Introduction
Named: Otto E. Braun, Camden City Clerk, 1935, and 1936.
Otto E. Braun was a native of Camden who grew up in North Camden, where his father, Francis X. Braun, operated a tailor shop at 206 Market Street. Frank X. Braun built his business with clients including Esterbrook Pen, Campbell Soup, J. B. Van Sciver, and other area businesses. Besides Otto, there was a brother, William, and two sisters, Beatrice and Justine “Tine” Braun. Frank Braun passed away in 1912.
Otto Braun wed around 1915. At the time of the 1920 census he was living with wife Emma at 317 Pearl Street in North Camden, working as a timekeeper in a factory. By April of 1930 he had taken a position as a cashier in the city tax office, and the Braun family had purchased a home at 440 Grant Street in North Camden.
Otto E. Braun was a member of Mozart Lodge No. 121, Free and Accepted Masons. He was elected to a one-year term as the lodge’s Master in 1926. His father had served in that position in 1900. A staunch Republican, Otto Braun served under Mayor Frederick von Nieda as City Clerk for Camden from April 1935 to November of 1936. He succeeded Frank S. Albright, who died in office. Otto Braun then returned to his post in the tax office.
He was a member of the Pyne Point Athletic Association from the time he moved to North Camden until his death. During that 35-year period he served as treasurer for years and was president of the organization twice. He was also active in other civic and fraternal groups.
Otto Braun suffered a fatal stroke shortly after giving a speech at Camden’s Masonic Temple at 4th and Arch Streets. He passed away on February 17, 1950, at Cooper Hospital.
Braun Family Photos
Named: Francis X. Braun & children outside his tailor shop, 1910, Francis, Justine, Beatrice & William, Beatrice & William Braun, Top: Francis X. Braun, and Below: Justine ‘Tine’ Braun.
Cooper Grammar School Basketball Team, 1907–1908
Named: Cooper Grammar School 1907, 1908 Basketball Team, and Otto Braun.
The Wedding of Otto & Emma Braun, c. 1915
The wedding party of Otto & Emma Braun, circa 1915
Aitken Re-Elected by Pyne Poynt A. A.
Camden Courier-Post —
All Other Officers Retained; Committees Named for July 4 Celebration
Henry W. Aitken was re-elected president of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association at its annual meeting held last night in its headquarters at Fifth and Erie streets.
All other officers re-elected are: Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., vice president; George B. Plummer, recording secretary; Harry Walton, financial secretary, and Otto E. Braun, treasurer. Trustees are: Benjamin Covington, Charles F. Bonner, John T. Landold, George E. Ash, Alonzo Hires, Walter Reyno, Clifford Flennard, Charles McCurdy, William Lloyd, Henry Haines, Samuel Dickinson, Howard Baird, William Robinson, Robert Nelson, Jacob Strecker and Foster Willis.
Committee chairmen appointed to arrange for the association’s 32nd annual July 4 celebration are: Frank J. Hartmann, Alfred Ross, Walter A. Reyno, William L. Sullender Samuel J. Edwards, William L. Lloyd, Jack Schultz, Otto E. Braun, Foster Willie [sic], Clifford Flennard, Robert J. Nelson, Charles F. Bonner, Samuel Dickinson, Walter S. Agin, and George E. Ash.
Pyne Poynt Group Plans Dual Fete
Camden Courier-Post —
Fourth and Washington Bi-Centennial to Be Observed This Year
Plans have been formulated for the thirty-second annual Fourth of July celebration of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association to be held at Pyne Poynt Park. The organization decided to combine the fete with a celebration of the bi-centennial anniversary of the birth of George Washington.
Arrangements will be made by the ways and means committee at a special meeting tomorrow night at the Pyne Poynt Social Club to solicit funds and prizes for the celebration. A committee to canvass the First ward will be named tomorrow night. A committee has been chosen to solicit funds and prizes in the Tenth ward. Frank J. Hartman [sic], chairman of the ways and means committee, will be assisted in the Tenth ward by Charles Bragan in the first precinct; Alonzo Hires, second; Otto Braun, third; William Robertson, fourth; Ray Dolan, fifth; D. Ellis, sixth; E. Emmons, seventh, and W. White, eighth.
Funds will be collected Friday evening, June 24.
Alfred Ross, chairman of the sports committee, reported a baseball game has been arranged between the Pyne Poynt A. A. and the Tenth Ward Republican Club for 9 a.m. This will be followed by a juvenile parade at 10 a.m. under the direction of Jack Schultz, with prizes to be awarded for the best decorated bicycles, go-carts, express wagons or velocipedes.
Memorial services will be next on the program in tribute to the deceased members, Oscar Boehm, Franklin M. Walton, Charles A. Them, George W. Evans, James Wilkinson, William Boddis, John A. Rogers, John L. Willis, Jr., Alfred Smith, Purnell W. Schofield, Joseph G. Corson and Charles B. Walker. The services will be under the supervision of William B. Sullender, who will announce the speaker at the regular meeting next Monday.
Numerous sporting competitions will be held in the morning and afternoon for children and adults. Samuel Dickinson reported plans for a dance in the evening, while Robert J. Nelson has arranged for outdoor motion pictures for the children. Otto E. Braun is in charge of the evening program with William L. Lloyd supervising the music.
City Tax Deadline May Be Extended
Camden Courier-Post —
Collector’s Office Swamped by Payments — Bennett Asks More Help
Because of the unprecedented rush to pay first-half taxes for 1933, Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of revenue and finance, may extend the deadline from 9 p. m. to-night to 9 p. m. June 7 without penalty. The director, who has asked for more help, said it was the greatest tax rush in the history of Camden. The line of taxpayers yesterday extended past the public health offices, almost a full city block. A large volume of receipts also is coming in by mail, he said.
The commissioner said he was unable to issue figures showing total receipts to date, but said about $119,000 was paid in Saturday, half of which was in scrip. Five cashiers’ windows are open. Three always have been sufficient to accommodate last-minute payments in previous years. Bennett said he attributed the unprecedented rush to the fact that bills were late in being sent out, that persons wish to cash in on scrip and because citizens have been impressed by the “educational campaign” conducted by the city, impressing the importance of prompt tax payments.
A. Benjamin Sparks, former receiver of taxes; Otto E. Braun, formerly employed in the tax office, but now with the emergency relief, and men from the controller’s and assessor’s offices have been pressed into service. Bennett has asked for more from other department heads.
Pyne Poynt Plans All-Day 4th Party
Camden Courier-Post —
Program to Have ‘Something’ on Continuously, Day and Night
Plans for the thirty-third anniversary of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association to be observed with an all-day program at Pyne Poynt Park July 4 were discussed last night at a meeting in the Pyne Poynt Social Club, 929 North Fifth Street. Among the features tentatively planned are a children’s parade at 9:30 a. m., under the supervision of Isaac Kyler; memorial service at 11 a. m., under direction of William B. Sullender; sporting events for men, women and children to start at 1:30 p. m., under direction of Alfred J. Ross, Jr.; outdoor motion pictures starting at 9 p. m., under supervision of Robert J. Nelson and a dance in charge of Samuel G. Dickinson, Jr., starting at 10:30 p. m.
Committee chairmen chosen by Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., president, are: Grounds, Foster Willis; program, Otto E. Braun; police, Clifford Flennard; dancing, Samuel G. Dickinson, Jr.; first aid, Dr. Joseph E. Nowrey and William Hughes; transportation, Samuel J. Edwards; public speakers, William B. Sullender; motion pictures, Robert J. Nelson; decorations, Walter A. Reyno; sports, Alfred J. Ross, Jr.; ways and means, Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.; publicity, Walter S. Agin; parade marshal, Isaac Kyler; refreshments, George Washington Ash; light, William Hilton, and music, Frank Kelley.
Children of the Sheltering Arms Home, Home for Friendless Children and the Detention Home will be guests of the association during the day. Samuel J. Edwards will be in charge of their entertainment. The association will meet again next Thursday night.
10th Ward Association Fetes Braun
Camden Courier-Post —
The Tenth Ward Republican Association will give an entertainment tonight at Engle’s Hall, Sixth and Elm streets, in honor of Otto E. Braun, recent Republican county committee candidate. A committee includes Samuel G. Dickinson, Jr., Charles Mattson, Joseph Moore, Eugene Thierdon and Thorn Tuttle.
Mozart Mason Lodge Picnics at Pine Hill
Camden Courier-Post —
The Past Masters’ Circle of Mozart Lodge of Masons held its annual outing yesterday at Pioneer’s Grove, Pine Hill. The circle has been in existence 40 years. A banquet was served in the grove. Sports were a feature. Max Reihman, Jr., and Ferdinand Braun were quoits champions. The committee included: Arthur A. Holler, Otto E. Braun, Herman E. Hensgen and Reihman. Officers are: Charles Engel, president; Henry Hess, vice president; William Indicher, secretary, and William Sangtinette, treasurer.
In attendance were: Mr. and Mrs. George Bachman, Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Korthage, Mr. and Mrs. William Bartelt, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Ernest L. Bartelt, Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Indicher, Mr. and Mrs. Holler, Mr. and Mrs. Reihman, Mr. and Mrs. Otto E. Braun, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Braun, Rose Braun, Mrs. Frank X. Braun, Sarah Whitaker, Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Rugart, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Haub, Mr. and Mrs. Hensgen, Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Braun, Mr. and Mrs. Sangtinette, Mr. and Mrs. Hess and Mr. and Mrs. Engel, Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Michelfelder.
3 G.O.P. Rulers in Secret Session
Camden Courier-Post —
Hint Legal Bars Placed Around Jobs During Parley
NEW DEALERS NOT NOTIFIED
A special meeting held in secret session by the three Republican members of the Camden City Commission late yesterday, occasioned wide speculative rumors in political circles last night.
Reports persisted resolutions were passed placing legal barriers about jobs to prevent dismissals by the New Deal Non-Partisan group which takes control of the city today, with seating of Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.
Mayor Tells of Meeting
Reached at his home shortly after 1 a. m. today, Mayor von Nieda admitted the meeting was held to “correct some resolutions.”
“What were the resolutions about, Mayor?” he was asked.
“Why, I don’t know as I should say anything about them right now. You probably will get it all later,” the Mayor answered.
“Did the resolutions have anything to do with adding safeguards to the jobs of any present city employees?” he was asked.
“Yes, they did,” the Mayor replied.
“How many resolutions were there?”
“Oh, I don’t know, three or four, I should say.”
“How many employes are effected [sic]?” he was asked.
“Oh, I don’t know, three or four, maybe.”
“Who called the special meeting of the city commission?” he was asked.
“Why, I am not sure. But I think it was City Solicitor Bleakly who called it. He said the resolutions should be attended to.”
Asked why Commissioners George E. Brunner and Mrs. Mary Kobus were not notified of the meeting, the Mayor said: “So far as I know, they were not notified the meeting was to be held. It is possible, though, they were not notified.”
Another rumor held measures were passed placing various posts under civil service commission rules, while a third rumor, from more authentic sources, alleged several amendments were made to resolutions passed at meetings, of the commission, previous to the naming of Meyer L. Sakin and John R. DiMona as assistant city solicitors.
This rumor occasioned speculation that the measures appointing the two lawyers, as originally passed, were defective in original form and probably would not bear out Republican contentions the New Deal commissioners cannot remove the men from the three year appointments.
Report Finances Discussed
Other rumors indicated the measures concerned city finances.
The commissioners attending the meeting, it was said, were Mayor von Nieda, Harold W. Bennett and Leonard, with City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly, Sakin, DiMona and City Clerk Otto E. Braun in attendance.
Leonard said “nothing special” occurred, and he would “talk about it in the morning.” Commissioners George N. Brunner and Mary W. Kobus declared they were not notified.
The session, it was said, was not held in the commission chambers, but in an adjoining room on the second floor, and lasted half an hour, between 5 p. m. and 5:30 p. m. Other reports were the session lasted to 7 p. m.
Braun, reached by telephone, admitted a special meeting had been held but refused to give any further information.
Plums Discussed
Meanwhile, rumor and speculation continued on how the jobs will be divided among New Deal Republicans and Democrats today. The city clerk and city solicitorship posts will go to Republicans, and the city police judgeship and city purchasing agent jobs will be awarded to Democrats.
This was reported as the tentative agreement reached last night between the leaders of both wings in the New Deal forces.
Former City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, defeated on the New Deal ticket, and Howard B. Dyer, former deputy city clerk, are mentioned as possibilities for city clerk. Reports also mention the name of William D. Sayrs, former commissioner, and until Tuesday an executive in the real estate division of the state highway department. He resigned the office, which paid a $5000 per year salary.
Carl Kisselman and former Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese are mentioned as the chief contenders for the solicitorship, with two Democrats to be appointed as assistants. Among these candidates are Thomas M. Madden, E. George Aaron, John Crean, Jr., Milton Nurock, Mitchell Cohen, John Morrissey and Leon H. Rose.
Sidney Kaplan and Gene Mariano are said to be receiving chief consideration for police judge. Reports were that it would likely go to Kaplan if he prefers it.
Abe Fuhrman is conceded the best chance for the office of city purchasing agent.
Richman Supported
There is a strong sentiment among Democrats to reward Grover C. Richman, former assistant attorney general, and there is a strong rank and file tide to have the Democrats demand the post of city solicitor for him. This may change the tentative agreement.
Because Reesman was a candidate and has been a supporter of Senator Woodruff for years, he is favored for the city clerk job. Reesman was formerly chairman of the Republican county committee.
Dyer was deputy city clerk under the late Frank S. Albright, and was dismissed after the split between former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr., and the Woodruff-Verga-Sayrs group.
Dyer is a former secretary of the Republican County Committee and was a member of the committee from the Sixth Ward. He moved recently to the Thirteenth Ward. He is now an inspector in the State Alcoholic Beverage Control department under Commissioner D. Frederick Burnett.
It is expected that most jobs will be discussed at a conference to be held by the leaders today.
It is almost equally certain that the contemplated removals or some of them at least, will be subject to legal contest by the organization Republicans. What plans they may have have not been disclosed.
City Votes $116,924 For 3 Departments
Camden Courier-Post —
Emergency Appropriations Passed as Commissioners Claim Funds Depleted
Five emergency appropriations of $116,924.29 were approved yesterday afternoon at a special meeting of the City Commission to make up alleged deficiencies to enable the public works, parks and public property departments to function until the end of this year.
Resolutions introduced by Commissioner George E. Brunner, director of parks and public property, and Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, director of public works, set forth that nearly all of the 1935 appropriations for their departments in the annual budget had been expended before they assumed office.
Commissioner Harold W. Bennett, director of revenue and finance, was given $17,000 to repair storm damage to a property on which the city has a tax lien. Hartmann was voted $80,000 for maintaining streets, and Brunner $18,324.29 for his department in three resolutions.
All but two of the resolutions directed that the funds be raised by issuing emergency notes payable within one year of the date of issue and bearing a rate of interest not exceeding 6 percent. They further directed Bennett to issue and sell the notes.
Spirited Debate Started
Reading of the Bennett resolution, which characterized damage done by a tornado to a property as an “act of God,” was the signal for spirited debate and was finally passed conditionally, with the understanding that City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly was to file a written legal opinion setting forth that the appropriation was necessary as an emergency.
Bennett was stricken by illness and left the meeting before any of the resolutions were introduced. All of the measures were passed unanimously by the three New Dealers and Mayor Frederick von Nieda.
One of Brunner’s resolutions, calling for $2629, directed that the amount be paid as a tax levy.
Bennett’s measure at one stage said the $17,000 he sought was to be raised by tax levy, and later specified the issuance of notes. The apparently conflicting situation was not clarified in subsequent argument, and the resolution was passed finally with the method of raising the sum left in doubt.
“Unforeseen Contingencies”
The resolution said the amount of $17,000 was needed because of “unforeseen contingencies” which included, it set forth, tax appeals and overdue collections.
Commissioner Kobus criticised the manner in which the measure was presented. Bennett was not present, and City Clerk Otto E. Braun had difficulty in reading it.
“This resolution is very vague,” Mrs. Kobus protested. “Passages are crossed out and others written in. What is the nature of this emergency?”
Bleakly said part of it was a property in South Camden on which the city holds a tax lein [sic] for $700, and which was damaged when struck by a tornado. He did not know the amount required to repair the damage.
Mrs. Kobus finally said she would vote in favor of the measure on condition Bleakly would file a legal opinion, and it was so passed.
Sets Minimum Amount
Hartmann introduced a resolution which set forth the city budget had appropriated $141,296.10 to the department of public works for use by the highway department. Up to July 31, he said, $128,316.49 had been expended, leaving a balance of $12,979.61 which he called insufficient to properly maintain and carry on the work in the department. He set $80,000 as the minimum amount required to carry on the work for the rest of the year.
Brunner, in his first resolution, said the budget had appropriated $43,200 for the city property department under parks and public property. Of this amount, he said, $36,296.73 has been spent already, leaving a balance of $6903.27 and requiring the addition of $10,759.29.
Brunner next introduced a resolution citing the amount appropriated for the division of cemeteries at $6082.83, all of which was expended by July 31, he said, leaving the department without funds to carry on its functions for the balance of the year.
As a result, he said, unless the sum of $4936 were appropriated, the department would be “unable to light, heat, maintain and repair the public properties under its control and will be unable to feed a horse owned by the city of Camden and used by it in the performance of its services.”
Even “Diamond” Mentioned
Mention of the famed “Diamond,” now serving his third boss, caused Mrs. Kobus to laughingly interpose:
“Was it necessary to mention the horse? What is this, a publicity stunt?”
Brunner’s third resolution called for an emergency appropriation of $2629 to finance a study of drainage areas, sewage disposal, slum elimination, revision of the building code, water facilities and proper city planning.
The commissioner recommended that this amount be raised by taxation, but his other resolutions called for the issuance of bonds at a rate of interest “not exceeding 6 percent.”
“I think they can be sold at less,” he said, “but I would set 6 percent as the top.”
Fund Transfer Ruled Out
Commissioner Kobus asked Mayor von Nieda if it were not possible to transfer funds from one department to another to prevent the issuance of further notes or adding additional taxes to next year’s levy.
The mayor replied that that could only be done at the end of the year to balance accounts.
The commission recessed to attend a conference with Works Progress Administration officials. After the recess a resolution was approved to appropriate $900 for Commissioner Hartmann’s department for the repair of water well pumps. The resolution declared an emergency.
Another resolution by Hartmann asked W. Gentry Hodgson, county director of emergency relief, to permit the City Commissioners to examine the entire relief list of the city. Brunner seconded the motion and Mrs. Kobus and von Nieda joined in voting for it.
7 G.O.P. Members 2 Democrats Quit Committee Races
Camden Courier-Post —
No Shifts in Candidates Made as Withdrawal Deadline Passes
3 PETITIONS REJECTED
Passing of the deadline for withdrawals of primary petitions at 4 p. m. yesterday showed seven Republicans and two Democrats quitting the race for election on the Camden county Republican and Democratic county committees. In addition three Republicans were removed as candidates by City Clerk Otto E. Braun.
No changes were made by the Republican or Democratic organization leaders in the candidates for the county tickets, despite reports up to the last minute that substitutions would be made.
The candidates withdrawing follow:
Republicans
Glenwood F. Watson, “Regular Republican, First ward.
Bronislaw Derowski, Jr., “Regular Republican Repeal Sales Tax,” Seventh ward.
Joseph Witek, “Regular Republican,” Seventh ward.
Robert J. Gartland, “Independent Republican,” Eighth ward.
William J. Rose, “Republican Against Sales Tax,” Tenth ward.
Thomas W. Anderson, “Independent Republican,” Eleventh ward.
Joseph Munger, “Republican Against Sales Tax,” Eleventh ward.
Democrats
Louis Di Renzo, “Always Regular Democrat,” Third ward.
Francis J. Hufner, “Regular Democrat,” Eleventh ward.
Woycicck Pyzik, “New Deal Democrat,” Thirteenth ward.
Those removed because of insufficient legal signatures:
Republicans
James H. Beal, Fifth ward.
Georgia R. Green, “Regular Republican—Repeal Sales Tax,” Fifth ward.
Helen Derowski, “Republican—Against Sales Tax,” Seventh ward.
City Clerk Braun allowed the petitions of Michael Russian and Mrs. Norah Falvey, Democrats, in the Eighth ward. John J. Hainesworth and Mrs. Catherine Corbett claimed 23 of the 45 names on their petition were illegal but Braun decided that only 20 names were illegal, leaving 25 legal names, sufficient for filing.
2 Candidates Withdraw
Two candidates for Republican Assembly nominations were shown to have withdrawn. They are J. Lewis Kollin and Clarence Wolf. The ticket sponsored by the organization headed by David Baird, Jr., remains as it was filed, as follows:
Albert E. Burling, for Senate; Edwin G. Scovel, J. Claud Simon and Henry M. Evans for Assembly; Joseph H. Van Meter for sheriff; Leslie H. Ewing for county clerk, and Joshua C. Haines for register of deeds. Clyde W. Briggs and Clarence Dunkleberger are running independently for Assembly.
The Democratic candidates running are those sponsored by the organization of Harry L. Maloney and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland. They are Francis G. Homan for Senate; Herbert E. Beattie, Anthony F. Marino and Leon H. Rose for Assembly; Albert S. Marvel, Jr., for sheriff; Victor J. Scharle, for county clerk, and William L. May for register of deeds. Albert Neutze is running independently for sheriff.
Candidates seeking to run in the general election have until September 12 to file.
Third Hearing Set on Saloon License
Camden Courier-Post —
Rosedale Residents Object to Permit; Excise Board Ponders Action
The newly created city excise commission last night called a third public hearing on the application of Frank Caromano for a saloon license at Thirty-sixth street and Westfield avenue. The hearing was set for 10 a. m., Saturday. The city commission held one formal hearing and one informal hearing on the application, protested by 881 citizens of the Rosedale section of the Eleventh ward, led by Rev. W. Douglas Roe, pastor of the Rosedale Baptist Church. Granting the application, Roe and others have contended, will open the Rosedale section, now without saloons, to other applications.
The excise commission — formally the Municipal Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control — in practice adopted a policy of “go slow.” It was the first business meeting of the board, composed of John L. Morrissey, chairman; Mrs. Ann Baumgartner, secretary, and Curtis O. Sangtinette. City Clerk Otto E. Braun also recorded the minutes and said he will continue to do so in collaboration with Mrs. Baumgartner.
Committees Named for Tenth Ward Ball
Camden Courier-Post —
Republican Club Will Be Hosts at Eagles Hall February 28
The tenth annual ball of the Tenth Ward Republican Organization Club, Fifth and Pearl streets, will be held February 28 at Eagle’s auditorium, 415 Broadway. William Dolan, Jr. is chairman; William B. Sullender, treasurer, and Fred Becker, secretary of the general committee.
The members of the other committees include: program, Edward Stafford, chairman, Charles Marsh, John Hedegan, Otto E. Braun, George Zietz, William Hughes, Earl Wright, Albert C. Raeuber, Charles Schultz, Stringer and Dolan; floor, Becker, chairman, Garwood, Judson Solley, Howard E. Baird, William Lafferty, James F. Lovett, Henry I. Haines, William Robinson, Braun and Samuel J. Edwards.
Sullender Heads Pyne Poynt Club
Camden Courier-Post —
Board of Education Member Replaces Otto E. Braun as President
After three years as president of the Pyne Poynt Athletic Association, Otto E. Braun retired last night at the annual meeting and William B. Sullender, of the board of education, was elected in his place.
The annual election of the association, which has conducted North Camden Independence Day celebrations for 36 years, say [sic] these other officers installed at a meeting in the Pyne Poynt community house: John Stringer, vice president; George Morgan, financial secretary; Albert Bowen, recording secretary; Walter Dease, treasurer; trustees for three years, Frank Suders, Norman Burns, William McSparren, Samuel Smith and Edward Stafford; chaplain, Rev. Howard Cline; tyler, James Tobin.
Preceding a rising vote of thanks to the retiring president, tributes to the efficiency and enthusiasm displayed by Braun, who is city clerk, were paid by many of the members. In his speech of acceptance, Sullender pledged an administration free from politics and asked the cordial co-operation of patriotic citizens of every race, creed and political affiliation in carrying out the objects of the annual celebration.
Preliminary arrangements were made for the third annual dinner on Thursday, November 19, in Grace Lutheran Church, Fourth and State streets. The dinner will be in the nature of a testimonial to Nathan Fletcher, the retiring vice president, who has moved to Bridgeton. Henry W. Aitken, chairman of the general committee, announced these subcommittees for the dinner: Guests, Sullender, James Lovett and Aitken; decorations, Lovett Stafford, Dease, Morgan and Walter Reyno; entertainment and speakers, Stringer and Dickinson; menu, Braun and John Hedican; tickets, Bowen, Dickinson and Stringer; press, Walter S. Agin, Frank Sheridan and Stringer.
Grand Jury Hears Braun, Borz, O’Neil
Camden Courier-Post —
Missing Funds Probe Proceeds on Lloyd’s Order, City Clerk Reports
The Camden county grand jury yesterday heard three witnesses while investigating the disappearance of funds from the city clerk’s office. City Clerk Otto E. Braun, former Deputy City Clerk Thaddeus Borz and Thomas O’Neil, municipal auditor, appeared to testify. Three others were scheduled to testify, but were informed the case had been postponed one week and consequently did not appear.
Braun said that when he appeared, Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando informed him the case had been postponed. Braun then appealed to Justice Frank T. Lloyd and reported the jurist ordered the jury to hear the witnesses, who appeared.
City Solicitor E. G. C. Bleakly, C. Harry Ireton, investigator for Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., and Mayor-designate George E. Brunner are said to be included in next week’s witnesses.
When Borz’s term expired several months ago, he accused a former clerk in the office of being responsible for $500 missing from the liquor license account.
Banquet Arranged by Pyne Poynt Club
Camden Courier-Post —
27th Annual Event Expected to Break Record on Night of Feb. 26
The twenty-seventh annual banquet of the Pyne Poynt Social Club promises to be the most successful and best attended in the history of this North Camden sports and social group. The dinner will be held Saturday night, Feb. 26, at the club’s headquarters, corner of Fifth and Erie streets.
This year the principal speaker will be Gordon Mackay, member of the editorial staff of the Courier-Post newspapers. Mackay, who has been associated with newspapers for the last 40 years, will talk of sports, on which he is an acknowledged authority.
Since the organization of the club, in the latter part of January, 1911, the following have been presidents: Harry F. Walton, 1911 and 1912; Cecil Battle, 1913 and 1914; George Townsend, 1915 and 1916; Frank Boyer, 1917; John Begg, 1918; Frank Haines, 1919, 1920 and 1931; John R. Taylor, 1921; Alex Kahnweiler, 1922; Ed. H. Winters, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1935, 1936 and 1937; Richard Barry, 1932 and 1933; and Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., now city commissioner, in 1934.
Pyne Poynt Club Fete Set Tomorrow
Camden Courier-Post —
27th Annual Get-Together Will Hear Gordon Mackay Tell of Oldtime Sports
When members of the Pyne Poynt Social Club gather in the club’s headquarters, southwest corner of Fifth and Erie streets, tomorrow night it will be to mark the twenty-seventh annual get-together which will be observed with a banquet. Harry F. Walton, first president of the organization, which was formed in the latter part of January, 1911, will be toastmaster. He served as head of the club in 1911 and 1912. Gordon Mackay, member of the news staff of the Courier-Post newspapers and an authority on sports, will be the speaker.
“Many of the members of the club have gone far afield from Camden,” said Walton, “but on the occasion of the annual dinner they all try to get back ‘home’ and rekindle the friendships made when they were kids up here in North Camden.”
Present officers of the club are: Ed H. Winters, president; A. S. Kahnweiler, vice president; Hamilton J. Batten, recording secretary; Frank Kelley, financial secretary; Walton, treasurer; Alfred J. Rose, Jr., house chairman, and George Ash, trustee-at-large.
Otto E. Braun Dies Suddenly at 58, Former City Clerk
Camden Courier-Post —
Civic Leader Stricken After Giving Talk at Masonic Temple
Former City Clerk Otto E. Braun, 58, of 440 Grant street, died today in Cooper hospital.
Mr. Braun suffered a stroke Tuesday night at Camden Masonic Temple, where he addressed the Camden chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Finishing his talk, Mr. Braun walked to his seat where he was stricken and collapsed. He was taken to the hospital, where he died at 10:50 a. m. today.
A native of Camden, Mr. Braun was a resident of North Camden 35 years. He was well known in civic, fraternal and political circles.
Mr. Braun, then deputy city clerk, was appointed city clerk in April, 1935, to fill the unexpired term of the late Frank S. Albright. He was reappointed in May, 1935, and held the post until November, 1936, when he was succeeded by the late Clay W. Reesman.
In 1938, Mr. Braun participated in the Republican primary for sheriff, running against Arthur H. Holl and Frank B. Luker, who won the campaign. At the time of his death, Mr. Braun was employed as a cashier in the city tax office.
Active in civic affairs, Mr. Braun served two terms as president of the Pyne Poynt Athletic association, of which he was a member 35 years. He was a past master and treasurer of Mozart lodge No. 141, FAM, and president of the North Camden Square club. He was instrumental in organizing the square club a year ago and served as its first president. Recently, he was nominated for re-election.
For many years, Mr. Braun’s father, the late Frank X. Braun, conducted a tailor shop at 206 Market street.
Surviving are his widow, Emma L.; a son, David O.; a daughter, Doris E.; two sisters, Rosa M. Braun and Mrs. Justina Linthicum, both of Camden, and four brothers, Carl L. and Ferdinand, both of Camden; Dr. William, of Haddonfield, and Frank L., of Nyack, N. Y.
Masonic Building, Camden
“Masonic Building, Fourth Street, Below Market Street, Camden N.J.” — Otto Braun died at Cooper Hospital on February 17, 1950, following a stroke suffered at Camden’s Masonic Temple.