E. George Aaron
E. George Aaron
E GEORGE AARON was one of Camden's leading citizens during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, serving on the school board, the City Commission, and as Director of Public Safety from October of 1949 until May of 1959. He took ill shortly after losing his bid for re-election to the City Commission in May of 1959 and passed away in May of 1960.
From "Dan McConnell's Scrapbook" Columns
Camden Courier-Post
June 2, 1939— Song and dance man—Ed Gorman, affable secretary to City Commissioner George Aaron… In his younger days a musical comedy hoofer … Ed is a clever impersonator of the late Bert Williams . . . That guy should have stuck to the stage… He would have gone places.
Delaware Shad
October 6, 1939— CITY COMMISSIONER E. GEORGE AARON leaned back in his office chair the other day and gasped when this reporter informed him that we saw fishermen catch luscious shad in the Delaware River.
When informed that the folks bought the same finny denizens of the deep from hucksters who hawked their catch through the streets of North Camden and sold them at 25 cents each. Mr. Aaron gasped again. Tom Daley, city engineer corroborated our statements and George was convinced.
In his efforts to make Our Town a better place to live in, Commissioner Aaron has decided to do something about helping to eliminate pollution of the historic Delaware. An engineer who sat in the conference gave us the gladsome news that if pollution was stopped the once proud shad would again spawn in the river.
Fondly do we recall the cry of the fish peddlers, “'fresh Delaware shad.” Many of us of course also remember 'the midnight cry' of the old “Baltimore crab man” who once roamed through the city streets selling those delicious deviled crustaceans.
October 13, 1939— Pollution: Don't be misled— the title does not refer to this article or the column. Our recent reference to City Commissioner E. George Aaron and his efforts to aid in eliminating pollution of the Delaware river brought a note from Helen Moran Warren, counselor-at-law, and a grand friend of ours. Mrs. Moran enclosed a clipping of a column from the Brooklyn Eagle. The article was an interview with her daddy, Eugene F. Moran, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who is referred to in the article as “No. 1 harbor expert of the United States.” Pop Moran is owner and operator of a large fleet of seagoing tugs in New York. In the interview Mr. Moran told the columnist, Mr. Heffernan, that shad are beginning to run again in the North River after an absence of several years. Maybe they are fugitives from the Delaware.
Man About Town
October 20, 1939— City Commissioner E. George Aaron observed his 37th birthday anniversary today.
Unknown to George, this amateur historian again dug into the archives and we found that Aaron is the youngest man ever elected as a city commissioner in Our Town. We might also say that for a gentleman of such tender age E. George Aaron, citizen, lawyer, and city commissioner has made good use of his maturing years. We snooped into his record.
Consistency is one of his many assets. The guy was born in Mizpah, Atlantic county. When he joined the Masons, Aaron signed up with Mizpah lodge. Admitted to the bar in 1926 Attorney Aaron didn't have his shingle out a week when he got his first case—defending a Bridgeton man who was indicted for murder. The young attorney had the indictment not prossed.
On this natal day anniversary Commissioner Aaron will look back reflectively to the days when as boy he milked the cows and worked so on his father's farm. Unable to enlist in the Army during the World War when he was a stripling of 15 years he went to Springfield, Mass., where he helped to make rifles for the U.S. Army. Three of his brothers fought overseas.
In turn he worked as an ambulance driver, Insurance salesman and theatre manager. Aaron studied law at nights, at Temple Law School.
Proud of the religious faith of his forefathers, Commissioner Aaron is president of Beth El Synagogue and he usually is found heading up campaigns to help men, women and children of all creeds and faiths. His newest jobs are as chairman of the local assistance board and the Camden County Chapter of the Association for Infantile Paralysis, Inc.
Happy birthday, Commissioner Aaron!
November 10, 1939— Youngest Commissioner: Frank J. Hartmann, former city commissioner, claims that he and not commissioner E. George Aaron… was the youngest man to be elected to that office in Camden… Go ahead and fight about it, you guys.
Pekin Cafe
Camden Courier-Post — April 12–13, 1930
OWNER SUES TO END LEASE ON PEKIN CAFE
Woman Declares She Did Not Know of Liquor on Her Premises; Padlock Delay Granted
Suit to break the lease held on the Pekin Cafe, 818 Broadway by James Richardson, proprietor, has been filed by Mrs. Emma J. Lickfield, owner of the property.
That action was revealed after Judge Avis in Federal court here ordered the cafe padlocked. Judge Avis granted Richardson three weeks notice before a consent padlock becomes effective.
Mrs. Lickfield, who lives at 549 Washington street, was named co-defendant with Richardson in the padlock proceedings. According to her attorney, Judge Frank F. Neutze, Mrs. Lickfeld [sic] did not know there was liquor on the premises but did not fight the padlock proceedings. It was revealed that U. S. authorities were willing to permit her to reopen the building to other uses after the Pekin Cafe has been removed.
George Aaron, Richardson’s attorney, asked for a delay in the case on the grounds that his client was in jail and could not make a suitable defense. Richardson was sentenced to 20 days in jail and payment of a $300 fine for possession of liquor and maintenance of a nuisance on March 28.
Judge Avis then offered to sign an order bringing Richardson from the jail to testify but Aaron demurred, declaring his client would have to be out of jail several days before he could prepare a defense. He then offered to consent to a padlock if Richardson were allowed a month in which to leave the premises instead of the customary two weeks.
This was refused but Judge Avis allowed Richardson an extra week since he will not be out of jail for another week. Horace C. Jeffers, assistant United States District attorney, represented the government.
7 Democrats Rallies in County Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Democratic speakers, urging suffrage in the interest of A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and the local Democratic ticket, will invade seven political clubs in the city and county tonight.
County meetings, all at 8 p. m. and speakers are as follows:
First Ward Democratic Club, Gloucester, Mercer and Burlington streets, E. George Aaron, Firmin Michel and Marie V. Kelly.
Pennsauken Colored A. Harry Moore Club, Magnolia and Scovel avenues, Merchantville, Dr. Clement T. Branch, Eugene Aumaitre and Albert Melnik.
Lindenwold A. Harry Moore Club, Garden Lake fire hall, C. Lawrence Gregorio, Leon Rose, Joseph Varbalow and Mrs. Florence Melnik.
Glendora A. Harry Moore Club, fire hall, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving, Gene Mariano, Samuel P. Orlando and John Crean.
Somerdale Democratic Club, fire hall, Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Edward L. Canning, Thomas Madden and John Delaney.
Fifth Ward Democratic Club. Fifth and Pine Streets, Samuel T. French, Rev. Robert A. Jackson, David L. Visor and Sabba Verdiglione.
Eighth Ward Democratic Club, 509 Ferry Avenue, Isaac Eason, Francis Homan, Charles Degnan and Judge Frank F. Neutze.
Moore in Camden Speech Demands Fairness at Polls
Camden Courier-Post —
Towers Theatre Packed at Climax of All-Day Invasion Here
TOURS SMALLER TOWNS
Editorial: “Mr. Harry Moore’s Great Exposé That Exposes Nothing” appears on page 16.
By RANSLOE BOONE
Demanding a fair election and protection to Democratic voters, A. Harry Moore was greeted here last night by the largest crowd to gather at a Democratic meeting in Camden’s recent history.
The Democratic candidate for governor brought to a climax an all-day speaking tour of Camden county with a mass meeting which overflowed the Towers Theatre, Broadway and Pine street. At least 3500 persons crowded the theatre to its doors and more than 1000 others, unable to get in, heard the speakers’ words through amplifiers over the sidewalks.
Assails Justice Lloyd
Moore criticized Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd, for his refusal last week to order state police into Camden to protect the interests of the Democrats.
“The court has not given me that assurance. Instead, the court delivered from the bench a fine speech for my opponent.”
The Democratic candidate had promised in an earlier speech here September 8, to name names of those he charged had resorted to illegal practices at the polls. He made no mention of them last night except to say he had given the names in affidavits filed with Justice Lloyd.
Earlier in the evening the Democratic standard-bearer addressed more than 250 at a combined meeting of Merchantville, Delaware Township and Pennsauken Township voters at Merchantville Hall, 15 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, and to 1200 at Gloucester city hall.
Lauds Courier-Post Fairness
In an address at noon to employees of the RCA Victor and Campbell Soup companies, Moore, without naming his Republican opponent, declared:
“Come on with your millions,” he added without mentioning the name of his Republican opponent, “and with the editors you have bought and paid for, and next Tuesday I’ll crash through to the governor’s chair!”
“When I speak of the editors who have been bought and paid for, I’m not in anyway referring to the local newspapers— the Morning Post and the Evening Courier. Both of these papers have been fair to me in handling the news of the campaign.”
Moore’s address at the Towers Theatre follows:
Cites Request for Trooper
“Evidence is on file with the justice of the Supreme Court here showing clearly that extraordinary means must be taken by me to protect my interests on election day in certain parts of the City of Camden. When I spoke here the last time, I referred to conditions that existed in the Eighth and Fifth wards, conditions that made it impossible for opponents of Republican candidates to receive the protection that the laws provide for all candidates for office.
“I promise at that time that the names of certain individuals who resort to illegal practices at the polls would be made public. This has been done. The names have been given to the justice of the Supreme Court here.
“Though my counsel, I have appealed to the justice of the Supreme Court for assurance that he would use the power of his high judicial office to give my interests the protection of the law of New Jersey in those sections where I am compelled to believe my interests are in jeopardy. Filed with the court are 40 affidavits showing what has happened in the Fifth and Eighth wards in the past, and what I have every reason to believe will be repeated this year unless checked beforehand.
Ridicules Supreme Court
“The court has not given me that assurance. Instead, the court delivered from the bench a fine speech for my opponent. The court insisted on emphasizing that the City of Camden and the County of Camden were no more capable of election law violations than any other city or county in the state.
“Now, I have no criticism to make of the people of Camden city or Camden county. Certainly the great majority of the people here are law abiding. I never said they weren’t. But the court was given evidence of the strong-arm and illegal methods used at the polls in the Fifth and Eighth wards in the City of Camden, evidence submitted by persons who witnessed the stuffing of ballot box and by other persons who were victims of intimidation and beating by gangsters.
“Am I not entitled to the protection that I seek? What are courts for, if not to see that justice is done and the law respected?
Hits at Baldwin and Cops
“Can I depend on the prosecutor of Camden county to see that the law is not violated on election day, when the prosecutor has appeared as counsel for my opponent in these matters, and is out campaigning for him?
“Can I look to the police for protection when the affidavits now on file with the justice of the Supreme Court show that the policemen on duty at the polling places where these law violations occurred closed their eyes to what was going on, some leaving the polling place at the approach of bullies in the Eighth ward, and others actually assisting in the assaults made upon voters and election officers?
“The justice said that Camden county has been cleaned up. Two years ago he told the grand jury here that conditions were rotten and charged the grand jury to do its full duty. Granting that Camden now is free of all the things Justice Lloyd said existed here two years ago, credit for the change must go to Justice Lloyd.
“If then, a word from the court accomplished that much, why won’t a word from him now, about what habitually happens in the Fifth and Eighth wards, on election day— occurrences that everyone is familiar with— put a stop to that?
Appeals to Fairness
“I want the same protection here that my opponent will have in my county on election day. Guarding his interests at the polls in Hudson will be a Republican prosecutor and a Republican bureau of elections, Mr. Baird will have at every polling place in Hudson county, in addition to the regular challengers and watchers, two Republican deputies from the Bureau of Elections, paid not by the Republican party, but by the taxpayers of Hudson county.
“It is costing our people $100,000 a year to maintain this Republican election bureau with its investigators and deputies.
“The records disclose that 19 names are registered from the saloon owned by the Republican leader of the Fifth ward, and those names, together with the name of the saloon owner and the address of the saloon, have been submitted to the court. In addition, there are at least 1000 names on the Camden city registry lists that do not belong there. That evidence is also in Justice Lloyd’s possession.
Threatens Vote Crooks Here
“These 19 names we know for a positive fact are illegally on the registry books. They are the remainder of the 4000 illegal registrants that were discovered during an investigation. Three thousand have been stricken from the registry lists by the Common Pleas Court here, and but for the expiration of the statutory time limit they all would have been stricken.
“However, despite the refusal of the court to assure me of the protection to which I am entitled, I want the people to know that every safeguard will be thrown around their ballots. Even without the support of the law enforcement agencies of this city and county the polls will be properly protected next Tuesday. The next time I come to Camden it will be as the governor of New Jersey, and I promise now that it will be a sad day for the law violators and recreant officials, from the highest down. They will answer to me for whatever frauds occur next Tuesday.
“I pledge to you that the law will be respected, that the ballot box stuffers will be put where they belong, that the reign of terror of the gangsters will end, and end speedily; that the machinery of government will be returned to the people, that the ballot will be cast by the people of South Jersey in accordance with their own desires— unhampered and unafraid.
Pledges Jury Reform
“The question of jury reform no doubt is of particular interest to the people of Camden. I believe that one of the main reasons why hand-picked and political juries are possible is the present method of selecting jury commissioners.
“Instead of improving on the original method of having the jury commissioners for each county appointed by the chancellor, the present administration at Trenton threw the procedure completely into politics by placing the appointment of these officials in the hands of the governor.
“I advocate that jury commissioners be appointed by the justice of the Supreme Court in the respective counties. In addition, I favor life tenure for justices of the Supreme Court. The latter reform would completely remove the Supreme Court from politics.
“That much accomplished, the justice of the Supreme Court becomes the only proper officer to select jury commissioners.”
Nowrey Presides
The Camden mass meeting was opened by former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, who presided. District Court Judge Myron Ernst, of Jersey City, predicting Hudson County would give Moore 100,000 majority, paid tribute to Mayor Frank Hague, of Jersey City, Democratic state leader.
“We love and respect Mayor Hague,” he declared. “He never has been a boss, as the Republicans charge, but he gives the people value, dollar for dollar.”
He declared the election of Moore would be a “beacon signal making possible the election of a Democratic president of the United States.”
Other speakers included Gene Mariano and E. George Aaron, Camden attorneys; Harvey Rothberg, Trenton, organizer of the A. Harry Moore Veterans’ League; James Baker, former president of the State Board of Taxation; Edward Hart, Jersey City corporation counsel, and the three Democratic candidates for Assembly, Vincent de P. Costello, William C. French, Jr., and Frederick Stanton.
Entrance of Moore was the signal for a deafening ovation. Stamping, whistling and cheering broke out spontaneously as the Democratic candidate stepped on the platform. He was forced to wait several minutes before he could silence his supporters and open his address.
Addresses RCA and Soup Workers
Moore opened his Camden county tour with an open-air address to more than 700 employees of RCA Victor and Campbell Soup Companies at Second and Market streets at noon.
“I want to see that every poor boy and girl in the state has a chance equal to the rich,” he declared, describing how he himself had started as a poor boy and went to work when he was 13 years old.
“You are my kind of people and I am going to represent you. You are the laboring class and the American Federation of Labor has endorsed me. Labor organizations are with me everywhere.
“There is a demand for a change.
A Republican came to me the other day and said, ‘I’m a Republican and I’m going to vote for you. You can’t be worse than what we’ve had.’ I smiled and said, ‘It’s true I can’t be worse, but I hope to be better and I will be.’”
Hits ‘Hoover Prosperity’
Moore attacked what he termed the “Hoover promises of prosperity.”
“Where is the job for every man that he promised, where the chicken at every table and the automobile for every workingman that we were to have under Hoover prosperity?” he asked.
“I ask, where are those evidences of prosperity that were promised? I represent you. I’m going to represent you. I want, and you want, the government taken out of the hands of a boss.”
Moore’s remarks were greeted with cheers and applause, interrupted occasionally with cries “We want Moore” and “atta boy, Harry.”
Skirmishes Black Horse Pike
The Democratic candidate was the guest of Harry A. Maloney, state committeeman, at luncheon at his home in Bellmawr, from where the party resumed its tour.
Moore visited the New York Shipbuilding Company at 2 p. m., and greeted many workers.
Five other open-air meetings followed at Mt. Ephraim, at Runnemede at 3.20 p. m., at the Blackwood Bank at 3.45 p. m., at Clementon Democratic headquarters at 4:15 p. m. and at the Atco station at 4:45 p. m. More than 2300 heard the candidate at these meetings.
He attacked Baird’s state and national record at a mass meeting at 5:30 p. m. at the headquarters of the Independent A. Harry Moore Club, Haddon and Lees avenues, Collingswood. More than 300 crowded into the hall while many more heard the address outside through amplifiers.
Moore’s cause was aided by two prominent Collingswood Republicans when the Democratic candidate spoke in that borough. Both Mayor Joseph H. Van Meter and Thomas M. Jack, former mayor and former sheriff greeted Moore on his arrival in Collingswood and attended the meeting there. Van Meter also was present later at the Camden meeting.
“David Baird was responsible for passage of the Public Service paving bill which relieved the company, of which he was a director, of the expense of paving between and beside its tracks. He saved the company $3,000,000 a year, placing the burden on the taxpayers.
Commends Woodruff
“When this measure came up during my term as governor, I vetoed it.
“At that time Senator Albert S. Woodruff, whom I consider a most honest and upright man, refused to favor the measure as demanded by Baird.
‘I represent the people, not you,’ Woodruff told Baird, and I admire Woodruff as a man who can be a man, not a mouse.
“Baird then answered Woodruff: ‘You’ll vote to override the veto or you won’t go back to the Senate.’ Woodruff refused, and he was defeated at the next primary.
“When he was a member of the United States Senate, David Baird answered only 193 out of 454 roll calls, being absent for 261 of them, and yet now he promises to be a full-time governor if he is elected. He failed to appear at the 1930 special session of Congress, yet he collected his stipend just the same.”
Moore attacked Baird’s failure to vote on the Mexican immigration bill which affected southern labor, declaring: “He could not make up his mind how to vote.”
During the last three years, when David Baird was boss of the state, it cost $96,000,000 to run the government, $24,000,000 more than when I was governor. Baird, as boss of the legislature, increased the burden of taxation. All he wants is more power to build up his political organization.”
Moore spoke along the same lines at Merchantville and Gloucester.
Democrats to Hold Meetings Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Candidacy of Moore to Be Expounded at Meetings in City and Suburbs
The campaign for A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and local Democratic candidates, will be carried into six wards of the city and in seven communities of the county tonight.
All meetings and speakers are as follows:
Second Ward Democratic Club, 841 Market Street; Eugene Aumetre, John Crean, Vincent Gallagher, Leon H. Rose and Charles Woods.
Fourth Ward A. Harry Moore Club, 455 Berkley Street; Samuel T. French, Victor King, Thomas Madden, Leon H. Rose, Gene Mariano, Samuel P. Orlando and Rev. Robert H. Jackson.
Sixth Ward Democratic Club, Fourth and Walnut Street; Frank Connor, Albert Melnik and Thomas Madden.
Tenth Ward Democratic Club, Fifth and Vine Streets; Boyd Morrison, Joseph E. Nowrey, Charles Degnan and David L. Visor.
Seventh Ward A. Harry Moore Club, Seventh Street and Kaighn Avenue; Dr. Leroy Baxter, of Jersey City; Isaac Eason, Dr. Clement Branch, Rev. Robert H. Jackson, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving and Frank Suttill.
Eleventh Ward Democratic Club, 927 North Twenty-seventh street; Boyd Morrison, Firmin Michel, Victor King, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving.
Gloucester City Democratic Club, 308 Monmouth street; Boyd Morrison, Gene Mariano, Joseph Varbalow.
Magnolia A. Harry Moore Club, Evesham and Gloucester avenues; Firmin Michel, Edward L. Canning, John Delaney, Marie V. Kelley and Francis Homan.
Lindenwold Colored Voters' Club, Blackstone Hall, Lindenwold, Eugene Aumetre, William Williams and Oliver Bond.
Somerdale Club, Whelen home, Somerdale road and Oggs Avenue; Marie V. Kelly, David L. Visor and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland.
Somerdale Democratic Club, Leone Hall, Warwick Road and Helena Avenue; Samuel P. Orlando, Aaron Heine, Lawrence Gregorio and E. George Aaron.
East Haddonfield Democrat Club, Crescent and Berlin Road; Edward L. Canning, Albert Melnik and Judge Frank F. Neutze.
East Haddonfield Improvement Association, Batesville, Delaware Township; Ralph Wescott, Judge Frank F. Neutze and Mrs. Florence Melnik.
More than five speakers from North Jersey will appear at as many meetings as possible.
Moore Rallies Tonight in 3 Wards, Ashland
Camden Courier-Post —
Rallies in the interest of A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and local candidates on the Democratic ticket will be conducted tonight in Ashland and in three wards of the city.
The meetings and speakers are as follows:
Sixth Ward Democratic Club, Fourth and Walnut Streets; E. George Aaron, Samuel P. Orlando, Boyd E. Morrison, Charles Degnan and Sabba Verdiglione.
Third Ward A. Harry Moore Club, Third and Benson Streets: Samuel T. French, Orlando, Edward L. Canning, C. Lawrence Gregorio, Frank Homan and Anthon Ruffo, of Trenton.
Eleventh Ward A. Harry Moore Club, 927 North Twenty-seventh street: Aaron, Canning, Isaac Eason, Marie V. Kelly and Judge Frank F. Neutze.
Ashland Democratic Club, home of Ida May Heidrick, Burnt Mill road and Second Avenue: Thomas Madden, Leon H. Rose and Eugene Mariano.
Funds to Aid Women's Home, Talmud Torah and Free Loan
Camden Courier-Post —
A campaign to raise funds for the Federation of Jewish Charities of Camden was launched yesterday under the chairmanship of E. George Aaron. The drive will continue a week.
Funds raised will be contributed to the support of the Hebrew Ladies' Sheltering Home, the Talmud Torah, and the Free Loan Fund.
The campaign, Aaron announced, will be aided by the Jewish charitable organizations of Camden and the following have been named team captains: Rabbi N. Riff, Samuel Shane, L. Tarter, S. Lippman, A. Barbell, J. Grossberg, H. Odlen, Leon Rose, Lewis Liberman, Mrs. S. Litow, Mrs. M. Shapiro, Mrs. H. Kaplan, Mrs. S. Shane, Mrs. R. Bukstel. Mrs. F. Bloom, Mrs. V. Gerber and Mrs. S. S. Lewis.
There will be a meeting in the Talmud Torah tonight, when Rabbi B. L. Levinthal, of Philadelphia, will speak in support of the campaign.
Jewish Charities Raise $1500 Here
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Federation to Continue Campaign All This Week
More than $1500 in pledges and in cash have been received in the campaign of the Camden Federation of Jewish Charities, it was announced last night by E. George Aaron, chairman of the campaign committee. The drive will continue through this week.
Campaign workers seeking funds for the Hebrew Ladies' Charities, Sheltering Home, Camden Talmud Torah and Free Loan Fund follow: Rabbi N. Riff, Mr. and Mrs. S. Shane, Mrs. R. Bukstel, Mrs. S. Litow, Mrs. M. Shapiro, Mrs. H. Kaplan, Mrs. L. Creskoff, Mrs. B. Ostroff, Mrs. S. Goldstein Mrs. A. Goodman, Mrs. S. Masel, Mrs. M. Koll, Mrs. F. Bloom, Mrs. M. Cornrich, Mrs. V. Gerber, Mrs. L. Weiss and Mrs. S. Soloff, Leon H. Rose, Lewis Liberman, A. Barbell, S. S. Lewis, J. Grossberg, B. Greenberg, S. Lippman, J. Ruttenberg, S. Stein. H. Odlen, J. Block, O. Praissman, S. Naden, D. Lefkowitz, and David Epstein.
Jews End Campaign to Raise Charity Funds
Camden Courier-Post —
The Federation of Jewish Charities concluded its campaign for funds Thursday night with a banquet attended by workers and directors of the organization, at the Talmud Torah, 621 Kaighn Avenue.
E. George Aaron, chairman of the campaign, announced that more than $5000 was pledged. Talks were made by Herman Odlen, Samuel Shane, Samuel Lippman, A. Barbell, Mrs. S. Litow, Mrs. M. Shapiro and Mrs. C. Riff.
Rabbi N. Riff presented a walking stick to Aaron for his work as head of the drive.
10-Year Term In Cell Given Waterhouse
Camden Courier-Post —
Pal in Holdup Case Also Sentenced to Prison By Neutze
Ten to 15 years in the state prison at Trenton and a $1000 fine each were the sentences imposed in Camden Criminal Court yesterday by Judge Frank F. Neutze upon Rollie Waterhouse, 26, and Harry Sheer, hoodlums convicted of highway robbery.
Imposition of the fine prevents removal of either prisoner from the prison to a prison farm until the fine is paid.
A third defendant in the case, Daniel Rudinoff, was refused parole and sent to the Annandale Reformatory for an indeterminate sentence. Waterhouse was convicted and on his way to prison 32 minutes after a jury of nine men and three women received his case.
The trio was charged with beating and robbing the escort of a girl in Gloucester on May 16 last, taking $17 from the man, after severely beating him. Sheer and Rudinoff had pleaded guilty, but Waterhouse had insisted on a trial by jury.
Judge Neutze was especially emphatic in sentencing the gangsters, and disregarded the plea of Albert Brager, that Rudinoff be given freedom on parole, because of his excellent past record. Rudinoff had been given an opportunity to turn state’s evidence, which he did, but when he testified he said that he was so drunk “he couldn’t remember a thing about it.”
That apparently incensed the court.
“I feel different toward you, young man,” he said to the prisoner, “than toward these other prisoners. I intended to give you a suspended sentence because you had never been in trouble before.
“But you didn’t come clean. You had a chance to help this court but you were not fair to the court. I know the reason that you acted as you did on the witness stand is because you are afraid that Waterhouse’s gang might get you.
“These local gangsters, though, I have found are brave outside but when they come in here, they are cowards and just ‘can’t take it.’ I am going to give you an indeterminate sentence.”
E. George Aaron, attorney for Rudinoff, then added his plea for probation.
“I believe these men he was associated with to be the worst in this country,” retorted Judge Neutze. “I believe he should be punished. These Camden gangsters, anyway, are nothing but a bunch of bums, and are better out of society than in it. I just can’t let this young man go. He must be sent to Annandale.”
The victim of the gangsters’ attack was James Law, 21, of 225 Monmouth street, Gloucester.
It was charged that Law and Miss Virginia Wade, of 1407 Princess avenue, were awaiting a bus at Broadway and Hudson street, Gloucester, when they were attacked by three men on a nearby step.
Law and Miss Wade identified Waterhouse as a participant in the fight and robbery and picked Rudinoff from among the spectators at the trial. Rudinoff is out on bail. Sheer is in jail.
Waterhouse denied aiding the robbery and said he was so drunk at the time that he did not remember what happened. Rudinoff, questioned as a state’s witness, said he was tipsy, too. Waterhouse said he recalled a fight and trying to stop it. It was brought out that the missing $17 was found by a Gloucester policeman in Rudinoff’s pocket.
Sheer was brought down from the county jail and admitted writing a letter to Waterhouse, stating that he was not guilty in the affair and shouldering the guilt with Rudinoff. Sheer was taken into custody last week at Fort Smith, Arkansas, when, as a fugitive, he surrendered to police.
3 G.O.P. Rulers in Secret Session
Camden Courier-Post —
Hint Legal Bars Placed Around Jobs During Parley
NEW DEALERS NOT NOTIFIED
A special meeting held in secret session by the three Republican members of the Camden City Commission late yesterday, occasioned wide speculative rumors in political circles last night.
Reports persisted resolutions were passed placing legal barriers about jobs to prevent dismissals by the New Deal Non-Partisan group which takes control of the city today, with seating of Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.
Mayor Tells of Meeting
Reached at his home shortly after 1 a. m. today, Mayor von Nieda admitted the meeting was held to “correct some resolutions.”
“What were the resolutions about, Mayor?” he was asked.
“Why, I don’t know as I should say anything about them right now. You probably will get it all later,” the Mayor answered.
“Did the resolutions have anything to do with adding safeguards to the jobs of any present city employees?” he was asked.
“Yes, they did,” the Mayor replied.
“How many resolutions were there?”
“Oh, I don’t know, three or four, I should say.”
“How many employes are effected [sic]?” he was asked.
“Oh, I don’t know, three or four, maybe.”
“Who called the special meeting of the city commission?” he was asked.
“Why, I am not sure. But I think it was City Solicitor Bleakly who called it. He said the resolutions should be attended to.”
Asked why Commissioners George E. Brunner and Mrs. Mary Kobus were not notified of the meeting, the Mayor said: “So far as I know, they were not notified the meeting was to be held. It is possible, though, they were not notified.”
Another rumor held measures were passed placing various posts under civil service commission rules, while a third rumor, from more authentic sources, alleged several amendments were made to resolutions passed at meetings, of the commission, previous to the naming of Meyer L. Sakin and John R. DiMona as assistant city solicitors.
This rumor occasioned speculation that the measures appointing the two lawyers, as originally passed, were defective in original form and probably would not bear out Republican contentions the New Deal commissioners cannot remove the men from the three year appointments.
Report Finances Discussed
Other rumors indicated the measures concerned city finances.
The commissioners attending the meeting, it was said, were Mayor von Nieda, Harold W. Bennett and Leonard, with City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly, Sakin, DiMona and City Clerk Otto E. Braun in attendance.
Leonard said “nothing special” occurred, and he would “talk about it in the morning.” Commissioners George N. Brunner and Mary W. Kobus declared they were not notified.
The session, it was said, was not held in the commission chambers, but in an adjoining room on the second floor, and lasted half an hour, between 5 p. m. and 5:30 p. m. Other reports were the session lasted to 7 p. m.
Braun, reached by telephone, admitted a special meeting had been held but refused to give any further information.
Plums Discussed
Meanwhile, rumor and speculation continued on how the jobs will be divided among New Deal Republicans and Democrats today. The city clerk and city solicitorship posts will go to Republicans, and the city police judgeship and city purchasing agent jobs will be awarded to Democrats.
This was reported as the tentative agreement reached last night between the leaders of both wings in the New Deal forces.
Former City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, defeated on the New Deal ticket, and Howard B. Dyer, former deputy city clerk, are mentioned as possibilities for city clerk. Reports also mention the name of William D. Sayrs, former commissioner, and until Tuesday an executive in the real estate division of the state highway department. He resigned the office, which paid a $5000 per year salary.
Carl Kisselman and former Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese are mentioned as the chief contenders for the solicitorship, with two Democrats to be appointed as assistants. Among these candidates are Thomas M. Madden, E. George Aaron, John Crean, Jr., Milton Nurock, Mitchell Cohen, John Morrissey and Leon H. Rose.
Sidney Kaplan and Gene Mariano are said to be receiving chief consideration for police judge. Reports were that it would likely go to Kaplan if he prefers it.
Abe Fuhrman is conceded the best chance for the office of city purchasing agent.
Richman Supported
There is a strong sentiment among Democrats to reward Grover C. Richman, former assistant attorney general, and there is a strong rank and file tide to have the Democrats demand the post of city solicitor for him. This may change the tentative agreement.
Because Reesman was a candidate and has been a supporter of Senator Woodruff for years, he is favored for the city clerk job. Reesman was formerly chairman of the Republican county committee.
Dyer was deputy city clerk under the late Frank S. Albright, and was dismissed after the split between former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr., and the Woodruff-Verga-Sayrs group.
Dyer is a former secretary of the Republican County Committee and was a member of the committee from the Sixth Ward. He moved recently to the Thirteenth Ward. He is now an inspector in the State Alcoholic Beverage Control department under Commissioner D. Frederick Burnett.
It is expected that most jobs will be discussed at a conference to be held by the leaders today.
It is almost equally certain that the contemplated removals or some of them at least, will be subject to legal contest by the organization Republicans. What plans they may have have not been disclosed.
Noted Rabbi Speaks in Camden Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Jewish Community to Fete Dr. Goldstein, President of Palestine Fund
Rabbi Israel Goldstein, of New York, president of the Jewish National Fund of America, will speak tonight at a mass meeting at the Hotel Walt Whitman, in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Jewish National Fund.
Preceding the meeting, he will be the guest at a dinner tendered by members of the Jewish community here.
Leon H, Rose, Camden attorney, who is president of the Jewish National Fund Council of Southern New Jersey, will be toastmaster. Rabbis N. H. J. Riff and Philip L. Lipis [of Congregation Beth El— pmc] will speak.
Dr. Goldstein is rabbi of Congregation B'nai Jeshrun, and active in Jewish communal, civic and interfaith movements. He is a member of the New York Regional Relations Board and of the National Executive Committee on Workers and Farmers Rights, and president of the Jewish Conciliation Court of America. The Jewish National Fund of America, of which he is head, has for its purpose the purchase of land in Palestine.
Those at the dinner will include: David Breslau, Ben Zion Steinberg, Isaac Singer, Mrs. Samuel Kaplan, Mrs. Abraham Kaplan, Samuel Varbalow, Meyer Adelman, E. George Aaron, Jacob Leventon, Jesse Satenstein, Lewis Liberman, A. J. Rosenfeld, Judge Joseph Varbalow, Elias Klein, Mark Marritz, Albert B. Melnik, Dr. Samuel H. Blank, Barney B. Brown, Jacob Naden, Samuel Ginns, Ernest Dubin, Ellis Goodman, Leon Naden, Louis Rovner, Joseph Ruttenberg. Morris Liebman, Albert Caplan, Lester Abrahamer, I. J. Milask, Isadore H. Hermann, Milton C. Nurock, Harry Trautenberg, Manuel Winigrad, Hanan Yarden, Morris Drob and Mrs. Dora E. Rose.
Board of Education Shifts 14 Teachers
Camden Courier-Post —
Appoints 2 Instructors and Pensions 2 Others; Wilson Enrollment High
The Camden Board Education last night approved transfers of 14 teachers, the appointment of two new instructors and the retirement on pension of two others.
The board then adjourned until 11.45 a. m. today and it was announced the 1938-39 board will be organized at noon when Commissioner Mary W. Kobus is expected to be re-elected president.
When the report of the teachers committee making recommendations for appointments, transfers and retirements was read it was approved by unanimous vote and without comment.
Following the meeting Carlton W. Rowand explained that most of the transfers were made to meet emergencies in teaching classes at Woodrow Wilson High School, where more than 1500 students will be enrolled for the second semester, beginning today.
Rowand explained that enrollment at the Wilson school is the highest in its history, due to many students taking up English and commercial courses instead of entering Camden senior high school, which will have an enrollment of approximately 1540 students, the smallest in several years.
List of Transfers
Transfers affecting teachers in junior high schools are: Louis E. Feinstein from Hatch Junior High School to commercial business organization, Wilson High School; Frank E. Sias, from Cramer Junior High to physical education, Wilson High; Jessie W. McMurtrie from Cramer Junior High School, to physical education, Wilson High; Wilton D. Greenway, from Cramer Junior High School to mathematics, Camden High; Elizabeth Dickinson, from Bonsall; to English, Cramer Junior High; Mrs. Mildred C. Simmons, from English to mathematics, Cramer Junior High; Miss Celia Boudov, from Hatch Junior High to departmental geography, science, and penmanship, Liberty School; Mrs. Elizabeth R. Myers assigned to English, Hatch Junior High.
Thelma L. Little transferred from, Grade 5 to Cooperative Departmental; Dudley school.
The following elementary school transfers, also effective today, are: Beatrice W. Beideman from Starr to Sharp school; Mrs. Esther S. Finberg from Cramer to Broadway school; Dorothy M. Lippincott from Parkside to Dudley school; Mrs. Alva T. Corson from Washington to Broadway school, and Mary G. Cathell from Washington to Dudley school.
Teachers whose retirement was approved are Carolina W. Taylor, Grade 2, Broadway school, and William M. Thayer, mathematics Camden senior high school. Both teachers had resigned and applied for their pensions, the report read.
Appointments Made
Nathan Enten was appointed as physical education teacher in the Cramer school and Harry S. Manashil was appointed commercial teacher in Hatch school. Each will receive $1400, annually. The board also approved the appointment of Florence M. Dickinson as principal of Lincoln school at a salary of $2200 annually.
The assignment of Miss Grace Hankins as principal of Parkside school to succeed Miss Dickinson also was approved. Ethel Thegen was approved for appointment as assistant librarian at the Camden senior high school at a salary of $5.50 a day. All appointments are effective today.
To relieve overcrowded conditions among pupils the board approved the transfer of 7A and 7B classes from the Washington to the Cramer school.
Moore Spurns Plea to Save Stephan
Camden Courier-Post —
Slayer Doomed to Die Tonight Bids Goodbye to Mother
Trenton, Feb. 7, — William J. Stephan, who is scheduled to die in the electric chair at State Prison tomorrow night for the murder of Curtis W. Dobbins, of Haddonfield, said “goodbye” to his mother last week, prison officials disclosed today.
The former West Berlin salesman talked to his mother, Mrs. Madeline Hackley, for a short time. He will be permitted one more visitor before he begins “the last mile” as the 121st victim of the prison chair.
It also was revealed today that E. George Aaron, Camden attorney and Stephan's counsel, made a vain appeal to Governor Moore for executive clemency.
Nearly 18 months have passed since the August night in 1936 the state charges Stephan fired the shot that killed Dobbins, youthful RCA Manufacturing Company executive. Most of that time has been spent in futile appeals for life.
After once rejecting Stephan's bid for a new trial by a vote of 7 to 7, the Court of Errors and Appeals later affirmed the death verdict by an 11 to 4 margin. The Court of Pardons turned down his appeal for mercy.
Dobbins was the son of Edgar Y. Dobbins, Federal probation officer in New Jersey, who once had Stephan under his supervision.
Checked and Double Checked by Jiminy
Camden Courier-Post —
IT takes no crystal gazer to know that former U. S. Senator W. Warren Barbour hopes to get the Republican senatorial nomination without opposition… So far no opposition has bloomed, but efforts are being made to get Robert Johnson, New Brunswick manufacturer who backed Glee, into the primary battle … Unless the feeling against John Milton subsides, the Democrats will be hard put to find a suitable candidate for the job, unless they figure anybody can beat Barbour…
Put down a little bet that both new members of the county election board will be suburbanites… In fact, from adjoining municipalities… You might also safely say that when the Democrats name the new county solicitor (Vincent Gallaher), the coalition Republicans will name Cooper Brown, of Collingswood, as assistant solicitor… In spite of his visits to Jersey City, Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando stands an excellent chance of not being reappointed. His successor, at this time, appears to be E. George Aaron, also a Democrat, but a Brunner Democrat… The Pennsauken Republican Women's Club will on next Tuesday have a speaker whose topic will be, “How to Be Happy and Contented Though a Republican”… A lot of the boys in these here parts ought to go there and listen… Former Mayor Victor King probably will be a candidate for City Commission in 1939… Likewise for Morris Clyman, member of the Board of Assessors… Matt Van Istendal is being boomed as the new Republican leader of Collingswood as well as candidate for Assembly… So is Ed Marker of Haddon township (for Assembly)… Both are good candidates …
Henry Aitken, No. 1 coal wagon chaser, tried to get Commissioner von Nieda on the bridge commission until Hoffman slipped Baird in… Has the Baird boom gone boom?… That suburban handbill publisher printed that the next time Surrogate Hanna runs for public office it'll be city commissioner instead of a county post because he is weak in the suburbs… The last time Frank Hanna ran, it was for State committee, and he ran ahead of his running mate in every county municipality.
Henry Magin Laid to Rest by War Veteran Buddies
Camden Courier-Post —
Trucks of Flowers in Funeral Cortege
Funeral services for City Commissioner Henry Magin were held today with his colleagues in official and veterans circles participating.
Services were conducted in city commission chambers on the second floor of city hall, in charge of Rev. Dr. W.W. Ridgeway, rector of St. Wilfrid's Episcopal Church.
The casket was carried by war veteran associates of the public works director, who died from a heart attack Friday. A color guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion preceded the casket, followed by the four remaining members of the city commission, Mayor George Brunner and commissioners E. George Aaron, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone.
A guard of honor lined both sides of city hall steps, 22 policemen on one side and 22 firemen on the other, representing Magin's age, 44 years.
Hundreds of men and women waited outside the building to pay their respects as the solemn procession filed by. Mayor Brunner had declared this morning a holiday for city employees. The casket was borne by Thomas Jackson and Samuel Magill, both past Legion commanders; Leon McCarty, past commander of August Walter Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Richard Jermyn, past commander of Post 1270, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Benjamin P. Thomas, past captain of Sparrow Ship No. 1269. V. F. W.; and William Miller, past State commander, D. A. V.
Three trucks were required to carry the floral pieces from the scene of the services to the National Cemetery at Beverly, where burial took place.
An estimated 8000 persons from all walks of life paid their respects to the late official by viewing the body as it lay in state in the commission chambers.
The throng of mourners of Camden city and county was the largest to converge on a public building since the funeral of Fire Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed while fighting a fire almost 20 years ago. His body was placed on public view in the rotunda of the old county courthouse.
File Past Bier
A continuous progression of people filed past the flag draped bier for more than three and one-half hours. Scores of Republicans and hundreds of Democrats joined in the tribute.
Services were conducted by Camden lodges of Elks and Moose. Military rites were conducted by the Fairview Post, American Legion, of which Magin was a founder and past commander. The tribute was led by Mitchell Halin, post commander, and C. Richard Allen, past department commander.
James W. Conner, chief clerk of the city water bureau and past State Commander of the V.F.W., conducted rites at the grave.
Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone came early and remained throughout the hours of viewing. Mrs. Helen Magin, the widow, and daughter Helen, attired in deep mourning, arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.
Embraces Widow, Daughter
Commissioner Kobus, who knelt in prayer before the bier, arose and went over to Mrs. Magin and her daughter. Mrs. Kobus embraced and kissed the widow and daughter of the late commissioner. They were in tears.
Three firemen and three policemen maintained a vigil as a guard of honor. They were Patrolmen Jack Kaighn, George Weber, and William Deery and Firemen Arthur Batten, Warren Carter and William Reed.
American Legion and V. F. W. members in uniform alternated as members of the military guard of honor. A detail of 50 policemen was under command of Acting Lieutenant John Garrity. Fifty firemen, under supervision of Deputy Chief Walter Mertz, assisted the patrolmen in handling the crowd, which at times choked the stairways leading to the second floor.
Freeholders Arrive
Albert H. Molt, director of the Board of Freeholders and Freeholders John J. Tull, Oscar Moore, Ventorino Francesconi, Stanley Ciechanowski, Earl Armstrong and Emil J. McCall arrived shortly after 7:00 PM. Moore and Tull wore American Legion overseas caps. Albert S. Marvel, clerk of the board, accompanied the freeholders.
Employees of the various bureaus in the department of public works, headed by Commissioner Magin, came in delegations with the highway bureau having 150, the largest number.
Frank A. Abbott, acting director of the department, accompanied by James P. Carr, superintendent of Streets; led the highway bureau employees. Abbott is deputy director of revenue and finance and first assistant to Mayor Brunner. He was named by Brunner as acting director until the City Commission elects Mr. Magin's successor.
County Clerk Frank J. Suttill, City Clerk Clay W. Reesman, Fire Chief John H. Lennox and James A. Howell, chief of the city electrical bureau, attended, as did Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the board of education. Every city department sent a floral piece.
Outstanding Floral Tribute
Outstanding among the floral tributes was a six-foot broken circle of varied flowers, an offering from Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone.
A floral chair was sent by the Camden Police and Firemen's Association. The word “Rest” was made up of flowers. The offering of the Veterans League of South Jersey, an organization formed by Commissioner Magin and of which he was the first president, was a large floral pillow.
The freeholders and county officials gave a large floral basket. Floral tributes came from the employees of the board of education, the RCA Manufacturing Company, the police and fire bureaus, Pyne Point Athletic Association, the Elks, Moose and several Democratic clubs.
The floral tributes came in such numbers yesterday afternoon that Funeral Director Harry Leonard and his assistants could not find room for them in the commission chamber proper. They were banked on both sides, in the rear and over the casket.
Among prominent officials and citizens who came to pay their respects were Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and his son, Donnell, Assemblymen Joseph W. Cowgill and J. Frank Crawford, Sidney P. McCord, city comptroller, Thomas C. Schneider, president of Camden County Council No. 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association.
Others at Bier
Others were Sue Devinney, secretary to Mrs. Kobus; Fred S. Caperoon; Henry Aitken, city sealer of weights and measures, Horace R. Dixon, executive director of the Camden Housing Authority; George I. Shaw, vice president of the board of education.
Sgt. Ray Smith, chairman of the Elks Crippled Children Committee and commander of East Camden Post, V.F.W.; Albert Becker, commander of Camden County Post 126, Jewish War Veterans; Dr. Howard E. Primas and Wilbur F. Dobbins, members of the Camden Housing Authority; Postmaster Emma E. Hyland; Samuel E. Fulton, member of the Camden local assistance board.
Also former Assemblyman Rocco Palese, former Freeholder Maurice Bart and wife, County Detective James Mulligan, Deputy City Clerk William D. Sayrs, Mary King, secretary to City Clerk Reesman, Charles W. Anderson and John W. Diehl Jr., former members of the housing authority, Walter P. Wolverton, chief clerk of the public works department; Thomas J. Kenney, Maurice Hertz, Isadore Hermann, chief of the city tax title bureau; S. Raymond Dobbs; acting chief of city property, John Oziekanski, building inspector, Harry Langebein, city assessor.
Oliver H. Bond, housing manager of Clement T. Branch Village; former Judge Joseph Varbalow, acting city counsel John J. Crean, assistant City Counsel Edward V. Martino, Paul Day, secretary of city board of assessors, former Assemblyman William T. Iszard, Harry Roye, district director of NYA; Victor J. Scharle and Martin Segal, Democratic and Republican registrars, respectively, of the Camden County permanent registration bureau.
Mrs. Marian Garrity and Mrs. Mary F. Hendricks, vice chairman and secretary respectively, of the Republican City Committee; Dr. Ethan A. Lang and Dr. Richard P. Bowman, members of the board of education; Edward J. Borden, Carl Kisselman, Harry A. Kelleher, Samuel T. French Sr., former Freeholder Walter Budniak, Coroner Paul R. Rilatt, County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher, William Shepp, of the city legal bureau, Marie Carr, stenographer, mayor's office; Samuel T. French Jr., member, board of education.
Also John C. Trainor, member of the Camden County Board of Elections; Antonio Mecca, funeral director; Alexander Feinberg, solicitor of the housing authority, former Freeholder John T. Hanson, Sterling Parker and Paul Reihman, member of the county park commission.
James O'Brien, commander of the Camden Disabled American Veterans, was in charge of services by veterans at the cemetery. Former Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, county vice-commander of the American Legion, directed last night memorial services and was in charge of the firing squad at the grave.
Jail Guards Reminded To Search Visitors
Camden Courier-Post —
Director of Public Safety Aaron today issued a “refresher” on a standing order requiring the search of all persons entering the visitors’ room of city jail. The order, Aaron said, will apply to attorneys as well as visitors seeking to see persons held in the jail. It was enacted several years ago as a precaution against jail breaks. Policemen on duty inside the jail are not allowed weapons.
Van Pfefferle Acting Head Of Fire Dept.
Camden Courier-Post —
Named as Mertz Gets Leave and Prepares To Retire on Jan. 15
Camden has a new acting fire chief today—William Van Pfefferle.
The new department head was appointed by Safety Director E. George Aaron, after he received a letter Wednesday from Acting Chief Walter Mertz, announcing his desire to retire on Jan. 15. Mertz also requested a leave of absence until that date. The leave was granted.
Van Pfefferle, now a battalion chief, will fill the acting chief’s post during the interim, Aaron said.
Both men have been stationed at fire headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets.
Mertz, who is 72 and lives at 3016 Constitution road, has been a member of the fire department since Oct. 1, 1911. He was promoted to lieutenant on Oct. 1, 1915, then raised to captain on April 1, 1918, became battalion chief on Sept. 14, 1932, and two years later was raised to deputy chief.
On the retirement of the late John Lennox, Mertz assumed the acting chief’s duties Nov. 19, 1945.
Van Pfefferle joined the department Oct. 1, 1917, as an electrician. At that time the fire department had several pieces of electrically driven apparatus with power supplied by storage batteries. At that time fire department personnel had been depleted because of War I service.
Due to his experience with electrically-driven equipment, Van Pfefferle was placed in charge of all apparatus in the city on July 1, 1918. He was promoted to junior captain on Feb. 2, 1927; senior captain, March 30, 1930, and to battalion chief on Sept. 18, 1944.
Van Pfefferle, who is 58, lives at 619 North Fourth street.
The Civil Service Commission has called for an examination for fire chief, with battalion chiefs and captains eligible to take the test.
New Fire Dept. Head
Camden Courier-Post —
After 38 years of faithful and efficient service to the city in the fire department, the last four as acting chief, Walter Mertz has been granted retirement and will officially step out Jan. 15, at the age of 72. He has been a splendid public servant and has well earned a rest.
His retirement paves the way for the appointment of William Van Pfefferle, a battalion chief, as acting chief. Van Pfefferle was one of only two battalion chiefs who had been eligible for the post, the other being the late Leonard J. Megee, who died just a few days ago after a short illness.
Like his predecessor, Chief Van Pfefferle enjoys a fine reputation both as a man and as a department officer and can be sure of the loyalty of those under him. He joined the department in 1917 as an electrician and rose rapidly. He is responsible for much of the modernizing of the city’s fire equipment.
An examination of eligible captains and battalion chiefs for the position of fire chief has been called for by the Civil Service Commission. It is likely that in the near future a permanent fire chief as well as a permanent police chief will be named, Commissioner Aaron having indicated he believed both posts should be occupied on a permanent rather than an acting basis when he took over the Department of Public Safety a short time ago.
This change would seem to be desirable in the interest of efficiency and morale, and in fairness to the men who have the duties and responsibilities of a chief to carry out.
Koerner Made Police Chief; Carroll, Mattison Promoted
Camden Courier-Post —
NAMED CHIEF of the Camden police department today, Captain Gustav Koerner, a 26-year veteran of the department and one time baseball player, is shown receiving the congratulations of Public Safety Director Aaron. A native of Camden, Chief Koerner succeeds George H. Frost [sic], who resigned Jan. 1, 1948. Capt. Samuel Johnson had been acting chief since then.
Johnson, Garrity Move as Aaron Shifts Officers
Capt. Gustav Koerner, youngest of six men holding that rank in the department, today was named Camden police chief.
Public Safety Director Aaron announced the appointment and the 53-year-old Koerner, a member of the department 26 years, was sworn in by County Judge Sheehan in Aaron’s office.
At the same time, Director Aaron announced the promotion of Detective Capt. Edward Carroll, 56, to police inspector, and the promotion of Lieut. Walter Mattison, 63, to captain, replacing Chief Koerner in command of the first police district and police headquarters.
Both were sworn in by Mrs. Mary MacClennan, acting city clerk.
Transfers Announced
Aaron also announced the following transfers, effective Dec. 1:
Capt. John Garrity, from chief clerk of the police bureau, to command of the Third Police District, vacant since the retirement on pension two weeks ago of Capt. Richard Cornog.
Capt. Samuel Johnson, who has been acting police chief since the resignation Jan. 1, 1948 of Chief George H. Frost [sic], to command of the detective bureau, succeeding Carroll.
Capt. Walter Rowand, 56, one of those made eligible for the appointment as chief by civil service tests, will continue in charge of the second police district, Director Aaron said, and Capt. Nathan Petit, 57, another eligible for the appointment, will remain in charge of the traffic bureau.
More than 100 police and firemen attended the ceremony at which Chief Koerner was sworn in, including Patrolman Frank Call, president of Local 35, Police Benevolent Association. Others included Deputy Mayor Malandra, acting for Mayor Brunner who was unable to attend; Freeholder Ewing and Captain of County Detectives James J. Mulligan.
After administering the oath, Judge Sheehan shook hands with Chief Koerner and said:
“I am certain that you will demonstrate your unquestionable integrity and courage in your new office and add lustre to our police department.”
Says Selection Difficult
Selection of Koerner over Captain Petit and Captain Rowand, Director Aaron said, was “an extremely difficult one to make.”
“All three captains,” the director said, “are my personal friends, and have been for many years. I considered each of them well qualified for the job of police chief. In naming Captain Koerner, however, I took into consideration his age and his excellent physical condition.”
The civil service tests in which the three qualified for appointment were taken after Chief Frost resigned. Koerner outpointed the other two, receiving an average of 78.5 percent against 76.3 for Petit and 74.3 percent for Rowand.
Captains Garrity, Johnson and Carroll did not take the examinations.
As head of the department, Chief Koerner will be paid at the rate of $4425, the present salary of police chief, until Jan. 1, when, through the increase approved at the Nov. 8 election, he will receive $4885 a year. His captain’s salary was $3500 a year.
On Force 32 Years
The promotion for Captain Mattison not only was a reward for 32 years of service in the department but also brought him a salary increase from the rate of $3220 a year, the present scale for lieutenants, to $3500, the rate for captains. After the first of the year, he will receive $3960 a year.
Director Aaron said he did not know whether Inspector Carroll will draw a greater salary than that allowed captains. The city has not had a police inspector since the late Inspector Charles L. Humes Sr. [sic], retired Jan. 1, 1933.
Police Chief Koerner, a native of Camden, is one of 10 children of the late Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Koerner. His father for many years was an engraver employed by the Theodore Presser Co., music publishing firm of Philadelphia.
Directed Detectives
Educated in public schools, Koerner was appointed to the police department June 16, 1923, and after a probationary period, was assigned to the motorcycle squad. He was named a sergeant in September, 1930, and a lieutenant in November, 1941. Shortly after the latter appointment, he was placed in charge of the detective bureau, a post he held when named a captain in April, 1943, and continued to hold until placed in charge of the First district.
He is married and lives with his wife, Mary, at 807 Haddon avenue. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and has been active in the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association practically from its start here.
Played Baseball in Youth
As a youth, Chief Koerner played sandlot baseball in East Camden and later, as an infielder, played with several teams in the old Eastern Shore League. On receiving his police appointment, he played with the Camden police team in the Penn-Jersey League.
He has never relinquished his interest in baseball and at present is chairman of the Police Athletic League which sponsors sports for teen-agers.
Koerner had the appointment once before, Dr. David S. Rhone naming him chief last Oct. 28 a few hours after Rhone was removed as public safety director and Aaron assigned that department of the city government. The appointment, however, was cancelled the following day.
Chief Koerner was cleared of three charges of misconduct in office a year ago by a ruling of Judge Sheehan in Camden county court. The charges grew out of his alleged failure as head of the detective bureau to question persons whose names were found in a notebook on the body of Frank Luggi, who was murdered Dec. 31, 1946.
Veteran of War I
Inspector Carroll, who lives at 427 Lansdowne avenue, has had 27 years service in the department, being appointed on July 14, 1922. He was promoted to sergeant in April, 1930; to lieutenant, October, 1941, and to captain, March 23, 1943. He is a veteran of World War I. Previously to being placed in charge of the detective bureau in December, 1947, he commanded the Second Police District and prior to that, the headquarters division.
Captain Mattison lives at 541 Washington street and was appointed a patrolman on April 11, 1917. He was promoted to sergeant Aug. 1, 1929, the rank he held for 14 years before being named a lieutenant on March 23, 1943. He commanded the First District for several years but without the rank of captain and for the last two years, has been in command of police headquarters.
134 Years of Service
Captains Johnson, Petit, Rowand and Garrity—all veterans of the department—have a combined service of more than 134 years, with Captain Johnson, who is 70, topping each of them with almost 40 years of service, receiving his appointment to the department in April, 1910.
Captain Petit, who is 57, was appointed a patrolman in April, 1917; Rowand, in December of that year, and Captain Garrity, in January, 1919, after serving six years as a member of the fire department.
Last August, Captain Petit was suspended for 28 days after he had been charged with violating a police regulation forbidding police to hold outside employment. He was accused of doing traffic work for a construction company during the building of the Baird boulevard overpass.
Capt. Garrity was indicted along with Director Rhone and Chief Frost in connection with the Van Riper probe of police laxity and gambling charges two years ago but was exonerated along with Rhone when their indictments were nolle prossed last May 13 by Prosecutor Cohen. Frost was acquitted by a directed verdict three days previously.
Dzick Appointed Judge of Camden Municipal Court
Camden Courier-Post —
Dzick Appointed Judge of Camden Municipal Court
Prosecutor Replaces DiMona; Anthony Lario Is Chosen
Benjamin J. Dzick, city prosecutor since 1942, today was named municipal judge of Camdent [sic] by Director of Public Safety Aaron, replacing Police Court Judge John R. DiMona.
At the same time, Aaron appointed Anthony M. Lario to the post of city prosecutor, with both appointments to become effective Saturday.
The new designation as municipal court judge instead of police court judge is one of the provisions set up in the reorganization of the state’s entire judiciary two years ago.
Dzick, named for a three-year (Continued on Page 3—Column 6)
Dzick
(Continued from Page One)
term, will receive $4500 a year, $200 more than Judge DiMona’s salary of $4300 a year. As city prosecutor, Lario will receive $2800 a year, the same salary Dzick received.
Director Aaron said that while he has the authority to do so, no action will be taken at the present time on appointing a new clerk of the court, a post now held by Chris Miller, a Republican candidate for freeholder.
Dzick and Lario are Democrats, as is Aaron, while DiMona is a Republican.
DiMona, whose term expires at midnight Friday, succeeded Mitchell H. Cohen, now Camden county prosecutor, when Dr. Rhone, then director of public safety, failed to reappoint Cohen police judge three years ago.
Dzick, who is 39, is married and lives with his wife and daughter, Merle, 8, at 469 North Thirty-fifth street. He is a graduate of South Jersey Law school and has been practicing law in Camden since 1933.
Lario, 29, is a brother of Frank M. Lario, also an attorney, and lives with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Lario at 353 Pine street. He is a graduate of Temple University school of law and has been a practicing attorney here since his admission to the bar in 1946.
4 Cops, 4 Firemen, Widow of One Win City Pensions
Camden Courier-Post —
Johnson, Garrity, Crawford, Stahl Retire Aug. 31
Four police officers and four firemen applied for pensions under the mandatory 65-year-old retirement law today.
The applications, all approved by the police-firemen pension board, are in line with Commissioner Aaron’s order in December, 1948, advising chiefs of the respective services that state law requires retirement of all personnel who have reached 65.
Police officers to be pensioned are Detective Capt. Samuel E. Johnson, 71, Capt. John T. Garrity, 65, Detective Frank Crawford, 69, and Patrolman Harry Stahl, 68.
Fire department members include Deputy Chief Clarence Madden, 67, and Firemen John Prucella, 75; Spencer Smith Sr., 68, and Frank L’Esperance, 66.
The eight men will retire Aug. 31, with each receiving one-half of the average annual salary of the last three years.
Also approved today was an application for a widow’s pension by Mrs. Carrie Bean, 1103 North Twenty-sixth street. Her husband, Patrolman Howard Bean, died June 8, eight days after being pensioned. She will receive $1000 annually.
Captain Johnson, of 211 Elm street, is considered the dean of the police department, having served 40 years.
Johnson, who will receive $2019 annually, was appointed in April, 1910, and was made a detective 10 years later. He was elevated to sergeant in November, 1928, and to lieutenant in 1930. One year after he was cited in 1942 by former Public Safety Director Mary Kobus, Johnson was raised to captain. He served as acting police chief from December, 1947, to December, 1949.
Captain Garrity will receive $1601 annually. He served as commander in each of the three city districts. Garrity was appointed in January, 1920; made sergeant July, 1930; lieutenant in 1940, and captain on June 30, 1944. He lives at 2515 Morgan boulevard.
Following a “pep” meeting with city detectives Thursday, Aaron announced he had transferred Captain Garrity to his office for “special assignments.” Sgt. William Schultz was named acting captain to head the third police district to replace Garrity.
Crawford, of 578 Chestnut street, will draw $1501. He was named to the force in 1912 and resigned eight years later. In 1931 he was reinstated and received a promotion to detective status in 1942. He was cited by former Chief John Golden.
Stahl Appointed in 1917
Stahl lives at 1513 Baird avenue. After his appointment in 1917, he saw service in most departments of the bureau. He will receive an annual pension of $1401.
Chief Madden, 2760 Mickle street, is serving as fire commander for the second fire district at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. He was appointed July 1, 1910 and assigned to Engine Co. 5, Fifth and Arch streets.
In 1922 he was raised to lieutenant, and six years later became senior captain. Madden was named battalion chief Nov. 21, 1944 and deputy chief on Dec. 16, 1949.
Madden will receive about $2000, with the others drawing approximately $1358 annually.
Prucella, 919 Penn street, was sworn in on Nov. 1, 1911 and joined Engine Co. 5. Since 1933 he has been serving at No. 6 Engine Co., Front and Linden streets.
Smith was appointed May 1, 1914 and assigned to No. 1 Engine Co., Fourth and Pine streets. He has been attached to No. 10 Engine Co., Ninth street and Morgan boulevard, since 1920.
Frank L’Esperance, 604 Clinton street, is also a member of No. 10 Engine Co., where he has been attached since 1938. He was appointed June 6, 1918 and served with No. 5 and No. 3 engine companies.
5 Cops, 4 Firemen, All War 2 Vets Named by Aaron
Camden Courier-Post —
Replacements Listed For 8 on Pensions, One Resignation
Director of Public Safety Aaron this faternoon [sic] announced the appointment of five new patrolmen and four new firemen. All are War II veterans.
The police are:
James R. Styles, 27, of 3013 Essex street; William B. Reeves Jr., 24, of 431 Chestnut street; Louis E. Walls Jr., 29, of 777 Spruce street; Edward Fulton, 29, of 342 North Tenth street; and Joseph A. Snajkowski, 29, of 1334 Dayton street.
The firemen are:
August L. Johnson, 31, of 916½ Chestnut street; Owen D. Gale, 29, of 312 Marlton avenue; Albert A. Stinger, 25, of 47 North Twenty-fifth street, and Jestroe Hunt, 29, of 753 Walnut street.
All the men will receive $2400 a year and will report for duty September 1. The new firemen will replace four men who have been retired on pension. Four of the new patrolmen will replace men who have been retired on pension, and the fifth replaces a member of the department who has resigned to accept another position.
Nine Safety Aides Sworn by Aaron
Camden Courier-Post —
Five recently-appointed policemen and four firemen were sworn in today by Public Safety Commissioner Aaron in his City Hall office.
The nine men, all veterans of War II, will report for duty in the $2400-a-year posts on Sept. 1. Four of the rookie policemen replace men retired on pension and the fifth fills the job of a department member who resigned to take another position. All four new firemen replace pensioners.
The policemen are James R. Styles, 27, 3013 Essex street; William B. Reeves Jr., 24, 431 Chestnut street; Louis E. Walls Jr., 29, 777 Spruce street; Edward Fulton, 29, 342 N. Tenth street, and Joseph A. Snajkowski, 29, 1334 Dayton street.
The firemen are August L. Johnson, 31, 916½ Chestnut street; Owen D. Gale, 29, 312 Marlton avenue; Albert A. Stinger, 25, 47 North Twenty-fifth street, and Jestroe Hunt, 29, 753 Walnut street.
Pension Granted To Fire Captain Hurt at Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
A Camden fire department captain has received a disability pension as a result of injuries received while fighting an East Camden blaze last year.
Capt. George Fuscellaro, 37, of 1041 Lois ave., was approved for pension, at full salary, by the retirement committee of the police and Firemen Pension Commission at Trenton.
Fuscellaro was injured April 4, 1953, while fighting a fire at two houses in the 220 block of Sewell st. While pulling an inflated hose over the edge of a roof, Fuscellaro suffered a severe back pain and it was necessary to take him from the roof by stretcher and remove him to the hospital.
Forced to Wear Brace
Fuscellaro’s condition was reported to the committee by Drs. Edwin Rosner, of Collingswood, Stanley L. Brown, orthopedic specialist, and Garnett Summerill, Camden police surgeon.
Members of the committee, Arthur Wright, of Bayonne, Ross Logan, of Haddonfield, and John Fryland, of Clifton, fireman, civilian and policeman members respectively, were told Fuscellaro must wear a brace at all times.
In a report to Director of Public Safety Aaron, Dr. Brown reported that Fuscellaro’s condition is worse today than it was a year ago.
City Will Pay Half
Spencer Smith, a member of the Camden Fire Department, and one of the four representatives to the committee elected throughout the state, presented Fuscellaro’s case at the hearing.
Under the present state pension laws, the pension commission and the City of Camden will each pay half of Fuscellaro’s salary, averaged over the last three years, of $3850. Fuscellaro was appointed to the department Feb. 1, 1942. Commissioner Aaron will introduce a resolution at the next city commission meeting for the payment.
Drop-a-Buck Club Organizes Drive To Aid Needy Families at Christmas
Camden Courier-Post —
Santa Gets Early Start:
The first phase of the program to raise Christmas funds for needy families of the city through the Drop-a-Buck Club went into operation Thursday when a group of volunteers started distribution of collection containers to the taverns of the city.
The Drop-a-Buck Club, which has been caring for the Christmas needs of under-privileged families of the city since 1949, plans to distribute similar containers to business houses, factories and other public buildings in the area.
Distribution of the containers to the taverns has been backed by the Camden Beverage and Restaurant Association.
The association has volunteered to sponsor a dinner for officers and charter members of the Drop-a-Buck Club to form a kickoff for the 1953 fund campaign. The dinner will be held Dec. 1 at Kenney’s Restaurant.
Everything Donated
Distribution of the containers is being carried out by a group of volunteers headed by Walter N. Carley, Leon B. Niewinski, Jules Kornberger, Thomas Kenney Sr. and Albert Kornberger.
The jar containers, printing and decorations were all donated. Taking part in the donations were Police Capt. Anthony Skolski, Patrolman Joseph Lack, Carter Paper Co., Walter Heim and Samuel Payne.
Deputy Mayor Angelo Malandra, chairman of the Drop-a-Buck Club drive committee, announced today that William Rohrer, Chevrolet auto dealer and a member of the board of trustees for the club, has volunteered space for campaign headquarters. Rohrer has offered the club the use of a new showroom on Federal st. at 15th.
“This generous offer by Bill Rohrer,” Malandra said, “is typical of the volunteer support given by citizens of the community from all walks of life to the Drop-a-Buck Club drive.”
More Families in Need
“From all indications, this year will reveal more families in need of help for Christmas since the club started in 1949.
“We are prepared to do our job, but we need the entire support of the community.”
Malandra said a special meeting of the officers and trustees of the club will be held at the drive headquarters next Friday to launch the fund drive.
Officers of the Drop-a-Buck Club for the 1953 campaign, in addition to Malandra, are Joseph J. McComb, chairman of the Central Labor Union, vice chairman, and Lawrence J. Wisely, of The Courier-Post, secretary-treasurer.
Frank H. Ryan, editor of The Courier-Post, is chairman of the board of trustees, which is composed of William A. Stretch, general manager and treasurer of The Courier-Post; Director of Public Safety Aaron, Deputy Director of Public Affairs Garrity, William Rohrer, mayor of Haddon Township; Edward Goldsmith, manager of Yellow Cab Co.; Welfare Director Logan, Police Inspector Willard Schriver, John McCloskey and Dominic Sasso, labor leaders; William J. Myles, Edward Brewer, Julian Masso and Thomas Kenney Sr.
March of Dimes
Camden Courier-Post —
Completion of the Camden City volunteer organization which will distribute 1500 can containers to business houses throughout the city for the 1954 March of Dimes was announced today by City Commissioner Aaron, Camden County chairman.
With leaders in every ward in Camden City, as well as in all the municipalities of the county appointed, Aaron predicted the coming campaign, which begins next month, will surpass all records.
“Never has the need been greater than it is today, and never have the prospects been so heartening for combating the dread disease of Infantile paralysis” Aaron said.
“While this tremendously important work is going on. we must in care for those already stricken and those who will be stricken next year. More than 60 patients afflicted with polio this year, as well as past polio cases, have received treatment at the Camden Municipal Hospital, treatment made possible by past contributions to the March of Dimes. Your money has saved the lives of countless people; countless others need your help.
The committee follows: First Ward, Joseph Davis; Second Ward, David Hagarty; Third Ward, Louis Di Renzo; Fourth Ward, John Odorisio; Fifth Ward, Mrs. Anna Anderson and Mrs. Lena Rago; Sixth Ward, John Salvatore; Seventh Ward, Mrs. Alfreda Hart; Eighth Ward, Anthony Bezich and Delaware Palmer; Ninth Ward, Oscar Moore; 10th Ward, Edward Kelley; 11th Ward, Mrs. Ella Mae Russell and Carroll Gooch; 12th Ward. Margaret Foley and Wayne McCormick; 13th Ward, Albert Becker and 14th Ward, John Emmel.
P. Donovan Cragin is executive secretary of Camden County Chapter, National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, sponsor of the March of Dimes.
Pfefferle Disputed By Sherman on School Hazard
Camden Courier-Post —
Pfefferle Disputed By Sherman on School Hazard
Differ on Closing Of McKinley as ’Fire Hazard’
Joseph T. Sherman, Board of Education member, today disputed a statement by Chief Engineer William Van Pfefferle the McKinley School was closed on the recommendation of the fire marshal.
Pfefferle previously had disagreed with findings of a State Department of Education Survey criticizing alleged conditions in a number of city schools. The existence of the survey findings was disclosed at a school board meeting Monday night by Sherman.
Pfefferle, commenting on the report, was quoted by Sherman as having stated the “McKinley School was the only school found to be a fire hazard and that the McKinley School was abandoned on the fire marshal’s recommendation.”
Disputed By Sherman
“That statement is not supported by one shred of evidence. The facts are to the contrary,” Sherman said. “On May 28 and June 10, 1953, special meetings of the Board of Education were called for the purpose of solely deciding whether to keep the McKinley boundaries and keep the school open or to abandon the school. The public was invited to attend and did so. Opposing groups argued the merits of continued use of the McKinley School. Commissioner Aaron, a member of the Board of Education and also Chief Pfefferle’s boss, as head of the Camden City Department of Public Safety, was present and participated.”
’Widely Discussed’
“On June 29, 1953, the Board of Education after full public hearing decided to abandon McKinley School. At no time was there any recommendation presented by the chief or any other representative of the fire department about McKinley School being a fire hazard.
“The McKinley question was widely discussed. Certainly if the chief knew the school was a fire hazard, he owed a public duty to present those facts known to him, but he did not do so. He now states that he did. I challenge him to substantiate his statement that McKinley School was abandoned on the fire marshal’s recommendation. How can this man, after the making of such a statement, expect the board or the public to rely upon such other statements as he has been called upon to make?”
Explains Own Stand
“I want to clear up one point. I didn’t make the report that classified many of our schools as unsatisfactory because of non-correctable fire hazards. I merely disclosed the existence of such a report which many had good reason to hope remained hidden. If the disclosure of such a report is politics, then I’m proud to participate in that type of politics.
“I notice that a leading city politician and an ardent supporter of Mayor Brunner has termed such a revelation as politically inspired for votes. I’m thankful that I can make a disclosure which the public is entitled to know about and let the public judge my motives. I will continue to oppose any politician, no matter how big, who is opposed to the people being informed of the condition of our schools.”
Merchants Laud Crackdown on Street Peddlers
Camden Courier-Post —
Nuisance Eliminated, They Say, Praising Action by Police
Completion of a 30-day clean-up of the street peddler nuisance in the downtown shopping district was acclaimed yesterday by a score of merchants who said police had enforced an ordinance requiring the vendors to keep moving at all times.
Police action was praised by each merchant. Many had complained previously against the vendors standing in store doorways or in front of display windows selling their wares such as pretzels, sewing bags, produce, etc.
Photos Tell Story
On October 18, The Courier-Post published several photographs of teen-age children hawking pretzels on the Camden Lits sidewalks and at the doorways during the heavy downpour of rain the previous Saturday night.
The problem was brought to the attention of Police Chief Gus Koerner, who ordered police to enforce the city ordinance on peddlers which requires they keep moving at all times.
Among the merchants commenting the problem has been eliminated, and praising the police for their cooperation were: G.L. McLean, manager, F. W. Woolworth store; Jack D. Neilson, assistant manager, J. C. Penney store; S. G. Hall, manager W. T. Grant store; Albert Rose, manager of Crawford Clothes; Furman Shaw, of F. L. Shaw, jewelers; Miss Leah Lipman, manager of the Deb Shop; Charles Reilly, assistant manager of Horn & Hardart Restaurant; a spokesman for Robert F. Hurley, of Bond Wine & Liquor store; Paul Rapp, manager of L. and M. Hausner cigar store.
Several weeks ago 19 merchants in the Broadway and Federal Street area signed a Camden County Chamber of Commerce petition urging city officials to take action on the peddler nuisance and shortly afterwards a Chamber delegation met personally with Director of Public Safety Aaron to present a direct appeal for relief.
13 Given Oath At City Hall as New Firemen
Camden Courier-Post —
Thirteen new firemen were sworn in today by Safety Director E. George Aaron in ceremonies at City Hall.
Beginning Sunday they will start a 90-day probationary period, during which they will receive instruction at the fire training school, 9th and Morgan sts.
All are war veterans and all are replacements in vacancies caused by deaths or retirements on pension. Their initial salary is $3800 a year, which may increase to a maximum of $4800 after two years.
Director Aaron announced that their appointment brings the fire department to its full strength of 250, except for four captaincies.
Those sworn in are Edward T. Irwin, 36, of 910 N. 24th st.; William Johns Hopkins, 32, of 830 Grant st.; Robert Richards Rowan Jr., 23, of 58 Erie st.; Alchester Warren, 34, of 776 Walnut st.; John Lynn Sterner, 27, of 2738 Lincoln ave.; Leon Carl Puszcykowski, 25, 3106 S. Congress rd.; Joseph Anthony Verderosa, 27, of 1193 Thurman st.; William J. O’Connor, 24, Apartment 281, 342 Dudley st.; Kenneth Clark, 23, of Apartment 295, 346 Dudley st.; Carl Richard Szalkowski, 33, of 1071 Thurman st.; Alfred Nigro, 29, of 912 S. 5th st.; Francis Paul Stibi, 26, of 329 Dailey st., and James Hovey Troutman, 28, of 2944 High st.
Ten Retired Camden Policemen Praised, Receive Gold Badges
Camden Courier-Post —
At Benevolent Group Dinner:
By James M. Neville
Ten retired members of the Camden Police Department answered their last roll call Tuesday night.
They received gold retirement badges and lifelong membership cards in the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association at the second annual dinner of Local 35 in Kenney’s.
Their ages ranged from 52 to 65 and collectively they represented a total of 327 years of service to the city.
“You have put aside badges and clubs and now the new men can take over,” commented guest speaker County Judge Anthony C. Mitchell.
Lauded By Judge
“You can go home tonight and look in the mirror and say: ‘I wasn’t the worst cop in the world,’ for some of you are among the finest men we’ve had in the department over the years. You deserve your reward of retirement now,” the judge said.
E. George Aaron, commissioner of police, who was toastmaster, said some of the retiring men being honored by more than 125 members and guests “have given good and long service.”
“I’ve worked with them and I’ve lived with them,” continued Aaron.
“We have one of the finest and hardest working police departments in the state or anywhere. I even think the public is now aware of that, with a new respect for the policeman today.”
Retiring Officers
Those retiring in the year 1957–58 are:
Insp. Walter E. Rewand, with 41 years; Det. Harry Kyler Sr., 35; Sgt. John Stanton, 35; Det. Benjamin Simon, 34; Ptl. Samuel Corsella, 32; Sgt. Karl Friedrichs, 31; Insp. Thomas P. Murphy, 30; Det. Marshall Thompson, 30; Det. Sgt. Clifford Carr, 30, and Ptl. William Thorn, 29.
Insp. Anthony Skolski, in charge of the patrol division, was also presented with a gold card in a leather case for outstanding service, along with a lifelong membership.
Sgt. Joseph Hooven was given a silver card and lifelong membership for outstanding work. Hooven is in charge of auto investigation division.
Juvenile Problem
In lauding the hard tasks confronting the policeman of today, both Judge Mitchell and Commissioner Aaron rapped the soft attitude of the public toward juveniles who consistently break the law.
“Unfortunately everybody is worried about the juveniles,” Judge Mitchell said.
“We are not worried, as we should be, about the man who has his car stolen, his purse robbed, his daughter molested.
“Instead, everybody’s worried about poor little Johnny, who’s always in trouble with the police.
“Sometimes you have to struggle just to keep your hands off Johnny. You even feel like doing what his father should have done.
“The ability of today’s patrolman to hold within the line of duty, keep his hands off, hold his patience with little Johnny, is commendable.”
Law Change Urged
“What Judge Mitchell has said is important to you policemen,” said Aaron. “Before I entered police work I considered myself something of a reformer. But ever since I came up against these youngsters who don’t mind breaking the law, I’ve found it very disturbing.
“I’d like to see the Legislature pass a law reducing the age from 18 to 16.
“I have no quarrel with arguments about broken homes and other causes for misbehavior, but we must see to it that these youngsters do not do more damage.”
The commissioner pointed out that only two percent of the youth in the nation can be classified as delinquent.
‘But that adds up to a considerable number when you figure it out,’ he stated. “Besides, we have first-hand evidence that these youngsters can be real nasty. Some are sadistic and cruel to a point that few adults realize.
Defiance Shown
“When taken into custody, these youngsters know that nothing is going to happen to them, which doesn’t make the job of the policeman any easier.
“It seems to me that a lot of these youngsters must be taught they can’t do wrong before 18 years of age and get away with it.”
Second Vice President Mike Lombardi, of Maple Shade, informed the membership that plans are underway to present a bill in the Legislature which will provide policemen with three-fourths full pay, instead of one-half, for 20 years service.
Other speakers included Sen. Joseph W. Cowgill who said he would vote for any legislation favoring policemen.
“I have always and will always support any legislation which is reasonable,” he added.
“The Camden police department has lost much in the retirement of these 10 good men.”
Camden Courier-Post — January 6, 1960
The former city commissioner has a sumptuous city residence and beautiful country home with his own big private lake. How this basso has escaped the Met, goodness only knows; and how he has escaped roping by the gals, only he knows. It may be because of his wide practice … but that’s at law. An eminent barrister and astute investor, it has been said that occasionally he is called upon to lend money to Fort Knox.
E. George Aaron, Ex-Camden Aide, Attorney, Is Dead
Camden Courier-Post —
Public Safety Director for Nine Years
E. George Aaron, former public safety director and an attorney active in Camden’s public, civic and philanthropic affairs more than 30 years, is dead. Mr. Aaron died shortly before 8 p.m. Thursday in the Cherry Hill Apartments, Delaware Township, where he had lived since March 1.
Also a former board of education member, Mr. Aaron was elected to the City Commission in 1939 and served as Public Safety Director from 1950 to 1959. Well known as a public official, particularly for his efforts in behalf of the Jewish homeland of Israel, he was one of the pioneer leaders here of the Israel Bond effort.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday in Beth-El Synagogue, Park blvd. and Belleview ave. Burial will be in Carmel Cemetery, Carmel.
Mr. Aaron is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Barbara Pintoff, of New York City, and Mrs. Susan Triedman, of Providence, R.I.; two sisters, Mrs. Sophie Saltzman, of Philadelphia, and Miss Elizabeth Aaron, of Camden; three brothers, Jacob L. and Edward, of Philadelphia, and Henry, of New York City, and two grandchildren.
Joseph J. McComb, Camden labor leader and long-time personal friend to Mr. Aaron, told The Courier-Post Mr. Aaron, ill 18 months, had taken a turn for the worse last October while trying a case in court at Mt. Holly.
Born in Mizpah, Cumberland County, in 1901, Aaron attended the Carmel Grammar School and was graduated from Bridgeton High School and Temple Law School. He became a counsellor in 1931 five years after being admitted to the bar.
Charitable, civic and fraternal organizations always interested Mr. Aaron. He sponsored tuberculosis examinations of children in Camden’s public schools and advocated complete medical attention and full treatment of children in public schools of the state.
A vigorous speaker and a man large of stature, he was chairman and master of ceremonies at the gathering of 100,000 persons who welcomed President Roosevelt on Roosevelt Plaza in front of City Hall. He was secretary to the majority leader of the House of Assembly in 1933.
He was a former chairman of the Local Assistance Board and during War II was chairman of the OPA Rationing Board in the city. He was a member of the Camden County Planning Board.
He headed the March of Dimes effort in the county and played a key part in development of that organization. He was a member of the Camden County Bar Association, the New Jersey Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Mizpah Lodge 245, FAM, North Camden Square Club, Excelsior Consistory, Crescent Temple Shrine and Camden Lodge 295, Elks.
He had been a director of the Camden County Chapter, American Red Cross, a member of the Level Club and the YMCA. He served as chairman of the Camden County Jewish Appeal, chairman of the Special Purchase Committee for Israel Bonds, and served as a vice president and member of the board of Congregation Beth El.
More than 400 persons attended a dinner in the Walt Whitman Hotel in February, 1953, when civic, labor and public officials joined in honoring Mr. Aaron.
Mr. Aaron, while in charge of public welfare in Camden, was praised by state officials for his cooperation. A strict advocate of law and order, when first named Public Safety Director Mr. Aaron said “We declare war on the murderers, crooks and robbers and other criminals . . . There will be no truce.”
The joyful roar as Stretches took over
Camden Courier-Post —
By STEPHEN M. O’KEEFE
Former Courier-Post City Editor
The roar of a huge newspaper press may be likened to thunder. It’s actually painful to the ears, but on May 14, 1947, that noise was regarded as a joyful symphony.
That’s when the Courier-Post Newspapers resumed publication under the management of the late Harold A. Stretch, ending three and one-half months of dismal silence. The Morning Post and the Evening Courier had been suspended Jan. 31, 1947, when J. David Stern sold them to the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.
The sale had been triggered by a three-month strike. Both papers continued publication through the strike, as did the Philadelphia Record, a subsidiary. The Record, which also was purchased by the Bulletin, was never published again.
STRETCH, WHO had an extensive background in the advertising field, acquired the Courier-Post in a family venture with his wife, Frances Gilmartin Stretch, their daughter, Jane A., and two sons, Harold A. Jr. and William A. All became active in management. William A. Stretch, now president and publisher, is directing the newspaper’s observance of the 100th anniversary.
The century of journalism dates from Oct. 2, 1875, with the first issue of The Daily Post, established by Henry L. Bonsall, a printer-editor who was the first president of the Camden County Historical Society.
Members of the Stretch family were central figures in the small group which waited for the first copies to emerge from the press in mid-May of 1947. They had been keyed-up by 11 days of tense preparations.
THE BIG machine, with thousands of components, started slowly when fully plated. The first sheets through the folder were hastily scanned, then a couple of buttons pressed to send the mechanical giant into high speed, giving off a crescendo which in that moment rested harmoniously upon the ears.
After the first flush, the press was no more musical than high-speed line trains in the subway of North 5th Street. But the incessant hum dispelled the gloom caused by the labor strife — and its traumatic impact upon so many persons. The sound of the press also proclaimed the rebirth of two spirited newspapers. An eager populace welcomed them openly.
The first Stretch publication carried this eight-column headline:
“BRUNNER-RHONE CITY COMMISSION REELECTED.”
The banner’s subhead set forth that Frank A. Abbott topped the victorious ticket by 4,672 votes, that approximately 30,000 ballots were cast and that the five-man Progressive League slate carried four of the 14 city wards. Fifteen candidates were seeking the five seats on the city commission.
The winners:
Mayor George E. Brunner 15,152.
Dr. David S. Rhone 14,781.
E. George Aaron 15,154.
William Gotshalk 15,042.
Frank A. Abbott 15,548.
The Progressive League candidates and votes polled:
John Mohrfield 10,876.
Walter T. Welsh 10,598.
Mrs. Margaret K. Palese 10,598.
Stephen M. Grezeckzkowski 9,952.
John J. Fabian 9,304.
The Brunner-Rhone ticket campaigned as the Non-Partisan League. A founder of that organization, Edward J. Kelleher, topped a field of five independents, with 3,276 votes in the 1947 election. The other unsuccessful contenders were Milton C. Nurock, Paul J. Daly, Herman O. Kreher and Mrs. Doris M. Dodd.
MITCHELL H. COHEN, later to become U.S. District Court judge, was campaign manager for the Progressive League slate. He was Republican leader in the 2d Ward, where majorities ranging from 400 to 600 were rolled up against the winning ticket.
This was Dr. Rhone’s fifth election and Mayor Brunner’s fourth.
That inaugural edition also reported the election of Mayor J. Herbert Phillips of Mt. Ephraim and Edith M. Greenan at Avalon. Phillips was a longtime reporter for the Courier-Post. Miss Greenan had been a well-known resident of Camden before moving to Avalon.
THE NEW publisher of the Courier and Post took a stand against partisanship in a message to the people of South Jersey:
“This is the first issue of the Courier-Post Newspapers under their new management.
“These newspapers — The Evening Courier and The Morning Post — stand clear and free, responsible only to the community and to the dictates of their own conscience.
“ALL OF THE key executives and many of the employees who produced The Courier and The Post in the past are back at their desks. Their intelligence and their skills once more are going into the making of honest, progressive newspapers.
“There is another link with the old Courier-Post, which suspended publication three and a half months ago. That is the link of heritage and tradition, and of these the best will be retained.
“But even with this legacy of maturity, the reborn Courier-Post Newspapers are, in law and in fact, new institutions, bringing with them the vigor and the hopes of the young.
“AND BRINGING, too, this credo:
“To be independent newspapers, beholden to no political party, to no man or group of men, but dedicated to the general welfare of the community and, thus, of the nation.
“To work diligently and forcefully for all that contributes to the advancement and prosperity of South Jersey.
“To print the news without fear or favor. To present all sides of a dispute. To reserve opinion for the editorial page.
“To discharge faithfully their obligation as interpreter by commenting editorially, in forthright fashion, on matters of local and general interest.
“TO KEEP their sense of humor and to entertain and amuse as well as to inform.
“In short, to be faithful to their readers and to themselves by publishing an Evening Courier a Morning Post which are in keeping with the best spirit of American journalism.
“To this credo, the new Courier-Post Newspapers pledge themselves, their staff and their resources.
* * *
“It is the aim of these newspapers to be good neighbors — to rejoice in your good fortune and to share your problems.
“As good neighbors, we welcome your friendship and advice.
HAROLD A. STRETCH, Publisher
A CHAIN OF memories may be revived by mention of other stories that appeared in the Stretch family’s inaugural issue. A settlement of a statewide Bell Telephone strike was reported.
An incident that shook scores of families in Collingswood and vicinity rated a two-column head on the first page. It concerned suspension of 22 students from Collingswood High School for “dunking” 14 sophomores in the lake at nearby Knight’s Park.
The victims were completely clad but one of them prompted police action by stripping to dry his clothes and was arrested for indecent exposure. “Dunking” had been an annual custom, but this revival had an impact upon the dignity of the borough officials and residents.
THE FRONT page also carried reports of a probe into the fatal shooting of a Gloucester County jail inmate and the wounding of Warden Fred Simmler; the arrests of three Williamstown youths at Pitman who admitted taking part in 14 holdups during four months, and the theft of more than $400 in a safe robberies at Wilbur Watts High and the Robert Stacy school at Burlington.
Another story outlined property tax rate increases in 33 of the 36 Camden County municipalities. It also reported that a state tax of 2123 cents imposed for school aid purposes was eliminated in 1947. The Legislature is still wrestling with the problem of financing education.
News and editorial columns were devoted to the debate over whether Judge Bartholomew A. Sheehan and 13 other jurists could continue to serve if they were elected as delegates to the 1947 State Constitutional Convention.
JUDGE SHEEHAN avoided a legal tangle by resigning as a delegate, rather than quit the bench in compliance with a law barring jurists from any elective offices.
The stories mentioned here — with the obituaries, women’s pages, sports, comics and a substantial volume of advertising comprised a 38-page newspaper. It was gladly accepted by the public after a gloomy 14 weeks of deprivation.
Frankly, that first edition would suffer in comparison to today’s brighter, award-winning issues, which are produced in a plant so well-equipped that it seems to put the old facilities at 3d and Federal-Arch streets back into the dark ages.
BUT THE dungeon-like building where the Courier and Post were reborn had an atmosphere of oldtime journalism that stirs a nostalgia not attainable in the modern setting. Charley Humes, a bulky and ebullient reporter-writer who found more enjoyment in his work than an entire staff of today’s breed, two-fingered a typewriter with a melodic, opening-day column:
“Today marks an epic in journalism. For today a new baby, out of proud parents, is born.
“They are calling it The Evening Courier. Tomorrow its twin, The Morning Post, will see the light of day. The names derive from the ancestors, known and respected wherever newsmen gather.
“And already it is known that the new child will be a fighter, striking out clean and hard for the people it serves and the area to which it owes and will always owe a great responsibility. We intend to fulfill that responsibility.
“WHEN WE entered the building at 3d and Federal Streets this morning the air was electric. A feeling of tense expectancy gripped everyone. But it was a cool and confident tenseness.
“Everyone knew that the hour of arrival would be at 11 a.m. Everyone knew that Henny Danielson, boss man down there where the big presses stand, would press a button, bells would ring and out of the maws of the giant press another mighty newspaper would roll.
“Within seconds, big rollers would be going at full speed and papers would spew into the mailing and delivery room. Mailers, platform men and truck drivers would hustle them into bundles and away they’d go.
“MEANWHILE, before the fateful hour, lads down in advertising were checking last-minute proofs to make sure everything was OK. Up in the City Room the tempo was faster. We were going to press.
“Jack Ramsay, in the copy desk slot, was shouting “Copy!” Boys were running it to the composing room.
“Charley Klein was winding up police court news. Larry Wisely was rattling the keys with a yarn from Judge Sheehan’s court. Oscar Magnuson was explaining to a couple of vets that it would be impossible to get their picture in the first edition.
“Copy Reader ‘Buck’ Elliott was chuckling as he headed a newsy bit about girls which had just arrived from Burlington beatman Jake Weiner.
“FRANK RYAN and George Chaplin (editor and managing editor) rewriting and lugging copy, answering phones. The brass and the hoi polloi part of the teamwork.
“Earl Mazo fighting time with a piece on vets’ housing.
“Comments on the night staff which will come to do the job on the Post later today. Quips about City Editor Ralph Bull, Paul Webb, Frank Mulloy, Phil Buxton, Johnny Courter, Joe Garwood, Charley Schuck, Joe Wells, Adolph Stern and the others.
“Hilda Shivers, giving with the society stuff. Tom Ryan, Harry Rasmussen, Henry Quinton back in sports. Newsmen and women on the job.
“CITY EDITOR O’KEEFE wanted a new head on a No. 4. The old one did not tell the story, he said. Copyman Dan Boone obliged, with a grin.
“Telegraph wires buzzed with news of the world. Telegraph Editor Joe Forestal was slicing copy fast and efficiently. Heads were coming down the line, passing through O’Keefe to go out back. Jimmy O’Neill was directing makeup and barking orders here and there to the staff.
“Suddenly the pace slackened. It was deadline.
“Then the presses rolled. We were off.
“Everyone of us there in that City Room, and, we are sure, everyone in every department, had a feeling, a deep-rooted feeling that went away down into the pit of the stomach and sent chills of joy up the spine, that we would be a winner.
“WE KNEW WE were off to a good start and would not tire in the stretch.
“Some of us had been out to pasture during the past six months. Others were new faces. But everyone appeared freshened for the drive. Fit and ready, they call it at the races. That’s us. Fit and ready to give South Jersey the great newspaper it so badly needs and richly deserves. Fit and ready to run as long as time allows.
“Fit and ready to give the answer to the billion dollar question that has been on everyone’s lips for many months, from here to Oshkosh and back again: ‘When will the Courier come out again?’
“Here’s your answer, Bub, and thanks for buying us.”
THE CURTAIN came down wanted a new head on a No. 4. The old one did not tell the story, he said. Copyman Dan Boone obliged, with a grin.
“Telegraph wires buzzed with news of the world. Telegraph Editor Joe Forestal was slicing copy fast and efficiently. Heads were coming down the line, passing through O’Keefe to go out back. Jimmy O’Neill was directing makeup and barking orders here and there to the staff.
“Suddenly the pace slackened. It was deadline.
“Then the presses rolled. We were off.
“Everyone of us there in that City Room, and, we are sure, everyone in every department, had a feeling, a deep-rooted feeling that went away down into the pit of the stomach and sent chills of joy up the spine, that we would be a winner.
“WE KNEW WE were off to a good start and would not tire in the stretch.
“Some of us had been out to pasture during the past six months. Others were new faces. But everyone appeared freshened for the drive. Fit and ready, they call it at the races. That’s us. Fit and ready to give South Jersey the great newspaper it so badly needs and richly deserves. Fit and ready to run as long as time allows.
“Fit and ready to give the answer to the billion dollar question that has been on everyone’s lips for many months, from here to Oshkosh and back again: ‘When will the Courier come out again?’
“Here’s your answer, Bub, and thanks for buying us.”
THE CURTAIN came down on the opening-day drama when buttons were pressed to bring the press to a gradual halt. The day staff dwindled and nightside newsmen trickled in to prepare copy for the first Monring [sic] Post under the new publisher. Workers in the mechanical departments soon would be doing the same, and the plant that so long was idle would be humming again.
From then on it would be the old daily routine of writing, editing and printing the ever-changing panorama of life in South Jersey and throughout the world.
The Stretch family had staked its resources in this venture, and entwined with their destiny was the fate of several hundred workers and the numerous commercial enterprises in this area which depended upon the services of the two newspapers.
THE NEW publisher became the heart of an energetic organization. His daughter, Jane, and sons, Harold A. Jr. and William A., began here as sparkplugs in the advertising department and each manifested interest in the more fascinating news room and staff. All were actively identified with the numerous civic undertakings directed toward progress of the community.
The family soon moved from homes in Pennsylvania and Trenton to take part in the life of the city and suburbs throughout Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties.
Frank H. Ryan directed the news and editorial units, while Walter L. Tushingham carried on as chief aide in the business end. Scores of new faces appeared among the personnel through the entire plant and there was a steady increase in new facilities.
ALL SEEMED to mesh ideally into the operation. Extensive advances in advertising lineage, local and national, gave a bright outlook to the publications. The Stretch family took on a heavy burden in the $500,000-a-year amortization schedule, but this was disbursed in half the alloted [sic] five-year span.
Prudent management dictated a merger of the two papers in September, 1949 — the morning paper became a part of the evening paper under the title of the Courier-Post.
The smooth course of events was jolted in November, 1950, when a heart attack hospitalized Stretch. A month later he went to his winter home in Delray Beach, Fla., for a rest. He died Feb. 1, 1951, in St. Mary’s Hospital, West Palm Beach. He was mourned in newspaperdom as a man of integrity, ability, enterprise, ambition and high principle.
With Bishop Bartholomew J. Eustace presiding, a solemn requiem Mass was celebrated by a close friend of the family, the late Rev. Francis J. Hegarty, in the cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Burial was at Newtown, Pa.
MRS. STRETCH was elected president and publisher to succeed her husband and actively directed the family corporation with Harold A. Jr. as vice president, Jane A. as secretary, and William A. treasurer and general manager.
The death in November, 1954, of Frank Ryan was the next blow. This occurred during preparations for transfer of the company’s facilities to the present plant at Cuthbert Boulevard and Hampton Road in Cherry Hill, which occurred in July, 1955.
Ryan, long one of the most influential newsmen in New Jersey, had a hand in the design of the present building but its construction was not completed at the time of his death. Jane Stretch became editor in 1954 after being associated with Ryan up to that time. She retired June 1, 1963 and now resides with her mother in Carmel, Calif. Harold A. Jr. also is retired and lives in California.
WHEN WILLIAM A. STRETCH became publisher and president after his mother retired, Jane served as assistant publisher and secretary of the corporation. She became recognized as one of the most active women in American journalism.
Her series of articles under the heading “Random Thoughts,” proved popular in the early 1960s.
ONE OF THE major steps in the history of the Courier-Post took place in 1959 when negotiations led to its affiliation with the Gannett Group, based in Rochester, N.Y. William Stretch has continued to head the local organization and serves on the Gannett board of directors, as well as supervising the Suburban Newspaper Group, also a member of the Gannett system.
Courier-Post Photo by Jack Wolfer
BRONZE “MAKE-UP MAN,” commissioned in 1925 by J. David Stern, is now housed in the Printers Home, Colorado Springs. The statue was on exhibit at the Sesquicentennial in Philadelphia in 1926. Model for the Max Kalish statue was the late Charles W. Goodwin, a Courier-Post employe whose four sons later worked at the newspaper.
Courier-Post Photo
COURIER-POST EXECUTIVES and those involved in the construction of the present building on Cuthbert Boulevard, Cherry Hill, turn out on this sunny day on July 20, 1954 for groundbreaking ceremonies. Pictured in foreground (from left) are W. R. Hughes, president of Hughes-Foulkrod Construction Co.; Frank H. Ryan; Jane A. Stretch; Harold A. Stretch Jr.; Mrs. Harold A. Stretch; William A. Stretch and Louis T. Klauder, architech-engineer. Behind first row is Arthur Milnamow, Klauder’s partner. On top row are the late Neal E. Dyer, business manager and mechanical superintendent Leroy P. Evans, comptroller and Maurice Platt, former advertising director.
Camden: springboard into Philadelphia, N.Y. newspaper markets
Camden Courier-Post —
By STEPHEN M. O’KEEFE
Former Courier-Post City Editor
Shredding a $75,000 check was a fleeting scene in the drama which attended the waning hours of the Post-Telegram and its transfer in January, 1926, to the Evening Courier.
From an atmosphere of gloom — scores felt a newspaper was doomed — emerged a livlier and more interesting publication, The Morning Post.
The name of the Telegram, founded Feb. 24, 1886, faded away as it approached its fortieth milestone. In the case of the Post, the transition meant a new life for the original unit of today’s Courier-Post, which observed its centennial Oct. 2.
The Morning Post fit neatly into the enlarged Courier plant. Publishing both a morning and evening paper was a major operation. Among the new staff hired to handle the increased workload were a number of erstwhile P-T employes. The hostility that had divided the rival papers during the few previous years was replaced by harmony.
MANY IMPORTANT decisions were made in the new operation. The publisher, J. David Stern, had surrounded himself with men who could act decisively. The Morning Post rolled off the press with a new format and new headline type, distinctly different from the Courier. Many of the stories in the morning paper were picked up in the evening editions with only slight revisions in the text, but with headlines that varied.
The key men in the news, business and mechanical departments were Harry T. Saylor, Walter L. Tushingham and Elmer C. Pratt. Tushingham was regarded by Stern as one of the chief assets he acquired with purchase of the Courier in December, 1919.
“Tush” was a solid citizen with numerous personal contacts and carried with him some old-school business training and a fixed dedication to the interests of the Courier starting in the 1890s.
Saylor and Pratt were trusted aides whom Stern had brought on from Springfield, Ill., in 1920. Each displayed mastery in his craft.
Neither the Courier nor the Post-Telegram ahd [sic] topped 13,000 circulation by 1920. A short time after the morning and afternoon editions were started the circulation of both was reported at 35,000. It was estimated that only about 3,000 persons purchased both papers on the same day. Within 20 years paid circulation rose to 80,000.
THE TWO STAFFS worked well in their separate rooms. Conflicts were few, although two of them developed into fist-swinging. In each event, harmony was quickly restored.
Election campaigns and the excitement of the balloting created interesting copy each year. Saylor and Stern generally strived to keep the papers in a more neutral stance than had been the case of the early 1920s. It was not always easy; in some years it was impossible, as the political winds shifted.
The elder Baird, who spent about 70 of his 88 years in Camden, was fated not to see his organization regain control of the city over which he reigned like a feudal lord. His death, Feb. 25, 1927, occurred less than three months before the Republican ticket fielded by his son won the municipal election.
That victorious ticket chose Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Price to be mayor. His colleagues were T. Yorke Smith, William D. Sayrs Jr., Dr. David S. Rhone and Clay W. Reesman. Those men and the jubilant party workers never knew how much Stern appreciated their election. The publisher privately expressed relief over being released from the burden of political overseer in Camden.
STERN STATED that he wanted to get out of politics and devote more time to his newspapers. He did and discovered boredom. Saylor, with his circle of Albert Haugh, Frank H. Ryan, Arthur D. Pierce and the silent Sam Laird, were the key figures in a team that handled everything so competently the publisher felt he could do nothing to improve the operation. He admitted he was simply another hand around the plant.
The business office showed similar efficiency under Tushingham, whose top associates were Frank Kinsella, Alfred Neef, Joseph V. Minon, Richard MacDonald, Joseph Hale, George Keary, David S. Loeb, Charles Bayliss Harold M. Snyder and Leroy P. Evans.
Pratt, as mechanical superintendent, relied upon William B. Wells, his son, J. William Wells, and Charles C. Testerman, in the composing room; James Toler and Nicholas Marterella and Ernest Pimble in the stereotyping department, and Henry Danielson and Francis X. Mooney, pressroom foremen. Mooney was succeeded by his son Francis, Jr., now in charge of the giant mechanical marvel which turns out current issues of the Courier-Post.
THE SMOOTH operations in Camden produced substantial profits and enabled Stern to dwell upon a long-standing desire to become a big-city publisher. The tottering Philadelphia Record loomed as his target. He bought it June 10, 1928.
As Stern reported the deal, the Courier-Post Company became owner of the Record with purchase of half the 350,000 common shares issued. Tons of complications followed in the wake of the transaction. These provided the publisher his desired change from the boredom of Camden. On top of that he directed launching of the Sunday Courier-Post, the first issue of which appeared March 3, 1929.
The Camden Sunday paper was well produced and became popular. Its first issues were designed to be a supplement to the Sunday Record, but after 32 weeks it was distributed as a separate paper and retained its popularity for 42 weeks. The Depression caught up with its adversiting [sic] lineage, unfortunately, and it was abandoned Aug. 17, 1930.
IRONICALLY, Stern’s memoirs contained no mention of the Sunday Courier-Post. Yet, it helped promote Stern’s Record in South Jersey, and it was provocative to the Inquirer, which sought to prohibit stores and newsboys from selling the Inquirer if they dealt with the Courier-Post. That threat failed when the Courier-Post offered to deliver by special messengers, and Camden police threatened to arrest Inquirer circulation men and truck drivers.
At that time the Bulletin did not have a Sunday edition.
Despite the complications encountered in his first five years of publishing the Record, Stern was persuaded to take control of the New York Post in 1933. Some attractive financial inducements were offered, but one of the principal reasons Stern entered into the transaction was to promote the interests of his friend, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Stern sold the Post in 1939.
DURING THE next eight years destined to round out his career, Stern was a principal in a controversy which has gone down as an epoch in American Journalism He had become the first publisher to promote the interests of the American Newspaper Guild, resigning from the national publishers association because of what he described as its unfair attitude toward the guild.
He signed the initial Guild contract for the Record and the two Camden papers on April 8, 1934. In the summer of 1935 he signed an agreement with the New York Guild, making the Post first in that city with a contract.
Prolonged negotiations with the Philadelphia-Camden Newspaper Guild in 1946 ended in deadlock, and the organization he had sponsored staged a walkout which lasted 13 weeks, Nov. 1, 1946 to Jan. 31, 1947. On that date he announced sale of the Courier, Morning Post, the Philadelphia Record, Radio Station WCAU, and a Canadian paper mill. The Evening Bulletin in Philadelphia reportedly paid $12 million.
THE RECORD never reappeared. Its facilities were used to enable the Bulletin to publish a Sunday paper.
After another 13 weeks, during which Camden had no daily paper, the Courier and Post resumed publication under management of Harold A. Stretch, who had been advertising manager of the Inquirer.
The date was May 14, 1947. The main news story of the day was on the re-election of Mayor George E. Brunner, Dr. David S. Rhone, E. George Aaron, William C. Gotshalk and Frank A. Abbott for another four-year term as Camden City commissioners. It was the fourth term for Brunner and the fifth for Dr Rhone.
MORNING POST reports Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.
Courier-Post Photo by Carl A. Breitinger
EDWARD UNCHIS, a Courier-Post mailer, demonstrates how newspapers are rolled for mailing. Despite modern advances in other departments, handrolling is still the most efficient. But, you don’t have to tell that to Paul Skolski (left) or Gildon E. Kille, they know. Sixty-nine years ago, Kille was doing the wrapping himself and this Oct. 28, Skolski celebrates his 52nd year with the Courier-Post.
Golden Jubilee Year Book Committee
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
1893 - 1943
ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH
(EAST CAMDEN)
Twenty-ninth Street and Westfield Avenue, Camden, N. J.
REV. EDWARD A. McKENNA
Honorary Chairman
PETER GALLAGHER
Chairman
HARRY LEONARD
Co-Chairman
HON. EDWARD V. MARTINO
Co-Chairman
HON. BARTHOLOMEW SHEEHAN
Co-Chairman
REV. GEORGE E. SHARKEY
Treasurer
DOM. J. DiNUNZIO, Secretary
National Representative, Transportation Advertising, Public Service Coordinated Transport
GEORGE AARON
Commissioner of Public Affairs, Camden, N. J.
FRANK ABBOTT
Commissioner of Public Works, Camden, N. J.
VINCENT AVELLINO
U. S. Tire Service
GEORGE E. BRUNNER
Mayor of Camden
ARTHUR DeRUNTZ
Manager, Camden Br. Lee Tire Co.
VINCENT CONLEY
Member of Parish
BENJAMIN DZICK
Acting Judge, Camden Police Court
LOUIS FROELICH
Salesman, F. G. Vogt Co.
WM. C. GOTSCHALK
Commissioner of Parks, Camden, N. J.
JOHN GREEN
National President, Industrial Union Marine & Shipbuilding Workers, CIO
GEORGE HELKER
Agent, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Dept.
WILBERT J. HIGBEE
Cashier, Third National Bank & Trust Co.
JOHN KRONENWETTER
East Camden Newspaper Agency
DR. ETHAN A. LANG
President, Camden Board of Education
JAMES LOUGHLIN
General Mgr., Phila. Branch, General Carloading Co.
GENE R. MARIANO
Prosecutor of the Pleas, Camden County
DR. ARTHUR McCARTHY
Physician
JOSEPH McCOOMBS
Business Agent, Retail Clerks Int. P. A. Local (A. F. of L.)
FRANK McHUGH
McHugh Tire Service
JAMES MULLIGAN
Captain, Camden County Detective Bureau
WILLIAM J. MYLES
Myles Transportation
JOHN O’NEAL
President, Truck Drivers & Helpers Local (A. F. of L.)
EDWARD QUINLAN
Director Camden County Board of Freeholders
DR. DAVID S. RHONE
Commissioner of Public Safety
THOMAS C. SCHNEIDER
Member Camden County Board of Freeholders
WILLIAM SEDLAK
Supervisor, Acme Steel Co.
History of the City of Camden
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
GEORGE BRUNNER, MAYOR
Director of Revenue and Finance
When Camden was incorporated as a city in 1828, its area was a little less than four square miles, or 2496 acres. Its population was 1143.
The city government was at first provided with one recorder and five aldermen, elected at a joint meeting of the Legislature, with five common councilmen elected by the people. The Mayor was elected by the council.
Although nominally a city, Camden was still actually in tutelage. Her powers were curtailed by the superior negative of Newton Township. But in 1831 this authority was removed and Camden itself was given township powers. There then ensued a period of confusion resulting from the ill-defined powers granted the city and the township.
Camden County was created in 1844, and in the same year the Mayor was elected by popular vote. In 1848 the city was divided into three wards—north, middle and south wards. Each ward was apportioned two councilmen and one chosen freeholder.
The Dudley charter of 1850 gave the City Council certain tax-levying powers not previously enjoyed. In 1857 Council was given authority to survey and map out the city and to provide that all new streets should conform to this survey.
One supplement after another was added in 1860, 1864 and 1866. In 1864 the people were empowered to elect a City Treasurer, a City Surveyor, and a City Solicitor, each for a term of two years. These officials had previously been elected by Council.
In 1870 the borders of the town were enlarged. On February 14 of the following year a new charter, attributed to Alden C. Scovel, City Solicitor at the time, was approved. This inaugurated a new era in the City’s history.
The town of Stockton was absorbed in 1899, giving the city an area of 9.56 square miles.
The commission form of government was inaugurated in 1923. The present commissioners are George E. Brunner, Mayor, Director of Revenue and Finance; David, Rhone [sic], Director of Public Safety; Frank A. Abbott, Director of Public Works; E. George Aaron, Director of Public Affairs; William C. Gotshalk, Director of Parks and Public Property.
From a little ferry town, Camden has developed into one of the ranking cities of the country. It is the home of the largest radio and talking-machine industry in the world, the largest soup canning company, the largest steam-heating plant manufacturer, the largest steel-pen manufacturer, the largest privately owned shipyard, the largest wool-scouring plant, the largest glazed-kid manufacturer, the largest manufacturer of auto polishes, waxes, soaps and lubricants. The city’s industries total about 300 firms.
Camden labor is also progressive. It is noteworthy that the first union organized under the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1936 was Local No. 1, Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers. There is a practical, realistic spirit of cooperation and harmony between management and labor that augurs well for the future welfare of Camden’s industries and Camden’s citizens.
Camden City Commissioners
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
DAVID RHONE
Director of Public Safety
WILLIAM C. GOTSHALK
Director of Parks and Public Property
FRANK A. ABBOTT
Director of Public Works
E. GEORGE AARON
Director of Public Affairs
Patrons
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
E. George Aaron
Mrs. Mary Allen
Mr. and Mrs. Applegate
Mr. and Mrs. John F. Applegate
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Altadonna
The Armstrong Family
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Austermuhl
Mr. and Mrs. David Ayres
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Behl
Harold W. Bennett
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bloodgood
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bowen
Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Bowman
William T. Boyle
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brett
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brothman
James J. Brown, U. S. C. G.
Mrs. Anna Burke
Mrs. Margaret Burkett
Mrs. George Burrell
Mr. and Mrs. Busarella
Miss Katherine Byrne
Mrs. Catherine Cahill
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Cahill
William T. Cahill
Mrs. Mary E. Carson
Mrs. Margaret Carberry
Platoon Sgt. John F. Carberry
William J. Carberry
Mr. John Carroll
Mr. and Mrs. M. V. Casey
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Cazello
Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Colsey
Mrs. Elizabeth F. Connell
Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Connor
The Conrad Family
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Conway
Mr. and Mrs. James Campbell
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Clark
Mr. and Mrs. James Corbett
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Coyle
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Coyne
Mrs. Mary Culver
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Curran
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dabrowski
Mr. and Mrs. D’Alessandro
Mr. and Mrs. Felix D’Aloise
Mrs. Anna Dalton
Mr. and Mrs. William Deal
Mr. and Mrs. John Deckenback
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Dahm
Dr. and Mrs. John A. Del Duca
John Dempsey
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Denham
Mrs. and Miss Anna Devenny
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Devenny
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dillenschneider
Mr. and Mrs. John V. Dillenschneider
Mr. and Mrs. Ermin Di Loreto
John R. Di Mona
Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Di Nunzio
Miss Maria M. Di Nunzio
Mr. and Mrs. James Dooley, Sr.
Mr. Michael Dooley
Mr. and Mrs. John Dougherty
Mr. John Dunn
Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Durand
Mr. and Mrs. William Durkin
Mr. and Mrs. G. Dustman
Benjamin J. Dzick
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Eagan
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Erwin
Miss Theresa Esposito
Mr. and Mrs. M. Evans
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Farina
Miss Alice J. Fearn
Mr. and Mrs. R. Francesconi
Mrs. Marie Frank
A Friend
Samuel T. French
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Froelich
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Froelich
Mr. Patrick Gallagher
Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Gallagher
Mrs. William Gannon and Family
Mrs. C. Gardner
Charles Garrity and Family
Mrs. Ann M. Gehret
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gehringer
Mr. and Mrs. James A. Gillespie
Mr. and Mrs. James Gilmore
Miss Ann Gleason
Mr. and Mrs. M. Gerald Gleeson
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Gerst
Mr. and Mrs. John Gorman
Mr. and Mrs. Howard H. Gosa
Mrs. Thomas Grace
Mr. and Mrs. George Greenberg
Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Grogan
Mrs. Viola Gross
Miss Mary Gugan
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Hanaghue
Miss Mary Hanaghue
Ensign and Mrs. Howard R. Hannold
Mr. and Mrs. Al Hanson
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Harrigan
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harrington
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hartman
Mr. and Mrs. John Healey
Miss Anna Heimlich
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Heimlich
Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Heimlich
Mrs. Robert Heimlich
Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Henry
Mrs. Agnes and Anges [sic] Henwood
Mr. and Mrs. Aloysius Henwood
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Henwood
Jerome Henwood
Joseph Henwood
William Henwood
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hirsch
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Hitchcock
Mrs. E. Hollison
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hooven, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Erskine Hopkins
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Huckle
Mr. and Mrs. George Huder, Sr.
James F. Hufner
Mr. P. Hungridge
Mr. and Mrs. Hyde
Mrs. Catherine Irwin
Mr. and Mrs. George Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Jubanyik
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kane, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Keefe
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kelly
Mr. and Mrs. John Kerley
Emily Killmer
Catherine King
Julia V. Kirk
Raymond T. Kirk
Rev. Thomas F. Kirk
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Klostermann
Mrs. B. Knight
Bertha Kronenwetter
Helen Kronenwetter
Mr. and Mrs. John Kronenwetter
Life Hereabouts
Camden Courier-Post —
BY CHARLEY HUMES
THIS IS A STORY of Mailman Harry Wolff and his two Pals.
Harry’s mail route is the district down in the vicinity of the New York Shipyard.
And every morning, rain or shine, snow or sleet, he is greeted when he leaves the bus at Broadway and Viola street by two dogs, one large and the other small.
As he carries his heavy pouch through the district delivering the mail, they trot at his side, apparently happy as all get-out to help him deliver the mail.
When he stops at private residences, they stand nearby until he leaves. When he enters factories, or places of business, they usually try to follow him inside, knowing there is a good chance for a handout or a drink of water.
After the deliveries are made, they escort Harry back to the bus line and bark a goodbye as he leaves them.
One day, the larger of the dogs entered the bus and would not leave until Harry got off, too. Neighbors report their conduct as mannerly and affectionate.
They have no pedigrees, but don’t let Harry catch you stating they are not thoroughbreds, none-the-less.
* * *
TODAY is the 24th anniversary of the arrival of Dr. Martin Collier as superintendent of the T. B. Hospital at Lakeland. And come December it will be the 25th anniversary of the hospital itself.
We thought we would mention it here, even though we are sure there will be a feature story on Dr. Collier and his great work, along with that of his staff, in the regular news section within a day or so.
* * *
WHILST SPEAKING of Lakeland, something should be done about providing additional entertainment for the patients in the institutions there.
Until a few weeks ago, there was a group of performers who made regular visits and helped the morale of these shutins.
You must remember, a majority of the patients at Lakeland are not there for an hour, a day, a week or a month. They must spend many, many months fighting their way back to health.
And a hospital, despite the care and attention of the staffs, can get to be a mighty lonely and depressing place to spend day after day in ill health.
We were told the hospitals provide certain types of entertainment, but a lot of the vaudeville acts that abound this area today would help a lot.
* * *
WORD has arrived it happened in a downtown store.
An old lady, her clothes clean but worn, walked up to a clerk and asked to see some rugs. She picked out two, then purchased a small bedroom suite, some lamps and other household furniture.
The clerk who served her was kind, but thought he was humoring the old lady more than anything else. He did not expect the purchases to stand, and more so when she named an address on a side street where the folks have to work hard to get along.
But he was wrong, dead wrong. Because the old lady opened a worn handbag and paid for the goods in CASH.
“Ain’t going to be around too much longer,” she remarked. “And I’m tired of the old stuff around the house. These will make the place much cozier.”
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IN CASE you don’t know it, Our Town is Hot. Else why would state troopers be walking around the streets in civilian attire?
Saw two of them ourself, and a fellow reporter told me of a couple more.
They could be looking for some character wanted by the law, though. Bet the next one we see wil [sic] tell us, else he is going to have the pleasure of our company as he makes his rounds (and even Joe Camp won’t put us out this time.)
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POLICE COMMISSIONER E. George Aaron is in Florida for a two-week vacation . . . Bill Macdonald and his missus have been back for several days now . . . word comes that Frank Leonard has purchased at least two dozen flamingos at the Hialeah Race Track (now closed) so that he will feel at home when he visits Garden State Park this spring. . . . Joe Campbell is very happy over his appointment as custodian of Woodrow Wilson High school . . . There are so many cases around of Virus X, the flu and other illnesses, including the common cold, that many drug stores in town have been getting drug deliveries twice daily to keep up with the prescriptions . . . what’ll we do if our druggist gets ill. . . .
Chickadee Abbott is going full blast at repairing holes in the street now that the weather allows the asphalt to harden . . . The walls will bulge when friends toss County Detective Chief “Larry” Doran a testimonial dinner on his retirement on April 16. . . .
The following is reprinted from this week’s PBA News:
“It’s a funny thing Frank La Salle, a confirmed sex pervert who has been in and out of jail the last few years for attacking little children, got off so easy in the past. On his last arrest he was sentenced to 2½ to 5 years on each charge when he attacked five girls in Pennsauken. He was released in 18 months.”