George Schatz
George Schatz
George Schatz was born in New York on January 20, 1903, the son of Israel and Lena Schatz, Jewish immigrants from Russia. The Schatz family had come to Camden during the 1910s, and at the time of the 1920 Census Israel Schatz was the proprietor of a restaurant, in which son Benjamin was the manager, daughters Kate and Sarah waitresses, and George worked in the kitchen. Two other sons, Jacob and Philip, were still in school. The family resided at 210–212 Arch Street in these years.
George Schatz went into business for himself when he opened up George’s Auto Service, a small battery recharging and tire repair shop in 1924. His business prospered, and he moved within a year’s time to 213 Federal Street. He married Naomi Bush, daughter of Camden grocer Max Bush, around 1926. At the time of the 1930 Census they lived above the shop with newborn son Kenneth. Sadly, Kenneth died at the age of three from mastoiditis. There was another child, a daughter, Elaine, born after the Census. The Schatz family moved to East Camden by 1936, buying a home at 29 South 38th Street.
Business went so well for George Schatz that a new two story auto repair facility was built around the corner on the 200 block of Arch Street before 1930, on the site where the Schatz family restaurant had stood. Brothers Jacob (Jack) and Philip joined him in the auto repair business. George Schatz attributed his success to keeping up with the times. His shop always had the latest diagnostic and repair equipment. He also advertised heavily.
The year 1936 saw George’s Auto Service open up a new shop at 1111 Haddon Avenue, twice the size of the Arch Street facility, which was later sold.
After World War II the still growing George’s Auto Service moved once again to 1867 Haddon Avenue, the former home of the Camden Cadillac and Airport Pontiac car dealerships. The 1947 Camden City Directory shows George Schatz was still residing at 29 South 38th Street in East Camden. He would by 1959 move to 341 Station Avenue in Haddonfield.
George’s Auto Service would remain at 1867 Haddon Avenue into the 1960s, when another move was made, to Route 38 and Strand Avenue in Pennsauken NJ, at the approach to the Airport Circle and Admiral Wilson Boulevard. When the 1960s drew to a close, George Schatz was living in the Towers of Windsor Park apartments on Chapel Avenue in Cherry Hill NJ. He would move again by 1977, to the Mark 70 Apartments on Route 70 in Cherry Hill.
George Schatz was also involved in the restaurant business, with a well known establishment known as the Embers Restaurant which stood on Route 38 in Pennsauken in the 1950s and 1960s.
George’s Auto Service would remain on Route 70 in Pennsauken until it was sold in the 1980s. George Schatz passed away on December 28, 1987.
George Schatz’s older brother, Benjamin Schatz, moved to Westville, New Jersey in the 1920s where he operated a grocery for many years.
Batteries Recharged
Camden Courier-Post —
BATTERIES RECHARGED
Your Auto or Radio battery fully recharged. A service battery loaned. Called for and delivered.
GEORGE’S BATTERY SERVICE
Open Evenings
213 Federal St.
Bell 3789 Keystone 304
Batteries — Let George Do It
Camden Courier-Post —
BATTERIES
We’ll recharge your auto or radio battery, loan you a service battery, call and deliver, all for $1
“LET GEORGE DO IT”
GEORGE’S
210–216 Arch Street, Camden
Phone Camden 3789. Open Evenings
Test Your Own Radio Tubes Free
You are welcome to test your own tubes free on our modern Jewell Tube Checker. Anyone can accurately read tests on this new instrument.
Tubes on Credit
RADIO SERVICE $1
Radio repairs and testing service right in your home for…
“LET GEORGE DO IT”
GEORGE’S
213 Federal Street, Camden
Phone Camden 3789 Open Evenings
“LET GEORGE DO IT”
GEORGE’S
AMAZING VALUE!
PHILCO
WORLD’S LARGEST SELLING RADIO
7-Tube BABY GRAND
Superheterodyne
COMPLETE WITH TUBES
ONLY $49.95
OTHER PHILCO MODELS $36.50 to $169.50
EASY TERMS
“LET GEORGE DO IT”
GEORGE’S
213 Federal Street
Phone: Camden 3-7-8-9
Have Your Headlights, Brakes and Wheel Alignment Tested
Camden Courier-Post —
HAVE YOUR HEADLIGHTS, BRAKES AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT TESTED ON SAFETY LANE AT
George’s Garage
210 Arch St. Phone Camden 7290
Garage Man Sees Upturn
Camden Courier-Post —
Record Car Radio Business Reported by Local Establishment
By JOHN KENYON
At a time when definite evidences of “better times” are to be seen on many sides, it is interesting to know what some of Camden’s business leaders think of the immediate future, as it affects their own business. With this in mind, the writer recently interviewed George Schatz, owner of one of South Jersey’s largest and most completely equipped garages. Said Mr. Schatz: “In answer to your question as to what I think of immediate future prospects, I am now firmly convinced that we are on the upgrade. When I say this, I mean those of us who have made and are making a real, honest effort to take advantage of the feeling of renewed confidence which has been engendered by the new administration.
“Take, for instance, this garage.
Although I believe it to be the most completely equipped in South Jersey, I could hardly expect that this, in itself would bring me the business I am getting.
“Every effort is made to keep our permanent customers satisfied in every respect. At the same time we are constantly adding to this list others who hear about us. These customers, whether transient or otherwise, receive the same consideration.
‘It is undoubtedly an advantage to most motorists to be able to get complete service under one roof. Motors, bodies, tires, batteries, etc., while taken care of by experts in different departments, are all attended to under the same roof, which tends to increase efficiency and consequently satisfaction, to our customers.
“An interesting feature of our business is the automobile radio department. Here we sell and service Philco and RCA automobile radios. Topping a steady three-month record of increased sales. Last week was the largest in our history. Our June sales in this line, to date, are already more than five times in excess of our May sales. It is no longer necessary to stay at home to hear your favorite radio program for with an automobile radio your car becomes the center of entertainment wherever you go.
Mr. Schatz is the owner of George’s Garage, at 210 Arch Street.
Radio In Your Auto
Camden Courier-Post —
RADIO IN YOUR AUTO
Radio Concealed Under the Dash
Control on the Steering Column
PHILCO, R.C.A., G. E., MAJESTIC OR BOSCH AUTOMOBILE RADIO
ALL - IN - ONE - UNIT
NO CASH DOWN! $39.95
Pay Only $4 a Month Come In for Demonstration
We Install All Makes Automobile Radio
GEORGE’S
210–216 Arch St., Camden
Phone 3789 Open Evenings
Opening Thursday — New, Larger Headquarters
Camden Courier-Post —
OPENING THURSDAY
New, Larger Headquarters
GEORGE’S AUTO SERVICE
1111 Haddon Ave., Camden
One of the Most Spacious and Modern Automobile Service Plants in the State
Phenomenal Growth in 12 Years
George’s Auto Service had its beginning only 12 years ago as a small battery recharging and tire repair business in a few feet of floor space at 802 South 5th St., Camden.
The first year the business grew to such an extent that it was necessary to move to larger quarters at 213 Federal St. The business continued to grow to substantial proportions, and four years later it was again necessary to expand, and a large two-story plant was specially constructed at 210–214–216 Arch St., to meet our requirements.
And now our large Headquarters Plant at 1111 Haddon Ave., Camden, means an expansion of forty-two times more floor space than the firm occupied in its original quarters at South Fifth Street.
A phenomenal growth! Founded on our fixed policy “FAIR DEALING AND PROMPT, EFFICIENT SERVICE ON EVERY JOB, LARGE OR SMALL.”
Six thousand feet of floor space, in addition to three thousand feet at the branch plant on Arch St., housing the newest, scientific equipment known for analyzing and repairing automobile motors and all moving parts of passenger cars and trucks.
This modern equipment includes a Weaver Safety Lane with simple indicators that accurately show the relative braking power of each wheel, as well as the alignment of the wheels.
A Wedenhoff Motor Tune-Up Analyzer that performs 38 different tests under full operating conditions. These tests leave nothing to guesswork—every test is accurate, scientific, plainly visible and easy to understand.
An Englehardt Exhaust Gas Analyzer, which makes possible a perfect carburetor adjustment, cutting gas consumption to the minimum.
A Headlight Focusing machine, with the electric eye, for perfect adjustment of all headlights.
A Factory Appointed Station for Velower Brake Equipment used to repair and adjust brakes on all trucks, including the largest.
Expert mechanics in every department of motor and ignition work, and factory trained brake engineers to give you a 100% SERVICE.
210–216 Arch Street & 1111 Haddon Avenue
Named: 210, 216 Arch Street, and October 1936.
1111 Haddon Avenue — October 1936
New Garage Opened by Camden Concern
Camden Courier-Post —
George’s Auto Service Establishes Haddon Avenue Headquarters
Known to motorists throughout this section since 1924 for the wide scope of its service, George’s Auto Service at Second and Arch street, today will open its new main service station at Haddon avenue and Park boulevard.
This marks the fourth major step the firm has taken since George Schatz, head of the concern, opened a little battery recharging and tire repair shop, at 802 South Fifth street.
The business grew to such an extent the first year that it was necessary to move to larger quarters at 213 Federal street. Four years later it was again necessary to expand and a two-story plant was constructed.
6000 Feet of Space
The new Haddon avenue service station has 6000 feet of floor space, double the capacity of the Arch street establishment. It will house the newest and most modern equipment known for analyzing and repairing automobile motors and all moving parts of passenger cars and trucks.
Schatz attributes his success to two things—keeping up with the times and persistent newspaper advertising. He has always striven to acquire the latest equipment necessary to keep abreast of modern developments in the garage business and has used the columns of the Courier-Post consistently for years in keeping his business before the public at all seasons of the year.
Many manufacturers of parts and service equipment have selected George’s as local representatives, among these being such lines as Autolite batteries, Raybestos brake lining, Carter carburetors, Armatrue generators armatures, Champion spark plugs, Philco radios, Trico windshield wipers, Hadees heaters, United Motor Service, Autolite ignition, Sterling cables, Mallory coils and ignition systems, Whiz brake fluid, Hodell tire chains, Veivac brakes, Lockheed hydraulic brakes and others.
Wholesale Department Enlarged
A feature of the new establishment will be the enlarged wholesale parts department. A new delivery system will insure immediate attention to telephone orders.
Included in the operation of the service station are Jack Schatz, head of the wholesale department; Philip Schatz, who will manage the Arch street establishment; Fred Willshire, head of the electrical department; Frank Oness, alignment man and Henry Suizman, head of the brake department. These and other mechanics have been with the concern for the major part of its existence.
A feature of the new plant will be a complete lubrication department, where many features in car lubrication will be incorporated.
Among the equipment at the new station will be the Weaver Safety Lane that shows the relative braking power on each wheel, as well as the alignment of the wheels; a Wedenhoff motor tune-up analyzer which performs 38 different tests; an Englehardt exhaust gas analyzer, a headlight focusing machine, and other equipment.
Attention! Truck and Fleet Owners
Camden Courier-Post —
ATTENTION!
TRUCK and FLEET OWNERS
Do your trucks meet with the new State safety requirements? Better check up and be SURE!
WE ARE AUTHORIZED WEAVER SAFETY LANE INSPECTION STATION
Complete Parts and Service
Safety Equipment Lighting Service
Booster Brakers Brake Service
Direction Signals Wheel & Axle Alignment
“Let George Do It”
GEORGE’S SAFETY LANE
PHONE CAMDEN 1111 1111 HADDON AVENUE
State Inspection Chauffeur Service
Camden Courier-Post —
State Inspection Chauffeur Service
Prepare for N.J. STATE Inspection
We Are An Authorized WEAVER INSPECTION SAFETY LANE
CAMDEN’S OLDEST “SAFETY LANE” HEADQUARTERS
For Motorists of Camden County
A COMPLETE SERVICE
1—We will call for your car
2—Make a thorough Safety Lane Inspection
3—Adjust necessary units to state requirements
4—Deliver your car to a Camden County State Inspection Station for approval sticker.
5—Deliver car to your office or home.
Phone Us Now for Special Rates
Your Car is Insured While In Our Possession
GEORGE’S AUTO SERVICE
1111 Haddon Ave., Camden
PHONES CAMDEN 1111 or 3789
Garage Here Agent for Many Firms
Camden Courier-Post —
Up-to-Date Equipment Makes for Quick, Accurate Work
Fred Willshire, who is in charge of the motor tune up and electrical department at George’s Auto Service, 1111 Haddon avenue, as well as shop supervisor, has just returned from Toledo, where he took a course in the higher elements of automotive ignition, electrical work and carburetion, given by the engineering staff of the Electric Auto-Lite Co., whose products are standard equipment on over 50 percent of all cars manufactured in this country.
George’s brings the factory to you! We should say “factories.” For here under one roof the motorist finds a small edition of the plants where the starter, carburetor, lights, shock absorbers and other standard equipment on his car are made.
What does this mean to the car owner?
“It means,” says George, “that your car is maintained according to factory specifications. This equipment is precision made, exact to the thousandths of an inch. To give maximum performance, it must be in correct adjustment at all times. However, the normal wear which takes place during every few thousand miles of operation of a car brings about loss of power, speed and acceleration and an increase in gasoline consumption. It is the job of the service mechanic to restore these adjustments and bring new life to your car.
“Service mechanics, like factory mechanics, must be skilled in precision workmanship. They must have engineering knowledge. They must understand clearly the working relation between various units.
“It means that here under our roof you’ll find mechanics trained in specialty equipment. They have the benefit of engineering information and service instructions direct from the manufacturers of original equipment. They know just what kind of a job each unit is supposed to do for you—generator, starter, carburetor, spark plugs, battery, distributor, coils and cable. They know how to make this equipment function correctly and efficiently.
“To provide maximum service and to assure motorists that only genuine parts will be used, equipment manufacturers have appointed George’s as authorized factory representative.
Among those represented are: Electric Auto-Lite Co., Sisson Automatic Chokes, Owen-Dyneto Equipment, Stromberg Carburetors, Carter Carburetors, Philco Auto Radio, Trico Windshield Wipers, Waltham (Ford) Speedometers, Moto-Meter Products Co., Stewart Warner Speedometers.