Introduction
Joseph E. Nowrey, Mayor of Camden, NJ, 1902–1905; and a campaign button.
JOSEPH E. NOWREY was born in 1865 in Glendon PA, near Easton, to Alexander and Mary Nowrey. His father had moved to Camden around 1873. Alexander Nowrey established a dry goods business at 842 Locust Street, before passing on February 10, 1877. His mother Mary kept the dry goods business going. Between 1887 and 1891 Joseph Nowrey was employed as a machinist for a dredging company, and made his home at 842 Locust Street in Camden NJ. He and his family had moved to 939 South 4th Street by June of 1900. Next door at 943 South 4th Street was shoe merchant Henry Kobus; well known blacksmith Thomas Daley lived around the corner at 337 Walnut Street; his son Thomas J. Daley would serve as Camden’s city engineer for over twenty years.
After serving as police recorder, Joseph Nowrey served as mayor of Camden NJ from 1902 to 1905, when he was succeeded by Charles Ellis. He had won the November 6, 1901 election by a very small plurality. He was the only Democrat to hold the Mayor’s office until 1923. He also served as the Sheriff of Camden County from 1911 to 1914. Known as “Honest Joe,” he was also involved with several fraternal organizations, including the Modern Woodmen of America and the Improved Order of Red Men. He served as Grand Sachem and Great Prophet for the State of New Jersey in the first years of the century. In May of 1904 he was grand marshal of a parade in Camden involving the Red Men, some 7,000 of which were in Camden for a convention. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Irish-American organizations.
Mayor Nowrey’s term was marked with controversy, as his Democratic administration attempted to institute changes to laws and policies enacted by the previous Republican administrations. He feuded with fellow Democrat William J. Thompson, and his refusal to sign $50,000 in school bonds authorized by Council led to legal action that ended up in the New Jersey State Supreme Court during the first year of his administration. He was widely criticized for his refusal to authorize the school loan in the Camden Post-Telegram, and he attempted to dissolve Camden’s Board of Education in September of 1903. This feud continued for months. In June of 1904, he announced he would run for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 1904, but did not succeed in this bid, having alienated many regular organization Democratic leaders. In the late summer of 1904 City Council passed an ordinance authorizing the issuance of bonds to raise money for the purchase of a public park; Mayor Nowrey held off signing the bill until he had time to examine the merits of the issue. In September of 1904 he was nominated by the local Democratic party to run for re-election as mayor. His chances were thought good, as he had settled the feud with William J. Thompson. Joseph Nowrey was defeated by Charles Ellis in a bitterly fought election in November of 1904.
When the census was taken in 1910, the Nowrey family resided at 939 South 4th Street. Joseph Nowrey was engaged in real estate at the time; his term as Camden County Sheriff began the following year. At the time of the 1920 census, Joseph Nowrey, then 54, was living at 921 Cooper Street with his wife Mary and children Joseph E. Jr., Myrtle, and Roland. He was then in the construction business. Joseph Nowrey had retired by 1930. He, wife Mary, and son Roland still resided at 921 Cooper Street in April of that year. He remained active in Democrat party affairs well into the 1930s.
Joseph E. Nowrey Sr. passed away in 1937, and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Camden, next to his mother and father. His wife died on April 1, 1950, and was buried by his side.
A great-nephew, PFC John A. Nowrey, the grandson of his brother George, was killed in action while serving with the United States Army during World War II. George Nowrey passed on in January of 1938.
Note on Trenton Times Coverage
Please take notice of this information while reading the following articles and editorials reprinted from the Trenton Times covering Mayor Joseph Nowrey’s administration. Joseph Nowrey was a Democratic Mayor and the Trenton Times was aligned with the Republican party politically. One must consider this in evaluating the Times coverage of Mayor Nowrey’s actions while in office.
Over in Camden.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Articles of incorporation were filed yesterday by the American Metal Edge Box Company.
The police were notified yesterday that William Ilgenfritz, 14 years old, of 1121 Mickle street, was missing.
Jacob N. Wise, 65 years old, fell from a step at Delaware and Market streets yesterday and broke his hip. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
A number of church people have filed a remonstrance with the excise Commission against granting a liquor license to Charles Gorden, of Ninth street and Ferry avenue.
Mrs. Victor Kline, of 526 Vine street, discovered a burglar in the house early Tuesday morning, but the thief fled at her approach, leaving a lot of clothing and silverware which he had bundled up, ready to take away.
Charles E. Wilson was committed by Recorder Mowrey [sic] last night, charged with stealing two overcoats from the Camden Turning Mill, at Front and Arch streets. He was captured at the Federal Street Ferry by Policemen [sic] Hartman.
Bessie Hughes was held by Justice Schmitz yesterday for a further hearing on a charge of stealing household goods from the boarding house of Mrs. Marshall, at 121 Market street. Some of the missing goods were found at the defendant’s home.
Among the latest victims of the grip in Camden are Mayor Hatch, Chief of Police Foster, City Clerk Harry Kramer, former City Counsel J. Willard Morgan, Charles R. Baron, New Jersey editor of the Philadelphia Record, and Policemen George Cooper, Harry Miller, James Ware and George Anderson.
Camden Democrats on the Watch
Philadelphia Inquirer —
They Hope to Make a Hit at the Spring Election Two Weeks Hence
Camden Democrats will make an active campaign during the next two weeks in the hope of carrying some of their Councilmanic candidates through at the municipal election on March 13 A campaign committee of five will be in charge of affairs, both factions in the party being represented in the committee, which is composed of County Detective John S. Smith, chairman of the City Committee; former State Senator George Pfeiffer, Jr., chairman of the County Committee; State Committeeman Harry B. Paul, former Judge Howard Carrow and City Recorder Joseph E. Nowrey.
The Democrats could not secure control of City Council if they elected their candidates in every ward, but if they carry three or four wards it would do much to strengthen the party for next fall’s contest. The fight will be made in wards where dissension exists in the Republican ranks.
The saloonkeepers of Camden are still smarting under the turndown they received in their efforts to have the license fee cut down from $500 to $300 and the subsequent indictment of many of their number for Sunday liquor selling. The liquor dealers are now organized as they have never been before. The Camden Liquor Dealers’ Association is a close corporation and keeps its secrets well. It has leaked out that they propose to cut the Republican candidates, as they blame the Republican leaders for most of their troubles. The association has been raising a “pot” to aid the election of the Democratic candidates for City Council. The saloonkeepers are very reticent about discussing this subject, as they depend upon the Republican Excise Commissioners for their licenses.
The Democrats held their primary election last evening and named the following candidates for City Council: First ward, John H. Irwin; Second ward, former State Senator and County Chairman George Pfeiffer; Third ward, James Noone; Fourth ward, Lewis Holl; Fifth ward, George Horneff; Sixth ward, Ben Meloney; Seventh ward, William Hollman; Eighth ward, William Jennings; Ninth ward, Frank H. Powell; Tenth ward, Abel Lewis; Eleventh ward, William Petzell; Twelfth ward, Thomas H. Cook.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The will of Isaac V. Brown, of Berlin, was admitted to probate yesterday by Surrogate West.
A big crowd of Camden Elks will go to Trenton to-day to participate in the annual clam bake of Trenton Lodge, B. P. O. Elks.
Recorder Nowrey held Samuel Suders in $500 bail yesterday, charged with larceny as bailee of $5 from John J. Jordan.
Frank Melton, 28 years old, of 1048 Ferry avenue, was overcome by heat yesterday while at work in Farr & Bailey’s oil cloth works. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
While fishing at the head of Third street yesterday Fred George Gregory, 6 years old, of 212 Byron street, fell in the Delaware River and was drowned.
The body of an unknown man, about 38 years old, and weighing 170 pounds, was found yesterday in the Delaware River at the foot of Bulson street. The body was taken to the Morgue where it awaits identification.
His Wife Must Suffer
Camden Daily Telegram —
While After Medicine McNeil Fell by the Wayside
With one kid glove on, hair parted in the middle and the remnants of a good sized skate still clinging to his feet, Harry McNeil, a frequent visitor at the Police Court, with Hugh Boyle as his guardian, was before Recorder Nowrey, this morning, to answer to a charge of drunkenness. “Mac,” with his wife, has been picking cranberries up in Burlington county and exposure caused her to contract heart disease, so “Mac” says. She became rapidly worse, according to his statement, and yesterday friends advised him to come to this city and purchase some medicine. He accepted the advise [sic] and after laying in a stock of castor oil, liver pads and other cures, “Mac” proceeded to get loaded and right royally did he do it. Not a saloon in the Fifth and Eighth wards escaped his attention. He became exceedingly boisterous in two of the saloons and was thrown out and was finally arrested by Officer Hyde. He was given a hearing this morning by Recorder Nowrey, and pleaded to be discharged, saying his wife demanded his attention, but he will hold a ten days’ reunion with his friends at the County Jail.
Want Liquor Men Put on the Rack
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden County Law and Order League Hints That Political Pull Saves Offenders
The Camden County Law and Order League is endeavoring to bring to punishment the saloon and tavern keepers who escaped indictment in the recent round up of liquor sellers charged with violating the law. The September and December grand juries indicted 168 liquor dealers out of 216 against whom complaints were filed by the League, and it was currently reported that strong personal and political influences were exercised in behalf of the forty-eight who escaped. Yesterday the League renewed its complaints against the forty-eight “immunes” and sent a communication to the grand jury as follows:
“We presented before the two preceding grand juries the names of about 216 persons charged with about 1200 specific violations of law, including the selling of liquor on Sundays, the having of slot machines and other gambling devices and the keeping of disorderly houses. Of the persons thus charged 168 have been presented to the court for trial, forty-eight were not thus presented, although some of them were known to be old offenders and had committed more offenses than some of those who were presented. To be more particular, while some were presented against whom there were three or four counts, others were not presented, although there were against them as high as twelve, thirteen and fourteen counts, and these, supported by the same evidence precisely as had been accepted in the examination of the cases presented for trial.
HINT AT UNDUE INFLUENCE.
“We cannot account for this, because we refuse to believe that there is one law for one offender and another law for another offender, when the offense is precisely the same; and because we are loth to believe the current rumor that purely political influences had to do with the results of the inquiries. We believe most deeply that the court proceedings must be kept above suspicion and that in their integrity is the safeguarding of the interests of the people. Hence we appeal to your honorable body to make the most searching investigation of our charges in order that the law may be maintained and the really guilty be brought to just account.
“We entreat this the more because in addition to the evidence before presented we have other witnesses who were not heard then and witnesses whose testimony is of much importance in arriving at a just conclusion as to the matters to be inquired into.”
The communication is signed by Rev. John Handley, D. D., president, and Rev. S. H. Hann, secretary of the League. The grand jury sent a formal acknowledgement of the receipt of the communication.
The league supplied the grand jury with a list of the names, places and charges against the accused liquor sellers, whose names are as follows:
SALOONKEEPERS ACCUSED.
CAMDEN CITY.—P. J. Boyle, 1011 Broadway; Philip Berger, Seventh and Clinton; N. N. Chew, 1016 South Fourth; James Croker, 400 Jasper; John Dugan, 100 Pearl; George Doerfuss, River road and Main street; George Dillmore, Fourth and Kaighn avenue; “Doc” Eisner, 3000 Federal; Pat Flood, 640 Pine; William Gallagher, 106 Kaighn avenue; Jesse Grant, 109 Kaighn avenue; West Jersey Hotel, Henry Hussing, 623 Pearl; John Hoosey, Front and Cooper; John J. Keefe, 28 Haddon avenue; P. J. Kelly, 643 North Front; Arthur Lloyd, Sixth and Royden; John McGowan, Tenth and Division; Ed Mulligan, 22 South Eighth; William Moffert, South Third; Frank Norton, 951 Ferry avenue; Z. Heithamer, Day and Federal; William F. Sand, Haddon avenue and Line; A. Schraden, Fourth and Spruce; J. Schramm, Cooper and Cleveland avenues; Jacob Selser, 1186 Kaighn avenue; Thomas Tracey, Twentieth and Federal; Jacob Walz, 33 Union; Frank Wilson, 909 South Fourth; Daniel J. Woods, 108 Kaighn avenue.
Of these thirty Camden saloonkeepers, seventeen have pleaded guilty before Recorder Nowrey for violating the city excise ordinance by selling on Sundays. Some paid the fine of $50, while others escaped punishment, the Supreme Court setting aside the excise ordinance.
The keepers of inns and taverns who are charged with selling on Sundays are Bowman H. Bates, Waterford township; William R. S. Buckingham, Centre township; E. T. Crowley, Winslow township; George C. Stratton, E. B. Davis and Louis Ederle, Gloucester township; Harry Foell, Waterford township; James J. Foster, Centre township; James J. Keating, proprietor of the Red Mill, where a pool room was formerly in operation; Charles H. McCully, Winslow township; Caroline Slemmer, Chesilhurst; William Snyder, Waterford township; A. H. Tiffen, Pensauken township; B. F. C. Rothwell, and Charles H. Wood, Winslow township; F. W. Weldemann, Pensauken township.
Monday Round Up in Police Court
Camden Daily Telegram —
Variety of Prisoners Before Recorder Nowrey’s Bar.
PRIVATE HEARING FOR “DE CLUB”
Eight Blacks and One White Landed in a Sunday Morning Raid—Cries of “Murder” in Joint Alley Led to an Arrest.
Early yesterday morning Police Sergeant Bentley, with a squad of officers, including Matlack, Roach, Weaver, Shaw, Harvey and Moore, raided an alleged speak-easy and gambling resort on Division street, near Locust. When the officers entered the room they found tacked up on the wall in a conspicuous place a charter for the “Independent Athletic Club.” The charter was issued some time ago to a party of white men, and how it came into possession of the eight colored and one white man arrested in the raid the police are endeavoring to find out. In addition to the charter the police found a deck of cards, some poker chips, cards of admission to the alleged club, four boxes of beer, two bottles of whiskey and a supposed “kitty” containing 48 cents.
The men arrested were Abraham Briscoe, colored, the alleged proprietor, Walter H. Chase, Edward Lewis, John Miller, Ben Bunston, Edward Fortie, and Jacob Granger, colored, and Herbert Weaver, white. All were examined in the Mayor’s private office, by the Recorder this morning, and as a result Briscoe was held for a further hearing on a charge of selling liquor without a license, while the others were held as witnesses in their own recognizance.
Amusing Scene at the City Hall
Camden Daily Telegram —
Elwood Police Force Visited Chief Foster.
ENTERED WITH THE AID OF A CRUTCH
After an Interview With the Head of the Local Force Business Was Forgotten and the Distinguished Visitor Left With a Light Step.
An amusing incident occurred at police headquarters this morning. Chief Foster was busily at work at his desk when Hall Officer Hugh Boyle announced that the police force of Ellwood, Atlantic county, was awaiting an interview with the chief, on important police matters.
“Show them up!” commanded the chief and in obedience Officer Boyle ushered into the handsome apartment of the chief an elderly man with long white whiskers. He was leaning heavily on a crutch and apparently labored under much difficulty when he locomoted.
The police force of Ellwood, for such the visitor proved to be, he being chief, captain, jailor and the whole shooting match, was given a cordial welcome, and invited to an easy chair. He placed his crutch in a corner, against the chief’s desk, and then proceeded with his business, which, however, has no bearing on the incident. At the conclusion of his interview, he bid the chief a cheery “good morning!” and stalked from the chief’s office with a light step.
Recorder Nowrey happened in the chief’s office at this moment and espying the crutch inquired of the chief to whom it belonged.
At first Chief Foster could not identify the article, but it suddenly dawned upon him that the crutch was the property of the Ellwood police force.
“Hey, Glen!” called the chief to Hall Officer Stackhouse, “run over to Haddon avenue station and tell the Ellwood police force that he can’t walk; he forgot his crutch.”
Glen was just putting on his coat to carry out the order when a bunch of white whiskers darted in the door from the corridor, then into the Chief’s office and grabbing the crutch from the corner remarked: “Oh, I knew I forgot something.”
Tucking the crutch under his arm, the old man hobbled out again. Chief Foster took a big swig of ginger tea, Recorder Nowrey said he was through with the County Democracy, while “Hughey” Boyle began telling Bill Harvey about the mother chasing her boy around the block.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
William Moebins entertained several Philadelphia singing societies at the City Hotel last evening.
Superintendent James Brown has moved from the City Hall to 640 Berkley street. His former quarters will be transformed into a police court room.
County Clerk Barber yesterday received from Governor Voorhees the commissions of Sheriff Sell and Coroners Gaskill and Robinson. The latter was at once sworn in.
Gottlieb Foehl, a wholesale liquor dealer, of the East Side, was fined $50 and costs by Recorder Nowrey yesterday for selling liquor in less quantity than one quart. Policeman Matlack was the complainant.
Charles Thomas, of 1872 Milton street, and Patrick Hayes, of No. 3 James court, laborers employed by the Vulcanite Paving Company, were struck by a trolley car at Broadway and Kaighn avenue yesterday, but were not seriously injured.
John Haas, 9 years old, of 615 Willard street, and Harold Cronce, 6 years old, of 1021 Penn street, were arraigned before Recorder Nowrey yesterday, charged with breaking into Andrew Lyons’ stables and attempting to steal a team. They are being held until Judge Armstrong can be communicated with.
They Dined with Minister Wu
Trenton Times —
They Dined with Minister Wu
Distinguished Jerseymen Met With the Chinese Diplomat in Camden.
The Rt. Rev. Bishop McFaul, Clerk in Chancery Stokes, United States Senators Dryden and Kean, Attorney General McCarter and John L. Kuser were among the guests of honor at a dinner given to Minister Wu Ting Fang at the home of John J. Burleigh in Merchantville last evening.
The Chinese minister visited Camden for the purpose of delivering a lecture at the Catholic Lyceum and was later tendered a reception at the Camden Republican Club.
He was accompanied from Washington by the United States Senators and Congressman Loudenslager, together with a Camden committee consisting of the Rev. J. A. Canfield, William L. Hurley and John M. Kelly.
Murder and Bloodshed in Camden Primary Elections
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philadelphian Shot Dead, Another Fatally Wounded and a Policeman Terribly Slashed in Fights at the Republican Congressional Primaries
JOE GODDARD
Blood was shed in Camden city and county last night, the result of the fiercest political battle that was ever fought in the First Congressional district of New Jersey, and the sum total of the casualties is one man dead, another lying at the point of death in the Cooper Hospital, another, a policeman, on a cot near by, suffering from stab wounds, from which he is not likely to recover, and numerous cracked skulls.
So vigorously were the Republican primaries contested that numerous fights developed. Crowds of repeaters went from Philadelphia to Camden, and these were the cause of the numerous riots, for such they were, at the polling places.
With it all no one can yet positively tell who will receive the Congressional nomination at Woodbury to morrow. At midnight both the adherents of Congressman Loudenslager and the supporters of J. Alpheus Vansant were claiming the victory.
Shot and Killed
A few minutes before the closing of the polls at the Fifth precinct of the Third Ward, Camden, last night, John Morrisy, of Manayunk, wearing a Vansant badge, was shot and killed. During the melee Policeman Harry Miller, aged 40 years, of 321 Beckett street, was cut in the abdomen. Both were taken to Cooper Hospital.
Surgeon Stewart pronounced Morrisy dead on his arrival. Policeman Miller was operated on, and the surgeons say he has a fighting chance for his life.
The police have under arrest George Murray, colored, aged 35 years, of 649 Locust street, and Henrietta V. Bland, of 639 Locust street, who are said to be eye-witnesses to the shooting. The arrest of the man who it is claimed fired the fatal shot is, the police say, a question of a few hours.
Joe Goddard Shot
Joseph J. Goddard, aged 35 years, of Phoenixville, Pa., a once noted pugilist, was shot by Constable Robert Washington at “Dog Corner” during the primary election. The bullet, a thirty-two caliber, entered the left temple about an inch and a half above his eye and imbedded itself in his brain.
He was taken to Merchantville and treated by Dr. Lawrence and afterwards removed to Cooper Hospital. Surgeons there say he will die.
Washington immediately surrendered to Chief of Police Linderman, of Merchantville, was given a preliminary hearing before Justice Longstreth, and committed to the county jail.
Been Living at Matchtown
Goddard of late had been living with Benjamin Forrest, a saloonkeeper at Matchtown, a settlement just outside of Merchantville, and in Pensauken [sic] township. It is said he led a gang of repeaters to the “Dog Corner” primaries. Soon after their arrival a row was started and Washington felled to the ground by a blow from a base ball bat. While lying on the ground Goddard attempted to beat him and he fired the shot which will likely prove fatal.
During the melee Constable Isaac Fowler was stabbed in two places by an unknown man. The wounds are not considered serious. Fighting continued from the opening to the closing of the polls.
Ed. Matlack, of Dudley, was badly cut in a fight on the Camden line. He went to Merchantville and Dr. Jennings sewed six stitches in his wounds.
Morrisy’s Appearance
Morrisy, the dead man, was about 35 years old. He was in the company of several Philadelphians and spent nearly all the afternoon in the Third ward in the company of a policeman, by whom he and his companions were introduced as members of the Washington, D. C., police force on a short vacation.
The Third ward was the battleground of the Loudenslager-Vansant contest yesterday. A large majority of the city officials live there. From the minute of the opening of the polls in the various precincts there were outbreaks on either side that were only quelled by cooler heads.
It became noised about shortly after the polls opened that repeaters under the guidance of three Philadelphians, one of whom was colored, were at work in the ward.
Help Summoned
Shortly before 8 o’clock word was sent to the Second precinct of the Third ward by a police officer working in the interest of Vansant in the Fifth precinct that unless help arrived Loudenslager would carry the precinct.
In less than five minutes Policeman Edward Hartman, in citizen’s clothes, and several other men, one of whom was deceased, came on the scene. At that time there were at least 500 persons around the polls, many of whom were women.
What followed is told by John G. Helm, a butcher, of 600 South Third street, and Eli Hunt, son of Deputy Game Warden Hunt. Both agree that Morrisy attempted to vote. As he did so Policeman Robert Miller, a Loudenslager worker, took him by the arm and told him he could not vote. At that instant the policeman was struck by a blackjack and knocked towards the gutter. Policeman Albert Keaser, a Loudenslager worker, pushed his way into the crowd and tried to prevent trouble. Policeman Harry Miller, a Vansant worker, struck Keaser with a blackjack, knocking him to his knees. As Keaser fell he grappled with Harry Miller and they rolled on the pavement.
Took the Blackjack
Keaser took the blackjack away from his brother officer. In the meantime Policeman Robert Miller went into the thick of the fight and struck George Murray, now under arrest, over the eye with a blackjack. The man who was killed worked his way into the centre of Beckett street, and as he stood facing the crowd half a dozen pistols were drawn and five shots rang out in quick succession.
Morrisy staggered across Beckett street to an alley in the rear of the houses on the east side of Third street, reeled and fell to the ground. He was carried into the yard of one of the adjoining houses and the patrol wagon summoned.
Murderer Escaped
According to Mr. Helm, the colored man who fired the fatal shot ran down Beckett street to Locust street.
With the shooting of Morrisy the fight did not end. Help came to Policeman Keaser and during his rescue Policeman Harry Miller was cut across the abdomen a distance of about four inches.
Coroner F. Neall Robinson held a view on Morrisy’s body. He stated that the bullet pierced Morrisy’s thumb of his right hand and entered his body near the centre of his heart.
In the dead man’s clothes were found a 48-calibre centre fire revolver with the chambers filled, a note book with a number of addresses in Philadelphia, and a small photograph of two girls, one of whom is evidently his sister.
Mayor Investigates
Besides the investigation being conducted by the county authorities one is being made by order of Mayor Nowrey. According to a statement made by the latter official last night, all kinds of propositions had been made to him looking to the relieving from duty of a number of policemen, that they might take part in the primaries. He instructed the captains of police to see that all policemen should do duty on their respective shifts.
During the progress of the primaries a reporter of The Inquirer saw Morrisy and several others standing around the polls in the Second precinct of the Third ward. The reporter asked a prominent city official what the men were doing there. The official replied: “They are not here to vote. We heard an attempt was to be made to take these polls by force, and we’ve got them here to fight and hold our end up.”
When Assistant Prosecutor Archer asked Policeman Harry Miller in Cooper Hospital if he knew who the dead man was, he replied that he only knew him as Reddy, and that he came over from Philadelphia to help out in the Third ward.
Joe Goddard’s Career
Joe Goddard, who was born in Pyramid, N. S. W., November 25, 1861, came to this country in 1892. He claimed the Barrier championship, and under the direction of Billy Madden was touted as a world beater. He was present at the fight between Sullivan and Corbett at New Orleans, and subsequently challenged Corbett, but the latter would not accept. At that time there were many good judges of pugilism who really thought that Goddard would have a chance against the then champion, and the latter (Corbett) was severely criticised for not taking up Goddard’s defi, particularly as it was accompanied by a good sized forfeit. Later on it became apparent that Goddard was nothing but a big, strong fellow, willing to take a punching for the purpose of getting the coin. His most important fight, and the one that gave some prominence for a while, was with Peter Maher at Coney Island on December 8, 1892. Peter was knocked out in the third round after having Goddard at his mercy in the second. For the last five years or so Goddard has lived in Philadelphia or Phoenixville.
POLICEMAN HARRY MILLER.
She Dared Men to Touch the “Pants”
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Woman Planted a Pole, Decorated It With Pair [sic] Trousers and Flourished a Revolver
Flourishing a revolver and exclaiming, “I’ll kill the first man who touches those pants; this is fair warning to everybody, for I mean what I say!” Mrs. Louisa Traubel, of 807 Broadway, Camden, yesterday held up work on the addition being erected to the Gately and Hurley Company’s department store at Broadway and Spruce streets.
Mrs. Traubel claimed one of the walls was being constructed three inches over the line of the property belonging to her father, George Fields. She consulted City Engineer Farnham, who decided the wall was a fraction of an inch over the line. Then Contractor John Welsh was notified to stop work, but without the desired result.
Mrs. Traubel procured a post, planted it on the line, tacked a pair of trousers on it and, with the above words, threatened the person audacious enough to tear down her improvised banner. Work was at once stopped.
Gentle persuasion was of no avail and then Mayor Nowrey was consulted. He referred the contractor to the Recorder and Police Captain Stanley was detailed to protect the workmen and procure a warrant for the arrest of the woman unless she took down the post and trousers. But the police found they could do nothing unless there was a breach of the peace.
After sitting in the hot July sun for several hours Mrs. Traubel evacuated her position and the post was cut down, together with the “pants.” Work on the wall was then resumed.
Miller and Matlack Sentenced to Dismissal
Camden Daily Courier —
Two Policemen Lose Their Stars Through the Election Riots.
THE REPORT NOW GOES TO COUNCIL.
The Police Committee’s Finding Was Unanimous So Far as the Four Members Present Were Concerned—Hansen [sic] Did Not Attend Last Night’s Session.
The action of the Police Committee of Council, in the matter of the officers accused of unbecoming conduct and intimidating voters at the recent congressional primaries, will meet with general approval. There has been entirely too much of police interference at the polls, both at primary and general elections, and by officers who in other respects were faithful and efficient. Their party or factional zeal is no excuse for such conduct. The Police Committee, under the leadership of Ben Lawton, whose intelligence and integrity are unquestioned, gave the accused a full hearing, and an impartial view of its action will be its general indorsement.
The Police Committee of City Council last night discharged Policeman Robert Miller, of the First district, and W. L. Matlack, of the Third district, from the police force, as the result of the fight participated in by them at the recent primary election.
The charges against Policeman Albert Keaser, also of the First district, were not sustained.
Matlack was charged by John Corbett, Judge of the election in one of the precincts of the Twelfth ward, with assault and battery and conduct unbecoming an officer.
Miller was charged by George V. Murry with intimidating voters, assault and battery and conduct unbecoming an officer. Murry also charged Keaser with assault and battery and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The members of the committee were all present except Councilman James S. Hanson. The meeting was called for 7:30 o’clock, but Chairman Lawton waited until 8 o’clock for Mr. Hanson. There were four members present, Messrs. Jones, Leas, Broome and Lawton, and the rumor was that the Councilmen were equally divided in their opinions and were waiting for Mr. Hanson to come and cast the deciding vote. A fifteen minutes’ caucus settled the matter and Assistant City Clerk Morris Odell then announced the decision.
Mr. Miller was the only one of the three policemen at the City Hall, and when he learned of his discharge he walked into Chief Foster’s office and said: “Well, I am fired, but there is one thing I can say, and that is, that as long as I have been on the force I’ve been an officer and done my duty.”
The action of the committee will be embodied in the report to be submitted to City Council.
The discharge of Miller and Matlack will make two vacancies on the police force, to be filled by Mayor Nowrey.
Court Rules the Mayor
Trenton Times —
Camden’s Executive Must Reinstate Policeman Show Cause, Too.
Mayor Nowrey of Camden, under a peremptory mandamus from the Supreme Court, must proceed at once with the official reinstatement of Policeman David Ellis, whom the police board suspended for a refraction of the rules.
At the expiration of the suspension the Mayor declined to recognize Ellis’s application for further employment and has persisted in so refusing.
Camden’s Mayor must also show cause, before the Supreme Court this month, why he should not be compelled to sign $50,000 worth of school bonds. Council authorized the issuance of these bonds and the Mayor refused to approve the action.
Camden Dry Tonight
Trenton Times —
Mayor Issues Order That All Saloons Be Closed at 6 O’clock This Evening.
By Publishers’ Press Direct Wire.
Camden, Nov. 20.—Mayor Nowrey has notified every licensed saloon in Camden to close by six o’clock this evening.
The city council will be called together in special session for the purpose of granting licenses for a nominal sum to all now holding licenses from the late Board of Excise.
The Supreme Court recently decided that the present Excise Board of Camden was created on an unconstitutional act. Under this decision, licenses granted by the board are illegal. Saloonkeepers thus far have been unmolested because certified copies of the decision have not been served on the Excise Board, the Mayor, the City Clerk and the Comptroller.
The members of the new Excise Board will not go into office until the first of next year, and in the meantime Camden will be dry unless City Council gets the saloonkeepers out of their dilemma by adopting ordinances and granting licenses.
If the saloonkeepers continue to sell after Mayor Nowrey issues an order for them to cease business they will be arrested and fined.
Camden School Suit Dismissed
Trenton Times —
Under a decision of the New Jersey Supreme Court yesterday the suit instituted against the Camden School Board by Edward J. Holloway, acting for Mayor Nowrey and other Democrats, was dismissed.
The suit was begun to test the constitutionality of the Stokes school law of 1901. E. G. C. Bleakley, solicitor for the school board, filed a demurrer. Under the decision of yesterday the suit should have been instituted by the Attorney General of the State. The contention of Mr. Bleakley is upheld.
Mayor Nowrey and Policy Playing
Trenton Times —
Mayor Nowrey told the Epworth League convention a few days ago that there is no policy playing in Camden, so far as is known to the police. The Philadelphia authorities declare that they have driven the policy men into the town across the river, and the Camden Post Telegram declares that “policy watchers and agents lounge on the street corners without being arrested or requested to move on,” and “that there are surface indications that the game is going on full blast.” Some one is not well informed—probably the mayor.
Camden’s Morality
Trenton Times —
Mayor Nowrey, of Camden, in welcoming the delegates of the Epworth League conference, said that Camden is probably the most moral city of its size in the country. All since the congressional primaries of 1902, when disgraceful and murderous set-tos between negroes and imported Philadelphia thugs occurred, resulting in the death of one Joe Goddard, we suppose.
—Paterson Guardian.
The Breach Is Wide
Trenton Times —
The breach between the Democratic factions in this county is as wide as ever and Mayor Nowrey and his followers would take especial pleasure in opposing for the gubernatorial nomination a man who if elected would be influenced by William J. Thompson in making appointments in this end of the state. Camden Post Telegram.
Camden at Hebrew Meeting
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Nowry [sic] and Delegation Will Attend Demonstration
A delegation from Camden called on Dr. Aaron Brav, of 1337 South Sixth street, a member of the Kishineff Relief Committee, yesterday to give assurance of the co-operation of the Camden citizens in the mass meeting to be held in the Academy of Music on next Wednesday night to protest against the Russian atrocities. Mayor Nowry [sic] will attend the meeting, accompanied by the Representative Business League.
Archbishop Ryan has contributed $20 to the relief fund, and a letter of sympathy was received yesterday by Dr. Brav from the Sunday school of the First Presbyterian Church, of Lansdowne, with a contribution of $7.57.
Mayor Nowrey Acts Quickly
Trenton Times —
Mayor Nowrey, of Camden, yesterday morning anticipated the decision of the Court of Errors and Appeals, declaring the McKee School act of 1902 to be unconstitutional, and appointed a new City Board of Education.
The Republicans deny the Mayor’s interpretation of the effect of the decision, and claim that the provisions of the city charter, calling for a board composed of two members from each ward, are now operative. Under these provisions council, it is claimed, has power to appoint.
Mayor Nowrey and the School Commission
Trenton Times —
The attempt to introduce politics into the public schools should be condemned, no matter where or by which party the attempt is made. The worst incident of the kind is reported from Camden, where Mayor Nowrey, on the very day that the Court of Errors and Appeals announced its decision on the school law of 1902, appointed a new school commission to take the places of the members of the board of education chosen by the people. Fortunately the decision of the Supreme Court, upholding the school law, is good until the opinion of the Court of Errors and Appeals is officially transmitted. This will probably not be done until the Legislature has taken action. Just at present Mayor Nowrey and his new commission cut a rather ridiculous figure.
Mayor Nowrey and the School Law
Trenton Times —
No sooner has the Legislature extricated the State from one muddle over the school law than another is threatened. The illegitimate Commission of Public Instruction appointed by Mayor Nowrey of Camden before the decision of the Court of Errors and Appeals had been filed, has instructed its solicitor to institute proceedings to contest the constitutionality of the Colby school law. Camden last week voted by nearly 5,000 majority in favor of an elective school commission under the new law, which indicates that popular sentiment is quite strongly opposed to Mayor Nowrey and his tricks.
1904 — Improved Order of Red Men Parade Ribbon
1904 — Improved Order of Red Men parade ribbon for Joseph E. Nowrey as Grand Sachem.
Camden Democrats Greet Hearst
Trenton Times —
Presidential Candidate Possibility Made Address and Was Vigorously Cheered.
Camden, Feb. 24.—Nearly 400 Democrats, some of them prominent in State and national politics, and all of them eager for the Presidential campaign, gathered at the sixteenth annual banquet of the Americas Club, in the banquet room of the Temple building, at Camden Monday night. Incidentally they gave an informal reception to Congressman Wm. Randolph Hearst, of New York, cheered a patriotic speech by him, and gave his Presidential boom a carefully-prepared boost.
Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey introduced Congressman Hearst almost as soon as the latter arrived, as the “next President of the United States,” and called for three cheers for the Congressman. The cheers were given and Congressman Hearst shook the hand of every man presented to him by the Mayor, while all “fell in” for the march to the banquet hall adjoining.
As Mr. Hearst concluded, and left the hall to go to New York, Vice President Winfield S. Mossardy pulled a string which hung from the draped flags high above the toastmaster’s head, and there unrolled a banner bearing, in oil colors a portrait of Hearst, while over it appeared a small banner with the inscription: “The City Is Yours.”
South Jersey Sees a Bitter Contest
Trenton Times —
Camden, April 11. South Jersey is witnessing an old-fashioned Democratic battle. The Democratic leadership of the lower end of the state is at stake. Mayor Joseph Nowrey of Camden and former Assemblyman William J. Thompson of Gloucester are leading the contending forces.
An open clash is expected tonight, when a meeting will be held to name the delegates to the National Democratic convention, who will be voted upon tomorrow night.
Mayor Nowrey wants John A. Smith to go to St. Louis. Mr. Thompson wants to go himself. There will be no compromising on the question. An important feature of the fight is that Nowrey and his lieutenants are all enthusiastic Hearst men, while the “Duke of Gloucester’s” supporters are altogether opposed to the New Yorker’s presidential aspirations.
Nowrey defeated Thompson for the leadership two years ago, and has since ruled the party in Camden, refusing recognition to Thompson men at any meeting of the party or in the way of appointments.
Thompson has been working quietly for months and has, to an extent, revived his old organization.
The fight in Camden city is particularly bitter. Thompson’s lieutenants claim to have the delegates to the state convention in all the wards “cinched,” with the exception of the “Bloody Third,” where disturbances are a regular thing at every primary.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Elizabeth Rodd, aged 55 years, of 505 South Fifth street, was found dead in bed yesterday. Coroner Lippincott gave a certificate of death from heart disease.
F. Meredith, of 137 Cooper avenue, Wood Lynne, was admitted to the Cooper Hospital yesterday with a crushed foot, the result of an iron plate falling on it.
Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, of Camden, yesterday received an answer to his letter of thanks to Mayor John Weaver for the timely assistance of the Philadelphia firemen in the recent blaze at the Victor talking machine plant. Mayor Weaver, in the communication, says Philadelphia was only too glad to assist a sister city in distress.
Scores of persons yesterday attended the funeral of the late William H. Shearman, which took place from his home, 33 Haddon avenue. The services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Clarence A. Adams, of the Trinity Baptist Church. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.
As far as could be learned only ten carpenters went out on strike in Camden yesterday as a result of the recent demand of the union men for an increased wage scale. Otherwise the threatened strike among all the local carpenters did not materialize.
Camden Hebrews to Celebrate
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Hebrews will have a big time to-morrow afternoon at the reopening of the synagogue of the Congregation of the Sons of Israel at Eighth and Sycamore streets. Several prominent rabbis from Philadelphia, Mayor Nowrey and others will make addresses. Progress Lodge, Knights of Joseph; Hebrew Sunday school, Young Hebrew Zionists and the Hebrew Educational Society will attend in a body.
Synagogue Dedicated
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Hebrews in a New House of Worship
The new synagogue of the Congregation of the Sons of Israel, Eighth and Sycamore streets, Camden, was dedicated yesterday by Camden and Philadelphia Hebrews. Mayor Nowrey made an address, referring to the patriotism and general good conduct of the Hebrews.
“What a great sensation it would be,” said he, “if a Russian official, presiding over a city, should appear on a platform and speak words of encouragement at the dedication of a Jewish synagogue. But things are different in this broad land of ours.”
Addresses were also made by Rabbis Levinthal, Eshler and Grossman, of Philadelphia. Many Jewish societies were in attendance.
Mayoralty Issue Is Hot in Camden
Trenton Times —
Ellis and Nowrey Respective Candidates on Republican and Democratic Tickets.
Philadelphia, Oct. 12.—Camden is in the heat of a municipal campaign that overshadows national issues in that city. Charles H. Ellis, Jr., is the Republican candidate for mayor. Joseph E. Newrey [sic], Democrat, desires to succeed himself in that office.
One of the peculiarities of the campaign is the lack of a real issue. The Democrats have sounded as their battle cry that their candidate is opposed to the purchase of land for a public park, and they insist this is an issue at stake.
On the other hand, Mr. Ellis’ opposition to the park made him conspicuous on the floor of the City Council. He fought it almost alone, and has since declared he is opposed to it.
Both candidates are in accord on the park question, and there is thus no real issue before the voters except that of party fealty. Mayor Nowrey is looked upon as a clean candidate, but not more so than Mr. Ellis.
Mayor Nowrey has greatly strengthened his chances of re-election during the last week by bringing together the two factions in the Democratic party, having come to an understanding with William J. Thompson of Gloucester.
Both parties in Camden are now united for the first time in many years. The normal Republican majority in Camden is about 3,000, but this was overcome by Nowrey three years ago. The Republicans say this was on account of a factional fight led by Cooper B. Hatch. On the other hand, the Democrats say they are now united, which they were not when Nowrey was elected, and that Thompson will hereafter be found working hand in hand with Nowrey.
Mayor Nowrey on City Officials
Trenton Times —
Mayor Nowrey, who is seeking re-election in Camden, declares that the city officials are a pack of robbers, that the members of Common Council accept bribes for their votes upon contracts, and that the City Comptroller has repeatedly made false affidavits. It would be pertinent for some voter to inquire what the Mayor has done during his past three years at the head of the city government to correct the condition which he says exists.
Voters’ League Puts Up a City Ticket
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Candidates for Council, Excise Board and Board of Education Named in a Mixed Convention
The city convention of the Legal Voters’ League was held last night at the Camden City Hall, when the following candidates were named:
Excise Commissioners—George Aultemus, R., Second ward; Frank Deveraux, D., Tenth ward; John R Wolf, R., Sixth ward; Wilfred M. Kaighn, R., Ninth ward; A. J. Vansant, R., Eighth ward; Councilman-at-large—Frank W. Tressey, D., First ward. City Council—John Vanderslice, R., First ward; Dr. W. I. Kelchner, R., Second ward; Robert Garrison, D., Third ward; George H. Watt, R., Fourth ward; Fifth ward, no nomination; John E. Smith, D., Sixth ward; Ludwig Winters, D., Seventh ward; Martin J. Ewe, D., Eighth ward; William S. Wilkins, R., Ninth ward; Levi Sharp, D., Tenth ward; Dr. W. H. Kensinger, D., Eleventh ward; Walter S. Hubbe [sic], D., Twelfth ward. Board of Freeholders—George Martin, R., First ward; Thomas S. Armstrong, D., Second ward; Heulings Mulvey, D., Third ward; Josiah Kirkbride, R., Fourth ward; Fifth ward, no nomination; Lewis Schimer, D., Sixth ward; George H. Jones, D., Seventh ward; Thomas Pooley, D., Eighth ward; John J. Welsh, D., Ninth ward; Alfred R. Taylor, R., Tenth ward; Bernard Funfer, D., Eleventh ward; John Carver, D., Twelfth ward. Board of Education—Penrose W. Hirst, R., Second ward; Charles H. Mills, R., Eighth ward; James S. Pratt, D., Tenth ward.
Thomas B. Hall presided over the convention. William H. Jennings was secretary. Addresses were made by Frank H. Burdsall, Dr. Dowling Benjamin and Clarence B. Groff.
Former Mayor Nowrey was not present.
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 21, 1900
John McCoy, of Philadelphia, was held in ball [sic] by Recorder Nowrey yesterday, charged with assault and battery on Thomas Croaker.
Philadelphia Inquirer, April 21, 1900. John McCoy, of Philadelphia, was held in bail by Recorder Nowrey yesterday, charged with assault and battery on Thomas Croaker.
Some Changes When Ellis Takes Office
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Democratic Policemen Now Said to Be Flirting With Republicans in Order to Hold on
Political circles in Camden are agog over the offices to be filled when Mayor-elect Charles H. Ellis is inducted into office on January 2. Two or three days before it is quite likely that his successor as Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue will be named. The position is worth $1800 a year, with $600 extra for traveling expenses. There are several candidates, but it is the consensus of opinion that Harry Jones, of the Second ward, will be promoted by Collector Moffett and that the other officials will be moved up a peg.
Mayor Ellis will have the naming of two Republican and one Democratic City Assessor. While there are Republican candidates in plenty, it is conceded that the choice is between John H. Carmany, of the Seventh ward; Caleb Williams, of the Fourth ward, and A. L. Matlack, of the Eighth ward, with the chances in favor of Williams and Matlack. Should the latter not be successful he will, in all probability, be made clerk of the board, to succeed Frank Williams, Democrat.
Democratic candidates are numerous, but the fight has narrowed down to William H. Sparks, one of the retiring members, and Captain C. S. Magrath. Sparks was one of the Nowrey spellbinders during the last campaign, and made bitter speeches against Ellis, yet his friends are working hard to have Mayor Ellis reappoint him.
Just what will become of the twenty Democratic policemen now on the force is problematical. There was a rumor on the street yesterday that the Democrats will resign on December 30, and that Mayor Nowrey will immediately appoint Republicans. Some of the Democratic leaders are in favor of this move and others are opposed.
The Republican managers laugh at the idea and say that already a number of the Democratic policemen have made peace overtures and signalized their willingness to come over to the Republicans.
Senator William J. Bradley will have the distribution of some patronage when the Legislature begins. Among it will be a successor to Jonathan D. Watson, assistant sergeant-at-arms, a doorkeeper and a clerk to a committee.
Philadelphia Inquirer — November 27, 1910
The funeral of the infant son, Orville, of former Mayor and Mrs. Joseph E. Nowrey took place yesterday from their home, at Fourth and Walnut Streets. The child’s death was due to valvular disease of the heart.
Camden Democrats Cast Eyes at Jobs
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Many Seeking the Motor Vehicle Agency Which Pays Salary of $1400 a Year
Numerous Camden Democrats want Sheriff Nowrey to act the role of Kris and place something in their stockings in the way of a job. Especially is this true in connection with the soon-to-be-vacant motor vehicle agency, which pays $1400 a year, and which is now held by Joseph Forsyth, a Republican.
During last week Sheriff Nowrey, who is Democratic county chairman, and thus pretty well able to dictate what shall be done, has been importuned by several factional camps to indicate just what he desires. The situation has centred down to Frederick Triplett, Hubert Pfeil and A. C. Kraft, although these are by no means all who would like to have the plum. Sheriff Nowrey said yesterday he would not indicate his preference, but allow the matter to go to the county committee. In this event Triplett has a good chance.
By far a more important job, but which is not ready for the Democrats to wrangle over, is that of the Collector of Internal Revenue, now held by Isaac Moffett. He hails from Gloucester county and has had the position since McKinley’s administration. It will likely not be until after President-elect Wilson is inaugurated that this position will be open. Councilman Thomas Littlehales and Harry M. Knight, who was recently defeated for surrogate, are being mentioned for the place. The latter is said to have the county committee back of him.
Although Mayor Ellis’ term does not expire until the end of next year, there is already much talk regarding what the Republicans intend doing. The fact that he has had three terms does not mitigate against his chances for renomination, for it is generally conceded he has been successful as the city’s chief executive.
Firemen to Parade in Gloucester City
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fifteen Companies to Participate in Pageant Saturday When New Engine Is Housed
Special to The Inquirer. GLOUCESTER CITY, N. J., May 6.—At a meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Department today arrangements were completed for the firemen’s parade to be held on Saturday in connection with the housing of the new fire engine. About fifteen fire companies will participate, and Mayor Mealey, who is chief of the fire department, will be marshal, with William Known and Thomas Cozan as his aides.
The parade will start from the hose house on Bergen street. At the reviewing stand, in front of the City Hall, the judges will decide the winners. The judges will be Sheriff Joseph E. Nowrey, Mayor Charles Ellis, of Camden; Mayor Milliard F. Cattell, of Woodbury; Chief Worthington, of the Camden Fire Department, and Chief Baxter, of Philadelphia. Jennings’ Band will head the line, followed by the city officials in automobiles.
The Boy Scouts will assist in patrolling the route, along with a number of Camden police. Prizes will be awarded for the company having the largest number of men in line; the company coming the furthest distance; the company having the best band, and the best equipped company.
Says Civil Service Prevents Removal
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Joseph Forsyth, Late Agent of Motor Vehicles, Does Not Recognize Successor
Recently appointed agent of motor vehicles after a strenuous campaign in the ranks of the local Democracy, Alfred C. Kraft, of Camden, yesterday learned that Joseph Forsyth, his Republican predecessor, does not mean to relinquish that office, claiming that he is under the protection of civil service. As a result State Commissioner Lippincott has been appealed to by Kraft to get him the actual possession of the office. Forsyth, who is a nephew of former Sheriff Cooper B. Hatch, asserted that Kraft had never made any formal demand for the office and that anyhow he considered himself qualified to retain its possession unless removed for cause.
Kraft is a brother of Lawyer William J. Kraft, one of the leaders in South Jersey Democracy, and he was indorsed by the Democratic County Committee after Sheriff Nowrey had concluded to let that body decide what was becoming a very displeasing controversy. For several weeks after this indorsment the commission failed to arrive, and it was freely hinted that Kraft was being bilked for the job, one of the few p’ums after which Camden Democrats have been scrambling. Matters were becoming somewhat strained when the longed-for commission arrived.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The congregation of the Sons of Israel at the annual meeting yesterday elected the following officers: President, A. Eskin; vice president, H. Freeman; secretary, Charles Matt; treasurer, J. Weitzmann. Samuel Albert was chosen president of the Board of Education to govern the Hebrew school.
For “telling fortunes” four gaily clad gypsy women were fined $5 each yesterday by Recorder Stackhouse.
When he administers the oath of office to Sheriff-elect Joseph E. Nowrey next Wednesday, Judge Joline will have officiated at the qualification of seven sheriffs.
Arrested in Camden by Detective William Randall and City Detective Schregler, Roy J. Dunn and Richard Dunn, brothers, were taken to Pittsburgh yesterday to answer charge of having obtained money under false pretenses. They waived their right of extradition.
Dryden-Nowrey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Special to The Inquirer.
COLLINGSWOOD, N. J., Oct. 22.—Miss Myrtle Lillian Nowrey, daughter of former Sheriff Joseph E. Nowrey, of Camden, and William H. Dryden, of 222 Lees avenue, this place, were quietly married in St. John’s Episcopal Church, Camden, this morning by Rev. C. B. DuBelt, only members of the immediate families witnessing the ceremony. A wedding breakfast followed in the home of the bride’s parents, 921 Cooper Street, after which the pair left for an extended honeymoon. They will reside in Collingswood.
Mrs. John Holland, of South Ashburnham, Mass., was the matron of honor, and Joseph E. Nowrey, Jr., served at [sic] best man. The bride was given in marriage by her father.
3 Democratic Rallies Scheduled Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
A combined A. Harry Moore rally and social evening will be conducted by Democratic voters of the Eleventh Ward tonight at the Maennerchor Hall, Twenty-seventh Street below River Avenue.
Former Sheriff Joseph E. Nowrey, Mrs. Florence Melnik, Gene Mariano and Assembly candidates, Vincent de P. Costello, William French, Jr., and Frederick Stanton, will speak. Mrs. Lillian Pisko, committeewoman, will preside. Mrs. Anna Rush is chairman of the committee in charge of the affair.
Rallies in interest of Moore and other Democratic candidates will also be conducted in Collingswood and Lawnside tonight.
Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, state committeewoman; Ralph Wescott, Haddonfield freeholder candidate, and Gene Mariano will address the voters in Collingswood at a mass meeting to be held at the Independent headquarters, Lees and Haddon Avenue.
Isaac Eason, former attorney general of the United States; Rev. Robert A. Jackson and Albert Melnik, will speak at the Lawnside A. Harry Moore Club at the Lawnside fire hall on Warwick Road.
Moore in Camden Speech Demands Fairness at Polls
Camden Courier-Post —
Towers Theatre Packed at Climax of All-Day Invasion Here
Tours Smaller Towns
A. Harry Moore, Democratic candidate for governor, shown with Camden county leaders at the Bellmawr home of Harry A. Maloney, state committeeman, where he was the guest at luncheon during his tour of Camden county. Left to right are Edward J. Hart, Jersey City corporation counsel; Miss Marie V. Kelley, vice chairman of the Democratic county committee; Maloney, Moore, Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, state committeewoman, and Charles Ross, manager of the A. Harry Moore Glee Club.
By Ransloe Boone
Demanding a fair election and protection to Democratic voters, A. Harry Moore was greeted here last night by the largest crowd to gather at a Democratic meeting in Camden’s recent history.
The Democratic candidate for governor brought to a climax an all-day speaking tour of Camden county with a mass meeting which overflowed the Towers Theatre, Broadway and Pine Street. At least 3500 persons crowded the theatre to its doors and more than 1000 others, unable to get in, heard the speakers’ words through amplifiers over the sidewalks.
Moore criticized Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd, for his refusal last week to order state police into Camden to protect the interests of the Democrats.
“The court has not given me that assurance. Instead, the court delivered from the bench a fine speech for my opponent.”
The Democratic candidate had promised in an earlier speech here September 8, to name names of those he charged had resorted to illegal practices at the polls. He made no mention of them last night except to say he had given the names in affidavits filed with Justice Lloyd.
Earlier in the evening the Democratic standard-bearer addressed more than 250 at a combined meeting of Merchantville, Delaware Township and Pennsauken Township voters at Merchantville Hall, 15 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, and to 1200 at Gloucester city hall.
In an address at noon to employees of the RCA Victor and Campbell Soup companies, Moore, without naming his Republican opponent, declared: “Come on with your millions, and with the editors you have bought and paid for, and next Tuesday I’ll crash through to the governor’s chair!”
“When I speak of the editors who have been bought, and paid for, I’m not in anyway referring to the local newspapers—the Morning Post and the Evening Courier. Both of these papers have been fair to me in handling the news of the campaign.”
The Camden mass meeting was opened by former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, who presided. District Court Judge Myron Ernst, of Jersey City, predicting Hudson County would give Moore 100,000 majority, paid tribute to Mayor Frank Hague, of Jersey City, Democratic state leader.
“We love and respect Mayor Hague,” he declared. “He never has been a boss, as the Republicans charge, but he gives the people value, dollar for dollar.”
He declared the election of Moore would be a “beacon signal making possible the election of a Democratic president of the United States.”
Other speakers included Gene Mariano and E. George Aaron, Camden attorneys; Harvey Rothberg, Trenton, organizer of the A. Harry Moore Veterans’ League; James Baker, former president of the State Board of Taxation; Edward Hart, Jersey City corporation counsel, and the three Democratic candidates for Assembly, Vincent de P. Costello, William C. French, Jr., and Frederick Stanton.
Entrance of Moore was the signal for a deafening ovation. Stamping, whistling and cheering broke out spontaneously as the Democratic candidate stepped on the platform. He was forced to wait several minutes before he could silence his supporters and open his address.
Moore opened his Camden county tour with an open-air address to more than 700 employees of RCA Victor and Campbell Soup Companies at Second and Market Streets at noon.
“I want to see that every poor boy and girl in the state has a chance equal to the rich,” he declared, describing how he himself had started as a poor boy and went to work when he was 13 years old.
“You are my kind of people and I am going to represent you. You are the laboring class and the American Federation of Labor has endorsed me. Labor organizations are with me everywhere.”
“There is a demand for a change.”
Moore attacked what he termed the “Hoover promises of prosperity.”
“Where is the job for every man that he promised, where the chicken at every table and the automobile for every workingman that we were to have under Hoover prosperity?” he asked.
Moore visited the New York Shipbuilding Company at 2 p.m., and greeted many workers. Five other open-air meetings followed at Mt. Ephraim, at Runnemede, at the Blackwood Bank, at Clementon Democratic headquarters, and at the Atco station. More than 2300 heard the candidate at these meetings.
Moore’s cause was aided by two prominent Collingswood Republicans when the Democratic candidate spoke in that borough. Both Mayor Joseph H. Van Meter and Thomas M. Jack, former mayor and former sheriff, greeted Moore on his arrival in Collingswood and attended the meeting there.
David Baird was responsible for passage of the Public Service paving bill which relieved the company, of which he was a director, of the expense of paving between and beside its tracks. He saved the company $3,000,000 a year, placing the burden on the taxpayers.
“When this measure came up during my term as governor, I vetoed it.”
“At that time Senator Albert S. Woodruff, whom I consider a most honest and upright man, refused to favor the measure as demanded by Baird. ‘I represent the people, not you,’ Woodruff told Baird, and I admire Woodruff as a man who can be a man, not a mouse.”
“Baird then answered Woodruff: ‘You’ll vote to override the veto or you won’t go back to the Senate.’ Woodruff refused, and he was defeated at the next primary.”
“When he was a member of the United States Senate, David Baird answered only 193 out of 454 roll calls, being absent for 261 of them, and yet now he promises to be a full-time governor if he is elected. He failed to appear at the 1930 special session of Congress, yet he collected his stipend just the same.”
Democrats to Hold Meetings Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Candidacy of Moore to Be Expounded at Meetings in City and Suburbs
The campaign for A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and local Democratic candidates, will be carried into six wards of the city and in seven communities of the county tonight.
All meetings and speakers are as follows:
Second Ward Democratic Club, 841 Market Street; Eugene Aumetre, John Crean, Vincent Gallagher, Leon H. Rose and Charles Woods.
Fourth Ward A. Harry Moore Club, 455 Berkley Street; Samuel T. French, Victor King, Thomas Madden, Leon H. Rose, Gene Mariano, Samuel P. Orlando and Rev. Robert H. Jackson.
Sixth Ward Democratic Club, Fourth and Walnut Street; Frank Connor, Albert Melnik and Thomas Madden.
Tenth Ward Democratic Club, Fifth and Vine Streets; Boyd Morrison, Joseph E. Nowrey, Charles Degnan and David L. Visor.
Seventh Ward A. Harry Moore Club, Seventh Street and Kaighn Avenue; Dr. Leroy Baxter, of Jersey City; Isaac Eason, Dr. Clement Branch, Rev. Robert H. Jackson, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving and Frank Suttill.
Eleventh Ward Democratic Club, 927 North Twenty-seventh Street; Boyd Morrison, Firmin Michel, Victor King, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving.
Gloucester City Democratic Club, 308 Monmouth Street; Boyd Morrison, Gene Mariano, Joseph Varbalow.
Magnolia A. Harry Moore Club, Evesham and Gloucester Avenues; Firmin Michel, Edward L. Canning, John Delaney, Marie V. Kelley and Francis Homan.
Lindenwold Colored Voters’ Club, Blackstone Hall, Lindenwold; Eugene Aumetre, William Williams and Oliver Bond.
Somerdale Club, Whelen home, Somerdale Road and Oggs Avenue; Marie V. Kelly, David L. Visor and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland.
Somerdale Democratic Club, Leone Hall, Warwick Road and Helena Avenue; Samuel P. Orlando, Aaron Heine, Lawrence Gregorio and E. George Aaron.
East Haddonfield Democrat Club, Crescent and Berlin Road; Edward L. Canning, Albert Melnik and Judge Frank F. Neutze.
East Haddonfield Improvement Association, Batesville, Delaware Township; Ralph Wescott, Judge Frank F. Neutze and Mrs. Florence Melnik.
More than five speakers from North Jersey will appear at as many meetings as possible.
Democrats Arrange for 'Maloney Day'
Camden Courier-Post —
July 9 Set for Reception and Picnic to New Revenue Collector
“Harry L. Maloney Day” will be celebrated by South Jersey Democrats, Sunday, July 9, when the newly-appointed collector of internal revenue will be guest of honor at a picnic at Silver Lake Park. State leaders of the party will attend. Maloney, Democratic state committeeman from Camden County and Mayor of Bellmawr, was named by President Roosevelt to succeed Edward L. Sturgess and is expected to take office by July 1.
Plans for the outing were made last night at a meeting in Democratic headquarters, 538 Stevens Street, at which Albert S. Marvel, Jr., was named chairman of the general committee. Vincent de P. Costello was elected secretary and former Mayor Victor King treasurer.
The committees follow:
Ways and means— Sidney Kaplan, chairman; Judge Samuel M. Shay, Judge Frank F. Neutze, Victor King, Vincent Gallaher, Samuel P. Orlando and Thomas N. Madden.
Entertainment— Joseph A. Varbalow, chairman; Patrick H. Harding, Joseph E. Nowrey, Calogero Salvagio, Thomas Cavanaugh and Joseph A. Gorman.
Refreshments— Ralph W. Wescott, chairman; Raymond Hadley, Walter Bateman, Joseph Ackroyd, James Hainesworth, Joseph Harczynski.
Athletics— Frank Abbott, chairman; John Lyons, Joseph McVey and Daniel T. Hagans.
Music— John P. Bissinger, chairman; Ventorino Francesconi, William Bell, Bernard Tracy and Matthew P. Johnson.
District organization— Michael J. Powell, chairman; Dominick Josephs, Ralph Comilli, Herbert McAdams, William Noonan, Edward Huston, Harry Daly and William Kistner.
Transportation— Mayor Emerson Jackson, of Gloucester, chairman; Lewis C. Parker, George Cohen, John Bennett, Horace L. Brewer and Sabba Verdiglione.
Printing— Charles J. Clark, chairman; Raymond Saltzman, Jack Goldstein, Walter Kelly and William M. Williams.
Publicity— Edward C. Bowe, Herbert Beattie, Patrick Whalen, Alfred R. White and Luke Bates.
Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, state committeewoman, and Miss Marie V. Kelley, vice-chairman of the county committee, will head a women’s reception committee to be chosen later.
The committees will meet again Monday night to complete arrangements.
Washington Ketline Held by Recorder Nowrey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Washington Ketline was again arrested yesterday on a charge of writing policy. Recorder Nowrey held him in $500 bail. He has served time in prison for the same offense.
Police Win Again
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Trolley Company’s Latest Attempt at Track-Laying Easily Stopped
TROLLEY MEN ARRESTED
Mayor Hatch Rushed Out and Ordered Police to Clear the Street—Strategy That Was Not Successful
The Camden and Suburban Railway Company’s latest attempt to lay an additional track on Haddon avenue, Camden, was not a success. Their men were easily routed by the police yesterday. George Danks, foreman of a gang of laborers, and Willis Godfrey, colored, took picks and attempted to tear up the concrete foundation on the street, but were arrested and held for further hearings next Thursday. It is probable that the courts will be appealed to before the attempt to lay tracks on Haddon avenue is renewed.
During the clash with the city authorities yesterday General Manager Walter E. Harrington, of the trolley company, was present with a stenographer, and the latter made notes of all that was said and done. Mr. Harrington admitted that this was for the purpose of commencing legal proceedings.
Nearly 1600 people collected along Haddon avenue early yesterday morning in anticipation of a clash between the police and trolley employes. Mayor Hatch and Chief of Police Foster were on the scene by 6 o’clock. They had a large detail of policemen on hand to prevent any attempt to lay rails on the street. About a square away over 100 laborers and as many carts were gathered at the trolley company’s car barn.
Strategy
The opposing leaders looked over the ground carefully and mapped out plans of action. Everybody was on the qui vive for an outbreak of hostilities. The police guard, however, looked so formidable that the trolley forces had recourse to strategy. Picking out about fifty of the old employes of the company they were sent into the car barn under cover. The rest of the laborers were told to hand in their time cards and were then dismissed for the day. They were told that work would not be begun until to-day.
The ruse worked well. Scouts for the police reported that operations had been suspended and no work would be done until to-day. Mayor Hatch and Chief Foster returned to their offices at the City Hall, some of the policemen were sent back to their beats in the different wards, which had been left unprotected while they were on duty on Haddon avenue. The crowd of spectators dispersed.
About a half hour later, when everything was quiet, about 50 men and carts sallied from the car barn. The men had picks, shovels and railroad ties. A rush was made for Haddon and Newton avenues. A watchful police saw the trolley company’s flying force and quickly passed the word along the line. A messenger was dispatched to City Hall to rout out Mayor Hatch and Chief Foster. They came rushing from the building and were quickly on the scene of action.
When the laborers arrived they found a platoon of police drawn up ready to receive them. The laborers were accompanied by General Manager Harrington, who had Stenographer Berry by his side. Wherever the general manager went the stenographer was with him taking notes of all that was said. Police Captain Stanley ordered the men to disperse.
“Captain,” said Mr. Harrington, “we propose to lay a double track on this street, in accordance with an ordinance granting a franchise to the West Jersey Traction Company.”
“Well, I’m here to stop you,” said the doughty little captain.
“Under whose orders?” was asked.
“Under orders from my superior,” replied the captain.
“Very well,” said Mr. Harrington, and turning to one of his foremen he ordered him to take the men back to the barn.
Defeat
While this colloquy was going on Foreman Danks and Willis Godfrey got their work in. Taking picks they drove them into the concrete foundation for the asphalt pavement. Before a second stroke could be made two policemen walked up and arrested the pick wielders.
“I protest against the illegal arrest of those men,” exclaimed Manager Harrington to Mayor Hatch. He repeated this several times before the Mayor paid any attention to him. Finally, turning to the general manager Mayor Hatch asked:
“Have you a permit to tear up this street?”
“No, sir,” answered Mr. Harrington.
“Then, Chief, clear the street,” ordered the Mayor, addressing Chief of Police Foster.
A charge was made on the crowd and General Manager Harrington and his stenographer were hustled to the sidewalk together with the laborers.
Foreman Danks and Godfrey were taken before Recorder Nowrey and held in $50 bail for a further hearing next Thursday.
The trolley company’s next move will probably be made in the courts.
George Chambers Held by Recorder Nowrey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
George Chambers was held in $500 ball [sic] by Recorder Nowrey yesterday, charged with assault and battery on Mary Collins, a gray-haired woman, who alleges that Chambers choked her and also tried to kick her.
Samuel Lewis was held in $300 ball [sic] by Recorder Nowrey yesterday charged with attempting to assault Mrs. Sallie Wilkie, a young married woman, of 2007 Fillmore street.
Wilmer Chalfant and Joseph Callahan Committed by Recorder Nowrey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
On a charge of looting the old Starr mansion of $50 worth of lead pipe and gas fixtures, Wilmer Chalfant and Joseph Callahan were committed by Recorder Nowrey yesterday.
Foehl Fined by Recorder Nowrey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Gottlieb Foehl, a wholesale liquor dealer, of the East Side, was fined $50 and costs by Recorder Nowrey yesterday for selling liquor in less quantity than one quart. Policeman Matlack was the complainant.
William Molt Fined by Recorder Nowrey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
William Molt, a saloonkeeper, of 1999 Federal Street, East Side, was fined $50 and costs by Recorder Nowrey yesterday for selling liquor to Policemen Moore and Alfred Snow on October 22.
George Warner Committed by Recorder Nowrey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
George Warner, colored, was committed in default of $300 bail by Recorder Nowrey yesterday on a charge of hitting John Henson, also colored, in the head with a brick. Henson is a cripple and lives at 1138 South Sixth Street.
Philadelphia Inquirer — July 21, 1900
Camden police have been instructed to arrest nude bathers. Three small boys were reprimanded for the offense yesterday by Recorder Nowrey.
May Bennett and Charles Smith were each held in $300 ball [sic] yesterday by Recorder Nowrey, charged with maintaining disorderly houses at Tenth and Pine Streets.
Herbert Prickett, who was arrested on Thursday night, charged with pulling the whiskers of Philip Auerbach, was sent to jail yesterday by Recorder Nowrey for ten days.
John Kupperwich, of 1047 Lewis Street, was sent to jail in default of ball [sic] by Recorder Nowrey yesterday. On Thursday night the man, flourishing a big knife, gave his wife and children warning to pray before he killed them. A policeman ran into the house and took Kupperwich in custody after a severe struggle.
Camden Jottings
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Eight Philadelphians were arrested yesterday by the police for “scorching.”
The police arrested eight boys yesterday for corner lounging and insulting pedestrians.
William Ringle will be given a hearing by Recorder Nowrey to-day on a charge of stealing a suit of clothes from David Malcolm.
James McNally was arrested yesterday on a charge of assaulting and attempting to rob Paul Hoepfner, on the Haddonfield turnpike on July 22. He will have a hearing before Recorder Nowrey to-day.
Peter Davis Dismissed by Recorder Nowrey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Peter Davis, a Philadelphia weaver, was dismissed by Recorder Nowrey yesterday on the charge of attempting to force his attentions on Jennie Conaway, of 1714 Ladimer street, Philadelphia, while on an Atlantic City train on Sunday night, as the complainant failed to appear against him.
James Thornton, who was charged with assaulting Bicycle Policeman Matlack on Saturday night at Tenth and Ferry avenue, was discharged by Recorder Nowrey yesterday, as Thornton proved that it was a case of mistaken identity.
Henry Johannes Jr. Held in Bail
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Henry Johannes, Jr., was held in $500 bail by Recorder Nowrey yesterday to answer a charge of breaking the arm of Benjamin D’Autrechy, of Philadelphia.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Recorder Nowrey yesterday fined Enoch Briscoe, colored, $3.75 for shooting crap.
Because Saloonkeeper Edward Mulligan, of 22 South Eighth Street, would not admit Robert Nichols to his place late Tuesday night, Nichols turned on him and severely bit him on the hand. Nichols also bit the thumb of Policeman McClong when the latter arrested him. Recorder Nowrey yesterday held Nichols in $800 bail.
Camden’s Scarred Patriots
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fourth Marked by Absence of Serious Accidents
All Camden entered into the spirit of the Fourth of July yesterday. One noticeable feature of the day was the absence of serious accidents. Not a Fourth of July victim was treated at the Homeopathic Hospital, while at the Cooper Hospital but eight were admitted, as follows:
Albert Owens, aged 24 years, of 227 Mechanic street; powder burns of the back.
Charles Haines, aged 54 years, of 110 Birch street; burned hands.
Joseph Simons, aged 47 years, of 1113 Locust street; contusions of the eyelid.
Russell Hutchins, aged 11 years, of 557 Royden street, gunshot wound of right leg.
William Fabor, aged 14 years, of 226 Washington street; blank cartridge wound of right hand.
Florence McGann, aged 33 years, of 226 Erie street; powder burns of hands.
Samuel Ross, aged 14 years, of 5 North Third street; face burned.
Frank Kupp, aged 14 years, of 1043 Pine street; burned hands.
Yesterday afternoon flag raising and christening ceremonies were held at the new apartment house at Sixth and Mickle streets. At Pyne Point Park exercises appropriate to the day were observed. They consisted of singing, music, reading of the Declaration of Independence by F. Wayland Potter and addresses by Rev. F. A. De Maris, of the State Street M. E. Church; Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, and ex-Assemblyman Joseph M. Engard.
Last night splendid pyrotechnical displays were given.
Firemen of Two Cities Fought a Half-Million-Dollar Blaze
Philadelphia Inquirer — (Victor Fire)
FIREMEN OF TWO CITIES FOUGHT A HALF-MILLION-DOLLAR BLAZE
Victor Talking Machine Company’s Plant in Camden Destroyed --- Four Philadelphia Fire Companies Aided Entire Local Department Which Was Called Out
FRONT STREET—SHOWING SIDE OF BURNING BUILDING
A fire which destroyed the large four-story building of the Victor Talking Machine Company, at Front street, above Market, Camden, causing a loss of more than $500,000, threatened for an hour or more yesterday afternoon to create a general conflagration in the heart of the South Jersey metropolis.
Philadelphia fire laddies went once more to the aid of a sister city in distress, and crossed the river to Camden, where they assisted in saving thousands of dollars’ worth of property from being consumed by the flames.
The six fire engine companies of the Camden department had been endeavoring for an hour to subdue the flames, but were working against odds. Taking time by the forelock, Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey and Dr. Frank Neill Robinson, chairman of the Fire Committee of the Camden Council, after a discussion, telephoned to the Electrical Bureau in the Philadelphia City Hall for assistance.
In the course of a very few minutes four companies were on their way to Market street ferry to cross the Delaware.
Companies That Crossed River
The companies sent were No. 21, from Poplar and New Market streets; No. 23, from Seventh and Berks streets; No. 13, from Twenty-first and Market streets, and No. 48, from Seventh and Carpenter streets. The Philadelphia detachment of firemen were under the charge of District Engineer John Meskil. Dr. John Da Costa went with the men to render medical aid had any been necessary.
The fire tugs Stokley and Ashbridge also crossed to the Camden river front to protect the establishments and ships about the wharves.
Immediately after reaching the scene a complete change in the manner of fighting the flames was brought about. With the same gallant and almost headlong display of nerve that won them countless shouts of applause at Baltimore the Quaker City lads fought the flames “from the front,” as they aptly express.
With their customary endurance they kept up their dare-devil fight until the danger of the fire spreading and the possibility of a general conflagration was removed inside of half an hour after their arrival. Another half hour’s fight and the flames were so well under control that they were able to leave for home.
Camden Firemen Work Hard
It was one of the fiercest fires the Camden department had to cope with in years. The local fire-fighters, who are justly proud of their department, worked heroically and were praised by the Philadelphia firemen.
The origin of the fire is as yet unknown, but the authorities are making an investigation. The flames were discovered about noon issuing from a stable in the rear of the carriage works of Joseph C. Collings, which adjoins the Victor Company’s establishment on Front street. William Wallace and George Early, employes of the machine shop of Lambert & Todd, which adjoined the stable, discovered the flames.
Wallace rushed to give the alarm. Early at the same time went to the assistance of a horse that was tied to his stall in the stable. As he opened the stable door, however, the fire beat about his face in such a manner that it was impossible for him to enter the place, and the animal was burned to death.
Before the fire engines reached the scene the flames had leaped, in some unexplainable manner, to the building of the Victor Talking Machine Company, and in a few minutes the third and second floors of the huge plant were all ablaze. In a short time the entire building was aflame, and the danger of a general conflagration was extremely imminent. The entire department of Camden struggled in an uphill fight against the spread of the flames, but to no avail. It was only when it was seen that the aid of the Philadelphia firemen was necessary to prevent a great loss of property that Mayor Nowrey and Dr. Robinson decided to send for aid.
Estimates on the loss sustained by the company vary by the hundreds of thousands, but $500,000 is regarded by the Camden authorities as a conservative figure. The officials of the concern have so far not given any definite estimate. The chief loss is that of the thousands of talking machine and gutta percha records which were stored prior to shipping upon the fourth floor of the building. Assistant Superintendent Atkinson stated that there were 80,000 records alone destroyed by the fire. While no figures could be obtained from him it is said that 50 per cent. of these records were reproductions of the now almost classic Bedelia and Hiawatha, while the rest were for the most part of the rag time variety.
The building destroyed had a frontage of more than 100 feet on Front street, and had a depth of nearly 300 feet. Nothing was saved in the structure. The insurance on the building and stock amounted to about $250,000, placed by Stokes & Pacher. This insurance was carried by seventy-eight different companies throughout the country.
The destruction of the Victor plant throws over 500 persons out of employment. The company had enough orders on hand to keep this number of employes fully employed until way into July. The plant had a capacity of 3500 talking machines a week, an outlay valued by the company at $70,000.
While hard at work fighting the flames, Joseph James, of Engine Company No. 2, of Camden, was accidentally struck over the head by the nozzle of a hose handled by one of his colleagues. He received painful lacerations of the head and was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
Edward Shlerth, a young Camdenite, was passing along North Second street, above Cooper, when he discovered a young girl lying on the step of one of the houses in an almost unconscious condition. He hastily carried her away from the smoke, which had overcome her, and she quickly revived. Shlerth did not succeed in learning her name.
Policeman Edward Johnson turned fireman when the danger of a general conflagration became imminent. He cast aside his blue coat and helmet, and joined the Camden firemen in their work of getting the hose into action.
Gas Slot Meter in Former Mayor Nowrey’s Office Robbed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The police were notified yesterday that the gas slot meter in former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey’s office and the telephone box of a garage adjoining had been broken open and robbed.
Fire Engine Housed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Firemen Had Lively Demonstration at Collingswood
Special to The Inquirer.
COLLINGSWOOD, N. J., June 5.—Firemen from Haddonfield, Westmont, Oaklyn, West Collingswood and Collingswood assisted yesterday in housing a new steamer in the house of Collingswood Fire Company, No. 1. Together with a uniformed delegation of the P. O. S. of A. and preceded by the Franklin Band, of Phila., they marched through the principal streets of the town, after which former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, of Camden, spoke on civic affairs and their relation to volunteer fire companies and also of the support due them from the public.
A delegation of three from each company then ran the steamer into the house after which a public demonstration was given. Mayor A. K. Roberts and the members of Borough Council were in attendance. The engine was purchased by public subscription.
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 5, 1913
Sheriff Nowrey yesterday took to the State Prison Alcaldo Sorden, a negro, who will have to spend from 14 to 28 years there for burglary. Nicholas Waldron and William H. Brooks, two other burglars, were also taken along, to serve from three-and-one-half to seven years.
Law Keeps Democrats at Home
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Law Keeps Democrats at Home
Prominent Democrats had their plans set awry yesterday in Camden with respect to participating in the inaugural ceremonies because the law made it mandatory to draw the jurors for the April term of court. Sheriff Nowrey, who was one of the leading spirits of the Democratic demonstration and parade prior to marching to Washington, was compelled to leave the festivities Monday night in order to arrive in Camden in time to draw the jury yesterday morning at 10 o’clock. His duty done, he immediately left once more for the capital.
Common Pleas Court Judge Carrow, before whom the panel was drawn, was unable to get to Washington at all.
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 6, 1913
Says Civil Service Prevents Removal
Joseph Forsyth, Late Agent of Motor Vehicles, Does Not Recognize Successor
Recently appointed agent of motor vehicles after a strenuous campaign in the ranks of the local Democracy, Alfred C. Kraft, of Camden, yesterday learned that Joseph Forsyth, his Republican predecessor, does not mean to relinquish that office, claiming that he is under the protection of civil service. As a result State Commissioner Lippincott has been appealed to by Kraft to get him the actual possession of the office. Forsyth, who is a nephew of former Sheriff Cooper B. Hatch, asserted that Kraft had never made any formal demand for the office and that anyhow he considered himself qualified to retain its possession unless removed for cause.
Kraft is a brother of Lawyer William J. Kraft, one of the leaders in South Jersey Democracy, and he was indorsed by the Democratic County Committee after Sheriff Nowrey had concluded to let that body decide what was becoming a very displeasing controversy. For several weeks after this indorsement the commission failed to arrive, and it was freely hinted that Kraft was being bilked for the job, one of the few p’ums after which Camden Democrats have been scrambling. Matters were becoming somewhat strained when the longed-for commission arrived.
Evergreen Cemetery, Camden NJ
The Nowrey family plot at Evergreen Cemetery in Camden NJ.
Mrs. Nowrey Dies, Widow of Sheriff
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. Mary E. Nowrey, 81, widow of Joseph E. Nowrey, former Camden mayor and county sheriff, died today at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. H. Dryden, 220 Lees avenue, Collingswood.
Mrs. Nowrey was born in Camden, and was a member for many years of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Broadway and Royden Street. Her late husband who had earned the title “Honest Joe,” died in 1937. He had been a leading figure in Democratic politics for more than 50 years.
Besides Mrs. Dryden, Mrs. Nowrey is survived by two sons, Roland C. Nowrey, of Haddon Heights, and Dr. Joseph E. Nowrey, of Mansfield, Conn.
The Rev. H. G. F. Courtney, rector of St. John’s Church will conduct services at 11 a. m. Wednesday at the Schroeder funeral home, 715 Cooper Street, where friends may call Tuesday night. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.
Moore in Camden Speech Demands Fairness at Polls
Camden Courier-Post —
Towers Theatre Packed at Climax of All-Day Invasion Here
TOURS SMALLER TOWNS
Editorial: “Mr. Harry Moore’s Great Exposé That Exposes Nothing” appears on page 16.
By RANSLOE BOONE
Demanding a fair election and protection to Democratic voters, A. Harry Moore was greeted here last night by the largest crowd to gather at a Democratic meeting in Camden’s recent history.
The Democratic candidate for governor brought to a climax an all-day speaking tour of Camden county with a mass meeting which overflowed the Towers Theatre, Broadway and Pine street. At least 3500 persons crowded the theatre to its doors and more than 1000 others, unable to get in, heard the speakers’ words through amplifiers over the sidewalks.
Assails Justice Lloyd
Moore criticized Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd, for his refusal last week to order state police into Camden to protect the interests of the Democrats.
“The court has not given me that assurance. Instead, the court delivered from the bench a fine speech for my opponent.”
The Democratic candidate had promised in an earlier speech here September 8, to name names of those he charged had resorted to illegal practices at the polls. He made no mention of them last night except to say he had given the names in affidavits filed with Justice Lloyd.
Earlier in the evening the Democratic standard-bearer addressed more than 250 at a combined meeting of Merchantville, Delaware Township and Pennsauken Township voters at Merchantville Hall, 15 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, and to 1200 at Gloucester city hall.
Lauds Courier-Post Fairness
In an address at noon to employees of the RCA Victor and Campbell Soup companies, Moore, without naming his Republican opponent, declared:
“Come on with your millions,” he added without mentioning the name of his Republican opponent, “and with the editors you have bought and paid for, and next Tuesday I’ll crash through to the governor’s chair!”
“When I speak of the editors who have been bought and paid for, I’m not in anyway referring to the local newspapers— the Morning Post and the Evening Courier. Both of these papers have been fair to me in handling the news of the campaign.”
Moore’s address at the Towers Theatre follows:
Cites Request for Trooper
“Evidence is on file with the justice of the Supreme Court here showing clearly that extraordinary means must be taken by me to protect my interests on election day in certain parts of the City of Camden. When I spoke here the last time, I referred to conditions that existed in the Eighth and Fifth wards, conditions that made it impossible for opponents of Republican candidates to receive the protection that the laws provide for all candidates for office.
“I promise at that time that the names of certain individuals who resort to illegal practices at the polls would be made public. This has been done. The names have been given to the justice of the Supreme Court here.
“Though my counsel, I have appealed to the justice of the Supreme Court for assurance that he would use the power of his high judicial office to give my interests the protection of the law of New Jersey in those sections where I am compelled to believe my interests are in jeopardy. Filed with the court are 40 affidavits showing what has happened in the Fifth and Eighth wards in the past, and what I have every reason to believe will be repeated this year unless checked beforehand.
Ridicules Supreme Court
“The court has not given me that assurance. Instead, the court delivered from the bench a fine speech for my opponent. The court insisted on emphasizing that the City of Camden and the County of Camden were no more capable of election law violations than any other city or county in the state.
“Now, I have no criticism to make of the people of Camden city or Camden county. Certainly the great majority of the people here are law abiding. I never said they weren’t. But the court was given evidence of the strong-arm and illegal methods used at the polls in the Fifth and Eighth wards in the City of Camden, evidence submitted by persons who witnessed the stuffing of ballot box and by other persons who were victims of intimidation and beating by gangsters.
“Am I not entitled to the protection that I seek? What are courts for, if not to see that justice is done and the law respected?
Hits at Baldwin and Cops
“Can I depend on the prosecutor of Camden county to see that the law is not violated on election day, when the prosecutor has appeared as counsel for my opponent in these matters, and is out campaigning for him?
“Can I look to the police for protection when the affidavits now on file with the justice of the Supreme Court show that the policemen on duty at the polling places where these law violations occurred closed their eyes to what was going on, some leaving the polling place at the approach of bullies in the Eighth ward, and others actually assisting in the assaults made upon voters and election officers?
“The justice said that Camden county has been cleaned up. Two years ago he told the grand jury here that conditions were rotten and charged the grand jury to do its full duty. Granting that Camden now is free of all the things Justice Lloyd said existed here two years ago, credit for the change must go to Justice Lloyd.
“If then, a word from the court accomplished that much, why won’t a word from him now, about what habitually happens in the Fifth and Eighth wards, on election day— occurrences that everyone is familiar with— put a stop to that?
Appeals to Fairness
“I want the same protection here that my opponent will have in my county on election day. Guarding his interests at the polls in Hudson will be a Republican prosecutor and a Republican bureau of elections, Mr. Baird will have at every polling place in Hudson county, in addition to the regular challengers and watchers, two Republican deputies from the Bureau of Elections, paid not by the Republican party, but by the taxpayers of Hudson county.
“It is costing our people $100,000 a year to maintain this Republican election bureau with its investigators and deputies.
“The records disclose that 19 names are registered from the saloon owned by the Republican leader of the Fifth ward, and those names, together with the name of the saloon owner and the address of the saloon, have been submitted to the court. In addition, there are at least 1000 names on the Camden city registry lists that do not belong there. That evidence is also in Justice Lloyd’s possession.
Threatens Vote Crooks Here
“These 19 names we know for a positive fact are illegally on the registry books. They are the remainder of the 4000 illegal registrants that were discovered during an investigation. Three thousand have been stricken from the registry lists by the Common Pleas Court here, and but for the expiration of the statutory time limit they all would have been stricken.
“However, despite the refusal of the court to assure me of the protection to which I am entitled, I want the people to know that every safeguard will be thrown around their ballots. Even without the support of the law enforcement agencies of this city and county the polls will be properly protected next Tuesday. The next time I come to Camden it will be as the governor of New Jersey, and I promise now that it will be a sad day for the law violators and recreant officials, from the highest down. They will answer to me for whatever frauds occur next Tuesday.
“I pledge to you that the law will be respected, that the ballot box stuffers will be put where they belong, that the reign of terror of the gangsters will end, and end speedily; that the machinery of government will be returned to the people, that the ballot will be cast by the people of South Jersey in accordance with their own desires— unhampered and unafraid.
Pledges Jury Reform
“The question of jury reform no doubt is of particular interest to the people of Camden. I believe that one of the main reasons why hand-picked and political juries are possible is the present method of selecting jury commissioners.
“Instead of improving on the original method of having the jury commissioners for each county appointed by the chancellor, the present administration at Trenton threw the procedure completely into politics by placing the appointment of these officials in the hands of the governor.
“I advocate that jury commissioners be appointed by the justice of the Supreme Court in the respective counties. In addition, I favor life tenure for justices of the Supreme Court. The latter reform would completely remove the Supreme Court from politics.
“That much accomplished, the justice of the Supreme Court becomes the only proper officer to select jury commissioners.”
Nowrey Presides
The Camden mass meeting was opened by former Mayor Joseph E. Nowrey, who presided. District Court Judge Myron Ernst, of Jersey City, predicting Hudson County would give Moore 100,000 majority, paid tribute to Mayor Frank Hague, of Jersey City, Democratic state leader.
“We love and respect Mayor Hague,” he declared. “He never has been a boss, as the Republicans charge, but he gives the people value, dollar for dollar.”
He declared the election of Moore would be a “beacon signal making possible the election of a Democratic president of the United States.”
Other speakers included Gene Mariano and E. George Aaron, Camden attorneys; Harvey Rothberg, Trenton, organizer of the A. Harry Moore Veterans’ League; James Baker, former president of the State Board of Taxation; Edward Hart, Jersey City corporation counsel, and the three Democratic candidates for Assembly, Vincent de P. Costello, William C. French, Jr., and Frederick Stanton.
Entrance of Moore was the signal for a deafening ovation. Stamping, whistling and cheering broke out spontaneously as the Democratic candidate stepped on the platform. He was forced to wait several minutes before he could silence his supporters and open his address.
Addresses RCA and Soup Workers
Moore opened his Camden county tour with an open-air address to more than 700 employees of RCA Victor and Campbell Soup Companies at Second and Market streets at noon.
“I want to see that every poor boy and girl in the state has a chance equal to the rich,” he declared, describing how he himself had started as a poor boy and went to work when he was 13 years old.
“You are my kind of people and I am going to represent you. You are the laboring class and the American Federation of Labor has endorsed me. Labor organizations are with me everywhere.
“There is a demand for a change.
A Republican came to me the other day and said, ‘I’m a Republican and I’m going to vote for you. You can’t be worse than what we’ve had.’ I smiled and said, ‘It’s true I can’t be worse, but I hope to be better and I will be.’”
Hits ‘Hoover Prosperity’
Moore attacked what he termed the “Hoover promises of prosperity.”
“Where is the job for every man that he promised, where the chicken at every table and the automobile for every workingman that we were to have under Hoover prosperity?” he asked.
“I ask, where are those evidences of prosperity that were promised? I represent you. I’m going to represent you. I want, and you want, the government taken out of the hands of a boss.”
Moore’s remarks were greeted with cheers and applause, interrupted occasionally with cries “We want Moore” and “atta boy, Harry.”
Skirmishes Black Horse Pike
The Democratic candidate was the guest of Harry A. Maloney, state committeeman, at luncheon at his home in Bellmawr, from where the party resumed its tour.
Moore visited the New York Shipbuilding Company at 2 p. m., and greeted many workers.
Five other open-air meetings followed at Mt. Ephraim, at Runnemede at 3.20 p. m., at the Blackwood Bank at 3.45 p. m., at Clementon Democratic headquarters at 4:15 p. m. and at the Atco station at 4:45 p. m. More than 2300 heard the candidate at these meetings.
He attacked Baird’s state and national record at a mass meeting at 5:30 p. m. at the headquarters of the Independent A. Harry Moore Club, Haddon and Lees avenues, Collingswood. More than 300 crowded into the hall while many more heard the address outside through amplifiers.
Moore’s cause was aided by two prominent Collingswood Republicans when the Democratic candidate spoke in that borough. Both Mayor Joseph H. Van Meter and Thomas M. Jack, former mayor and former sheriff greeted Moore on his arrival in Collingswood and attended the meeting there. Van Meter also was present later at the Camden meeting.
“David Baird was responsible for passage of the Public Service paving bill which relieved the company, of which he was a director, of the expense of paving between and beside its tracks. He saved the company $3,000,000 a year, placing the burden on the taxpayers.
Commends Woodruff
“When this measure came up during my term as governor, I vetoed it.
“At that time Senator Albert S. Woodruff, whom I consider a most honest and upright man, refused to favor the measure as demanded by Baird.
‘I represent the people, not you,’ Woodruff told Baird, and I admire Woodruff as a man who can be a man, not a mouse.
“Baird then answered Woodruff: ‘You’ll vote to override the veto or you won’t go back to the Senate.’ Woodruff refused, and he was defeated at the next primary.
“When he was a member of the United States Senate, David Baird answered only 193 out of 454 roll calls, being absent for 261 of them, and yet now he promises to be a full-time governor if he is elected. He failed to appear at the 1930 special session of Congress, yet he collected his stipend just the same.”
Moore attacked Baird’s failure to vote on the Mexican immigration bill which affected southern labor, declaring: “He could not make up his mind how to vote.”
During the last three years, when David Baird was boss of the state, it cost $96,000,000 to run the government, $24,000,000 more than when I was governor. Baird, as boss of the legislature, increased the burden of taxation. All he wants is more power to build up his political organization.”
Moore spoke along the same lines at Merchantville and Gloucester.
Police Shakeups of Today Mild Compared to Years Ago
Camden Courier-Post —
Force Changed Every Time Political Regime of City Shifted; Larry Doran Fired for Crossing Street to Get Cinnamon Bun; Old Patrol Recalled
By BEN COURTER
(Another in a series of articles on municipal affairs and personalities of yesteryear.)
Ben Courter
In “the good old days” when Camden’s police department was just about getting under way in accordance with the amended charter of 1872, the men in the ranks were the football of politics. Even if the phrase “to the victor belongs the spoils” had not yet been coined, it was in active force. A change of administration always meant a violent shakeup in the personnel of the department.
It has been so many years since Camden has had a real political shakeup, aside from the nonpartisan movement of seven years ago, that the younger element can have no personal recollection of upheavals marking the aftermath of Democrats succeeding Republicans or vice versa. Many of the men resigned on principle, but others stood their ground and with the faithful hungry for place on the police force it was necessary to take drastic measures.
Sometimes it did not require a party turnover, for bitter factional scraps resulted in reprisals. It then fell the lot of the police committee of city council to conduct hearings. They were usually acrimonious affairs with partisans of the G. O. P. often showing more spleen than in a strict party fight. These hearings were as a rule public, attracting big crowds of opponents and advocates of the accused. The charges ranged from conduct unbecoming an officer to neglect of duty and everything between.
Sometimes the charges were altogether ridiculous, as for instance when Larry Doran, now chief of the county detectives, was accused of going out of his beat to buy a cinnamon bun. He happened to be an appointee of Mayor Joseph E. Mowrey and no one questioned Doran’s ability as a cop or of his sincerity in patrolling his beat. But the Republicans had come back into the fold some 25 years ago and it was determined Larry should get out. Thus came the charge based on someone’s discovery he had crossed the street early one morning to get a bun. No one imagined it a very heinous offense at best, but it was all in the game of politics and the finding of the police committee was a foregone conclusion.
Findings, Usually Sustained
In some instances appeals were made to higher courts, but very little came of it since the committee was considered within its power to dismiss an officer if it saw fit. All necessary was to have the report accepted by council and since that was overwhelmingly Republican the work of the committee was a mere formality. Politics continues to play an important part in the appointments of cops or firemen, but for the past six years they have been under civil service, thus affording at least a measure of protection unless there actually has been some dereliction of duty.
Even though there were the changes wrought by political and factional wars, many men withstood the storms through the years. As a matter of fact it is evident that most of the men who have been accepted as representative of the force have had little difficulty in holding down their beats.
Mention has occasionally been made of one of Camden’s most spectacular police chiefs, Samuel Dodd. When he was first appointed by Mayor Pratt in the 80’s he was in the prime of life and certainly not inclined to give quarter to anyone. But he met with his first difficulties in the race track regime with the dual police departments, when the Democratic commission appointed William A. Davis in his stead. He was reinstated in 1893 after the Republicans had gained control of the state and had abolished the commissions.
Dodd then went along without further trouble until the advent of Hatch who appointed John Foster in 1898. Dodd was born in Burlington in 1841, but came to Camden as a young shoemaker and made himself vitally important to his fellow workers. In the 80’s Camden was a shoemaking and leather center. There were over 100 factories and hundreds of persons were employed. Thus it became an important factor in politics. Dodd loomed as a mayoralty candidate. Everything was cut and dried for him to enter the field when Pratt ran in 1885, but Dodd was prevailed upon to get out of the fight with the promise of being made police chief. That was later carried into effect.
Many years Chief Dodd has been dead, but old-timers around the city hall still have a very vivid recollection of him and his long coal black whiskers, which he had a habit of yanking when under some excitement.
First Patrol Wagon
It was during Dodd’s regime Camden sported its first patrol wagon, in May of 1893. It was something of an epochal event for Camden. Men nearing middle life who then were boys vividly recall the sensation created by the appearance of the little red wagon with “Camden Patrol” painted in gold on the red sides, not forgetting the big gong near the driver’s seat. And as the high steppers speeded through the city streets with a drunk or victim of an accident that gong was everlastingly sounded until the whole populace was brought to the doors. Chief Stehr’s father, Lewis H. Stehr; Oscar Weaver, “Si” Sage and “Nitchie” Golden were the first in the department who operated that famous wagon. It was the forerunner of the automobile police patrol and ambulance put in service July 14, 19[?].
When the first patrol went into service Camden’s streets were veritable “rocky roads to Dublin.” They were paved with cobble, even Broadway, Federal street and Kaighn avenue. Only Cooper street and a part of Benson sported asphalt blocks. Hence it was the object of the driver to pick out the best route possible by using horse car or trolley tracks if possible.
It certainly was no pleasure trip to the hall for a drunk and a road of torture to any unfortunate being toted to the hospital. But even at that it was an improvement over the archaic method of taking prisoners to jail by way of a pushcart. I have already mentioned in these annals the Roman holiday such an incident furnished the kids of the generation. If John Painter or Charlie Fitzsimmons pushed a cussin’ drunk from Kaighn Point to the hall they were sure to have a yelling mob of kids at their heels. Unfortunates who were ill or injured were usually taken to the hospital in horse-drawn cabs. But of course the conveniences of today were not even dreamed about.
Lieutenant Tommie Cunningham is among the veterans on the force who recalls those days of long ago, for last Tuesday marked the thirty-sixth anniversary of his appointment to the department. Tommie has seen the department grow from less than half a hundred men to five times that number. In all that time he has pounded a beat in South Camden or had charge of a detail of men or a district as at present.
“Jake” Woodside
In recalling some of the old-timers mention must also be made of Jacob Woodside, who was appointed October 1, 1898. He hailed from the Sixth ward and was among the valiant crew who sported luxurious mustaches. He was in his later years a sergeant in the Third district. Woodside, who had many staunch friends throughout the city, died several years ago.
Then there is “Cul” Errickson who was made a cop September 15, 1898, by Mayor Hatch. He was for many years sergeant at headquarters; a big, good-natured cop, too. He has been enjoying life these several years as a pensioner up around New Egypt.
Certainly one of the most substantial members of the force was Capt. Arthur A. Stanley, who was in charge of the downtown district for many years. He was appointed by Mayor Hatch July 15, 1898. Captain Stanley was a Civil war veteran and prominently identified with the G. A. R. He has been dead for many years. His son, Milton Stanley, was a detective in the department and also at the prosecutor’s office, but for several years has been living on a farm in South Jersey.
There is another veteran of the force still in harness, George Nowrey, brother of former Mayor Nowrey, appointed by Mayor Hatch August 1, 1898. He has been a sergeant in the department for many years.
On the same day Nowrey was appointed, John Reader was made a member of the force. He, too, was a sergeant when he died several years ago. He was father of Dr. A. B. Reader and Attorney Lawrence Reader, the latter one of the most prominent young men of the city when he died during the flu epidemic in 1918. “Larry” also was a member of council from the Thirteenth ward.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN.—Frank Starkey was held in bail by the Recorder yesterday for murderous assault on George Peterson—The striking machinists of Camden have been given $300 by the machinists who were not called out.—George Laux was held in bail by Recorder Nowrey yesterday, charged by Policeman Isaac Toy with assault and battery.—Miss Mary Reynolds and Levi Stratton were married by Rev. G. R. Underhill at St John’s P. E. Church—Charles McPherson Chief Deputy of the Internal Revenue service, fractured a leg while rising from a chair in his office yesterday.—Sunday evening next Rev. A. G. Lawson, at the North Baptist Church, will preach the baccalaureate sermon to the graduating class of the High School.
New Policeman Named.
Camden Post-Telegram —
Ex-Bartender William Stanton Succeeds Robert Miller.
Mayor Nowrey late yesterday afternoon appointed William Stanton, of the Third ward, a policeman to fill the vacancy caused by the dismissal of Robert Miller.
Stanton went on duty last night. The new blue coat is familiarly known as “Pud” and is an ex-bartender.
Along Memory Lane: Farnham Park
Camden Courier-Post (Evening Courier) —
David R. Rose, barrister and erst-while aide to Vice-Chancellor Leaming stopped me one day this week.
“Had an odd experience in ‘Farnham Park,’” said he. “Walking along one of the paths I saw a squirrel. It came toward me, but since there were five trees between us I thought it would scurry up one of them. But it didn’t; it came directly toward me, climbed up to my shoulder and was a mighty friendly little chap.”
All of which is not unusual in the sylvan aisles of Camden’s biggest breathing spot, for the squirrels, or ground hackeys as some call them, are tame as house cats.
Spring in the Parks
What impressed Rose as much as this familiarity of the squirrel was the unusual beauty of the park, even now with spring as varying in her moods as ever Tom Hood said she was over a century ago.
“Along Haddon Avenue I saw children playing, dodging autos, taking chances every minute,” said Rose. “It seemed a peculiar thing that such as these do not go a few squares away and enjoy the open, the lawns, the trees, the beauties of nature. I didn’t see a half dozen persons in the park.”
And ‘tis all true, for even in the heat of summer it is not appreciated as it should be. There are many who are as ignorant of what the park affords in fresh air and verdure as though they resided many miles away. If the park were fifty miles away autoists in particular would undoubtedly travel there for an outing. Distance lends enchantment with respect to parks as in all things else in life.
Farnham Park’s History
Farnham Park had a hectic birth at best. In fact it was the campaign issue. The purchase of “Red Hill,” its popular name then, was declared nothing less than a steal. A syndicate asking $1,100 each for 90 acres was anathematized. The Republican organization was lampooned, it was excoriated. Mayor Nowrey refused to sign the bonds. “Billy” Thompson ran the “Plaindealer” with Billy Paul as editor. Jim Fitzgerald, Charlie Schuck and I the staff. We led the crusade against the deal. And it went through with bells.
But it did seem a sorry purchase. Most of it was under water. I remember chasing bullfrogs, fishing along the banks, wallowing in the mud, scrambling through the brambles in the old days. It was wild save for the old Powell farm that had stretched over to Haddon avenue with its asparagus beds. Certainly didn’t look promising. Fortunately, Camden had a self-sacrificing and largely unappreciated servant who did see the possibilities. He was Levi Farnham, city engineer for a generation.
Visions Turned to Reality
Farnham saw what might be done. He obtained expert tips from some of the great parks of the country. Paid them personal visits. Cooper creek (that was before it had become a “river” by legislative enactment) was dredged. Banks were built, the lagoon was made, the island was planted in weeping willows, driveways were laid out, paths stretched their winding way through the fine old trees.
Camdenites awoke rather suddenly to find they had a park, one worth bragging about. If the original cost was excessive it was justified, for even a dozen years ago it could have been sold for more than twice the city paid for it. Its value now is vastly increased over that. Eventually it will be part of the Cooper River Valley Park, a miniature Wissahickon. It does require vision to see these things when they are in the making.
Now when spring does make up her [?] mind to behave, to give us what is due after the blasts of March and the weeping of April, it might be a revelation for Camdenites to see what they have in old Forest Hill, now, rightfully and deservedly called Farnham Park. Incidentally, it is a splendid memorial to the man who worked day and night, holidays and Sundays, in and out of season to develop it. I can recall Farnham trudging along from his self imposed task while others might be observing [?] holiday. Nothing more suited him than laying out more roads or paths, supervising the nursery or looking after a myriad of details that have made it all that Dave Rose says it is.
A Fortune In Trees
There are fine old oaks that cannot be bought, wondrous maples, entrancing willows with all sorts and conditions of shrubbery. Looking from the high point graced by the pagoda gives an inspiring vista of stream and lowland with a thousand varied tints in green when summer comes.
Charles Leavitt, master planner whose untimely death occurred this week, saw its possibilities even beyond what Farnham had done.
But one little experience like Dave Rose’s, tramping through the park, will do much to obtain the enthusiastic support of the citizenry to the developments now under the supervision of the County Park Commission.