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. Lickfield 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.
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
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.
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.
Camden Courier-Post — November 17, 1949
Van Pfefferle Acting Head Of Fire Dept.
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.
Camden Courier-Post — November 29, 1949
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 W. Frost, who resigned Jan. 1, 1948. Captain Samuel Johnson had been acting chief since then. — Gustav A. Koerner — George W. Frost — E. George Aaron — John Garrity — Walter Mattison — Albert Cornog — Edward Carroll — Samuel Johnson — Angelo Malandra — Bart A. Sheehan — Nathaniel Petit — David S. Rhone — Mitchell Cohen — Charles T. Humes
Camden Courier-Post — May 16, 1950
Named: Benjamin Dzick, Anthony M. Lario, John R. DiMona, E. George Aaron, Mitchell H. Cohen, Rocco Lario, Frank M. Lario, Dr. David S. Rhone, Pine Street, and North 35th Street.
Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1950
5 COPS, 4 FIREMEN, ALL WAR 2 VETS NAMED BY AARON
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.
Camden Courier-Post — August 12, 1950
NINE SAFETY AIDES SWORN BY AARON
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.
Camden Courier-Post — May 22, 1953
Pension Granted To Fire Captain Hurt at Blaze
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.
Camden Courier-Post — November 6, 1953
Santa Gets Early Start:
Drop-a-Buck Club Organizes Drive To Aid Needy Families at Christmas
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.
(Continued on Page 6—Column 5)
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.
Camden Courier-Post — December 31, 1953
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.
Camden Courier-Post — December 30, 1955
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.
Camden Courier-Post — May 7, 1958
At Benevolent Group Dinner:
Ten Retired Camden Policemen Praised, Receive Gold Badges
By James M. Neville
Ten retired members of the Camden Police Department attended a dinner Sunday night.
They received gold retirement badges and lifelong membership cards in the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association at the annual dinner of Local 35 in Kenney’s.
Their ages ranged from 52 to 65 and collectively they represented 327 years of service to the city.
“You have put in some 327 years and we must do more — make sure these youngsters can take over,” commented guest speaker County Judge Anthony C. Mitchell.
Landed By Judge
“You can go home tonight and look yourself in the mirror — say, it wasn’t the worst cop in the world, for some of you were among the finest men we’ve had in the department over the years. I even think there are more in retirement now,” the judge said.
A. George Aaron, commissioner of police, who was toastmaster, said some of the retiring men and guests, “have given some long service.”
“We have one of the finest and hardest working police departments in the state,” he said. “I even think the public is now aware of that, with a new respect for the policeman today.”
Retiring Officers
Retiring in the year 1957-58 are:
Insp. Walter E. Rowand, with 40 years; Det. Harry Kyler, 35; Sgt. John Stanton, 35; Det. Benjamin Simon, 34; Ptl. Samuel A. Corsella, 32; Sgt. Bernard Friedrichs, 31; Insp. Thomas P. Murphy, 30; Sgt. Marshall Thompson, 30; Det. Clifford Carr, 30; and Ptl. William Thorn, 20.
Joseph 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.
Joseph E. Aaron was given a silver card and lifelong membership for outstanding work. Aaron is in charge of audio investigation division.
Juvenile Problem
Among the hardest tasks confronting the policeman of today, both Judge Mitchell and Commissioner Aaron Mitchell said, is the attitude of the public toward youngsters who consistently break the law.
“Unfortunately everybody is worried about the juvenile,” Judge Mitchell said.
“You’re not worried, as you should be, about the man who has his car stolen, his purse snatched or his home looted. Instead, everybody’s worried about poor little Johnny, who’s off-duty, breaking the law. You even feel like asking what his father should have done.”
“The ability of today’s patrolman is to hold new men on difficult duty, keep his hands off, hold his patience with little Johnny — unless he’s 18.”
Law Change Urged
“The age of responsibility,” said Aaron. “Before I entered police work I considered myself something of a reformer. But as a result of working with these youngsters who don’t mind breaking the law, I’ve found it makes a difference.”
“I’d like to see the Legislature pass a law reducing the age from 18 to 17.”
[Article continues]
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.”