Introduction
JOHN H. LENNOX was born in Ireland in 1879 to James and Katherine Lennox. The family had emigrated to Canada by 1881, when son William was born, and came to Camden in 1885. In November of that year another son, Edgar “Eggie” Lennox arrived. Mr. and Mrs. Lennox would have seven more sons, and a daughter, Margaret. James Lennox worked as a laborer with the railroad. The Lennox family lived at 515 Taylor Avenue from 1885 through 1888, at 422 Evans Street in 1890, 515 Felton Street in 1894, and at 832 Line Street from 1895 through 1897. By 1898 they had relocated to 705 Blaine Street.
The 1900 Census shows the Lennox family at 705 Blaine Street. John H. Lennox was working as a helper in a blacksmith’s shop at the time of the census. The family was still living at the Blaine Street address when the 1906 Camden City Directory was compiled. John H. Lennox was then working as a morocco finisher at one of Camden’s leather factories.
John Lennox was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on November 27, 1907 and reported for duty on January 1, 1908. At the time of the 1910 Census he was still living with his parents and siblings. The family was then residing at 511 Newton Avenue. John Lennox was promoted to Captain in 1915, and assigned to Engine Company 8. In 1919 John Lennox married a widow, Caroline Osborn Lea. By 1919 they owned a home at 633 Clinton Street. Also at home was a step-daughter, Miriam Lea, then 17.
Captain Lennox was promoted to Deputy Chief on April 4, 1928, with a salary of $2,800 per year. He was stationed at Fire Headquarters at Fifth and Arch Streets.
Mr. and Mrs. Lennox still resided on Clinton Street in April of 1930. Mother-in-law Louisa Osborne was then living with them.
John H. Lennox was named as acting chief of the Camden Fire Department on December 1 of 1932 by then-Mayor Roy R. Stewart, succeeding Thomas J. Nicholas. John Lennox was made Chief on October 1, 1934.
Shortly after 7 A.M. on May 23, 1941, a Box was transmitted for a fire at West and Clinton Streets, South Camden. Arriving companies found a three-story commercial building with fire roaring one hundred feet into the sky. A second alarm was transmitted on arrival, followed by third and fourth alarms ordered by Chief John Lennox. The building contained a food market on the ground floor and a clothing factory above. At the height of the blaze, Firemen Clarence McMullen and James Creato narrowly escaped with their lives after a burst of flame nearly enveloped them as they forced an interior door to a shaft. Both members fought their way out under the cover of hose streams directed by their comrades. Chief of Department Lennox and four firemen while at the far end of the blazing building on West Street, heard the shrill cries for help coming from a nearby dwelling. Racing into the home of Mrs. Elizabeth O’Hanlon at 423 Clinton Street, they found an excited albeit unscathed parrot, in a kitchen birdcage still crying for help. The bird was carried to safety by the firemen. The blaze was brought under control at 10:30 A.M. but not before heavily damaging the block long building.
After a long illness, John H. Lennox passed away in February of 1947. His widow Caroline was still residing at 633 Clinton Street in that year. Chief Lennox was succeeded by Chief Walter Mertz.
John H. Lennox was preceded in death by his brother Edgar. Edgar Lennox, known as Ed and also by his nickname, “Eggie,” was one of the best sandlot baseball players in Camden at the turn of the century. He rose to the major leagues, playing in parts of five seasons, and stayed in baseball as a player, umpire, and scout for most of the rest of his life, before passing in October of 1939.
Three of John Lennox’s brothers were also known locally as good ballplayers. Brothers Robert and Samuel both played minor league ball. Samuel Lennox also played professional basketball as a member of the Eastern Basketball League champion 1919–1920 Camden Crusaders.
Mrs. Caroline Lennox was active in Republican politics, serving as president of the Ninth Ward Women’s Republican Club in the late 1920s.
Fire and Police Forces Increased
Philadelphia Inquirer —
At last night’s meeting of Camden City Council the police force was increased to 130 men, as follows: 1 chief, 3 captains, 2 house captains, 9 sergeants, 4 detectives, 10 patrol crew, 101 policemen, an increase of 25 men. By ordinance the following new firemen were appointed: Ephraim T. Hires, First ward; Charles Schultz, Second ward; Gardner Corson, Fourth ward; Gilbert Hibbs, Seventh ward; John H. Lennox, Ninth ward; Newton Ash, Tenth ward. Dr. A. Haines Lippincott was appointed police surgeon by Mayor Charles H. Ellis.
Resolutions of sympathy on the illness of Councilman Besser were expressed in a rising vote. The ordinance which provided for an increase of salary of every city official was not introduced. The highest increase was $1000 for the Mayor and the lowest $300 for a clerkship.
A resolution was adopted that a committee of five be appointed to appear before the State Railroad Commission in company with City Counsel Bleakly, when argument is heard relative to the re-establishment of Haddon Avenue Station; ordering City Counsel Bleakly to report on the ownership of the foot of Arch street, and if the Pennsylvania Railroad Company is unlawfully occupying the street ends to take steps to collect rentals, both current and in arrears; inviting the officials of the new Terminal Company to appear and present the plans for the new Camden terminal.
Fire and Police Forces Increased
Philadelphia Inquirer —
New Men to Be Added to Each Department in Camden—Move Against the “Pennsy”
At last night’s meeting of Camden City Council the police force was increased to 130 men, as follows: 1 chief, 3 captains, 2 house captains, 9 sergeants, 4 detectives, 10 patrol crew, 101 policemen, an increase of 25 men. By ordinance the following new firemen were appointed: Ephraim T. Hires, First ward; Charles Schultz, Second ward; Gardner Corson, Fourth ward; Gilbert Hibbs, Seventh ward; John H. Lennox, Ninth ward; Newton Ash, Tenth ward. Dr. A. Haines Lippincott was appointed police surgeon by Mayor Charles H. Ellis.
Resolutions of sympathy on the illness of Councilman Besser were expressed in a rising vote. The ordinance which provided for an increase of salary of every city official was not introduced. The highest increase was $1000 for the Mayor and the lowest $300 for a clerkship.
A resolution was adopted that a committee of five be appointed to appear before the State Railroad Commission in company with City Counsel Bleakly, when argument is heard relative to the re-establishment of Haddon Avenue Station; ordering City Counsel Bleakly to report on the ownership of the foot of Arch street, and if the Pennsylvania Railroad Company is unlawfully occupying the street ends to take steps to collect rentals, both current and in arrears; inviting the officials of the new Terminal Company to appear and present the plans for the new Camden terminal.
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, chili sauce.
Roast—Roast Turkey, oyster filling (a la Wimley), gibet [sic] 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, Lientenants [sic] 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; Heuseman [sic] John Gardner.
Invited guests—Charles Minckle, of Public Service Corporation; Harry Lee, Collingswood; Reserve Chas. Hose.
The old year out and the new year in, they retired to well—just retired to their respective bunks.
Flames Wrecked Autos in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Over Score of Machines Destroyed by Fire in Garage, Which Badly Damaged Church
Twenty-three Camden business and professional men mourn the loss of their automobiles as a result of a fire which yesterday morning destroyed the garage of J. G. Reeves, on North Seventh street just above Market. Evangelical Luthern [sic] Church, immediately adjoining, was badly damaged, and altogether the monetary loss amounts to about $100,000. Most of the machines were insured.
Just what caused the fire is not known. It was discovered by Albert Hildreth, a watchman, who no sooner saw the flames than he went to the fire headquarters in an automobile at topmost speed. When the fireman arrived they had not been in service many minutes before there was a terrific explosion that sent the walls down. Three of them were hurled across the street and severely bruised. They included Peter Carter, John Lennox and John Lutz, all connected with headquarters.
The explosion came presumably from stored gasoline.
Such headway did the blaze gain that it was necessary to call out the entire city department. For a time a number of dwellings nearby were threatened and the occupants began moving their household effects. The good work of the fire fighters prevented a serious conflagration, however. The force of the explosion blew a twenty-foot hole in the wall of the Lutheran Church.
The automobiles were valued at about $75,000, the balance of the loss being on the building and church. Some of those who lost their autos include: Lawyer Ephraim Tomlinson, Charles K. Parry, Mrs. Mary Baird Fox, Mrs. B. C. Reeves, Dr. Wm. Knowlton, Dr. Oscar Grumbrecht, Dr. A. H. Lippincott, Dr. Paul Mecray, Dr. Marvin Street, C. H. Haddon, Dr. Frank Horning, John T. Bottomley, John Croft, Dr. Daniel Strock, Joseph Deacon and J. S. Reeves.
Injured Fireman in Restless Night
Camden Post-Telegram —
Arthur Wingate Greatly Weakened After Long Period of Sleeplessness.
FEAR BROKEN RIB PENETRATED LUNG
Arthur Wingate, the driver of the combination chemical and hose wagon at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, who was injured by the team crashing into an iron column of the elevated railroad at Haddon avenue and Line street, yesterday afternoon, passed a restless night at Cooper Hospital, and this morning his condition was not satisfying to the doctors.
Besides suffering from a couple of fractured left ribs and severe lacerations of the scalp he also sustained an exhausting internal shock.
It is also feared that one of the broken ribs penetrated a lung, but an X-ray examination will have to be made to determine that. If such is proven to be the case the wounded fireman’s chances of recovery would be dimmed.
The apparatus was on its way out Haddon avenue to slight fire at the farm house of William Butler, colored, at the head of Pine street, at the time it met with disaster.
There was a trolley car standing under the elevated railroad at Line street and it was while turning out of the tracks at full speed that the team of strapping gray horses crashed into one of the four iron columns of the structure at that point.
Driver Wingate was hurled from his seat a distance of about twenty feet, laiding [sic] on his head on the hard earth bleeding and unconscious. Firemen John Lutz, Harry Selby and John Lennox, who were on the back of the wagon, were thrown to the ground by the force of the collision, but escaped injury.
One of the gray horses drawing the apparatus and known as “Nig” was almost instantly killed when it dashed into the pillar; the other steed swerving to one side escaped meeting a similar fate. Outside of the pole of the wagon being snapped off and the dashboard twisted the apparatus was not badly damaged.
Wingate was rushed to Cooper Hospital in an auto canvassing for funds for the Homeopathic Hospital, and placed in a private ward for treatment.
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
Special to The Inquirer.
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, 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, 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.
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 same [sic] 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 Buzine, 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 addrss [sic] was given by Chief Elfreth and Assistant Chief Stockton. John Dold offered prayer before the guests partook of the tasty dishes ase [sic] 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 Selby, Harry Khrier, Charles Menke, Edward S. Gahan, D. P. McConnell.
With a fine feed, a grand graphophone concert, songs and speches [sic] 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.
Engine Company 2 – 1913
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.
Hertline Removed from Fire Department
Philadelphia Inquirer —
After seeing gallant service for nineteen years, William Hertline, lieutenant of the East Side Fire Company, has been removed by the Fire Commissioners of Council on charges of neglect of duty. Sylvester McGrath has been appointed to the service and John H. Lennox to the vacant lieutenancy.
Hertline Suspended
Bridgeton Evening News —
To take the place of William Hertline, who was suspended as a member of the Camden Fire Department for disobeying orders of the chief, Frederick Morse was yesterday appointed lieutenant of No. 1 Hose Company, in the East Side, and John Lennox was made lieutenant of No. 7 Engine Company, Eleventh street and Kaighn avenue. Sylvester McGrath was appointed to fill the vacancy in the department.
Firemen of Long Service Receive Good Promotion
Camden Daily Courier —
Chief Stockton Became a Member of Department 31 Years Ago
CHIEF CARTER ENTERED FORCE AS DRIVER IN 1900
JOHN A. STOCKTON, Retiring Chief of Fire Department.
After a continuous service of merit for thirty-one years as a fireman, Fire Chief John A. Stockton last night tendered his resignation to take effect on October 1, and Deputy Chief Peter B. Carter was chosen last night by City Council as his successor. The resignation of the veteran fire fighter caused a general move up in the Fire Department.
Captain William Patterson, of Engine Company No. 4, was elected deputy fire chief. Captain Thomas Nichols, of Engine Company No. 3, was chosen battalion chief, a newly created position, bringing the battalion chiefs up to the number of three.
Through the promotions of the two captains Lieutenant Charles Cook and Lieutenant John H. Lennox were advanced to the rank of captain. Lieutenant Cook will likely be in charge of Engine Company No. 4, and Captain Lennox in command of Engine Company No. 3. Firemen Walter Mertz and William Cassen were promoted lieutenants and two new firemen appointed were John S. Hunt, of the Sixth ward, and George L. Cattell, of 427 Line street, Fourth ward. Hunt was a chauffeur for the Child’s Grocery Company and will make a competent driver. Robert Whitley was made an engineer.
PETER B. CARTER, Deputy Chief who has been Promoted Chief.
WILLIAM PATTERSON, Captain Advanced as Deputy Chief.
THOMAS NICHOLS, Created a Battalion Chief.
Chief Stockton entered the service as a fire captain thirty-one years ago and he remained at Engine Company No. 1 until four years ago, when he was made deputy chief. On the death of Fire Chief Charles Worthington a year ago he was made chief of the department. During that time he has rendered capable and efficient service and had the good will of the entire fire fighting force.
Chief Carter became a member of the department March 1, 1900, as a driver of Chemical Company No. 1, Sixth street and Kaighn avenue. He was made captain of Truck Company No. 1 at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, in 1907. He was transferred to the captaincy of Engine Company No. 1 on the promotion of Chief Stockton in 1911 and he was promoted deputy chief July 1 last year when Deputy Chief Stockton succeeded late Chief Worthington. In the new chief the department has a capable leader.
Captain Patterson is a fireman of twenty years standing. During all that time he has been connected with Engine Company No. 4 at Fourth and Vine streets. He entered the service as a hoseman and ten years ago he was advanced to the rank of captain on the death of Captain Samuel Peoples.
Fifteen years of service are accredited to Captain Thomas Nichols, of Engine Company No. 1. He entered the service as a hoseman in 1900 at the Centerville fire house. When Captain William Deno was transferred to Engine Company No. 7, at the opening of that new house five years ago, Nichols was advanced to the rank of captain. He receives the rank of Battalion chief under the new order of things and will likely have charge of the Centerville companies.
Lieutenant Charles Cook entered the department in 1905 as a driver and was driver for Chief Samuel S. Elfreth and Chief Worthington. He was made lieutenant of Engine Company No. 1 a year ago and will likely be in charge of Engine Company No. 4 as captain.
Lieutenant Lennox has been in the service for ten years, entering as a hoseman with Engine Company No. 2 at headquarters. He was promoted lieutenant of Engine Company No. 3 five years ago and will likely be in charge as captain at the same engine house. “Chappie,” as the firemen all call him, is one of the most popular men in the department.
Carter Chief as Stockton Retires
Camden Post-Telegram —
Head of the Department Resigns After Continuous Service of 31 Years.
WILLIAM PATTERSON IS ELECTED DEPUTY
PETER CARTER, New Fire Chief,
In recognition of the long and valiant service to the city as a fighter of flames, Fire Chief John Stockton was yesterday given September on full pay as a vacation prior to his retirement on a pension on October 1. He retires after nearly thirty-one years of continuous service in the department. He succeeded the late Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed at the fire on George street. Chief Stockton rose from the ranks and has always been very popular with the men.
Deputy Chief Peter B. Carter, of the Fifth ward, was selected to fill the vacancy. He has been a member of the department for about fifteen years and is an experienced fire fighter with up-to-date ideas that will bear fruition with the thorough motorization of the department.
Captain William Patterson, of No. 4 Engine Company and who hails from the Second ward, was made Deputy Chief, and Captain Thomas Nicholas, of No. 3 Engine Company and an Eighth warder, was made a battalion chief.
Other appointments made in the department included the following: Captains, William Cook, Fourth ward, and John Lennox, Ninth ward; lientenants [sic], William Cason, Fourth ward, and Walter Mertz, Fifth ward; engineer, Robert Whitley, Sixth ward; machinist, T. G. Middleton, second ward. John Hunt and George Cattell were appointed firemen.
Council also filled vacancies occasioned by the death of Chief Clerk Bowman H. Shivers, of the Highway Department. Walter W. Johnson, of the Seventh ward, who has been first assistant, was made chief clerk, and Walter W. Lee, of the Ninth ward, first assistant; Clarence Baker, Ninth ward, second, and Walter Wolverton, Tenth ward, third assistant.
Albert Denise, of the Fifth ward, was appointed an engineer in the Water Department to fill the vacancy occasioned by the recent death of William Barr.
Fire Chief Retired
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Head of Department Placed on Pension, Deputy Elected
After thirty-one years of continuous service as a member of Camden’s Fire Department, during which he rose from the bottom to the top, Fire Chief John Stockton was yesterday retired at his request by City Council. Deputy Chief Peter B. Carter was elected to fill the vacancy, while William Patterson, who has been captain of No. 4 Engine Company, is made deputy chief. Captain Thomas Nichols, of No. 3 Engine Company, is made a battalion chief. Other appointments made were: Captains, William [sic] Cook and John Lennox, lieutenants, Walter Mertz and William Casson, engineer, Robert Whitley, machinist, T. G. Middleton, firemen, John Hunt and George Cattell.
Council also appointed Walter W. Johnson chief clerk of the Highway Department to succeed the late B. H. Shivers. Others appointed included Walter W. Lee, assistant, Clarence Baker, second assistant, and Walter Wolverton, third assistant. Albert Denise was made an engineer in the Water Department to succeed the late William Barr.
Firemen to Play Baseball for Red Cross
Camden Post-Telegram —
Under the direction of Fireman Frank Gondolf, a base ball team is being organized among the down town firemen to play the uptown firemen. The proceeds of the fiasco will be given the Red Cross. The down towners will be represented by Frank Gondolf, Jack Garirty [sic], John McTaggart, Wes McGrath, Harry Chambers, “Bill” Casson, “Chappie” Lennox, George Pursglove and two other “dark horses.”
Personal Notices
Camden Post-Telegram —
Mrs. John Hunt and children, George and Ruth, of 1009 South Sixth street, are spending the month of August with Mrs. Hunt’s mother in Atlantic City.
Fireman Benny Waters [sic], of No. 1 engine house, Fourth and Pine streets, leaves to-day for a vacation at the seashore.
William Taylor and Captain Lennox, both of No. 8 Engine Company, are spending their vacation at Atlantic City.
Cops and Firemen in First Practice
Camden Courier —
Bluecoats and Ladder Climbers Get Ready for Field Day
MR. YOUNGER IN CHARGE
Firefighters Have Large Team of Athletes
Charles Younger, physical director of the Camden Y. M. C. A. and in charge of the candidates for the police and firemen teams which will compete in the first annual police and fire field day on September 19 at Forest Hill Park, sent his proteges through their stiffest workout of the season yesterday morning with several of the committee in attendance.
Plans were arranged between Younger and Captain Stehr, of the First district, to build a temporary track around the local high school’s gridiron. Meanwhile both the police and fire candidates will do their stuff under the watchful eye of Professor Younger on the the Forest Hill track, outside of the enclosed athletic field.
In a confab over the arrangement of the cinder track, Stehr suggested that a 100 and 220-yard straightaway be constructed on the west side of the field.
Joe Connell, of the Highway Department, also gave the field a once-over, as did Captains Golden and Humes. After the members of the committee had inspected the grounds, they witnessed the candidates going through the paces.
Archie Riess, who is in full charge of the “cops,” declared that but nineteen men would be candidates for his team, while Walter A. Merts [sic], of Engine Company No. 1, acting as manager of the ladder-climbers, counted up twenty-nine candidates on his list. These men will compete next Tuesday, the first three in each event to qualify for field day. The events will be run off separately, that is, the “cops” in one division and the firemen in the other. The bluecoats who will compete this Tuesday are as follows: Everett Joslin, Joseph McDonald, Vernon Jones, Frank Nelson, Bill Rogers, Harold Dunnit, John Bright, Edyard Callahan, Walter Larson, Gus Pfliderer, Clarence Phifer, Thomas Welch, Stanley Wirts, Charles Naylor, George Rothwell, Richard Donnelly, Lester Gleason and Joe Keefe.
The firemen who will also attempt to qualify on Tuesday include Fred Schucker, Harry Wagner, Chris Moll, Harry Layton, Edgar Ellender, August Havercamp, Frank Huda, Harry Kleinfelder, William Foehle, Tom Shanahan, Harrison Pike, William Rudd, Lester Anderson, William Wood, George Townsend, Allen Palmer, William Swartz, Nelson Fill, William Mourtvey, John Strauss, Frank Oberman, Edward Menzies, John Mulligan, Frank Kates, Clifford Hare, Nelson Andrews and Harry Leigh. From the present outlook the “Cops” seem to be coming out second best. The firemen are confident of finishing once more in front of the bluecoats, they having beaten Stehr’s cohorts at the last Armory meet.
The tug-of- team of eight men will also be selected by the firemens’ leader. Mertz will choose his varsity from Layton, Smith, Lennox, Walker, Pike, Palmer, Moll, Greenan, Laird, Mulligan, Haver, Merigan and Camp.
The Camden Motorcycle Club may stage a free exhibition of a motorcycle polo game during the meet. Stehr favors this performance, as but forty minutes of actual time is taken up. The local club is willing to donate their services free of charge. Nelson Hubbs, local manager, has dates at the Trenton, Egg Harbor, Allentown and Bridgeton fairs, while his teams have already performed in many eastern states. The “Camden Blue Devils,” as they are known, will furnish more thrills in the forty minutes than sport lovers have ever seen in this locality, according to Hubbs. If they are on the bill at the games, they will also give an exhibition of trick and expert riding stunts. Those on his teams, there being four on each, are well known in riding circles, some of the best hill climbers and polo players being included in the personnel of the teams are as follows:
Blue Devils No. 1—Joseph Bernurt, captain; Frank De Vivey, Carl Preisandanz, Edward Paul.
Blue Devils No. 2—Charles Ellis, captain; George Gummel, Bennett Arnold, Clayton Alberson.
Mrs. Lennox Heads G.O.P. Club
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. Caroline M. Lennox was elected president of the Ninth Ward Women’s Republican Association at the January meeting in the clubhouse, 536 Broadway. Others named to office are Mrs. Helen M. Henry, vice president; Mrs. May Platt, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Lillian Robinson, financial secretary, and Mrs. Ada V. Boyd, treasurer.
Promoted Firemen Take Posts Today
Camden Courier-Post —
Lennox Deputy Chief; Eight Others Elevated as Captains Here
A new deputy chief, a battalion chief and eight new senior and junior captains will assume their posts today in the fire department. The men were promoted yesterday afternoon, along with the announcement of eleven new appointments of firemen, who will go into service April 15.
The new deputy chief, John H. Lennox, now is second in command when his platoon is on duty. He was acting deputy since the naming of Thomas Nicholas as chief two years ago.
The new battalion chief is Rollo Jones. Jones succeeds George B. Wade, who retired January 1.
Junior captains advanced to senior captains, with salaries increased to $2,400, are William H. Harring, Truck Company No. 1, Clarence Madden, Engine Company No. 6, and George Hunt, Engine Company No. 7. The new junior captains advanced from the ranks, with new salaries of $2,280 a year, are David Ellis, driver for Chief Nicholas for nine years, George Saunders, hoseman of Engine Company No. 9; Eli Hunt, driver of Engine Company No. 3, and William Van Pfefferle, hoseman, Engine Company No. 1.
All the promotions were from the civil service eligible list. The captains will be assigned tomorrow.
The new firemen, also civil service eligibles, will start with salaries of $1,500. Each year of service brings an increase, until five years in the department pays $2040 annually. The new men are Thomas F. Gibbons, Byron M. Davis, John S. Anderson, William H. Toy, Leo J. Tompkins, Horace T. Molan, Lawrence Bolton, George W. Garner, Felix E. Bendzyn, Harry H. Hess and Charles Jones.
Chief Lennox is one of the most popular firefighters in the organization. “Chappie” is the nickname by which he has been known for years. He was appointed a fireman January 1, 1908. He was promoted to a captainship October 1, 1915, and was assigned to Engine Company No. 8.
His promotion to deputy chief gives the department two men in that standing, one in command of each platoon on duty. His new salary will be $2,8[8]0 a year. He will be stationed at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets. He lives at 633 Clinton street. William W. Patterson is the other deputy chief.
Battalion Chief Jones will receive $2,520 a year. He has been in command of Engine Company No. 9, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets. He will be sent to command Engine Company No. 3, Broadway and Ferry avenue.
He was a former senior captain of Engine Company No. 4. For a number of years he was an instructor in fire school methods of life saving. He lives at 536 York street.
22 Firemen Assigned to New Stations
Camden Courier-Post —
12 Rookies and 10 Promoted Men Go to Posts
Twelve new firemen and ten men promoted several weeks ago were assigned to their new stations yesterday by Chief Thomas J. Nicholas. With these appointments, the department complement of 200 men is completed.
John H. Lennox, newly named deputy chief, will make his headquarters at the Fifth and Arch streets station. Rollo Jones, promoted from senior captain to battalion chief, succeeding George Wade, recently retired on pension, will move to Engine Company No. 3, Broadway and Ferry avenue.
Three men were promoted from junior to senior captaincies. They are: William Heron [sic], who moved to Company No. 2; George Hunt, Company No. 8, and Clarence T. Madden, Company No. 5.
Taken from the ranks, the following will be stationed as junior captains: David R. Ellis, Company No. 7; Clarence Newton, Company No. 5; William Van Pfefferle, Truck Company No. 2; Eli Hunt, Company No. 9, and George Saunders, Company No. 6.
The new firefighters and their stations are: Lawrence Bolton [sic], Company No. 9; John S. Anderson, Company No. 4; Byron M. Davis, Company No. 1; George W. Garner, Company No. 4; Lawrence Milton, Company No. 5; Thomas Gibbons, Company No. 4; Leo J. Tompkins, Company No. 2; Felix Bendzyn, Company No. 7; Horace T. Molan, Company No. 7; William E. Toy, Company No. 9; Harry H. Hess, Company No. 11, and Edward Callahan, Truck Company No. 4.
Blast Causes Fire, Seven Persons Flee
Trenton Times —
CAMDEN, N. J., April 26 (A.P.) — Seven persons above a shop at 3rd and Benson Streets were routed from bed by two fires following an explosion today which John Lennox, deputy fire chief blamed on Philadelphia racketeers attempting to extort money from cleaning establishment proprietors. Police disputed Lennox’s theory after Michele Natale, partner in the tailor shop on the first floor, insisted he and his associate Louise Pologrute have received no threats. Fire Captain David Ellis, 35, and Mrs. Josephine Zangari, one of the third floor occupants, were cut by glass and treated at a hospital.
James Lennox Rites to Be Held Tomorrow
Camden Courier-Post —
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., tomorrow for James Lennox, father of John H. Lennox, acting chief of the Camden Fire Department, who died early Sunday at his home, 517 Newton avenue. He was 82 and was a retired railroad man.
Shortly before Mr. Lennox’s death, Acting Chief Lennox was called from his bedside to direct firemen in fighting a blaze at 27 Broadway. Before he could return to his father’s side, Mr. Lennox had died.
Mr. Lennox was born in Ireland, and came to Camden in 1878, retiring in 1920 after 45 years service with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Mr. Lennox’s wife died December 22, 1925, and was buried on Christmas.
Mr. Lennox is survived by six other sons, William, Edgar, Edward, Samuel, Hugh and Robert, and a daughter, Margaret Lennox. He was a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge of the Diamond and Purple Star.
23 Homeless After $300,000 Fire Destroys City Block in Camden
Camden Courier-Post —
C. B. Coles Mill Damaged and 7 Houses Burn
Six Overcome by Smoke, Two Sisters Saved From Dwelling
ALL BEREFT OF HOMES TO BE CARED FOR BY CITY
Firemen Called at 4 A. M. as Flames Burst From Smouldering Ruins
Fire Climaxes Troubles of Kaighn Point Widow
Yesterday’s disastrous fire was the climax to a series of tragedies which have visited Mrs. Margaret Dolson, of 1226 Knight street, during the last five months. Her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Craig, 73, died about five months ago. A short time later, Mrs. Dolson’s husband, Robert, died, leaving her with three sons and a nephew. After that, a small fire broke out in her home and damaged some furniture.
Because of some difficulty with the insurance company over collecting money for damage, she allowed her fire insurance on her furniture to lapse and thus was fully unprotected when—
Yesterday the Kaighn’s Point fire razed the house, which she rented, and all of her personal effects were destroyed, leaving her with nothing. Through the kindness of friends, she and her brood have shelter and food today.
Camden’s most devastating conflagration in 18 years swept over an entire city block at Kaighn Point yesterday afternoon and left in its blackened wake damage unofficially estimated at $300,000.
Again at 4 a.m. today, fire broke out in the still smouldering ruins. A fire company from Sixth street and Kaighn avenue responded to the alarm and promptly extinguished the new blaze, leaving a guard there to immediately sound an alarm at any sign of another outbreak.
Yesterday’s hungry flames, fanned by a tricky, high wind, took the following toll:
Seven homes at Nos. 1218, 1226, 1228, 1230 and 1232 Knight street, and Nos. 1208 and 1210 South Front street.
Twenty-three persons, including eight children, eight women and seven men, were left homeless.
Six persons were overcome by smoke or injured by flying debris.
Three warehouses, an office building and a large shed owned by the C. B. Coles and Sons Lumber Company on the east side of Front street at Mechanic, were destroyed or damaged. The factory and warehouses on the west side of front street were untouched by the flames and were in operation today.
Eight automobile [sic] were completely destroyed and at least five others damaged.
A large garage housing a motorboat at 1215 Knight street, owned by George Tucker, was razed.
The stables of Charles Voll at 1216 Knight street were destroyed after 15 horses had been led to safety. Voll, a produce dealer at Second and Kaighn, also owned one of the houses destroyed and two automobile [sic] which were demolished.
Area Affected
The area affected by the fire was bounded by Kaighn avenue, Front, Second and Mechanic streets. However, the fire wreaked the worst damage on Front and Knights [sic] streets. Knight is a small street running south from Kaighn to Mechanic, parallel to Front and Second streets.
Not since the fire which destroyed the same lumber yard and the old Kaighn’s Point ferry on Jan. 3, 1915, has the city experienced such a destructive fire. Scarcely had smoke been sighted an an [sic] alarm sounded, then the flames were racing through the lumber yard. A shifting wind sent the fire scurrying in several directions so quickly that tenants of the houses which caught fire had very little opportunity to save any of their household effects.
A general alarm was sounded for the first time in years, bringing to the scene every available piece of fire apparatus, while Philadelphia fire boats stood by to render aid should the flames spread to the new $3,000,000 Reading Terminal less than a half block away.
Today, firemen were endeavoring to determine the origin of the fire, but the care of the homeless was the city’s major problem.
Those left without homes and even a change of clothing were sheltered by neighbors or relatives last night, but Dr. A. L. Stone, city relief administrator, was planning to give aid to them today.
One of the homeless women, Mrs. Marion Richards, of 1218 Knight street, went to Dr. Stone for aid at 10 a. m. today. As she was walking through the first floor at City Hall, she collapsed. Nurses from Dr. Stone’s offices revived her.
Ruins Searched by Homeless
Several of those whose homes were razed were searching in the ruins today for some of their valuables. They and firemen were the only ones permitted in the stricken area, which police had roped off. Additional patrolmen were on duty to prevent scavengers from robbing the debris of any valuables that may have been buried there.
Henry C. Coles, president of the lumber company, stated that his firm’s property was damaged to the extent of about $200,000. The entire lumber company property on the east side of Front street was either destroyed or made untenable by fire and water. However, he said the factory was in operation today, and as no trucks were damaged, the firm was conducting its usual business.
A horse known throughout the neighborhood as “Old Bob,” was burned to death in the lumber yard.
Of the houses burned, Voll owned the 1218 Knight street property; the Reading Railroad owned the house at 1226 Knight street, while the others were owned by John Bircher, of Bellmawr.
In addition to the places actually damaged, many other properties were in danger from ever-shifting winds and virtual clouds of sparks. Windows on other properties cracked from the heat, and streams of water were played on properties across the street from the burning area.
40 Lines of Hose
Chief John H. Lennox called every fire company and every fireman on duty. Every available policeman was called to handle the thousands of spectators.
Civilians aided the firemen. Employes of the lumber plant manned hose and the company’s turbines churned tons of water into the blaze. At one time the fire companies were pouring water from 40 lines of hose.
Water Chief James H. Long and his assistant, Harry Hertline, responded to the fire alarms and found plenty of water. The companies were pumping from 20-inch high pressure mains, with auxiliary wells on Ferry avenue and on Kaighn avenue.
Intense heat kept firemen a half a square from the blaze at times. They slowly struggled through blinding and suffocating smoke and when the blaze was under control two hours after it was discovered the firemen had managed to confine it to a city block.
Woman Discovers It
The first alarm was at 3 p. m., shortly after Mrs. Joseph Novack, whose husband is the proprietor of a cafe at 1208 South Front street, ran into the street, screaming “Fire!”
E. H. Stewart, general secretary of the Atlantic City Railroad Y. M. C. A., across the street at Front and Atlantic avenue, sent in the first alarm and later rescued two women.
Stewart said the wind was blowing from the east at the time and the Y. M. C. A., the planing mills of the Coles Company and the Camden Terminal Storage Company’s seven-story warehouse, at Front and Mechanic streets, were in danger.
But the wind suddenly shifted from east to west and a light breeze from the river carried the flames toward a row of five frame houses on Knight street, between Front and Second.
These two-story houses were enveloped in flames in a few minutes. So fast did the fire travel that little was saved. One family was absent, but the four others fled for their lives.
Clowns Save Cripple
Several members of the Camden Clown Club, a veteran New Year shooters’ organization, ran to the home of James Shay, 1228 Knight street, and one of them, Albert George, carried Shay’s invalid stepdaughter, Alice Williams, 25, from the blazing house. The girl, an infantile paralysis victim, was sitting helpless in a wheel chair when the flames ignited the home.
With her mother, Mrs. Alice Shay, and stepbrother, William Shay, 14, she watched the flames crumble the home in which they had lived 20 years.
Other members of the clown club—Stanley Berthelot, Henry Small and James Rice—carried brand new furniture of William Haines, 1232 Knight street, to safety.
Stewart carried two aged sisters, Mrs. Anna Parker and Mrs. Mary Numbers, from their blazing home at 1210 South Front street, next to the Novack cafe.
Twelve automobiles on a parking lot of Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Numbers on the south side of their home were either destroyed or damaged. Civilians were able to get six of them to safety after they had been partially damaged. The others were buried as walls collapsed.
Crumbling walls endangered 30 firemen on Front street at 5 p. m. About that time a ladder against a Coles garage slipped and Fireman William Hopkins, 39, of 730 Cedar street, attached to Engine Company No. 2, was thrown to the sidewalk. He suffered sprained ankles and was removed to Cooper Hospital.
Felix Benzyn, 33, of 926 Howe street, attached to Company No. 7, suffered burns of the face and hands and was taken to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.
First Aid Crews Sent
Dennis Block, 3, of 1123 South Second street, suffered burns of the right arm and left leg when he wandered too near the flames. He was taken to the West Jersey Hospital for treatment.
Cooper and West Jersey Hospitals sent ambulances with doctors and nurses who treated several firemen for cuts, burns and minor injuries. All of the city ambulances were on duty.
Camden and Philadelphia Second Alarmers served cool drinks to the firemen and police.
Several charitable organizations, including Wiley Mission, offered to house those left without homes.
Trainman Faints in Fright
Fully 20 trainmen were asleep on the second floor of the Y. M. C. A. Building when the fire broke out. Stewart awakened them. C. E. Wells, one of the trainmen, collapsed when he was suddenly awakened to see the conflagration so near. He was revived by doctors from West Jersey Hospital ambulance.
Firemen were hampered by the explosion of gasoline tanks of automobiles trapped in the parking yard of Mrs. Parker and her sister.
A horse in the lumber company’s stable just north of the Novack place perished.
The fire was at the main entrance of the $3,000,000 Reading terminal, which for a while was in danger. It was impossible to get vehicles into the ferry house. All cars coming from Philadelphia were forced to park at the entrance until the flames were under control.
The railroad kept several locomotives standing by at the terminal to remove coaches if necessary. The company lost several hundred coaches in the 1915 fire.
Fire Chief Guest at Honor Dinner
Camden Courier-Post —
Capt. Kreher, Veteran of 22 Years, Given Send-Off on Eve of Retirement
Fire Capt. Herman Kreher, a veteran of 22 years in the city fire-fighting forces, was tendered a dinner last night by more than 60 comrades upon the occasion of his fiftieth birthday.
His efficient supervision of Engine Company No. 11 was lauded by Acting Chief John Lennox, who presented him with a gold wrist watch in behalf of his fellow firemen. George Wonsetter was toastmaster.
The affair was held in Stefiel’s Hall, directly across from the firehouse at Twenty-seventh and Hayes avenue.
Attending the dinner weer [sic] Mrs. Kreher, their children, Tillie, Wilhelmina, Herman and Edwin, and Motorcycle Patrolman Harry Kreher, brother of Captain Kreher. Addresses were also made by Deputy Chief William Herring and Battalion Chiefs Walter Mertz, Charles Errickson and Waldo Jones.
The committee included Firemen William Mountey [sic], chairman; Howard Curry, Nelson Till, William Gettner, Michael Mungoli, John Mohrfeld, Herman Dreas, John Peterson and Harry Hess.
Dismissed as Tipsy, Fireman Is Heard in Civil Service Plea
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Drunk on Duty’, Former Associates Testify at Garner’s Hearing
DECISION IS RESERVED
Testimony by fellow firemen that he “was so drunk he had to be lifted off a fire truck” marked the hearing of George W. Garner, a city fireman of 1266 Kenwood avenue, before Civil Service Commissioner William S. Etiles [sic] yesterday.
The case was the first Civil Service hearing in Camden in two years. Commissioner Stiles reserved decision.
Garner was dismissed on May 4, 1934, by Mayor Stewart in his capacity of director of public safety. The charge was “continued disobedience of orders and intoxication while on duty.” The defendant is married and has two children, one four years and one only three days old.
Capt. James Young, Garner’s superior officer at Engine Company No. 2, 619 Kaighn avenue, testified that he found Garner in a saloon with a woman on the evening of April 30 last.
Ignored Orders
“Garner had asked permission to go out about 7 o’clock and get coffee for the men,” said Captain Young. “Two hours later he went out without permission.
“Senior Captain Lawrence Newton and I went looking for him and found him in a saloon operated by Umberto DiClaudio at Sixth and Kaighn avenue. He was sitting at a table with a woman.
“I asked him what he was doing and he said the woman had a toothache.
“At 2.29 a. m. an alarm sounded, and when we went to take out the fire truck Garner was on the running board unconscious. We couldn’t rouse him and I had to assign two men, Chester Price and Irving Bishop, to carry him off. He was too intoxicated to move.”
Price and Bishop corroborated the testimony of their captain, as also did James A. Creato and William Cummerford. Battalion Chief Leonard Magee, of Engine Company No. 3, testified he saw Garner after the fire and “the man was in a stupor.”
Looked Bad Next Day
Acting Fire Chief John H. Lennox said the next morning when he saw Garner, “He looked to me as if he had had a bad night.”
DiClaudio, the saloon proprietor, denied that Garner had bought anything to drink, saying he sold him 12 boiled eggs to eat.
Garner, on the stand, entered a general denial of the charges. He was represented by Morris Tartar.
Assistant City Solicitor Lewis Lieberman showed the court a resignation signed by Garner and dated March 10.
Taps Sound for Jack Airedale, Canine Mascot of Fire Laddies
Camden Courier-Post —
By BOB COLLINS
Camden firemen and policemen paid their final respects to stout-hearted Jack Airedale yesterday.
The beloved mascot of Headquarters Fire Company, Fifth and Arch streets, whose life was crushed out under the wheels of truck No. 2, his own wagon, Monday, was accorded a hero’s funeral. His body was interred in the cemetery at the rear of St. Paul’s and the First Baptist churches, close by his fire station home, and taps were sounded at 5 p. m., just as the sun was setting in the west.
People from every station of life visited the fire station to pay homage to the doughty fire-fighter, who was killed answering his last call. Senator Albert S. Woodruff, City Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, Miss Florence Hughes, chairman of the Camden County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Fire Chief John S. [sic] Lennox and Deputy Chief William Hearn were among the estimated throng of 3500 who passed his bier.
Letters and telegrams of sympathy poured into the headquarters company throughout the day. There were more than 10 offers of dogs to serve as mascots and take Jack’s place. These were kindly but firmly rejected by members of the headquarters company. “There will only be one Jack,” they said. “We appreciate all these offers, but we don’t want another mascot right now.”
The funeral rites for the dog were impressive.
Active bearers included Raymond Stark, John K. Taylor and Everett Joslin, members of the Camden police department; William Spencer and John Strouss, of fire truck No. 1; John McKay, Lester Anderson and Chester Andrews, of truck No. 2.
The honorary members were Captain Van Phefferts, Russell Anderson, Harry Haines and Charles Edwards, of truck No. 1; Nelson Andrews, Christopher Moll, Arthur Batten, George Boone and Rox Abbott, of truck No. 2.
At the appointed hour a dummy alarm was sounded. Jack Airedale was carried to his favorite place on fire truck No. 2. The vehicle moved slowly along Fifth street to Federal, then to Fourth and back to Arch street. When it passed the fire station the bells in the tower tolled.
At the cemetery Jack was placed alongside his predecessors, Alva and Gimp, dogs, and Skibby and Old Black Bill, cats, who were at one time mascots at the fire station.
5 Hurt as Bus Skids Into Fire Engine at River Road and Federal Street
Camden Courier-Post —
SLIPPERY PAVEMENT BLAMED FOR FREAK HIGHWAY COLLISION
P.S. Vehicle Was Trying to Pull to One Side to Allow Engine to Pass
INVESTIGATION ORDERED
A city fireman and four bus passengers were injured yesterday in a collision between a fire engine, enroute to a training school, and a bus at River road and Federal street.
The fireman, Harry Hess, 32, of 2733 Sherman avenue, attached to Engine Company No. 11, at Twenty-seventh street and Hayes avenue, suffered cuts of the ear, scalp and wrist and bruises of the chest. He is in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.
The riders injured, all of whom were treated at Cooper Hospital, are Miss Alice Messmer, 24, of Bedford avenue, Merchantville, who suffered bruises of the left arm; Miss Lillian Foster, 20, of 3313 Highland avenue, treated for shock; Mrs. Edith McCrea, 48, of 2647 Westfield avenue, bruises of the back, and Mabel Stark, 15, of 29 South Thirty-fourth street, cuts of the cheek and bruises of the face and forehead.
Later, a man who said he was Horace S. Gerrick, 60, of 54 West Chestnut avenue, Merchantville, entered Cooper Hospital and said he had been injured while riding on the bus. He was treated for rib contusions and sent home.
Wet streets were blamed by police for the accident. The bus skidded into the fire truck, they said.
Fire Chief John Lennox, who went to the scene, said an investigation would be made in an effort to fix responsibility.
“The collision took place this morning at 10.30 o’clock, at the intersection of Federal street and River road,” he explained.
“The fire engine was making a right turn onto Federal street, off River road. The bus, owned and operated by Public Service Coordinated Transport Company, was traveling west on Federal street. It had come from Merchantville, and was en route to the ferries.
“From what I have learned so far by talking to witnesses to the accident, the bus pulled over to the left side of the street. As it did, the rear end skidded into the truck.
“As matters appear now, we do not intend to arrest the bus driver, but an investigation will be made to place responsibility for the crash.”
The fire apparatus was headed for the fire training school at Ninth street and Morgan boulevard. It was driven by Herman Dreas, 43, of 1241 North Twenty-sixth street, who said the siren was sounding as the engine approached Federal street.
Michael Mungioli, 34, of 798 North Thirtieth street, one of the firemen on the truck, said the bus driver, hearing the siren, attempted to swerve his vehicle quickly, and the collision resulted.
Neither machine overturned. A score of passengers in the bus were shaken up. The girl and three women who were more seriously injured were taken to Cooper hospital in automobiles.
The engine, a combination pumper, hose and chemical truck, valued at $10,000, was in charge of Captain Herman Kreher, 51, of 1003 North Twenty-sixth street, commander of Engine Company No. 1. He escaped injury, as also did Mungioli, Dreas, John Morefield, 43, of 2914 Cramer street, and Harry Curry, 54, of 1035 Beideman avenue, other firemen on the vehicle.
The driver of the bus, K. J. Chard, 27, of 1188 Haddon avenue, also was uninjured.
Neither vehicle was badly damaged, although it was necessary to tow the truck back to its station. No estimate of the damage done either machine has been made.
The bus driver stated he saw the fire apparatus in the middle of the street at a distance of 100 feet. As he approached he applied his brakes but the rear wheels skidded and struck the engine on the right side.
Acting Chief Hurt in 3-Alarm Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Junkyard Swept; Couple Forced to Flee as Fire Menaces Home
Two persons were forced to leave their home last night when a three-alarm fire damaged a junkyard owned by Rocco Fanelle and Sons at 263 Cherry street. Patrolman Marshall Thompson, one of the first on the scene, warned George W. Jackson and his wife, Flora, living at 265 Cherry street, of their danger and aided them in removing part of their furniture in the living room to the dining room.
Acting Battalion Chief Leonard Megee was injured slightly when he fell while inspecting the damage.
The first alarm to be turned in came from the fire box at Third and Spruce streets at 8.18 p.m. When Chief John Lennox arrived on the scene and discovered flames issuing from both floors of the storage building he ordered the second alarm pulled at 8.35 and at 8.46 p.m. another was ordered.
Firemen were hampered in fighting the blaze due to the great amount of smoke caused by the burning rags and paper bailed [sic] and stored on the two floors.
Six hose lines were played on the building. Deputy Chief Walter Mertz said the flames were under control after a half hour’s battle.
The damaged furniture in the Jackson home was covered partially by insurance, Jackson said.
Camden Protected During Big Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
3 Firemen Off Duty Commandeer Truck and Wait for Any Emergency
With all available fire-fighting apparatus at the Kaighn’s Point conflagration, three members of the city fire department who were off duty nevertheless provided Camden with its only protection against other fires by breaking into an abandoned firehouse and manning a fire truck.
Captain Clarence Madden and Firemen John Mulligan and George Garner, attached to the fire house at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets, heard the third alarm and knowing that all the city’s companies were summoned to the fire, decided to go on duty to be ready for any other emergency.
They hurried to the fire house. The No. 5 truck has been out of commission for some time and they were unable to move it.
Jumping into Madden’s own car, they went to the Fourth and Vine streets house which has been discontinued. A truck was inside.
But they found all doors locked. Forcing a rear window they entered and broke the padlock on the front door and drove the truck to headquarters at Fifth and Arch streets, where they reported and remained on call until the return of the other companies.
They were commended by Chief John H. Lennox for their resourcefulness.
Checked and Double Checked
Camden Courier-Post —
The way some of the members of the Camden County Republican Committee are behaving these days, the Democrats can stay home on their own meeting nights … The Republicans are doing their work for them … Now some 70 of the Republican committeemen have signed a petition to give Baird a job that won’t pay him anything … It’s about time they’re giving him something … They took the U. S. Senatorship away from him … Moore took the governorship away from him … Woodruff took the state committeeship away from him … The New Deal took the city commission away from him … The New Deal took the freeholders away from him … Somebody always is taking something away from Baird …
It isn’t a question of Baird’s ability to fill the bridge job … The only one to even mention that as an issue was Fred von Nieda … He’s a city commissioner, you know … It’s a matter of principle … At least, that is what Florence Baker, state committeewoman, says … Mrs. Baker is telling Senator Clee and others at Trenton that they owe it to Baird to support him for the job because he has always helped Clee … Let’s, in all fairness to Baird, look at the record … In the primary, during an address at the First Ward Republican Club, Dave Baird stated he was for Cliff Powell against Clee … Mrs. Baker did not come out against Clee … She didn’t come out against Powell. Instead, she said she was neutral. In the general election, Mrs. Baker said she was for Clee. Baird never said he was for Clee. (If he had, Clee’s majority of 35,000 would have gone to Moore) …
So we don’t think that Mrs. Baker is very convincing when she tells Clee that Baird helped Clee … She said that the Camden county legislative delegation helped Clee’s program against Hoffman. Was Baird a Democrat last year? Sheehan, Roye and Lodge were … Burling was a Republican, and helped Clee, but he is not for Baird. Perhaps it was because Bairdhelped” Clee’s program against Hoffman opposition, that Hoffman slipped in Baird’s appointment without the knowledge of Burling or the state or county committee members … Mrs. Baker stated at a banquet that she has copies of the Courier-Post in 1931 in which Baird was praised for his bridge work …
But enough ado about nothing … All we’ve done is talked about Baird when it had been our plan instead to talk about politics.
* * *
The political ax is hanging over the head of a Mt. Ephraim official on the charge he is assuming too much authority … The political ax hanging over the heads of the Delaware township cops is about to be enmeshed in litigation … One of the policeman is a member of the P.B.A. which will carry his fight into court in a case that will be a precedent for the other township cops, too … Herb Taylor will be county engineer if it goes to a Republican … It may be a Democrat however, and newest among the candidates, on that side of the ledger is former City Commissioner Carroll P. Sherwood … There may be only one assistant county solicitor instead of two in which case it will probably go to Carleton Rowand, city school board member …
By the way, don’t be surprised if under the new contract between the city and county on maintenance of the City Hall, the city takes full control of the building with consent of the county … Which will be tough on some of the county jobholders …
Assemblyman Allen now denies he wants all us newspaper fellers to go to the guillotine … He says he meant lawyers … Charlie Humes wants to be guillotined … Standing up … Incidentally, Charlie is defending his last-place position in the ping-pong league tonight … Firefighter Lennox went to church the other day … And found the roof braced up. When will the borough of Merchantville fix up that dangerous hole in Browning road at the railroad tracks north of Maple Avenue? … Or is that in the township?
Whenever the state police want Detective Wojtkowiak at the prosecutor’s office, they ask for “Sergeant Watchyourcoatandhat” … The Mt. Ephraim commissioners are going to buy a police car for their chief … He’s also in for a pay rise … Bellmawr’s chief of police won’t get the salary increase he wants, but he will get an additional allowance for the use of his car … Runnemede’s two new cops will also get pay increases …
The other day an alarm was sent to every police department in the county and also to the Philadelphia cops that a car had been stolen in Audubon … The culprit is glad no cops saw him … He was none other than a police official who wanted to borrow a storekeeper’s car but took the wrong one by mistake … His face is almost as red as Vince (deP) Costello’s … At the K. of C. roller skating exhibition the other night, Luke McKenna did a few fancy turns … Vince recalled he, too, had been pretty good at one time, so he essayed to show his friends … His intentions were better than his legs, and a couple of well-wishers followed him around the floor with a stretcher.
This all happened quietly The Runnemede police received a complaint from two storekeepers … It appears that a group of high school students from another town had stopped off at Runnemede to purchase some cakes … Several other articles disappeared from the stores … A few days later the dean of the high school went to Runnemede paid one shopkeeper $10 and the other $2.60 … Representing the goods they said were taken …
Aside to that clairvoyant weakly editor who reported yesterday that Joe Van Meter is going to be the Republican nominee for sheriff: A sheriff cannot succeed himself in New Jersey … Silvio Fittipaldi, former Haddon Heights High star, is a veterinarian and doing nicely … A Philadelphia college professor who lives in Pennsauken uses his spare time writing a book … Home by 4.30 p.m. from work, he retires at 8 p.m., rises at 3.30 a.m., writes for four hours, breakfasts and goes to work … The Playcrafters are busy rehearsing “Post Road” for Feb. 18 and 19 … A warrant is in the mails for a suburban doctor … Illegal operation … Fred Homer, Merchantville song-bird, had an audition in New York recently before the Metropolitan Opera Audition Committee … What Collingswood shopkeeper’s missus is having trouble getting a costume for a minstrel show? … They’re still looking for better buses on Route 14 …
Wonsetler Hailed as Next President of State
Camden Courier-Post —
Dinner Speakers Predict Camden Man Will Get Association Post; N. J. Officers Attend
Robert Wonsetler, of the Camden Fire Department, was hailed as the next state president of the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association at the 41st anniversary dinner of Camden Local, No. 5, last night. It was held in Kenney’s Cafe, with 150 members and their women folks attending.
The Camden man is now first vice president of the state association and state representative of the local. James Delaney, of Elizabeth, state president, and other state officers who were among the speakers predicted that when the local has its 42nd anniversary next year, it will have occasion to celebrate the election of Wonsetler as 1939 state president.
Other speakers were Mayor George E. Bruner, City Commissioners Mary W. Kobus and Frank J. Hartmann, Assemblyman Rocco Palese, Fire Chief John H. Lennox, Carlton W. Rowand, Bruce A. Wallace and Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan.
State officers attending, besides Delaney and Wonsetler, were Fred Bailey, Weehawken, second vice president; George Steele, Union City, recording secretary; Joseph Burke, Newark, financial secretary, and Jack Reed, Kearny, treasurer.
Surrogate Frank B. Hanna, who was toastmaster, referred to the three city commissioners present as “candidates for re-election without opposition.”
Commissioner Kobus, head of the city fire department, was applauded when she announced wash-stands and showers are being installed in local firehouses and that windbreakers and new fire nets have been ordered.
“The firehouses in Camden are in better condition than ever before,” Commissioner Hartmann said.
Officers of the Camden Local are Chester Andrus, president; W. Samuel Mountney, vice president; Nelson Andrews, recording secretary; Harrison Pike, financial secretary; Henry Zook, treasurer; Ralph Bingemann, sergeant-at-arms; William H. Harrison, chaplain, and Wonsetler, state representative.
Russell J. Anderson was chairman of the dinner committee, which included Harry Wagner, Arthur Batten, Harry Wilkers, David Humphries and Pike.
Erickson Reports Fire Loss in City Is Lowest in 15 Years
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden Department Advances to Third Place in State Among Second-Class Cities for Prevention Work; Ranks 22nd in U.S. and Canada
Camden’s fire loss last year was the lowest in 15 years, it was revealed yesterday by Battalion Chief Charles Erickson.
Erickson also disclosed the city fire department was advanced to third place in the state and to 22nd among second class cities in the United States and Canada for work in fire prevention.
The department also received a certificate of award from the International committee of judges of the National Fire Protective Association.
In 1936 the local fire department was rated fourth in the state and 54th in the nation and Canada. The advances in rating were merited by the program held in Camden during Fire Prevention Week, October 3 to 9. Chief Erickson directed the activity.
Camden’s total loss last year was $101,120, with 958 responses to alarms. The figure for 1936 was $168,339. The per capita 1937 loss was 85 cents, compared to $1.42 in the preceding year.
The highest fire loss in the last 15 years was $208,120 in 1933, when the per capita cost was $1.75.
Chief Erickson said he with Chief John B. Lennox and other members of the department are proud of both records. He said Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, expressed her pleasure on the records of the department.
“We can build fireproof buildings but we have not found a way to fireproof occupants of homes and buildings,” Erickson said. “The nearest we have come to that is through fire prevention by making people fire conscious.”
Certificate Won by Camden Fire Department
Camden Courier-Post —
National Fire Protection Association. Committee on Fire Prevention and Clean Up Campaign. Hereby Certifies that City of Camden has been awarded Honorable Mention for the State of New Jersey in the Record of Merit For Educational Activities Promoted During Fire Prevention Week, October 3rd to 9th, 1937. In Witness Whereof the undersigned have affixed their signatures this twentieth day of December, 1937. Managing Director. Committee of Judges. Chairman of Fire Prevention and Clean Up Committee.
Reproduction of the certificate of award presented the local fire department by the National Fire Protective Association, for activities in connection with Camden Fire Prevention Week last October.
Trial Board Dismisses Suspended Fireman
Camden Courier-Post —
Dismissal was the sentence handed down yesterday in the case of Tennie Hutchinson, attached to Fire Truck Co. No. 1, Fifth and Arch streets.
Hutchinson was suspended by Fire Chief John H. Lennox August 8, on several complaints involving absence without leave, running up unpaid bills and other charges. He was found guilty of the charges two weeks ago by the bureau’s trial board, comprising Chief Lennox, Deputy Chief William R. Harring and Public Safety Commissioner Mary W. Kobus.
$100,000 Fire Sweeps Store of Antrim Co.
Camden Courier-Post —
Several Firemen Hurt; Oil Plant and Homes Are Menaced
BLAZE WORST IN 18 MONTHS
Fire swept the wholesale store of Antrim Hardware Company, 1514 and 1516 Federal street last night, damaged the stock to the extent of $100,000, injured several firemen, menaced homes and the plant of the Standard Oil Company opposite. It was the first three-alarm fire in Camden since January, 1937.
One of the firemen, Ralph Bingaman, of Truck Company No. 1, was cut severely on the right hand and foot by falling glass and went to the Cooper Hospital. Another hoseman, Ray Smith, of headquarters, also was cut on the right hand but stuck to his fire fighting after his wounds were dressed.
Huge choking billows of smoke that rolled over the fighters balked them several times in their efforts to check the fire, but they remained at their posts and finally subdued the blaze after a battle of several hours.
Spread Rapidly
Chief John H. Lennox declared the fire started midway on the first floor from some unknown cause and spread so rapidly before its discovery efforts of the firemen were greatly hindered. Louis Gold, proprietor of the Federal Automobile Company, which adjoins the Antrim place, discovered the blaze and sent in an alarm at 7 p. m.
He then telephoned to Councilman E. Hulings Antrim, of Merchantville, treasurer of the concern, who raced to the fire, together with his mother, Mrs. Elwood Antrim, widow of the founder of the firm. Later B. Frank Antrim, president of the firm, arrived. The members of the family conferred and decided to reopen today their other store at Twenty-sixth and Federal streets, and to secure if possible an unoccupied floor of a chain store building to carry on the business. The stock, according to Antrim, was fully insured.
The firm was created on December 1, 1889, and had made arrangements to celebrate its golden anniversary. Mrs. Antrim, mother of the treasurer, stated she had half the anniversary number ready for publication “but the first fire we ever had has ruined all that now.”
Smashes Windows
When Gold, accompanied by his son, Marvin, discovered the fire, the latter smashed in two front windows on the first floor to permit the smoke to roll and and [sic] to prevent an explosion inside, he said. Meanwhile, Leroy Garrison, who lives at 50 South Twenty-fourth street, was driving past in his automobile.
He saw smoke rolling upward from the first floor and ran to the rear of the structure and threw open the door to permit the smoke to roll free at the rear.
Eight minutes after the first alarm was sounded Chief Lennox ordered a second, then a third at 7.33 p. m. Eight engines and two hook and ladder trucks responded and the fight began to keep the flames from spreading in the neighborhood. With the wind blowing north, the tanks of the oil company across the street seemed threatened, but the interior of the structure was bulked with two firewalls which held and gave the firemen a chance to get into action and beat down the flames.
Paint, chemicals and tar paper stored on the second floor made a dense, choking smoke that completely concelead [sic] the neighborhood and the hundreds of spectators that thronged the vicinity to watch the fire. Two tenants in nearby houses, Miss Agnes Mitchell and Mrs. Roy Dilks, 72, living in 1510 and 1508, respectively, were unaware of the fire right next door until the police sent them to safety.
Miss Mitchell said she was in the shed in the rear of her home and the first she heard of the fire was when a policeman ordered her to get out.
Refused to Leave
Mrs. Dilks, alone in the house at the time, refused to leave. She told the police she didn’t want to go, because the family had lived there but a month and her relatives were away. Finally she was urged to depart and did, finding refuge with Mrs. Albert Bowne, whose husband runs a printing shop a few doors below.
When Councilman Antrim arrived on the scene he attempted to rescue records of the firm which he said could never be replaced. Five times he entered the smoking building and five times he was turned back by the firemen.
Finally two firemen, Andrew Ballantine, who drives Chief Lennox, and Ladderman John Strauss, of Truck Company No. 4, forged their way through the dense smoke and retrieved the records.
Antrim fixed his damages from smoke and water at $100,000 which he said was the amount of stock in the building. Mrs. Antrim, his mother, stood under an umbrella near the burning building, and refused to go back.
“We’ll open tomorrow,” said the energetic woman, “and not let this bother us. This firm was created in 1889 when Hulings, my son, was four, and B. Frank Antrim, now president, and myself ran the businees [sic] and we’re not going to let this get us down, you bet.”
Antrim said he was the last person to leave the building at 5 p. m., and everything appeared to be all right then. The burglar alarm with which the building is equipped did not sound, so Antrim says no one could have entered the building after he departed.
Truck in Collision
Truck in Collision
After Engine Company No. 10 was sent home the apparatus was sideswiped by a traveling sandwich wagon, owned and driven by Emido Martelli, of 1315 Thurman street, at Eleventh street and Newton avenue.
Martelli’s wife and 25-months- old son were aboard the wagon at the time but none was injured. Police took Martelli to City Hall where he was asked for a statement as to the accident. According to the persons on the scene, Martelli was driving on Eleventh street when the engine came along Newton avenue, with its siren open.
The wagon driver did not seem to pay attention to the screams of the whistle and continued, the front of his car grazing the side of the apparatus.
When Engine Company No. 9, at Twenty-first and Federal streets, the first engine to respond to the alarm, reached the hydrant the firemen found an automobile parked there, and locked. They had to push the car out of the way, in order to get a hose to the hydrant.
Chief Lennox said the last time the department received a third alarm was when fire gutted the store of the McCrory Company at Broadway and Kaighn avenue.
Camden Fire Laid To Wrench Spark
Trenton Times —
Two Bodies Recovered From Ruins—Blasts Level Walls
CAMDEN, N.J., Aug. 2 (UP) — A spark from a repairman’s wrench was blamed today for the disastrous series of explosions and fire which killed at least four persons and destroyed a four-block area of mid-town Camden.
Fire Chief John H. Lennox said the spark apparently ignited a tank of naptha [sic] in the R. M. Hollingshead Paint Company plant.
Meanwhile, working in the glare of floodlights, firemen and WPA workers dug through the twisted debris in a night-long search for five missing persons. Two bodies were taken from the wreckage, bringing the total recovered to four.
Clearing the way for the searchers, dynamite yesterday levelled three tottering walls of the five-story factory, a huge brick chimney and two water tanks. Despite elaborate precautions a flying brick fractured the arm of a Camden fire marshal.
Member sof [sic] the Camden County Grand Jury visited the scene, but Foreman Joseph R. Mich declined to say definitely whether the group would investigate the $2,000,000 blaze. But he declared: “A great number of people have telephoned or written us urging us to make a complete investigation.”
The second fire in two days at Camden Shipyards did only slight damage to a blacksmith shop of the Mathis Shipbuilding Company. The blaze broke out last night, eating through a five-foot section of the shop wall before firemen extinguished it. Less than 250 feet away is a Coast Guard tender being built for the government.
Fire Chief John Plaskett said children threw burning paper against the wall, starting the fire.
Wednesday night flames broke out in wooden scaffolding inside one of the stacks of the U.S.S. Curtiss, new $12,000,000 aircraft tender being built at the New York Shipbuilding Company yards, but caused only minor damage.
Tug Blast Averted by Rookie Fireman
Camden Courier-Post —
The heroic efforts of one of Camden’s newly appointed firemen prevented the explosion of a 50-gallon drum of gasoline stored on the tug Pacific, which caught fire yesterday in the docks of the American Dredging Company.
Fire broke out in the hold of the boat from sparks of an acetylene torch used by workmen rebuilding the 65-foot boat, owned by the Graham Oil Transportation Company of Philadelphia.
John Gryckiewicz, 22, of 810 North Front street, who was appointed to the fire department on Nov. 16 and completed his training Dec. 7, jumped on the boat and pulled a flaming rope from around the gasoline-filled drum. Gryckiewicz is stationed at Engine Company No. 2, Fifth and Arch streets.
Four workmen were on the boat when the fire broke out. Fire Chief John H. Lennox estimated the damage at approximately $450.
Captain Mortica M. Clark Retires After 30 Years as City Fireman
Camden Courier-Post —
Oldest Member of Department in Point of Service Honored by Fellow Workers, Officers and School Children in Exercises at Station House
Camden’s oldest fire captain in point of service retired yesterday after more than 30 years of answering alarms.
He is Captain Mortica M. Clark, who was honored at a gathering of fellow firemen and officers.
The exercises, which included the presentation of a fishing rod and reel, a ring, smoking utensils and flowers, took place at his home company’s headquarters, Ninth and Morgan streets. The presentations were made by Fire Chief John H. Lennox.
The gifts were from his staff, other captains, the Three-fifteen Association, local school children and his family. Captain Clark expects to pass considerable of his time fishing and boating near his home at Palermo.
“He is one of the best firemen and one of the best leaders I have known,” was Safety Director Mary W. Kobus’ tribute to him.
Captain Clark served as senior captain for 21 years and during his years with the department was never late for duty. He never reported any of his men for any violation of the rules. Many times he was cited for heroic acts.
During the State Street church fire he dragged Chief Peter N. [sic] Carter from the flaming building as the roof collapsed. He rescued four children from the burning Mary J. Ball Home and worked 49 consecutive hours during the Hollingshed fire last July. He was responsible also for efficient work at the Kaighn avenue ferry blaze and the fire at the Graves Varnish works, Twelfth and Federal streets.
In addition to his wife, Emma, Captain Clark’s family includes four children, Mrs. Florence Kolman, Catherine, George and Archie.
Senior Fire Captain Receives Gifts on Retirement
Camden Courier-Post —
—Courier-Post Photo, by William J. Augustine
Captain Mortica M. Clark, oldest captain of Camden Fire Department, is shown receiving a fishing rod and reel and a ring from Fire Chief John H. Lennox (right) yesterday on his retirement after serving more than 30 years in service. The gifts were presented at ceremonies at Captain Clark’s fire house, Ninth and Morgan streets, attended by members of his family and many friends in the department.
West and Clinton Streets Fire
Trenton Times —
Trenton Times — May 23, 1941. John Lennox. West Street, Clinton Street
Camden’s First Volunteer Firemen Receive Diplomas
Camden Courier-Post —
Members of Camden city’s first volunteer firemen to be graduated from the Camden Fire School, Ninth street and Morgan boulevard, are shown above going through demonstrations of their teaching during the last seven weeks.
Edward Friant, of 124 North Thirtieth Street, descending from a tall building on a rope by using a life belt.
Charles Geitz, of 465 Mechanic Street, left, and Nicholas Iacovelli, of 1303 Decatur Street, using asbestos suits in the middle of roaring flames. The suits, according to Fire Captain Ray Smith, instructor at the school, are able to withstand 1,750 degrees of heat.
Ernest Wilkinson, of 1304 Park Boulevard, is the man behind the mask on the right shown emerging from a building filled with formaldehyde gas.
50 Volunteer Firemen Complete Training for Emergency Duties
Camden Courier-Post —
Graduates First of 500 to Be Trained by City for Huge Reserve. Similar to that in London; Defense Officials Praise Work
Camden’s first group of war and emergency volunteer firemen received their “diplomas” last night on completion of their training at the fire school in No. 10 firehouse, Ninth Street and Morgan Boulevard.
They are the initial volunteers to be trained as a reserve for the city fire department in an emergency. The volunteers, 50 of them, will be on 24-hour call. Eventually more than 500 men are expected to receive the training course for a huge reserve similar to the corps of firemen now being used in London.
The men range in ages from 11 to 59 years with Charles Smith, son of Sgt. Ray Smith, being the youngest, and Harry L. Freidel, the oldest.
The training course started May 12 and the trainees have attended three sessions a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, for seven weeks under the direction of Fire Captain Raymond Smith, no relation to the sergeant, who is director of the training school. Smith is a graduate of Class 56, of the Philadelphia Fire Training School.
Each volunteer fireman will be issued an identification card which will hold his fingerprints.
Class Praised
Among those congratulating the graduates were Herbert E. Harper, chairman of the Camden Defense Council; William C. Schriver, council member; Fire Chief John Lennox and Captain Smith. Howard Odrain, deputy chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department with 31 years of experience in fighting fires, attended as an observer.
“In behalf of the Camden City Defense Council, I want to thank you men for the hours and days you have put into taking this course,” Harper told the graduates.
“You have been prompt in attendance and have been attentive. We don’t anticipate any air raids or any acts of war-invasion, but we have an important problem in enabling national defense industries in Camden city to make load in their jobs.
“The sabotage committee of the defense council has been visiting the local industries encouraging the plants to set up their own fire fighting squads and many are doing so. You men will be needed in times of an emergency to aid these forces and to assist at industries where there is no fire fighting squads.”
Chief Lennox termed the volunteers “our second line of defense” and thanked them for their cooperation.
Training Complete
The course included training in all phases of fire-fighting from operating pumpers to climbing ladders and combating incendiaries. Rescue work also was included. The use of gas masks and asbestos suits in chemical fires, how to approach delayed bombs with snubbers and the proper methods of using extinguishers were taught. A demonstration was held outside the firehouse by the volunteers. Their activities included scaling ladders, using gas masks to enter a smoke house, climbing and working on the top of the fire tower, using an aerial truck, tying tools for the lifting to tools, working on the end of water lines, working on pumpers, hooking up to stand pipes, jumping into life nets, tying life ropes and using asbestos suits through flaming gasoline and oil.
The Class
The graduates included: George D. Wilkinson, fire marshal of the RCA Manufacturing Company, and his two sons, Ernest and George; Garfield Watson, sergeant of police at New York Shipbuilding Corporation; Lieut. George Hamilton, Jr., of the 157th Field Artillery; Captain William Hare, of the Kaighn Avenue-South Street Ferry.
Harry B. Thompson, Earl Denby, Lester W. Giberson, Norman P. Maull, Joseph Leone, Samuel Schuele, George P. Smith, Joseph Marchese, Nicholas A. Messaro, William S. Martz, William E. Doan, Elwood P. Martz, Jr., Clyde Getzinger, George W. Grove, Stephen Kirby, James W. McCracken, William Watkin, Manuel Weiss, Riccardo DiGiacomo, Louis Cimini, William P. Walter, Sigmund Yakaski, Nicholas Iacovelli, Robert Holmes, Walter D. Lohrman.
Myer J. Mutter, Charles Geitz, Charles A. B. Smith, Howard Doerschner, Harry L. Freidel, Franklin L. Wright, Paul W. Kessler, Warren I. Carter, Creston Polland, Edward E. Friant, Frank F. Shropshire, Charles Gall, Albert E. Pine, Nicholas Cerasoli, George W. Williams, Joseph G. Foster, Joseph Elliott, George Hance and Irving L. Stiefel.
50 Volunteer Firemen Complete Training for Emergency Duties
Camden Courier-Post —
Graduates First of 500 to Be Trained by City for Huge Reserve; Similar to that in London; Defense Officials Praise Work
Camden’s first group of war and emergency volunteer firemen received their “diplomas” last night on completion of their training at the fire school in No. 10 firehouse, Ninth street and Morgan boulevard.
They are the initial volunteers to be trained as a reserve for the city fire department in an emergency. The volunteers, 50 of them, will be on 24-hour call. Eventually more than 500 men are expected to receive the training course for a huge reserve similar to the corps of firemen now being used in London.
The men range in ages from 11 to 59 years with Charles Smith, son of Sgt. Ray Smith, being the youngest, and Harry L. Freidel, the oldest.
The training course started May 12 and the trainees have attended three sessions a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, for seven weeks under the direction of Fire Captain Raymond Smith, no relation to the sergeant, who is director of the training school. Smith is a graduate of Class 56, of the Philadelphia Fire Training School.
Each volunteer fireman will be issued an identification card which will hold his fingerprints.
Class Praised
Among those congratulating the graduates were Herbert E. Harper, chairman of the Camden Defense Council; William C. Schriver, council member; Fire Chief John Lennox and Captain Smith. Howard Odrain, deputy chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department with 31 years of experience in fighting fires, attended as an observer.
“In behalf of the Camden City Defense Council, I want to thank you men for the hours and days you have put into taking this course,” Harper told the graduates.
“You have been prompt in attendance and have been attentive. We don’t anticipate any air raids or any acts of war-invasion, but we have an important problem in enabling national defense industries in Camden city to make load in their jobs.
“The sabotage committee of the defense council has been visiting the local industries encouraging the plants to set up their own fire fighting squads and many are doing so. You men will be needed in times of an emergency to aid these forces and to assist at industries where there is no fire fighting squads.”
Chief Lennox termed the volunteers “our second line of defense” and thanked them for their cooperation.
Training Complete
The course included training in all phases of fire-fighting from operating pumpers to climbing ladders and combating incendiaries. Rescue work also was included. The use of gas masks and asbestos suits in chemical fires, how to approach delayed bombs with snubbers and the proper methods of using extinguishers were taught. A demonstration was held outside the firehouse by the volunteers. Their activities included scaling ladders, using gas masks to enter a smoke house, climbing and working on the top of the fire tower, using an aerial truck, tying tools for the lifting to tools, working on the end of water lines, working on pumpers, hooking up to stand pipes, jumping into life nets, tying life ropes and using asbestos suits through flaming gasoline and oil.
The Class
The graduates included: George D. Wilkinson, fire marshal of the RCA Manufacturing Company, and his two sons, Ernest and George; Garfield Watson, sergeant of police at New York Shipbuilding Corporation; Lieut. George Hamilton, Jr., of the 157th Field Artillery; Captain William Hare, of the Kaighn Avenue-South Street Ferry.
Harry B. Thompson, Earl Denby, Lester W. Giberson, Norman P. Maull, Joseph Leone, Samuel Schuele, George P. Smith, Joseph Marchese, Nicholas A. Messaro, William S. Martz, William E. Doan, Elwood P. Martz, Jr., Clyde Getzinger, George W. Grove, Stephen Kirby, James W. McCracken, William Watkin, Manuel Weiss, Riccardo DiGiacomo, Louis Cimini, William P. Walter, Sigmund Yakaski, Nicholas Iacovelli, Robert Holmes, Walter D. Lohrman.
Myer J. Mutter, Charles Geitz, Charles A. B. Smith, Howard Doerschner, Harry L. Freidel, Franklin L. Wright, Paul W. Kessler, Warren I. Carter, Creston Polland, Edward E. Friant, Frank F. Shropshire, Charles Gall, Albert E. Pine, Nicholas Cerasoli, George W. Williams, Joseph G. Foster, Joseph Elliott, George Hance and Irving L. Stiefel.
Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday
Camden Courier-Post —
Acting Director
Abbott Named as Temporary Department Head by Mayor
CHURCH SERVICES TUESDAY MORNING
Frank A. Abbott.
Deputy director of revenue and finance, who was named yesterday by Mayor George E. Brunner as acting director of the department of public works to take over the duties of City Commissioner Henry Magin, who died suddenly of a heart attack yesterday. Abbott is Democratic leader of the Fifth ward.
The body of Commissioner Henry Magin will lie in state in the city commission chambers Monday night.
Mayor Brunner made that announcement today following completion of funeral arrangements with members of Commissioner Magin’s family. Magin died suddenly yesterday from a heart attack at the city incinerator plant.
On Tuesday morning, the body will be moved to the Church of St. Joan of Arc, Fairview, where a Requiem Mass will be sung at 9 a. m. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia.
Half-Holiday Declared
The public will be permitted to pay its last respects after 7 p. m. Monday. Mayor Brunner has declared a half-holiday Tuesday morning so that city employes can attend the funeral. The mayor said employes of as many departments as can conveniently be closed will be given time off.
The four city commissioners will act as pallbearers. Commissioner Kobus is in Buffalo, attending a convention, but will be home Monday.
In addition to the commissioners, Thomas Jackson, an employe of the highway department, and Samuel Magill, a former commander of Fairview Post, American Legion, also will be pallbearers.
Jackson served as a sergeant with Magin during the World War and the two men had been close friends ever since. He was named a pallbearer at Mrs. Magin’s request. A list of honorary pallbearers is being compiled by Mayor Brunner.
City, county, State, Federal and veterans’ officials are expected to view the body Monday night. Several veterans’ organizations of which Magin was an officer or member will conduct their rituals at the cemetery.
Mayor Brunner said that James O’Brien, commander of the Disabled American Veterans and president of the Veterans’ Political League which sponsored Magin as a city commissioner, will be in charge of the arrangements for services by veterans.
Edward J. Quinlan, a vice commander of the Camden County American Legion, will be in charge of memorial services in the commission chamber Monday night and military services at the grave. The funeral will be a military one, Brunner said.
Quinlan requested all veteran groups assemble at the City Hall Plaza at 7.45 p. m. Monday so they can attend the services at 8 p. m. in a body.
The police and firemen also will attend the Monday night services in a body. Firemen will be led by Chief John H. Lennox while the police will be in charge of Chief Clerk George Clayton.
Brunner said parking at the plaza will not be permitted Tuesday morning until after the funeral party has left for the church.
Commissioner Magin collapsed in the arms of James Carr, assistant superintendent of streets, a minute after he had been photographed while conversing with Samuel Burgess, an official of the Nichols Engineering & Research Corp., New York, who was inspecting the plant. The commissioner was 44.
Mayor Goes to Home
When Mayor Brunner was informed the Commissioner was dead he immediately went to the Magin home at 3043 Alabama road to console the widow, Helen, and a daughter, Helen, 20. The Mayor remained two hours until Mrs. Magin regained her composure.
Mayor Brunner announced Frank A. Abbott, deputy director of revenue and finance, will assume temporary charge of the public works department, beginning Monday.
“I appointed Mr. Abbott acting director of the department of public works in order that business and functions of the department will not be curtailed,” Mayor Brunner said. “This is the largest department in the city and it requires a directing head until such time as a successor to Commissioner Magin is elected by the City Commission.”
Abbott is familiar with workings of the department, having been acting director several weeks last year when Magin was ill in a hospital. It is reported he will be named to succeed Magin.
Although he has the title of deputy director of revenue and finance, Abbott actually is first assistant to Mayor Brunner who heads the revenue and finance department.
Abbott is serving his second consecutive four-year term as deputy. For more than 15 years he has been Democratic leader of the Fifth ward. He lives at 346 Cherry street.
Native of Camden
Born in Camden, Abbott attended Fetters school and later learned and worked at the plastering trade. He was a Fifth ward Democratic leader in days when Democrats ran for but seldom were elected to public office.
He went through several torrid political campaigns against the late John Carroll, Republican leader of the ward and political lieutenant of the late former U. S. Senator David Baird, Sr.
Abbott learned to play baseball on the rocky vacant lots in the Fifth ward. He was regarded as a fleet-footed outfielder and a fast base runner.
For a short time he had a brief fling as a dancer in vaudeville, but Pater Abbott put his foot down, ordered him to return home and learn the plastering trade.
Close Friend of Mayor
The Damon and Pythias like friendship between Mayor Brunner and his deputy is a legend in the Democratic party of Camden. One of Brunner’s first acts when he was elected a city commissioner six years ago was to name Abbott as his deputy at a salary of $3000 a year.
Brunner has stated publicly that Abbott will be his aide in any position to which he is elected or appointed. Abbott’s loyalty to Brunner is little short of devotion.
It’s Abbott’s job to keep Brunner’s appointments, admit those the mayor wants to talk to and give the gate to those the mayor doesn’t want to meet. Abbott makes a perfect buffer for the city’s chief executive.
Henry Magin Laid to Rest By War Veteran Buddies
Camden Courier-Post —
Trucks of Flowers in Funeral Cortege
Funeral services for City Commissioner Henry Magin were held today with his colleagues in official and veterans circles participating.
Services were conducted in city commission chambers on the second floor of city hall, in charge of Rev. Dr. W.W. Ridgeway, rector of St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church.
The casket was carried by war veteran associates of the public works director, who died from a heart attack Friday. A color guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion preceded the casket, followed by the four remaining members of the city commission, Mayor George Brunner and commissioners E. George Aaron, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone.
A guard of honor lined both sides of city hall steps, 22 policemen on one side and 22 firemen on the other, representing Magin’s age, 44 years.
Hundreds of men and women waited outside the building to pay their respects as the solemn procession filed by. Mayor Brunner had declared this morning a holiday for city employees. The casket was borne by Thomas Jackson and Samuel Magill, both past Legion commanders; Leon McCarty, past commander of August Walter Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Richard Jermyn, past commander of Post 1270, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Benjamin P. Thomas, past captain of Sparrow Ship No. 1269, V.F.W.; and William Miller, past State commander, D.A.V.
Three trucks were required to carry the floral pieces from the scene of the services to the National Cemetery at Beverly, where burial took place.
An estimated 8000 persons from all walks of life paid their respects to the late official by viewing the body as it lay in state in the commission chambers.
The throng of mourners of Camden city and county was the largest to converge on a public building since the funeral of Fire Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed while fighting a fire almost 20 years ago. His body was placed on public view in the rotunda of the old county courthouse.
File Past Bier
A continuous progression of people filed past the flag draped bier for more than three and one-half hours. Scores of Republicans and hundreds of Democrats joined in the tribute.
Services were conducted by Camden lodges of Elks and Moose. Military rites were conducted by the Fairview Post, American Legion, of which Magin was a founder and past commander. The tribute was led by Mitchell Halin, post commander, and C. Richard Allen, past department commander.
James W. Conner, chief clerk of the city water bureau and past State Commander of the V.F.W., conducted rites at the grave.
Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone came early and remained throughout the hours of viewing. Mrs. Helen Magin, the widow, and daughter Helen, attired in deep mourning, arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.
Embraces Widow, Daughter
Commissioner Kobus, who knelt in prayer before the bier, arose and went over to Mrs. Magin and her daughter. Mrs. Kobus embraced and kissed the widow and daughter of the late commissioner. They were in tears.
Three firemen and three policemen maintained a vigil as a guard of honor. They were Patrolmen Jack Kaighn, George Weber, and William Deery and Firemen Arthur Batten, Warren Carter and William Reed.
American Legion and V.F.W. members in uniform alternated as members of the military guard of honor. A detail of 50 policemen was under command of Acting Lieutenant John Garrity. Fifty firemen, under supervision of Deputy Chief Walter Mertz, assisted the patrolmen in handling the crowd, which at times choked the stairways leading to the second floor.
Freeholders Arrive
Albert H. Molt, director of the Board of Freeholders and Freeholders John J. Tull, Oscar Moore, Ventorino Francesconi, Stanley Ciechanowski, Earl Armstrong and Emil J. McCall arrived shortly after 7:00 PM. Moore and Tull wore American Legion overseas caps. Albert S. Marvel, clerk of the board, accompanied the freeholders.
Employees of the various bureaus in the department of public works, headed by Commissioner Magin, came in delegations with the highway bureau having 150, the largest number.
Frank A. Abbott, acting director of the department, accompanied by James P. Carr, superintendent of Streets, led the highway bureau employees. Abbott is deputy director of revenue and finance and first assistant to Mayor Brunner. He was named by Brunner as acting director until the City Commission elects Mr. Magin’s successor.
County Clerk Frank J. Suttill, City Clerk Clay W. Reesman, Fire Chief John H. Lennox and James A. Howell, chief of the city electrical bureau, attended, as did Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the board of education. Every city department sent a floral piece.
Outstanding Floral Tribute
Outstanding among the floral tributes was a six-foot broken circle of varied flowers, an offering from Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone.
A floral chair was sent by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association. The word “Rest” was made up of flowers. The offering of the Veterans League of South Jersey, an organization formed by Commissioner Magin and of which he was the first president, was a large floral pillow.
The freeholders and county officials gave a large floral basket. Floral tributes came from the employees of the board of education, the RCA Manufacturing Company, the police and fire bureaus, Pyne Point Athletic Association, the Elks, Moose and several Democratic clubs.
The floral tributes came in such numbers yesterday afternoon that Funeral Director Harry Leonard and his assistants could not find room for them in the commission chamber proper. They were banked on both sides, in the rear and over the casket.
Among prominent officials and citizens who came to pay their respects were Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and his son, Donnell, Assemblymen Joseph W. Cowgill and J. Frank Crawford, Sidney P. McCord, city comptroller, Thomas C. Schneider, president of Camden County Council No. 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association.
Others at Bier
Others were Sue Devinney, secretary to Mrs. Kobus; Fred S. Caperoon; Henry Aitken, city sealer of weights and measures, Horace R. Dixon, executive director of the Camden Housing Authority; George I. Shaw, vice president of the board of education.
Sgt. Ray Smith, chairman of the Elks Crippled Children Committee and commander of East Camden Post, V.F.W.; Albert Becker, commander of Camden County Post 126, Jewish War Veterans; Dr. Howard E. Primas and Wilbur F. Dobbins, members of the Camden Housing Authority; Postmaster Emma E. Hyland; Samuel E. Fulton, member of the Camden local assistance board.
Also former Assemblyman Rocco Palese, former Freeholder Maurice Bart and wife, County Detective James Mulligan, Deputy City Clerk William D. Sayrs, Mary King, secretary to City Clerk Reesman, Charles W. Anderson and John W. Diehl Jr., former members of the housing authority, Walter P. Wolverton, chief clerk of the public works department; Thomas J. Kenney, Maurice Hertz, Isadore Hermann, chief of the city tax title bureau; S. Raymond Dobbs; acting chief of city property, John Oziekanski, building inspector, Harry Langebein, city assessor.
Oliver H. Bond, housing manager of Clement T. Branch Village; former Judge Joseph Varbalow, acting city counsel John J. Crean, assistant City Counsel Edward V. Martino, Paul Day, secretary of city board of assessors, former Assemblyman William T. Iszard, Harry Roye, district director of NYA; Victor J. Scharle and Martin Segal, Democratic and Republican registrars, respectively, of the Camden County permanent registration bureau.
Mrs. Marian Garrity and Mrs. Mary F. Hendricks, vice chairman and secretary respectively, of the Republican City Committee; Dr. Ethan A. Lang and Dr. Richard P. Bowman, members of the board of education; Edward J. Borden, Carl Kisselman, Harry A. Kelleher, Samuel T. French Sr., former Freeholder Walter Budniak, Coroner Paul R. Rilatt, County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher, William Shepp, of the city legal bureau, Marie Carr, stenographer, mayor’s office; Samuel T. French Jr., member, board of education.
Also John C. Trainor, member of the Camden County Board of Elections; Antonio Mecca, funeral director; Alexander Feinberg, solicitor of the housing authority, former Freeholder John T. Hanson, Sterling Parker and Paul Reihman, member of the county park commission.
James O’Brien, commander of the Camden Disabled American Veterans, was in charge of services by veterans at the cemetery. Former Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, county vice-commander of the American Legion, directed last night memorial services and was in charge of the firing squad at the grave.
Lester Store Razed By $100,000 Fire
Camden Courier-Post —
Flames on Broadway Are Subdued After Seven-Hour Battle
The clothing and jewelry store of S. Lester, at 713 Broadway, was destroyed by fire of undetermined origin following an explosion late Saturday night.
Eight companies fought the two-alarm fire for seven hours and succeeded in saving adjoining buildings in the block which were threatened by the roaring flames. An invalid woman was carried to safety. Two other persons fled to the street. One fireman was injured.
Damage was estimated at $100,000 by A. Lee Newman, manager. S. Lester, proprietor, returned from Florida yesterday to learn of the misfortune.
Fire Chief John H. Lennox today said the cause of the fire probably never will be known.
“All we know is that it started on the first floor,” Chief Lennox said. “The basement was all right so it was not the heating system that caused it.
“The store was closed at 10.25 p. m. What happened between then and 11.24, when the first alarm came in, we’ll probably never know, except that there was an explosion. So aflame was the building when firemen arrived that it was impossible to trace the fire’s origin.”
Three Explosions
The fire started in the building at 11.18 p.m., the time being fixed by an automatic alarm system. Sheets of flame shot through the first and second floor windows just as the audience was leaving the last show of the Towers Theatre across the street.
Alarms were turned in by three persons. A boy ran into the drug store of Theodore Ellis, at Broadway and Pine street; a pedestrian ran to the firehouse of Engine Company No. 1, at Fourth and Pine streets, and an alarm was sounded by an employe of a private watchman service summoned by breaking of an electric circuit by the explosion.
Engine Co. 1, 2 and 8 and Truck Co. No. 1 answered the first alarm under Acting Deputy Fire Chief William Van Pfefferle, who turned in the second alarm, bringing Engine Co. 3, 6 and 7 and Truck Co. No. 2, together with Fire Chief Lennox and Police Chief George Frost.
Part of the roof fell in shortly after 2 a.m., according to the report of Acting Battalion Chief Laurence Newton.
It was 6.30 a.m. yesterday before the last of the firemen pulled away. During the seven hours traffic was routed off Broadway. Southbound traffic was sent down Fifth street, northbound traffic up Sixth street, diversion points being Royden and Spruce streets.
Some damage was done to the roof and smoke and water did other damage to the Gray Hat Shop at 717 Broadway. Carl Schwartz and his wife, Fay, proprietor of the hat shop, were forced to flee from their apartment above their store.
Mrs. Catherine Burrichter, an invalid living in a two-story house at 711 Broadway, was carried out by firemen. The roof of the Burrichter home was slightly damaged by fire, while smoke and water poured through the house.
Hoseman Stephan Szwack, 37, of 1234 Dayton street, attached to Engine Co. No. 8, suffered a cut on the left hand while fighting the fire. He was treated at West Jersey Hospital.
Crowds were attracted to the scene by the explosions and the flames.
Lester was met in Philadelphia by Newman as he returned from Florida yesterday, and told what had happened.
To Open Temporary Store
Lester said a temporary store will be opened within a few days while a new store is being built. Collection records and account books were saved by their steel containers, Lester explained, and were moved to the office of Dr. Benjamin W. Kauffman at 706 Broadway.
“I am glad the explosions and fire did not occur until after 11 o’clock,” Lester said. “At that time the store was closed, so no customers or employees could be injured.”
Lester had been in business at 713 Broadway since 1935. His first Broadway store was opened at 936 Broadway in 1928.
The proprietor immediately took charge of salvaging unharmed merchandise, moving of records, search for a temporary store location and outlining plans for a new building with an architect.
“We shall start at once to construct the finest store in South Jersey,” Lester said. “Our temporary store will be open with new merchandise for the Easter season.”
Reesman Swears In Two City Firemen
Camden Courier-Post —
Appointed by Public Safety Director Rhone, two city firemen were sworn in yesterday by City Clerk Reesman. They are Lugo M. Lanzilotta, 26, of 722 South Fourth street, and Charles Patterson, 27, of 909 Haddon avenue. The ceremony in the office of Dr. Rhone was attended by Fire Chief Lennox. Commissioner Rhone said both men were appointed from a certified civil service list.
Fireman Toy Dead From Auto Crash
Camden Courier-Post —
Pfefferle’s Condition Reported Good; Bus Driver to Face New Charges
William Earl Toy, veteran Camden fireman, succumbed yesterday to injuries received in the line of duty Saturday while driving to a fire at Berwick and Boyd streets.
Toy, 45 and a member of the department 17 years, was at the wheel of Acting Chief William Van Pfefferle’s car when it collided with a west-bound Public Service bus at Sixteenth and Federal streets.
Pfefferle escaped with severe cuts and bruises but Toy suffered fractures of the thigh, arm and wrist and internal injuries, the latter proving fatal. Both men were taken to Cooper hospital, where Pfefferle’s condition today was described as good.
Driver to Be Arraigned Again.
The driver of the bus, Norman Davidson, of 3738 Frosthoffer avenue, Pennsauken, previously released on $500 bail to await outcome of Toy’s injuries, will be arraigned before Police Judge Cohen Wednesday on a charge of death by auto.
Davidson escaped injury but three passengers in the bus bound from Merchantville to the Camden ferries were hurt slightly. Two of them were children. The three were treated for cuts and bruises at the Cooper and released.
They are Miss Katherine Durborrow, 28, of 2928 High street; Greta Gaskill, 12, of 3311 Highland avenue, and Elaine Miller, 8, of 6211 Magnolia avenue, Pennsauken.
Toy and his wife, Margaret C., lived at 607 West street. He recently returned to duty after being out with a broken ankle, caused when he was struck by a car; she just recovered from a broken collar bone received in a fall. Their only son, William, Jr., is stationed in Colorado, with the Army Air Corps. He is on his way home for the funeral.
Meanwhile, yesterday, unaware of his son’s death, Toy’s father, Lemuel Toy, 86, of the same address, was admitted to the hospital suffering from a heart ailment. His condition was termed as fair.
Toy was employed by the J. B. VanSciver Company before entering the fire department. He was a member of the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association and as a young man played baseball in South Camden. He was third baseman with the old Towers club.
Wife’s Brother in Bureau
Mrs. Toy is the sister of John K. Voll, veteran member of the city fire department now attached to Engine Company No. 1.
Nineteen persons, several of them children, were forced to flee from nine row houses in the 2100 block on Berwick street when they became smokefilled and were threatened by flames which started in the store-dwelling at 2150. Two infants were carried to the street. Toy was driving Pfefferle, acting deputy chief at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, to this fire when the fatal crash occured [sic].
Fire Chief Lennox blamed the fire on a careless smoker who, he said, dropped a lighted cigarette on an overstuffed chair on the second floor of the store-dwelling. The store proprietor said only a maid who had gone off duty at 1 p. m., had been in the room.
Van Pfefferle Acting Head Of Fire Dept.
Camden Courier-Post —
Named as Mertz Gets Leave and Prepares To Retire on Jan. 15
Camden has a new acting fire chief today—William Van Pfefferle.
The new department head was appointed by Safety Director E. George Aaron, after he received a letter Wednesday from Acting Chief Walter Mertz, announcing his desire to retire on Jan. 15. Mertz also requested a leave of absence until that date. The leave was granted.
Van Pfefferle, now a battalion chief, will fill the acting chief’s post during the interim, Aaron said.
Both men have been stationed at fire headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets.
Mertz, who is 72 and lives at 3016 Constitution road, has been a member of the fire department since Oct. 1, 1911. He was promoted to lieutenant on Oct. 1, 1915, then raised to captain on April 1, 1918, became battalion chief on Sept. 14, 1932, and two years later was raised to deputy chief.
On the retirement of the late John Lennox, Mertz assumed the acting chief’s duties Nov. 19, 1945.
Van Pfefferle joined the department Oct. 1, 1917, as an electrician. At that time the fire department had several pieces of electrically driven apparatus with power supplied by storage batteries. At that time fire department personnel had been depleted because of War I service.
Due to his experience with electrically-driven equipment, Van Pfefferle was placed in charge of all apparatus in the city on July 1, 1918. He was promoted to junior captain on Feb. 2, 1927; senior captain, March 30, 1930, and to battalion chief on Sept. 18, 1944.
Van Pfefferle, who is 58, lives at 619 North Fourth street.
The Civil Service Commission has called for an examination for fire chief, with battalion chiefs and captains eligible to take the test.
Chief Colsey Dies at 67 of Heart Attack
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Head Succumbs During Sleep While Suffering From Cold
MEMBER OF FORCE IN CAMDEN 27 YEARS
Chief of Police Arthur Colsey, veteran of 27 years in the department, died of a heart attack in his sleep at his home, 2937 Stevens street, last night. He was 67.
Apparently in good health except for a slight cold, Chief Colsey left his office in City Hall at noon yesterday, telling his assistants he was going home “to nurse the cold.”
Shortly after 5 p. m., Chief Colsey asked his son, Arthur, Jr., to take Mrs. Colsey on a shopping trip. When they returned two hours later, they found him dead on a couch. The son said his father told him he was going to take a nap before he went to a doctor’s office to receive treatment for the cold.
Chief Colsey was a Camden merchant before entering the police department. For years he was active in the Republican party. He was highly respected by all men in the department. The chief was quiet in manner and the excitement pertaining to strikes in the city a few years ago found him calm in the most delicate situations.
Born in Kidderminster, England, in December, 1872, he came to this country when 17. He was in the department store business with his brothers at Ninth and Market streets for years. He served in the old City Council from 1907 to 1911 from the Second ward. At that time he lived at Eighth and Linden streets.
Joined Force in 1912
Colsey was appointed a patrolman by former Mayor Charles H. Ellis on March 13, 1912, while Elisha A. Gravenor was chief. After several months as a street patrolman he was assigned to the First District patrol wagon. Then he was made a district detective. Next he was promoted to a full ranking detective under Detective Chief William Schregler.
After being appointed a detective he was assigned as a plainclothesman and secretary to Mayor Ellis. He served in this capacity seven years. In 1923 he was appointed chief clerk of the police department with the rank of captain.
In 1924 he was made chief of the vice squad, which made 380 raids for prohibition law violations. The squad also assisted the federal authorities in 180 more liquor raids and participated in 54 raids on disorderly houses and 38 gambling places.
In 1927 the City Commission abolished the rank of captain in the department and Colsey remained as chief clerk without the title. The rank of captain was restored to him by the City Commission in 1932 by motion of Commissioner David S. Rhone.
When former Chief John W. Golden retired on a pension on June 11, 1934, Colsey was named acting chief by Mayor Roy R. Stewart. He was named permanent chief on August 30, 1934, by Mayor Stewart. At the same time John H. Lennox was named permanent chief of the fire department.
During the absence of City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, Chief Colsey was acting director.
Colsey was one of the most popular men who served as chief, both in his department and in civic and political circles. After he was made a full ranking captain in 1932 a series of testimonial dinners were given by the East End Republican League, Twelfth Ward Republican Club and Eleventh Ward Republican Clubs. He was boomed for chief at each of the dinners. Another testimonial was given when he was acting chief by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association.
In February, 1931, his appointment as chief was urged to succeed Chief Lewis H. Stehr but Golden was named.
While a resident of North Camden he served as president of the Second Ward Republican Club. He was president of the Twelfth Ward Republican Club in 1932.
Prominent Lodgeman
Chief Colsey was a thirty-second degree Mason, being a member of Trimble Lodge, No. 117, Free and Accepted Masons; Crescent Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and Camden Forest, No. 5, Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He also was a member Camden Lodge, No. 293, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Camden Lodge, No. 111, Loyal Order of Moose; Camden Aerie, No. 65, Fraternal Order of Eagles; Sons of St. George, Foresters of America, Improved Order of Red Men, Camden Local, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association; International Police Chiefs’ Association, New Jersey State Police Chiefs’ Association, Camden Police and Fire Association, and the Camden County Republican Association.
Coroner Ernest Larossa issued the death certificate due to a heart ailment.
The funeral will be held at 2 p. m., Wednesday with burial in Arlington Cemetery. Other arrangements have not been completed. The body will be on view from 7 to 9 p. m., Tuesday at the home.
The chief is survived by his widow, Lillie; a brother, Thomas Colsey, a merchant and ranking officer of the Loyal Order of Moose; and two grandchildren, Arthur Colsey, 3rd., and Lillian Colsey. The grandson, a student at Western Maryland College, was notified last night of his grandfather’s death and left immediately for Camden.
Motorization of Camden Fire Department Completed Under Chief P. B. Carter in 1915
Camden Courier-Post —
Above is shown a photo of part of the Camden Fire Department after it was motorized. The above companies are stationed at Fire Headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets.
This is the fifth installment of a history of fire fighting in Camden from the time of the formation of the first volunteer company in 1810 to 1936. It is the first complete history of the fire department written since 1886 and links the old volunteers with the new paid motorized department. It is being published in the interest [sic] with Fire Prevention Week, which was sponsored last week by the Camden County Fire Chiefs Association and the Camden Fire Department. Saturday’s installment told of the formation of the paid fire department.
Samuel S. Elfreth was reappointed for several terms as chief by the fire committee of city council before he was made permanent head of the department.
After more than 30 years of service he retired in October 13, 1913, and was succeeded by Charles Worthington, captain of Engine Compony [sic] No. 6, on November 1, 1913. Worthington was killed in a fall from a roof on May 14, 1914, and was succeeded by Deputy Chief John A. Stockton. Stockton retired the following year and was succeeded by Peter B. Carter on October 1, 1915.
Under Carter the motorization of the department was completed. Carter was injured in a fall from a roof when fire destroyed the interior of State Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He retired on a pension on March 31, 1926, to become chief of the Collingswood Fire Department. He remained as Collingswood’s chief until August 29, 1927, when he resigned. He was succeeded as chief of the Camden department by the late Thomas J. Nicholas. Nicholas retired in November, 1932, and was succeeded by John H. Lennox, who was named acting chief by former Mayor Roy R. Stewart on December 1, 1932. He was sworn in as a full-fledged chief on October 1, 1934.
Lennox Heads Department
Lennox is now chief. The deputy chiefs are William R. Harring and Walter A. Mertz and the battalion chiefs, Charles Erickson and Rollo R. Jones. Bernard J. Gallagher is fire marshal, James A. Howell, chief of the electrical bureau, and James H. Long, chief of the water department.
Deputy chiefs were known as assistant chiefs until the two-platoon system was inaugurated in Camden on January 1, 1921, under fromer [sic] Mayor Charles H. Ellis.
Company commanders were at first called foremen. Later they were named lieutenants. When the two-platoon system was adopted, requiring the men to be on duty one-half day instead of 24 hours the ranks of senior and junior captain were created.
The present equipment of the department includes two pieces of apparatus at Engine Companies No. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 and one piece at Nos. 10 and 11. The department also has four hook and ladder trucks. Three of these are aerial trucks stationed at Nos. 1, 2 and 4. Company No. 3 has a city service truck. The department also has a supply wagon, four chief cars and a coffee service wagon for third alarms.
Fire headquarters is now maintained at Fifth and Arch streets and the Electrical Bureau is in modern offices on the eighth floor of the new city hall. Engine Company No. 2 is housed with Truck Company No. 1, at headquarters.
The other companies are housed as follows: Engine Company, No. 1, Fourth and Pine streets; Engine Company No. 3, Broadway and Ferry avenue; Engine Company No. 6, Front and Linden streets; Engine Company No. 7, Kaighn avenue above Mt. Ephraim avenue; Engine Company No. 8, and Truck Company No. 2, Sixth street and Kaighn avenue; Engine Company No. 9, and Truck Company No. 3, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets; Engine Company No. 10, and Truck Company, No. 4, Ninth street and Morgan boulevard; Engine Company No. 11, Twenty-seventh street and Hayes avenue.
Engine Company No. 4, Fourth and Vine streets, was abolished in 1932 for economy reasons. Engine Company No. 5, Federal street and Cooper river, was closed with the building of the Federal street viaduct in 1926.
Company Commanders
Company commanders at present are: Engine Company, No. 1, Acting Senior Captain Harry Wagner, Jr., Acting Junior Captain Joseph Gentlesk; Engine Company, No. 2, Acting Senior Captain Rocco Fanelli Acting Captain Edward Ellender; Engine Company, No. 3, Senior Captain Leonard Megee, Junior Captain Eli Hunt; Engine Company, No. 6, Acting Senior Captain George Salnders, Junior Captain George Townsend; Engine Company No. 7, Senior Captain William F. Rose, Junior Captain Henry Zook; Engine Company No. 8, Senior Captain Lawrence Newton, Junior Captain Alvin Thompson; Engine Company No. 9, Senior Captain Daniel Smith, Junior Captain Howard Glick; Engine Company No. 10, Acting Senior Captain Jarrett Zanders, Acting Junior Captain Maurice O’Brien; Engine Company, No. 11, Senior Captain Charles Watkins, Junior Captain Herman Kreher.
Truck Company No. 1, (hook and ladder), Senior Captain William Van Pfeferle, Acting Junior Captain William Judge; Truck Company, No. 2, Acting Senior Captain James Young, Acting Junior Captain Frank Oberman; Truck Company No. 3, Senior Captain Clarence Madden, Acting Junior Captain David Humphreys; Truck Company No. 4, Senior Captain Mordecai Clark, Acting Junior Captain William Scholl.
The coffee wagon was presented to the department by Mrs. Laura Frey, widow of former City Treasurer George A. Frey, on July 20, 1930. The wagon was presented at the request of Frey. It is a modern kitchen on wheels, according to Chief Lennox.
The pumpers of Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 6 have pumping capacity of 1000 gallons per minute. Companies 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 can pump 750 gallons a minute. Nos. 9, 10 and 11 have three-in-one chemical, hose and pumping units. Companies No. 1 and 6 have booster tanks with 100 gallon capacity, replacing chemical, with three-quarter-inch rubber hose.
City Council authorized the motorization of the Camden Fire Department on January 1, 1913. The first motor car was assigned to Chief Elfreth. The motorization was completed under Chief Carter. Camden was one of the first cities in the country to motorize its department and was so equipped before Philadelphia began to use the modern equipment with powerful pumpers.
When the fire department was motorized City Council retained two of the steam pumpers, having them mounted on tractors. After a survey of the city’s fire, water and police equipment and building codes in 1932 by the National Board of Fire Underwriters a recommendation was made that this apparatus be replaced by more modern motor driven and operated equipment. This was done two years ago while former Mayor Roy R. Stewart was director of public safety.
Six Killed at Fire
Six men have been killed in the line of duty fighting fires. The worst catastrophe was at a fire which destroyed the old Fifth Regiment Armory at West and Mickle streets on March 16, 1905. The fire broke out at 5.55 p. m. William Jobes, Engine Company, No. 1; George Shields and William Hillman, Truck Company, No. 2, were trapped in a room in the building and were killed.
Chief Worthington was killed in a fall from a roof while directing the fighting of a fire at Delaware avenue and George street on May 14, 1914.
Capt. Martin Carrigan, of Engine Company, No. 2, was killed directing a fight against a fire which wrecked the interior of the Morris Handle department store at 427 and 429 Kaighn avenue on January 18, 1922.
Hoseman John J. Reilly was killed on January 19, 1925, when a fire extinguisher exploded while fighting a fire at 924 North Second street.
Two Camden firemen were crippled as a result of being caught under a falling wall while battling a fire at the Enterprise Wall Paper plant at Collingswood on January 6, 1915. Injured with them was a Westmont fireman and former Judge John B. Kates, of the Collingswood department, then a member of the General Assembly of New Jersey. The late Battalion Chief George B. Wade and the late William E. Laird, a hoseman, were caught under the falling debris and were in the West Jersey Hospital several weeks. Kates, Wade and Laird suffered crushed limbs.
(Tomorrow’s installment will tell of the most serious fires in the history of the city.)
Attendance Record
Camden Courier-Post —
Courier-Post Photo
ATTENDANCE RECORD for firemen to aim at is one set by Edward E. Peraria Sr., right, of 2927 Mickle street, who retired from the fire department March 1 after missing only 62 days work in 30 years. Peraria was a chief’s aide having driven for former Fire Chief Walter Mertz and the late Chief John Lennox. Chief William V. Pfefferle, left, presents cash token to him Wednesday at Twenty-seventh and Federal streets.