Daniel P. McConnell

DAN McCONNELL was a reporter and columnist in Camden from prior to World War I through at least the 1950s, writing for the Camden Post-Telegram and after its merger with the Daily Courier in 1926 to become the Courier-Post, for the new paper's two editions, the Evening Courier and the Morning Post. He wrote for the Post-Telegram under his own name and as “Conn L. Mack,” and as “Conn L. Mack” was the Post-Telegram's sports editor during the 1920s. His column with the Courier-Post was known as Dan McConnell's Scrapbook.

Daniel P. “Dan” McConnell (aka Daniel J.P. McConnell) was born in Philadelphia PA on April 17, 1893, the oldest child of Daniel D. and Teresa C. McConnell. The elder McConnell brought his family to Camden, and by the time the 1897 Camden City Directory was published, the McConnells were living at 211 Milton Street in the Poet's Row section of North Camden. He worked a variety of jobs; the 1897 directory lists him as a printer, the 1898 directory as a “bag cutter.”

The 1901 Camden City Directory shows that Daniel D. McConnell had moved his family to 125 Main Street, also in North Camden, where he operated a restaurant specializing in oysters, which were plentiful in Delaware Bay in those times.

It is highly probable that Daniel D. McConnell is one and the same as the top-rated South Jersey boxer of that name, who was managed and promoted by Camden businessman Oscar Adams Eastlack. Dan McConnell the boxer is known to have had at least 25 professional fights in Philadelphia, Camden, Baltimore, and elsewhere in the 1890s and early 1900s.

Daniel P. McConnell, the subject of this sketch, left school during the fourth grade. He found work two doors away, in Tom Homan's cobbler's shop, where he was encouraged to read extensively, and more or less educated himself through his own efforts. Homan was also a gifted musician who played tuba with the Lu Lu Temple Band, appearing in many parades over the years. Young Dan McConnell soon asked Mr. Homan to teach him to play the cornet.

In January of 1938, Tom Homan was interviewed by Courier-Post columnist Gordon Mackay, who wrote:

He [Homan] confessed one musical crime to me, which he said he wouldn’t mind seeing in print if the victim didn’t object. As the latter concurred in the idea, let it be stated that Tom committed the major felony of trying to teach Dan McConnell of the Courier-Post staff to play the cornet.

“Dan was a nice young fellow,” said Tom. “He worked for me when he was only about 10. He wanted to play the cornet, so I taught him. There was a woman upstairs who complained about Dan’s music. Dan finally had to sneak away and practice in one of the freight cars that stood on the railroad siding here.

“I guess when you tell Dan how rotten he was as a cornetist, he’ll probably tell you about the time I built a boat to sail on the Delaware—everybody owned a boat to sail on the river in those days. When I built her out in the yard she was so big I couldn’t get her out. I had to use a derrick.

“But you tell Dan that as a cornetist he was a good shoe salesman and let it go at that.

As a youth Dan McConnell became a charter member of the Aquinas Club, a social club that many young Catholic men from North Camden belonged to in the years prior to World War I. The club was active until about 1915.

Daniel P. McConnell first appeared in Camden City Directories in 1911, residing at 125 Main Street with his parents, and working as a newspaper reporter. His early years in journalism were with the Camden Post-Telegram. Interested in sports, he served as an officer of the Camden City Basket Ball League during the 1912–1913 season. The president of the league at that time was Camden political activist Jack Weinberg.

Daniel D. McConnell appears in Camden City Directories at 125 Main Street as late as 1913, but not in the 1914 Directory. A newspaper article stated that he had sold his business and planned to move to Anglesea, New Jersey and operate a fishing boat. His son Daniel P. “Dan” McConnell was left to fend for his mother and siblings.

Remaining in North Camden, the family lived at 215 Grant Street until 1915, when they moved to 428 Bailey Street. Both Dan McConnell and his brother Henry F. “Harry” McConnell gave this address when they registered for the draft in June of 1917 and September of 1918, respectively. Dan was writing for the Camden Post-Telegram while Henry was working as projectionist at the movie theater located at 203 Vine Street.

The January 1920 census shows Dan McConnell living in a rented house at 432 Penn Street in Camden, listing his occupation as a reporter for the Camden Post-Telegram, a daily newspaper. He also worked in these years as a press agent for the Keith vaudeville circuit. The family included his widowed mother Teresa, his sister Bertha, and his brother Henry Francis “Harry” McConnell. Dan McConnell married Alice Irene Deegan of the Chelsea section of Atlantic City shortly thereafter.

Dan McConnell's years of hard work paid off. In 1921 he bought a home in the relatively new Parkside section of Camden, at 1125 Kenwood Avenue. During the 1920s he served on the Post-Telegram's news desk and as sports editor. A staunch Republican, after the 1927 elections in Camden he was given the position of Deputy Commissioner (or Assistant Director) of Parks and Playgrounds, where he served under Clay W. Reesman.

Dan McConnell also spent some time as a radio announcer in the mid-1920s and early 1930s, broadcasting boxing matches on WCAM. He left the air to concentrate on other pursuits in 1929. When the Camden City Directory for 1931 was compiled, Dan McConnell was still a part of Camden's city government, his job title now being that of Assistant Director of Publicity. He returned to radio, hosting a 15 minute program on Camden's WCAM, which at that time broadcasted at 1290 kHz, at 8:30 PM weeknights in the spring of 1932.

During these years Dan and Alice McConnell were blessed with two children, Elizabeth “Betty” Ann, born in Camden at Cooper Hospital on October 5, 1925, and Daniel J. McConnell around 1929 or so.

By 1936 Dan and Alice McConnell had moved to 404 Grove Street in Haddonfield NJ. Dan McConnell was a featured reporter and columnist with the Camden Courier-Post in these years. His weekly column, “Dan McConnell's Scrapbook,” was running weekly in 1938 and 1939. In June of 1939 Dan McConnell attended a reunion of his old Aquinas Club friends at Tom Kenney's restaurant at 531 Market Street, opposite City Hall.

In 1942 he registered for the draft as Daniel John Paul McConnell, residing at the Grove Street address. Alice McConnell's nephew, Private George C. Sherman, who had been serving with the Army in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked in December 1941, was lost during the war and declared dead in 1946. Son Daniel J. McConnell graduated from Fordham University in 1947 and received a Masters Degree in 1951 from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dan McConnell passed away at the Camden County General Hospital at Lakeland, Gloucester Township on September 6, 1956, at the age of 63, after a long struggle with cancer of the mouth. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in what was then Delaware Township (present-day Cherry Hill) NJ. Dan McConnell was survived by his wife, children, and a grand-daughter, Bonnie, born to Betty Ann McConnell Hague, who was living in Teaneck NJ at the time. He was also survived by his sister, Mrs. Bertha Wolken, of Philadelphia.

Although Daniel McConnell had made his residence in Haddonfield, he was very much a product of Camden, his work was in Camden, as was his civic and fraternal activities. He was a member of a social club called the Camden Chiselers, that included many Camden political, legal, and business personalities of his generation. He also was an active member of the Lions Club of Camden. Dan McConnell was an interesting writer, with an extensive knowledge of events and people in Camden in the first few decades of the 20th century.

Sincere Thanks to Dan McConnell's grand-daughter, Bonnie Errickson, for providing materials used in the construction of this web-page.

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 B. M. Hedrick was elected chairman; Zed H. Copp secretary and M. F. Middleton treasurer.

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, 1918, 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.

Transcribed from the book Camden County in the Great War; the page of the book is not in the scan mirror, so this text has not been checked against a scan.

Story by Daniel P. McConnell, of the Camden Post Telegram, for Wednesday, March 18, 1920.

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. 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.

Mayor Charles H. Ellis was warmly received and in a splendid talk the city's chief executive turned over the keys of the city.

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.

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. Father Whelan was deacon, Father Hennig, sub-deacon, and Father Shay, master of ceremonies. Father McCallion delivered a splendid sermon for the occasion. William H. Lorigan presided at the organ.

Transcribed from the clipping; the scan of this March 18, 1920 article is not in the scan mirror, so its text has not been checked against a scan.

POP

My father was a small man…bent…limping…thin…so thin…with eyes and hair that bespoke a Spanish unknown in an Irish background. He spoke seldom but when he did you listened because he was a story teller… a deeply locked mind stored away little things and when they broke through they ran out in language, vocabulary, and written word that claimed education. My father never finished fourth grade, yet his life limited in years and scope edged on greatness. He spoke over early radio as a sports announcer, whistling between bouts to entertain the fans… I remember being brought downstairs to listen to Daddy over the radio. He wrote as a true newspaperman notes on a napkin, matchbook, envelope, etcetera. He never had a decent pencil or paper on him, but up from grimy pockets, with tobacco and bits of paper, came the slips of paper… tiny pencil and he scribbled. That scribbling produced stories and columns read by thousands. These words were never rewritten or corrected by anyone. His vocabulary was very strong, precise; his spelling outstanding, his writing style picturesque, romantic, ala Jim Bishop.

His wants, dreams, and desires were locked away for lack of money, education, and a demanding family from the time he was a boy, the working child. The shoemaker he worked for encouraged him to read, thus Charles Dickens was his real education. He always did his best in an untidy, quiet, loving way. At home a retiring, reading man… thin hands never still, he rolled bits of paper, pulled his left ear, typed two-finger columns, cooked a good meal, hunched by a radio as if it might try to run away. He moved quietly; limping in and out to check traffic, his tomato plants, always looking, observing; never doing—he could only write, read, and speak when he wanted to.

He loved much, animals—cats and dogs would sit beside him in deep comfort then sleep, covered by good sweater or blankets on clean beds he put them on. He adored movies, entertainers, and vaudeville, all of “show biz.” What a joy to see a movie or listen to a program with him. He always remembered when… he had known the greats, having been a press agent for the Keith Circuit during vaudeville days. We didn’t have TV, we had Pop to fill in for us.

My memories are of Saturday afternoons and movies with Pop. How he hurried, plunging ahead on crooked legs into the darkened theater, and settling down as if to stay forever. Maybe we saw some terrible movies together, I don’t know… they were always classics to me.

I remember for years there would be a knock on my bedroom door late in the evening and Pop would slip in a small bag of penny candy, each piece different. Even when I was out on my own, that bag of candy would appear as did an extra dollar on Sunday before he went to work.

Everyone knew him, walking on a city street with him, every other person would say “Hello Dan.” He’d hurry on as if to catch a train, a quick hello thrown out to the unseen. There were always passes to circuses, National Conventions, movies, racetracks… he never used them.

He hated holidays—he worked them, nights usually… Fast drivers, we had no car… Clothes—he looked like rocks were carried in all his pockets… Drunks—he was a heavy drinker himself… Guests—he’d miss his paper or radio programs… Visiting same reason—he’d disappear quite well.

He loved me. I know he did. I could tell—his hands on my head, his tears when I cried, he never criticized me. He slapped me once… just once… I had slapped him first. He brought me home my out of town newspapers and movies books. He’d cook me the best steaks. I was his only wanted companion, ever. There was a silent bond between us…it made us happy to be in the same room together… quiet but together.

This small giant had many faults and I know them too, but they were man made… not God given, as he was. He was a man with a great brain and talent chained to a small life. With education and encouragement he could have “made it” but he never did…

He died of cancer of the mouth, uncomplaining, alone silent as always…

For my children I wish many things among them that each will have a little of my Pop in them… read, write, and speak as he did… He didn’t make it… maybe you will… for him and me.

I dream of greatness for you of writing ability, of speaking quality, love of books, to see things others miss, love of show business, animals, but most of all to be able to share what you have with others… in your own way—

Elizabeth (Betty) Ann
August 1965 BAH

Transcribed from the family's typescript of August 1965; the original is not in the scan mirror, so this text has not been checked against a scan.

D.P. McCONNELL, EX-NEWSMAN

Daniel P. McConnell, of 404 Grove Street, Haddonfield, a newspaperman and public relations director for many years, died Thursday after a long illness. He was 63. Funeral services and burial was private.

Born in North Camden, Mr. McConnell started his newspaper career on the old Post-Telegram where he later became sports editor and newswriter. He was employed in this post to 1926.

He then accepted a post with Public Service Electric & Gas Co. in their Newark offices as a public relations man, leaving in 1936 to return to Camden for a post on The Morning Post where he remained until 1946. His next assignment was the Trentonian newspaper in the state capital which he left to take a post with the State Highway Authority. His last place of employment was with the Camden County Chamber of Commerce.

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Alice I. McConnell and a son Daniel P. Jr., Haddonfield, and a daughter, Mrs. Thomas Hague of Teaneck.

Camden Courier-Post, September 10, 1956

The Courier-Post text of September 10, 1956 is transcribed from the clipping; its scan is not in the scan mirror, so it has not been checked against a scan. The local-paper obituary clipping above it is an include read from its scan.