Edward Garrity
Edward C. Garrity
EDWARD GARRITY was active in Camden politics and civic affairs from the 1920s until his death in 1963 at the age of 65. He was elected to the City Commission in 1955 and 1959, and among other posts he held over the years included Director of Public Safety.
On April 3, 1954 a banquet was held at Kenney’s restaurant on Market Street in honor of retiring Camden Police Department detective August Pfleiderer. Joseph Mardino chaired the committee which put the banquet together. Other members of the committee include Clifford Carr, Harry Tracy, George Ellis, Nathaniel Jones, James Mulligan, Russell Maurer, Samuel E. Johnson, Edward C. Garrity, Frank H. Ryan, James M. O’Neill, Stephen M. O’Keefe, Edward J. Quinlan and Joseph Webster.
Edward C. Garrity died of a heart attack at his home, 1340 Chase Street, on August 13, 1963.
Connie’s Athletics Get 1400 Child Rooters from Camden
Camden Courier-Post —
It was a big day for the juvenile population of the Thirteenth ward in Camden yesterday when Edward Garrity, Republican committeeman, conducted his annual outing at Shibe Park in Philadelphia to see the Athletics oppose the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game. Above are seen the children aboard the buses which left from Louis and Whitman avenues. Included in the party were Commissioners Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone, Mrs. Marion Garrity and Police Lieutenant George Frost.
5 Accused Cops To Ask Rhone for Full Exoneration
Camden Courier-Post —
Claim Falsifications Of N. J. Work Record In Overpass Case
Director of Public Safety Rhone soon will be asked to “completely exonerate” five of eight Camden traffic officers who have been accused of accepting pay from the state for traffic duty at the Baird boulevard overpass during their regular city hours.
State Senator Wallace made that announcement today on behalf of Sgt. Anthony Skolski and Traffic Patrolmen Charles Hance, Martin Nelson, George Getley and Everett Joslin.
Wallace said he would base his appeal to Dr. Rhone on testimony produced at a preliminary hearing held yesterday on orders of Dr. Rhone for all eight men, including Captain Nathan Petit, and Sgts. James Wilson and Walter Vecander.
“There is no question that the payroll records which were the basis for the accusations against the five men I represent, were falsified,” Wallace said. “Sergeant Wilson, who kept the records admitted frequently in his testimony yesterday the records were ‘mistakes, errors and not based on actual time put in.’”
‘Charges Groundless’
“The whole hearing proved without doubt that the charges against the five men were groundless and I will ask Dr. Rhone to make a public statement that the records were falsified and these five men were blameless and not guilty of accepting state pay for work on city time.”
Wilson admitted at the hearing he did not pay the traffic men the full time recorded for them on the overpass payroll records. He was asked by Assistant City Solicitor Goldman:
“Then it comes down to the fact that the men in the traffic bureau only worked on their off hours. That the reports are mistakes. They only received the money to which they were entitled. You got more money than they were entitled to but you won’t tell us where that money went to, is that correct?”
“Yes,” Wilson answered.
Wilson said the hours marked on the payroll were a mistake and that they had been listed “at random” because “a man doesn’t have much time to himself on such a job.”
Asked by Goldman if he would care to reveal where the additional money went, Sergeant Wilson replied:
“No. I would not.”
Petit and Wilson both testified they worked 77 hours some weeks at the overpass scene, but insisted this was in addition to their regular 48 hours on city time.
The testimony was presented before Rhone and Goldman with Deputy Director Edward C. Garrity and Police Chief Samuel E. Johnson attending. A stenographer from Dr. Rhone’s office took notes. Newspapermen also were present but only one policeman was allowed in Dr. Rhone’s office at one time.
On behalf of the five men he represented, Wallace said:
“I represent these men and they are here for the purpose of having me make a statement and offer our cooperation to the director and deputy director in the investigation of this matter,” Wallace said.
“We did not anticipate there would be any hearing or that there would be questioning by the city counsel or that the statements would be taken by a stenographer. We have no objection to that except we did not receive the payroll sheets referred to here until a short time ago and we have been unable to determine who kept those payrolls. We have not had sufficient time to make a check of them.”
Worked on Own Time
“The statement of each man is the same. They were asked to do this work by Capt. Petit. They were paid by Sergeant Wilson. They didn’t sign any payroll sheets or checks and they were paid in cash. At no time did they receive money for work at this project for the time when they were supposed to be doing city duties. They did work on their off hours and were paid.
“They did not work such hours as have been stated in the press and they did not receive the compensation also published. At no time did they receive money for work during city hours. These men have daily reports from pull boxes and other records showing they carried on their public duties. These are records over which they had no control and were kept by someone else.”
Hold Duty Record
“They also have records in their own handwriting such as tags and summonses which were issued by them to motorists and will show the time when they were in various parts of the city doing traffic work.
“These records not only show the time but they show the man’s name and where it was he tagged the car. All these records have been turned into the department. We will be glad to compare our records and the alleged records of this contractor to show that regardless of the time shown in the record they did not work on city time. They were not required to use their motorcycles as it was all hand work, the mere turning of a light to relieve tie-ups and getting trucks through. They did wear their uniforms which they buy themselves with a small contribution by the city.
“Arrests were made at this project and will show the time these men worked there and that they were there to enforce the law and protect public property.”
“After examining the record will you be in a position to have the men come in and tell us where the discrepancies are?” Goldman ask [sic] Wallace.
Pledges Full Report
Wallace said he would, adding “we will make a full report so the case can be followed through. I would like to say in regard to Officer Hance he has a complete record of his work on this project and it shows he received only $289.75 while the payroll sheets as quoted in the newspapers said he received $469.50. He has a complete record of his pay and it shows he did not work there at any of the city time.”
In describing how he put in the time for the officers, Wilson told Goldman he tried to strike a “happy medium” by giving “an honest count.”
Both Petit and Wilson admitted that at no time did they ever tell Dr. Rhone, Garrity or Chief Johnson they were receiving pay for their work at the overpass.
When Wilson was asked to identify three men being carried on the payrolls, James Bishop, Joseph Weller, and Charles Howell, he said:
“All three of those men were sent to me for jobs by a political friend of mine. I gave them work at night.”
Later Wilson was asked to identify the “political friend.”
He declined, but admitted the man was not a resident of Camden.
Petit admitted that he made the original arrangement for the hiring of city policemen for the state highway work. He said he did so at the request of John Williams, local representative of the state highway department. He said Williams approached him, saying the state needed men for traffic control at the overpass and would pay them $1.35 an hour.
He said Wilson took over as “sergeant in charge” and that Wilson paid them in cash.
Wilson explained that he was too busy to keep a detailed account of each officer’s hours. He admitted that he was not at the overpass from 7 a. m. to 6 p. m., as he had filled out some of the time sheets.
Drew Lump Sum
Wilson also admitted that he personally received all eight policemen’s pay “in a lump sum—cash” from the contractor (who later was reimbursed by the state) and that he paid the other seven men. He also said under questioning by Goldman that he did not deduct any money from the men’s pay for withholding taxes.
Several times Wilson was warned by Goldman that anything he said at the examination could be used against him. Wilson said he would answer any question he felt would not incriminate him.
Petit entered a general denial of ever working on the overpass project on time for which he was paid by the city.
He said Wilson was in charge of the traffic detail at the project, and that he, Petit, had not seen any payrolls that Wilson allegedly made up for payment of the men.
At no time did he work continuously 7 a. m. to 5 p. m. as is indicated by the payrolls, Petit said.
Worked 77 Hours
Petit was unable to answer a question as to the total amount of money he earned on the project.
He was paid for the entire time, from April 26 to Sept. 6, he said, except for a period he was off sick with a back ailment from Aug. 2 to Aug. 16.
Petit further stated if the records showed he was paid for those two weeks they were wrong. Wilson testified the payroll records showed Petit was paid for the two weeks.
Petit was asked whether he delegated to Wilson the authority to run the project and pay the men. He said he did not give Wilson any special authority, but he was detailed there to be in charge.
As to the contract he had with the highway department representative, Petit said he was told the rate would be $1.35 an hour, and as far as he knew all the men were paid that rate for the time they worked.
Life Hereabouts
Camden Courier-Post —
DOWN MEMORY LANE with that Old Gang of Yours . . . in a few of the years when Our Town was as good a sport town as any in the land . . . from the time that Taylor and Gunnis promoted fights through the years to Roxey Allen . . . Mickey Blair . . . Eddie Chaney . . . Shamus Maguire . . . Pee Wee Ross . . . Jackie Hindle . . . Watson Finch . . . Georgie Abner . . . Nick Nicholas . . . Dixie Allen . . .
The days when Camden was the Mecca for Philly fight fans . . . with champions like Mike O’Dowd . . . Benny Leonard . . . Pete Herman . . . Jimmy Wilde . . . Gene Tunney . . . fighting in the Armory on Haddon avenue . . . for One, Two and Three . . . tax included . . . the days of John Smith . . . whose son, Lee, became one of our great friends . . . the days when Philly came to Camden to see the best fighters in the land . . .
AND THEN DOWN through the years with Lou McFarland . . . Higgins and Kaplan . . . Tommy James . . . the man named Doyle who always gave us a smile when we called him “Mister” because he was so kind . . . When Sergeant Ray Smith became a referee . . . “Pose” Robinson . . . the days of Willie Davis . . . Harry Smith . . . Jim Kelly . . .
Fights in the ball park at Twelfth and Federal streets . . . at the Fairview Ball Park . . . in the Temple Theatre . . . the Star Theatre . . . Newt Blanchard, the only promoter who gave us MORE money than we asked for . . . The Broadway Theatre . . . the early days of Convention Hall . . .
THE TIME they opened the Plaza Hotel Gym and all the fine lads on the program . . . with the late Mayor Stewart in the audience . . . and many other dignitaries . . . and being “dared” into a match with Ray Smith, because his opponent failed to show . . . the same guy who fought Tunney . . . Mike Brennan . . . Gibbons . . . Martin . . . Dempsey . . . Loughran . . . and seeing the Sergeant’s body covered with blood in the second round . . . our very own blood . . .
THE YEARS when Gloucester city was the fightenest town in the nation . . .
The days of K. O. Joey O’Donnell . . . who fought them all. . . Of Frankie Conway . . . who never took a backward step . . . and still has the same courage today. . . . Of Willie Spencer . . . who headlined show after show. . . . Charlie Daggert . . . now a referee in Philly. . . . Jimmy Rafferty . . . Eddie (Kid) Wagner . . . Young Sherlock . . . Abe Wustbond, later an instructor of boxing at Herman’s gym in Philly . . . Eddie Forrest . . . and his brother, who fought Battling Nelson . . . the crowd-pleasing Willie Fuller . . . Joey O’Connor.
Back when “Chick” Hunt fought under the name of Eddie Melson . . . and later, in professional ranks, the night he fought Joe “Kid” Fisher at the Apollo theatre in Gloucester. . . . Chick is our friend today . . . but we don’t believe he ever will forgive us for that night when we yelled at Joe to . . . well, we yelled at Joe . . . The days of Harry “Dick” Donohue, trainer and manager of Nick Nichols.
AND THE BEST, learning the business under the incomparable Eddie Prince . . . who knows how to condition fighters . . . then and now . . . with the best in the nation. . . . The days when they called Mister Georgano “Lemons” . . . but affectionately . . . not because he was ever sour.
When Johnny Sapio . . . who only days ago was honored at a banquet at Weber’s Hof Brau by so many people the walls bulged . . . fought under the name of Young Joe Grim.
HOW MANY will remember when our own Eddie Garrity, now the sedate deputy director of public safety in Our Town, was a boxer . . . with plenty on the ball? . . . When George Murphy boxed around here . . . and the Tighe brothers, Eddie and Jimmy . . . Remember Richie Hoehner? . . . Jimmie Jordan? . . . Eddie Douglas? . . . Bobby Graham, then a soldier stationed in Gloucester? . . . Steve Jackson? . . . Frankie McLaughlin (whose brother Neil WAS on Retreat with us, Mrs. McLaughlin, and gave us much of this information)?
Recall Johnny “Homo” Bryan? . . . Duncan Carswell, Jimmy and Jack Dean, referees, all three? . . . Theo Ellick, the matchmaker. . . . And who could forget Joe Spearing, afraid of nobody then and now . . . he fought our boy Fisher three times to our knowledge . . . once in Atlantic City . . . another at one of the ball parks here and the third (the windup, no less) in Gloucester. . . . Who won . . . who cares?
THE DAYS when a Cook was a promoter . . . and a Politician(?) got the gravy. . . . The time “Red” Haines fought Roxey Allen over top the old Standard movies at Second and Vine streets . . . amateur against a near-champ . . . and what a battle . . . when Everett Joslin and Johnny Taylor were on the First district wagon and backed it up to the door leading to the second floor, and all the people gathering around because they thought it was a raid . . . and all they came to see was a round or two of the fights.
Back when Joey Powell had an iron fist . . . and Soldier Freedman an iron jaw. . . . When Mayor Victor King was always in the front row at the bouts . . . when Augie Oswald “worked” the river in his boat for shad and other fish . . . when a dollar was a dollar and not 27 cents . . . when the downtown fight gym was operated by Charley Mack . . . whose brother Battling Mack was a great drawing card and a great fighter . . . and Charley was no softie, either.
THE SUMMER BOUTS in the ball park when you could get a swell bleacher seat for half a buck—and be closer to the bouts than $50 seats at some of the big clubs now . . . and see better fights, too.
When Camden had growing pains . . . and its people started moving to the suburbs . . . when a guy who made 40 slugs a week was a “big executive.” . . . When copy boys on the papers got $4 a week . . . and had enough left over from their salary to lend money to reporters who made the tremendous sum of $25 a week. . . . Great days, say you . . . great days, say us. . . . Nostalgia.
Tenement Owner Granted 10 Days For Cleaning Job
Camden Courier-Post —
By WILBUR MORSE JR.
The Philadelphia owner of a South Camden tenement has been given 10 days to clean up the conditions at 432 Stevens street.
Louis R. Cohen, 271 South Fifteenth street, Philadelphia, was summoned to a hearing Monday before Director of Public Affairs Rhone, to show cause why he should not be restrained from operating the rooming house.
Charges lodged against the management of the property by city health inspectors and the fire marshal were read to Rhone by Ventorino Francesconi, chief clerk of the health department.
The inspections, Francesconi said, showed the tenement consists of 23 apartments, comprised of 29 rooms, occupied by 38 adults and 22 children.
Fire hazards were said by inspectors to include improper lighting of stairways and hallways; hallways and stairways blocked; loose wood and litter scattered about the premises, and an inadequate number of exits.
“Health violations,” Francesconi reported, “were contained in the excessive number of persons occupying single, or two-room apartments; improper disposal of garbage; faulty plumbing and general unsanitary conditions.”
Cohen, in his defense, laid the blame for the conditions on his tenants.
“You can’t make people be clean, if they don’t want to,” he told Rhone.
Termed Deplorable
Deputy Director Garrity, who had accompanied Dr. David D. Helm and Francesconi, on a tour of inspection of the tenement, however, told Dr. Rhone that a single, elderly woman was responsible for the janitor service of the 23 apartments and that from a standpoint of “public welfare” more adequate management, supervision and janitorial service should be supplied. Garrity labelled the conditions as “deplorable and shocking.”
Dr. Helm added that inadequate number of garbage containers were supplied by Cohen. He reported that the yard in back of 432 Stevens had been filled with “more than a truckload of filth,” for which no containers had been provided.
“It’s the tenants’ fault,” reiterated Cohen. “They send their three and four-year-old youngsters out to dump the garbage and trash.”
Despite his protests that the health department’s objections “already have been met,” Cohen agreed to further improve conditions at the tenement within 10 days.
Dr. Rhone said he would order another inspection by health department aides within that time.
“The matter of any violation of fire regulations is between you and the fire marshal,” Rhone told Cohen.
An official report by Capt. Maurice O’Brien, acting fire marshal, to Dr. Helm had recommended a further inspection of the property by fire underwriters.
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.
J. W. Trappe Resigns as City Aide
Camden Courier-Post —
Served 34 Years:
J. Walter Trappe, veteran Camden city deputy comptroller, submitted his resignation effective Dec. 31 to the city commission Thursday afternoon.
The resignation was accepted “with regrets” by the five commission members.
Trappe, who lives at 2844 Stevens st., became a city employe in the comptroller’s office as an audit clerk May 16, 1923 and on Oct. 1 of that year was named deputy comptroller.
Praised By Brunner
He has served under former comptroller Sydney P. McCord and under the present comptroller, Dr. Ethan A. Lang. Trappe’s present salary is $7500.
“We appreciate your services rendered over a period of 33 years,” Mayor Brunner told Trappe.
Speaking to the other commissioners, the mayor described Trappe as a “very loyal and ardent city employe” and added it was with “deep regret that we will lose the services of a very efficient employe.” The other four commissioners concurred in the mayor’s comments with City Commissioner Garrity commenting the retirement of Trappe also would be “a loss to the people of our city.”
Cellar, Ceiling, Yard Called Unfit: Ailing Couple Rejects House Offers After Own Place Is Condemned
Camden Courier-Post —
THIS IS THE SIGHT WHICH GREETED Commissioner of Public Affairs Garrity and Capt. Leo Tompkins, of the fire marshal’s office as they began an inspection tour of 423 Liberty st. Tuesday. Together Garrity and Tompkins decided the home was both a health and fire hazard and it was ordered posted as condemned.
By Carl R. Glines
An elderly, ailing couple whose home at 423 Liberty st. was condemned “for their own welfare” Tuesday night rejected two other places offered to them in the neighborhood.
Charles Webb, part-time junk dealer, and his wife were offered new quarters in the 300 block of Liberty st. about a block from their home, and in the 500 block of S. 5th st., according to Commissioner of Public Affairs Garrity.
“I have a friend whom I’m going to see first thing Wednesday morning,” Webb is reported to have told the commissioner. “I think he’ll find a place for us,” he added.
Efforts to locate a new home for the couple began after the commissioner took steps to condemn their home “for the welfare of the couple living there.”
Inspection Made
The property was condemned following an inspection by the city health department and the fire marshal’s office, Garrity said. The house was posted Tuesday afternoon.
The property is owned by A. Feldman, of 422 Kaighns ave., called to the scene by Garrity and informed of the steps that were being taken.
Feldman said he “never realized the house was in such bad condition.” Garrity said Feldman later told him “I don’t want the property.”
The condition was uncovered when Garrity went to the home after his office received a complaint about a dirty back yard.
Three weeks ago Garrity launched a back yard clean-up campaign and he has been personally looking into complaints received in his office. It was the third home in as many weeks the commissioner has ordered condemned. The other two, also in South Camden, were vacant.
At the Webb home Garrity found junk littering the small back yard. Odds and ends, from worn-out tires to discarded jars and cans of paint made walking in the rear of the home a hazard.
Cellar Overloaded
The cellar was stacked from floor to ceiling with scraps of wood which Webb stored to burn for heat. The cellar was so overloaded with wood that it overflowed onto the street from a basement window.
Inside the home Garrity found conditions he described as “intolerable.” Electric wires laid exposed from the ceiling, a small trickle of water dripped from a kitchen faucet, and a heavy sickening odor hung over the interior of the row home. Garrity said it has been a long time since fresh paint or wallpaper has been used in this house.
Webb said he paid $25 a month rent. He said Feldman upped it from $17.
An offer by Garrity for assistance in cleaning out the back yard and cellar was rejected by Webb. He showed signs of belligerency when told the house was to be condemned.
“I need this wood to heat my house,” Webb declared. “You are not going to take it after I have worked to get it.” Webb pointed out to Garrity that he is a disabled veteran.
The commissioner replied that he was sorry but “for your safety and the safety of your wife and the rest of the neighborhood this home must be vacated immediately.”
Garrity said he also uncovered two other homes in the 600 block of Liberty st. which have been condemned but are still standing. One, the commissioner said, is being lived in by a squatter.
“The police have been ordered to chase that man out,” Garrity said.
The commissioner said he also would consult today with Assistant City Solicitor Edwin Segal, to find out why the homes still remain standing and what has or has not been done about their removal.
Pierce Is Ousted As Safety Head
Camden Courier-Post —
By LEE STEWART
Amid cheers and boos from spectators, Mayor Pierce was switched from director of public safety to public affairs director at a commission meeting Thursday night.
Pierce lost control of the police and fire departments by a 4-1 vote. The motion to divest the mayor of the public safety department was made by Commissioner Abbott and seconded by Commissioner Garrity. Pierce cast the lone dissenting vote against the change.
At 8:25 p. m. after the commission had gone through the routine business, Commissioner Shepp handed a sheaf of papers to City Clerk John T. Odorisio. Odorisio started shuffling the papers when Shepp told him to read them in the order he gave them to him.
Cheers, Boos
The resolutions read by the clerk first changed the duties of the various commissioners. The more than 500 spectators cheered then booed as Pierce cast the only dissenting vote.
Then Odorisio read the resolution which then transferred four of the commissioners.
Garrity, who was public affairs director, was named to succeed Pierce as public safety director in charge of the police and fire departments.
The public affairs directorship was a sharply curtailed one as contrasted to what Garrity had. Assigned to the department of public affairs was the director’s office, the revaluation program, visiting nurses, public assistance, the Camden County Historical Society, charitable institutions, the Parking Authority, Civil Defense and celebration of public events, anniversaries and holidays.
Garrity retained the health department, sanitary control and cemeteries.
Taken away from the department of public affairs and given to other commissioners was the plumbing inspector, municipal court, Municipal Hospital, Convention Hall, city clerk, elections, city property, bureau of tax title perfection and redemption, municipal welfare and Radio Station WCAM.
Commissioner Abbott was designated director of the department of public works; Italiano was named director of public parks and property, while Shepp retained the department of revenue and finance. Pierce again cast the lone dissenting vote.
Declines to Make Statement
At the close of the meeting a Courier-Post reporter asked Commissioner Italiano why he had voted to strip Mayor Pierce.
“I’d rather not make any statement at this time,” Italiano replied. “I may make a statement later.”
The reporter pointed out that whatever the commissioner had to say should be in today’s newspaper. Italiano repeated:
“I’d rather not have anything to say right now. I may have a statement in a day or two.”
Commissioner Garrity left the meeting room while the reporter was talking to Italiano.
Contacted Again
Again, this morning, a reporter contacted Italiano and asked him if he would explain his vote. He replied:
“No comment.”
Commissioner Garrity, reached at his home today, also was asked if he had any statement to make concerning his vote to strip Mayor Pierce.
“I haven’t prepared any statement as yet,” Garrity said. “I will have one later. I am figuring it out in my mind.”
Solicitor Quits
Following the changes, Michael J. Piarulli, city solicitor who would have reported to Shepp under the realignment, resigned. He previously was under Pierce’s office.
“I cannot, in good conscience, continue to work as city solicitor in a department headed by Commissioner Shepp,” Piarulli said. “I have nothing against Shepp. In due fairness, I do not feel I could do justice to the job.”
The meeting was thrown open to the public and many persons present spoke against the action of the commissioners in taking the department of public safety from Pierce.
Meeting is Conducted Orderly by Mayor Despite Difficulties
Camden Courier-Post —
Greeted by 500 Amid Applause and Cat-Calls
Mayor Pierce was determined to run an orderly meeting and he did Thursday night when his fellow commissioners stripped him of his duties as public safety director.
When Pierce entered the commission chambers, bulging at the seams by an overflow crowd of more than 500, he was greeted by a mixture of applause and cat-calls. When it became evident that he was faced with difficulties in maintaining order, Pierce sharply rapped the gavel and told the crowd:
“I ask you to give every commissioner the opportunity to conduct the business of this meeting.
“I know there are a lot of police officers here. I want them to exercise their judgment and see that this meeting is orderly.”
Rumor Spreads
The crowds started gathering early for the meeting with many police officers who had been assigned to the protection of Vice President Nixon in the commission chambers. At 7.40 p. m. the chambers were half-filled as rumors spread throughout the city of an impending change in the structure of the city commison.
Among the early arrivals were Thomas Watson, register of deeds, and his deputy, J. James Hainsworth.
Commissioners Abbott and Shepp entered the chambers about 7:50 p. m. with Commissioners Italiano and Garrity coming in about 7:59 p. m. Pierce did not come in until 8.05 p. m. leading to conjecture in the crowd as to whether or not he was going to show up.
Mixed Reaction
Each time Pierce cast a no vote on the realignment of responsibilities for the various commissioners, there was a mixture of cheers and booing.
On the vote concerning the change of duties of the department of public safety Pierce inadvertently cast a yes vote. He quickly corrected himself after briefly laughing.
“It’s easy to be preoccupied by what’s going on here tonight,” he said.
Following the action which made him director of public affairs, Pierce again was forced to call for order. He interrupted Michael J. Piarulli, city counsel, in the midst of his speech of resignation when the crowd became too noisy.
“If I have to call police officers in I’ll do so,” Pierce said. “I’m not police commissioner now, but if anyone wants to try me, let them do so.”
Pierce asked the policemen in the audience to stand up. He asked their aid in maintaining order and asked that they put out of the meeting any noisy or disorderly person.
Michael J. Piarulli Resigns at City Commission Meeting
Camden Courier-Post —
City Counsel Michael J. Piarulli makes speech of resignation at meeting of city commission.
Commission Department Assignments
Camden Courier-Post —
This is how the departments were assigned to the commissioners Thursday night:
Mayor Pierce, director of public affairs: the director’s office, revaluation program, visiting nurses, public assistance, Camden County Historical Society, charitable institutions, parking authority, civil defense and celebration of public events, anniversaries and holidays.
Commissioner Garrity, director of public safety: the director’s office, police bureau, fire bureau, electrical bureau, municipal motors, health department; sanitary control and cemeteries.
Commissioner Italiano, director of parks and public property: director’s office, public parks, playgrounds, street lighting, bureau of smoke control, municipal welfare, municipal hospital, municipal court, sealer of weights and measures, transportation inspector, board of Alcoholic Beverage Control, public libraries, city baseball league, municipal market, Station WCAM and Convention Hall.
Commissioner Abbott, director of public works: director’s office, city engineer, bureau of highways, bureau of sewers and sewage treatments, streets, bureau of animal welfare, water bureau, plumbing inspector and South Jersey Port Commission.
Commissioner Shepp, director of revenue and finance: director’s office, city comptroller, annual audit, assessor’s office, city counsel, city property, bureau of tax title perfection and redemption, repairs to tax title lien properties, tax office, printing and advertising, publicity and public welfare, planning and housing redevelopment, stationery and supplies, housing and rehabilitation, purchasing bureau, building inspector, city clerk and elections.
Alfred Pierce — Edward Garrity — Frank Italiano — Frank Abbott
Trenton Evening Times —
CAMDEN (AP)— Mayor Alfred Pierce filed suit yesterday in Superior Court to regain his post as director of public safety.
Pierce, ousted from the post by the other [sic] other city commissioners June 9, charged that they acted illegally.
Defendants are commissioner Edward Garrity, now public safety director, and commissioners Frank Italiano, Frank Abbott and William Shepp.
Pierce was ousted by his fellow commissioners in the culmination of State Police raids on gambling establishments in the city. Pierce asked State Police to conduct the raids and charged widespread links between gamblers and city police.
A grand jury subsequently indicted several police and later criticized Pierce for “suppressing evidence” favorable to former Police Chief Gustave Koerner, among those it indicted.
Pierce denied this allegation, the stated basis for his ouster as public safety director.
A New Class of Probies
Recruit Firemen Clarence Hawkins, Joseph Arensberg, Jerise Garten Sr., Richard “Randy” Brooks, Walter Williams, Commissioner Edward Garrity and Chief of Department Edward MacDowell
Policeman Kills Mate
Trenton Times —
CAMDEN —AP— Edward C. Garrity, director of public safety, says no disciplinary action is planned against a Camden policeman who accidentally shot and killed another officer during a hunt for a jail escapee who is still at large. A 13-state alarm is out for the escapee.
Officials said patrolman Dennis Evans, 28, shot and killed Sgt. Carmen Fuscellaro, 33, who was dressed in dungarees similar to those worn by escapee Donald Murphy, 29, in the semi-dark corridor of a fourth floor in the Camden City Hall-Court house.
Detectives said Murphy, a trusty, escaped Saturday from the jail on the sixth floor after he stole keys from a desk drawer, unlocked a cabinet and took a pistol and forced a guard to open the main jail door.
Evans and Fuscellaro were members of a search party combing the 18-floor structure during the manhunt. Investigators said that Dennis, seeing Fuscellaro come through a door, fired a shot from a riot gun in belief that the police sergeant was Murphy.
Director of Public Safety Garrity Presents Chief MacDowell
Witnessing, from left: Fireman George Wade, Fireman Harrison MacNeir, Fireman John Gaffney Sr., Fireman James Troutman, Fireman Ernest Tartaglia, Captain Allen Hess, Fireman John Yates, District Chief Harry Wagner (obscured), District Chief Edward Michalak, Fireman Dominick Dalanni, Fireman Howard Lewis, Fireman Henry Keubler
Edward C. Garrity, 64, Former City Aide, Dies
Camden Courier-Post —
Edward C. Garrity, former Camden City commissioner and civic leader, died suddenly early today.
Garrity, 64, of 1340 Chase st., was stricken about 3 a.m. at his home. He was rushed to West Jersey Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Coroner Creran was assigned to the case.
Police said Garrity’s wife, Mrs. Mary Garrity, called them at 3:22 a.m. They went to the Garrity home and found Garrity lying on his back on the bathroom floor. They put him on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital.
Called to Wife
Police said Mrs. Garrity told them her husband called to her shortly after 3 a.m. from the bathroom. She found him on his knees and tried to assist him. Then she called police.
According to police, Mrs. Garrity said her husband had been to his physician, Dr. R. Dean Cavalli, with offices at 702 Broadway, yesterday afternoon. Her husband had a history of diabetes, she said.
Garrity, who was well known in Camden for his welfare work with children, was for many years a leader in the Republican party here.
He had been active in politics since the middle 1920s. He worked in the 8th and 14th Wards before moving to the 13th Ward, where he represented the Republican County Committee for several years. He also served as chairman of the City Republican Committee for some time.
Garrity joined the employ of Camden City in 1927 as a telegraph lineman in the Electrical Bureau. He was made chief radio operator in 1932.
Inspector of Transportation
In 1943, Garrity was appointed inspector of transportation, and the following year he was promoted to transportation supervisor by David S. Rhone, then head of Camden’s Public Safety Department. Garrity won praise for efficient handling of the city’s transportation problems during World War II.
Two years after the war Garrity became Rhone’s assistant as deputy director of public safety, with supervision of the police and fire departments.
In succeeding years Garrity rose rapidly in various city posts. In 1955 he assumed the post of deputy director of Public Affairs under City Commissioner Sidney McCord.
Also in 1955, he was elected to the City Commission and reelected in 1959. Both times he was high man on the ticket.
Garrity served as directors of public affairs and public safety under the old commission form of government.
Back to Wartime Job
When the mayor-council form came into being on July 1, 1961, he went back to his wartime job as transportation inspector. He retired on Aug. 31 of that year.
Garrity is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, Edward of Miami, Fla., a step-son, Alex Piontkowski of Glendora; three brothers, John and Thomas, both of Camden, and Albert of Thorofare, and three grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
City Mourns Garrity Death
Camden Courier-Post —
Official sorrow of the city administration for the death of former Commissioner Edward C. Garrity was expressed yesterday by Acting Mayor Isadore Borstein.
“I know I speak for Mayor Alfred R. Pierce and all department heads when I say that we deeply regret the passing of Mr. Garrity who, over so many years, was identified with public affairs in Camden,” Borstein said.
“Ed Garrity was a warm-hearted individual who served the taxpayers well in each of the many offices he held during his years of public life,” Borstein declared.
Services Slated For Thomas Garrity
Camden Courier-Post —
Thomas Garrity, 65, of 554 Fairview Street, died yesterday at home. He was the brother of the late Edward Garrity, former Camden commissioner, and the late John Garrity, former city police captain.
A retired supervisor at New York Shipyard, Mr. Garrity is survived by his wife, Alice, and another brother.
Requiem high Mass will be celebrated Monday at 9:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, Broadway and Ferry Avenue. Friends will meet one hour earlier in the Zembruski Funeral Home, 1643 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, where they may call tomorrow night. Burial will be in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.