John A. Dold
JOHN AUGUSTUS “GUS” DOLD was born in New York in 1861 according to the 1900 Federal Census. He generally went by his middle name, and was known to family and friends as “Gus.” His father, Thomas Dold, immigrated to the United States from the Kingdom of Wurttemburg, which became part of the united German Empire in 1871.
The 1870 Census and 1880 Census show the family in Rochester, New York. The 1880 Census lists Augustus Dold at 14 Bartlett Street in Rochester, New York. He was living with his father Thomas and older brother Jacob. “Gus” Dold was then working in a printers shop.
The Dold brothers came to Camden not long after the 1880 Census was taken. The 1883–1884 City Directory shows the brothers living at 1108 South 2nd Street. Both were working as laborers. They are listed as John A. Dold and John J. Dold in this Directory. Jacob Dold eventually moved back to Rochester.
The 1884–1885 Directory only shows John A. Dold. He was still living at 1108 South 2nd Street. He was then working as a sashmaker for Thomas Arrison at his business at 216 Liberty Street. He would remain in the employ of Arrison through May of 1894.
On September 6, 1886 John A. Dold married Emma Loux in Pennsylvania. The couple went to live in Camden, where John A. Dold worked. The Dolds had one child, George Thomas Dold, born in September of 1887.
The Dold brothers are listed in the 1887–1888 City Directory at 227 Chestnut Street. John A. Dold was still working for Thomas B. Arrison, by this time as a blindmaker. The family remained at 227 Chestnut Street through the compilation of the 1888–1889 Directory. John A. Dold was still following the blindmaker’s trade when the 1890–1891 Directory was compiled. By this time he had moved to 247 Mount Vernon Street. He was still at that address when, on May 30, 1894, he was appointed to the Camden Fire Department.
John A. Dold was initially assigned to Engine Company 3. The 1895–1896 City Directory shows the crew at Engine Company 3 as follows: Foreman William Deno; Engineer, Samuel R. Lodge; Stoker, Lewis Buzine; Driver, George Shields; Hosemen, John Ware, and Augustus Dole (John Augustus Dold).
The Dolds remained at 247 Mount Vernon Street as late as 1898, before moving to 257 Mount Vernon Street.
The Dold family moved to 257 Mount Vernon Street by the time the Census was taken in 1900, and remained at that address through at the compilation of the 1906 Camden City Directory. By the time the 1910 Census was enumerated, they had moved to the then-new Parkside section of Camden, taking up residence at 1301 Park Boulevard. The 1918–1919 City Directory shows John A. Dold at 559 Trenton Avenue.
John Augustus “Gus” Dold retired from the Camden Fire Department on February 1, 1919. He was presented with a gold watch upon his retirement. John and Emma Dold retired to the Pocono Mountain region of northeastern Pennsylvania. The 1920 Census lists them in Chestnuthill Township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Fire Department records from 1931 state that he was living at Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania.
John Augustus “Gus” Dold passed away on March 15, 1936. He was survived by his son, George Thomas Dold, who worked in senior management for the Public Service Gas & Electric Company.
Additional Firemen in Camden.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Camden Fire Commissioners held a meeting last night at which nine new firemen were appointed as follows: First ward, Joseph Logue; Second ward, William Patterson; Third ward, George Cox; Fourth ward, David Andrews; Fifth ward, John A. Dodd; Sixth ward, William Jobes; Seventh ward, William O. Sawyer; Eighth ward, Albert James; Ninth ward, Samuel Curriden.
Fire Commissioners.
Camden Daily Telegram —
Appointments Made as Provided for by Ordinance.
At a meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of City Council on Tuesday night James Baird was awarded the contract for supplying the department with two horses at $400.
The Commissioners made the following appointments, in conformity with a recent ordinance: First ward, Joseph Logue; Second ward, William Patterson; Third ward, George Cox; Fourth ward, David Andrews; Fifth ward, Joseph Dold; Sixth ward, William Jobes; Seventh ward, William O. Sawyer; Eighth ward, Albert James; Ninth ward, Samuel Curriden.
Four of the above appointments are to be assigned to the new chemical engine, and one man is to be assigned to each of the five companies. By this arrangement the extra men are dispensed with. James Elberson, of the First ward, was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Charles Kay, who was appointed to the police force to succeed Elberson.
Over in Camden.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
* The West Jersey Railroad carried sixty-eight carloads of Red Men to Atlantic City yesterday.
* Charles McStein, a Reading Railroad engineer, had his arm broken yesterday while cleaning his engine.
* The 2-year-old son of Frank Crowell, of Cramer Hill, was seriously burned while playing with matches.
* Rev. Michael J. Haggerty has returned to Camden, after several years spent in Italy, where he was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest.
* Charged with embezzling $26.51 from Samuel K. Hires, a South Camden butcher, William Leaming was committed to the county jail last night.
* After waiting several weeks for the county to raise funds the jurors and constables who served during the last term of the Camden courts received their pay yesterday.
* The police are trying to discover the origin of a fire which caused $1500 damage in an empty house at 816 Liberty street early yesterday morning. The building was well insured. Fireman John A. Dold, of Engine No. 3, was injured by falling timbers.
Camden News Notes.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
** At a special session of the Criminal Court yesterday Judge Joline sentenced to six months in the county jail Frank Walters and to three months John Brooks for writing policy. Walters was also fined $100.
** James Spinola was sentenced to three years in State prison by Judge Joline yesterday for attacking Pasquale Juliana, near Elm. Spinola fired several shots at Juliana, none of which took effect.
** The Fireside New Year’s Association will have a flag raising tomorrow at their new headquarters at 330 Kaighn avenue. Addresses will be made by Mayor Charles H. Ellis, former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, David B. Peterson and Councilman-at-Large Joseph Potter.
** Alfred Dudley yesterday announced his candidacy for City Council from the Sixth ward.
** The South Camden Pleasure Club was incorporated yesterday, with these trustees: Eugene McCarthy, Alfred Sayrs, Charles Welsh, John Genther and William Barr.
** Firemen William Rose, John Dold and Peter Gray have been appointed a committee to decorate the graves of deceased firemen tomorrow.
** Glass in a bulk window at the store of Joseph Jones, 2214 Federal street, East Camden, was smashed early yesterday morning and a five-pound box of candies was stolen.
** Many improvements have been made in the Rosedale section of East Camden in having the streets graded and curbed and the sidewalks paved, through the efforts of Councilman John W. Coleman, and now property owners are clamoring for sewers. Mr. Coleman has invited City Engineer Farnham to look the ground over and prepare plans.
Wish Bone Club in Annual Banquet.
Camden Post-Telegram —
The second annual dinner was given on New Year’s eve by the members of the Fire Department at headquarters, known as the Wish Bone Club, after having been called out twice to fires. The evening was spent in music and song, prayer being offered by Engineer Dold. They all sat down to an elaborate dinner prepared by Chef Wingate, assisted by Lieutenant John H. Lutts.
MENU.
Relishes—Celery, olives, pickles, chilli sauce.
Roast—Roast Turkey, oyster filling (a la Wimley), giblet sauce; jellied cranberries, browned sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stewed corn, stewed tomatoes.
Mince pie, Coffee, Vienna rolls, butter, aqua de lair.
— The following were the guests of the evening: Chief Samuel S. Elfreth, Assistant Chief Samuel Buzine, Captains George B. Wade, Peter B. Carter, Lieutenants John H. Lutts, Peter S. Gray, Engineer John A. Dold, Stoker Newton G. Ash, Drivers Joseph Johnson, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Maxwell, Richard Marter, Harry Barroughs, Laddermen and Hosemen William Elberson, John H. Lennox, Harry Selby, Harry Green, William Tatem; Houseman John Gardner.
Invited guests—Charles Minckle, of Public Service Corporation; Harry Lee, Collingwood; Reserve Chas. Hose.
The old year out and the new year in, they retired to well—just retired to their respective bunks.
Flames Wrecked New High School.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Walls Left of Handsome Building Erected at Woodbury Only a Short Time Ago
Believed Blaze Originated in Boiler Room by Joists Taking Fire, Pride of County Seat
WOODBURY, N. J., Dec. 19.—The William Milligan High School, a practically new institution that has been occupied just about a year, and cost, including the lot, about $88,000, was burned early this morning, and the building, with all its handsome furnishings, is a wreck. Only the walls are standing, with a chemical laboratory, and two gymnasiums. In the commercial room were ten new typewriters, and new and up-to-date desks. These were all purchased at the beginning of the school year. In the basement was a new manual training outfit, which arrived only last week, but not unpacked, and some of this will probably be saved.
Woodbury has over a hundred out of town pupils who come here, and when they arrived this morning, all jubilant over the approaching holidays, some of the girls cried.
The Board of Education held a meeting this afternoon and decided to open the four upper rooms in the academy, rent three more in Green’s Block, two in the old Friends’ School, and it is possible that the old Starr homestead on Broad Street will be used.
Prisoners in a Panic
During the fire the prisoners in the county jail, which is within a hundred yards of the school, were thrown into a panic. They were all locked in their cells.
The men, who were under Fire Chief Elfreth, of Camden, and those who did good work in connection with the local firemen, were George Weight, Harvey Watson, William Elverson, Harry Hankins, William Ladd, Chappis [sic] Lennox, Joseph Johnson, Josiah Savage, Augustus Dold and Arthur Wingate. The Gloucester firemen aided in every way possible.
ing, and it will be necessary to tear the greater portion of these down to rebuild, which will be done at once. There is an insurance of about $60,000 on the buildings and furnishings.
From what can be ascertained the fire originated over the boiler in the engine room, which was on the extreme northwest end of the basement. The first floor joists were in close contact with the chimney, and it is supposed, according to Fire Chief A. W. Cattell, that sparks got on the wood work. It is also believed that the fire had been burning for about three hours, as when the firemen attempted to go in the front doors, the smoke was so thick that they were driven back.
Discovered Flames
Charles M. Garrett, who lives on New street, at the rear of the school house, was awakened by his wife. He saw a bright light in the engine room and knew there was a fire. He telephoned an alarm and firemen responded. Another alarm was sounded, and lines of hose were attached, but the pressure was so light that the stream would not reach far above the second story. Fire Chief Cattell telephoned to Camden, and ten minutes later Fire Chief Elfreth had an engine and Company No. 2 at the Camden terminal. In the meantime several firemen from Gloucester came, but there was little to do except watch the fire. Several firemen attempted to go inside the building, and Foreman Edward Martin was injured by falling material, and Charles Graham, a Gloucester fireman, was knocked down by exploding chemicals in the laboratory.
A. A. Allard, the engineer, left the building last night about 5 o’clock, and is sure there was no smoke in the building at that time.
The school had sixteen rooms, including two recreation and a large assembly room.
Celebrations by 3 Fire Companies.
Camden Post-Telegram —
No. 7, Headquarters and No. 1 Truck Make Merry at Respective Homes.
CHIEF ELFRETH MAKES ADDRESS
Engine Company No. 7 is the baby company of the fire department, that is, in years of service, but in up-to-date completeness in every respect, harmony and quick response to duty, the men in blue out Kaighn avenue, under Captain Charles Todd, are right there on the tap of the gong. Captain Todd is a stickler for good feeling among his men for the good of the service, and at a New Year’s Eve banquet this unanimity of good fellowship was strongly manifested.
It was the first New Year’s blowout given by Company 7 and the guests had as grand a time as if they were gathered about their own firesides at home. From door to roof, the firehouse was ablaze with a glow of the holiday and patriotic spirit. Flags, festoons of green, Christmas bells, and lights gladdened all hearts and a Christmas tree glistening with tinsel and topped with an electric bulb gave the banquet hall a homelike air. Over the tree was the gladsome greeting, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Fifteen guests sat down to the festive board. In the centre of the table glowed in a big fireman’s horn a big bunch of electric lit American Beauties and from one end of the board to the other it was one sweep of delicacies, turkey, raw and fried oysters, stuffing chicken salad, cake, pie and a lot of other luxuries that make life happier as far as the inner man is concerned.
Chief Kelly presided at the head of the table and made a genial toastmaster. Chief Kelly supplied the electrical effects with his usual aptness. “Brother” Lutz said a short and timely prayer and then the guests sat down and for two hours were regaled with all the palatable good things of the season of good cheer. Cigars of pungent aroma being passed around, “Jim” Nevins and George Boone entertained delightfully with grapophone selections, including “Has Anyone Here Seen Kelly?” He was there.
With the midnight hour came the blowing of factory whistles and the tolling of bells. And from below in the firehouse came a terrific clangor and clash and gongs and bells. The firemen instinctively made for the sliding pole, but soon came back a-laughing. It was only Chief Kelly and Chief Chef Lutz ringing in the first alarm of the New Year, No. 1-9-1-3.
Those who had the great pleasure to participate in this most happy affair are as follows:
City Electrician John W. Kelly, Jr., Captain Charles Todd, Lieutenant John Lutz, Engineer William Busine, Stoker James Nevins, Drivers Richard Marter and Joseph Sparks, Hoseman George Boone, Roy Smith and Edward Simpson, and as welcome guests, Richard Saeur, John Watson, Albert Glanders, William Robinson and Harry Knowles, the faithful houseman of No. 7.
Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chiefs Cox, Stockton, Wade and Browning, were to have been there, but business on a holiday kept them at Headquarters awaiting alarms.
AT HEADQUARTERS.
Under the auspices of the Wishbone Club, firemen at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, held their annual dinner on Tuesday evening. Cheer and good-fellowship was the by word and the fire laddies and their friends made the evening one long to be remembered.
A short address was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes as prepared by Arthur Wingate and William Laud. The table presented an attractive appearance and the laddies and guests greatly enjoyed the fine spread. The menu follows:
Roast Sweet Potatoes,
Peas,
Cranberry Sauce, Mince Pie,
Coffee,
Cigars, Aqua De Lair,
Olives, Beets, Celery,
Roast Turkey,
Oyster Filling, Giblet Sauce
Mashed White Potatoes.
Those participating were as follows: S. S. Elfreth, John S. Stockton, Captain George B. Wade, Lieutenant Jos. Ernest, John A. Dold, Josiah Sage, Daniel Smith, Arthur Wingate, Joseph Johnson, Harry Hankins, William Laird, William Elberson, John Lennox, Martin Carrigan, Charles Cook, Harry Belby, Harry Khrier, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speeches of a happy and humorous order, “the Jolly Nine” saw the old year out and the New Year in, at the house of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, on Fifth street above Arch street. Accoutred in their uniforms of blue, ready at a second’s tap of the gong to jump on the truck, the brave laddies and friends formed a happy picture of congeniality. The menu was most appetizing. Beginning with oysters on the shell and winding up with a delicious dish designated “Creme-a-la-Truck,” the guests were kept busy munching their molars, as the sedate and genial waiters, togged out in linen of spotless white. William Howell Tatem and “Chief” Harry Anderson did the elegant. Stewart Bakely, a slick Cooper river boat house cook from away back, was the popular chef of the feast, and that grand old fire hero, Captain “Joe” Maxwell, the Commander-in-Chief of festivities, who saw to it that no one got left as the plates passed around.
The floral and holiday decorations of the banquet hall were munificent and in happy accord with the gracious and good-natured gathering.
1912 Robinson Combination Chemical and Hose Wagon
This 1912 Robinson Combination Chemical and Hose Wagon was assigned to Engine Company 2. It was one of two purchased as the first motorized apparatus in the Department. Pictured in this 1913 photograph are (l to r): Fireman John Lennox, Wagon Chauffer Harry Hankins, Firemen William Elberson, Joseph Ernst, Martin Carrigan, and Captain George Wade. Accompanying them are members of the engine crew: Stoker Arthur Wingate, Driver Joseph Johnson and Engineer John Augustus “Gus” Dold.
Camden Fire Department
1914 Chief Engineer’s Report
Engine Company No. 7. Location 1115 Kaighn Avenue. Second-class Metropolitan Engine and Combination Chemical and Hose Wagon. Went into service July 1, 1910. Carries 900 feet of 2-1/2-inch hose.
Engine Company No. 7
Camden Fire Department Engine Company No. 7 from the 1914 Chief Engineer's Report
Personnel
| Name ↕ | Rank ↕ | Age ↕ | Address ↕ | Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles A. Todd | Captain | 52 | 618 S. Fourth Street | $1,140.00 |
| Joseph Sparks | Lieutenant | 31 | 624 S. Fifth Street | $960.00 |
| John A. Dold | Engineer | 53 | 1301 Park Boulevard | $1,140.00 |
| Elmer Burkett | Stoker | 47 | 1009 Penn Street | $1,020.00 |
| Roy Smith | Driver | 30 | 607 Carman Street | $960.00 |
| William Hunsinger | Driver | 37 | 741 Walnut Street | $960.00 |
| George Boone | Hoseman | 38 | 605 Mt. Vernon Street | $960.00 |
| Sylvester McGrath | Hoseman | 35 | 605 St. John Street | $960.00 |
| Horace Cairns | Hoseman | 42 | 621 Newton Avenue | $1,020.00 |
Engine Company 7 on Kaighn Avenue — 1914
Camden Courier-Post —
Engine Company 7 on Kaighn Avenue, circa 1914
Gives Medal to Veteran Fireman.
Camden Post-Telegram —
One of the happiest men in Camden is Engineer John A. Dold, who to-day retired on a pension after twenty-five years of faithful service in the Camden Fire Department.
To-day the “boys” at No. 7 Engine Company, where Dold was stationed as engineer for several years, presented him with a handsome gold medal as a mark of their esteem and respect.
The medal is suitably inscribed with Mr. Dold’s name and his history in the department. On the reverse side is an engraved fire engine in action. The medal is a very fine example of the engraver’s art. He was also presented with a silk American flag.
Fireman William Peters presented the flag and medal. The affair was a great surprise to Dold. He spoke with feeling when he thanked the firemen.
As “Gus” took his departure from the fire house the alarm box sounded a farewell. He placed the flag on his shoulder and with the medal pinned on his chest he marched proudly out Kaighn avenue as the boys gave him a rousing send-off.
William Buzine succeeds Dold as engineer at No. 7 Engine Company. Robert Whitley succeeds Buzine at No. 5 Engine Company and Arthur Wingate will be travelling engineer.
Engineer Dodd Retires.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Formally retiring yesterday after twenty-five years of service in the Camden Fire Department, John A. Dodd, engineer of Engine Company No. 7, was presented with a gold medal by his comrades in the company. On one side of the medal is an inscription briefly setting forth his record and on the other side is a reproduction of a fire engine in action. William Buzine takes his place as engineer of No. 7. Robert Whitley goes to No. 5, in Buzine’s place, and Arthur Wingate takes the assignment of travelling engineer.
Amoskeag Steamer, Engine Company 2
circa 1913
The Amoskeag Steamer of Engine Company 2 with Engineer, hooked up and operating in North Camden. Circa 1913.