Introduction
Edwin Callahan
Edwin De B. Callahan was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Edwin J. and Julienne Callahan on July 1, 1901. His father was born in Philadelphia around 1869, his mother in France about 1883. She came to America in 1893. By 1906 the family, which included younger sister Mildred, had moved to North Camden, taking up residence at 217 Grant Street in North Camden. The elder Callahan worked as a railroad clerk. The family remained at that address through 1910. The 1914 City Directory indicates that the Callahans had moved to 510 North 7th Street, with the elder Callahan working as a laborer. The family was still at that address in January of 1920, Edwin Callahan having gone to work as a shipfitter at one of Camden’s many shipyards.
Edwin Callahan’s career in public safety began on April 23, 1924 when he was appointed to the Camden Police Department. Two weeks short of four years later, on April 9, 1928 Edwin Callahan reported for duty at Ladder Company 4 at South 10th Street and Morgan Boulevard. His transfer by appointment was dated April 16, 1928. Department personnel records indicate that he was transferred to Engine Company 10 at the same location on December 28, 1928, however, Ladder 4 attendance records indicate that he was not transferred. When Ladder Company 4 was disbanded on July 5, 1936 Edwin Callahan was transferred to Engine Company 8 on Kaighn Avenue. His last transfer came on March 21, 1941, when he was sent to Engine Company 6 at Front and Linden Streets, near where he had grown up.
When the 1930 Census was taken Edwin Callahan was still single and living with his parents at 510 North 7th Street. At 516 North 7th Street lived another Camden firefighter, James Creato and his wife Catherine. By 1947 his father had passed away. Edwin Callahan, his widowed mother and sister Mildred had moved to 641 Elm Street.
Edwin Callahan remained at Engine Company 6 for over 25 years, retiring on his birthday, July 6, 1966, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 65. His mother passed away in November of that year.
A Camden resident until his final days, Edwin Callahan passed away in June of 1977. He was survived by his sister Mildred, last a resident of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, who joined him on June 14, 1994.
Cops and Firemen in First Practice
Camden Post-Telegram —
Bluecoats and Ladder Climbers Get Ready for Field Day
Mr. Younger in Charge
Firefighters Have Large Team of Athletes
Charles Younger, physical director of the Camden Y. M. C. A. and in charge of the candidates for the police and firemen teams which will compete in the first annual police and fire field day on September 19 at Forest Hill Park, sends his proteges through their stiffest workout of the season yesterday morning with several of the committee in attendance.
Plans were arranged between Younger and Captain Stehr, of the First district, to build a temporary track around the local high school’s gridiron. Meanwhile, both the police and fire candidates will do their stuff under the watchful eye of Professor Younger on the Forest Hill track, outside of the enclosed athletic field.
In a confab over the arrangement of the cinder track, Stehr suggested that a 100 and 220-yard straightaway be constructed on the west side of the field.
Joe Connell, of the Highway Department, also gave the field a once-over, as did Captains Golden and Humes. After the members of the committee had inspected the grounds, they witnessed the candidates going through the paces.
Archie Riess, who is in full charge of the “cops,” declared that but nineteen men would be candidates for his team while Walter A. Mertz, of Engine Company No. 1, acting as manager for the firemen, declared he had twenty-nine candidates on his list. These men will compete next Tuesday, but first they will have an opportunity for field day. The events will be run off separately, that is, the “cops” in division and the firemen in another. The bluecoats who will compete this Tuesday are as follows: Everett Joslin, Joseph McDonald, Vernon Jones, Frank Nelson, Bill Rogers, Harold Dunnit, John Bright, Edyard Callahan, Walter Larson, Gus Pfliderer, Clarence Phifer, Thomas Welch, Stanley Wirts, Charles Naylor, George Rothwell, Richard Donnelly, Lester Gleason and Joe Keefe.
The firemen who will also attempt qualification for field day include Fred Schacker, Harry Wagner, Chris Moll, Harry Huda, Arthur Laird, Herman Havercamp, Frank Huda, Harry Kleinfelder, William Poeble, Tom Shanley, Harrison Pike, William Hood, Lester Anderson, William Wood, George Townsend, Allen Palmer, William Mertz, Nelson Hubbs, James Mogan, John Strauss, Frank Oberman, Edward Mensales, John Mulligan, Frank Kates, William Hare, Joseph Andrews and Harry Leigh. From the present outlook, “Cops” appear strongest, coming out second best. The firemen are confident of finishing once more in front of the bluecoats. The leader will be Stehr’s cohorts at the last Armory meet.
The tug-of-team of eight men will also be selected by the firemen’s leader. Merts will choose his varsity from Layton, Smith, Lennox, Walker, Pike, Palmer, Moll, Greenan, Laird, Mulligan, Haver, Merigan and Camp.
The Camden Athletic Club may stage a free exhibition of a motorcycle polo game during the meet. Stehr favors this arrangement, as no extra minutes of actual time is taken up. The local club is willing to donate their services without charge. Nelson Hubbs, local manager, has dates at the Trenton, Long Harbor, Allentown and Bridgeton fairs, while his riders have already performed in many eastern states. The “Camden Blue Devils,” as they are known, will furnish more thrills in the forty minutes than sport lovers have ever seen in the east, declares Nelson Hubbs. If they are on the bill at the games, they will also give an exhibition of trick and exhibition stunt.
Engine 6 Wagon and Pumper at Front & Linden Streets
circa 1948
Left column, from left: Captain William Deitz, Firemen Robert Dukes, Harrison Pike, Mario Fattore, Edwin Callahan.
Right column, from left: Firemen Thomas McParland, Philip Farrow, Thomas Winstanley, James Stewart, Ernest Tartaglia, John “Shorty” Prucella
Engine 6 Wagon and Pumper at Front & Linden Streets
circa 1949
On apparatus John Prucella and Harrison Pike – Motor Pump Operators, l to r: Philip Farrow, Edwin Callahan, Thomas McParland, Robert Dukes, Captain William Deitz, Thomas Winstanley, James Stewart, Mario Fattore, and Ernest Tartaglia
Camden Fire Department Personnel Record
Edwin De B. Callahan — Camden Fire Department Personnel Record