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Edward Holloway

Camden County Courthouse Custodian

Introduction

EDWARD HOLLOWAY was born in October of 1873 in Camden, New Jersey to Redden R. and Elizabeth Holloway. When the Census was enumerated in 1880, the Holloway family lived at 615 South 5th Street. Besides Edward two older children were at home, daughters Lizzie and Anna. Two older children, Harry and Florence, by this time had left home. The census notes that Redden Holloway by then was suffering from “consumption” the term then in use for tuberculosis. By 1887 the family had moved to 713 Federal Street. Redden Holloway passed away shortly after the 1888–1889 Camden City Directory was compiled. The family was still at 713 Federal Street in early 1890.

The 1900 Census shows Edward Holloway living at 415 North 2nd Street with his widowed mother, Elizabeth Holloway, and two older sisters, M. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Holloway and Anna Holloway. He then worked as a railroad office clerk. Soon after the census was taken, Edward Holloway married. Edward and Caroline “Carrie” Holloway would make their home on Trenton Avenue in Camden’s Ninth Ward.

Edward Holloway was soon attracted to politics. By 1906 he was elected freeholder from Camden’s 9th Ward. The City Directory for that year shows him living at 465 “Fenton” Avenue, this is most likely Trenton Avenue.

By 1910 he had secured a position with the water department of the City of Camden. The Holloway family, which by now included daughter Emma, would remain at 465 Trenton Avenue though at least 1914. Later in the decade Edward Holloway would buy a home at 453 Trenton Avenue.

In January of 1920, the Census records show that he was living at 453 Trenton Avenue with his wife and daughter. He then worked for the City of Camden as a clerk.

In 1927 he was appointed custodian by the Camden County Board of Freeholders of the county courthouse. When Camden’s new city hall opened in 1931, the County’s annex in that building was added to his responsibilities.

When the Census was taken in April of 1930, Edward and Carrie Holloway still lived at 453 Trenton Avenue.

Edward Holloway passed away after an emergency appendectomy in May of 1933. His family had left Trenton Avenue by 1947.

Advertisement

The Crescent Wheelmen

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, April 15, 1898 — The Crescent Wheelmen

THE (CAMDEN) CRESCENT WHEELMEN’S third annual ball proved one of the social events of the season in our sister city across the Delaware. The ball was profusely decorated with greens and flags of all nations, together with Japanese parasols and fans, and presented a very beautiful appearance. The attendance was large and the grand march, which took place at 10 o’clock, was participated in by over eighty couples, who followed the leading couple through an elaborate variation of the military and snake figures, following which the dance for hours held full sway. Those in charge of the most successful affair were: Grand conductor, Edward Holloway; assistant, Walter R. Stanton; floor manager, S. P. McCord; assistants, Edmund Pike, Samuel Easton, John Hurley, Samuel Hurff, U. G. Lee, John H. Scott; committee of arrangements, A. J. Larkin; chairman, Frank S. Albright; secretary, Casper Walter; treasurer, U. G. Lee; Geo. Petri, S. P. McCord, Charles S. Toy, Edmund Zike, Edward Holloway, Harry C. Willetts, Wilford Wilkinson; reception committee, Harry Marsh, Joseph Haines, Samuel Ladd, Thomas Wagner, William Holman, William Bowen, Albert Petri.

Convicted on His Cousin’s Complaint

Camden Post-Telegram —

Convicted on His Cousin’s Complaint - Camden Post-Telegram, December 12, 1908

S. Linokoski, a Russian, was tried before a jury in Police Court this noon on a charge of misdemeanor preferred by Annie Nevlin, his cousin, who resides in North Camden. The jury was made up of the following: Albert Austermuhl, foreman; Harry Foulkes, William Fithian, Louis Munyan, Louis Leigh, Edward Holloway, Walter Smith, Crawford Smith, Charles Adkins, Hollis Lightfoot, Morris Odell, George W. Kruck.

Lawyer William P. Walsh represented the defendant and Assistant City Solicitor Wilfred B. Wolcott the prosecution. The complainant, through S. Kaplan acting as interpreter, claimed that she came to this country from Russia fourteen months ago at the solicitation of her cousin, the defendant, whom she knew from childhood. She said he sent her fifty roubles, or $38.50 in American money, to come to America.

The defense was that the accused was not responsible for the complainant’s condition. The jury, however, found the defendant guilty this afternoon. Recorder Stackhouse required him to furnish a bond for $300 for the payment of $2 a week to the complainant and pay the costs of prosecution.

Ninth Warders as Hosts to Victors

Camden Post-Telegram —

Ninth Warders as Hosts to Victors - Camden Post-Telegram, May 13, 1915

G. O. P. Workers Dine Members of Undefeated Fourth Ward Pool Team.

AWARD PRIZES TO CHAMPIONS OF CUE

There was much fun and good fellowship last night at the Ninth Ward Republican Association where the members of the Fourth Ward Republican Club were guests of the evening. It was given as a result of the Ninth ward pool sharps being bested by the Fourth warders. Beside the mingling of kindred souls there was a very excellent set out, the principal feature in a gustatory way being pepper pot. And the way the boys waded through this viand, plate after plate disappearing, it was quite evident that the cook had made it just right.

Then there was a wind up of the pool tournament betwen [sic] the members of the Ninth Ward Club, in which these prizes were awarded: First, William Brown, cue and case; second, Isaac Gleason, picture; third, Roy Smith, safety razor; fourth, Ulie Andrews, $3 hat; fifth, George L. Bender, short [sic]; sixth, Arthur Wingate, box of cigars; seventh, W. C. Davis, jar of tobacco; eighth, Edward Holloway, stickpin.

The playing between Andrews, Bender and Wingate was so close that they played off three ties before a decision was given.

And it must not be forgotten that a special prize was given to “Billy” Wilkinson. This was given for more than ordinarily good playing and according to “Ed” Holloway the prize awarded was in the shape of a solid gold, 14k. full jeweled watch guaranteed to run for forty years.

Enos B. Dellmuth Dies from Stroke

Camden Courier-Post —

Enos B. Dellmuth Dies from Stroke - Camden Courier-Post, September 10, 1928 Enos B. Dellmuth Dies from Stroke - Camden Courier-Post, September 10, 1928 Enos B. Dellmuth Dies from Stroke - Camden Courier-Post, September 10, 1928 Enos B. Dellmuth Dies from Stroke - Camden Courier-Post, September 10, 1928

Death Ascribed to Devotion to Duty as Grand Jury Foreman

Enos B. Dellmuth, 43, prominent civic leader and foreman of the June term of Camden county grand jury, died at his home, 426 Chambers street, yesterday following a stroke at the close of the jury’s last session on Friday.

Dellmuth died a martyr to his duty, according to the members of his family and his friends. He had not been feeling well for about five weeks, but continued to attend the grand jury sessions every Tuesday. Finally his condition became such that he could not attend the regular session last Tuesday.

He was staying at his summer home in Seaside Heights last Friday when he was notified that the grand jury would meet that afternoon to make its final presentment to Judge Samuel M. Shay. As the foreman must sign all true bills and recommendations, Dellmuth motored to this city. While he was driving he suffered a slight stroke, but he continued to the courthouse.

Some premonition of serious illness and possibly death must have come to him during the meeting, for while the grand jurors discussed a resolution calling upon the board of freeholders to appropriate more money for a Camden charitable institution one of the jurors, who knew that Dellmuth was a candidate for freeholder from the Ninth, remarked,

“I guess that will be taken care of when Mr. Dellmuth gets on the freeholder board.”

“I don’t know about that,” Dellmuth was heard to mutter.

A few minutes after the jury had been officially dismissed by Judge Shay, the foreman complained of severe pains in the head, and he was accompanied to his home by fellow jurors. His condition rapidly grew worse, and Dr. Wesley Barrett diagnosed his ailment as cerebral hemorrhage. Dr. Elliott Schull and two specialists confirmed the diagnosis.

Dellmuth would have been 44 on October 24. According to members of his family, he always dreaded his forty-fourth birthday, as his father and a sister had died in their forty-fourth years.

The deceased served four years as councilman from the Ninth ward, and was the Republican candidate for freeholder at the coming general election. He was a former president of the Ninth Ward Republican Club and at the time of his death was vice-president. He was a member of Excelsior Consistory, Trimble Lodge, No. 117, F. & A. M.; Camden Shrine Club; A. A. O. N. M. S., of Trenton; The Seven O’Clock Club of Philadelphia; Camden Elks, Camden Rotary Club and other civic associations.

He was manager of the eastern division of the C. Howard Hunt Pen Company, Camden.

The deceased is survived by his wife, Florence D.; his sister, Mrs. A. Dellmuth Hauser, of Camden; a son, Carl, former Camden High School three-letter athlete and now a student at Swarthmore College, and four daughters, Ethel, Dorothy, Marian and Mary.

The members of the grand jury will convene tomorrow evening and go to the Dellmuth residence to pay their last respects. The members of the Ninth Ward Republican Club, of which Edward Holloway is president, will meet 8 p.m. tomorrow at [?] Broadway and then visit the home of the late vice-president.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at his late residence. Masonic and Elk services will also be held. Interment will be in Harleigh Cemetery.

Doris Convicted at Quick Trial; Gets Ten Years

Camden Courier-Post —

Doris Convicted at Quick Trial; Gets Ten Years - Camden Courier-Post, September 17, 1929 Doris Convicted at Quick Trial; Gets Ten Years - Camden Courier-Post, September 17, 1929

Shay Warns Gangdom Shootings in Camden Must Cease; Jury Out 40 Minutes

WIFE FAINTS IN COURT AS JUDGE SETS PENALTY

Brother of Olney Bank Bandit Acquitted on One Charge in Kaighn Avenue Brawl

Wheels of justice spun quickly yesterday when John Doris, 30, ambitious young Philadelphia gangster, was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison in the shooting of Joseph Connors, Gloucester, in Kaighn avenue, near Broadway, last April 29.

To the sentence which nips a brief but hectic underworld career in which Doris also faces a murder indictment for another Kaighn avenue gun duel, Judge Shay added a stern ultimatum to gamblers and racketeers that they cannot use Camden streets for their sanguinary warfare.

“There have been too many racketeer shootings in Camden lately,” the jurist declared. “They all seem to have the same code—to shoot it out and then keep silent in the courts. Even Connors, the man who was shot, comes before this court and denies Doris was the guilty man. Fear may silence these witnesses, which in itself is serious, but these shootings must end and they will.”

Tries to be Tough

Then he sentenced Doris. The young gangster, brother of Frank Doris, executed Olney bank bandit, blanched. The confident air with which he approached this trial, following a disagreement at the first trial of the charges last June, had failed and left him a trembling, shaken boy who tried to be tough.

Pathos was added to the drama as Helen Doris, frail, [?] wife of the convicted youth, suddenly seemed to realize what had happened. She screamed. Her slender body sagged perilously toward the floor. Doris’ brother and a friend carried her from the court room.

On the main floor of the building the girl went into a dead faint, from which she was revived by Edward Holloway, custodian. She then became hysterical, in which condition she was taken away.

Guilty on Two Counts

The jury which convicted Doris, the first drawn from the “million dollar” panel, cleared the youth of one count but found him guilty of two after 40 minutes of deliberation.

Deliberations were started at 3.25 p. m., and at 4.05 o’clock Judge Shay was called back to the bench to receive the verdict from Fred Euhenfeld, 3100 Highland avenue, jury foreman.

Solemnly he announced that in the eyes of the jurymen Doris was guilty of atrocious assault and battery, and guilty of carrying concealed deadly weapons, but was not guilty on a third count alleging atrocious assault and battery with intent to kill.

All eyes in the courtroom turned to the immaculately-clad Doris, who started forward in his chair and looked appealingly to his counsel, Walter S. Keown.

Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese reviewed the high points of the case and called upon Judge Shay to give Doris the maximum possible sentence, 15 years.

Attorney Asks Clemency

Keown in his final appeal pointed out Doris stood before the court as a first offender, that he and Connors had been engaged in a heated fistic combat when Connors was shot, and that Doris’ youth should entitle him to consideration.

“The jury gave Doris a ‘break’ in clearing him of the intent to kill charge,” Keown pleaded. “Will the court give him a ‘break’ in its sentence?”

Judge Shay responded with his dramatic broadside against the gun toters of the underworld and gave the defendant a seven-year term for atrocious assault and three additional years for carrying weapons.

Although Connors, on the witness stand shortly before court adjourned for the noon recess, denied Doris shot him, Lorenzo Cole, a cook in the American Restaurant, Kaighn avenue, testified Connors ran into the place early in the morning, groaning and holding onto his stomach, with Doris, a gun in his hand, following him.

Denies Doris Shot Him

“Doris and I fought, that’s true,” testified Connors. “But Doris didn’t shoot me. Somebody, I don’t know who, sneaked up on us during the argument and fired on me.”

Doris talked with his wife before the case was called. Mrs. Doris was the only woman in the spectators’ section.

The first witness, Eli Conaghy, 29, of 814 South Sixth street, testified he was at the Nonpareil Club, Second street and Kaighn avenue on the night of the shooting, with Mrs. Rose Gibbs. Conaghy proved to be a reluctant witness. He mentioned an argument Doris had “with somebody,” over the loss of the Gibbs girl pocketbook.

Mrs. Gibbs, 18, who said she lived “on Henry street,” was next called. She said she had not met Doris before the night of the shooting. She had gone to the club with Connors and Conaghy, who, she testified, had an argument with Doris over the loss of the pocketbook. Under cross-examination, the Gibbs girl admitted she had been drinking. She said she went to the Nonpareil club at 12:30 a. m. after visiting two “parties,” one in Fairview.

Restaurateur Tells Story

Then Ernest Matsios, proprietor of the American Restaurant was called. He testified that about 6.30 a. m., Connors came into the place, followed by a man who looked like Doris. An argument started, Matsios said, and he was forced to eject the men. A short time later, he heard shots, he said. “That’s all I know about the shooting,” he added.

Matsios was followed on the stand by Lorenzo Cole, colored, 904 Jefferson street, a cook in the restaurant. Cole testified he was in the kitchen looking through a window into the restaurant. He heard the argument, saw Doris and Connors leave the place, and saw them “swapping punches” on the sidewalk.

“I saw a gun in Doris’ hand and heard two shots,” Cole said. “A few seconds later, Connors staggered into the restaurant, holding onto his stomach, ran through the kitchen into an alleyway, known as Amber street. Doris, the gun still in his hand, followed, but tripped and fell, and then got up and continued the chase.”

Almost identical testimony was given by James Sims, also a cook.

Doris Remembers Nothing

Doris was the only witness for the defense. He “remembered nothing,” other than being “punched in the nose, some place in South Camden.” Doris was on the stand only a few minutes. As he left, Keown rested his case.

Doris first was tried in the Connors’ shooting last June. Arraigned on charges of atrocious assault and battery and carrying concealed deadly weapons, he was returned to the county jail pending a second trial when the jury, although believing him guilty, disagreed as to the charge upon which to convict him. The jury comprised nine women and three men.

Doris, in addition to being involved in the Broadway and Kaighn avenue shooting, is believed by police to hold the key to solution of the mysterious murder of Joseph (Mose) Flannery, for which he is under indictment. Flannery was found dying September 18, 1928, in front of a saloon at Front street and Kaighn avenue.

Haines and Reinert Head G.O.P.; Madden To Lead Democrats

Camden Courier-Post —

Haines and Reinert Head G.O.P.; Madden To Lead Democrats - Camden Courier-Post, June 1, 1932 Haines and Reinert Head G.O.P.; Madden To Lead Democrats - Camden Courier-Post, June 1, 1932, part 2 Haines and Reinert Head G.O.P.; Madden To Lead Democrats - Camden Courier-Post, June 1, 1932, part 3

JOSHUA C. HAINES

Baird and Mrs. Verga Decline Posts During Spirited Committee Session

Joshua C. Haines, Camden county register of deeds, was elected chairman of the Camden County Republican Committee at its reorganization last night in one of the most spirited contests held within the Organization in a decade.

Mrs. Isabella C. Reinert, of Collingswood, nominee for Assembly, was elected vice chairman.

Haines succeeds Walter S. Keown and Mrs. Reinert takes the post held by Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga.

Their election came at 11.30 p. m., after more than three hours of heated argument behind closed doors, and after former U. S. Senator David Baird and Mrs. Verga had declined to accept the offices.

Keown, Hanna Mentioned

Others nominated were Keown and Camden City Commissioner Frank B. Hanna, for chairman, and Mrs. Etta C. Pfrommer, of the Eleventh Ward. Mrs. Pfrommer twice declined.

In previous years reorganization of the county committee had been effected without dispute, and with unanimous action by the members. Last night, however, the discussion waged long and loud.

Though newspapermen were excluded from the meeting, the voices of the debating members coming through the locked doors left no doubt as to the progress of the election.

Other officers were re-elected as follows: Howard B. Dyer, secretary; William D. Sayrs, Jr., treasurer, and Mrs. Lottie B. Stinson, assistant secretary. Mrs. Anna G. Holl, of Collingswood, was elected assistant treasurer to succeed Mrs. Reinert.

Keown opened the meeting and then Baird spoke.

The former Senator presented the recommendation of the Republican executive conference committee that the members elect Haines and Mrs. Reinert in view of the fact that Keown and Mrs. Verga had resisted all requests to continue.

Then Mrs. Margaret Wermuth, of Delaware township, and Carlton M. “Cy” Harris, of the Twelfth Ward, presented a petition signed by virtually all the committee, asking Baird and Mrs. Verga to accept the chairmanship and vice chairmanship.

Baird Declines

Baird then declared that he was unable to take over any additional work.

“I must not be chosen, but must work with and for you, and I ask that you respect my wishes.”

He then proposed that Haines and Mrs. Reinert be chosen unanimously.

Despite his proposal, Mrs. Wermuth moved the election of Baird and Mrs. Verga. The vote was virtually unanimous. Immediately J. C. Remington, Jr., of Haddonfield, moved to adjourn. The chair refused to recognize the motion.

Several members threatened to resign from the committee unless Baird and Mrs. Verga accepted. To this Baird answered:

“I’m still fighting for the party, no matter who quits. If you quit, you’re not worthy to be members.” His remarks were greeted with applause.

In announcing her decision not to accept renomination Mrs. Verga said her duties as state vice chairman, taking her into all the 21 counties, made it impossible for her to continue to devote the time to the county committee which it deserved. She explained that her term as state vice chairman still has two years to run.

Haines Finally Elected

Then Baird announced his resignation from the chairmanship and Mrs. Verga from the vice chairmanship.

Keown was nominated for re-election and Haines and Hanna for election. Baird was renominated by Remington. Keown reiterated his insistence, announced several weeks ago, not to stand for re-election. Baird again declined.

Then Keown moved the election of Haines and Mrs. Reinert. The discussion which followed continued for three hours. Finally the vote was taken at 11.30 and Haines and Mrs. Reinert were declared elected.

Mrs. Reinert, however, declined the office, stating her candidacy for assembly would consume all her time. Then Mrs. Pfrommer was nominated, but she turned it down twice. After much persuasion Mrs. Reinert agreed to accept with the provision that she serve through the summer and that she be permitted to resign later, if she wished.

In a telegram to the committee, Congressman Charles A. Wolverton urged the election of Baird and Mrs. Verga.

The committee elected the following solicitors: Carl Kisselman, Edward R. Deibert, L. Scott Cherchesky, William E. A. King, J. Claud Simon, T. Philips Brown, J. H. Reiners, Jr., Rocco Palese and Morris Praissman.

The conference committee, which suggested Haines and Mrs. Reinert, comprises Baird, Keown, George R. Pelouze, Albert S. Woodruff, Mrs. Verga, Remington, Commissioners Hanna and Clay W. Reesman, Sayrs, William Wimer, Horace G. Githens, J. Wesley Sell and A. C. Middleton.

Members of the Republican County Committee, which organized last night, follow:

Camden City

(*-Indicates New Member)

First Ward—Robert Brennan and Marie Mackintosh.

Second—*William H. Heiser and Mary McCready.

Third—James Corea and *Susie Marchiano.

Fourth—James E. Tatem and *Mary A. Ivins.

Fifth—*Martin A. McNulty and Madeline Salvatore.

Sixth—Howard B. Dyer and Mary S. Hartung.

Seventh—Edward A. Kemble and Mary D. Guthridge.

Eighth—*Edmund A. Walsh and Mamie F. Piraine.

Ninth—Edward Holloway and Deborah Schuck.

Tenth—*Henry I. Haines and Lillian M. Walker.

Eleventh—Horace B. Beideman and Etta C. Pfrommer.

Twelfth—Carlton M. Harris and Mary E. Hamel.

Thirteenth—*Henry Knauer and Louella I. Whaland.

Fourteenth—*Jesse M. Donaghy and Lottie B. Stinson.

Gloucester City

First Ward—Walter H. Craig and E. C. Moffet.

Second—James A. Lewis and *Nellie Keebler.

Third—*James M. Officer and *Margaret P. Powell.

Suburban Districts

Audubon—*Marshall N. Hammon, Jr., and Laura Williams.

Barrington—Harry J. Stone and Margaret Taylor.

Bellmawr—*William C. Stillwill and Katherine Dyer.

Berlin Borough—Leslie M. Ewing and Esther B. Jaggard.

Berlin Township—Frank M. Tyson and Lydia M. Eckstein.

Brooklawn—Morton S. Broomall and C. Mae Marsh.

Chesilhurst—*William Wiegand, Sr., and Mary L. Lyons.

Clementon—J. Palmer Earl and Mabel Rogers.

Collingswood—Edward B. Rogers and Isabella C. Reinert.

Delaware Township—Leonard Hoffman, Sr., and Margaret E. Wermuth.

Gibbsboro—*P. Richard Cummings and *Ethel H. Bone.

Gloucester Township—*William E. Cozens and Mary W. Frazer.

Haddon Township—*Milton E. Hanson and *Eve W. Hannum.

Haddonfield—J. C. Remington, Jr., and Anna G. Holl.

Haddon Heights—Robert E. Bromley and Mary H. Tegge.

Hi-Nella—Samuel D. Mansfield and Elsie H. Castor.

Laurel Springs—Charles V. Osborne and Anna M. Hess.

Lawnside—Horace J. Bryant and Maidie M. Gibson.

Lindenwold—George T. Neely and Irene A. Haney.

Magnolia—*Charles T. Wood and *Lillian Shoemaker.

Merchantville—E. Durell Parker and Ruth K. Yarnall.

Mt. Ephraim—Harvey L. Jacoby and *Theresa Osler.

Oaklyn—John Beasley and *Mae Walker.

Pennsauken Township—*Andrew Stewart and Catherine Brooks.

Pine Hill—*Conrad Schmidt and Mary J. Smith.

Pine Valley—Clinton L. Bardo and Anna E. Howe.

Runnemede—*John S. Adams and *Mrs. John Gaunt.

Somerdale—Edward Arentzen and Louise Brusius.

Stratford—John T. Matthews and L. Mae Titus.

Voorhees Township—*George Ziesch and *Elizabeth Ebert.

Waterford Township—Thomas A. Fanelli and Catherine Zoppel.

Tavistock—Frank B. Middleton, Jr., and no committeewoman.

Winslow Township—Samuel Withers and Kathryn Wuertz.

Woodlynne—Thomas W. Leeson and Edna M. Fritsche.

Holloway’s Place May Not Be Filled

Camden Courier-Post —

Officials May Abolish Court House Custodian Post to Save Money

Although numerous candidates seek the job, including several freeholders, the post of custodian of the courthouse and the city hall-courthouse annex held by the late Edward Holloway may not be filled by the county for economical reasons.

Freeholder William P. Cotter, chairman of the county board’s courthouse committee, revealed yesterday that Republican leaders and the freeholders had reached no decision regarding the vacancy and “there may be no decision and it probably will remain vacant indefinitely.”

Holloway, Ninth Ward Republican leader and G. O. P. county committeeman for several years, died last Friday from complications following an emergency operation for appendicitis. His post as custodian, which he held six years, carried an original salary of $3600 until this year when, with the general county cut of 30 percent, it dropped to $2520.

“I see no reason at this time why the job should be filled, in view of the lack of money by the county,” Cotter said. “I know no decision has been made by the leaders of the party or by the freeholders to fill the post, and it probably will remain vacant indefinitely.

“I feel that Thomas Dickinson, Jr., the assistant custodian, is well able to handle the various duties in view of the situation, with money scarce. He has been doing a good job and I feel that he deserves commendation and should assume the new responsibility without any new expense to the county.”

Various freeholders and many politicians have been mentioned in courthouse and city hall gossip as being eager to land the post, if and when it is to be filled.

Dickinson to Get Holloway’s Place

Camden Courier-Post —

Late Custodian’s Aide at Courthouse is Freeholders Choice

The Board of Freeholders will appoint Thomas Dickinson Jr. as acting custodian of the courthouse and the city hall-courthouse annex at its meeting this afternoon.

Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga will be appointed to a new term of five years on the Board for the Supervision of Old Age Relief, of which she has been secretary-treasurer for one year. The post carries no salary.

Dr. Leslie H. Ewing, director of the freeholders, revealed the pending appointments. In the case of the custodianship, his announcement came as rumors spread that one of the bigger politicians would be named to the job left vacant since the death of Edward Holloway, the incumbent, last month.

“Dickinson, who was assistant to Holloway, will be named acting custodian to serve for the balance of the year,” Dr. Ewing said. “The freeholders will make the appointment tomorrow.”

Prior to Dr. Ewing’s announcement, rumors circulated at the city hall and courthouse mentioning postmaster Charles H. Ellis, City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, Assemblyman F. Stanley Bleakly and former Sheriff Walter T. Gross among possibilities for the custodianship, which pays $2520 a year under the general county cut of 30 percent.

Reports that the aforementioned were candidates for the job could not be confirmed, and in certain quarters they were considered without foundation, mainly because the pay would be smaller in most instances than what those mentioned all possible candidates are now receiving in their other posts.

Other possibilities mentioned include Robert Brennan, First Ward Republican county committeeman, and Freeholders William P. Cotter and C. Leonard Brehm. Brennan had been employed for some time at the city hall and courthouse in maintenance of the building. Dickinson also is reported to be a candidate for the custodianship.

Acting custodian Dickinson will continue at the same salary he has been receiving as assistant, Dr. Ewing said. The director added that the freeholders may consider the custodianship vacancy again early next year, but whether the post will be filled is problematical because of the economic situation in the county.

Vocational School to Remain Open

Camden Courier-Post —

Freeholders Also Rescue Farm Aid Bureau and Home Extension Service

By approving issuance of a $20,000 emergency note, the Camden County Board of Freeholders yesterday afternoon assured continuance of the Camden County Vocational Training School and maintenance of the Agricultural Demonstration Bureau and Home Economic Extension Service until December 31.

To bring this about, the board voted to take advantage of a new state law permitting them to either refund present bond issues due or declare a moratorium on paying-off maturing bonds for three years.

Being relieved of the obligation of paying off maturing bonds, the board decided to continue the work of the school and two bureaus. The board voted to allot $16,500 to the school, $1700 to the agricultural bureau and $1500 to Home Economics. The school was scheduled to close this month. The two bureaus were closed February 1 despite protests from thousands of citizens.

The resolution authorizing the move was introduced by Horace G. Githens, Republican floor leader.

“This will assure continuation of the school at least until the end of the year,” said Githens. “We have always been of the opinion that these three functions of the county government are essential and should be continued without an increase in the tax rate.

“When, however, the county budget for 1933-34 was being considered, it was honestly determined that the money would not be available. At that time our legislative delegation suggested the possible relief through legislative action. These matters were therefore held in abeyance.

“Now we are happy to be in a better position. The legislature adopted or assured the adoption of bills sponsored by our Camden legislators which will make available to our county sufficient money to provide continuance of the three agencies without increasing county taxes.”

Refunding to Be Sought

Resolutions set forth that $330,000 worth of bonds mature this year and $2,352,000 in 1934 and that the board cannot see its way clear to meet these obligations. Therefore the bondholders will be requested to agree to refunding these bonds, the first installment to be made in five years and the balance not later than 10 years. C.C. Collings and Company were named agents for the bonds and the First Camden National and Trust Company depository.

If the bondholders refuse to agree to this arrangement, the board will declare a “holiday” and defer payments for three years.

When the board passed its resolutions regarding the school and two bureaus, Mrs. Marion R. Gilpin, president of the Camden County Council of Parents and Teachers, thanked the members. She had led a fight several months against ending the activities of these branches of the county institutions.

Petitions signed by 10,406 residents of Camden and 13,689 living in the county were withheld when the board announced it intended to reopen the two bureaus and keep the school in operation for the balance of the year. Fifty-three civic groups, clubs and Parent-Teacher Associations were included in the protest.

Mrs. Verga Appointed

Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, vice chairman of the state Republican committee, was named to the board of supervisors for old age relief for a five year term over the objections of Minority Leader George Brunner, of the Fourteenth ward.

Brunner said that because of her political position Mrs. Verga could not be expected to give impartial relief into which politics might be injected.

Alexander P. Schuenemann, Republican, jumped to his feet to defend Mrs. Verga, saying Brunner’s remarks were in the nature of charges against her.

Brunner replied that he would make the same objection if a prominent Democrat were being considered and for the same reasons.

County Engineer Beal M. Shucker was authorized to ask the State Highway Commission to match $25,000 appropriated by Camden County for the purchase of rights of way for relocation of the Haddonfield-Berlin road to skirt Gibbsboro.

Bids were rejected for the Church Road bridge, Colestown, because one was in error. The road and bridge committees were authorized to re-advertise for new bids.

A communication from the Camden County Medical Society asked the board to transfer the Department of Labor from the hall at Fifth Street and Taylor Avenue to more adequate quarters in the new court house annex. The society said the Workmen’s Compensation Bureau is housed in unfit quarters which are far too small. The letter was referred to the property committee.

Contract Awarded

The Had-Col Construction Company was awarded a contract for the reconstruction of River Road from Springfield Avenue to the northeast end in Pennsauken township on a bid of $14,633.

After passing a resolution of sympathy on the death of Edward Holloway, former custodian of the court house and city hall, the board elected Thomas Dickinson, Jr., acting custodian, at no increase in salary over what he received as assistant.

Bruner protested. He said the office of assistant custodian should be abolished as an economy measure.

Dr. Leslie H. Ewing, director of the board, replied the county was saving money by naming Dickinson as acting custodian without drawing the salary given to Holloway.

Hospital Bids Asked

The Lakeland central plant and asylum committee was authorized to advertise for bids for furnishing the new hospital for mental diseases. They will be received at the hospital board room on June 28.

In a communication to the board Wayland P. Cramer, county director of emergency relief, that the board for the quarters provided in the court house annex and for the cooperation of the board. He thanked the leaders of both political parties “for not permitting any phase of human suffering to become ensnarled with political expediency during the present crisis.”

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