George W. Frost

GEORGE WILBUR FROST was born January of 1892 to Frederick and Amelia Frost. His father had come to Camden as a boy in the 1850s, and two of his uncles, Henry Frost and George Frost, had served as members of the Camden Fire Department in the 1870s and early 1880s. The family, which included older brothers William and Edward, lived at 566 Spruce Street when the census was taken in 1900. Sadly, Frederick Frost passed away prior to the 1910 Census. Older brother William married, and a son, Wilbur, was born three months before the 1910 Census was taken, unfortunately, his mother died.

Still living at 566 Spruce Street, George W. Frost was married when he registered for the draft in June of 1917. After serving in the United States Navy during World War I he returned to Camden. By January of 1920 his marriage had ended in divorce, however, he had secured work with the Camden Police Department. His cousin, Frank Frost, had been a motorcycle policeman prior to World War I.

The 1923 City Directory shows George Frost had remarried. He and his new wife, Irene Burr Frost lived at 956 Pine Street, and were still there in 1943. Mother-in-law Anna Burr also resided there. By 1930 George Frost had risen to the rank of Lieutenant. By the mid-1930s George Frost was in charge of the Camden Police Department’s Traffic Bureau.

Unexpectedly, Chief of Police Arthur Colsey died in his sleep of a heart attack on September 15, 1939. Captain Ralph Bakley was named Acting Chief of Police a few days later by Commissioner Mary Kobus, Camden’s Director of Public Safety. A few months later, the New Jersey State Civil Service Commission called for a test for the Chief’s position. Ralph Bakley scored third, with George Frost getting the top score. Chief Bakley continued to serve in the position of Acting Chief until March of 1942, when Chief Frost was confirmed in the position. Ralph Bakley retired few days later.

Not long after the 1943 Camden City Directory was compiled, George W. and Irene Frost moved to 564 Spruce Street. They were still at that address when the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled.

Chief Frost retired shortly before Howard Unruh’s September 1949 shooting spree. Acting Chief Samuel Johnson replaced him. He appears to have moved out of Camden County, as he does not appear in any directory after 1947. Last a resident of Clearwater, Florida George W. Frost passed away on May 30, 1979.

The report of a shotgun at Fourth and Senate Streets late on Saturday attracted crowds to that corner. A mongrel dog of the neighborhood, which had a hind leg cut off by an automobile, was shot. The automatic of motorcycle patrolman George Frost mercifully put the half-starved canine out of its misery.

Damage in Fire at Sixth and Bulson Streets Estimated at $45,000

Four Men Risk Lives to Save Two Horses

Boys Believed by Police Probers to Have Been Smoking, in Building

Three boys are being held and two others are sought in the investigation of the $45,000 fire which today destroyed the warehouse of Sitley & Son, wholesale hardware, roofing material and grain dealers at Sixth and Bulson streets.

The three boys were ordered held by Police Judge Pancoast after authorities expressed belief that the three alarm fire was caused either by thieves or boys smoking cigarettes on the premises.

Two of the youths admitted they stole coal from the plant’s siding last night, while the third confessed that he, and two other boys were in the plant last evening. He said his two companions, who are expected to be arrested this afternoon, were smoking.

One fireman was slightly hurt when he ran a nail into his foot, while other firefighters narrowly escaped injury when the roof of the blazing building collapsed.

A dense fog, rain, great clouds of thick smoke and intense heat all hampered the firemen, and rendered them practically helpless for more than three hours. When the blaze was finally under control at 8:00 a.m., only the blackened and buckled walls remained standing.

Practically the entire stock was lost, but through the courage of four men including two policemen, a team of terrified horses and three trucks were saved from the blazing stable.

Twenty employees were temporarily deprived of work.

Discovery of three rolls of wire fencing on nearby railroad tracks and the presence of two men near the premises when the blaze was discovered led Fire Chief Thomas Nicholas to believe thieves had thrown a cigarette near some flammable material.

The arrested boy is John Brodzik, 1927 Fillmore Street.

Two other youths, John Hadyniak, 16, of 685 Ferry Avenue, and Anthony Parraine [Piraino— PMC], 11, of 2026 South Seventh Street, arrested on a charge of stealing coal from the Sitley siding last night are also being held. They declare they were not in the plant.

In addition to the smoke and heat firemen were further hampered by the fact that two railroads pass the building. Many of the hose lines had to be stretched over the tracks, so that in order to prevent passing trains, from which thousands of commuters saw the fire, from cutting the lines, holes were dug under the tracks and the lines run through the excavations.

Captain David Ellis, of No. 7 fire company at Mt. Ephraim and Kaighn Avenues, ran a nail in his foot, and after being given first aid treatment at the scene was taken to the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.

The first alarm was sounded at 4:18 a.m. from a box at Fillmore Street and Chelton Avenue. The fire was discovered by Paul N. Naurath, 1727 Master Street, an engineer at the Camden brewery, which is in the immediate vicinity of the Sitley plant.

Naurath ran to a gasoline filling station at Broadway and Chelton Street from where he telephoned to fire headquarters. He later told Police Lieutenant George Frost that when he noticed the smoke and flames he saw two men running around the Sitley stable, which is attached to the main plant. However, he paid no attention to them, being intent upon turning in an alarm.

While fire apparatus sped to the scene, Naurath, Frederick Baum, 431 Winslow Street; Patrolman Frank Del Rossi and Police Sergeant Edward Carroll, heard the shrill screams of horses in the stable, which had quickly become an inferno.

Horses Rescued

The four rushed into the stable, broke down the door, and led out the two horses, which several times attempted to run back into the flames. The men also drove three trucks out of the place before they were driven away by the dense smoke.

The building occupies a plot about 300 feet square and comprises several one and two-story sections. There was formerly a grain elevator on the site belonging to the Sitleys, but it was destroyed by fire more than a decade ago and never rebuilt. On the south side of the plant are the Atlantic City Railroad tracks, and on the east side the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad lines.

Flames Spread Rapidly

Believed to have started either in the stable or at the extreme northern end of the plant, the fire quickly swept through the entire building. Rolls of tarred paper and bins of grain were quickly consumed, throwing out huge clouds of smoke.

Two more alarms were sounded for additional apparatus, but it was not until 7:30 a.m. that firemen could enter the building. Meanwhile, about 50 hose lines were stretched to the building and water continually played on the fire. Commissioner Frank B. Hanna arrived and increased the water pressure five points at the pumping stations to keep a water supply to feed the hose lines. Chief of Police Lewis H. Stehr also sped to the fire.

A touch of tragedy was added when Thomas Mills, 70, of 431 Viola Street, employed by the Sitleys for 40 years as a packer, arrived. The elderly workman burst into tears when he saw the flames, and sobbed that he was now out of work and had a family to support.

Finally, about 8 a.m., firemen had the blaze under control, after the roof had caved in. Only the walls stood, but several times they threatened to collapse.

The owners, Frank B. Sitley, Sr., of Woodbury, and his son, Frank B. Sitley, Jr., arrived, but declined to estimate their loss. However, police and firemen fixed an approximate damage of $25,000 to the building and $20,000 to the stock.

Lieutenant Frost found three rolls of wire fencing which had been taken from the building. They were lying on the Reading Railroad tracks, apparently dropped by thieves when police arrived.

Young Brodzik was arrested at 8:00 p.m. yesterday by Special Officer John Stevenson, who turned him over to Patrolmen Smith and Rieh. The youth was charged with suspicion of having broken into the place, and is alleged to have first denied being in the building, but later admitted that he and two other boys crawled through a basement window.

The boy declared that he neither smoked nor stole anything, but said that other boys had smoked. He refused to divulge their names.

Hadyniak and Perraine were arrested last night and charged with theft of coal from the siding. Brodzik declared those two were not the boys who were with him last night.

All three were arraigned before Judge Pancoast in police court this morning and held without bail pending investigation.

Pleading non vult to charge of operating a “numbers” headquarters raided by the police last July, Dominic Olivette, 28, of 444 Royden street, was fined $100 and given a suspended sentence of six months in criminal court yesterday.

Olivette was arrested by a detail of police led by former Director of Public Safety Charles V. Dickinson and Lieutenant George Frost when they captured 17 men in the Royden street house.

In police court the day following the raid Olivette was fined $100 by Judge Garfield Pancoast on charges of violating Section 422 of the city ordinances prohibiting disorderly persons from congregating in a building.

Olivette paid the fine and was later indicted by the grand jury following an investigation by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin. Judge Shay, in imposing the fine, refused Olivette’s plea that he be allowed to pay the sum on installments.

One other man charged with “numbers” writing was fined $100 with the privilege of paying at a $2 weekly rate. He is Herbert Lantry, 35, of 519 Ray street, arrested by Lieutenant Herbert Anderson November 26. He was held for the grand jury by Judge Pancoast when arraigned in police court.

Pleading guilty to being a “numbers” writer, Charles Edwards, 41, colored, of 972 Chelton Avenue, was fined $25 by Police Judge Pancoast yesterday.

He was arrested by Lieutenant George Frost, who testified he found Edwards writing in his store at the Chelton avenue address.

Pleading guilty to being a “numbers” writer, George Barag, 31, of 1850 South Eighth street, was fined $50 by Police Judge Pancoast yesterday.

Lieutenant George Frost said he arrested Barag after he found several books in his possession. Barag admitted he had been arrested on a similar charge before.

A confessed numbers writer, Lloyd Thomas, 39, of 807 Ferry Avenue, was fined $50 by Judge Pancoast in police court today.

Lieutenant George Frost testified that Thomas ran a small book in his cigar store. Thomas offered no defense, pleading guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor Directs Cleanup and Pushes Probe of Feitz Murder

Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando today dropped all other duties and took personal charge of the drive to rid Camden city and county of vice.

Orlando announced he would concentrate his activities in the drive against crime and the solution of the murder of Detective William T. Feitz Jr., slain two weeks ago in a South Camden disorderly house.

“I hope to gather enough evidence to go before the grand jury within the next week or 10 days,” Orlando said. “The Feitz murder investigation is progressing and I hope to have sufficient facts before me soon that will enable us to apprehend the slayers.”

Weekend developments in the general drive against crime resulted in the raiding of at least 30 gambling houses, illicit saloons, and alcohol stills with police spurred to feverish activity by Mayor Roy R. Stewart’s probe of the department, which he said will end this week, unless new evidence develops to extend it.

Blair Release Sought

Meanwhile, Edward V. Martino, counsel for Michael Tenerelli, alias Mickey Blair, former boxer, announced his intention of appearing before Judge Frank F. Neutze today to apply for a writ of habeas corpus to effect the release of Blair, held as the “key witness” in the Feitz slaying.

“Prosecutor Orlando had demanded $10,000 for the release of Blair,” Martino said. “That amount is ridiculously high. When I asked Orlando why his office required such excessive bail, he told me ‘I have to back up the police.’”

Martino said he would demand the prosecutor show in court the reason for the “unreasonable demand.”

Lieutenant Walter Welch, new commander of the Second Police District, conducted an intensive cleanup of his bailiwick over Saturday and Sunday, raiding 25 alleged violators of liquor and gambling laws.

Aided by state alcohol agents, police raiders headed by Lieutenant George Frost uncovered two 50-gallon stills and a bullet-riddled target in two apparently abandoned houses at 531 and 533 South 2nd Street. An advance “tip-off” had caused operators of the stills to flee, police said.

Two alcohol “drops,” believed operated by the proprietors of the South 2nd Street houses, were visited but found empty.

Numbers Baron Nabbed

Marshall Howard, 33, of 1912 Derousse avenue, Delair, described by Prosecutor Orlando as a ‘big shot’ in the Pennsauken and Camden numbers racket, was arrested Saturday when he visited the court house to make inquiries concerning an unnamed woman under arrest as a numbers writer.

A short while later, at the request of Orlando, Lucille Barber, 35, of 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken township, and John Barnes, 26, of 7508 Pleasant avenue, Pennsauken township, both colored, were arrested as numbers writers.

It was reported at Pennsauken township police headquarters that the pair was wanted in connection with the case against Howard.

Both were held in $1000 bail for the grand jury.

Those who were held without bail as material witnesses in the Feitz case are Cornelius Murphy, 50, of 239 Sycamore Street, doorkeeper in the establishment; Edward Grapatin, 32, of 246 Kaighn Avenue; Joseph McKenna, 31, of 1404 Broadway; Katherine Lougheed, 32, of 626 Pine Street; Edna Butler, 33, colored, of 1122 South 2nd Street, and Joan Stein, 24, of Philadelphia. Six others were released in their own recognizance as material witnesses.

They are Sam Silverman, 34, of 325½ Kaighn Avenue; Edward Gorba, 20, who has supplied police with most of the information about Feitz’ death, and Gorba’s brother, Henry, 19, of 17 North 21st Street; Joseph McDonald, 20, of 1605 South 9th Street; Edith Miller, 28, colored, of 205 Sycamore Street, and George Martorano, 25, of 532 West Street.

Aided by Patrolmen William Marter and Carmin Fuscellaro Sr., Lieutenant Welch conducted a series of raids Saturday night and yesterday morning. The saloon of Mary Niewinski, at 400 Mechanic Street, was raided early yesterday and two customers arrested.

Lieutenant Welch Leads Raiders

Welch, who took over the duties Lieutenant Ralph Bakley when the latter was suspended by Mayor Stewart yesterday, declared he was seeking violators of the city’s Sunday closing ordinance, which states that places selling liquor must close “between the hours of 2:00 AM Sunday and 7:00 AM Monday.”

Nickelson Lehger, 49, of 311 Somerset Street, Gloucester and George Burkett, 38, of 340 Liberty Street, were arrested in Mrs. Niewinski’s place. Welch said they were shooting craps on the bar. Mrs. Niewinski was released in $500 bail as proprietor and the men were released in $100 bail each as frequenters.

The three were arrested on Welch’s second visit yesterday, he said. The first time he ordered Mrs. Niewinski to close her place, but on his second visit, he found the men gambling, he said.

Welch and his squad visited a house at 1903 South 6th street, reputedly operated by William Tansky, 33. Tansky, charged with violating the closing ordinance, was released in $500 bail as proprietor, and Edward Krown, 65, of 1705 South 4th Street; Edward Judd, 41, of 721 Ferry Avenue; and William Sampey, of 729 North 10th Street, charged with being frequenters, were released in $100 bail.

Saloon Raided

A saloon operated by Helen Brass, 52, at 1067 Ferry Avenue, scene of an unsuccessful holdup attempt Friday, was next raided. Frank Dipeto, 42, of 829 Sylvan Street; Edward Podyezmek, 47, of 783 South 2nd street; Joseph Orbin, 53, of 963 Florence Street; and Angelo Del Rossi, 70, of 430 Emerald Street, were arrested and held as frequenters. Mrs. Brass was charged with violating the closing ordinance.

The establishment of Mitchell Lambert, 26, at 1427 South 9th Street was next visited. Lambert, held as proprietor was released in $500 bail. Florian Shepecarter, 36, of 2811 Yorkship Road; John Glenn, 35, of 52 Courtland Street; Paul Korzewszeski, 34, of 1041 Atlantic Avenue; and William Lanning, 37, of 1149 South 9th Street were all nabbed as frequenters.

At 1025 South 2nd Street, Welch and his men found four colored men and women, and Meg Mack, 38, colored, who was charged with being proprietor. The four gave their names as Alvin Mack, of the South 2nd Street address; Howard Elinor, 30, of 215 Chestnut Street; and Alice Wells and Emily Robinson, 28, of the same address. All were held for hearing today.

Welch declared he was unable to enter some of the places visited because he did not hold warrants. He said he would procure warrants today and return to several of the places. In the other instances where raids were made, Welch did not reveal the addresses or names.

Welch announced last night he is not seeking “personal notoriety” through his activities, but is merely doing his duty as a police officer. He declared “the lid has been clamped on the second District and will stay on.”

Mayor Stewart commended Welch’s activities, and declared he will recommend suspension of liquor licenses in all the places where violations were uncovered.

State Police Stage Raid

Thirteen were arrested by a detail of state troopers from the Mt. Ephraim and Berlin barracks when a raid was staged on the home of Dominick Melchiore, 28, at Cedar Avenue, Blenheim.

Melchiore was charged with operating a gambling establishment. Arraigned before Justice of the peace Charles Jackson at Runnemede, he was fined $5 and costs. Charles Darpino, 26, a Camden man among those arrested, gave his address as 306 Chestnut Street. He and the 11 others were fined $3 each and costs.

The police raiders who uncovered the two stills and riddled target at 533 South 2nd Street also visited the home of Charles Auletto, 20 South 2nd street. Auletto, charged with selling illegal liquor, denied knowledge of the stills, but was held on $1000 bail for the grand jury by Police Judge J. Harry Switzer.

Two men were fined $25.00 each last night in Pennsauken township police court by Recorder George E. Yost on slot machine gambling charges.

Arthur Pipher, 25, of 2248 North 36th Street, Camden, was charged with placing slot machines in various stores for gambling purposes, and Edward Friedberg, operator of a medicine store at Park and Union Avenues, Pennsauken was charged with possession of a slot machine. Friedberg announced he would appeal his conviction.

It was testified that he offered merchandise as prizes in conjunction with operation of the device.

Calls for 100% Efficiency and Promises Square Deal for All in Talk to Commanders; Stresses Fact Colsey is Chief

“I want 100% efficient police department and not a political machine.”

Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, new director of public safety, made that declaration yesterday afternoon at a joint police-press conference in her office at city hall before she was served with a writ restraining her from taking that office.

Commissioner Kobus was the kindly mother talking to her “boys” for the most of the conference—but at times she became the stern parent—with the birchrod in the cupboard—as she instructed the police heads to “divorce themselves from politics.”

“For many years I have nursed in my heart a desire to see Camden with a 100% efficient police department,” the commissioner said. “Now that time is at hand.”

“I have known all of you men for many years,” she told the assembled commanders, “and I don’t care what your respective political affiliations might be. You have a right to your opinions, but I want the police department to divorce itself from politics.”

“You must know what is going on in your city and you must let me know. I must have 100 percent cooperation if I am to succeed in this new undertaking.”

“If you have any complaints, don’t go around and growl, undermining the department. Lay your cards on the table, I guarantee you a fair deal.”

“Chief Colsey is head of the police department and not in name only. You others in the rank you occupy are also commanders in fact and not in name. It is up to you.”

The commissioner urged a closer co-operation between police and the press and concluded by saying she wanted her “family” to be honest-to-goodness policemen “because there is no room in the department for those who are not.”

Attending the conference was Chief Arthur Colsey, Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, chief clerk of the bureau; Lieutenants George Frost, Ralph Bakley, Walter Welch, Samuel E. Johnson and George Ward.

Temporary changes in the police department to offset the absence of Lieutenant George Frost, head of the First District, who is ill, and Lieutenant George Ward, of headquarters, who is away on police business, were announced yesterday by Chief Arthur Colsey.

Sgt. John Potter, of the Third District, is made acting lieutenant and placed in charge of the First. Patrolman Louis Schmidt, of the Third, replaces Potter as acting sergeant.

Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, of the Fourth District, replaces Ward at headquarters, with Sgt. John Skolski acting as lieutenant in charge of the Fourth.

Sgt. Gustav Koerner, of the Second District, who has been working in plain clothes, is to report in uniform.

Patrolman John Kowal, of the Second District, is shifted to the First district, with Patrolman William Schultz going from the First district to the Second district.

Campaign in City to Reduce Accidents, Frost Says; Man Fined

Camden Police yesterday began another drive against motorists who violate city traffic regulations. The campaign is an effort to reduce accidents.

Lieutenant George Frost, in charge of the traffic bureau, announced the drive would continue for several weeks. One man was arrested today and fined $10 in police court by Judge Lewis Liberman.

“I have instructed all motorcycle and traffic police to make a thorough check on double-parking, all day parkers, violators of one-way street signs and speeders,” Lieutenant Frost said today. “Accidents have been occurring with increasing rapidity and we are going to do what we can to stop them.”

The police official said many office workers in the central section of the city drive their cars to work and park them on busy streets for an entire day. He also pointed out this was the practice on streets adjoining the factory districts and said the two-hour parking law would be strictly enforced hereafter.

John Ascola, 41, of 71 Market Street, Salem, was arrested by Patrolman Harry Kreher. Kreher said he chased the car driven by Ascola for more than a mile on Broadway.

Asked by Prosecutor John H. Reiners if he knew the speed limit in Camden, Ascola replied: “Yes, 10 miles an hour.” He admitted to “doing 15.” Kreher said it was nearer 50. Ascola paid the fine.

Floor Show to Be Added Feature of Dance Here on Saturday

Plans for a snappy floor show as an additional feature of the second annual charity ball of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Camden Forest No. 5, were announced yesterday.

Sonny James with the recording and broadcasting orchestra that bears his name, will supply the music—interspersing swing for the youngsters with waltzes for the old-timers.

James will present as the floor show attraction The Musical Aces and Their Queens, radio performers.

Harold Stephans, vocalist with the orchestra, also will be featured.

The ball is scheduled for Saturday night at Hotel Walt Whitman.

The general committee consists of the membership of all other committees, which are:

Executive: Joseph C. Brown, Grand Tall Cedar, ex-officio; William E. Strouse, chairman and Daniel W. Forsyth, secretary and treasurer.

Grand Conductor: Walter W. Giffins.

Reception: Paul C. Ireton, leader; George Murray, Walter Morris, William Rohrer, Harry Holt, Vic Marx, Charles Ackley, Howard Dahl, Francis Gaskill, Frederick von Nieda, and Frank Hartmann.

Tickets, Walter Mattison; door, Louis Bull and Paul B. Miles, press, Frank H. Ryan. Electrical, Wilbur Peters; wardrobe, Charles Neil, William Strong, Elmer Burgess, Taylor Kellogg and Charles Green; safety, Lieut. George W. Frost, Frank Jaggard, Russell Young and Francis Gutherman; decorations, Fred Knodel, Charles Dorrman, Harry Sykes, Harry Flowers, Merton McCormick, Edward Zimmerman and William Delbaugh.

Victory Services to Be Held at Roosevelt Plaza This Afternoon

Many Firms Closed Today, Tomorrow

Sharing the joy of a world again at peace, Camden awoke today after a night of jubilant celebration that a war of three years, eight months and seven days was ended.

In sober response to the magnitude of Victory Day thousands early today wended their way to churches to offer prayers of thanksgiving as the dawn of a new era broke over the land.

Mayor Brunner announced the city’s planned celebration of Victory Day will be held today at 2:30 p.m. at Roosevelt plaza, and urged that citizens gather there to share in prayers and inspirational ceremonies.

Many Places Closed

All banks, federal, state, county and municipal offices were closed today.

No mail deliveries are scheduled and postal authorities here awaited orders from Washington on the question of resuming service tomorrow.

War industries abandoned work in compliance with President Truman’s proclamation of a two-day holiday for all personnel except those required for maintenance and other essential jobs.

Many stores are also closed for the entire day.

New York Shipyard officials announced the yard and offices will be closed today and tomorrow, and will reopen Friday morning at the usual time. Payday has been set for Friday, a spokesman said.

Radio Condenser Company will be closed today and will resume work at the regular hour tomorrow, a spokesman for that firm announced.

John Trumpy & Sons shipyard at Gloucester will abandon work schedules today and tomorrow.

Big Plants on Holiday

RCA Victor Division of the Radio Corporation of America announced all offices and plants were closed today and will be closed tomorrow.

The Campbell Soup Company is closing its plants today and tomorrow. The company issued this statement:

“In order to safeguard any loss of food, however, and to cooperate fully with farmers who grow tomatoes, the company announced arrangements have been made to receive any tomatoes delivered on the two days during the regular delivery hours.

“It is expected that the farmers will want to enjoy the celebration of Victory and will probably defer, as far as possible, the picking and delivery of the crop until Friday, when the plants will reopen.”

Saloons Closed Half Day

By decree of Governor Edge, taprooms and package stores were ordered to close at eight o’clock last night and remain closed until noon. ABC Commissioner Driscoll issued a statewide proclamation following the governor’s declaration.

Last night’s celebration broke spontaneously shortly after 7 o’clock, following announcement by the President that Japan had accepted the Potsdam declaration.

An anxious citizenry had waited since Friday morning, when first word of the Jap surrender offer was announced. On Sunday there were false reports that Japan had capitulated and again yesterday conflicting announcements kept the public confused.

Tears of Joy and Sorrow

Already strained nerves broke with the world stirring news and not since Armistice Day closing War I was such wild celebration observed.

Amid tears and shouts of joy, men and women hugged each other and many wept. To thousands it meant their loved ones soon would be home. To many others it re-opened wounds of memory and sorrow for the sons and husbands who would not be returning, ever.

Every locomotive whistle on the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines began blasting at once shortly after 7 p.m. This was followed by every factory whistle being tied down. Then followed shrieks of the air raid warden signals over the city fire houses.

Signal for Jubilation

That was the call for real jubilation. Thousands poured into the streets within a few minutes. Hundreds of shouting children, waving flags and blowing horns, ran through the streets.

It seemed as though Broadway was the mecca for the shouting throngs. All the people seemed to surge to City Hall. Every motorist, bus and truck driver was blowing the horn of his vehicle. Thousands milled on the sidewalks, cheering, laughing, blowing horns.

Thousands more went into the churches to thank Almighty God for the greatest victory of all time. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the Catholic churches by the direction of Bishop Eustace. Prayers were offered for the repose of the heroic dead, who made the supreme sacrifice that the Allies should triumph over the Nazis and Japanese warlords.

Church Bells Toll

The chimes of old St. Mary’s church, Gloucester, and First Methodist in Camden tolled. They played sacred and patriotic selections. Special thanksgiving services were held in the First and the Parkside Methodist churches.

Although Camden streets were packed with noisy, boisterous throngs, Police Chief Frost reported no disorder after several tours of the city. He ordered all taprooms closed at 8 p.m. At the same hour Philadelphia clamped the lid down on the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Frost opened temporary headquarters in the City Hall basement. Every patrolman was called to duty. Auxiliary police organized during the early days of civilian defense augmented the local force. Thirty Military Police reported for duty to Frost. The Shore Patrol also sent 26 men from Eleventh and Winter streets police station, Philadelphia, to help keep order among jubilant servicemen.

City Hall Lights Aglow

For the first time since war was declared in 1941 the lights on the City Hall beamed. When they went on with the lights all over the world a great cheer went up from the thousands milling on Broadway between the Camden bridge plaza and Mickle Street.

A huge cross was formed by lights in windows facing Roosevelt Plaza. Windows were lighted from the eleventh to the sixteenth floors. The cross bar was formed from three windows on the fourteenth floor.

All main roads leading into Camden were clogged, with traffic heading for the City Hall and Broadway. Admiral Wilson Boulevard, Haddon Avenue, Kaighn Avenue, Market and Federal Streets were jammed with buses, trucks and automobiles with gaily singing and cheering crowds. All but the buses were headed for the Broadway parade.

Mayor Brunner announced that today was a holiday for all city employees, while Freeholder J. McCarthy, speaking for the freeholders, announced it was a holiday for all county employees, excepting those engaged in essential services.

“This is the hour of victory for which we have waited with patient hearts for three years,” said Mayor Brunner. “The sacrifice and tears are over for most of us. Let us celebrate the end of bloodshed, and remember with an undying gratitude those who gave their lives.”

“It is now up to us to resolve that these men have not died in vain. As we fought the war, so let us fight to establish an America of full employment, a city, state and nation of the Four Freedoms which our late President Franklin D. Roosevelt left us as an heritage to light the way on the path of freedom for all peoples.”

“Let us go forward in the faith that undying principles for the right and just is the best character builder that any American can possess. If we are as patient in peace as we were in war, we shall have much to offer to those homecoming men who fought our battle on foreign shores.”

Lt. Col. Charles V. Dickinson, who left Camden with the New Jersey National Guard in 1940 and served as inspector general at Fort Sill, said last night that the agreement of Japan to surrender was great news for the general public but sad for those who lost their sons or loved ones as their loss can never be made up. Colonel Dickinson, who was former deputy director of public safety, participated in exercises last night marking the presentation of medals to war heroes in the City Commission chamber.

Flags were waved from cars.

Hirohito was hanged in effigy from the front of automobiles.