Oscar Weidenhammer
Oscar Weidenhammer was born at Richmond in Berks County PA around 1864. His great-grandfather, George Weidenhammer, had fought in the Revolutionary War, as a Private in the 2nd Battalion, 7th Company, from Maidencreek PA. George Weidenhammer later rose to officer’s rank, and from 1790 through 1800 was a Captain of the 3rd Company, 1st Regiment from Pennsylvania.
Oscar Weidenhammer was working on his father Adam’s farm when the census was taken in 1880. He moved to Philadelphia shortly after the 1887 Philadelphia City Directory was compiled, and soon after married Ida V. Eggert. By 1890 Philadelphia City Directory lists him as a laborer, and living at 2111 Orkney Street.
Oscar Weidenhammer may have already been involved in the bottling business when the 1890 Directory was compiled. The Directories for 1892 and 1893 show him as still residing on Orkney Street, and working as a bottler. The 1894 Directory has him as a laborer, and living at 2022 North 5th Street. He may well have been laboring in the bottling business, as the next available directories, for 1897 and 1898, show him once again as a bottler, now living at 1315 Wishart Street.
The Philadelphia City Directories from 1899 through 1903 show Oscar B. Weidenhammer as living at 2003 Madison Street. His occupations progressed from bottler to foreman to manager. It appears he was working for a Philadelphia firm, the Pennsylvania Bottling and Supply Co., Ltd., which had facilities at 14 Market Street in Camden and 2915 Kensington Avenue in Philadelphia, and by 1903 he was managing the firm’s Camden branch, replacing Henry E. Nunnich. The 1903 Camden City Directory lists Oscar Weidenhammer as the company’s manager, and residing in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Directory seems to confirm this. A daughter, Estella, was born on October 23, 1902. Census information states that she was born in New Jersey; this may have occurred shortly after the information for the directories were compiled.
Camden City Directories from 1904 through 1913 indicate that Oscar and Ida Weidenhammer lived at 904 North 6th Street in North Camden. The 1912 directory indicates that Oscar Weidenhammer was still working for Pennsylvania Bottling & Supply, while the 1913 directory simply states that he was working in the bottling business at 14 Market Street in Camden. The next directory, that of 1914, shows that Oscar Weidenhammer had made a significant move.
The Camden City Directory for 1914 shows that Oscar Weidenhammer had established a bottling business, the Weidenhammer Bottling Works, at 50 York Street in North Camden, and that he resided in the house next door, at 48 York. The 1930 Census shows that Oscar and Ida Weidenhammer still lived at 48 York Street. Oscar Weidenhammer passed away in June of 1932. The Weidenhammer bottling business remained in business at 48–50 York Street through at least 1936. By 1940 the business, then run by son-in-law Walter J. Beer, had relocated to 61 York, and the old property was being used by the Camden Casket Company. The bottling business survived to at least 1943, but was gone by the time the 1947 Directory was compiled.
Ida V. Eggert Weidenhammer died at her daughter Estella’s home, 2140 Scovel Avenue, Pennsauken NJ on July 30, 1946. She was buried at Hillside Cemetery.
The daughter of a first cousin, Mabel Weidenhammer Brady, lived with her saloon-keeper husband Patrick at the corner of North 3rd and Erie Streets, a short walk from the Weidenhammer establishment from the late 1910s through the early 1930s.
Landed His Man After a Struggle
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Harry Livermore and John Mares were arrested in Camden yesterday charged with breaking into the Pennsylvania Bottling and Supply Company’s place at 14 Market street. The complaint was made by Henry E. Nunnich, manager of the company.
Policeman Kappel says he found the men in the place. He succeeded in arresting Mares, but Livermore got away. Later in the day Policemen Harry Miller and Isaac Toy visited Livermore’s home at Third and Clinton streets with a warrant for his arrest issued by Recorder Stackhouse. Livermore eluded the officers and, amid much excitement, scurried away over fences. He was once more found by Miller, but put up such a stout resistance that the officer pulled his revolver. Officer and prisoner rolled about in each other’s embrace until the former finally succeeded in mastering the man.
Policeman Miller was seriously cut during the primary election fight July 28 last and yesterday was his second day of duty.
1912–1913 Camden City Directory
Named: Oscar B. Weidenhammer managed the Camden branch of Pennsylvania Bottling and Supply Co., 1912, and 1913 Camden City Directory.
Penna. Bottling and Supply Co., Ltd. — Bottlers of Best Brands. Lager Beer, Porter, Ale. Weiss Beer, Wines and Liquors. Manufacturers of High-Class Carbonated Beverages. Birch Beer in Half Barrels. Only Authorized Bottlers of Iron Brew in Camden. “Dove Brand” Ginger Ale a Specialty. 14 Market Street, Camden, N.J. 2915 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia. Both Phones. Hotel and Family Trade Solicited.
Pennsylvania Bottling and Supply Co Ltd 14 Market — George W. Tucker chairman; Henry E. C. Nennich sec and treas; Oscar B. Weidenhammer mgr (see adv opp page)
1913–1914 Camden City Directory
Named: O. B. Weidenhammer, 1913, and 1914 Camden City Directory.
O. B. Weidenhammer — Bottler of Best Brands of Lager Beer, Porter, Ale, Weiss Beer, Wines and Liquors. Manufacturer of High-Class Carbonated Beverages. Birch Beer in Half Barrels. Only Authorized Bottler of Iron Brew in Camden. “Dove Brand” Ginger Ale a Specialty. 14 Market Street, Camden, N.J. Both Phones. Hotel and Family Trade Solicited.
1914–1915 Camden City Directory
Named: O. B. Weidenhammer at 50 York Street, 1914, and 1915 Camden City Directory.
O. B. Weidenhammer — Bottler of Best Brands of Lager Beer, Porter, Ale. Weiss Beer, Wines and Liquors. Manufacturer of High-Class Carbonated Beverages. Birch Beer in Half Barrels. Only Authorized Bottler of “Iron Brew” in Camden. “Robin” Brand Ginger Ale a Specialty. 50 York Street. (Both Phones.) Camden, N.J. Hotel and Family Trade Solicited.
Weidenhammer Booth at Pyne Point Park
Named: O. B. Weidenhammer, Booth at Fourth of July festivities at Pyne Point Park, The child is Carl W. Weber, 11 months old, and July 4, 1923.
Oscar Weidenhammer Dies in 67th Year
Camden Courier-Post —
Oscar B. Weidenhammer, 66, of 48 York street, for many years in the bottling business here, died Tuesday after an illness of several months. He had been a resident of Camden 28 years. Funeral services will be held at 1.30 p. m. Monday.
Mr. Weidenhammer is survived by his widow, Ida V.; a daughter, Mrs. Walter J. Beer, and two sisters, Mrs. Louise B. Eggert and Mrs. Mary B. Egner.
Weidenhammer—On May 31, 1932, Oscar B., beloved husband of Ida V. Weidenhammer, age 66 years. Relatives and friends of the family, also members of Camden Lodge of Elks, Camden Lodge of Moose and The Red, White and Blue Council I. O. M., are invited to attend the funeral services on Monday, at 1.30 p. m., from his late residence, 48 York St., Camden, N. J. Interment at Hillside Cemetery, Pennsylvania. Friends may call Sunday evening.
Cards of Thanks
Camden Courier-Post —
Weidenhammer—Mrs. Ida V. Weidenhammer, of 48 York St., Camden, and family wishes to thank her many friends, relatives and neighbors for their floral offerings, cars and kindness extended during her recent bereavement, the death of her husband.
61 York Street — Weidenhammer Bottling Works
Named: 61 York Street, Weidenhammer Bottling Works, Camden High School Purple & Gold Yearbook Ad, and February 1940.