Introduction
Edwin Stanley Wirtz was born in Camden, New Jersey on May 18, 1914 to Stanley R. Wirtz and his wife, the former Emma McDade. Stanley R. Wirtz was at the time an iron molder. He was born in Pennsylvania on June 20, 1892, the son of Phillip and Mary Wirtz. The Wirtz family lived at 143 Dana Street in Philadelphia, PA at the time of the 1900 Census. The elder Wirtz was then working in the leather industry. Besides Stanley, there was a younger brother, Edwin. By 1910 the family had moved to 913 Howard Street in North Camden. Stanley Wirtz was working as a moulder in an iron foundry, while father Phillip and younger brother Edwin were working in the leather industry. Stanley Wirtz married Emma McDade on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1912. She was the daughter of James McDade, a member of the Camden Fire Department.
Directories from 1913 to 1916 show them living with Emma’s parents at 414 North Front Street. Stanley Wirtz was still working as an iron molder when he registered for the draft in 1917. The family then lived at 511 Cedar Street. He served in the United States Navy during World War I and as late as 1922, then returned to his family and iron molder job in Camden. The family made its home at 908 Point Street in 1920 and again with Emma’s parents at 414 North Front Street in 1921 and 1922. Emma’s father, James McDade, died while serving with the Camden Fire Department in 1922.
The 1923 and 1924 Directories show the Stanley Wirtz family at 313 Erie Street. Not long after the 1924 Directory was compiled, Stanley Wirtz was appointed to the Camden Police Department. The 1926 Directory shows him working as a policeman and living at 1253 Thurman Street.
By 1930 the Wirtz family was living at 1339 Van Hook Street. Also living there was grandmother Mrs. Emma McDade and grandfather Philip Wirtz, then a watchman at Camden’s old City Hall on Haddon Avenue.
Edwin S. Wirtz married Lillian May Dieser shortly after the Census was taken in April of 1930 and the compilation of the 1931 City Directory. The 1940 Census shows him living at 626 Ferry Avenue with his wife Lillian and children Ronald B., 3, Robert, 2, and Nancy, 1. Another child, Richard, had been born in 1938 but had died that same year. At the time of the census Edwin S. Wirtz was working as a truck driver. Three more children would follow: Dorothy, James, and Linda Wirtz.
In October of 1943 Edwin S. Wirtz was appointed to the Camden Fire Department, where he served for 22 years, as a firefighter and lastly as an inspector with the Fire Marshal’s office. His cousin, Carl M. Wirtz, joined the Camden Fire Department in 1951. After serving in the military during World War II, Edwin S. Wirtz returned to Camden. The 1947 City Directory shows him living in the Civic Center homes that were built for veteran’s housing after World War II and razed to make way for the overpass on Admiral Wilson Boulevard near the old Sears Roebuck store.
By the summer of 1957 Edwin S. Wirtz and his family were living at 2662 Berkley Street in East Camden. In 1962 he was living at 1227 North 19th Street. Edwin S. Wirtz retired in October of 1965 after 22 years of service with the Camden Fire Department. He was then living at 2010 River Avenue in Camden. The Wirtzes separated and later divorced. Edwin Wirtz remarried, living in Maple Shade, New Jersey, and lastly in North Wildwood, New Jersey.
Edwin Stanley Wirtz passed away on April 10, 1975.
Camden Firemen Meet Gimbel’s
Camden Courier-Post —
The Camden Fire Department Basketball club, recently organized, will play its second game of the season Thursday night, at Hatch Junior High school.
The fire-fighters will meet Gimbel’s, of Philadelphia, in a return game, starting at 8 o’clock. They played Gimbel’s in their opening game and nosed out the Philadelphians, 69–64. Stinger of the Firemen, leading both teams in scoring with 27 points.
Edwin Wirtz is manager of the Firemen and would like to arrange games with all industrial clubs in this locality. He can be reached by calling EMerson 5–4525.
Couple to Note Fiftieth Anniversary
Camden Courier-Post —
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Wirtz of 302 Whittier ave., North Cape May, will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary New Year’s Eve with a dinner party at Kenney’s, Camden.
A son, Edwin of 1227 N. 19th st., will be host. Mr. and Mrs. Wirtz, formerly of Camden, were married New Year’s Day, 1912. Wirtz is a retired Camden detective. The couple has six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
County Jail Fire Drill Successful
Camden Courier-Post —
Sheriff Segal and his staff at Camden County jail yesterday held a fire drill and inspection of fire-fighting equipment which was called “highly successful” by fire officials.
Nineteen of 142 inmates were evacuated in a drill that took only 45 seconds under direction of Segal and Undersheriff Jack Belfi.
Inspectors John Gaffney and Edwin Wirtz of the Camden Fire Department said all equipment in the jail was found to be in perfect working order.
Segal said drills would continue periodically each month with various sections of the jail participating.
Dinner Set For Retired Fire Capt.
Camden Courier-Post —
A testimonial dinner for retired Camden City Fire Marshal Maurice F. O’Brien will be held at Kenney’s, Camden, Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
The affair will be sponsored by members of the city Fire Department and friends, Spencer Smith, chairman, said.
O’Brien, 63, of 22 Fairview Court, will retire as a fire captain on Saturday. He retired as city fire marshal last Jan. 1. He entered the fire department June 6, 1930.
O’Brien is an Army veteran of World War I, and a member of the League of the Sacred Heart, the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association and the Police and Fire Club.
Assisting with the dinner arrangements are Edwin Wirtz, John Moore and John Gaffney, inspectors in the chief combustibles inspector’s office.
Fireman Honored On His Retirement
Camden Courier-Post —
Fireman Edwin Wirtz, 50, of 2010 River ave., was feted last night by his fellow firemen on his retirement after 22 years of service.
A buffet luncheon was served at fire headquarters, 3rd and Arch sts. Attending were Public Safety Director Kauffman, Council President Horn, Councilman Corea and Acting Fire Chief Michalak. Wirtz received a savings bond. His last assignment in the department was as an inspector in the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
WIRTZ
Camden Courier-Post —
On April 10, 1975, Edwin S. of North Wildwood. Formerly of Maple Shade. Husband of Dorothy C. (nee Cole) Father of Ronald, Camden, Robert, Williamstown, Mrs. Nancy Green, Turnersville, Mrs. Dorothy Johnston, Camden, James Wirtz, Winter Haven, Florida and Mrs. Linda Mortimer, Woodlynne. Also surviving mother, Mrs. Emma Wirtz, Turnersville 2 step children and 28 grandchildren. Relatives and friends of the family also members Hereford Lodge #177 F&AM and VFW Post #3509 are invited to the services Monday 11 a.m. from the Inglesby Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Maple Shade. Masonic services 8 p.m. Interment Northwood Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday evening.