Introduction
Frank A. “Chick” Abbott was born June 2, 1896 in Camden NJ to Italian parents, Antonio and Arsola Abbatto. An athletic youth, he enjoyed boxing, and considered boxing, but did not turn pro. He received several minor league contract offers, but elected to stay close to home, and stuck to semi-pro ball with several clubs in and around Camden. By 1915 he had married Florence Smith, and had fathered two of his eight children. He was then working as a plasterer in the home construction industry, a common trade in the days before the manufacture of sheet rock. The Abbott family then lived at 919 South 4th Street in Camden; they later moved to a home at 346 Cherry Street in what was then Camden’s 5th Ward. Frank Abbott would reside in this home the rest of his life.
Entering politics as a Democrat, he became Democratic Ward Leader in the Fifth Ward in 1926. When the Democrats came to power in 1936, he became a Deputy Commissioner of the City of Camden. He joined the city Commission in 1941 after the sudden and unexpected passing of Commissioner Henry Magin. Frank Abbott replaced Magin as Director of Public Works, and was reelected to the City Commission in 1943, 1947, 1951, 1955 and 1959. He was a close friend and long-time political ally of Mayor George Brunner. Other associates included Judge Gene R. Mariano, Judge Anthony M. Lario, Democratic activist Lena Rago, and one-time Camden County Deputy Sheriff Dominick Lombardo.
On April 10, 1958 Frank Abbott was named “Man of the Year” by the Veteran’s Boxing Association Ring 6, based in Camden NJ. His guests that night were a virtual who’s who of Camden’s political and social life. He was a speaker at the 1959 Veterans’ Boxing Association Ring 6 banquet when Sergeant Ray Smith was similarly honored.
Frank Abbott passed away in February of 1969.
Frank Abbott’s first cousin, Rocco Abbott, served for over 20 years as a member of the Camden Fire Department.
Committeeman Abbott to Be Guest of Honor
Camden Courier-Post —
Frank Abbott, recently elected Democratic county committeeman from the Fifth ward, will be honored Tuesday night at a testimonial dinner at 941 South Fourth street.
Louis Troiano, chairman of the committee in charge, has sent invitations to many persons to be guests of the committee at the dinner.
Joe Montana Wed to Miss Palladino
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Wrestler and Bride Are Given Dinner Attended by Notables
Miss Emma Palladino, one of the fairest daughters of Camden’s “Little Italy” yesterday became the bride of Joseph Montana, heavyweight wrestler, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Fourth and Division streets.
Idol of Italian youth in this city Montana was hailed by hundreds of them outside the church. A number of relatives and friends, including prominent figures in the legal and professional life of the city, attended a dinner in honor of the couple at Overbrook Villa, Lindenwold, following the ceremony.
The bride, 20, is the daughter of Joseph Palladino, commercial photographer of 1115 South Fourth street. She graduated from Camden High school in 1928. Montana is 26 and a contender for the world’s heavy-weight wrestling diadem. Following a wedding tour through the West the couple plan to reside in Camden.
Miss Emenia D’Alesio, of Audubon, and Miss Rose Marini and Miss Cecelia Szymanski, of Camden, served as bridesmaids. Attending the groom were Gene Mariano, Michel D’Ilesia and William Palladino. The bride carried a bouquet of lillies of the valley and white roses while her attendants held tulips and roses. The church was beautifully decorated with varied floral designs, gold ribbons, silks and satins.
The guest list at the bridal dinner included: Assemblyman Frank M. Travaline, Jr., City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, director of parks and public property; Acting Chief of Police of John W. Golden, former Prosecutor and Mrs. Ethan P. Wescott, Samuel P. Orlando, Guido Laurini, Detective Fiore Troncone, Antonio Mecca, Mr. and Mrs. William Denof, Mr. and Mrs. Pasquale Ianuzzi, Frank H. Ryan, Thomas H. Ryan, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Principato, Mr. and Mrs. William Averall, Luke McKenna, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Mariani, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Abbott, Frank P. Cocchiaraley and Miss Regina Cocchiaraley, all of Camden; Miss Mary Montana, and Mr. and Mrs. Ettore Montana, of Columbus OH., and Aristadino D’Guilia and sons, Albert and Peter, of Buffalo, NY.
Democrats Arrange for ‘Maloney Day’
Camden Courier-Post —
July 9 Set for Reception and Picnic to New Revenue Collector
“Harry L. Maloney Day” will be celebrated by South Jersey Democrats, Sunday, July 9, when the newly-appointed collector of internal revenue will be guest of honor at a picnic at Silver Lake Park. State leaders of the party will attend. Maloney, Democratic state committeeman from Camden County and Mayor of Bellmawr, was named by President Roosevelt to succeed Edward L. Sturgess and is expected to take office by July 1.
Plans for the outing were made last night at a meeting in Democratic headquarters, 538 Stevens Street, at which Albert S. Marvel, Jr., was named chairman of the general committee. Vincent de P. Costello was elected secretary and former Mayor Victor King treasurer.
The committees follow:
Ways and means — Sidney Kaplan, chairman; Judge Samuel M. Shay, Judge Frank F. Neutze, Victor King, Vincent Gallaher, Samuel P. Orlando and Thomas N. Madden.
Entertainment — Joseph A. Varbalow, chairman; Patrick H. Harding, Joseph E. Nowrey, Calogero Salvagio, Thomas Cavanaugh and Joseph A. Gorman.
Refreshments — Ralph W. Wescott, chairman; Raymond Hadley, Walter Bateman, Joseph Ackroyd, James Hainesworth, Joseph Harczynski.
Athletics — Frank Abbott, chairman; John Lyons, Joseph McVey and Daniel T. Hagans.
Music — John P. Bissinger, chairman; Ventorino Francesconi, William Bell, Bernard Tracy and Matthew P. Johnson.
District organization — Michael J. Powell, chairman; Dominick Josephs, Ralph Comilli, Herbert McAdams, William Noonan, Edward Huston, Harry Daly and William Kistner.
Transportation — Mayor Emerson Jackson, of Gloucester, chairman; Lewis C. Parker, George Cohen, John Bennett, Horace L. Brewer and Sabba Verdiglione.
Printing — Charles J. Clark, chairman; Raymond Saltzman, Jack Goldstein, Walter Kelly and William M. Williams.
Publicity — Edward C. Bowe, Herbert Beattie, Patrick Whalen, Alfred R. White and Luke Bates.
Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, state committeewoman, and Miss Marie V. Kelley, vice-chairman of the county committee, will head a women’s reception committee to be chosen later. The committees will meet again Monday night to complete arrangements.
Magin Promotes 3, Rehires 3, Fires 4
Camden Courier-Post —
Temporary Laborers Dismissed, While Men Ousted by Hartmann Are Reinstated
Three dismissals, three promotions and four reinstatements and two new hirings were announced yesterday by City Commissioner Henry Magin, director of public works.
Dismissed were Eugeni Gatti, 208 Washington street; Guilio Marcozzi, 321 Line Street, and George Pollard, 336 Stevens street, all temporary laborers at $4 a day. James Carr, 1409 Princess avenue, a laborer on asphalt repairs at $6 a day, is reclassified as general foreman of the department, effective today, at $2100 a year, subject to Civil Service promotional examination. John Dziekanski, 1414 Mt. Ephraim avenue, a laborer in the building bureau at $6 a day, is reclassified as architectural draftsman at $2100, also subject to examination. Oscar Moore, 543 Washington street, Ninth Ward freeholder, will receive $6 instead of $5 a day as a temporary laborer.
Reinstated were Lawrence Abbott, 910 South Third Street, a brother of Frank Abbott, deputy to Mayor Brunner, as a temporary laborer at $5 a day; Anthony Carrier, 416 Benson Street, a temporary laborer at $4 a day; James Jackson, 1117 Lawrence street, and Otis Still, 261 North Eleventh street. All were discharged by Frank J. Hartmann, Magin’s predecessor.
Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday
Camden Courier-Post —
Acting Director
Abbott Named as Temporary Department Head by Mayor
CHURCH SERVICES TUESDAY MORNING
Frank A. Abbott.
Deputy director of revenue and finance, who was named yesterday by Mayor George E. Brunner as acting director of the department of public works to take over the duties of City Commissioner Henry Magin, who died suddenly of a heart attack yesterday. Abbott is Democratic leader of the Fifth ward.
The body of Commissioner Henry Magin will lie in state in the city commission chambers Monday night.
Mayor Brunner made that announcement today following completion of funeral arrangements with members of Commissioner Magin’s family. Magin died suddenly yesterday from a heart attack at the city incinerator plant.
On Tuesday morning, the body will be moved to the Church of St. Joan of Arc, Fairview, where a Requiem Mass will be sung at 9 a. m. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia.
Half-Holiday Declared
The public will be permitted to pay its last respects after 7 p. m. Monday. Mayor Brunner has declared a half-holiday Tuesday morning so that city employes can attend the funeral. The mayor said employes of as many departments as can conveniently be closed will be given time off.
The four city commissioners will act as pallbearers. Commissioner Kobus is in Buffalo, attending a convention, but will be home Monday.
In addition to the commissioners, Thomas Jackson, an employe of the highway department, and Samuel Magill, a former commander of Fairview Post, American Legion, also will be pallbearers.
Jackson served as a sergeant with Magin during the World War and the two men had been close friends ever since. He was named a pallbearer at Mrs. Magin’s request. A list of honorary pallbearers is being compiled by Mayor Brunner.
City, county, State, Federal and veterans’ officials are expected to view the body Monday night. Several veterans’ organizations of which Magin was an officer or member will conduct their rituals at the cemetery.
Mayor Brunner said that James O’Brien, commander of the Disabled American Veterans and president of the Veterans’ Political League which sponsored Magin as a city commissioner, will be in charge of the arrangements for services by veterans.
Edward J. Quinlan, a vice commander of the Camden County American Legion, will be in charge of memorial services in the commission chamber Monday night and military services at the grave. The funeral will be a military one, Brunner said.
Quinlan requested all veteran groups assemble at the City Hall Plaza at 7.45 p. m. Monday so they can attend the services at 8 p. m. in a body.
The police and firemen also will attend the Monday night services in a body. Firemen will be led by Chief John H. Lennox while the police will be in charge of Chief Clerk George Clayton.
Brunner said parking at the plaza will not be permitted Tuesday morning until after the funeral party has left for the church.
Commissioner Magin collapsed in the arms of James Carr, assistant superintendent of streets, a minute after he had been photographed while conversing with Samuel Burgess, an official of the Nichols Engineering & Research Corp., New York, who was inspecting the plant. The commissioner was 44.
Mayor Goes to Home
When Mayor Brunner was informed the Commissioner was dead he immediately went to the Magin home at 3043 Alabama road to console the widow, Helen, and a daughter, Helen, 20. The Mayor remained two hours until Mrs. Magin regained her composure.
Mayor Brunner announced Frank A. Abbott, deputy director of revenue and finance, will assume temporary charge of the public works department, beginning Monday.
“I appointed Mr. Abbott acting director of the department of public works in order that business and functions of the department will not be curtailed,” Mayor Brunner said. “This is the largest department in the city and it requires a directing head until such time as a successor to Commissioner Magin is elected by the City Commission.”
Abbott is familiar with workings of the department, having been acting director several weeks last year when Magin was ill in a hospital. It is reported he will be named to succeed Magin.
Although he has the title of deputy director of revenue and finance, Abbott actually is first assistant to Mayor Brunner who heads the revenue and finance department.
Abbott is serving his second consecutive four-year term as deputy. For more than 15 years he has been Democratic leader of the Fifth ward. He lives at 346 Cherry street.
Native of Camden
Born in Camden, Abbott attended Fetters school and later learned and worked at the plastering trade. He was a Fifth ward Democratic leader in days when Democrats ran for but seldom were elected to public office.
He went through several torrid political campaigns against the late John Carroll, Republican leader of the ward and political lieutenant of the late former U. S. Senator David Baird, Sr.
Abbott learned to play baseball on the rocky vacant lots in the Fifth ward. He was regarded as a fleet-footed outfielder and a fast base runner.
For a short time he had a brief fling as a dancer in vaudeville, but Pater Abbott put his foot down, ordered him to return home and learn the plastering trade.
Close Friend of Mayor
The Damon and Pythias like friendship between Mayor Brunner and his deputy is a legend in the Democratic party of Camden. One of Brunner’s first acts when he was elected a city commissioner six years ago was to name Abbott as his deputy at a salary of $3000 a year.
Brunner has stated publicly that Abbott will be his aide in any position to which he is elected or appointed. Abbott’s loyalty to Brunner is little short of devotion.
It’s Abbott’s job to keep Brunner’s appointments, admit those the mayor wants to talk to and give the gate to those the mayor doesn’t want to meet. Abbott makes a perfect buffer for the city’s chief executive.
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.
Director Abbott Celebrates Birthday at Vasco’s
Camden Courier-Post —
CAMDEN PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ABBOTT had his day Thursday. It was his birthday and more than 100 friends helped him celebrate it at a party at Vascos’, Third and Pine streets. Left to right, front row, are Mrs. Lena Rago, Democratic Committeewoman of the fifth ward; Abbott, and Mrs. Abbott; standing, former Prosecutor Gene R. Mariano, Anthony M. Lario, city prosecutor, and Dominick Lombardo, former deputy sheriff.
100 Friends Honor Director Abbott At Birthday Fete
Camden Courier-Post —
Public Works Director Abbott had a birthday Thursday and more than 100 of his friends and associates helped him celebrate it at a surprise dinner.
In response to praise for his accomplishments, Abbott attributed much of his success to support of those “on the other side of the tracks,” as he phrased it. Abbott lauded his fifth ward neighbors for having supported him since his first election in 1939.
Anthony M. Lario, city prosecutor, was toastmaster at the affair held in Vasco’s, Third and Pine streets. Among those who spoke as friends of Abbott were former Freeholder Thomas C. Schneider; former Prosecutor Gene R. Mariano; Alfred A. Zimmerman, president of Camden Council 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association; Detectives Harry Tracy and Joseph Mardino, Police Sergeant Anthony Skolski, Richard Troncone, Michael Tomasetti, Daniel Galasso and Frank H. Ryan, Courier-Post editor.
Among other guests were Mrs. Lena Rago, who serves on the Democratic county committee with Abbott representing the fifth ward; Mrs. Abbott, Joseph Webster, Camden restaurateur; Ventorino Fransecconi, deputy health director; former Deputy Sheriff Dominick Lombardo and Water Superintendent Edward Sheehan. Professor Gerald Fitzgibbon, widely-known hypnotist, entertained.
Mayor, City Aides To Confer Monday On Weed Removal
Camden Courier-Post —
Mayor Brunner announced today he will call a conference Monday to coordinate city departments in the movement to remove unsightly grass and weeds in the city.
Attending the conference Brunner said will be Director of Public Works Abbott, his deputy, James Swanson; J. James Hainsworth, superintendent of the city asphalt plant; Director of Parks and Public Property Gotshalk; S. Raymond Dobbs, acting chief of the bureau of city property and John Salvatore, who is in charge of workers in the city property bureau.
“The purpose of the conference,” Brunner said “is to coordinate the work of the various city departments In the projects being conducted to clear the city of high grass and weeds.
“There is equipment in the park system that could be used to advantage in cutting down the grass and weeds. Working together, the various city departments will be in a position clear away weeds and grass on city-owned property.”
Grass Around Hydrants
Meanwhile, department of public works workers today started to remove grass and weeds from around fire hydrants, utility poles and traffic standards.
The weed removal crew today went to work on Federal, Cooper and Market streets in the central part of the city, and in the vicinity of the Camden Civic Center.
Swanson said that on Monday, the crew will complete Market street to Twelfth Street, and Arch Street, and then concentrate in the North Camden area.
“After that section is completed” Swanson said, “The crew will go down Broadway, working the South Camden and then the Parkside and Whitman Park areas.”
Leaves E. Camden to Last
“We are leaving the East Camden section to last, because the New Jersey Water Company owns most of the fire hydrants in that area, and they have been requested to remove the grass and weeds from their hydrants.”
Swanson said he was looking forward to being able to utilize men and equipment from the other city departments in the program.
“If all the departments pledge their full cooperation” Swanson added, “we should be able to beat the weed problem within a week.”
Abbott points out that since the campaign was started, workers from his department have uncovered and destroyed a large number of marijuana plants that were growing wild on lots in the city.
One of the largest tracts of marijuana plants was uncovered on a lot owned by the city, which was converted into a playground at Chelton Avenue and Arlington Street. More than 200 plants were found on the lot.
Violators Face Fines
Workers today destroyed more than 100 marijuana plants on a vacant lot on Viola Street, between Master and Van Buren Streets.
Property owners were cautioned by Abbott that unless they remove unsightly weeds and grass from their property they would be hauled into police court.
Abbott said flagrant violators would be subject to fines ranging up to $200.
Warning notices have been sent to more than 300 property owners where inspectors from Abbott’s department found grass and weeds to be growing wild. “The majority of property owners in the city,” Abbott said, “are cooperating in the campaign. We plan however, to be tough with owners who refuse to remove grass and weeds from their property after being warned by our inspectors.”
Marijuana Plants Found in City Weed Campaign
Camden Courier-Post —
MARIJUANA PLANTS have been found by city inspectors who are conducting a campaign to rid the city of unsightly grass and weeds. Wherever found, the plants are destroyed by spraying with a plant killer. F. James Hainsworth, superintendent of the city asphalt plant, is shown pointing out the plants to a group of women living in the neighborhood of a city-owned lot at Chelton Avenue and Arlington Street. Anthony Mona is spraying the plants, and Director of Public Works Abbott is at Hainsworth’s left. The women are Mrs. Antoinette Daniluk, Mrs. Rose Mitchell and Mrs. Isabella Simms.
“Take Me Out to the Ball Game”
Camden Courier-Post —
“Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was the theme song of 1500 girls and boys who were guests of Deputy Public Affairs Director Edward C. Garrity at the Phillies-Giants game today. Alongside Garrity, who is handing a bag of peanuts to Joseph Foster, 639 Walnut street, are William W. Logan, municipal welfare director; Frank H. Ryan, Courier-Post editor; Public Works Director Abbott, Mayor Brunner and Stanley Babiarz, a member of the committee assisting Garrity.
Garbage Collections Cancelled Monday
Camden Courier-Post —
There will be no collection of ashes or garbage on Monday due to the New Year’s Day holiday, Commissioner Abbott announced today.
In districts affected, the collections will be on the next regular collection day, except in the business district where collections usually made Monday night will be made Tuesday night.
Zuni Installs 1951 Officers
Camden Courier-Post —
The Zuni Athletic Association recently installed their officers for 1951, with Frank A. DiRenzo presiding.
Other officers installed were Peter A. Barbalace, vice president; Anthony A. Darpino, secretary-treasurer; Joseph Palerrao, financial treasurer, and Angelo Levecchia, sergeant-at-arms.
Founders of the organization were Peter Barbalace, Pat Barbalace, Albert Aceto, John LaPlaca and Jack O’Neil. Gene R. Mariano, former prosecutor, is honorary president.
The honorary membership includes Rev. Michael Argullo, Commissioner Frank A. Abbott, Mariano, Judge John R. DiMona, Joseph P. DeLuca, Anthony F. Marino, Angelo A. DePersia, Dr. Lawrence Palese, Mike and Joe Greenetz, William Denof Sr., Louis Bantivoglio, John Bantivoglio, Pat DiSimone, Samuel E. Fulton, Joseph Macciocca, Albert Aceto, Leonard Garaguso, Joseph Wood and Al Seri.
City to Limit All-Night Parking In Move to Clean Main Streets
Camden Courier-Post —
New Sweepers to Be Used:
By Ronald G. Van Tine
Restrictions on nightlong parking on principal streets in the business district will be tried out early next year as a major step in a campaign to make Camden a cleaner city in which to live and work.
Public Works Commissioner Abbott, who disclosed the plan today, said the restrictions would be applied only at times when the streets were scheduled for a face lifting.
The city is due to get two new street sweepers, which cost $7800 apiece, early in January. Upon their arrival, Abbott plans to have 5000 temporary cardboard “No Parking” signs printed. Then he will set out to see what he can do about cleaning up such streets as Federal, Market, Broadway, Cooper, Kaighns ave., Mt. Ephraim ave. and Westfield ave.
Outline of Plan
Here’s how the plan will work:
First, a street-cleaning schedule will be set up. Once this schedule is adopted, the “No Parking” signs will go up—where and when needed.
For example, suppose the schedule calls for the sweeping of the north side of Market st. once a week on, say, Tuesdays. In that event, parking on that side of Market st. will be prohibited from midnight to 6 a. m.—the hours the sweepers will be on the job—each Tuesday.
Under such a schedule, sweeping operations on the south side of the street probably would be scheduled for Wednesdays or Mondays, in which case the temporary, removable signs would be posted on that side at the proper times to enforce the ban.
Police to Cooperate
At no time, Abbott pointed out, would the restrictions be applied to both sides of a street on the same night. Parking would be banned on one side one night, and on the other the next night, and only when sweeping was scheduled.
Abbott said Public Safety Commissioner Aaron had promised police cooperation in the experiment, and that fines would be levied against car owners who violate the restrictions.
“If the plan works out successfully,” Abbott said, “it can be made permanent by the adoption of a city ordinance, and can be extended to secondary side streets.
Now ‘Hit-or-Miss’
“I think it will work out. At present, with no restrictions on all night parking, cleaning the streets is a ‘hit-or-miss’ proposition. We can’t even clean the streets with a hand sweeper if there are cars parked on them.”
The two new street sweepers, designed to keep gutters clear of trash or other rubbish, are due to be delivered soon after Jan. 1.
They will bring the total number of serviceable sweepers to four—one short of what Abbott regards as the city’s minimum requirement.
One old sweeper is out of service and considered beyond repair. Abbott said he would seek funds in the 1954 city budget to replace it, thus bringing the street-cleaning sweeper fleet up to five vehicles.
Veteran’s Boxing Association Ring 6 Banquet
Named: Veteran’s Boxing Association Ring 6 Banquet Program, April 8, 1958, and Frank A. Abbott named Man of the Year.
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.
Photos
Frank Abbott, 1943
13th Annual Banquet Program
Veteran Boxers Association Ring No. 6 —
Veteran Boxers Association
Ring No. 6
13th Annual Banquet
Honoring
“Man of the Year - 1961”
Sunday Evening, May 7, 1961
Moffa’s Farm
Blenheim, N. J.
“One For All - All For One !”
Picnic Grove
Open Sundays - 1 to 12 P. M.
Moffa’s Farm
Banquet Center
Cocktail Lounge - Dinners - Parties
DINNER RESERVATIONS - CAnal 7-0400
ALMONESSON ROAD
BLENHEIM, BLACKWOOD, N. J.
New Jersey Veteran Boxers Association
Ring No. 6 - Camden, New Jersey
Officers
JOE (Kid) MURPHY, President
LES CRANMER, Vice President
NEIL McLAUGHLIN, Recording Secretary
AL DALY, Financial Secretary
FRANKIE RAPP, Treasurer
PEE WEE ROSS, Sergeant-at-Arms
CHARLES BAUERS, Sergeant-at-Arms
Golden Glove Members
FRANKIE CONWAY, Sgt. RAY SMITH, LEON LUCAS, NEIL McLAUGHLIN, ANGELO MALANDRA, EDWARD C. GARRITY, JOE CERVINO, JOE (Kid) MURPHY, LEW SKYMER
Lifetime Members
JOE MORAN, JOE SPEARING, PEE WEE ROSS, Sheriff MARTY SEGAL, Commissioner FRANK (Chick) ABBOTT, Congressman WILLIAM T. CAHILL
Counsellor - FRANK M. LARIO, Esq.
Welfare - LEW SKYMER
Good Will Ambassador - DAVE MOORE
Congratulations and Best Wishes
Compliments of
LADIES AUXILIARY - RING NO. 6
Veteran Boxers Association
Officers for 1961
ANNA MAZZILLI, President
MARIAN MARTIN, Vice President
DAISY MARCHESE, Secretary
MARY L. VITARELLI, Treasurer
MARY ROSSI, Financial Secretary
NETTIE ANGELASTRO, Sergeant-at-Arms
Past Presidents
MARIE FARRIES, MIRIAM GLEASON, STELLA PIETRAFESA
Members at Large
MARY ROSSI, MARGARET PELLE, MARIAN MARTIN, PEARL SEUM, ELAINE CRESCENZO, GILDA DI SALVIA, SHIRLEY MANCINI, ROSE BALLENTINE, MARY VITARELLI, LENA ROSELLI, IDA PELLE, IDA HURT, MARGARET PIZZUTO
GREETINGS
In behalf of Veteran Boxers Association - Ring No. 6, I wish to extend our thanks and appreciation for the help and cooperation we have received through the years. We are celebrating our 13th Annual Banquet and it is gratifying to know that we are progressing steadily forward, for the Veteran Boxers and for the good of our city in which we live.
We are a non-profit organization, our past and present is a matter of record, we have worked and our contribution was greatly appreciated by the Drop-a-Buck Club; we sponsor a team in the Morgan Village Little League; last year we fared four buses of boys over to the Phillies ball park; we take care of our own when they are down, and work to curb juvenile delinquency, for our motto is “One For All - All For One”.
Tonight we are doing honor to one of our own - a Camden boy - Frankie Conway.
I wish to thank the chairman of this banquet, Lew Skymer and two co-chairmen, Frankie Rapp and Pee Wee Ross and the rest of the committee for a job well-done.
I also like to thank our advertisers, patrons, boosters and everyone that has lent their assistance to make this affair a success.
So let us break bread, have joy and merriment, and hope you all have a happy time, and that we may all look forward to meeting again in the future.
Thanks to you all from all of us,
JOE (Kid) MURPHY
President, Ring No. 6
“OUR MAN OF THE YEAR”
Our Guest of Honor, Frankie Conway was born in Camden on November 3, 1900 and in his pre-teen days when he wasn’t selling newspapers down at the Pennsylvania Ferry, he was either playing on one of the city playgrounds, or boxing with the neighborhood kids in some back yard, or in the street. At the age of fifteen, after having a dozen or so amateur bouts, Frankie boxed his first professional bout with Kid Dougherty at the Douglas A. C. in Philadelphia and after six tough rounds he received the handsome sum of $5.00. Now Frankie thought that was better and much quicker than selling papers. He sometimes didn’t earn that much in a week standing outside in all kinds of weather.
So Frankie embarked on a boxing career that took him from one town to another meeting the top contenders in both the bantamweight and featherweight classes. Among some of his bouts were the rough and tough Whitey Fitzgerald, Benny Valger, Harry “Kid” Brown, Bennie Kauffman, Battling Murray, Frankie Jerome, Maxie Williamson and the Gloucester blacksmith, K. O. Joe O’Donnell (a few of these old timers are here tonight).
After almost ten years of boxing and close to 200 bouts and in the early part of 1924, Frankie was not yet 24 years old, when he had the misfortune of losing the sight in his left eye, and shortly after, the same happened to his right eye. Several operations by the best eye specialists in New York proved futile. But Frankie didn’t give up . . . being young and ambitious, he tried his hand in the cafe and night club business and today he is the proud owner of the 11 O’Clock Club at 18 West Cuthbert Boulevard in Westmont.
The petite gal that you see with him constantly is his lifetime manager, trainer and wife who before she became Mrs. Conway, was the former Maude B. Stiles.
Also here tonight are his two sisters, Mrs. Louise Ricciardelli of Westmont and Mrs. Della Uhorchek of Trenton and brother Tony, also of Westmont.
And this in brief, is the story of our Honorary President, the Champion of Champions. Yes, we of V. B. A. - Ring No. 6, are indeed proud and greatly gratified to have you Frankie Conway as “OUR MAN OF THE YEAR - 1961”.
God Bless You!
FRANKIE CONWAY
HONORARY PRESIDENT
RING NO. 6
Banquet Committee
LEW SKYMER, Chairman
FRANKIE RAPP, Co-Chairman
PEE WEE ROSS, Ad Chairman
JOE (Kid) MURPHY, AL DALY, CHARLEY BAUERS, LES CRANMER, TOM RYAN, SHAMUS McGUIRE, EDDIE CHANEY, TOMMY DUNDEE, FRANKIE DELMONT, JOE VITARELLI, DANNY DI MONA, DAVE FERRIS, NEIL McLAUGHLIN
BOOSTERS & MEMBERS OF Frankie Conway’s 11 O’Clock Club
Max Goldsmith, Frank Mihalick, Robert Taylor, Edward Lynn, Ralph T. Moyer, Walter E. Guenther, Vincent Colangelo, Billy Logan, Barney Kelly, Frank Fannelli, Charlie Kaplan, Trenton Beverage, Jay Stanger, Oscar R. Pabst, Bill Starr, Edward Quinlan, Ed Weisbrot, Dan Iacovone, Angelo Cocozza, Lew Skymer, Frank M. Lario, Frank V. Blanco, Charles E. Burroughs, E. R. Plasket, Joe Maker, B. Fitzgerald, Guy Clokey, Eleanor Pfannenstein, Erv. Pfannenstein, Ray Bencroft, Jack F. Smith, Murry Hirshorne, Adolph, Joseph Rapp, Emil Schlosser, Jr., Harry Wright, Almond Glass Co., Inc., Gus P. Jacobs, John Parker, Joe Berger, Frank Schuler, Sid Luber, Jack Atkinson, Norman Rose, Johnny Attell, Tommy Skymer, Vincent the Barber, Joe Joy, Anthony Pontifino, Terry Di Fronzo, Robert Devone, William Haines, Fred Di Piero, Joe (Kid) Murphy, Shamus Maguire, Frank Valenti, Skilly, Joseph Pacelli, Tony Ricciardelli, Tony Conway, Frankie Rapp
Best Wishes to a Grand Lad - Frankie Conway
FROM
RENE
AND THE
SARGE
Sgt. RAY SMITH
RING NO. 6 FIRST PRESIDENT
1959 Man of the Year
1958 - Vice President - Ring No. 6
Mr. & Mrs. Lou Ragone, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Gorman, Charlie Urban, Ray Ford, Frank Clark, Al Long, Alec Meloni, Walt Bishop, Jack Cassidy, Bill Sheffer, Chuck Guest, John Blourne, Frank & Peg Pers, Tom Lillie, Norman Steffen, Bill Johnson, Harry Ames, Jack Kelley, Miriam Gleason, George Esler, Pee Wee Ross
COMPLIMENTS OF
Italian Organization Association
President, GUIDO MASSO
1st Vice President, FRANK BILOTTA
2nd Vice President, FIORE C. ROSSI
Secretary, DOMINICK GREGORIO
Treasurer, JOSEPH DENTINO
Fin. Secretary, WILLIAM POLIDORA
Sgt.-at-Arms, FRANK CAPALBO
My Compliments to Frankie
From “Willie”
Windsor - Fifth Avenue, Inc.
APPLIANCES
11th Street and Wright Avenue
Camden 3, New Jersey
CHUBBY’S 1 1/2 TAVERN
FEATURING ALL CHARCOAL COOKING
Steaks - Lobster - Shrimp
ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTLY
VISIT OUR WISHING WELL
Watch Your Steak Being Cooked on Our Giant Old Brick Open Charcoal Hearth
Black Horse Pike at Collings Ave.
West Collingswood, N. J.
Boosters of Pee Wee Ross
Buck Mucci, Lew Skymer, Joe MacDonald, Elmer Herritt, Frank Annibale, Ed Patterson, James Bunker, Chester Willhem, Al Corbett, Skilli, Joseph Dentino, Nicholas Iacovelli, Frank Bilotta, Louis Day, William Polidora, Nunzio Viggiano, Nick Acciola, Gabe, Tom McCann, Al Maiorano, Aarry [sic] Featheer, Arnold Canzanese, Jim McFadden, Joseph Di Paolo, Pat Vitarelli, Pat Ambrosino, Tony Abiuso, H. G. Skilton, Joseph J. Iatorola, Joe Di Martine, Pee Wee Ross, Jr., Mike and Rox, Danny (Kid) Paolino, Pete Rabbit, Vic Righter, Googie Vit, Chas. Bauers, Ray Savidge, Woody Sherman, Jim Talucci, Frank Padulla, Frank Devone, Don Padulla, Tony Pietrafesa, Don Pearson, Bobby Zimmerman, Caesar Campana, Sr., Frankie Conway, Les Cranmer, Elwood Weeks, Doris A. Braun, Ernest J. D’Antonio, Joseph Affrunti, Rudolph Masso, Frank R. Di Maio, Dan Nasuti, Guido Masso, Skip, Tony Gresk, John Fargnoli, Wes Kenworthy, Joseph Ferri, Joe Labbs, Skinny, Grab, Nicholas J. Navarra, Lou Ambrosino, Bruno Ferretti, Ferdinando Senese, John Opfer, Bon Bon, Angelo, Patsy Carlo, Tony Ottaviano, Bill Bill, Jack Gleason, Ray Mulcahy, John Vit, Andy Corey, Al Pitner, Da Da Palmer, Nick Salerno, John Mazola, Danny Galasso, Al Martin, Al Daly, Harry Powers, Caesar Campana, Jr., Joey Powell
We Remember When . . .
Your names are on our Clubhouse wall under the word “Deceased”. At every meeting your names are read aloud while we stand in a moment of silence to your memory.
You were a paid up member when you retired from this life.
You may be the fellow who said we couldn’t last.
The one who paid his dues faithfully, whose job would not permit him to attend our meetings.
The chap with all the ideas, who, was too busy to serve on any committee.
The quiet fellow with the pipe, who was always willing to help.
Or the guy who was sure to jump up and say, “I’m against it, it won’t work!” but he put forth every effort to make sure it did work, because it was for the good of the organization.
The member who always promised to do it, but didn’t always get around to it.
You may have been the champ or the preliminary boy. The good member, faithful in attendance and always ready to help. The lax one who would come around once in a while.
Big man in the community, small fish in a big pond but we who remain standing say . . .
May You Rest In Peace
CHARLES HUMES, WALTER WEST, CHARLES COYLE, EARL HIBBS, HENRY McATEER, FRANK RYAN, PHILIP (Nick) RAY, LITTLE (Ray) SMITH, FRED SMITH, ARCHIE McNEW, ED HEPPELEIN, ANDY MARTIN, TOMMY REITZES, WALTER VECANDER, BENNY KRAMER, BOBBIE O’DONALD, HARRY RASMUSSEN
Veteran Boxers Association OF NEW YORK, INC. - RING 8
Clubrooms: 300 West 55th Street - New York
Incorporated 1953
Founder and First President - JACK GREBELSKI
BUSHY GRAHAM, President
FRANKIE JACOBS, 1st Vice President
PHILLY GILLESPIE, 2nd Vice Pres.
IRV SILVERMAN, Secretary
ABE WOLINSKY, Fin. Secretary
BENNY NABERS, Treasurer
JIMMY GRAY, Sergeant-at-Arms
WALTER UNGER, Sergeant-at-Arms
WOodlawn 6-0021
FREE DELIVERY
MY FRIENDS (Ray & Frances)
Formerly of 5th and Mickle Streets
NEW JERSEY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL DRIVE-IN SELF SERVICE
Liquor Supermarket and Bar
500 CASES - ICE COLD BEER
2643 Mt. Ephraim Avenue
Camden, New Jersey
Finest Food Anywhere
Air Conditioned Bar and Dining Room
Package Goods Sold at Regular Retail Store Prices
SEAFOOD : STEAKS : CHOPS : FRIED CHICKEN
Johnny Capone at the Piano - Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights
FIFTH & MICKLE STREETS
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
NOrmandy 5-3008
Jewelry and Novelties - Cards by Hallmark
Joan’s Card & Gift Shoppe
GIFTS OF DISTINCTION
6231 WESTFIELD AVENUE
PENNSAUKEN, NEW JERSEY
WOodlawn 3-2040 - 3-2041
WAlnut 5-1228
Marchisello Bros., Inc.
PAPER MILL SUPPLIES - U. S. STEEL BALE TIES
317-25 PINE STREET
CAMDEN 3, NEW JERSEY
Office - WOodlawn 4-6385
Home - WOodlawn 4-4049
Chestnut Coal and Fuel Oil Co.
425-27 CHESTNUT STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
To My Good Friend “Frankie” - From
Sheriff Martin Segal
LIFETIME MEMBER - RING 6
WOodlawn 3-1300
CHRISTIAN WEBER, Prop. - Member of I[?]
Federal Oil Company of New Jersey
ESSO AGENT
RIVER ROAD AT FEDERAL STREET
CAMDEN, NEW J[ERSEY]
FREE PARKING FOR OVER 5,000 CARS
Merchantville Market and Auction
A CITY OF BARGAIN SHOPPING . . . UNDER ONE HUGE R[OOF]
ON CUTHBERT ROAD - Between Routes 38 and 70
SOUTH MERCHANTVILLE
1/2 Mile from Garden State Race Track
COMPLIMENTS OF
Billy Logan
OF MAPLE SHADE
Member of V. B. A. Ring No. 6
Menu
Fresh Fruit Cup
Minestrone Soup
Radishes, Celery, Olives
Spaghetti
Roast Sirloin of Beef
Pan Baked Potatoes, Green Peas
Farm Fresh Salad, Rolls and Butter
Spumoni, Coffee
Mints, Nuts
Honored Guests and Speakers
INVOCATION
Rev. Father CHARLES KEISER, Pastor of St. Agnes and St. Jude Churches, Blackwood Area
TOASTMASTER
FRANK M. LARIO, Esq., Counsellor - Ring No. 6
Honorable WILLIAM T. CAHILL, Congressman, First District, N. J. - “Man of the Year, 1960”
MARTIN SEGAL, Sheriff of Camden County - “Man of the Year, 1957”
Sgt. RAY SMITH, Ring No. 6 First President - “Man of the Year, 1959”
JOE SWEENEY, President, Ring No. 1 - Philadelphia, Pa.
JOE (Kid) MURPHY, President, Ring No. 6
BUSHY GRAHAM, President, Ring No. 8 - New York City
ODIN DUDRICH, President, Ring No. 9 - Garfield, N. J.
JAMES O’NEIL, Executive Editor - Courier-Post
TOM RYAN, Sports Editor - Courier-Post
PETE LATZO, Former World’s Welterweight Champion
Corporal IZZY SCHWARTZ, Former World’s Flyweight Champion
JOHNNY JADICK, Former Junior Welterweight Champion
BATTLING MACK, Camden’s Leading Featherweight Contender in the 1920s
K. O. JOE O’DONNELL, Gloucester City, N. J.
EDWARD KNIGHT, Garden State Park Official
JOE McCAULEY, Radio Announcer - Station WIP
Best Wishes to Our Good Friend, Frankie Conway
Mike Bolletino and Sons
FORMER BOXER - MIKE DALY
MEMBER - RING NO. 6
WOodlawn 4-7349
Low Cost - Automobile and Truck Painting
Clarkey’s
AUTO BODY and FENDER REPAIRS
814 LANSDOWNE AVENUE
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
COMPLIMENTS OF
V. F. W. Post No. 2685
FIFTH & PINE STREETS
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
Camden - WOodlawn 4-7787
Philadelphia - MArket 7-3821
Diane Furs
PAT and JERRY
208 SOUTH BROADWAY
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
John Burns, Inc.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NEW JERSEY
Wholesalers
SCHLITZ - RHEINGOLD - HEINEKEN BEERS
LA BATTS ALE
Congratulations Frankie . . . On Your Day . . . From
Mike Hayes’ Sport Shop
A COMPLETE LINE OF ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT
Largest Display of Trophies in South Jersey
LIncoln 7-0020 - LIncoln 7-777[?]
256 WHITE HORSE PIKE
AUDUBON 6, NEW JE[RSEY]
NOrmandy 5-1025
Thomas W. Baker, Jr.,
Baker Lanes
52 AIR CONDITIONED ALLEYS - WITH UNDERLANE RETURN
Open Bowling 10 A. M. to 2 A. M. - 7 Days
CUTHBERT ROAD - Between Routes 70 and 38
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP[, CHERRY HILL, N. J.]
Martella’s Motor Freight
NICK MARTELLA - Member, Ring 6
854 CHELTON AVENUE
CAMDEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
WOodlawn 3-4917
SKILLFUL FITTING
RAPP’S - Regular & Orthopedic Shoes
SPECIALIZING IN MEN’S LARGE SIZES - 13, 14 & 15
517 BROADWAY - CAMDEN 3, N. J.
Treasurer - Ring No. 6
LO 1-9604
Mickey Mouse Bar and Grill
JIM and HELEN PENROSE
BLACK HORSE PIKE
FOLSOM, NEW JERSEY
WOodlawn 3-9530
WHERE GOOD FRIENDS MEET
Germino’s Victory Cafe, Inc.
DARTS - SHUFFLEBOARD - YEAR AROUND ACTIVITIES
NORRIS & DECATUR STREETS
CAMDEN 4, NEW JERSEY
EMerson 5-4020
WAlnut 5-7734
William Bryen Co.
WHOLESALE MEATS, POULTRY & PROVISIONS
Serving Restaurants, Hotels and Institutions
1230-36 SOUTH SECOND STREET
CAMDEN 4, NEW JERSEY
FIGHTERS OF YESTERYEAR
Members - Ring No. 6
TOMMY DUNDEE
CAESAR CAMPA[NA] (Young O’Connors)
FRANKIE DELMONT
BEST WISHES
Joseph P. “Joe” De Luca
Frank J. Leonard
FUNERAL HOMES
10 WHITE HORSE PIKE
HADDON HEIGHTS, N. J.
1451 BROADWAY
CAMDEN, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
Leon Lucas and Family
Golden Glove Member and Past President - Ring No. 6
HADDON AVENUE AT LIBERTY STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
GOD SPEED “FRANKIE”
Pipecoverers - Phila. Navy Yard
Reds Williams - Joe Garraty - Jack Driver - Bill Donahue - George Watts, Jr. - Ed Coigne - Ed Kaminski - Bruce Levering - Mickey Shannon - Pee Wee Ross
Boilermakers Lodge No. 801
AFL - CIO
2332 BROADWAY - CAMDEN 4, NEW JERSEY
William Powell, President
Toby Caprarola, Vice President
Philip Mueller, Rec. Se[cretary]
Joseph La France, Treasurer
Leon Johnson, Executive Secretary
GOD BLESS YOU “FRANKIE”
Anthony Marino
Sherman’s Cafe, Inc.
601 SOUTH FOURTH STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
A GREAT GUY “FRANKIE”
Ang Malandra
Don’s Delicatessen - Luncheonette
204 SOUTH FIFTH STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
WOodlawn 4-7512
Residence - NOrmandy 2-8920
Lucy’s Sportswear
SKIRTS - BLOUSES - SEPARATES - ETC.
TOMMY DUNDEE, Member of Ring 6
2624 FEDERAL STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
COMPLIMENTS OF
“REDS” - Proprietor
THIRD & ROYDEN STREETS
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
MY BEST WISHES TO MY PAL - FRANKIE CONWAY
From
Bob Kerr
NEW YORK CITY
COMPLIMENTS OF
Dottie and Al Chapman
WOodlawn 4-0246
Fountain Supplies - Soft D[rinks]
Jacob Denbo and Son
WHOLESALE CANDY and TOBACCO
701-703 CHESTNUT STREET
CAMDEN 3, NEW JE[RSEY]
Fred Gelber Opens Store
834 NORTH SECOND STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
FURNITURE : HOT POINT APPLIANCES
Zenith TV - Radio
Custom Living Room Suites to Order
Clothing - Jewel[ry]
WOodlawn 6-6900
Cash or Credit - Bank Financing Available
NOrmandy 3-8135
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday [Nights]
Hair Styling by Mr. Joseph
COMB and CURL
3913 MARLTON PIKE
PENNSAUKEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
BEST WISHES TO FRANKIE CONWAY
Polish-American Citizen Club
WARSAW & LOWELL STREETS
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
EMerson 5-1488
Alan’s Automatic Car Wash, Inc.
WALT MAGANN, President
60 NEWTON AVENUE
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
EMerson 5-9505
Chris Columbus Bar
IRENE ROBINSON, Prop.
2nd and York Streets
Camden, N. J.
GLenview 6-9891
Weez’s Jumbo Sandwiches
1st Stop on Black Horse Pike off Walt Whitman Bridge
West Collingswood Hts., N. J.
CAnal 7-3936
The Gondola Restaurant
THE FINEST IN ITALIAN FOOD
Served to the Sounds of Strolling Mandolins at Your Table
Black Horse Pike
Blackwood, N. J.
BEST OF LUCK TO A GREAT GUY AND A GOOD SPARRING PARTNER
Pee Wee Ross
WOodlawn 4-7157
EMerson 5-[?]
Ralph Cataudo
Wholesale Boneless Beef Cuts, Beef, Veal, Lamb, Pork and Provisions
1317 and 1318 SOUTH MERRIMAC ROAD
CAMDEN 4, NEW JE[RSEY]
WOodlawn 3-0736
Myron W. Miller Electric Company
CONTRACTING ENGINEERS
407 ARCH STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JE[RSEY]
SERVICE WITH A SMILE
George and Marty’s Jackson Cafe
Broadway & Jackson Street
Camden, N. J.
WOodlawn 3-9569
Steve’s Tavern
CHOICE WINE - LIQUOR & BEE[R]
Hot and Cold Sandwiches
6th & Pine Streets
Camden,
Standard Quality Over 30 Years
Millside Farms
VISIT OUR MODERN DAIRY BAR
U. S. Route 130
Riverside, N. J.
HObart 1-0046
EMerson 5-9632
Camden Liquor Corp.
YOUR FRIENDLY LIQUOR DEALE[R]
306 Broadway
Camden,
COMPLIMENTS OF
Walter H. MacNamara
IT’S ME FRANKIE
YOUR OLD FRIEND
“Young Lawrence”
LAWRENCE G. ALEMI
Syl Malandro’s Tavern
Newton and Trenton Avenues
Camden, New Jersey
COMPLIMENTS OF
A Friend
F. P. C. B.
COMPLIMENTS OF
Bill’s Bar
600 CAFE
6th & Royden Streets
Camden, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
A Friend
COMPLIMENTS OF
Tony’s Grill
6th & Clinton Streets
Camden, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
Garden State Restaurant
224 North Broadway
Camden, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
Ray Savidge
MEMBER OF RING NO. 6
WOodlawn 4-2820
Member, R[ing No. 6]
Danny’s Flower Shoppe
CREATIONS THAT ARE DIFFEREN[T]
717 South 4th Street
Camden,
WOodlawn 3-0600
F. N. Bruno
REALTOR - INSURANCE
Mortgage Service - Rentals
2628 Federal Street
Camden 5, N. J.
EMerson 5-[?]
Prompt Service
Quality Cleaners
SUITS & DRESSES DRY CLEANED
Slip Covers - Blankets - Drapes
1406 Collings Road
Camden, N. J.
WOodlawn 3-9581
Tasty Sandwiches
LEN TON, Inc.
Color TV
Shuffleboard
4th & Arch Streets
Camden, New Jersey
EMerson 5-9495
Free Pick-up & Del[ivery]
Pat Rovere’s Gulf Statio[n]
TUNE-UP
LUBRICATION
Brake Service - Open 24 Hours
Broadway & Mechanic St.
Camden,
WOodlawn 4-3975
M. La Sala & Company
EXCLUSIVE TAILORING
516 Broadway
Camden, New Jersey
WOodlawn 4-1367
Camden Bar & Restaurant Supplies Co., Inc.
FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT
N. W. Cor. 4th & Kaighn Ave.
Camden, N. J.
HAzel 8-4555
Oil Burners Installed
Arman Mignogna
Registered
PLUMBING and HEATING
173 Grant Avenue
Erlton, New Jersey
EMerson 5-4555
WOodlawn 3-[?]
Penn Fish Company
WHOLESALE and RETAIL
1223 Broadway
Camden, New J[ersey]
COMPLIMENTS OF
Anthony (Tony) Georgette
GLenview 6-3630
Heim’s Pure Foods
POTATO CHIPS - PICKLES - PRETZELS
422 Hudson Street
Gloucester City, N. J.
EM 5-9802
Tomato Pies - Package Goods
THE BEST IN DRINKS & FINE FOODS
To Greet You - Sam Lennox
12 Hudson Street
Camden, New Jersey
Rear of High Speed Line
NOrmandy 2-4955
Free Parking & Del[ivery]
Mazie’s Liquor Store
LIQUOR - WINE and BEER
4709 Westfield Avenue
Pennsauken, N. J.
EMerson 5-2963
Package Goods
Massi’s Pine Grill Bar
SPECIALIZING IN ITALIAN FOOD
Air Conditioned
5th & Pine Streets
Camden, N. J.
WOodlawn 4-1955
WOodlawn 4-1957
Rocco Fanelle’s Sons
PAPER STOCK - SCRAP IRON - METALS
Andrew R. Fanelle
217 Line Street
Camden, New Jersey
Crystal Cleaners & Dyers, Inc.
WE OPERATE OUR OWN DRY CLEANING PLANT
1012 Broadway
Camden, New Jersey
Grand Bar
JOHN CRANE - MATT POWERS, Pr[ops.]
2nd and Federal Sts.
Camden, New J[ersey]
Gloria Food Market
Specializing in ROAST BEEF IN ONE LB. PACKAGES
Free Gravy
1101 South 4th Street
Camden, New Jersey
EMerson 5-0575
A. Pietrafesa,
Valeriani Bottling Co.
DISTRIBUTORS OF CAMDEN BEE[R]
Member of Ring 6
414 Pine Street
Camden, New J[ersey]
WOodlawn 3-9849
George’s Luncheonette
MEMBER - RING NO. 6
500 Haddon Avenue
Camden, New Jersey
ULysses 4-4470
Thos. Aj[...]
Franklin Cleaners, Inc.
3016 Mt. Ephraim Avenue
West Collingswood, N. J.
COMPLIMENTS OF
John Daly’s Grill
2898 Mt. Ephraim Avenue
West Collingswood, N. J.
WOodlawn 3-5900
Louis Di Fronzo
FLORIST
Flowers For All Occasions
835 South 4th Street
Camden, New [Jersey]
To My Buddy - Frankie Conway
FROM
YOUR PAL
GENE AUSTIN
Recorded “My Blue Heaven”
SOLD 7 MILLION RECORDS
WOodlawn 6-0325
EDDIE CHANEY, Prop. - Member of Ring 6
Chaney’s . . . The Friendly Bar
SANDWICHES : SHRIMP : HARD SHELL CRABS
MT. EPHRAIM AVE. & MECHANIC STREET
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
OUR BEST WISHES TO FRANKIE CONWAY - FROM
O’Donnell’s Family Restaurant
K. O. JOE O’DONNELL
GLenview 6-9814
401 NORTH BROADWAY
GLOUCESTER CITY, NEW JERSEY
Joey Powell
“Youth Must Be Served - We Are Hap[py]
To Assist” - V. B. A. Ring 6 Member[s]
COMPLIMENTS OF
Morgan Village Little League
HOME FIELD - 9th & MORGAN ST[REETS]
Behind No. 10 Fire House
COMPLIMENTS OF
1701 Ferry Avenue
Camden, New Jersey
To You Frankie - My Best Wis[hes]
YOUR FRIEND
Congressman Bill Cahill
RING NO. 6 - MAN OF THE YEAR,
WOodlawn 4-7150
Garden State Liquor Store
LIQUORS - WINES & BEER
234 North Broadway
Camden, N. J.
AUTOGRAPHS
Printed by Diamanti Commercial Printing - 6924 Westfield Ave., Pennsauken, N. J. - NO 3-6939
Best Wishes to Frankie Conway and Ring No. 6
FROM
Schillig’s BLACK HORSE FARMS
VISIT
THE ALPINE ROOM
SEATS 500 PERSONS
Black Horse Pike
Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey
Everyone’s calling for - the Beer with the MILLION DOLLAR COLLAR
its Fabulous Foam means Flavor!
6-PACKS | QUARTS
CASES | DRAUGHT
The joyful roar as Stretches took over
Camden Courier-Post —
By STEPHEN M. O’KEEFE
Former Courier-Post City Editor
The roar of a huge newspaper press may be likened to thunder. It’s actually painful to the ears, but on May 14, 1947, that noise was regarded as a joyful symphony.
That’s when the Courier-Post Newspapers resumed publication under the management of the late Harold A. Stretch, ending three and one-half months of dismal silence. The Morning Post and the Evening Courier had been suspended Jan. 31, 1947, when J. David Stern sold them to the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.
The sale had been triggered by a three-month strike. Both papers continued publication through the strike, as did the Philadelphia Record, a subsidiary. The Record, which also was purchased by the Bulletin, was never published again.
STRETCH, WHO had an extensive background in the advertising field, acquired the Courier-Post in a family venture with his wife, Frances Gilmartin Stretch, their daughter, Jane A., and two sons, Harold A. Jr. and William A. All became active in management. William A. Stretch, now president and publisher, is directing the newspaper’s observance of the 100th anniversary.
The century of journalism dates from Oct. 2, 1875, with the first issue of The Daily Post, established by Henry L. Bonsall, a printer-editor who was the first president of the Camden County Historical Society.
Members of the Stretch family were central figures in the small group which waited for the first copies to emerge from the press in mid-May of 1947. They had been keyed-up by 11 days of tense preparations.
THE BIG machine, with thousands of components, started slowly when fully plated. The first sheets through the folder were hastily scanned, then a couple of buttons pressed to send the mechanical giant into high speed, giving off a crescendo which in that moment rested harmoniously upon the ears.
After the first flush, the press was no more musical than high-speed line trains in the subway of North 5th Street. But the incessant hum dispelled the gloom caused by the labor strife — and its traumatic impact upon so many persons. The sound of the press also proclaimed the rebirth of two spirited newspapers. An eager populace welcomed them openly.
The first Stretch publication carried this eight-column headline:
“BRUNNER-RHONE CITY COMMISSION REELECTED.”
The banner’s subhead set forth that Frank A. Abbott topped the victorious ticket by 4,672 votes, that approximately 30,000 ballots were cast and that the five-man Progressive League slate carried four of the 14 city wards. Fifteen candidates were seeking the five seats on the city commission.
The winners:
Mayor George E. Brunner 15,152.
Dr. David S. Rhone 14,781.
E. George Aaron 15,154.
William Gotshalk 15,042.
Frank A. Abbott 15,548.
The Progressive League candidates and votes polled:
John Mohrfield 10,876.
Walter T. Welsh 10,598.
Mrs. Margaret K. Palese 10,598.
Stephen M. Grezeckzkowski 9,952.
John J. Fabian 9,304.
The Brunner-Rhone ticket campaigned as the Non-Partisan League. A founder of that organization, Edward J. Kelleher, topped a field of five independents, with 3,276 votes in the 1947 election. The other unsuccessful contenders were Milton C. Nurock, Paul J. Daly, Herman O. Kreher and Mrs. Doris M. Dodd.
MITCHELL H. COHEN, later to become U.S. District Court judge, was campaign manager for the Progressive League slate. He was Republican leader in the 2d Ward, where majorities ranging from 400 to 600 were rolled up against the winning ticket.
This was Dr. Rhone’s fifth election and Mayor Brunner’s fourth.
That inaugural edition also reported the election of Mayor J. Herbert Phillips of Mt. Ephraim and Edith M. Greenan at Avalon. Phillips was a longtime reporter for the Courier-Post. Miss Greenan had been a well-known resident of Camden before moving to Avalon.
THE NEW publisher of the Courier and Post took a stand against partisanship in a message to the people of South Jersey:
“This is the first issue of the Courier-Post Newspapers under their new management.
“These newspapers — The Evening Courier and The Morning Post — stand clear and free, responsible only to the community and to the dictates of their own conscience.
“ALL OF THE key executives and many of the employees who produced The Courier and The Post in the past are back at their desks. Their intelligence and their skills once more are going into the making of honest, progressive newspapers.
“There is another link with the old Courier-Post, which suspended publication three and a half months ago. That is the link of heritage and tradition, and of these the best will be retained.
“But even with this legacy of maturity, the reborn Courier-Post Newspapers are, in law and in fact, new institutions, bringing with them the vigor and the hopes of the young.
“AND BRINGING, too, this credo:
“To be independent newspapers, beholden to no political party, to no man or group of men, but dedicated to the general welfare of the community and, thus, of the nation.
“To work diligently and forcefully for all that contributes to the advancement and prosperity of South Jersey.
“To print the news without fear or favor. To present all sides of a dispute. To reserve opinion for the editorial page.
“To discharge faithfully their obligation as interpreter by commenting editorially, in forthright fashion, on matters of local and general interest.
“TO KEEP their sense of humor and to entertain and amuse as well as to inform.
“In short, to be faithful to their readers and to themselves by publishing an Evening Courier a Morning Post which are in keeping with the best spirit of American journalism.
“To this credo, the new Courier-Post Newspapers pledge themselves, their staff and their resources.
* * *
“It is the aim of these newspapers to be good neighbors — to rejoice in your good fortune and to share your problems.
“As good neighbors, we welcome your friendship and advice.
HAROLD A. STRETCH, Publisher
A CHAIN OF memories may be revived by mention of other stories that appeared in the Stretch family’s inaugural issue. A settlement of a statewide Bell Telephone strike was reported.
An incident that shook scores of families in Collingswood and vicinity rated a two-column head on the first page. It concerned suspension of 22 students from Collingswood High School for “dunking” 14 sophomores in the lake at nearby Knight’s Park.
The victims were completely clad but one of them prompted police action by stripping to dry his clothes and was arrested for indecent exposure. “Dunking” had been an annual custom, but this revival had an impact upon the dignity of the borough officials and residents.
THE FRONT page also carried reports of a probe into the fatal shooting of a Gloucester County jail inmate and the wounding of Warden Fred Simmler; the arrests of three Williamstown youths at Pitman who admitted taking part in 14 holdups during four months, and the theft of more than $400 in a safe robberies at Wilbur Watts High and the Robert Stacy school at Burlington.
Another story outlined property tax rate increases in 33 of the 36 Camden County municipalities. It also reported that a state tax of 2123 cents imposed for school aid purposes was eliminated in 1947. The Legislature is still wrestling with the problem of financing education.
News and editorial columns were devoted to the debate over whether Judge Bartholomew A. Sheehan and 13 other jurists could continue to serve if they were elected as delegates to the 1947 State Constitutional Convention.
JUDGE SHEEHAN avoided a legal tangle by resigning as a delegate, rather than quit the bench in compliance with a law barring jurists from any elective offices.
The stories mentioned here — with the obituaries, women’s pages, sports, comics and a substantial volume of advertising comprised a 38-page newspaper. It was gladly accepted by the public after a gloomy 14 weeks of deprivation.
Frankly, that first edition would suffer in comparison to today’s brighter, award-winning issues, which are produced in a plant so well-equipped that it seems to put the old facilities at 3d and Federal-Arch streets back into the dark ages.
BUT THE dungeon-like building where the Courier and Post were reborn had an atmosphere of oldtime journalism that stirs a nostalgia not attainable in the modern setting. Charley Humes, a bulky and ebullient reporter-writer who found more enjoyment in his work than an entire staff of today’s breed, two-fingered a typewriter with a melodic, opening-day column:
“Today marks an epic in journalism. For today a new baby, out of proud parents, is born.
“They are calling it The Evening Courier. Tomorrow its twin, The Morning Post, will see the light of day. The names derive from the ancestors, known and respected wherever newsmen gather.
“And already it is known that the new child will be a fighter, striking out clean and hard for the people it serves and the area to which it owes and will always owe a great responsibility. We intend to fulfill that responsibility.
“WHEN WE entered the building at 3d and Federal Streets this morning the air was electric. A feeling of tense expectancy gripped everyone. But it was a cool and confident tenseness.
“Everyone knew that the hour of arrival would be at 11 a.m. Everyone knew that Henny Danielson, boss man down there where the big presses stand, would press a button, bells would ring and out of the maws of the giant press another mighty newspaper would roll.
“Within seconds, big rollers would be going at full speed and papers would spew into the mailing and delivery room. Mailers, platform men and truck drivers would hustle them into bundles and away they’d go.
“MEANWHILE, before the fateful hour, lads down in advertising were checking last-minute proofs to make sure everything was OK. Up in the City Room the tempo was faster. We were going to press.
“Jack Ramsay, in the copy desk slot, was shouting “Copy!” Boys were running it to the composing room.
“Charley Klein was winding up police court news. Larry Wisely was rattling the keys with a yarn from Judge Sheehan’s court. Oscar Magnuson was explaining to a couple of vets that it would be impossible to get their picture in the first edition.
“Copy Reader ‘Buck’ Elliott was chuckling as he headed a newsy bit about girls which had just arrived from Burlington beatman Jake Weiner.
“FRANK RYAN and George Chaplin (editor and managing editor) rewriting and lugging copy, answering phones. The brass and the hoi polloi part of the teamwork.
“Earl Mazo fighting time with a piece on vets’ housing.
“Comments on the night staff which will come to do the job on the Post later today. Quips about City Editor Ralph Bull, Paul Webb, Frank Mulloy, Phil Buxton, Johnny Courter, Joe Garwood, Charley Schuck, Joe Wells, Adolph Stern and the others.
“Hilda Shivers, giving with the society stuff. Tom Ryan, Harry Rasmussen, Henry Quinton back in sports. Newsmen and women on the job.
“CITY EDITOR O’KEEFE wanted a new head on a No. 4. The old one did not tell the story, he said. Copyman Dan Boone obliged, with a grin.
“Telegraph wires buzzed with news of the world. Telegraph Editor Joe Forestal was slicing copy fast and efficiently. Heads were coming down the line, passing through O’Keefe to go out back. Jimmy O’Neill was directing makeup and barking orders here and there to the staff.
“Suddenly the pace slackened. It was deadline.
“Then the presses rolled. We were off.
“Everyone of us there in that City Room, and, we are sure, everyone in every department, had a feeling, a deep-rooted feeling that went away down into the pit of the stomach and sent chills of joy up the spine, that we would be a winner.
“WE KNEW WE were off to a good start and would not tire in the stretch.
“Some of us had been out to pasture during the past six months. Others were new faces. But everyone appeared freshened for the drive. Fit and ready, they call it at the races. That’s us. Fit and ready to give South Jersey the great newspaper it so badly needs and richly deserves. Fit and ready to run as long as time allows.
“Fit and ready to give the answer to the billion dollar question that has been on everyone’s lips for many months, from here to Oshkosh and back again: ‘When will the Courier come out again?’
“Here’s your answer, Bub, and thanks for buying us.”
THE CURTAIN came down wanted a new head on a No. 4. The old one did not tell the story, he said. Copyman Dan Boone obliged, with a grin.
“Telegraph wires buzzed with news of the world. Telegraph Editor Joe Forestal was slicing copy fast and efficiently. Heads were coming down the line, passing through O’Keefe to go out back. Jimmy O’Neill was directing makeup and barking orders here and there to the staff.
“Suddenly the pace slackened. It was deadline.
“Then the presses rolled. We were off.
“Everyone of us there in that City Room, and, we are sure, everyone in every department, had a feeling, a deep-rooted feeling that went away down into the pit of the stomach and sent chills of joy up the spine, that we would be a winner.
“WE KNEW WE were off to a good start and would not tire in the stretch.
“Some of us had been out to pasture during the past six months. Others were new faces. But everyone appeared freshened for the drive. Fit and ready, they call it at the races. That’s us. Fit and ready to give South Jersey the great newspaper it so badly needs and richly deserves. Fit and ready to run as long as time allows.
“Fit and ready to give the answer to the billion dollar question that has been on everyone’s lips for many months, from here to Oshkosh and back again: ‘When will the Courier come out again?’
“Here’s your answer, Bub, and thanks for buying us.”
THE CURTAIN came down on the opening-day drama when buttons were pressed to bring the press to a gradual halt. The day staff dwindled and nightside newsmen trickled in to prepare copy for the first Monring [sic] Post under the new publisher. Workers in the mechanical departments soon would be doing the same, and the plant that so long was idle would be humming again.
From then on it would be the old daily routine of writing, editing and printing the ever-changing panorama of life in South Jersey and throughout the world.
The Stretch family had staked its resources in this venture, and entwined with their destiny was the fate of several hundred workers and the numerous commercial enterprises in this area which depended upon the services of the two newspapers.
THE NEW publisher became the heart of an energetic organization. His daughter, Jane, and sons, Harold A. Jr. and William A., began here as sparkplugs in the advertising department and each manifested interest in the more fascinating news room and staff. All were actively identified with the numerous civic undertakings directed toward progress of the community.
The family soon moved from homes in Pennsylvania and Trenton to take part in the life of the city and suburbs throughout Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties.
Frank H. Ryan directed the news and editorial units, while Walter L. Tushingham carried on as chief aide in the business end. Scores of new faces appeared among the personnel through the entire plant and there was a steady increase in new facilities.
ALL SEEMED to mesh ideally into the operation. Extensive advances in advertising lineage, local and national, gave a bright outlook to the publications. The Stretch family took on a heavy burden in the $500,000-a-year amortization schedule, but this was disbursed in half the alloted [sic] five-year span.
Prudent management dictated a merger of the two papers in September, 1949 — the morning paper became a part of the evening paper under the title of the Courier-Post.
The smooth course of events was jolted in November, 1950, when a heart attack hospitalized Stretch. A month later he went to his winter home in Delray Beach, Fla., for a rest. He died Feb. 1, 1951, in St. Mary’s Hospital, West Palm Beach. He was mourned in newspaperdom as a man of integrity, ability, enterprise, ambition and high principle.
With Bishop Bartholomew J. Eustace presiding, a solemn requiem Mass was celebrated by a close friend of the family, the late Rev. Francis J. Hegarty, in the cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Burial was at Newtown, Pa.
MRS. STRETCH was elected president and publisher to succeed her husband and actively directed the family corporation with Harold A. Jr. as vice president, Jane A. as secretary, and William A. treasurer and general manager.
The death in November, 1954, of Frank Ryan was the next blow. This occurred during preparations for transfer of the company’s facilities to the present plant at Cuthbert Boulevard and Hampton Road in Cherry Hill, which occurred in July, 1955.
Ryan, long one of the most influential newsmen in New Jersey, had a hand in the design of the present building but its construction was not completed at the time of his death. Jane Stretch became editor in 1954 after being associated with Ryan up to that time. She retired June 1, 1963 and now resides with her mother in Carmel, Calif. Harold A. Jr. also is retired and lives in California.
WHEN WILLIAM A. STRETCH became publisher and president after his mother retired, Jane served as assistant publisher and secretary of the corporation. She became recognized as one of the most active women in American journalism.
Her series of articles under the heading “Random Thoughts,” proved popular in the early 1960s.
ONE OF THE major steps in the history of the Courier-Post took place in 1959 when negotiations led to its affiliation with the Gannett Group, based in Rochester, N.Y. William Stretch has continued to head the local organization and serves on the Gannett board of directors, as well as supervising the Suburban Newspaper Group, also a member of the Gannett system.
Courier-Post Photo by Jack Wolfer
BRONZE “MAKE-UP MAN,” commissioned in 1925 by J. David Stern, is now housed in the Printers Home, Colorado Springs. The statue was on exhibit at the Sesquicentennial in Philadelphia in 1926. Model for the Max Kalish statue was the late Charles W. Goodwin, a Courier-Post employe whose four sons later worked at the newspaper.
Courier-Post Photo
COURIER-POST EXECUTIVES and those involved in the construction of the present building on Cuthbert Boulevard, Cherry Hill, turn out on this sunny day on July 20, 1954 for groundbreaking ceremonies. Pictured in foreground (from left) are W. R. Hughes, president of Hughes-Foulkrod Construction Co.; Frank H. Ryan; Jane A. Stretch; Harold A. Stretch Jr.; Mrs. Harold A. Stretch; William A. Stretch and Louis T. Klauder, architech-engineer. Behind first row is Arthur Milnamow, Klauder’s partner. On top row are the late Neal E. Dyer, business manager and mechanical superintendent Leroy P. Evans, comptroller and Maurice Platt, former advertising director.
Camden: springboard into Philadelphia, N.Y. newspaper markets
Camden Courier-Post —
By STEPHEN M. O’KEEFE
Former Courier-Post City Editor
Shredding a $75,000 check was a fleeting scene in the drama which attended the waning hours of the Post-Telegram and its transfer in January, 1926, to the Evening Courier.
From an atmosphere of gloom — scores felt a newspaper was doomed — emerged a livlier and more interesting publication, The Morning Post.
The name of the Telegram, founded Feb. 24, 1886, faded away as it approached its fortieth milestone. In the case of the Post, the transition meant a new life for the original unit of today’s Courier-Post, which observed its centennial Oct. 2.
The Morning Post fit neatly into the enlarged Courier plant. Publishing both a morning and evening paper was a major operation. Among the new staff hired to handle the increased workload were a number of erstwhile P-T employes. The hostility that had divided the rival papers during the few previous years was replaced by harmony.
MANY IMPORTANT decisions were made in the new operation. The publisher, J. David Stern, had surrounded himself with men who could act decisively. The Morning Post rolled off the press with a new format and new headline type, distinctly different from the Courier. Many of the stories in the morning paper were picked up in the evening editions with only slight revisions in the text, but with headlines that varied.
The key men in the news, business and mechanical departments were Harry T. Saylor, Walter L. Tushingham and Elmer C. Pratt. Tushingham was regarded by Stern as one of the chief assets he acquired with purchase of the Courier in December, 1919.
“Tush” was a solid citizen with numerous personal contacts and carried with him some old-school business training and a fixed dedication to the interests of the Courier starting in the 1890s.
Saylor and Pratt were trusted aides whom Stern had brought on from Springfield, Ill., in 1920. Each displayed mastery in his craft.
Neither the Courier nor the Post-Telegram ahd [sic] topped 13,000 circulation by 1920. A short time after the morning and afternoon editions were started the circulation of both was reported at 35,000. It was estimated that only about 3,000 persons purchased both papers on the same day. Within 20 years paid circulation rose to 80,000.
THE TWO STAFFS worked well in their separate rooms. Conflicts were few, although two of them developed into fist-swinging. In each event, harmony was quickly restored.
Election campaigns and the excitement of the balloting created interesting copy each year. Saylor and Stern generally strived to keep the papers in a more neutral stance than had been the case of the early 1920s. It was not always easy; in some years it was impossible, as the political winds shifted.
The elder Baird, who spent about 70 of his 88 years in Camden, was fated not to see his organization regain control of the city over which he reigned like a feudal lord. His death, Feb. 25, 1927, occurred less than three months before the Republican ticket fielded by his son won the municipal election.
That victorious ticket chose Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Price to be mayor. His colleagues were T. Yorke Smith, William D. Sayrs Jr., Dr. David S. Rhone and Clay W. Reesman. Those men and the jubilant party workers never knew how much Stern appreciated their election. The publisher privately expressed relief over being released from the burden of political overseer in Camden.
STERN STATED that he wanted to get out of politics and devote more time to his newspapers. He did and discovered boredom. Saylor, with his circle of Albert Haugh, Frank H. Ryan, Arthur D. Pierce and the silent Sam Laird, were the key figures in a team that handled everything so competently the publisher felt he could do nothing to improve the operation. He admitted he was simply another hand around the plant.
The business office showed similar efficiency under Tushingham, whose top associates were Frank Kinsella, Alfred Neef, Joseph V. Minon, Richard MacDonald, Joseph Hale, George Keary, David S. Loeb, Charles Bayliss Harold M. Snyder and Leroy P. Evans.
Pratt, as mechanical superintendent, relied upon William B. Wells, his son, J. William Wells, and Charles C. Testerman, in the composing room; James Toler and Nicholas Marterella and Ernest Pimble in the stereotyping department, and Henry Danielson and Francis X. Mooney, pressroom foremen. Mooney was succeeded by his son Francis, Jr., now in charge of the giant mechanical marvel which turns out current issues of the Courier-Post.
THE SMOOTH operations in Camden produced substantial profits and enabled Stern to dwell upon a long-standing desire to become a big-city publisher. The tottering Philadelphia Record loomed as his target. He bought it June 10, 1928.
As Stern reported the deal, the Courier-Post Company became owner of the Record with purchase of half the 350,000 common shares issued. Tons of complications followed in the wake of the transaction. These provided the publisher his desired change from the boredom of Camden. On top of that he directed launching of the Sunday Courier-Post, the first issue of which appeared March 3, 1929.
The Camden Sunday paper was well produced and became popular. Its first issues were designed to be a supplement to the Sunday Record, but after 32 weeks it was distributed as a separate paper and retained its popularity for 42 weeks. The Depression caught up with its adversiting [sic] lineage, unfortunately, and it was abandoned Aug. 17, 1930.
IRONICALLY, Stern’s memoirs contained no mention of the Sunday Courier-Post. Yet, it helped promote Stern’s Record in South Jersey, and it was provocative to the Inquirer, which sought to prohibit stores and newsboys from selling the Inquirer if they dealt with the Courier-Post. That threat failed when the Courier-Post offered to deliver by special messengers, and Camden police threatened to arrest Inquirer circulation men and truck drivers.
At that time the Bulletin did not have a Sunday edition.
Despite the complications encountered in his first five years of publishing the Record, Stern was persuaded to take control of the New York Post in 1933. Some attractive financial inducements were offered, but one of the principal reasons Stern entered into the transaction was to promote the interests of his friend, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Stern sold the Post in 1939.
DURING THE next eight years destined to round out his career, Stern was a principal in a controversy which has gone down as an epoch in American Journalism He had become the first publisher to promote the interests of the American Newspaper Guild, resigning from the national publishers association because of what he described as its unfair attitude toward the guild.
He signed the initial Guild contract for the Record and the two Camden papers on April 8, 1934. In the summer of 1935 he signed an agreement with the New York Guild, making the Post first in that city with a contract.
Prolonged negotiations with the Philadelphia-Camden Newspaper Guild in 1946 ended in deadlock, and the organization he had sponsored staged a walkout which lasted 13 weeks, Nov. 1, 1946 to Jan. 31, 1947. On that date he announced sale of the Courier, Morning Post, the Philadelphia Record, Radio Station WCAU, and a Canadian paper mill. The Evening Bulletin in Philadelphia reportedly paid $12 million.
THE RECORD never reappeared. Its facilities were used to enable the Bulletin to publish a Sunday paper.
After another 13 weeks, during which Camden had no daily paper, the Courier and Post resumed publication under management of Harold A. Stretch, who had been advertising manager of the Inquirer.
The date was May 14, 1947. The main news story of the day was on the re-election of Mayor George E. Brunner, Dr. David S. Rhone, E. George Aaron, William C. Gotshalk and Frank A. Abbott for another four-year term as Camden City commissioners. It was the fourth term for Brunner and the fifth for Dr Rhone.
MORNING POST reports Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.
Courier-Post Photo by Carl A. Breitinger
EDWARD UNCHIS, a Courier-Post mailer, demonstrates how newspapers are rolled for mailing. Despite modern advances in other departments, handrolling is still the most efficient. But, you don’t have to tell that to Paul Skolski (left) or Gildon E. Kille, they know. Sixty-nine years ago, Kille was doing the wrapping himself and this Oct. 28, Skolski celebrates his 52nd year with the Courier-Post.
Golden Jubilee Year Book Committee
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
1893 - 1943
ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH
(EAST CAMDEN)
Twenty-ninth Street and Westfield Avenue, Camden, N. J.
REV. EDWARD A. McKENNA
Honorary Chairman
PETER GALLAGHER
Chairman
HARRY LEONARD
Co-Chairman
HON. EDWARD V. MARTINO
Co-Chairman
HON. BARTHOLOMEW SHEEHAN
Co-Chairman
REV. GEORGE E. SHARKEY
Treasurer
DOM. J. DiNUNZIO, Secretary
National Representative, Transportation Advertising, Public Service Coordinated Transport
GEORGE AARON
Commissioner of Public Affairs, Camden, N. J.
FRANK ABBOTT
Commissioner of Public Works, Camden, N. J.
VINCENT AVELLINO
U. S. Tire Service
GEORGE E. BRUNNER
Mayor of Camden
ARTHUR DeRUNTZ
Manager, Camden Br. Lee Tire Co.
VINCENT CONLEY
Member of Parish
BENJAMIN DZICK
Acting Judge, Camden Police Court
LOUIS FROELICH
Salesman, F. G. Vogt Co.
WM. C. GOTSCHALK
Commissioner of Parks, Camden, N. J.
JOHN GREEN
National President, Industrial Union Marine & Shipbuilding Workers, CIO
GEORGE HELKER
Agent, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Dept.
WILBERT J. HIGBEE
Cashier, Third National Bank & Trust Co.
JOHN KRONENWETTER
East Camden Newspaper Agency
DR. ETHAN A. LANG
President, Camden Board of Education
JAMES LOUGHLIN
General Mgr., Phila. Branch, General Carloading Co.
GENE R. MARIANO
Prosecutor of the Pleas, Camden County
DR. ARTHUR McCARTHY
Physician
JOSEPH McCOOMBS
Business Agent, Retail Clerks Int. P. A. Local (A. F. of L.)
FRANK McHUGH
McHugh Tire Service
JAMES MULLIGAN
Captain, Camden County Detective Bureau
WILLIAM J. MYLES
Myles Transportation
JOHN O’NEAL
President, Truck Drivers & Helpers Local (A. F. of L.)
EDWARD QUINLAN
Director Camden County Board of Freeholders
DR. DAVID S. RHONE
Commissioner of Public Safety
THOMAS C. SCHNEIDER
Member Camden County Board of Freeholders
WILLIAM SEDLAK
Supervisor, Acme Steel Co.
History of the City of Camden
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
GEORGE BRUNNER, MAYOR
Director of Revenue and Finance
When Camden was incorporated as a city in 1828, its area was a little less than four square miles, or 2496 acres. Its population was 1143.
The city government was at first provided with one recorder and five aldermen, elected at a joint meeting of the Legislature, with five common councilmen elected by the people. The Mayor was elected by the council.
Although nominally a city, Camden was still actually in tutelage. Her powers were curtailed by the superior negative of Newton Township. But in 1831 this authority was removed and Camden itself was given township powers. There then ensued a period of confusion resulting from the ill-defined powers granted the city and the township.
Camden County was created in 1844, and in the same year the Mayor was elected by popular vote. In 1848 the city was divided into three wards—north, middle and south wards. Each ward was apportioned two councilmen and one chosen freeholder.
The Dudley charter of 1850 gave the City Council certain tax-levying powers not previously enjoyed. In 1857 Council was given authority to survey and map out the city and to provide that all new streets should conform to this survey.
One supplement after another was added in 1860, 1864 and 1866. In 1864 the people were empowered to elect a City Treasurer, a City Surveyor, and a City Solicitor, each for a term of two years. These officials had previously been elected by Council.
In 1870 the borders of the town were enlarged. On February 14 of the following year a new charter, attributed to Alden C. Scovel, City Solicitor at the time, was approved. This inaugurated a new era in the City’s history.
The town of Stockton was absorbed in 1899, giving the city an area of 9.56 square miles.
The commission form of government was inaugurated in 1923. The present commissioners are George E. Brunner, Mayor, Director of Revenue and Finance; David, Rhone [sic], Director of Public Safety; Frank A. Abbott, Director of Public Works; E. George Aaron, Director of Public Affairs; William C. Gotshalk, Director of Parks and Public Property.
From a little ferry town, Camden has developed into one of the ranking cities of the country. It is the home of the largest radio and talking-machine industry in the world, the largest soup canning company, the largest steam-heating plant manufacturer, the largest steel-pen manufacturer, the largest privately owned shipyard, the largest wool-scouring plant, the largest glazed-kid manufacturer, the largest manufacturer of auto polishes, waxes, soaps and lubricants. The city’s industries total about 300 firms.
Camden labor is also progressive. It is noteworthy that the first union organized under the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1936 was Local No. 1, Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers. There is a practical, realistic spirit of cooperation and harmony between management and labor that augurs well for the future welfare of Camden’s industries and Camden’s citizens.
Camden City Commissioners
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
DAVID RHONE
Director of Public Safety
WILLIAM C. GOTSHALK
Director of Parks and Public Property
FRANK A. ABBOTT
Director of Public Works
E. GEORGE AARON
Director of Public Affairs
Life Hereabouts
Camden Courier-Post —
BY CHARLEY HUMES
THIS IS A STORY of Mailman Harry Wolff and his two Pals.
Harry’s mail route is the district down in the vicinity of the New York Shipyard.
And every morning, rain or shine, snow or sleet, he is greeted when he leaves the bus at Broadway and Viola street by two dogs, one large and the other small.
As he carries his heavy pouch through the district delivering the mail, they trot at his side, apparently happy as all get-out to help him deliver the mail.
When he stops at private residences, they stand nearby until he leaves. When he enters factories, or places of business, they usually try to follow him inside, knowing there is a good chance for a handout or a drink of water.
After the deliveries are made, they escort Harry back to the bus line and bark a goodbye as he leaves them.
One day, the larger of the dogs entered the bus and would not leave until Harry got off, too. Neighbors report their conduct as mannerly and affectionate.
They have no pedigrees, but don’t let Harry catch you stating they are not thoroughbreds, none-the-less.
* * *
TODAY is the 24th anniversary of the arrival of Dr. Martin Collier as superintendent of the T. B. Hospital at Lakeland. And come December it will be the 25th anniversary of the hospital itself.
We thought we would mention it here, even though we are sure there will be a feature story on Dr. Collier and his great work, along with that of his staff, in the regular news section within a day or so.
* * *
WHILST SPEAKING of Lakeland, something should be done about providing additional entertainment for the patients in the institutions there.
Until a few weeks ago, there was a group of performers who made regular visits and helped the morale of these shutins.
You must remember, a majority of the patients at Lakeland are not there for an hour, a day, a week or a month. They must spend many, many months fighting their way back to health.
And a hospital, despite the care and attention of the staffs, can get to be a mighty lonely and depressing place to spend day after day in ill health.
We were told the hospitals provide certain types of entertainment, but a lot of the vaudeville acts that abound this area today would help a lot.
* * *
WORD has arrived it happened in a downtown store.
An old lady, her clothes clean but worn, walked up to a clerk and asked to see some rugs. She picked out two, then purchased a small bedroom suite, some lamps and other household furniture.
The clerk who served her was kind, but thought he was humoring the old lady more than anything else. He did not expect the purchases to stand, and more so when she named an address on a side street where the folks have to work hard to get along.
But he was wrong, dead wrong. Because the old lady opened a worn handbag and paid for the goods in CASH.
“Ain’t going to be around too much longer,” she remarked. “And I’m tired of the old stuff around the house. These will make the place much cozier.”
* * *
IN CASE you don’t know it, Our Town is Hot. Else why would state troopers be walking around the streets in civilian attire?
Saw two of them ourself, and a fellow reporter told me of a couple more.
They could be looking for some character wanted by the law, though. Bet the next one we see wil [sic] tell us, else he is going to have the pleasure of our company as he makes his rounds (and even Joe Camp won’t put us out this time.)
* * *
POLICE COMMISSIONER E. George Aaron is in Florida for a two-week vacation . . . Bill Macdonald and his missus have been back for several days now . . . word comes that Frank Leonard has purchased at least two dozen flamingos at the Hialeah Race Track (now closed) so that he will feel at home when he visits Garden State Park this spring. . . . Joe Campbell is very happy over his appointment as custodian of Woodrow Wilson High school . . . There are so many cases around of Virus X, the flu and other illnesses, including the common cold, that many drug stores in town have been getting drug deliveries twice daily to keep up with the prescriptions . . . what’ll we do if our druggist gets ill. . . .
Chickadee Abbott is going full blast at repairing holes in the street now that the weather allows the asphalt to harden . . . The walls will bulge when friends toss County Detective Chief “Larry” Doran a testimonial dinner on his retirement on April 16. . . .
The following is reprinted from this week’s PBA News:
“It’s a funny thing Frank La Salle, a confirmed sex pervert who has been in and out of jail the last few years for attacking little children, got off so easy in the past. On his last arrest he was sentenced to 2½ to 5 years on each charge when he attacked five girls in Pennsauken. He was released in 18 months.”