of the Mighty Mite when he arrived.

“This is it, Bobby,” Charley’s voice was fatal. “I’m paralyzed. Can’t move my leg.”

Someone loosened the strap and Charley…in complete amazement . . . walked again . . . that ended the practical joking of that particular era . . . and we tell it today because Charley, a top-hand on any man’s newspaper, is still around and can enjoy the tale before he leaves for Florida.

***

THEN there is the time that your Corpulent Correspondent was talking with old “Pop” Daly up at Second and Vine streets on a sunny Sunday morning and two men came up … to tell “Pop” that the son of one of them had been arrested on a minor charge … and would “Pop” go down to City Hall and get him out … “Pop” would and asked us to drive him there … on arrival, “Pop” learned that a new order made it necessary to post $10 security for the release of anyone charged with this minor offense … and “Pop” turned to us and asked us if we had $10 … and we had … so we posted it … thinking that if Pop would take care of the sawbuck on his return home … but after we left the two men off … and we waved the police receipt all around, hinting about the $10 … Pop told us to be in court the next morning and intercede for the boy … and if he got out free … then we could get our $10 back.

***

WHILST DWELLING on “Pop” Daly, who was one of the grandest men ever to live in Our Town there is another story we would like to relate at this time; Pop, you see, was the kind of a man who was always trying to help the fellow in trouble, and one day a mother came to him and told him her boy had been arrested … and was to have a hearing before Judge Mariano within the hour … Pop dressed and hurried to the “Hall” . . . and when the case was called . . . he stood by the side of the young boy as the facts were related . . . and then “Pop” made his plea to the court. “Your Honor,” Pop said. “This is a good boy. I know his mother. I have known him all his life, and he has never been in trouble before (which was true) . . . and, I feel that it Your Honor will give him another chance, he will never get in trouble again (which up to this day is also true). He is a fine lad, but all of us make mistakes . . . I see this boy nearly every day and I know he is a good boy…” Whereupon the Court, knowing full well the tenderness of the heart of John “Pop” Daly, quietly asked: “What is the boy’s name. Mr. Daly?” And Pop, unabashed and unafraid, turned to the lad and queried: “What is your name, son?”

***

THE CASE was dismissed … because the Court … as everyone else who knew John Daly realized that despite the kindness he always wore on his sleeve … John Daly knew a bad one when he saw one … We decided to write a bit about “Pop” today … because yesterday we ran across a picture of him … his hand over his heart while attending a religious ceremony … and we thought many of you folks who are new to Our Town would like to hear about a Grand Old Man … who was so loved by the people that one night they did not have enough seats in Convention Hall to take care of the people who came to pay tribute to him.

***

ONE of the big mysteries in South Camden concerns Ollie Waterhouse. well-known to everyone … and it concerns the magic hour of 4 AM … when Ollie now takes his morning constitutional … what his many friends are wondering is why does he walk several miles at such an hour?

***

LEW MC FARLAND postcards in from San Francisco … that he had dinner in Camden … a midnight snack in St. Louis break at in Amarillo, Texas and dinner in San Francisco he will witness the Charles- Valentino bout and then fly back to Our Town.

***

FROM DOWN IN PINE HILL comes a letter from Mrs. Gertrude Nothnagle . . who enjoyed Johnny Leslie’s vivid description of Washington Park which was printed a few days ago, and she recalls the time when she took her children there for a day’s outing … and they were having a great time until around 3 PM … when the rains came, a real cloudburst … and by the time she got all the children together … everybody was dripping from the downpour and then running through the rain to those open trolley cars … with the ladies losing their hats (those big hats of those days, too) and the children losing this and that … and so much stuff left behind that someone must have had a field day and opened a second hand store the next day … but Mrs. Nothnagle, who is 80 now, really should know when she says they were the good old days … in her fine letter she mentions old Ridgeway Park … on the Delaware … and what good times were had on that island … with the wonderful old music … and the girls dancing on the boards she was only sweet 16 then and while time speeds by … fond memories last forever … someday we hope to get down and see Mrs. Nothnagle … because we believe she may have a wealth of nostalgic memories that will bring back those fond memories, to a lot of Old Timers in and around Our Town … Tomorrow may never come, but if it does, we’ll be here.