Introduction
Lena Rago was a Democratic County Committeewoman from Camden’s 5th Ward in the late 1940s and early 1950s. In that capacity she served her ward with Camden City Commissioner Frank Abbott.
The 1947 Camden City Directory show Lena Rago living with husband Anthony Rago at 232 Line Street in Camden. By 1959 they had moved to 3063 Highland Avenue in East Camden.
100 Friends Honor Director Abbott At Birthday Fete
Camden Courier-Post —
Public Works Director Abbott had a birthday Thursday and more than 100 of his friends and associates helped him celebrate it at a surprise dinner.
In response to praise for his accomplishments, Abbott attributed much of his success to support of those “on the other side of the tracks,” as he phrased it. Abbott lauded his fifth ward neighbors for having supported him since his first election in 1939.
Anthony M. Lario, city prosecutor, was toastmaster at the affair held in Vasco’s, Third and Pine streets. Among those who spoke as friends of Abbott were former Freeholder Thomas C. Schneider; former Prosecutor Gene R. Mariano; Alfred A. Zimmerman, president of Camden Council 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association; Detectives Harry Tracy and Joseph Mardino, Police Sergeant Anthony Skolski, Richard Troncone, Michael Tomasetti, Daniel Galasso and Frank H. Ryan, Courier-Post editor.
Among other guests were Mrs. Lena Rago, who serves on the Democratic county committee with Abbott representing the fifth ward; Mrs. Abbott, Joseph Webster, Camden restaurateur; Ventorino Fransecconi, deputy health director; former Deputy Sheriff Dominick Lombardo and Water Superintendent Edward Sheehan. Professor Gerald Fitzgibbon, widely-known hypnotist, entertained.
Director Abbott Celebrates Birthday at Vasco’s
Camden Courier-Post —
CAMDEN PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ABBOTT had his day Thursday. It was his birthday and more than 100 friends helped him celebrate it at a party at Vascos’, Third and Pine streets. Left to right, front row, are Mrs. Lena Rago, Democratic Committeewoman of the fifth ward; Abbott, and Mrs. Abbott; standing, former Prosecutor Gene R. Mariano, Anthony M. Lario, city prosecutor, and Dominick Lombardo, former deputy sheriff.
1954 March of Dimes Organization
Camden Courier-Post —
Completion of the Camden City volunteer organization which will distribute 1500 can containers to business houses throughout the city for the 1954 March of Dimes was announced today by City Commissioner Aaron, Camden County chairman.
With leaders in every ward n Camden City, as well as in all the municipalities of the county appointed, Aaron predicted the com-ing campaign, which begins next month; will surpass all records.
“Never has the need been greater than it is today, and never have the prospects been so heartening for combating the .dread disease of Infantile paralysis” Aaron said.
“While this tremendously important work is going on. we must in care for those already stricken and those who will be stricken next year. More than 60 patients afflicted with polio this year, as well as past polio cases, have received treatment at the Camden Municipal Hospital, treatment made possible by past contributions to the March of Dimes. Your money has saved the lives of countless people; countless others need your help.
The committee follows; First Ward, Joseph Davis; Second Ward, David Hagarty; Third Ward, louis di renzo; fourth ward, John Odorisio; Fifth Ward, Mrs. Anna Anderson and Mrs. Lena Rago; Sixth Ward, John Salvatore; Seventh Ward, Mrs. Alfreda Hart; Eighth Ward, Anthony Bezich and Delaware Palmer; Ninth Ward, Oscar Moore; 10th Ward. Edward Kelley; 11th Ward, Mrs. Ella Mae Russell and Carroll Gooch; 12th Ward. Margaret Foley and Wayne McCormick; 13th Ward, Albert Becker and 14th Ward, John Emmel.
P. Donovan Cragin is executive secretary of Camden County Chapter, National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, sponsor of the March of Dimes.