Frank J. Hartmann Jr.

Introduction

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. was born in Camden, New Jersey, on November 3, 1898, to Frank J. Hartmann Sr. and his wife Anna. His father had emigrated to Camden from Germany around 1865. The Hartmann family lived in Cramer Hill on Cleveland Avenue near Griffee Avenue before the turn of the century. By 1920 Frank Hartmann Sr. had purchased a home at 740 State Street in North Camden and had established a successful cigar business for many years.

Trained as an electrician, Frank J. Hartmann Jr., like his father before him, took an active role in the affairs of the city. He was elected to the City Commission in the May 1935 election; his win, however, was not certified until after a recount, where he won by seven votes. He took his place on the Commission on August 1, 1935, and was appointed Director of Public Works.

Initially aligned with Mayor George Brunner and his New Deal Democrat organization, Frank J. Hartmann Jr. soon split with Brunner, and lost his bid for reelection to the City Commission in 1939. Frank Hartmann Jr.’s term in office was noted by his efforts to control expenditures and reduce spending at the Department of Public Works. This made him few friends in local political circles, as he let many politically connected workers go, and alienated certain powerful business interests. He was a staunch advocate of Camden building its own municipal electrical plant. Although Camden voters voted twice for this improvement, it did not come to pass. He supervised the beautification of Roosevelt Plaza in front of City Hall, and hired Daniel G. Deacon to tend to the extensive flower beds set up with help from the Works Progress Administration.

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. returned to private business after leaving the City Commission. His son, Frank J. Hartmann III, was killed in action while serving with the Army in France on July 18, 1944. Frank J. Hartmann Jr. moved from Camden to Haddon Heights in the 1950s. He spent his later years in Cape May, New Jersey, where he died in June of 1987.

Frank Hartmann Jr. was a member of Mozart Lodge No. 121, Free and Accepted Masons. He was elected to a one-year term as the lodge’s Master in 1933.

Aitken Re-Elected by Pyne Poynt A. A.

Camden Courier-Post — June 9, 1932

Pyne Poynt Group Plans Dual Fete

Camden Courier-Post — June 15, 1932

City Adopts Cut Budget After Clash

Camden Courier-Post — February 10, 1933

Slash of $702,890 Is Revealed in Totals Passed at Session of Rulers

Lease Announced of Radio Station

Commissioners Debate With Von Nieda as He Charges Gross Extravagance

By WALT BATEZEL

The Camden City Commission yesterday approved the 1933 city budget after hearing and rejecting economy recommendations of several civic and labor organizations.

Eight speakers representing five organizations urged budget reductions and protested the total of $3,353,124.60. Verbal clashes over opinions were frequent between Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of finance and revenue, and former Councilman Frederick von Nieda and Thomas B. Hall, representatives of the Congress of Civic Associations of New Jersey.

Nearly 300 persons attended the hearing, in marked contrast to the 5000 who marched on city hall last year to demand budget reductions. The hearing lasted three hours. The departmental budget appropriations of $3,353,124.60 with the local school appropriation of $1,250,000 and other appropriations, totaling $960,060.55 to be added in the tax ordinance yet to be adopted, will give the city a total expense of $5,563,185.15 for 1933.

Tax Bill About Same

The tax rate will not be known until the tax ordinance is adopted. After the hearing Commissioner Bennett declared that due to equalization of assessments, the bills of some taxpayers will be a few dollars higher than last year, and a few dollars lower in other cases. The commission, after approving the budget on a motion by Commissioner Bennett, adopted a resolution leasing WCAM to the Broadcast Advertising Company for $1000 per year and a percentage of all receipts over $24,000. All maintenance costs will be born by the company, of which Rudolph Preisendanz, Jr., is head.

After the budget was adopted Bennett declared the City Commission would take into consideration an allegation of Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., secretary of the Civic Congress, that the $125,400 appropriation for street lighting was $26,450 higher than it should be according to figures obtained by him concerning the city’s lighting equipment. “If there has been an error the budget can be amended at any time,” Commissioner Bennett said.

Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, under whose department street lighting comes, declared that figures in his office concerning street lighting were different from those quoted by Hartmann. The figures he used, Hartmann said, were obtained by him from City Comptroller Sidney P. McCord.

Von Nieda Case

Von Nieda was the first citizen to address the commission. Shifting papers in his hands, he faced the commissioners and said: “We have here $40,000 for your Recorder’s Court in 1932, and $25,000 for 1933.”

Commissioner Bennett jumped to his feet.

“Those 1932 figures,” Bennett said, “were merely an estimate of the receipts to be taken in, but that amount did not come in. This year we anticipate only $25,000, which we consider a fair estimate.”

“That’s fine” said von Nieda, “but we have never had a chance to sit in with you on these figures.”

“You can sit in with us at any time,” responded Bennett, “We’re glad to have you.”

“I see here,” said von Nieda, “that the transportation inspector is paid from fees, but you show no fees and the inspector should be paid by the Public Service. I also suggest that you turn Convention Hall over to the poor. Now in dealing with Station WCAM, I see you show a profit for the last three months of $1000, while in 1932, you show no records of receipts, and we are just wondering.’

Worried by WCAM

“Do you want that answered now?” asked Bennett. “WCAM has given myself and the other commissioners some concern during the past year. It is our duty to see that we receive as much income as possible. Different methods have been used in the radio station to make it pay during the past three months, and during this time that station has been in the black. We figure that in 1933 there will be no deficit in this station, and we look for a profit of more than $1000.”

“Now in this matter of eliminating deputy directors,” von Nieda said.

He was interrupted by Commissioner Reesman.

“I’ll tell you,” said Reesman, “about my deputy director Carlton Harris. My deputy receives $1750 a year. He has charge of all labor in the Department of Parks and Public Property. He is on the job every morning at 7:00 AM, and often works until 10 p. m., with the labor outside.”

“In speaking of the assessors,” von Nieda continued, “we should have assessors who are not influenced by politicians or political dictators.”

“You know I won’t stand for that,” answered Bennett. “The readjustment of ratables is only a small part of the work we are doing. Each property is assessed on a basic principal. Any time you have a suggestion that will help us in our work we will be glad to hear from you but I firmly believe that real estate must be relieved of its heavy tax burden by an income and sales tax, and this tax must come sooner or later.”

Seeking Relief

“As far as the city commissioners are concerned, we are studying it from day to day, in efforts to get out of the wilderness.

“In speaking of the purchasing department,” von Nieda continued, “we know what happened there last year. You fired your purchasing agent, and if you had not fired him it probably would have afforded the public some interesting reading about this purchasing department.

“All of my men are working overtime,” replied Bennett. “It is true the purchasing agent is out and his work is being done by an assistant (William Dilmore) at half his salary. We have got rid of as many people in these departments as we can. I had to let one girl go in the purchasing department and one girl in Controller McCord’s department. One man went on pension in the tax office and two were let out in efforts to balance the budget.

“In one of my departments where there were three girls I had to make a $900 cut by leaving one girl out. I called the three girls into my office and told them that one had to go and asked them what their home responsibilities were. One had to take care of her family, including a 77-year-old aunt; another a family with a 66-year-old aunt, and the third was supporting three or four brothers with the help of another brother, who is a barber working for practically what tips he could get.

“But I had to make a $900 cut. The girls asked me not to dismiss any of them, as they each would take a $300 cut in addition to cuts already applied. Another man took an extra $260 cut so that he would not be out of work. But I had the budget to take care of, and I am ready to challenge any city the size of Camden to show so nearly a balanced budget. Our plan is to pay as we go.”

“You cite two or three instances,” protested von Nieda. “But I want to show you scores of families which have no money and they are taxpayers. You say you have cut to the bone, but you should cut through the bone. This is no grandstand play by us. Maybe we can give you some help. Then, too, the debt interest must be paid on this tragedy,” he shouted, pointing to walls of the commission chamber.

“Maybe you can tell me how to get rid of the bonds,” suggested Bennett. “You must remember this year we have cut $900,000 from the budget.”

Offers Recommendation

Von Nieda said the Civic Congress recommended that work now being done by two city solicitors should be done by one, that when more policemen and firemen are needed “little fellows” be restored first wherever possible; that the city incinerating plant be closed; that the personnel of the city’s two sewage disposal plants be reduced; that the city’s lighting bill be cut $40,000; that inspectors of lighting be abolished and their work done by policemen and the city’s engineer’s department. Personally he favored an income tax, he said, to relieve the burden on real estate.

“I realize,” von Nieda said, “that the city commission has done a fair job, but of the congress, with conservatively 15,000 members, think you can do even better.

Commissioner Frank B. Hanna, director of public works, interrupted von Nieda on the subject of the incinerating plant, which von Nieda declared could be abandoned because it did not burn garbage, but only rubbish.

“Can you see me at 9:00 AM tomorrow and go through my department with me?” asked Hanna.

“Any time,” replied von Nieda.

Warns of Tax Strike

“However,” von Nieda continued, “we are wondering what the figures in the right hand corner of the tax bill will be. Assessments may be lower and the tax rate higher, and that does not give a true picture. I fear the bills will be more for 1933 and for one am willing now to take the 1932 assessment on my home.

“The congress vigorously opposes this personality tax. You expect to tax the homeowner for everything he has. I warn you gentlemen that if this tax is imposed in Camden there will be a run on banks and building and loan associations. If that happens homeowners and renters will leave this unfortunate city. There will be a tax strike here, and so help me God, I’m helping it!”

Von Nieda was followed by William Hughes of 578 Mickle Street, who spoke for the Unemployed Council of New Jersey.

Hughes reiterated demands of the union for increased relief payments to unemployed, urged a municipally-owned lighting plant, operated at a profit, the same as the city’s water department; a municipal lodging house; use of hand labor instead of machinery in all city contracts and the employment of labor to “tear down the slums in Camden.”

Hartmann was the next speaker. He read from a prepared statement which he declared was an analysis of the city’s 1932 lighting expenses, and which, he said, could be lowered “had we used larger lamps.”

Reesman Contradicts

After enumerating the individual costs of lamps of various candle power, and contending a change in the lamps would effect a saving this year, Hartmann charged the city has overpaid for electric energy in street lighting.

Commissioner Reesman declared that figures used by Hartmann were in error and that therefore, his computations as to possible savings were wrong. He announced, however, he would study the situation to discover if there was any error in the budget concerning street lighting, as alleged by Hartmann.

“The Civic Congress is now circulating petitions for a referendum on a municipal lighting plant,” Hartmann said. “We now have 10,000 of the required 11,000 signatures, and we do not intend to stop until we have 25,000. You commissioners can stop these petitions by adopting a resolution declaring a referendum on the question.”

He then asked that the work of the city electrical inspector be taken over by the National Board of Fire Underwriters, and that “when the next tax sale is held, all properties be advertised, including banks, garages and to whomever the property belongs.”

Commissioner Bennett then arose and said: “I’ve used discretion on that. There are some who are paying as low as $5 per month, and I think these people should be helped. We commissioners do not want to sell the home of anyone. That is what we are trying to stop. We are in perfect agreement on that.”

Debt Moratorium Asked

“How about the Bridge Garage?” someone in the audience shouted.

“The Bridge Garage has just paid $1500,” Bennett said, “and promises to pay something every month. We are trying to make the tax bills lower by getting in all the monies we can, and where possible to take in delinquent payments no matter how small.”

Clarence Moullette, secretary of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, then arose. He asked for a moratorium on the city debt service for five years, and urged the commission to adopt such a resolution memorializing the Legislature for that relief. He announced opposition to the personality tax.

“We are not questioning the actions of the commissioners,” Moullette said. “Spending less money will not help the situation. Commissioner Hanna told me if he had $51,000 additional in his department six closed garbage trucks could be purchased. This will help give work. By cutting down salaries you decrease purchasing power. Work must be had. Eventually you will pay in scrip. Why not pay in scrip now and give out work.”

Hall asked that Convention Hall be abandoned and the building used for hospitalization work for the needy, and urged the city commission to “meet in the evenings so that citizens will know and see what is going on.” He asked for abolition of the positions of plumbing, building, sewer and heating inspectors.

‘Close High Schools’

“The commission should face conditions as they are,” he said. “I speak for myself, and not the Civic Congress. I ask that the high schools be closed. I heartily approve closing of the Vocational School, but if choice was to be made between high schools and the Vocational School, I would say close the high schools. Before selling the home of anyone to meet impossible taxes, I say cut to the bone by getting rid of everything that is not absolutely necessary.

“You commissioners must be made to realize that increased taxation is what has destroyed purchasing power in America. Meet this condition!”

Commissioner Bennett challenged the statement of Hall that government costs were responsible for conditions of today.

“There are numerous causes,” Bennett said.

“I would rejoice in debating it with you or anyone you select,” Hall replied, “including United States senators, and convince them in 20 minutes.”

“I’ll debate that with him,” shouted Morris Stempa of Audubon from the audience. Stempa later addressed the commission, speaking for the Socialist party, and urged the moratorium advocated by Moullette, also a Socialist.

Eugene Wasilewski, speaking for the South Camden Civic Association, denounced the commission for failing to call in civic association representatives in their preparation of the Budget.

Bennett Gives Reply

“You called in the bankers, but not those others of us who also are interested in city costs,” Wasilewski said. “You tell us now there is a reduction in assessments and then come along and wallop us with a higher tax rate. That is not fair. You were elected to look after our interests and that you have failed to do. You are making us eat red herring, and we want you to eat red herring with us.”

The last citizen to address the commission was Salvadore Guadelli, president of the Citizens-Taxpayers’ League. He made a general indictment of conditions, and asked that the city commission “do not let sectionalism creep into city affairs.”

Commissioner Bennett then arose and addressed his fellow commissioners and the audience.

“All these things suggested here today have been considered,” he said. “We five men came into office with the idea of serving the people. I know the business of financing the city is a serious problem. We have endeavored to move the budget into that realm of ‘pay-as-you-go.’ We appreciate everything presented here. Every taxpayer we look upon as an employer.

“Looking at it from every angle, this budget cannot be delayed any longer. You’ll find we were severe in preparing this budget; you’ll find we were severe last year. Last year we cut a half million. This year we cut $702,890.74, and to that the board of education, we hope, will add a cut of $250,000. That is a total cut of $952,890.74. Other cities in New Jersey show nothing to compare with it.

Budget Adopted

“I hesitate in making more cuts. I speak from experience when I say I’m a taxpayer. In the past two weeks I’ve been trying to raise money to pay taxes. I want all of you to know we commissioners can sympathize. It is not easy being at the head of a government in times like these. I hope that municipalities will receive federal relief in payment of debt service. There has been a tremendous cut in our budget, including the board of education figures. I feel the commissioners are to be commended for the work they’ve done this year.

“If we pass the budget we won’t stop at that particular point, but will see what else we can do all along the line. I feel the essential thing is to pass the budget. I’m proud of the fact we came through 1932, and are started in 1933 the same way, although I make no promise for the future. I wish for a moratorium for interest on bonds. There are the bondholders on one side and the taxpayers on the other, and the man out of work to be considered.”

Pyne Poynt Plans All-Day 4th Party

Camden Courier-Post — June 2, 1933

Plans for the thirty-third anniversary of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association to be observed with an all-day program at Pyne Poynt Park July 4 were discussed last night at a meeting in the Pyne Poynt Social Club, 929 North Fifth Street.

Among the features tentatively planned are a children’s parade at 9:30 a. m., under the supervision of Isaac Kyler; memorial service at 11 a. m., under direction of William B. Sullender; sporting events for men, women and children to start at 1:30 p. m., under direction of Alfred J. Ross, Jr.; outdoor motion pictures starting at 9 p. m., under supervision of Robert J. Nelson and a dance in charge of Samuel G. Dickinson, Jr., starting at 10:30 p. m.

Committee chairmen chosen by Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., president, are: Grounds, Foster Willis; program, Otto E. Braun; police, Clifford Flennard; dancing, Samuel G. Dickinson, Jr.; first aid, Dr. Joseph E. Nowrey and William Hughes; transportation, Samuel J. Edwards; public speakers, William B. Sullender; motion pictures, Robert J. Nelson; decorations, Walter A. Reyno; sports, Alfred J. Ross, Jr.; ways and means, Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.; publicity, Walter S. Agin; parade marshal, Isaac Kyler; refreshments, George Washington Ash; light, William Hilton, and music, Frank Kelley.

Children of the Sheltering Arms Home, Home for Friendless Children and the Detention Home will be guests of the association during the day. Samuel J. Edwards will be in charge of their entertainment.

The association will meet again next Thursday night.

Suit to End Relief Secrecy Planned by Civic Congress

Camden Courier-Post — June 6, 1933

North Camden Association Told Affidavits Are Being Taken; Cramer and Howard Accused of Evasion; Protest Rally Called

Court action to force the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration to reveal its books for public inspection is planned by the Congress of Civic Associations of South Jersey.

This was announced last night at a meeting of the North Camden Civic Association in the headquarters of the Pyne Poynt Social Club, 939 North Fifth Street. Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., secretary of both organizations, presided. Affidavits charging irregularities in the relief administration are being gathered, Hartmann asserted.

Wayland P. Cramer, director of the county relief board and Captain Albert S. Howard, deputy director, were charged with evading public inquiries.

‘Fathers Fired—Girls Hired’

“They’ve given us a grand run-a-round,” Hartmann said in relating his efforts in behalf of a destitute family.

The Congress of Civic Associations, headed by Fred von Nieda, is determined to force inspection of the relief records by applying for a court writ, Hartmann said.

Vince Marinelli, member of the North Camden association and active in the Civic Congress, declared a number of married men were discharged from positions in the relief administration and single women engaged for their posts.

Protest Rally June 11

The association agreed to join with the Unemployed Union of New Jersey in staging a public mass meeting to protest against the relief board. The meeting is scheduled for June 11, at the Convention Hall.

Clarence E. Moullette, executive secretary of the unemployed group, addressed last night’s session, which two score persons attended.

‘Only 8 In 25,600 Rejected’

Hartmann declared that of Camden’s 117,000 persons, 25,600 are receiving emergency relief. Quoting Dr. Arthur L. Stone, who recently resigned as city director of emergency relief, Hartmann asserted 6828 of the 11,400 city’s colored are in the relief line.

“In all these cases the great Emergency Relief Administration has found only eight this year that were not worthy of receiving aid,” Hartmann said he was informed.

“The taxpayers are paying the bills and they have every right to know how the money is being spent.”

“If Director Cramer and Captain Howard can be out of their office all day without anyone knowing where they are I think there is ground for investigation,” he insisted.

Cites Backyard Fires

Hartmann reviewed the plight of 11 families on State Street who were forced to cook meals over a backyard fire last Saturday after gas and electric service had been suspended for non-payment of bills. Thirty-five children were affected.

Hartmann estimated that Public Service could produce electricity to supply the apartment house for one month at a cost of $2. The charge is $22, he said.

Hartmann described advantages of a municipal electric plant, for which more than 11,000 persons have signed petitions circulated by the association and civic congress. He compared this city’s tax rate and assessments with those of Jacksonville, Fla., and said the southern city earned $2,000,000 profit from its municipal light and power plant in 1932.

Moullette, in appealing for support of the civic association for the mass meeting next week, said that the resignation of Dr. Stone was a political move, designed to create a position with pay for some Republican organization favorite.

“Dr. Stone spent $25,000 for emergency relief in Camden. As a result of the efforts of Dr. Stone in his office as municipal relief director there are children in more than 500 families who obtained milk that was not given them before he took the position,” Moullette said. “The purpose of the mass meeting is to bring forcibly to the attention of the authorities here and in the state that there is need for an investigation of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration.”

Water Carnival Set at Pyne Poynt Pool

Camden Courier-Post — June 13, 1933

Pyne Poynt Park and Athletic Association, newspaper clipping — An aquatic carnival will be staged Friday at 2 p. m. at the Pyne Poynt swimming pool under the direction of James Hagans, WPA supervisor of recreation, it was announced today through the office of City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.

The Pyne Poynt pool is operated as a WPA project, with life guards and other employes paid by the WPA and materials including chlorinated water and suits furnished by the city.

Events will include the 20-yard free style for boys and girls in two classes, under and over the age of 16; the 40-yard breast stroke for boys and girls over 16, and the 20-yard breast stroke for boys and girls under 16; and diving events for boys and girls, also in two classes, over and under 16.

Other features will be stunt swimming by Tom Pooley and Walter Krown and buoy and torpedo rescues by J. S. Shields and Henry Pohl, life guards.

North Camden section and Pyne Poynt area, circa 1935.

Hartmann Takes Commission Seat Today

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1935

3 G.O.P. Rulers in Secret Session

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. takes his seat on the City Commission, August 1, 1935, clipping 1 — **Victor to Assume Office at Special Meeting This Forenoon**

**FIGHT ENDED BY OPPONENTS**

Editorial: “Election Recount Echoes the Will of the People,” appears on page eight.

Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., last night was officially declared elected to the Camden City Commission. He will be inducted into office today at a special meeting in which control of city affairs and hundreds of jobs will pass to the New Deal Non-Partisan forces.

Hartmann’s victory marks a rise in power for Sen. Albert S. Woodruff, Republican state committeeman, and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, former Republican state committeewoman, and a decline in the power of former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr.

A certificate of election notifying Otto E. Braun, city clerk, of Hartmann’s election instead of Frank J. Leonard, Republican, already had been issued by Justice Frank T. Lloyd, and by agreement of counsel for both parties, it will be served at 9 o’clock this morning, or shortly thereafter.

The certificate is held by Grover C. Richman, New Deal attorney. After its receipt by Braun, it is the plan of Commissioners George E. Brunner and Mrs. Mary W. Kobus to call the special meeting and induct Hartmann into office, replacing Leonard.

Leonard has held the office since May 21 by virtue of three extra tallies which Braun declared he found for Leonard on recapitulation sheets after the result between the two men had been announced as a tie.

Justice Lloyd, at Seaside Park, late yesterday certified, as correct, the court stenographer’s account of Tuesday’s canvass of referred ballots.

The elections board met at 8 p. m. in an adjourned session in the old courthouse, to receive Justice Lloyd’s official notice of the referred ballots totals.

**Totals Are Read**

Mrs. Florence Baker, Republican state committeewoman and secretary of the board, read the totals, officially announcing 140 votes for Hartmann and 128 for Leonard, and 134 rejected out of a total of 401 referred. One of the counted ballots include a vote for both Hartmann and Leonard.

Charles J. Clark, chairman of the board, then added the referred ballot totals to the recount totals of both candidates, and announced the grand total vote for both men as 17,338 for Hartmann and 17,331 for Leonard. This gives Hartmann victory by seven votes, and wipes out Leonard’s lead of five in the elections board recount totals.

Hartmann Takes Up Duties Today
(Continued from Page One)

Justice Lloyd authorized release of Hartmann’s certificate as soon as the elections board informs City Clerk Braun of the totals. George D. Rothermel, Republican attorney, given the certificate, agreed to issue it to Richman as soon as Richman serves him with notice of the official vote.

The last move made by the Republican organization to delay seating of Hartmann was made yesterday when Rothermel presented a single disputed ballot to Justice Lloyd in hope of obtaining a reversal of ruling.

After rejecting the motion, Justice Lloyd made a surprising statement to Hartmann, who had accompanied election board members and attorneys to the jurists’ seaside home.

**Radical Hint Made**

“You have a reputation to live down instead of upwards,” asserted Justice Lloyd. “You have a reputation of being a radical, and there is a great danger in radicalism these days, especially in leading the public. You have a great trust to perform and I am placing my trust in you.”

“I thank you for placing your trust in me,” said Hartmann. “I hope I warrant your trust. I’ll do everything in my power for the people of Camden.”

In argument on the disputed ballot Rothermel asserted the vote marks in front of New Deal candidates’ names had been crossed out by the voter. Richman and Carl Kisselman, counsel for the New Dealers, argued it was a perfectly good ballot, the voter probably marking twice in the boxes dates.

Rathermel contended it was a spoiled ballot and the voter had probably asked for another because of making a mistake by voting the Non Partisan ticket.

Justice Lloyd was handed a magnifying glass and he examined the ballot closely for about two minutes.

“No, I will not change my previous decision,” he said. “It will remain counted. It is clear to me that the voter intended to vote the ticket as marked.”

In the party which went to Justice Lloyd’s home were Mrs. Baker, Charles J. Clark and Bernadine J. Tracy, members of the Camden county board of elections; Victor J. Scharle, county election registrar; Hartmann, former Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, George D. Rothermel, Firmin Michel, Carl Kisselman and Grover C. Richman, Edward V. Martino, Mitchell Cohen, Walter S. Anderson, Jr., and Gene R. Mariano.

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. takes his seat on the City Commission, August 1, 1935, clipping 2 — **Victor to Assume Office at Special Meeting This Forenoon**

**FIGHT ENDED BY OPPONENTS**

Editorial: “Election Recount Echoes the Will of the People,” appears on page eight.

Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., last night was officially declared elected to the Camden City Commission. He will be inducted into office today at a special meeting in which control of city affairs and hundreds of jobs will pass to the New Deal Non-Partisan forces.

Hartmann’s victory marks a rise in power for Sen. Albert S. Woodruff, Republican state committeeman, and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, former Republican state committeewoman, and a decline in the power of former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr.

A certificate of election notifying Otto E. Braun, city clerk, of Hartmann’s election instead of Frank J. Leonard, Republican, already had been issued by Justice Frank T. Lloyd, and by agreement of counsel for both parties, it will be served at 9 o’clock this morning, or shortly thereafter.

The certificate is held by Grover C. Richman, New Deal attorney. After its receipt by Braun, it is the plan of Commissioners George E. Brunner and Mrs. Mary W. Kobus to call the special meeting and induct Hartmann into office, replacing Leonard.

Leonard has held the office since May 21 by virtue of three extra tallies which Braun declared he found for Leonard on recapitulation sheets after the result between the two men had been announced as a tie.

Justice Lloyd, at Seaside Park, late yesterday certified, as correct, the court stenographer’s account of Tuesday’s canvass of referred ballots.

The elections board met at 8 p. m. in an adjourned session in the old courthouse, to receive Justice Lloyd’s official notice of the referred ballots totals.

**Totals Are Read**

Mrs. Florence Baker, Republican state committeewoman and secretary of the board, read the totals, officially announcing 140 votes for Hartmann and 128 for Leonard, and 134 rejected out of a total of 401 referred. One of the counted ballots include a vote for both Hartmann and Leonard.

Charles J. Clark, chairman of the board, then added the referred ballot totals to the recount totals of both candidates, and announced the grand total vote for both men as 17,338 for Hartmann and 17,331 for Leonard. This gives Hartmann victory by seven votes, and wipes out Leonard’s lead of five in the elections board recount totals.

Hartmann Takes Up Duties Today
(Continued from Page One)

Justice Lloyd authorized release of Hartmann’s certificate as soon as the elections board informs City Clerk Braun of the totals. George D. Rothermel, Republican attorney, given the certificate, agreed to issue it to Richman as soon as Richman serves him with notice of the official vote.

The last move made by the Republican organization to delay seating of Hartmann was made yesterday when Rothermel presented a single disputed ballot to Justice Lloyd in hope of obtaining a reversal of ruling.

After rejecting the motion, Justice Lloyd made a surprising statement to Hartmann, who had accompanied election board members and attorneys to the jurists’ seaside home.

**Radical Hint Made**

“You have a reputation to live down instead of upwards,” asserted Justice Lloyd. “You have a reputation of being a radical, and there is a great danger in radicalism these days, especially in leading the public. You have a great trust to perform and I am placing my trust in you.”

“I thank you for placing your trust in me,” said Hartmann. “I hope I warrant your trust. I’ll do everything in my power for the people of Camden.”

In argument on the disputed ballot Rothermel asserted the vote marks in front of New Deal candidates’ names had been crossed out by the voter. Richman and Carl Kisselman, counsel for the New Dealers, argued it was a perfectly good ballot, the voter probably marking twice in the boxes dates.

Rathermel contended it was a spoiled ballot and the voter had probably asked for another because of making a mistake by voting the Non Partisan ticket.

Justice Lloyd was handed a magnifying glass and he examined the ballot closely for about two minutes.

“No, I will not change my previous decision,” he said. “It will remain counted. It is clear to me that the voter intended to vote the ticket as marked.”

In the party which went to Justice Lloyd’s home were Mrs. Baker, Charles J. Clark and Bernadine J. Tracy, members of the Camden county board of elections; Victor J. Scharle, county election registrar; Hartmann, former Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, George D. Rothermel, Firmin Michel, Carl Kisselman and Grover C. Richman, Edward V. Martino, Mitchell Cohen, Walter S. Anderson, Jr., and Gene R. Mariano.

3 G.O.P. Rulers in Secret Session

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1935

Hartmann Being Congratulated by Family

Camden Courier-Post — August 2, 1935

Frank Hartmann Jr. with wife and son Frank Hartmann III, August 2, 1935 — Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., being congratulated after his induction in office by Judge Frank F. Neutze. His son, Frank, Jr., 3rd, is shaking hands with his father. In the centre of the group is Mrs. Hartmann, wife of the commissioner. Camden Courier-Post, August 2, 1935.

Hartmann to Seek Lowering of Rates for Street Lights

Camden Courier-Post — August 3, 1935

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. newspaper clipping, August 3, 1935, clipping 1 — City Paying Too Much and Not Getting Full Delivery, Commissioner Says

ASKS TRENTON FOR DATA

“Camden’s street lighting costs are too damned high!”

With that declaration, Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., as his first official act, yesterday began an investigation, which he said would be “thorough and complete,” into street lighting, which last year cost the city approximately $124,000.

“There are two things wrong with Camden’s street lighting that I know of now,” the commissioner declared. “First, it costs too much and second, we are not getting the light we are paying for. I intend to determine why the rates are so high.”

Commissioner Hartmann dispatched a letter to Paul Morton, Trenton city manager, asking for information concerning recent tests on street lighting made there that resulted in a saving to the capital city.

When Surrogate Frank B. Hanna was a city commissioner, in charge of the department of public works, he refused to renew a five-year contract with the Public Service Gas & Electric Company in an attempt to obtain lower rates for the city. Since that time the city has been working on a year-to-year agreement with the utility company.

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. newspaper clipping, August 3, 1935, clipping 2 — City Paying Too Much and Not Getting Full Delivery, Commissioner Says

ASKS TRENTON FOR DATA

“Camden’s street lighting costs are too damned high!”

With that declaration, Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., as his first official act, yesterday began an investigation, which he said would be “thorough and complete,” into street lighting, which last year cost the city approximately $124,000.

“There are two things wrong with Camden’s street lighting that I know of now,” the commissioner declared. “First, it costs too much and second, we are not getting the light we are paying for. I intend to determine why the rates are so high.”

Commissioner Hartmann dispatched a letter to Paul Morton, Trenton city manager, asking for information concerning recent tests on street lighting made there that resulted in a saving to the capital city.

When Surrogate Frank B. Hanna was a city commissioner, in charge of the department of public works, he refused to renew a five-year contract with the Public Service Gas & Electric Company in an attempt to obtain lower rates for the city. Since that time the city has been working on a year-to-year agreement with the utility company.

Orlando to Probe Charge G.O.P. Used City Pay for Poll

Camden Courier-Post — August 7, 1935

Hartmann Reports $23,039 Spent to Hire 500 Workers — Grand Jurors May Get Case

Orlando to Probe article, August 7, 1935, page 1 — Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando announced yesterday he will investigate charges that $23,039 spent in the Department of Public Works prior to the city election in May was a political misuse of city funds.

The charges were filed, Orlando said, by City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., who alleged the money was used to add 500 to 800 emergency jobs to the city payroll for political purposes of the Baird Republican organization. He listed 258 names yesterday.

The charges will reach the grand jury if his investigation discloses any illegal expenditures, the prosecutor said.

“Hartmann alleges the expenditure to be a subversion of public funds,” said Orlando. “I understand he made the charges public. I shall take the complaint in its present form, and if in the course of our investigation we find anything illegal, we shall go further to discover if there is misfeasance or malfeasance.”

Misdemeanor Law Cited

“It would then be a matter of grand jury attention. A New Jersey statute makes it a misdemeanor for municipal officials to over-expend their budget without proper authorization. If this falls within that statute, it will be brought to the attention of the grand jury. Hartmann informs me that this money was spent before an election but that no authorization was made for it until June and July.

“I wish to assure Commissioner Hartmann, the taxpayers and other citizens of the city that this matter will receive thorough consideration from my office.”

Hartmann accompanied his informal complaint to the prosecutor with a list of names which he estimated between 500 and 800. He said they were persons hired in the Department of Public Works before the city commission election, but all of whom were dismissed May 15, the day after election. He referred to them as “F.A.E.” employes—“fired after election.”

The $23,039.78, which he alleges was used for pre-election employment.

Orlando to Probe Hartmann Charges (Continued from Page One)

was taken from appropriations for street cleaning, grading and asphalt repairing, he averred.

“Committeewomen Hired”

Many of the names were those of women, several of them Republican county committeewomen, Hartmann asserted.

He based his charges, he said, on records left in his office by his predecessor, Frank J. Leonard, and by former Commissioner Martha Kemble, who remained as a deputy with Leonard.

“I will give this complaint consideration and advise Commissioner Hartmann what action is to be taken,” Orlando added.

Deputy Commissioner Kemble could not be reached for comment. It was stated at her home that she had gone to Wildwood to visit former Commissioner Leonard.

Hartmann gave Orlando a written statement containing his charges and a copy of a letter allegedly signed by former Commissioner Leonard in which Leonard authorized his deputy, Miss Kemble, to sign payroll vouchers.

“This delegation of power may have been illegal,” said Hartmann. “It was executed May 22, the day after the city commission re-organized.”

‘Appropriation Wiped Out’

His department, Hartmann said, was appropriated $5,587.05 for grading, but this has been wiped out and now there is a deficit of $7,392.27 which must go into next year’s budget.

He charged an over-expenditure of $6,665.76 in the appropriation for asphalt repairs.

Among those who Hartmann declared were hired for election purposes were Mrs. Mamie Piraine, Eighth ward Republican committeewoman; Mrs. Madaline Salvatore, Fifth ward committeewoman; Henry and Maurice Gilbert, brothers of Mrs. Florence Baker, state committeewoman.

“Records which I have discovered in the department of Public Works indicate a shameful misuse of public funds for the political purposes of the Baird machine during the recent commission campaign for which the taxpayers of the City of Camden are to be penalized in their tax bills,” said Hartmann in his statement.

“I am turning these records over to Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and requesting a Grand Jury investigation.

“Records in my office, left by former Commissioners Kemble and Leonard, show that anywhere from 500 to 800 men and women, several of them Republican county committeewomen, were hired in the name of emergency for street grading, cleaning and asphalt repairs, and all dismissed from their jobs on May 15, the day after the city election.

‘Cost Taxpayers $23,000’

“This cost the taxpayers $23,039.78. This I construe to be a subversion of public funds.

“I was elected to office to serve the people, and I am going to serve them. Until officeholders, given public trust, are made responsible for their acts, we cannot get good government. I am determined to get good government and instill the fear of public wrath in the hearts of all who would subvert for selfish purposes by pressing for action in the cases which I am bringing to the Prosecutor’s attention.

“The department was appropriated $5,587.05 for grading, but this appropriation was wiped out in a total expenditure of $12,979.32, leaving a deficit of $7,392.27 which must go into the tax bills next year. The department was appropriated $5,361.62 for asphalt repairs, but spent $12,027.38, leaving an over expenditure of $6,665.76. When taxpayers realize that for aproximately [sic] every $16,000 in money to be raised by taxation, on the basis of present assessments, a cent is added to the tax rate, they will see to what extent they have been bludgeoned by the administration which they have just repudiated.

‘Only $7000 Left’

“The appropriation to the department for street cleaning was $24,254.29, and in six months a total of $17,237.06 was spent, leaving only little more than $7000 for this work for the next six months. And, $6,470.91 of the $17,237.06 was spent over and above $10,766.15 expended up until the month of May.

“I have had several clerks working all day and they have not yet finished their work of listing the persons employed. Among those employed as street grading laborers appears the name of Mrs. Mamie Piraine, Republican committeewoman in the Eighth ward, and who conducts a saloon at 2006 Broadway. She was hired on April 9 of this year. She is now on vacation, with pay, I understand.

“Another committeewoman, Mrs. Madaline Salvatore, in the Fifth ward, is listed as a laborer on grading work. Her husband conducts a saloon at 300 Mechanic street.

“Also listed as an emergency employee, was Charles Auletto, now a bartender for his brother, Daniel Auletto, who is a Republican committeeman in the Third ward.

“Henry Gilbert, of 614 Federal street, and Maurice M. Gilbert, of 903 N. Eighth street, brothers of Mrs. Florence Baker, Republican State Committeewoman, are on the list.

“Henry was hired January, of this year, and is in the department now. Maurice was hired April 16 along with the other emergency employes and let out the day after election, but he was rehired on July 23 and still is in this department.

“These are examples of what has been happening to the taxpayers under Baird Republicanism. I will not leave any stone unturned to bring efficient and honest government to the people of Camden.”

Orlando to Probe article, August 7, 1935, page 2 — Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando announced yesterday he will investigate charges that $23,039 spent in the Department of Public Works prior to the city election in May was a political misuse of city funds.

The charges were filed, Orlando said, by City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., who alleged the money was used to add 500 to 800 emergency jobs to the city payroll for political purposes of the Baird Republican organization. He listed 258 names yesterday.

The charges will reach the grand jury if his investigation discloses any illegal expenditures, the prosecutor said.

“Hartmann alleges the expenditure to be a subversion of public funds,” said Orlando. “I understand he made the charges public. I shall take the complaint in its present form, and if in the course of our investigation we find anything illegal, we shall go further to discover if there is misfeasance or malfeasance.”

Misdemeanor Law Cited

“It would then be a matter of grand jury attention. A New Jersey statute makes it a misdemeanor for municipal officials to over-expend their budget without proper authorization. If this falls within that statute, it will be brought to the attention of the grand jury. Hartmann informs me that this money was spent before an election but that no authorization was made for it until June and July.

“I wish to assure Commissioner Hartmann, the taxpayers and other citizens of the city that this matter will receive thorough consideration from my office.”

Hartmann accompanied his informal complaint to the prosecutor with a list of names which he estimated between 500 and 800. He said they were persons hired in the Department of Public Works before the city commission election, but all of whom were dismissed May 15, the day after election. He referred to them as “F.A.E.” employes—“fired after election.”

The $23,039.78, which he alleges was used for pre-election employment.

Orlando to Probe Hartmann Charges (Continued from Page One)

was taken from appropriations for street cleaning, grading and asphalt repairing, he averred.

“Committeewomen Hired”

Many of the names were those of women, several of them Republican county committeewomen, Hartmann asserted.

He based his charges, he said, on records left in his office by his predecessor, Frank J. Leonard, and by former Commissioner Martha Kemble, who remained as a deputy with Leonard.

“I will give this complaint consideration and advise Commissioner Hartmann what action is to be taken,” Orlando added.

Deputy Commissioner Kemble could not be reached for comment. It was stated at her home that she had gone to Wildwood to visit former Commissioner Leonard.

Hartmann gave Orlando a written statement containing his charges and a copy of a letter allegedly signed by former Commissioner Leonard in which Leonard authorized his deputy, Miss Kemble, to sign payroll vouchers.

“This delegation of power may have been illegal,” said Hartmann. “It was executed May 22, the day after the city commission re-organized.”

‘Appropriation Wiped Out’

His department, Hartmann said, was appropriated $5,587.05 for grading, but this has been wiped out and now there is a deficit of $7,392.27 which must go into next year’s budget.

He charged an over-expenditure of $6,665.76 in the appropriation for asphalt repairs.

Among those who Hartmann declared were hired for election purposes were Mrs. Mamie Piraine, Eighth ward Republican committeewoman; Mrs. Madaline Salvatore, Fifth ward committeewoman; Henry and Maurice Gilbert, brothers of Mrs. Florence Baker, state committeewoman.

“Records which I have discovered in the department of Public Works indicate a shameful misuse of public funds for the political purposes of the Baird machine during the recent commission campaign for which the taxpayers of the City of Camden are to be penalized in their tax bills,” said Hartmann in his statement.

“I am turning these records over to Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and requesting a Grand Jury investigation.

“Records in my office, left by former Commissioners Kemble and Leonard, show that anywhere from 500 to 800 men and women, several of them Republican county committeewomen, were hired in the name of emergency for street grading, cleaning and asphalt repairs, and all dismissed from their jobs on May 15, the day after the city election.

‘Cost Taxpayers $23,000’

“This cost the taxpayers $23,039.78. This I construe to be a subversion of public funds.

“I was elected to office to serve the people, and I am going to serve them. Until officeholders, given public trust, are made responsible for their acts, we cannot get good government. I am determined to get good government and instill the fear of public wrath in the hearts of all who would subvert for selfish purposes by pressing for action in the cases which I am bringing to the Prosecutor’s attention.

“The department was appropriated $5,587.05 for grading, but this appropriation was wiped out in a total expenditure of $12,979.32, leaving a deficit of $7,392.27 which must go into the tax bills next year. The department was appropriated $5,361.62 for asphalt repairs, but spent $12,027.38, leaving an over expenditure of $6,665.76. When taxpayers realize that for aproximately [sic] every $16,000 in money to be raised by taxation, on the basis of present assessments, a cent is added to the tax rate, they will see to what extent they have been bludgeoned by the administration which they have just repudiated.

‘Only $7000 Left’

“The appropriation to the department for street cleaning was $24,254.29, and in six months a total of $17,237.06 was spent, leaving only little more than $7000 for this work for the next six months. And, $6,470.91 of the $17,237.06 was spent over and above $10,766.15 expended up until the month of May.

“I have had several clerks working all day and they have not yet finished their work of listing the persons employed. Among those employed as street grading laborers appears the name of Mrs. Mamie Piraine, Republican committeewoman in the Eighth ward, and who conducts a saloon at 2006 Broadway. She was hired on April 9 of this year. She is now on vacation, with pay, I understand.

“Another committeewoman, Mrs. Madaline Salvatore, in the Fifth ward, is listed as a laborer on grading work. Her husband conducts a saloon at 300 Mechanic street.

“Also listed as an emergency employee, was Charles Auletto, now a bartender for his brother, Daniel Auletto, who is a Republican committeeman in the Third ward.

“Henry Gilbert, of 614 Federal street, and Maurice M. Gilbert, of 903 N. Eighth street, brothers of Mrs. Florence Baker, Republican State Committeewoman, are on the list.

“Henry was hired January, of this year, and is in the department now. Maurice was hired April 16 along with the other emergency employes and let out the day after election, but he was rehired on July 23 and still is in this department.

“These are examples of what has been happening to the taxpayers under Baird Republicanism. I will not leave any stone unturned to bring efficient and honest government to the people of Camden.”

Hartmann Charge Denied by Sayers

Camden Courier-Post — August 28, 1935

Hartmann Charge Denied by Sayers, August 28, 1935, page 2 — Hartmann Charge Denied by Sayers

HARTMANN CHARGE DENIED BY SAYERS

Former Commissioner of Streets Admits Buying Grader, But Praises It

Alfred D. Sayers, commissioner of streets before 1923, last night asked the Courier-Post to deny statements made last week by City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., concerning street repairs during the old councilmanic form of government.

The controversy arose when former Commissioner Martha Kemble stated that an idle $10,000 grader was purchased by William D. Sayrs and was obsolete on purchase and that Chelten avenue near Seventh street, now in a deplorable condition, was paved when "Bill" Sayrs was attached to the engineer's office.

Hartmann replied to Miss Kemble that the grader was purchased and the paving was done not by William D. Sayrs but by Alfred D. Sayers.

Sayers statement follows:

"I see, by an article in the Courier-Post of Thursday, August 22, I am accused of paving Chelten avenue between Seventh street and the railroad. I would state that this street was paved by the Union Paving Company of Philadelphia before I became street commissioner. It was on account of the bad work on this street and others in the city of Camden that I built the asphalt plant and did the asphalt paving myself.

"In reference to the Keystone Grader, I bought this machine for $3500 and used it for eight years. In fact, I did all the grading prior paving with this machine of all the streets during that period. I left this machine and all other machinery in good condition when I left the department in 1923. Of course I can not be held responsible for what happened since that time."

Camden Courier-Post — August 29, 1935

Harold W. Bennett article, August 29, 1935, clipping 1 — City Votes $116,924 For 3 Departments

Emergency Appropriations Passed as Commissioners Claim Funds Depleted

Five emergency appropriations of $116,924.29 were approved yesterday afternoon at a special meeting of the City Commission to make up alleged deficiencies to enable the public works, parks and public property departments to function until the end of this year.

Resolutions introduced by Commissioner George E. Brunner, director of parks and public property, and Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, director of public works, set forth that nearly all of the 1935 appropriations for their departments in the annual budget had been expended before they assumed office.

Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of revenue and finance, was given $17,000 to repair storm damage to a property on which the city has a tax lien. Hartmann was voted $80,000 for maintaining streets, and Brunner $18,324.29 for his department in three resolutions.

Spirited Debate Started

Reading of the Bennett resolution, which characterized damage done by a tornado to a property as an “act of God,” was spiritedly debated and was finally passed conditionally, with the understanding that City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly was to file a written legal opinion setting forth that the appropriation was necessary and proper.

Hartmann introduced a resolution which set forth his department had appropriated $141,296.10 to the department of public works for use by the highway maintenance bureau. By July 31, he said, $128,316.49 had been expended, leaving a balance of $12,979.61 which was not enough to properly maintain and carry on the work in the department.

Brunner, for the first resolution, said the budget had appropriated $43,300 for the city property department under parks and play grounds. Of this amount, he said, $36,296.75 has been spent already, leaving a balance of $6902.27 and requiring an addition of $10,759.29.

Another resolution by Hartmann asked W. Gentry Hodgson, county engineer, to make a survey of and permit the City Commissioners to examine the entire relief list of the city.

Harold W. Bennett article, August 29, 1935, clipping 2 — City Votes $116,924 For 3 Departments

Emergency Appropriations Passed as Commissioners Claim Funds Depleted

Five emergency appropriations of $116,924.29 were approved yesterday afternoon at a special meeting of the City Commission to make up alleged deficiencies to enable the public works, parks and public property departments to function until the end of this year.

Resolutions introduced by Commissioner George E. Brunner, director of parks and public property, and Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, director of public works, set forth that nearly all of the 1935 appropriations for their departments in the annual budget had been expended before they assumed office.

Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of revenue and finance, was given $17,000 to repair storm damage to a property on which the city has a tax lien. Hartmann was voted $80,000 for maintaining streets, and Brunner $18,324.29 for his department in three resolutions.

Spirited Debate Started

Reading of the Bennett resolution, which characterized damage done by a tornado to a property as an “act of God,” was spiritedly debated and was finally passed conditionally, with the understanding that City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly was to file a written legal opinion setting forth that the appropriation was necessary and proper.

Hartmann introduced a resolution which set forth his department had appropriated $141,296.10 to the department of public works for use by the highway maintenance bureau. By July 31, he said, $128,316.49 had been expended, leaving a balance of $12,979.61 which was not enough to properly maintain and carry on the work in the department.

Brunner, for the first resolution, said the budget had appropriated $43,300 for the city property department under parks and play grounds. Of this amount, he said, $36,296.75 has been spent already, leaving a balance of $6902.27 and requiring an addition of $10,759.29.

Another resolution by Hartmann asked W. Gentry Hodgson, county engineer, to make a survey of and permit the City Commissioners to examine the entire relief list of the city.

New Dealers Prepare To Shift Key Officials

Camden Courier-Post — August 29, 1935

City Votes $116,924 For 3 Departments

Camden Courier-Post — August 29, 1935

Von Nieda-Kobus Rulings Explained by Justice Lloyd

Camden Courier-Post — August 31, 1935

Hartmann Hurls Defi at ’Big 4’ On Selection of City Officials; Says Commissioners to Choose ’Bosses’ of New Deal-Non-Partisan League Not to Dictate, He Contends; Report Has Reesman And Sayrs Opposed as City Clerks

Camden Courier-Post — August 30, 1935 (cont’d)

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. newspaper clipping, August 30, 1935, clipping 1 — HARTMANN HURLS DEFI AT ’BIG 4’ ON SELECTION OF CITY OFFICIALS; SAYS COMMISSIONERS TO CHOOSE

’Bosses’ of New Deal-Non-Partisan League Not to Dictate, He Contends; Report Has Reesman And Sayrs Opposed as City Clerks

Defying the “Big Four” New Deal Non-Partisan leaders, City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., yesterday declared he would not stand for appointment of some of those said to have been greed on for city jobs.

The City Commission will make its own appointments without “dictation” by the “bosses,” Hartmann declared.

“Political bosses won’t dictate appointments at city hall,” he said. “We won’t stand for it. And we won’t stand for some of those mentioned as the choices of the New Deal leaders for key jobs. As city commissioners, we’ll make our own appointments.”

Hartmann expressed his resentment over a secret meeting of the “Big Four” at Hotel Walt Whitman Wednesday at which the proposed appointees were selected.

The “Big Four”

Attending the “Big Four” conference on appointments were the leaders, State Senator Albert S. Woodruff and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, Republicans, and Harry L. Maloney and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democrats. All four refused to discuss the outcome of their confab.

It was reported that the leaders (Continued on Page Six)

Hartmann Revolts On ’Big 4’ Choices
(Continued from Page One)

had agreed on the following appointments:

For police judge, Firmin Michel, Democrat; for city solicitor, Carl Kisselman, Republican; for assistant city solicitors, Edward V. Martino, Republican, and John J. Crean, Democrat; for city prosecutor, Mitchell H. Cohen, Republican; for city clerk, Clay W. Reesman, former city commissioner, Republican; for assistant city clerk, William D. Sayrs, former city commissioner, Republican; for director of charities, Pauline Caperoon, Republican; for purchasing agent, Abe Fuhrman, Democrat.

Hartmann declined to reveal whom he opposes among the New Deal selections. It was reported, however, that the bone of contention was over the city clerk and assistant city clerk jobs.

**Reesman Reported Opposed**

According to rumors, followers of City Commissioner George E. Brunner, Democrat, feel that a Democrat should be appointed to one or the other of those jobs and that both Reesman and Sayrs have held public jobs long enough.

Another report last night was that Carl Kisselman, virtually certain of appointment as city solicitor, may not accept the job when it is offered to him, preferring to continue his private practice. But some quarters believe Kisselman could be prevailed upon to accept if he were urged.

Hartmann’s protest to the closed-door pow-wow of the leaders marked the first definite indication that not all is serene between the New Deal chieftains and the New Deal commissioners.

Rumors have been prevalent of a rift, but have never been confirmed. Differences are reported to have arisen over who was to be who in the appointments, with the Republicans and Democrats said to be at loggerheads on which side would gain the ascendancy in the cream of appointments.

“No Dictation”

“Will the appointments be made by the city commission at once?” Hartmann was asked.

“I don’t know, but I do know and I declare frankly that we as city commissioners will make our own appointments. We won’t be dictated to by the so-called ’Big Four’ or by any other bosses.

“Some of the suggestions of the ’Big Four’ are A-No. 1 so far as I am concerned. But no one will tell me whom to appoint. When the appointments are made, we in the city commission will be as much responsible as any one for the particular appointments.

“Our appointments may in some cases agree with those suggested by the leaders. That, however, will be coincidental and not by any orders that anyone may attempt to hand down. But we won’t stand for some of the names in the list of appointees said to be favored by the leaders. We probably would be in agreement, for instance, on Firmin Michel for judge of the police court and I feel personally that he is the ideal man for the position. But there are other names in the list, not all, mind you, upon which we would not agree with the leaders.”

**Hopes for Full Harmony**

Hartmann said that the decisions on the appointments will be made by the New Deal commissioners, including Mary W. Kobus, George E. Brunner and himself, although Mayor Frederick von Nieda and Harold W. Bennett also may be invited to the preliminary confabs.

“One thing is certain,” Hartmann said. “We’ll have no dictator, and we won’t stand for one.

“We now have three city commissioners working together and I hope that soon we shall have all five working in unison for the good of the city.”

Commissioner Kobus made this statement when asked about the approaching appointments:

“I’m too busy at this time organizing my department and familiarizing myself with its details to go into the subject of appointments. The city commissioners have conducted no meetings on appointments.”

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. newspaper clipping, August 30, 1935, clipping 2 — HARTMANN HURLS DEFI AT ’BIG 4’ ON SELECTION OF CITY OFFICIALS; SAYS COMMISSIONERS TO CHOOSE

’Bosses’ of New Deal-Non-Partisan League Not to Dictate, He Contends; Report Has Reesman And Sayrs Opposed as City Clerks

Defying the “Big Four” New Deal Non-Partisan leaders, City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., yesterday declared he would not stand for appointment of some of those said to have been greed on for city jobs.

The City Commission will make its own appointments without “dictation” by the “bosses,” Hartmann declared.

“Political bosses won’t dictate appointments at city hall,” he said. “We won’t stand for it. And we won’t stand for some of those mentioned as the choices of the New Deal leaders for key jobs. As city commissioners, we’ll make our own appointments.”

Hartmann expressed his resentment over a secret meeting of the “Big Four” at Hotel Walt Whitman Wednesday at which the proposed appointees were selected.

The “Big Four”

Attending the “Big Four” conference on appointments were the leaders, State Senator Albert S. Woodruff and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, Republicans, and Harry L. Maloney and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democrats. All four refused to discuss the outcome of their confab.

It was reported that the leaders (Continued on Page Six)

Hartmann Revolts On ’Big 4’ Choices
(Continued from Page One)

had agreed on the following appointments:

For police judge, Firmin Michel, Democrat; for city solicitor, Carl Kisselman, Republican; for assistant city solicitors, Edward V. Martino, Republican, and John J. Crean, Democrat; for city prosecutor, Mitchell H. Cohen, Republican; for city clerk, Clay W. Reesman, former city commissioner, Republican; for assistant city clerk, William D. Sayrs, former city commissioner, Republican; for director of charities, Pauline Caperoon, Republican; for purchasing agent, Abe Fuhrman, Democrat.

Hartmann declined to reveal whom he opposes among the New Deal selections. It was reported, however, that the bone of contention was over the city clerk and assistant city clerk jobs.

**Reesman Reported Opposed**

According to rumors, followers of City Commissioner George E. Brunner, Democrat, feel that a Democrat should be appointed to one or the other of those jobs and that both Reesman and Sayrs have held public jobs long enough.

Another report last night was that Carl Kisselman, virtually certain of appointment as city solicitor, may not accept the job when it is offered to him, preferring to continue his private practice. But some quarters believe Kisselman could be prevailed upon to accept if he were urged.

Hartmann’s protest to the closed-door pow-wow of the leaders marked the first definite indication that not all is serene between the New Deal chieftains and the New Deal commissioners.

Rumors have been prevalent of a rift, but have never been confirmed. Differences are reported to have arisen over who was to be who in the appointments, with the Republicans and Democrats said to be at loggerheads on which side would gain the ascendancy in the cream of appointments.

“No Dictation”

“Will the appointments be made by the city commission at once?” Hartmann was asked.

“I don’t know, but I do know and I declare frankly that we as city commissioners will make our own appointments. We won’t be dictated to by the so-called ’Big Four’ or by any other bosses.

“Some of the suggestions of the ’Big Four’ are A-No. 1 so far as I am concerned. But no one will tell me whom to appoint. When the appointments are made, we in the city commission will be as much responsible as any one for the particular appointments.

“Our appointments may in some cases agree with those suggested by the leaders. That, however, will be coincidental and not by any orders that anyone may attempt to hand down. But we won’t stand for some of the names in the list of appointees said to be favored by the leaders. We probably would be in agreement, for instance, on Firmin Michel for judge of the police court and I feel personally that he is the ideal man for the position. But there are other names in the list, not all, mind you, upon which we would not agree with the leaders.”

**Hopes for Full Harmony**

Hartmann said that the decisions on the appointments will be made by the New Deal commissioners, including Mary W. Kobus, George E. Brunner and himself, although Mayor Frederick von Nieda and Harold W. Bennett also may be invited to the preliminary confabs.

“One thing is certain,” Hartmann said. “We’ll have no dictator, and we won’t stand for one.

“We now have three city commissioners working together and I hope that soon we shall have all five working in unison for the good of the city.”

Commissioner Kobus made this statement when asked about the approaching appointments:

“I’m too busy at this time organizing my department and familiarizing myself with its details to go into the subject of appointments. The city commissioners have conducted no meetings on appointments.”

Commissioner Asks Legal Opinion on Plot Restrictions

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1936

Hartmann Records Results of Year as Commissioner

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1936

Hartmann Records Results article, August 1, 1936, clipping 1 — Marking the first anniversary of his installation as a city commissioner, Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., director of the Department of Public Works, last night public a list of the principal accomplishments of the department during the past 12 months, as a report to the citizens of his stewardship.
Hartmann did not take office until more than two months after his fellow commissioners, because the first official tally of the votes cast in the May 16, 1935, municipal election gave him three votes less than Frank H. Leonard. Leonard, running fifth highest in the count, was installed as one of the three Republican Organization candidates, carrying control of the city government over the two successful New Deal Non-Partisan League candidates, George E. Brunner and Mrs. Mary W. Kobus.
A recount, however, established that Hartmann actually had received three more votes than Leonard, and Hartmann was seated on the Board of Commissioners on August 1, 1935, giving control to the New Deal members. A graduate electrical engineer, Hartmann has for years been a leader in civic movements.
He listed his accomplishments during the past year, not necessarily in the order of their importance, as follows:
“1. Inauguration of a comprehensive and long-term program of park improvement more extensive in scope than ever before attempted here, with the WPA contributing more than $1,000,000 and the city’s share insignificant in comparison, at the same time creating jobs for hundreds of Camden unemployed. More than $800,000 is being spent in Farnham Park in raising meadow grounds and drains, building gravel and oil drives, installing concrete gutters and sodding hills. Pyne Poynt Park has been beautified, the baseball field leveled and restored to use, the swimming pool restored. Recreation grounds are being created in Fairview on the north branch of Newton Creek, with wading pool, trees, walks, benches and play equipment. Alberta Woods, in the Twelfth Ward, is to receive similar treatment and will be made into a picnic ground and bird sanctuary. Extensive improvements will be made to Dudley Grange, Veterans Memorial Park, Whitman Park, Staley Park, New Camden Cemetery and old City Hall site and the islands on Park boulevard. In this work the city contributes only the materials, such as sod, top soil, fill, cinders, rock and stone, while WPA furnishes the labor, thus saving the taxpayers more than $1,000,000 on what they would have to pay were the city to do the work on its own.
Water Rents Collected
“2. Inauguration of drive to collect delinquent water rents, last September 19, resulting in collection of $231,000 in delinquencies from September 19 to July 30, an average of $771 each working day, compared with the former average of less than $200 a day. Political favoritism was completely eliminated, and payments were forced through a daily average of 25 shut-offs of water to homes and other buildings, compared with 20 turn-ons a day. The 10 percent penalty and seven percent annual interest charges are now rigidly enforced without exception, and $3000 in such charges was collected last month alone, comprising an important contribution to the city’s unanticipated income.
“3. Repairing of approximately 10,000 holes, five inches or more deep, in city streets, with permanent asphalt, instead of temporary cold patch, at more than one-third less the cost of cold patch, through reopening of the city asphalt plant and lower prices for materials.
“4. Establishment of competitive bidding, for the first time in many years, on city purchases of asphalt, asphalt sand, slag, stone dust and other materials. This policy, on one purchase alone, of 1895 tons of asphalt at $12.44 a ton, saved the city $4.27 a ton in comparison with the price paid by my predecessor, a total of $16,071, or one cent on the tax rate.
“5. Launching of a program to pave over unused, hazardous and unsightly trolley tracks on all streets where they were still exposed, with practically three-fourths of the cost, $112,000, being borne by the WPA. The first step in this program, the resurfacing of Broadway, already has been completed, and merchants along that thoroughfare report improved business as a direct result.
Workers Get Vacations
“6. Placing of the Department of Public Works on a private business basis, by increasing hours of office employes from five and one-half to six a day to seven and one-half hours a day, making the hours 8:30 to 5 instead of 9 to 4 as in the other city departments, and changing schedules for laborers and other outside workers from 16 to eight hours a day, three days a week, at $10.20 a week, to eight hours a day, five and one-half days a week, at $20.40 a week, at an actual saving to the city. For the first time, every employe of the department now receives a two-week vacation with pay.
“7. Exposure of political misuse of taxpayers’ money through wholesale hiring of help in the department immediately prior to the municipal election of May 16, 1935, so that the payroll totaled nearly 700 persons, most of whom were hired for their votes. I now run all departments and bureaus under me with approximately 260 persons, and have completely eliminated political pressure or interference by flatly refusing to take political dictation from leaders of any party, even those who helped elect me, on the grounds my responsibility is to the people only.
“8. Sponsoring of a WPA house-to-house survey of faucets, wash paves and other water outlets in every building in the city, which already has brought to light so many outlets in homes, apartments and other structures never before reported to the Water Department, and consequently not assessed for water rent, as to indicate an increase of from $20,000 to $25,000 in 1937 water receipts, which will represent a clear addition to the $208,000 profit made by the Water Department last year. This survey, the first since 1932, employs ten men for one year. It began February 24, and costs the city virtually nothing.
“9. Preparation of plans for a city built, city and city-operated revenue-producing bus terminal at Federal, Fifth and Arch streets, and for beautification of City Hall Plaza, pending eventual decision whether part of it may be sold or leased for commercial buildings. This beautification is now well under way as a WPA project inexpensive to the city, and construction of the bus terminal awaits the result of a canvass of bus companies concerning probable use of and returns from such a terminal, Public Service Co-ordinated Transport being the only company so far failing to answer my questionnaire.
Scavenging Prohibited
“10. Improvement of the appearance of city streets by prohibiting scavenging of trash receptacles placed at the curb by householders and business houses; swearing in of department employes to enforce this rule, and, through a campaign of education of citizens to the end that wet and dry waste material be kept in separate, small containers.
“11. Halting of payments to the county for the city’s share of maintenance and heating of the City Hall-Courthouse Annex, pending action by the Board of Freeholders on my refusal to pay 55 percent of such costs and demand for a more equitable arrangement by which I hope to save the city $10,100 a year.
“11. Vigorous continuation of the long battle for a city-owned light plant, which awaits passage by the State Legislature of a bill that will enable me to carry out the voters’ five-to-one referendum in favor of such a plant, and similar pressing of a fight for open bus doors, which are favored by seven of eight bus companies serving this territory, being opposed only by Public Service.
“13. Sponsoring of the first complete inventory known of all city property, except real estate, to list and record every item owned by the city. Recently approved as a WPA project with a government contribution of $32,556, the survey will employ 74 men for six months.
“14. Inauguration of policy of selling at low prices properties taken by city for taxes, with certain stipulations designed to restore such properties to the rateable list and thus increase tax payments. As an example, a property at the northeast corner of Third and State streets, in which the city held an equity of $5000, through foreclosure of the tax-title certificate, was sold for $2000 with the stipulation the purchaser must erect within six months an apartment house to cost not less than $15,000. More than 200 city-owned buildings, condemned as untenable and a menace to public safety and health, have been demolished.
Snow Removal Cited
“15. Thorough cleaning of snow from city streets for the first time in many years, during the most severe Winter in years, through purchase of modern, money-saving snow plows and tractors.
“16. Sponsoring of a WPA survey of street lighting which already has been productive of better and more efficient lighting at a lower cost to the city; discovery the city was paying for lights that did not exist; removal of 34 unnecessary lights at saving of $1281.50.
“17. Inauguration of plans to increase the income of the Water Department by selling city water in the Eleventh and Twelfth wards, in competition with the privately-owned New Jersey Water Company now serving East Camden, and now receiving $21,000 a year from the city for water supplied city fire hydrants, schools, fire houses and other buildings there. Execution of the plans awaits only an opinion on its legal phases.
“18. Assisting in the exposure of many irregularities in the 1935 budget, prepared by the previous administration, thus helping to lay the groundwork for an honest budget for the current year.
“19. Maintenance of a personal policy of serving the city as a full time commissioner, with plenty of extra hours thrown in, of seeing all callers and hearing all complaints, with no change in a life-long liberal attitude toward labor and labor unions, the latter in part evidenced by granting free use of Convention Hall to labor unions for their meetings, whenever requested. In that connection, I personally disapproved many official activities concerned with the recent RCA strike, but point out that the proper maintenance of law and order is solely a matter for the Department of Public Safety, and no other commissioner has any power to intervene.
“20. Furthering of aims for a more beautiful city by pressing demands upon Public Service for removal of unsightly and unused trolley wires and poles from Broadway, Haddon avenue, Federal, Market and other streets. They have already been removed from Second, Third and Fifth streets.”
Hartmann Seeks Trolley Wire Rule
Bleakly Asked for Opinion to Force Public Service to Clear Streets
City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., yesterday asked City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly for an opinion as to why all remaining trolley wires cannot be removed from city streets. An immediate reply was requested.
Bleakly previously had said the wires could not be removed, Hartmann asserted, but later claimed that records would have to be traced back to 1889 before an opinion could be given.
Hartmann also charged that provisions of an ordinance passed September 26, 1889, had been violated by Public Service.
The ordinance, to authorize the Camden Horse Railroad Company to erect poles on Market and Federal streets for the purpose of carrying wires to supply electricity for street cars, provided that “a single wire system” should be used.
Wants Copy of Ordinance
Hartmann opened his attack Wednesday on the refusal of Public Service to remove the wires. At that time he asked Bleakly for an opinion as to whether Public Service could be forced to remove the wires, and also requested City Clerk Otto E. Braun to furnish him with a copy of the franchise covering the permission granted the company to use the streets for wiring purposes.
Pointing out that Public Service had of its own accord taken down trolley wires on Second, Third and Fifth streets, Hartmann said he could not see why removal was delayed on other streets.
Herbert E. Harper, superintendent of transportation for Public Service, said “we may use them some day,” according to Hartmann. The commissioner said that trolley-buses ran on Crescent boulevard and other streets and he “thought it was about time the company stopped useing [sic] the excuse that the wires are needed to operate them.”
Harper had stated the wires were retained to run trolley-buses on route 50 to Clementon. The trackless trolleys operate on Haddon avenue and Federal street.
Wires are Unsightly
“Wires are unsightly,” the Commissioner said. “We don’t have trolley buses running on this street any more, and I can’t see why wires are permitted to remain to mar all attempts at beautification. Broadway, with its new paving, is beginning to look like a real business street.”
Hartmann said it would be impossible to use the triangular plot of ground bounded by Fifth street, Federal street and Arch street as a parking lot until the poles carrying trolley wires were removed. It would also be impossible to use the plot as a bus terminal while the poles remained, he said.

Hartmann Records Results article, August 1, 1936, clipping 2 — Marking the first anniversary of his installation as a city commissioner, Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., director of the Department of Public Works, last night public a list of the principal accomplishments of the department during the past 12 months, as a report to the citizens of his stewardship.
Hartmann did not take office until more than two months after his fellow commissioners, because the first official tally of the votes cast in the May 16, 1935, municipal election gave him three votes less than Frank H. Leonard. Leonard, running fifth highest in the count, was installed as one of the three Republican Organization candidates, carrying control of the city government over the two successful New Deal Non-Partisan League candidates, George E. Brunner and Mrs. Mary W. Kobus.
A recount, however, established that Hartmann actually had received three more votes than Leonard, and Hartmann was seated on the Board of Commissioners on August 1, 1935, giving control to the New Deal members. A graduate electrical engineer, Hartmann has for years been a leader in civic movements.
He listed his accomplishments during the past year, not necessarily in the order of their importance, as follows:
“1. Inauguration of a comprehensive and long-term program of park improvement more extensive in scope than ever before attempted here, with the WPA contributing more than $1,000,000 and the city’s share insignificant in comparison, at the same time creating jobs for hundreds of Camden unemployed. More than $800,000 is being spent in Farnham Park in raising meadow grounds and drains, building gravel and oil drives, installing concrete gutters and sodding hills. Pyne Poynt Park has been beautified, the baseball field leveled and restored to use, the swimming pool restored. Recreation grounds are being created in Fairview on the north branch of Newton Creek, with wading pool, trees, walks, benches and play equipment. Alberta Woods, in the Twelfth Ward, is to receive similar treatment and will be made into a picnic ground and bird sanctuary. Extensive improvements will be made to Dudley Grange, Veterans Memorial Park, Whitman Park, Staley Park, New Camden Cemetery and old City Hall site and the islands on Park boulevard. In this work the city contributes only the materials, such as sod, top soil, fill, cinders, rock and stone, while WPA furnishes the labor, thus saving the taxpayers more than $1,000,000 on what they would have to pay were the city to do the work on its own.
Water Rents Collected
“2. Inauguration of drive to collect delinquent water rents, last September 19, resulting in collection of $231,000 in delinquencies from September 19 to July 30, an average of $771 each working day, compared with the former average of less than $200 a day. Political favoritism was completely eliminated, and payments were forced through a daily average of 25 shut-offs of water to homes and other buildings, compared with 20 turn-ons a day. The 10 percent penalty and seven percent annual interest charges are now rigidly enforced without exception, and $3000 in such charges was collected last month alone, comprising an important contribution to the city’s unanticipated income.
“3. Repairing of approximately 10,000 holes, five inches or more deep, in city streets, with permanent asphalt, instead of temporary cold patch, at more than one-third less the cost of cold patch, through reopening of the city asphalt plant and lower prices for materials.
“4. Establishment of competitive bidding, for the first time in many years, on city purchases of asphalt, asphalt sand, slag, stone dust and other materials. This policy, on one purchase alone, of 1895 tons of asphalt at $12.44 a ton, saved the city $4.27 a ton in comparison with the price paid by my predecessor, a total of $16,071, or one cent on the tax rate.
“5. Launching of a program to pave over unused, hazardous and unsightly trolley tracks on all streets where they were still exposed, with practically three-fourths of the cost, $112,000, being borne by the WPA. The first step in this program, the resurfacing of Broadway, already has been completed, and merchants along that thoroughfare report improved business as a direct result.
Workers Get Vacations
“6. Placing of the Department of Public Works on a private business basis, by increasing hours of office employes from five and one-half to six a day to seven and one-half hours a day, making the hours 8:30 to 5 instead of 9 to 4 as in the other city departments, and changing schedules for laborers and other outside workers from 16 to eight hours a day, three days a week, at $10.20 a week, to eight hours a day, five and one-half days a week, at $20.40 a week, at an actual saving to the city. For the first time, every employe of the department now receives a two-week vacation with pay.
“7. Exposure of political misuse of taxpayers’ money through wholesale hiring of help in the department immediately prior to the municipal election of May 16, 1935, so that the payroll totaled nearly 700 persons, most of whom were hired for their votes. I now run all departments and bureaus under me with approximately 260 persons, and have completely eliminated political pressure or interference by flatly refusing to take political dictation from leaders of any party, even those who helped elect me, on the grounds my responsibility is to the people only.
“8. Sponsoring of a WPA house-to-house survey of faucets, wash paves and other water outlets in every building in the city, which already has brought to light so many outlets in homes, apartments and other structures never before reported to the Water Department, and consequently not assessed for water rent, as to indicate an increase of from $20,000 to $25,000 in 1937 water receipts, which will represent a clear addition to the $208,000 profit made by the Water Department last year. This survey, the first since 1932, employs ten men for one year. It began February 24, and costs the city virtually nothing.
“9. Preparation of plans for a city built, city and city-operated revenue-producing bus terminal at Federal, Fifth and Arch streets, and for beautification of City Hall Plaza, pending eventual decision whether part of it may be sold or leased for commercial buildings. This beautification is now well under way as a WPA project inexpensive to the city, and construction of the bus terminal awaits the result of a canvass of bus companies concerning probable use of and returns from such a terminal, Public Service Co-ordinated Transport being the only company so far failing to answer my questionnaire.
Scavenging Prohibited
“10. Improvement of the appearance of city streets by prohibiting scavenging of trash receptacles placed at the curb by householders and business houses; swearing in of department employes to enforce this rule, and, through a campaign of education of citizens to the end that wet and dry waste material be kept in separate, small containers.
“11. Halting of payments to the county for the city’s share of maintenance and heating of the City Hall-Courthouse Annex, pending action by the Board of Freeholders on my refusal to pay 55 percent of such costs and demand for a more equitable arrangement by which I hope to save the city $10,100 a year.
“11. Vigorous continuation of the long battle for a city-owned light plant, which awaits passage by the State Legislature of a bill that will enable me to carry out the voters’ five-to-one referendum in favor of such a plant, and similar pressing of a fight for open bus doors, which are favored by seven of eight bus companies serving this territory, being opposed only by Public Service.
“13. Sponsoring of the first complete inventory known of all city property, except real estate, to list and record every item owned by the city. Recently approved as a WPA project with a government contribution of $32,556, the survey will employ 74 men for six months.
“14. Inauguration of policy of selling at low prices properties taken by city for taxes, with certain stipulations designed to restore such properties to the rateable list and thus increase tax payments. As an example, a property at the northeast corner of Third and State streets, in which the city held an equity of $5000, through foreclosure of the tax-title certificate, was sold for $2000 with the stipulation the purchaser must erect within six months an apartment house to cost not less than $15,000. More than 200 city-owned buildings, condemned as untenable and a menace to public safety and health, have been demolished.
Snow Removal Cited
“15. Thorough cleaning of snow from city streets for the first time in many years, during the most severe Winter in years, through purchase of modern, money-saving snow plows and tractors.
“16. Sponsoring of a WPA survey of street lighting which already has been productive of better and more efficient lighting at a lower cost to the city; discovery the city was paying for lights that did not exist; removal of 34 unnecessary lights at saving of $1281.50.
“17. Inauguration of plans to increase the income of the Water Department by selling city water in the Eleventh and Twelfth wards, in competition with the privately-owned New Jersey Water Company now serving East Camden, and now receiving $21,000 a year from the city for water supplied city fire hydrants, schools, fire houses and other buildings there. Execution of the plans awaits only an opinion on its legal phases.
“18. Assisting in the exposure of many irregularities in the 1935 budget, prepared by the previous administration, thus helping to lay the groundwork for an honest budget for the current year.
“19. Maintenance of a personal policy of serving the city as a full time commissioner, with plenty of extra hours thrown in, of seeing all callers and hearing all complaints, with no change in a life-long liberal attitude toward labor and labor unions, the latter in part evidenced by granting free use of Convention Hall to labor unions for their meetings, whenever requested. In that connection, I personally disapproved many official activities concerned with the recent RCA strike, but point out that the proper maintenance of law and order is solely a matter for the Department of Public Safety, and no other commissioner has any power to intervene.
“20. Furthering of aims for a more beautiful city by pressing demands upon Public Service for removal of unsightly and unused trolley wires and poles from Broadway, Haddon avenue, Federal, Market and other streets. They have already been removed from Second, Third and Fifth streets.”
Hartmann Seeks Trolley Wire Rule
Bleakly Asked for Opinion to Force Public Service to Clear Streets
City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., yesterday asked City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly for an opinion as to why all remaining trolley wires cannot be removed from city streets. An immediate reply was requested.
Bleakly previously had said the wires could not be removed, Hartmann asserted, but later claimed that records would have to be traced back to 1889 before an opinion could be given.
Hartmann also charged that provisions of an ordinance passed September 26, 1889, had been violated by Public Service.
The ordinance, to authorize the Camden Horse Railroad Company to erect poles on Market and Federal streets for the purpose of carrying wires to supply electricity for street cars, provided that “a single wire system” should be used.
Wants Copy of Ordinance
Hartmann opened his attack Wednesday on the refusal of Public Service to remove the wires. At that time he asked Bleakly for an opinion as to whether Public Service could be forced to remove the wires, and also requested City Clerk Otto E. Braun to furnish him with a copy of the franchise covering the permission granted the company to use the streets for wiring purposes.
Pointing out that Public Service had of its own accord taken down trolley wires on Second, Third and Fifth streets, Hartmann said he could not see why removal was delayed on other streets.
Herbert E. Harper, superintendent of transportation for Public Service, said “we may use them some day,” according to Hartmann. The commissioner said that trolley-buses ran on Crescent boulevard and other streets and he “thought it was about time the company stopped useing [sic] the excuse that the wires are needed to operate them.”
Harper had stated the wires were retained to run trolley-buses on route 50 to Clementon. The trackless trolleys operate on Haddon avenue and Federal street.
Wires are Unsightly
“Wires are unsightly,” the Commissioner said. “We don’t have trolley buses running on this street any more, and I can’t see why wires are permitted to remain to mar all attempts at beautification. Broadway, with its new paving, is beginning to look like a real business street.”
Hartmann said it would be impossible to use the triangular plot of ground bounded by Fifth street, Federal street and Arch street as a parking lot until the poles carrying trolley wires were removed. It would also be impossible to use the plot as a bus terminal while the poles remained, he said.

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1936 (Photos)

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. portrait, August 1, 1936 — Portrait of Frank J. Hartmann Jr., Director of Public Works. Camden Courier-Post, August 1, 1936.

Diamond in Dutch—So Is City Over Bill for Treating Horse

Camden Courier-Post — August 31, 1936

‘Decent Entrance’ Asked to City Hall

Camden Courier-Post — August 31, 1936

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. article, August 31, 1936, clipping 1 — Hartmann Wants Modern Stairway Constructed for $10,000,000 Building
City hall’s makeshift west entrance steps, resembling a riverfront shipwreck, may be replaced soon by a modern stairway in keeping with the building and the plaza beautification program.
“The $10,000,000 city hall, with the steps there now, is like an otherwise well-dressed man in shabby shoes,” said Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.
“If the cost is reasonable, I’d like to see those ‘bulkhead steps’ replaced with concrete so that city hall won’t keep looking like the entrance to an abandoned harbor.
“The question in my mind is whether it is not worth, say about $4000, for steps to a $10,000,000 city hall. At any rate, I’m going to talk this over with my colleagues of the city commission and with WPA officials. It may be that it can be so arranged that the cost to the city will be negligible and nothing like $4000.”
Under Hartmann, and with the cooperation of WPA, much progress is being made in beautifying the west plaza, a job left undone by the city administration which built the costly city hall five years ago.
WPA workmen and city officials and employes have been converting what once looked like a battlefield, with mounds and holes, into an ordered and beautiful park. The work, however, is still in the preliminary stage, but is advancing rapidly.
Concrete curbs already have been laid to follow the line of gravel driveways, arranged with entrances on Market, Arch and Fifth streets and following the form of an arc or a winding semi-circle to parking sites on the north and south sections of the plaza.
Commissioner Hartmann said gardens will be created, and trees and shrubbery planted. The top soil will come from Farnham Park and is so rich, he said, that it won’t be necessary to spread any grass seed. That phase of the work will be underway, the commissioner reported, in about two weeks under the WPA program.

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. article, August 31, 1936, clipping 2 — Hartmann Wants Modern Stairway Constructed for $10,000,000 Building
City hall’s makeshift west entrance steps, resembling a riverfront shipwreck, may be replaced soon by a modern stairway in keeping with the building and the plaza beautification program.
“The $10,000,000 city hall, with the steps there now, is like an otherwise well-dressed man in shabby shoes,” said Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.
“If the cost is reasonable, I’d like to see those ‘bulkhead steps’ replaced with concrete so that city hall won’t keep looking like the entrance to an abandoned harbor.
“The question in my mind is whether it is not worth, say about $4000, for steps to a $10,000,000 city hall. At any rate, I’m going to talk this over with my colleagues of the city commission and with WPA officials. It may be that it can be so arranged that the cost to the city will be negligible and nothing like $4000.”
Under Hartmann, and with the cooperation of WPA, much progress is being made in beautifying the west plaza, a job left undone by the city administration which built the costly city hall five years ago.
WPA workmen and city officials and employes have been converting what once looked like a battlefield, with mounds and holes, into an ordered and beautiful park. The work, however, is still in the preliminary stage, but is advancing rapidly.
Concrete curbs already have been laid to follow the line of gravel driveways, arranged with entrances on Market, Arch and Fifth streets and following the form of an arc or a winding semi-circle to parking sites on the north and south sections of the plaza.
Commissioner Hartmann said gardens will be created, and trees and shrubbery planted. The top soil will come from Farnham Park and is so rich, he said, that it won’t be necessary to spread any grass seed. That phase of the work will be underway, the commissioner reported, in about two weeks under the WPA program.

Camden Courier-Post — October 5–6, 1936

York Quiver article, October 1936, clipping 1 — QUIVERS CONTINUE IN YORK STREET AFTER TWO-WEEK LET-UP IN JULY
That vibration which has disturbed residents on York street in the 400 and 500 block still is very much present, although it was supposed to have ended early this month.
Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., said on October 2 that residents between Fourth and Sixth streets, “complain no longer of mysterious rumblings.” A survey at that time indicated that the motor of a gelatin company, at Fifth and Erie streets, was responsible. A well was sunk below the foundation of the company’s motor and wooden sheeting was reported built about the machinery to stop the disturbance.
But that did not end the “quake rumbles.”
York street residents are upset. Interviews with residents throughout the North Camden section indicate that the rumble is confined principally to the two blocks on York street. Dozens of persons living on York street in the 300 and 600 blocks, and others living on the intersecting streets of Fourth, Fifth and Sixth said they had not felt the vibration.
Quiver Skips Two Streets
Investigation among residents of Bailey street, between Erie and York streets, revealed that the rumbles had not been felt there. Most of the mystery revolves around the fact that the quiver, if it is caused in the gelatin company plant, skips two streets before it is felt on York street.
Here’s a sample of the complaints. Mrs. Helen Morten, 545 York street: “The vibration is so bad that I can’t sleep nights. I’m getting to be a nervous wreck.”
Mrs. Rollo Jones, 547 York street: “The quiver is most noticeable upstairs. I can’t read a paper without having it shake so that I can hardly focus my eyes.”
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hambleton, 545 York street: “The beds and windows shake. When the plant closed down for a fortnight in July it was like Heaven.”
Mrs. Laura Baumgartel, 526 York street: “I’ve been bothered by the vibration.”
Presents Evidence
Mrs. Laura Van Note, 412 York street, presented evidence that the shake was very noticeable. A bed in the rear of the home trembled as though ghostly hands were shaking it. A light pull in the bathroom swung back and forth. Mrs. Van Note has taken apart one of the beds and placed the mattress on the floor because she said the vibration kept her awake. A large crack has appeared in the ceiling of the dining room and she is having trouble with plumbing fixtures because of the vibration, she said.
A similar story is told by Mrs. Lionel A. Bernard, 420 York street. George Madara, who also lives at that address, says that doors no longer latch and that the quiver is incessant.
Others tell the same tale. All agree that the trembling began late in May or early in June, and that there was a period of relief in July when the plant closed down.
Residents of the neighborhood blame the gelatin plant. A new alternator, furnishing power for the entire plant, was installed the last of May. A part of the motor is sunk into a concrete floor. The throb of the motor is apparent for a distance of some 15 feet from the building. And workers at the plant said that it was closed down for two weeks in July. Complaints still are coming to Hartmann. York street residents say they are going to circulate a petition asking that something be done.

York Quiver article, October 1936, clipping 2 — QUIVERS CONTINUE IN YORK STREET AFTER TWO-WEEK LET-UP IN JULY
That vibration which has disturbed residents on York street in the 400 and 500 block still is very much present, although it was supposed to have ended early this month.
Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., said on October 2 that residents between Fourth and Sixth streets, “complain no longer of mysterious rumblings.” A survey at that time indicated that the motor of a gelatin company, at Fifth and Erie streets, was responsible. A well was sunk below the foundation of the company’s motor and wooden sheeting was reported built about the machinery to stop the disturbance.
But that did not end the “quake rumbles.”
York street residents are upset. Interviews with residents throughout the North Camden section indicate that the rumble is confined principally to the two blocks on York street. Dozens of persons living on York street in the 300 and 600 blocks, and others living on the intersecting streets of Fourth, Fifth and Sixth said they had not felt the vibration.
Quiver Skips Two Streets
Investigation among residents of Bailey street, between Erie and York streets, revealed that the rumbles had not been felt there. Most of the mystery revolves around the fact that the quiver, if it is caused in the gelatin company plant, skips two streets before it is felt on York street.
Here’s a sample of the complaints. Mrs. Helen Morten, 545 York street: “The vibration is so bad that I can’t sleep nights. I’m getting to be a nervous wreck.”
Mrs. Rollo Jones, 547 York street: “The quiver is most noticeable upstairs. I can’t read a paper without having it shake so that I can hardly focus my eyes.”
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hambleton, 545 York street: “The beds and windows shake. When the plant closed down for a fortnight in July it was like Heaven.”
Mrs. Laura Baumgartel, 526 York street: “I’ve been bothered by the vibration.”
Presents Evidence
Mrs. Laura Van Note, 412 York street, presented evidence that the shake was very noticeable. A bed in the rear of the home trembled as though ghostly hands were shaking it. A light pull in the bathroom swung back and forth. Mrs. Van Note has taken apart one of the beds and placed the mattress on the floor because she said the vibration kept her awake. A large crack has appeared in the ceiling of the dining room and she is having trouble with plumbing fixtures because of the vibration, she said.
A similar story is told by Mrs. Lionel A. Bernard, 420 York street. George Madara, who also lives at that address, says that doors no longer latch and that the quiver is incessant.
Others tell the same tale. All agree that the trembling began late in May or early in June, and that there was a period of relief in July when the plant closed down.
Residents of the neighborhood blame the gelatin plant. A new alternator, furnishing power for the entire plant, was installed the last of May. A part of the motor is sunk into a concrete floor. The throb of the motor is apparent for a distance of some 15 feet from the building. And workers at the plant said that it was closed down for two weeks in July. Complaints still are coming to Hartmann. York street residents say they are going to circulate a petition asking that something be done.

Hartmann Gets Trip to Illinois / Plans for Basketball Games In Convention Hall Advanced

Camden Courier-Post — October 26, 1936

Hartmann article, October 1936 — Hartmann Gets Trip to Illinois

Commissioner Will Tell Convention of Light Plant Fight Here

Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., yesterday was authorized by the City Commission to attend the convention of the Municipal Ownership League, at Springfield, Ill., October 15, 16 and 17.

Hartmann will review Camden’s fight for a municipal light plant before the convention, speaking on a program with several U. S. Senators, including Robert M. LaFollette, of Wisconsin; Homer T. Bone, of Washington, and Rush D. Holt, of West Virginia.

In addition, the commission yesterday authorized transfer of half a dozen tax title certificates to purchasers; voted $3231.84 for relief administration from October 1 to 15, and reaffirmed its resolution of last year prohibiting political pressure from being put on any city employe. The commission also passed on final reading an ordinance consolidating the regulations concerning gasoline service station installations and operation.

Plans for Basketball Games in Convention Hall Advanced

Committee Confers With Hartmann Preparatory to Forming Boys’ Leagues; Younger Lads to Meet Saturday Afternoon, Youths Friday

City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann’s plan to turn over Convention Hall to Camden boys for basketball at least one night each week took a forward step last night, when two meetings for prospective participants were planned.

The committee appointed by Hartmann to work with him on the plan agreed to divide the boys into four age groups, and let each group form its own league or leagues. It was announced the committee hopes to open play early in November.

The age groups are 12 to 14 years; 15 and 16 years inclusive; 17 and 18 years, inclusive, and 19 years and over.

The committee announced it will sit Friday night and Saturday morning in the City Commission chambers to meet the four groups.

Representatives of all organizations and groups desiring to enter teams in the two older age groups were invited to meet the committee Friday night. The hour is 7 o’clock.

Saturday Meeting Set

Representatives of all organizations or groups desiring to enter teams in the two younger groups were invited to meet the committee Saturday at 10 a. m.

At the meeting, the committee announced, it hopes to see leagues form with six teams to the league and eight players to the team. The number of teams and players to a team are subject to change, it was announced.

The committee consists of Harry Roye, Democratic Assembly nominee; Samuel E. Fulton, president of the Board of Education; Pierce Connor, of the city schools faculty; James J. Hagans, WPA supervisor of recreation; Frank H. Ryan and Thomas Ryan, managing editor and sports editor of the Courier-Post newspapers, respectively.

Meeting in the commissioner’s office last night, the committee was informed by Hartmann that five courts will be available for simultaneous play.

WPA Aid Offered

Hagans assured the committee the WPA will provide officials and supervision to preserve proper order and will aid in the organization of teams and leagues.

Hartmann announced participation will be open to all boys and there will be no charge to any one. He said basketballs will be provided for the leagues by the city.

It was announced also that medical examination for each boy will be provided free, so that no boys will be allowed to enter contests that may prove harmful to them by reason of unknown physical disabilities.

In the event of heavy applications for playing dates, Hartmann said he had set Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays as the playing dates for the younger boys and reserve, Wednesday nights for the older ones.

Schedules will be worked out after preliminary meetings have given the committee an idea of how many boys’ groups will desire to enter teams. The size of the leagues and of the teams will be determined then also, it was announced.

Hartmann article, October 1936, clipping 1 — Hartmann Gets Trip to Illinois

Commissioner Will Tell Convention of Light Plant Fight Here

Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., yesterday was authorized by the City Commission to attend the convention of the Municipal Ownership League, at Springfield, Ill., October 15, 16 and 17.

Hartmann will review Camden’s fight for a municipal light plant before the convention, speaking on a program with several U. S. Senators, including Robert M. LaFollette, of Wisconsin; Homer T. Bone, of Washington, and Rush D. Holt, of West Virginia.

In addition, the commission yesterday authorized transfer of half a dozen tax title certificates to purchasers; voted $3231.84 for relief administration from October 1 to 15, and reaffirmed its resolution of last year prohibiting political pressure from being put on any city employe. The commission also passed on final reading an ordinance consolidating the regulations concerning gasoline service station installations and operation.

Plans for Basketball Games in Convention Hall Advanced

Committee Confers With Hartmann Preparatory to Forming Boys’ Leagues; Younger Lads to Meet Saturday Afternoon, Youths Friday

City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann’s plan to turn over Convention Hall to Camden boys for basketball at least one night each week took a forward step last night, when two meetings for prospective participants were planned.

The committee appointed by Hartmann to work with him on the plan agreed to divide the boys into four age groups, and let each group form its own league or leagues. It was announced the committee hopes to open play early in November.

The age groups are 12 to 14 years; 15 and 16 years inclusive; 17 and 18 years, inclusive, and 19 years and over.

The committee announced it will sit Friday night and Saturday morning in the City Commission chambers to meet the four groups.

Representatives of all organizations and groups desiring to enter teams in the two older age groups were invited to meet the committee Friday night. The hour is 7 o’clock.

Saturday Meeting Set

Representatives of all organizations or groups desiring to enter teams in the two younger groups were invited to meet the committee Saturday at 10 a. m.

At the meeting, the committee announced, it hopes to see leagues form with six teams to the league and eight players to the team. The number of teams and players to a team are subject to change, it was announced.

The committee consists of Harry Roye, Democratic Assembly nominee; Samuel E. Fulton, president of the Board of Education; Pierce Connor, of the city schools faculty; James J. Hagans, WPA supervisor of recreation; Frank H. Ryan and Thomas Ryan, managing editor and sports editor of the Courier-Post newspapers, respectively.

Meeting in the commissioner’s office last night, the committee was informed by Hartmann that five courts will be available for simultaneous play.

WPA Aid Offered

Hagans assured the committee the WPA will provide officials and supervision to preserve proper order and will aid in the organization of teams and leagues.

Hartmann announced participation will be open to all boys and there will be no charge to any one. He said basketballs will be provided for the leagues by the city.

It was announced also that medical examination for each boy will be provided free, so that no boys will be allowed to enter contests that may prove harmful to them by reason of unknown physical disabilities.

In the event of heavy applications for playing dates, Hartmann said he had set Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays as the playing dates for the younger boys and reserve, Wednesday nights for the older ones.

Schedules will be worked out after preliminary meetings have given the committee an idea of how many boys’ groups will desire to enter teams. The size of the leagues and of the teams will be determined then also, it was announced.

3 in Assembly Race Plan Tour Tonight

Camden Courier-Post — October 26, 1936

Hartmann Urges Support for F. R

Camden Courier-Post — October 29, 1936

Frank J. Hartmann Jr. newspaper clipping, October 29, 1936 — Cites Assistance Given Camden as One Reason All Should Aid President

Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann yesterday advocated the re-election of President Roosevelt “because of the productive and effective forces for recovery which he has created through the WPA, PWA and other life-saving agencies.”

Camden’s independent director of public works declared he will cast his vote next Tuesday for Roosevelt “for the same reason that every other man and woman should vote for Roosevelt.” He asked all his friends to cast their votes for Roosevelt.

An electrical engineer and the leader for years in Camden’s fight for a municipally-owned light plant, Hartmann reiterated that the Roosevelt administration has given this city public works improvements at a total cost, to the city and government combined, far less than the city would have paid to private contractors, at the same time providing thousands of unemployed with pay envelopes and a new outlook on life.

“Camden’s streets, its parks, its water works and practically all of its public works were in a serious state of depreciation when the present national and local administrations came into office,” Hartmann said. “Then the federal government stepped in and provided funds not only to stop this terrific depreciation but also to improve greatly the public services at a mere fraction of the cost with which the city otherwise would have been burdened.

“These improvements not only provided thousands of unemployed men of our city with sorely needed work, but they revealed the men really wanted to work, and did such good work that the total cost of the improvements, both to the city and the government, was far less than the city would have paid to private contractors, at the time providing needy families with the substance of life and a new outlook on life, after years of depression.

“These benefits provided by the WPA, the PWA and other government agencies will be an everlasting monument to the government’s victory over the depression.

Says City Suffered

“Camden is an industrial city, and has suffered as other industrial cities have, from the blight of seasonal employment. But Camden suffered more than most cities when the depression hit our industries. We needed more outside help in proportion than many others. The Roosevelt administration made it possible for the city to set up the projects while the government supplied the funds, and the depression here began to be licked. As one item, our water rent delinquencies were cut far beyond our highest hope and that without a single worthy, distressed or destitute family being deprived of water service.

“The Roosevelt administration so much encouraged the workers to take a new lease on life that it caused those who have money invested in bonds to set up the howl, ‘But who is going to pay!’ That cry, in poll-parrot fashion, has been echoed and re-echoed by the politicians who put political jobs above the price of decent living and fair opportunity for all.

“But the working man has money invested in biscuits and beans, instead of bonds, and he recognizes the fact that there is someone in the White House who looks after his welfare.

Grateful for Aid

“I feel that I, as an official of the city of Camden which has been the recipient of federal aid made possible by our President, would be ungrateful not to appreciate and glory in the benefits we have all received. I feel that would be ‘biting the hand that fed us.’

“I have always been independent, and I can see, without political bias, that a changed order of things has come about, that the slack in employment caused by the machine age must be overcome under the understanding and sympathetic, intelligent leadership, the leadership we now have in Washington.

“I am in favor of the re-election of the President for the same reason that every other man and woman should be in favor of it, because the only way we can be assured of continued progress is through a great vote of confidence in the man who not only headed this nation away from chaos, but started it back on the path to permanent prosperity.

“I sincerely urge every working man to vote for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, his friend, our friend, my friend.”

With a new radio telephone device a shore operator can call any ship desired by dialing its number without the call being heard on any other ship.

Italy has established a virtual government monopoly over the trade in wheat, prohibiting its importation and wholesale selling by private concerns.

City Parking Site to Open Tomorrow

Camden Courier-Post — October 22, 1938 (Hartmann Dismissals)

Hartmann dismissals article, 1938, clipping 1 — Triangular Plot Between Federal and Arch Streets to Aid Shoppers

To afford greater parking facilities and convenience to shoppers the concrete triangle plot adjoining Camden city hall between Federal and Arch streets will be opened to parking on a restricted basis tomorrow.

This announcement was made yesterday by Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann Jr., following a request for the move by the Central Association of Business Men.

Parking will be restricted to two hours and rigidly enforced by a special officer to be paid by business men having establishments along Federal street and Broadway, Hartmann said. No parking will be permitted before 8 a. m. nor after 6 p. m. under present plans, he said.

“The parking is meant to be a convenience to the public, to shoppers and persons have business of any kind in the district. While this first plan will be more or less experimental, we hope it will be efficient enough to relieve parking congestion to a considerable degree,” Hartmann declared.

“All night parking will not be permitted, and the merchants have informed me they will not use this new parking space themselves. They fell [sic] the public should be given every convenience possible to aid them in shopping in Camden. The merchants favor a policy of no parking favors to anyone, and the officer appointed will see that the regulations are carried out. Two hour parking will mean two hour parking, not three hours or all day.

“It is unfortunate that the Public Service Corporation will not remove the poles along the triangle as I have requested, but I certainly am not going to make the merchants suffer for want of their removal. I am permitting the plot to be opened to parking despite the poles and the obstinacy of Public Service will.

“I also hope that city and county employes will not take advantage of the two-hour parking on the plot, since the primary purpose in using the plot is to give shoppers convenience.”

Hartmann dismissals article, 1938, clipping 2 — Triangular Plot Between Federal and Arch Streets to Aid Shoppers

To afford greater parking facilities and convenience to shoppers the concrete triangle plot adjoining Camden city hall between Federal and Arch streets will be opened to parking on a restricted basis tomorrow.

This announcement was made yesterday by Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann Jr., following a request for the move by the Central Association of Business Men.

Parking will be restricted to two hours and rigidly enforced by a special officer to be paid by business men having establishments along Federal street and Broadway, Hartmann said. No parking will be permitted before 8 a. m. nor after 6 p. m. under present plans, he said.

“The parking is meant to be a convenience to the public, to shoppers and persons have business of any kind in the district. While this first plan will be more or less experimental, we hope it will be efficient enough to relieve parking congestion to a considerable degree,” Hartmann declared.

“All night parking will not be permitted, and the merchants have informed me they will not use this new parking space themselves. They fell [sic] the public should be given every convenience possible to aid them in shopping in Camden. The merchants favor a policy of no parking favors to anyone, and the officer appointed will see that the regulations are carried out. Two hour parking will mean two hour parking, not three hours or all day.

“It is unfortunate that the Public Service Corporation will not remove the poles along the triangle as I have requested, but I certainly am not going to make the merchants suffer for want of their removal. I am permitting the plot to be opened to parking despite the poles and the obstinacy of Public Service will.

“I also hope that city and county employes will not take advantage of the two-hour parking on the plot, since the primary purpose in using the plot is to give shoppers convenience.”

Hartmann to Seek Demolition Power / Hartmann Assails Suits on Pay Cuts

Camden Courier-Post — January 12, 1938

Hartmann article, January 12, 1938, page 1 — **HARTMANN TO SEEK DEMOLITION POWER**

**City Rulers to Act on Law Permitting Razing of Old Structures**

An ordinance empowering Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, director of public works, to legally order the demolition of all dangerous, unsanitary or delapidated houses or other buildings in the city will be introduced at the meeting of the City Commission tomorrow.

Hartmann, with the approval of other members of the commission, requested City Solicitor, Firmin Michel to draft the ordinance in order that more than 500 “shacks” and other houses can be razed.

“No city official has ever had the legal right or police power to do this,” Hartmann said. “Owners of these properties ignore letters, requests and even demands to raze such structures which are fire hazards and dangerous to life and limb.

“Under the provisions of this ordinance, I will be given the legal right to compel owners to follow out my orders or direct the razing of these structures myself.”

The ordinance will provide that all owners must be legally served with notice to rebuild or raze such houses or buildings. A stated time for compliance will be given.

In the event the owner fails to comply, a legal notice will be published in an official newspaper. If after the notice is published, and proof of the same is served on the owner and the mandate is not carried out, Hartmann could legally order the demolition of the property.

All legal costs and the cost of the work of demolition would be charged against the property owner in the form of a lien.

Hartmann estimates there are more than 500 structures which should be razed.

**---**

**HARTMANN ASSAILS SUITS ON PAY CUTS**

**Commissioner Favors New Laws to Bar Litigation in City and County**

**By A. CHARLES COROTIS**

Public employes who sue to recover economy salary reductions were criticized by City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann yesterday as he urged new legislation to permit governing bodies to make such cuts.

Naming six former and present employes of Camden city and county, Hartmann said the public “will never forget their insistence upon receiving full pay when many who contribute toward their salaries themselves were unable to get jobs.”

“To check this practice the 1938 Legislature should immediately adopt acts that will give to municipalities and counties the right to make economy reductions,” Hartmann said.

“These acts should go farther than any previous ones. A way should be found to make them apply to constitutional officers, like judges and prosecutors, as well as those whose compensation is fixed or protected from reductions by statute.

“If possible the legislation should be made retroactive to 1937, although I don’t suppose this can be done. It is a point that legal minds might study, however.”

**Suits Criticized As Unfair**

“Four former employees and one present employe of Camden City have brought suit for back salary. In addition Prosecutor Orlando has instituted action against the county, to whose support the city contributes 57¼ percent.

“All these people have acted against the interests of the taxpaying public. Needless to say, all were highly pleased to have jobs at the height of the depression, when so many people, just as capable and competent perhaps, were unemployed.

“If Prosecutor Orlando isn’t satisfied with the $122.55 weekly salary he now receives he should resign and permit someone to take the job to whom that figure would be satisfactory.

“The same goes for James J. Barlow, a Camden school janitor, who makes more than many home owners who pay taxes to provide his salary. And if former Judges Neutze and Pancoast were dissatisfied with their $147 and $81.73 weekly pay, respectively, there were plenty of other qualified men who would have accepted the job with joy.

“As for Thaddeus Borz, former deputy city clerk, and William Sauerhoff, former sergeant-at-arms in the city district court, I feel they were fortunate to have worked through the worst of the depression, receiving living wages, which they did, and which many taxpayers did not. I can think of scores of men I know personally who would have been thankful to have held either of those two jobs. Borz already received his adjustment and Sauerhoff compromised with the City.”

**Several Suits Filed**

“Such action as these six men have taken is obviously unfair to the public at large. But since it has been tried, and probably will be taken by others in future, the only thing to do in protection of the interests of the taxpaying public is to enable municipalities and counties to make reductions where the governing bodies consider them necessary in the interests of the public.”

A series of acts to make statutory salary reduction discretionary with governments was passed first in 1932, and re-enacted each year until 1937. Then, under pressure from a powerful lobby, headed by school teachers, the lawmakers did not reintroduce the measures.

The result was a number of lawsuits against municipalities and counties throughout the state, some resulting in victories for the litigants and some still unheard.

Hartmann said passage of the legislation he seeks would not affect Camden City’s efforts to complete its restoration program.

“We in Camden are doing what we consider a good job in restoring salary cuts,” the commissioner said. “In two years we have restored 10 percent of the 15 percent reductions in effect when we took office. Our plans call for restoration of the remaining five percent next year, if our financial condition will permit such a move without increasing the tax rate.

“But with certain officials and employes showing an unwillingness to go along, legislation should be on the statute books to forestall these suits.”

**Public Servants’ Co-operation Asked**

“Public employes are entitled to living wages the same as workers in private industry. But when things are bad economically, jobs are at a premium and any increase in tax rates means virtual confiscation, they must co-operate, if not willingly then forcibly. To many people on the outside, unemployed during the depression, they are fortunate to have jobs.

“This legislation should be one of the very first orders of business of the present session.”

Camden City has increased its municipal and school payroll approximately $350,000 this year over 1936 as a result of the partial restorations. Another $175,000 increase, tentatively scheduled for 1939, will be the cost of complete restoration. Of this amount, $76,829 would go to municipal operating employes; the rest to school employes.

The municipal total is made up as follows: $41,783.97 to the Department of Public Safety, $17,682.44 to Public Work, $6936.88 to Revenue and Finance, $3227.61 to Public Affairs, $2532.10 to Parks and Public Property and $4666 to the Relief Bureau.

Hartmann article, January 12, 1938, page 2 — **HARTMANN TO SEEK DEMOLITION POWER**

**City Rulers to Act on Law Permitting Razing of Old Structures**

An ordinance empowering Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, director of public works, to legally order the demolition of all dangerous, unsanitary or delapidated houses or other buildings in the city will be introduced at the meeting of the City Commission tomorrow.

Hartmann, with the approval of other members of the commission, requested City Solicitor, Firmin Michel to draft the ordinance in order that more than 500 “shacks” and other houses can be razed.

“No city official has ever had the legal right or police power to do this,” Hartmann said. “Owners of these properties ignore letters, requests and even demands to raze such structures which are fire hazards and dangerous to life and limb.

“Under the provisions of this ordinance, I will be given the legal right to compel owners to follow out my orders or direct the razing of these structures myself.”

The ordinance will provide that all owners must be legally served with notice to rebuild or raze such houses or buildings. A stated time for compliance will be given.

In the event the owner fails to comply, a legal notice will be published in an official newspaper. If after the notice is published, and proof of the same is served on the owner and the mandate is not carried out, Hartmann could legally order the demolition of the property.

All legal costs and the cost of the work of demolition would be charged against the property owner in the form of a lien.

Hartmann estimates there are more than 500 structures which should be razed.

**---**

**HARTMANN ASSAILS SUITS ON PAY CUTS**

**Commissioner Favors New Laws to Bar Litigation in City and County**

**By A. CHARLES COROTIS**

Public employes who sue to recover economy salary reductions were criticized by City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann yesterday as he urged new legislation to permit governing bodies to make such cuts.

Naming six former and present employes of Camden city and county, Hartmann said the public “will never forget their insistence upon receiving full pay when many who contribute toward their salaries themselves were unable to get jobs.”

“To check this practice the 1938 Legislature should immediately adopt acts that will give to municipalities and counties the right to make economy reductions,” Hartmann said.

“These acts should go farther than any previous ones. A way should be found to make them apply to constitutional officers, like judges and prosecutors, as well as those whose compensation is fixed or protected from reductions by statute.

“If possible the legislation should be made retroactive to 1937, although I don’t suppose this can be done. It is a point that legal minds might study, however.”

**Suits Criticized As Unfair**

“Four former employees and one present employe of Camden City have brought suit for back salary. In addition Prosecutor Orlando has instituted action against the county, to whose support the city contributes 57¼ percent.

“All these people have acted against the interests of the taxpaying public. Needless to say, all were highly pleased to have jobs at the height of the depression, when so many people, just as capable and competent perhaps, were unemployed.

“If Prosecutor Orlando isn’t satisfied with the $122.55 weekly salary he now receives he should resign and permit someone to take the job to whom that figure would be satisfactory.

“The same goes for James J. Barlow, a Camden school janitor, who makes more than many home owners who pay taxes to provide his salary. And if former Judges Neutze and Pancoast were dissatisfied with their $147 and $81.73 weekly pay, respectively, there were plenty of other qualified men who would have accepted the job with joy.

“As for Thaddeus Borz, former deputy city clerk, and William Sauerhoff, former sergeant-at-arms in the city district court, I feel they were fortunate to have worked through the worst of the depression, receiving living wages, which they did, and which many taxpayers did not. I can think of scores of men I know personally who would have been thankful to have held either of those two jobs. Borz already received his adjustment and Sauerhoff compromised with the City.”

**Several Suits Filed**

“Such action as these six men have taken is obviously unfair to the public at large. But since it has been tried, and probably will be taken by others in future, the only thing to do in protection of the interests of the taxpaying public is to enable municipalities and counties to make reductions where the governing bodies consider them necessary in the interests of the public.”

A series of acts to make statutory salary reduction discretionary with governments was passed first in 1932, and re-enacted each year until 1937. Then, under pressure from a powerful lobby, headed by school teachers, the lawmakers did not reintroduce the measures.

The result was a number of lawsuits against municipalities and counties throughout the state, some resulting in victories for the litigants and some still unheard.

Hartmann said passage of the legislation he seeks would not affect Camden City’s efforts to complete its restoration program.

“We in Camden are doing what we consider a good job in restoring salary cuts,” the commissioner said. “In two years we have restored 10 percent of the 15 percent reductions in effect when we took office. Our plans call for restoration of the remaining five percent next year, if our financial condition will permit such a move without increasing the tax rate.

“But with certain officials and employes showing an unwillingness to go along, legislation should be on the statute books to forestall these suits.”

**Public Servants’ Co-operation Asked**

“Public employes are entitled to living wages the same as workers in private industry. But when things are bad economically, jobs are at a premium and any increase in tax rates means virtual confiscation, they must co-operate, if not willingly then forcibly. To many people on the outside, unemployed during the depression, they are fortunate to have jobs.

“This legislation should be one of the very first orders of business of the present session.”

Camden City has increased its municipal and school payroll approximately $350,000 this year over 1936 as a result of the partial restorations. Another $175,000 increase, tentatively scheduled for 1939, will be the cost of complete restoration. Of this amount, $76,829 would go to municipal operating employes; the rest to school employes.

The municipal total is made up as follows: $41,783.97 to the Department of Public Safety, $17,682.44 to Public Work, $6936.88 to Revenue and Finance, $3227.61 to Public Affairs, $2532.10 to Parks and Public Property and $4666 to the Relief Bureau.

‘Gym’ Attendance Record Winner Fails to Attend to Get Silver Cup

Camden Courier-Post — January 14, 1938

Commissioner Hartmann receives the trophy awarded to Albert Melnick, Y.M.C.A. 'fat men's class' attendance prizewinner, January 14, 1938 — Commissioner Hartmann is shown receiving the trophy awarded Albert Melnick, attendance prizewinner at the Y. M. C. A. “fat men’s class” yesterday—when Melnick failed to show up for the first time. Hartmann is wearing the sweat-shirt awarded as runner-up. Kenneth E. Smullin, “Y” secretary, is presenting the cup while Wayne Bush, trainer of the class, and other members look on.

‘Twas a lovely perspiring noon-hour and a good crowd was there—to see Albert Melnick, Camden lawyer, receive a silver cup for the best attendance record of members of the business men’s gym class of the Y. M. C. A.

There was only one thing wrong—Melnick didn’t show up to claim the best attendance trophy.

As a result, Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, who ranked second from September to December, inclusive, received his own prize, a sweat-shirt, as well as the cup, which he will turn over to Melnick.

Melnick, until today, had a record of 42 attendances in the little black book of Wayne L. Bush, who served the class as trainer. Hartmann had a record of 40. If the commissioner had not been ill recently, it is likely that his mark would have been even better.

Well-known business and professional men attended the class, drilling, exercising, playing volleyball, hand-ball and other indoors sports guaranteed to reduce the curves and rebuild the sagging muscles.

In the group were Howard Lee, William Zink, A. Moulton McNutt, David Greenberg, Philip Zinman, Lawrence Wingate, Edwin Eichmann, James Stockwell, Ralph W. Wescott, Jesse Sattenstein, Rex Budd, Linwood Moses, Charles Gandar and many others. No matter what their official position was, they became just “that noon-hour class in gym suits” in an effort to get into condition.

The class is continuing to be one of the most popular at the “Y,” according to Bush and Kenneth R. Smullin, secretary in charge of athletics.

Future of WCAM Awaits City Action

Camden Courier-Post — January 18, 1938

Hartman to Speak to Patriotic Order / Hartmann Assails Light Rates Here

Camden Courier-Post — January 27, 1938

Hartmann article, January 27, 1938, clipping 1 — **HARTMAN TO SPEAK TO PATRIOTIC ORDER**

**Realtor to Head Jr. O.U.A.M. Delegation at Meeting in Phila. Tomorrow**

Harold L. Hartman, secretary of the real estate firm of Evered, Inc., and past state councilor of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of New Jersey, will speak at a meeting of the Fraternal Patriotic Americans tomorrow night in P.O.S. of A. Hall, 1317 North Broad street, Philadelphia.

Members of Abraham Browning Council, No. 122, of which Hartman is a past councilor, will accompany him on the Philadelphia visit.

Camden members will be guests of Diligent Council, No. 4, Fraternal Patriotic Americans. Pennsylvania and New Jersey state Jr. O.U.A.M. members also will attend.

Three members initiated on April 25, 1892, when the degree team of Diligent Council, Jr. O.U.A.M., instituted the local council, will be in the visiting group. They are James Knight, Charles Harragie and Harry Hillmer.

The delegation will leave the local council headquarters, 531 Penn street, at 7.30 p. m. The committee includes Elwood Sharp, Walter S. Agin and Eugene S. Miller.

**---**

**HARTMANN ASSAILS LIGHT RATES HERE**

**Highest for Any Large City in State With Exception of Trenton**

Camden consumers pay the highest per capita rate for electricity of any large city in the State with the exception of Trenton, Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann declared yesterday.

Referring to the latest advertised reduction in electric power costs, a reminder of which is printed on current Public Service electric and gas bills, Hartmann discounted the reductions claimed.

“Electric rates to the private consumer have been minutely reduced from time to time,” Hartmann said, “but such reductions were made only after considerable agitation or by manipulation of voltages which tended to compensate for such reductions, in reality, increase the consumer’s bill.”

The commissioner declared it is the sworn duty of every elected municipal official as well as those elected to the State Legislature to fight for legislation aimed to demand more equitable electric and gas rates.

**Cites Light Plant Votes**

Camden voters, he said, twice voted in favor of a municipal electric plant in Camden and it is the duty of the legislative members from Camden county to make every effort to pass legislation that will enable Camden to obtain PWA funds for its own electric power plant.

“Take the case of street lighting,” Hartmann added. “This is a mysterious service which this powerful utility company supplies. Few, if any, city officials dare to question the price demanded, the quantity or the quality of the produce.

“In the city of Camden the taxpayers in 1937 paid $115,892 for street lighting alone. This figure does not include other electric and gas service. Street lighting costs alone represented 13 percent of my 1937 budget.”

Street lighting service, because of monopolistic control, is not sold at a price for which the service is worth but at a price for which the company thinks it could get for the service, he declared.

The high cost for electric service, Hartmann stated, largely is due to the fact Public Service loses money on the operation of its vast transportation system and losses are reflected in high electric rates.

**Seeks End of Gas Lights**

Hartmann disclosed he will attempt during the year to have all street lighting standardized as to

Hartmann article, January 27, 1938, clipping 2 — **HARTMAN TO SPEAK TO PATRIOTIC ORDER**

**Realtor to Head Jr. O.U.A.M. Delegation at Meeting in Phila. Tomorrow**

Harold L. Hartman, secretary of the real estate firm of Evered, Inc., and past state councilor of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of New Jersey, will speak at a meeting of the Fraternal Patriotic Americans tomorrow night in P.O.S. of A. Hall, 1317 North Broad street, Philadelphia.

Members of Abraham Browning Council, No. 122, of which Hartman is a past councilor, will accompany him on the Philadelphia visit.

Camden members will be guests of Diligent Council, No. 4, Fraternal Patriotic Americans. Pennsylvania and New Jersey state Jr. O.U.A.M. members also will attend.

Three members initiated on April 25, 1892, when the degree team of Diligent Council, Jr. O.U.A.M., instituted the local council, will be in the visiting group. They are James Knight, Charles Harragie and Harry Hillmer.

The delegation will leave the local council headquarters, 531 Penn street, at 7.30 p. m. The committee includes Elwood Sharp, Walter S. Agin and Eugene S. Miller.

**---**

**HARTMANN ASSAILS LIGHT RATES HERE**

**Highest for Any Large City in State With Exception of Trenton**

Camden consumers pay the highest per capita rate for electricity of any large city in the State with the exception of Trenton, Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann declared yesterday.

Referring to the latest advertised reduction in electric power costs, a reminder of which is printed on current Public Service electric and gas bills, Hartmann discounted the reductions claimed.

“Electric rates to the private consumer have been minutely reduced from time to time,” Hartmann said, “but such reductions were made only after considerable agitation or by manipulation of voltages which tended to compensate for such reductions, in reality, increase the consumer’s bill.”

The commissioner declared it is the sworn duty of every elected municipal official as well as those elected to the State Legislature to fight for legislation aimed to demand more equitable electric and gas rates.

**Cites Light Plant Votes**

Camden voters, he said, twice voted in favor of a municipal electric plant in Camden and it is the duty of the legislative members from Camden county to make every effort to pass legislation that will enable Camden to obtain PWA funds for its own electric power plant.

“Take the case of street lighting,” Hartmann added. “This is a mysterious service which this powerful utility company supplies. Few, if any, city officials dare to question the price demanded, the quantity or the quality of the produce.

“In the city of Camden the taxpayers in 1937 paid $115,892 for street lighting alone. This figure does not include other electric and gas service. Street lighting costs alone represented 13 percent of my 1937 budget.”

Street lighting service, because of monopolistic control, is not sold at a price for which the service is worth but at a price for which the company thinks it could get for the service, he declared.

The high cost for electric service, Hartmann stated, largely is due to the fact Public Service loses money on the operation of its vast transportation system and losses are reflected in high electric rates.

**Seeks End of Gas Lights**

Hartmann disclosed he will attempt during the year to have all street lighting standardized as to

Is Zat So!

Camden Courier-Post — February 9, 1938

By GORDON MACKAY

May we not at this time proffer a suggestion to Mayor Brunner, Eddie Kelleher and the other party sachems that should be a sure-fire plan to make Camden county safe for Democracy? We advise that the Democrats gather a fund of $4000, the money to be expended in giving testimonial dinners to Republican leaders, near-leaders and persons who figure themselves to be both.

Engage tables enough to accommodate about 350 persons. Invite representatives of all the various G. O. P. factions in the county, give a half dozen tickets to boisterous Democrats, so that the latter can sit back in their seats and enjoy the subsequent dogfight on a full stomach.

This idea that I am advancing to register about 5000 more Democrats in the county and paralyze the remnants of the once-powerful county G.O.P., was born when I attended the recent testimonial dinner to Louis Bantivoglio, freeholder from the Fifth ward.

Naturally my attendance was purely in a professional capacity. Speeches were made by divers and sundry spokesmen, the high-light being the sales talk for Bantivoglio and Baird by David Baird, Jr. The latter waxed wrathfully but warily in castigating the “half-breeds,” as he once sarcastically termed the Republicans of the ilk and stature and political leanings of Commissioner Mary W. Kobus.

Rarely, too, have we ever attended a banquet, either in the capacity of guest or reporter that ever awakened so many echoes of the past as did the dinner to the Fifth ward freeholder.

Mrs. Kobus Elected Louis

First came the information from friends of Commissioner Kobus that she was responsible for the election of Bantivoglio from the Fifth ward as freeholder. In view of the fact that Squire Baird seemed to feel that the freeholder’s election was a personal triumph, this appeared strange to yours truly.

We moseyed about, however, and discovered that whether the squire likes it or not Mary W. Kobus and her minions did elect Bantivoglio. The leaders of the Kobus faction who put the thing across were headed by a woman named Madeline Salvatore and a gentleman named “Bucky” Branch.

Bantivoglio was elected by something less than 40 votes. These votes could easily have been given to his opponent but there were strategic reasons why the Kobus faction didn’t want a Democrat chosen from the Fifth ward.

So Branch, who is a policeman, I believe, and who was not working on election day, it being his regular day off, went into his precinct and put over the votes that elected Bantivoglio.

And Mr. “Bucky” Branch, I have been informed, has been so sore at the fact that he did elect Louis Bantivoglio that he moans and cries and berates himself ever since the trick was turned.

Politicos who told me the story about the Kobus support for Bantivoglio gave a rather sensible reason for the step that was taken by the anti-Baird folk. The New Dealers among the Republicans sensed that the division between the Republicans and Democrats in the 1938 Board of Freeholders was going to be exceedingly close.

Too close, in fact, to take any chances. So it was decided to support Bantivoglio in the Fifth ward, because he was a regular Baird Republican and couldn’t be won to the coalition. The reasoning of the Kobusitees was clear and correct.

Had Bantivoglio been beaten by a Democrat, the board would have been divided equally. The Democrats would then have been able to deal with an individual rather than a faction. One vote would have given either side control. Thus by putting Bantivoglio across the Kobus faction made it imperative for the Democrats to deal with that clique; in fact Brunner and his minions had to do that little thing.

In view of this analysis I’m content to believe that the Kobus claim that the New Dealers elected Louis Bantivoglio is absolutely okay.

Lady “Copper” Not Trade Party

Now don’t get the information askew. Mrs. Kobus had no official or personal hand in this matter. It was the keen thought of some of her lieutenants, whose judgment appears to have been excellent, that fashioned this plan and executed it.

Meanwhile numerous politicos have been jibing Baird’s statement that he would “rather have one Louis Bantivoglio than 1000 ingrates.” These political seers and soothsayers declared that such a declaration proved that its author was all wet in his political judgment and short sighted in his political history.

These politicos ambushed Mackay the other day, crammed him into a corner and told him that if it “hadn’t been for Bantivoglio Baird would have control of the city commission today.”

These chuckling anti-Bairdites not only bearded me in my den, but dared me to disprove their statements by taking a look at the record. A stranger to politics in Camden, I didn’t know the import of this statement until I squinted at the ward returns for the 1935 city commission election.

There in black and white is the proof that Baird lost the city commission fight because of the Bantivoglio-Leo Rea alliance in the Fifth ward. Just to take a look at the record again and to refresh jaded memories, the regular Baird slate received the following votes in the Fifth ward:

Bennett, 1016; Leonard, 1001; Lummis, 962; Rhone, 963; von Nieda, 1081. The New Deal ticket, then supported by the Messrs. Bantivoglio and Rea, polled these votes: Baker, 1032; Brunner, 1022; Hartmann, 1001; Kobus, 1024, and Reesman, 930.

We would call your attention particularly to the Leonard-Hartmann vote. Louis and Leo supported candidates Brunner, Kobus and Hartmann, of the New Deal.

Leonard and Hartmann polled exactly the same vote, 1001. And the recount revealed Hartmann a winner by SEVEN votes, the box score showing Hartmann, 17,338, and Leonard, 17,331. And the Fifth ward turned the trick, for it would have been easy for Louis and Leo to have given Hartmann the same vote that Reesman received, or 71 less, and elected Leonard. There would have been no recount then.

Which scrutiny of the returns would seem to show that Bantivoglio as a friend of the squire proved his valor and vigilance in the cause by seating a New Deal commissioner and owing his seat in the Board of Freeholders to the Kobus clan.

In connection with this fund which the Democrats should raise to give testimonial dinners to G.O.P. leaders et cetera we might suggest that on each occasion they have, David Baird Jr., named for a new office. In order, that my friend, Florence Baker, can show her loyalty and friendship to the Old Guard Field Marshal by asking his election to the said office.

This suggestion to the Messrs. Brunner, Kelleher and the others is made tax-free, and no charge for usage. If that scheme doesn’t make Camden county safe for Democracy, nothing will.

Camden Courier-Post — February 7–11, 1938

Harry Willson article, February 7, 1938 — Photographs from the Camden Courier-Post, February 7–9, 1938, illustrating Commissioner Hartmann’s trash and refuse cleanup campaign. The photographs show: a portrait of Harry Willson; trash cans and refuse scattered on a Camden sidewalk; a city worker collecting refuse; and a Department of Public Works notice reading “NOTICE — Refuse Placed in This Container NOT Properly Prepared.”

See also Harry J. Wagner Jr.

Hartmann article, February 8, 1938 — Photographs from the Camden Courier-Post, February 7–9, 1938, illustrating Commissioner Hartmann’s trash and refuse cleanup campaign. The photographs show: a portrait of Harry Willson; trash cans and refuse scattered on a Camden sidewalk; a city worker collecting refuse; and a Department of Public Works notice reading “NOTICE — Refuse Placed in This Container NOT Properly Prepared.”

See also Harry J. Wagner Jr.

Florence Winters, 1938

Portrait of Florence Winters, president of the Gloucester Beauticians, 1938 — Florence Winters, who was to lead the grand march at the Beauticians and Barbers Association ball in February 1938.

Gloucester Group to Give Ball Here

Camden Courier-Post — February 12, 1938

Camden Officials to Attend Barbers’ and Beauticians’ Fete Monday

To Lead March — Florence Winters. She will lead the grand march of the first annual ball of the Beauticians and Barbers Association of Gloucester, to be held Monday night in the Moose ballroom, 808 Market street.

More than 700 persons, including Camden city and county officials, will attend the first annual ball of the Beauticians and Barbers Association to be given Monday night at the Moose ballroom, 808 Market street, Camden.

The group, a Gloucester city organization headed by Peter A. Sessa, president of the Gloucester Master Barbers, and Miss Florence Winters, president of the Beauticians, voted to hold the event in Camden because ample quarters are not available in Gloucester due to condemnation of the old city hall.

Guests at the ball will include City Commissioners Mary W. Kobus, Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., Harold W. Bennett, Frederick von Nieda and Mayor George Brunner. Other guests will be Postmaster Emma E. Hyland, Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, Judges Joseph Varbalow and Gene Mariano, Mary Soistmann, Democratic state committeewoman, and Frank B. Hanna and Mrs. Florence Baker, members of the Republican State Committee; City Solicitor Firmin Michel; Mayor John F. Gorman, of Gloucester; A. L. Kuhn, of Trenton, and Charles E. Paglucia, of Plainfield, members of the State Board of Barber Examiners; Lewis Waldman, of Trenton, president of the State Master Barbers’ Association, and Vincent Ferrante, president of the Camden Master Barbers’ Association.

Music will be furnished by Bob Horton and his orchestra, and dancing will be supervised by Prof. Edward Daisey.

The committee in charge includes Lewis Kelly, chairman; Johanna Fox, secretary; Peter Pellegrino, treasurer; Verna Casey, Margaret Shuster, Catherine Moran, Effie Jones, Anna Caldwell, Florence Winters, Jean Gorman, Arthur Kinch, Nicholas Casto, Dominick La Bascio, Rocco Burgo, Peter Sessa and William Cheeseman.

Building Permits Drop for Week in Camden

Camden Courier-Post — February 21, 1938

Hartmann article, February 21, 1938 — Building construction in Camden fell off during the week.

Ten permits for a building valuation of $1465 were issued by the city building bureau, William J. Palladino, secretary to Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, reported.

Grange licenses numbered 86, of which 82 were for private garages. Licenses were issued for three parking lots and one public garage.

Inspections totalled 93. Seven complaints were investigated and two violations reported. Total receipts of the bureau for the week were $225.

Assembly Approval Assured on Housing

Camden Courier-Post — February 23, 1938

Garbage Ordinance for Camden Passed on Initial Reading

Camden Courier-Post — February 25, 1938

Camden Courier-Post — February 26, 1938 (Evered)

Carl Evered article, February 26, 1938, clipping 1 — Sees Means of Improving Living Conditions for Low Wage Earners

WOULD MEAN REVENUE

A proposal for renovation of 250 city-owned properties with WPA funds to provide better living accommodations for families of lower income will be studied by a special housing committee of the Camden County Real Estate Board.

Action for a survey of the situation in co-operation with the office of City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann was taken at the weekly luncheon of the board in Hotel Walt Whitman. J. Frank Hanly, president, said he would appoint the housing committee this week.

“It may be feasible,” said Ellis C. Kircher, “for the city to recondition these houses to provide better living conditions for families of lower incomes. The WPA would furnish the labor, the city the materials. Renovized [sic], these properties would be placed on a revenue-producing basis. Vandalism would be eliminated and all concerned would stand to gain by their rehabilitation.”

WPA Could Make Survey

Kircher explained the survey could be made by WPA labor with little or no cost to the city.

Kircher placed his proposal before the board in the form of a motion, which was unanimously adopted after it had been seconded by Carl R. Evered, chairman of the organization’s taxation committee. The recommendation was ordered forwarded to Hartmann.

Evered stressed need for a housing committee composed of board members. He said such a group should stand ready at all times to see that the Westfield Acres housing enterprise is “conducted properly.”

“This Westfield Acres project,” said Evered, “will reflect itself in the city tax rate unless it is conducted on a business-like basis. The project is tax free and the city provides it with service at no cost.

Schools and Relief Also

“There are two other important sources of taxation that need watching—schools and relief. The tendency of the state in relief administration is to saddle more and more money burdens on municipalities, and eventually the load bears on real estate, which already is overburdened with taxes.”

A report on a recent meeting of the New Jersey Association of Real Estate Boards at Elizabeth was made by Harry A. Willson, governor to the state organization, who urged study of new bills presented to the Legislature and affecting real estate.

Next Thursday will be celebrated as Old Timers’ Day by the board. Charles P. Halyburton heads the committee in charge of arrangements.

Former presidents and members of the organization will be present from various sections of the country, old friendships will be renewed and a special program of entertainment has been planned.

A letter of condolence was sent to the family of Thomas P. Delany, associate member of the board, who was killed this week in an automobile accident on the Camden bridge.

Exception was taken by S. Raymond Dobbs, city assessor, to the number of houses specified as city owned and to the suggestion that properties of this type stand in need of any repairs.

“I think I should know the true condition of city property,” said Dobbs, “for I am still in charge of the bureau for city property although I have been transferred from my former position as assistant to Commissioner Hartmann.”

“The actual number of properties owned by the city is 37 and not 250. I believe confusion in this respect was probably due to mistaking properties which have tax title liens upon them and others that Mayor Brunner has taken into receivership with city-owned houses.”

“These properties could not be remodeled or improved with WPA funds for the Federal act specifies only property which city, county or State has title to can be repaired with WPA assistance.”

“As far as the 37 houses the city has title to, I can assure the board that they are not in need of repairs and are tenanted.

Carl Evered article, February 26, 1938, clipping 2 — Sees Means of Improving Living Conditions for Low Wage Earners

WOULD MEAN REVENUE

A proposal for renovation of 250 city-owned properties with WPA funds to provide better living accommodations for families of lower income will be studied by a special housing committee of the Camden County Real Estate Board.

Action for a survey of the situation in co-operation with the office of City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann was taken at the weekly luncheon of the board in Hotel Walt Whitman. J. Frank Hanly, president, said he would appoint the housing committee this week.

“It may be feasible,” said Ellis C. Kircher, “for the city to recondition these houses to provide better living conditions for families of lower incomes. The WPA would furnish the labor, the city the materials. Renovized [sic], these properties would be placed on a revenue-producing basis. Vandalism would be eliminated and all concerned would stand to gain by their rehabilitation.”

WPA Could Make Survey

Kircher explained the survey could be made by WPA labor with little or no cost to the city.

Kircher placed his proposal before the board in the form of a motion, which was unanimously adopted after it had been seconded by Carl R. Evered, chairman of the organization’s taxation committee. The recommendation was ordered forwarded to Hartmann.

Evered stressed need for a housing committee composed of board members. He said such a group should stand ready at all times to see that the Westfield Acres housing enterprise is “conducted properly.”

“This Westfield Acres project,” said Evered, “will reflect itself in the city tax rate unless it is conducted on a business-like basis. The project is tax free and the city provides it with service at no cost.

Schools and Relief Also

“There are two other important sources of taxation that need watching—schools and relief. The tendency of the state in relief administration is to saddle more and more money burdens on municipalities, and eventually the load bears on real estate, which already is overburdened with taxes.”

A report on a recent meeting of the New Jersey Association of Real Estate Boards at Elizabeth was made by Harry A. Willson, governor to the state organization, who urged study of new bills presented to the Legislature and affecting real estate.

Next Thursday will be celebrated as Old Timers’ Day by the board. Charles P. Halyburton heads the committee in charge of arrangements.

Former presidents and members of the organization will be present from various sections of the country, old friendships will be renewed and a special program of entertainment has been planned.

A letter of condolence was sent to the family of Thomas P. Delany, associate member of the board, who was killed this week in an automobile accident on the Camden bridge.

Exception was taken by S. Raymond Dobbs, city assessor, to the number of houses specified as city owned and to the suggestion that properties of this type stand in need of any repairs.

“I think I should know the true condition of city property,” said Dobbs, “for I am still in charge of the bureau for city property although I have been transferred from my former position as assistant to Commissioner Hartmann.”

“The actual number of properties owned by the city is 37 and not 250. I believe confusion in this respect was probably due to mistaking properties which have tax title liens upon them and others that Mayor Brunner has taken into receivership with city-owned houses.”

“These properties could not be remodeled or improved with WPA funds for the Federal act specifies only property which city, county or State has title to can be repaired with WPA assistance.”

“As far as the 37 houses the city has title to, I can assure the board that they are not in need of repairs and are tenanted.

Conference Called on Bus Terminal

Camden Courier-Post — February 26, 1938 (McConnell)

Daniel McConnell article, February 26, 1938, clipping 1 — Business Men, Civic, Bridge and Transit Officials to Meet Tuesday

By DAN M'CONNELL

Camden business men will renew their campaign to establish a union bus terminal in Roosevelt plaza, opposite City Hall.

This was learned yesterday when James V. Moran and Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann revealed plans for a conference of business men, bus companies, P.R.T., Public Service and officials of the Delaware River Joint Commission at 10 a. m. next Tuesday.

Hartmann said the meeting will be held in his City Hall office and that Moran had rallied the business men and invited others including a committee of the Camden County Chamber of Commerce to attend.

Moran will head the delegation of business men. Public Service will be represented by Thomas N. McCarter, Jr., assistant vice president, and Herbert E. Harper, division manager. David Baird, bridge commissioner, Joseph K. Costello, manager of the bridge, Loyal D. Odhner, executive secretary of the C. of C., operating officials of independent bus companies and officials of the P.R.T. will be present, Moran said. A delegation from the Broadway Businessmen’s Association will also attend. (Continued on Page 15—Column 6)

Conference Called On Bus Terminal (Continued From Page One)

“I feel confident this conference will prove a step nearer the establishment of a union bus terminal,” Moran said. “The City Hall site is ideal inasmuch as the high-speed line station is located at that point. Operation of buses into the terminal and increased service on the high-speed line would bring more people into Camden to shop. Thousands of persons would use the local buses and the high-speed line to avoid the increasing congestion of buses in Philadelphia.

“The majority of business men on Broadway and in downtown Camden approve the bus terminal and are determined it shall be built. If the business interests of the city, the utility companies and bus operating companies co-operate the terminal will prove a sound investment and a profitable enterprise.”

Commissioner Hartmann reiterated he is opposed to a make-shift terminal that would mar the appearance of the city hall plaza. “It has been estimated a modern terminal will cost at least $400,000,” Hartmann said. “I will oppose a terminal that includes ‘cow sheds’ or structures of that type. A modern terminal, properly operated, will bring business to Camden and provide the city with additional revenue.

“The high-speed line is losing money and Public Service and other bus operating companies lose money on every bus that goes over the bridge. A joint agreement to use the proposed union terminal will result in a reduction of losses by the bus companies and increased high-speed line receipts. Such a terminal will serve public convenience and bring suburban shoppers into the city to spend their money here. Local bus service would materially be improved.”

See also Daniel P. McConnell.

Daniel McConnell article, February 26, 1938, clipping 2 — Business Men, Civic, Bridge and Transit Officials to Meet Tuesday

By DAN M'CONNELL

Camden business men will renew their campaign to establish a union bus terminal in Roosevelt plaza, opposite City Hall.

This was learned yesterday when James V. Moran and Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann revealed plans for a conference of business men, bus companies, P.R.T., Public Service and officials of the Delaware River Joint Commission at 10 a. m. next Tuesday.

Hartmann said the meeting will be held in his City Hall office and that Moran had rallied the business men and invited others including a committee of the Camden County Chamber of Commerce to attend.

Moran will head the delegation of business men. Public Service will be represented by Thomas N. McCarter, Jr., assistant vice president, and Herbert E. Harper, division manager. David Baird, bridge commissioner, Joseph K. Costello, manager of the bridge, Loyal D. Odhner, executive secretary of the C. of C., operating officials of independent bus companies and officials of the P.R.T. will be present, Moran said. A delegation from the Broadway Businessmen’s Association will also attend. (Continued on Page 15—Column 6)

Conference Called On Bus Terminal (Continued From Page One)

“I feel confident this conference will prove a step nearer the establishment of a union bus terminal,” Moran said. “The City Hall site is ideal inasmuch as the high-speed line station is located at that point. Operation of buses into the terminal and increased service on the high-speed line would bring more people into Camden to shop. Thousands of persons would use the local buses and the high-speed line to avoid the increasing congestion of buses in Philadelphia.

“The majority of business men on Broadway and in downtown Camden approve the bus terminal and are determined it shall be built. If the business interests of the city, the utility companies and bus operating companies co-operate the terminal will prove a sound investment and a profitable enterprise.”

Commissioner Hartmann reiterated he is opposed to a make-shift terminal that would mar the appearance of the city hall plaza. “It has been estimated a modern terminal will cost at least $400,000,” Hartmann said. “I will oppose a terminal that includes ‘cow sheds’ or structures of that type. A modern terminal, properly operated, will bring business to Camden and provide the city with additional revenue.

“The high-speed line is losing money and Public Service and other bus operating companies lose money on every bus that goes over the bridge. A joint agreement to use the proposed union terminal will result in a reduction of losses by the bus companies and increased high-speed line receipts. Such a terminal will serve public convenience and bring suburban shoppers into the city to spend their money here. Local bus service would materially be improved.”

See also Daniel P. McConnell.

Checked and Double-Checked

Camden Courier-Post — February 4, 1939

Magin Promotes 3, Rehires 3, Fires 4

Camden Courier-Post — June 1, 1939

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; Giulio 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.

Dixon Will Ask U. S. to Advance $73,000 for Housing Board

Camden Courier-Post — June 1, 1939

Health Bureau Job Given Pete Samko

Camden Courier-Post — June 2, 1939

8th Ward Democratic Club Aide Replaces Scheurman; Magin Hires 16

The hiring of Pete Samko, secretary of the Eighth Ward Democratic Club, as a $1380-a-year clerk in the health bureau, was announced yesterday by City Commissioner E. George Aaron. He replaces Frederick Scheurman, of 2969 Hartford Road, former Fourteenth Ward Republican committeeman.

Commissioner Henry Magin announced the hiring of 16 temporary laborers for the Water and Highway departments which come under his Department of Public Works. The jobs, Magin said, are all replacements for persons who have been dismissed since he took office. He explained that 102 have been laid off during the period and 66, including yesterday’s hiring, put on to replace them.

Three of the 16 will be assigned to the water bureau, Magin said, and the others to the highway department.

Hired, Replaced

Employment of two new laborers and reinstatement of two others was announced Wednesday by Commissioner Magin. Three employees who worked under former Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann were dismissed. The pay of all was $4 per day.

The new men are George Poole, of 276 Senate Street, and William Weidman, 1041 North Thirty-fourth. Reinstated were James Jackson, 1117 Lawrence, and Otis Still, 261 North Eleventh. Those let out were Eugene Gatti, 208 Washington; Julio Marcozzi, 321 Line, and George Pollard, 336 Stevens.

North Jersey Trips Held Inconvenient for Witness Group

Camden Courier-Post — June 9, 1938

Hartmann article, June 9, 1938, clipping 1 — Raps ‘Monopolistic Control’ of Interstate Lines Passing Through Camden

SEES BUSINESS LOSS

Renewing demands for “open doors” on independent interstate buses, Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann will present a resolution today to the City Commission requesting the State Board of Public Utility Commissioners to hold all hearings affecting Camden in this city, instead of Trenton and Newark.

The board agreed Tuesday to hold a hearing here on the application of the G. R. Wood bus lines on permits for local passenger business on two of its interstate bus lines.

The date for the local hearing was changed from June 21 to June 28 at Hartmann’s request.

Harry Bacharach, president of the utility board said the decision to hold the hearing in Camden was made “because of the great public interest in these matters.”

Criticizes Hearing Cite

“I have already told the utility board it is unfair to compel persons interested in applications to go to the expense and inconvenience of going to Trenton or Newark for hearings,” Hartmann declared.

“The city commission frequently receives applications from independent bus companies for permits for open doors on buses. When these hearings are held in the city it is possible for more witnesses to testify. They could not find it convenient to travel to Trenton and Newark.”

“I also told Bacharach that there is a strong sentiment by the people of Camden county for open doors on buses,” Hartmann added. “The independent bus companies should have the right to take on and discharge passengers in the city limits.

Assails Monopoly

“There is no sense in more than half the buses operating from suburban points through Camden to Philadelphia, with closed doors, when more adequate service is badly needed.

“It is time something is done to break up the present monopolistic control of interstate bus lines between South Jersey, Camden and Philadelphia.

“As a result of most of the interstate bus operating companies being restricted in doing a local business Camden merchants are losing thousands of dollars because suburban residents do their shopping in Philadelphia and are not permitted to stop off in Camden.”

Hartmann article, June 9, 1938, clipping 2 — Raps ‘Monopolistic Control’ of Interstate Lines Passing Through Camden

SEES BUSINESS LOSS

Renewing demands for “open doors” on independent interstate buses, Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann will present a resolution today to the City Commission requesting the State Board of Public Utility Commissioners to hold all hearings affecting Camden in this city, instead of Trenton and Newark.

The board agreed Tuesday to hold a hearing here on the application of the G. R. Wood bus lines on permits for local passenger business on two of its interstate bus lines.

The date for the local hearing was changed from June 21 to June 28 at Hartmann’s request.

Harry Bacharach, president of the utility board said the decision to hold the hearing in Camden was made “because of the great public interest in these matters.”

Criticizes Hearing Cite

“I have already told the utility board it is unfair to compel persons interested in applications to go to the expense and inconvenience of going to Trenton or Newark for hearings,” Hartmann declared.

“The city commission frequently receives applications from independent bus companies for permits for open doors on buses. When these hearings are held in the city it is possible for more witnesses to testify. They could not find it convenient to travel to Trenton and Newark.”

“I also told Bacharach that there is a strong sentiment by the people of Camden county for open doors on buses,” Hartmann added. “The independent bus companies should have the right to take on and discharge passengers in the city limits.

Assails Monopoly

“There is no sense in more than half the buses operating from suburban points through Camden to Philadelphia, with closed doors, when more adequate service is badly needed.

“It is time something is done to break up the present monopolistic control of interstate bus lines between South Jersey, Camden and Philadelphia.

“As a result of most of the interstate bus operating companies being restricted in doing a local business Camden merchants are losing thousands of dollars because suburban residents do their shopping in Philadelphia and are not permitted to stop off in Camden.”

Important Note!

Introduction

Aitken Re-Elected by Pyne Poynt A. A.

Camden Courier-Post — June 9, 1932

Pyne Poynt Group Plans Dual Fete

Camden Courier-Post — June 15, 1932

City Adopts Cut Budget After Clash

Camden Courier-Post — February 10, 1933

Pyne Poynt Plans All-Day 4th Party

Camden Courier-Post — June 2, 1933

Suit to End Relief Secrecy Planned by Civic Congress

Camden Courier-Post — June 6, 1933

Water Carnival Set at Pyne Poynt Pool

Camden Courier-Post — June 13, 1933

Hartmann Takes Commission Seat Today

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1935

3 G.O.P. Rulers in Secret Session

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1935

Hartmann Being Congratulated by Family

Camden Courier-Post — August 2, 1935

Hartmann to Seek Lowering of Rates for Street Lights

Camden Courier-Post — August 3, 1935

Orlando to Probe Charge G.O.P. Used City Pay for Poll

Camden Courier-Post — August 7, 1935

Hartmann Charge Denied by Sayers

Camden Courier-Post — August 28, 1935

Camden Courier-Post — August 29, 1935

New Dealers Prepare To Shift Key Officials

Camden Courier-Post — August 29, 1935

City Votes $116,924 For 3 Departments

Camden Courier-Post — August 29, 1935

Von Nieda-Kobus Rulings Explained by Justice Lloyd

Camden Courier-Post — August 31, 1935

Hartmann Hurls Defi at ’Big 4’ On Selection of City Officials; Says Commissioners to Choose ’Bosses’ of New Deal-Non-Partisan League Not to Dictate, He Contends; Report Has Reesman And Sayrs Opposed as City Clerks

Camden Courier-Post — August 30, 1935 (cont’d)

Commissioner Asks Legal Opinion on Plot Restrictions

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1936

Hartmann Records Results of Year as Commissioner

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1936

Camden Courier-Post — August 1, 1936 (Photos)

Diamond in Dutch—So Is City Over Bill for Treating Horse

Camden Courier-Post — August 31, 1936

‘Decent Entrance’ Asked to City Hall

Camden Courier-Post — August 31, 1936

Camden Courier-Post — October 5–6, 1936

Hartmann Gets Trip to Illinois / Plans for Basketball Games In Convention Hall Advanced

Camden Courier-Post — October 26, 1936

3 in Assembly Race Plan Tour Tonight

Camden Courier-Post — October 26, 1936

Hartmann Urges Support for F. R

Camden Courier-Post — October 29, 1936

City Parking Site to Open Tomorrow

Camden Courier-Post — October 22, 1938 (Hartmann Dismissals)

Hartmann to Seek Demolition Power / Hartmann Assails Suits on Pay Cuts

Camden Courier-Post — January 12, 1938

‘Gym’ Attendance Record Winner Fails to Attend to Get Silver Cup

Camden Courier-Post — January 14, 1938

Future of WCAM Awaits City Action

Camden Courier-Post — January 18, 1938

Hartman to Speak to Patriotic Order / Hartmann Assails Light Rates Here

Camden Courier-Post — January 27, 1938

Is Zat So!

Camden Courier-Post — February 9, 1938

Camden Courier-Post — February 7–11, 1938

Florence Winters, 1938

Gloucester Group to Give Ball Here

Camden Courier-Post — February 12, 1938

Building Permits Drop for Week in Camden

Camden Courier-Post — February 21, 1938

Assembly Approval Assured on Housing

Camden Courier-Post — February 23, 1938

Garbage Ordinance for Camden Passed on Initial Reading

Camden Courier-Post — February 25, 1938

Camden Courier-Post — February 26, 1938 (Evered)

Conference Called on Bus Terminal

Camden Courier-Post — February 26, 1938 (McConnell)

Checked and Double-Checked

Camden Courier-Post — February 4, 1939

Magin Promotes 3, Rehires 3, Fires 4

Camden Courier-Post — June 1, 1939