Introduction
GEORGE A. OBERST was born in New Jersey around 1891 to Anthony J. Oberst and his wife Magdalena. His father had a dual career as he ran a successful real estate business while at the same time working as a musician.
George Oberst was a veteran of World War I. George Oberst married his wife Lillian in 1920.
By the mid-1920s George Oberst was involved in producing and directing theatrical productions in Camden and elsewhere. He lived with his wife Lillian and daughters Jean and Lois at 1253 Princess Avenue in the Parkside section in the late 1920s. By May of 1930 he had enlisted in the United States Army.
WCAM Players Back Little Theater Idea
Camden Courier-Post —
Local Theatrical Company Improving Under Direction of George A. Oberst
Eclipsing their first success, “It Was Christmas,” broadcast over the Municipal Broadcasting Station on December 23, the WCAM Players were heard over the same station last Monday night in their second production, “Plain Jane.” Both of these plays were from the pen of David Bennett.
Although organized two months ago this organization under the personal direction of George A. Oberst, who has figured prominently in many productions in South Jersey, has progressed to such an extent that the players anticipate producing Shakespearean plays next season.
Spurred on and not discouraged by the failure of the late Camden Players Company that opened a two-weeks stand in the Temple Theatre last year, the WCAM Players intend to further the Little Theatre Movement in South Jersey, a movement that, to the opinion of Mr. Oberst, is fast waning and which requires constant encouragement and co-operation.
Disregarding the fact that The WCAM Player [sic] is mostly comprised of members of the Sacred Heart Players, another dramatic association, Mr. Oberst explained that by no means is his organization to be sectarian and any one desirious of joining should apply to him. His address is 1253 Princess avenue, Camden.
The next production to be broadcast as a near date will be “A Rustle of Spring,” a one-act drama suggested from the musical composition of the same name.
The officers of the Players are as follows:— George Oberst, director general; Frank Doyle, managing director; Leona Walace [sic], secretary, and Josephine Depater, treasurer.
Camden Youth Honored in Army Medical School
Camden Courier-Post —
George A. Oberst, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Oberst, 1253 Princess avenue, Camden, N. J., will participate in the graduation exercises at the Army Medical College, Walter Reed General Hospital, Washington, on Thursday afternoon, having completed a prescribed course of Radiography.
Before his enlistment into the army, Oberst was connected with various semi-professional theatrical enterprises in South Jersey. Oberst also supervised the presentations of various dramatic clubs in their broadcasts over WCAM. He is the author of a group of plays entitled “The Ten Commandments” which he also produced over that station. He has the destinction [sic] of being the only candidate selected from a group of ten various posts scattered throughout the Second Corps Area.
After spending three days leave at his parents’ home, Oberst will return to Fort Totten where he will act in the capacity of Chief Radiographer at the Station Hospital there.