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Rocco Palese

New Jersey State Assemblyman and Camden County Judge
Page Contents

Introduction

Rocco Palese portrait, 1924 Rocco Palese, January 12, 1938

Rocco Palese

Rocco Palese was born July 4, 1893 to Domenico and Luicia Palese in Garaguso, Italy. His family came to America in 1898 and had come to Camden by 1906. Domenico Palese was working as a bartender. The family at that time lived at 318 Cherry Street. By 1910 the family had moved to 266 Pine Street. Domenico Palese by this time was the proprietor of a bar of his own. Rocco Palese attended the Richard Fetters Elementary School and the Manual Training & High School before attending law school.

When the City Directory was compiled in 1914, Domenico Palese was running the bar at 400 Mechanic Street and lived there with his family. Frank Viggiano having succeeded him at 266 Pine. Young Rocco Palese was working as a notary public at 319 Market Street. By 1917 Domenico Palese had bought the bar at 900 South 4th Street. This property would remain in the family into the 1940s, and later was the home of the Sons of Italy Vittorio Veneto Lodge No. 1378. 400 Mechanic Street was operated by the Niewinski family as Niewinski’s Cafe through at least 1947.

Rocco Palese was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in February of 1917. He went to work for prominent Camden attorney Albert S. Woodruff. When it was time to register for the draft, on June 5, 1917 Rocco Palese was living at 900 South 4th Street.

Rocco Palese was the first Italian-American in Camden County to be admitted to the bar. The community held a banquet in his honor on May 29, 1917. After serving in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant during World War I, he returned to Camden and the practice of law. Rocco Palese married Margaret Kelly on June 28, 1922.

He was active politically, and served as a New Jersey State Assemblyman. His wife, Margaret K. Palese, was also very involved in the civic affairs of Camden, active in the P.T.A. and other civic organizations. Courier-Post journalist Dan McConnell cited her as Camden’s “1939 Woman of the Year” in his December 30, 1939 column.

By 1930, Rocco and Margaret Palese were living in the Parkside section of Camden, at 1462 Wildwood Avenue, a block where several prominent families in Camden’s legal and business community resided. Neighbors included the Auerbach and Heine families. The City Directory for that year also states that his law office was at 328 Market Street. Rocco Palese was serving as a judge for Camden County by the spring of 1950.

By 1959, Rocco Palese had moved to the then new Cherry Hill Apartments on Route 38. His law practice then had offices at 716 Market Street in Camden, and his son, Domenick Donald Palese, had joined him as a lawyer. Both Rocco Palese and Domenick Donald Palese served as judges. The law practice had by 1970 moved to 814 Federal Street. Rocco Palese retired sometime after that, as he is no longer listed in the New Jersey Bell Telephone Directories as practicing law by 1977.

Rocco Palese passed away peacefully in his sleep in February of 1987. His wife Margaret joined him in July of the same year.

Advertisement

900 South 4th Street

900 South 4th Street, November 16, 2003

900 South 4th Street

World War I Draft Card

Rocco Palese WWI Draft Card, front Rocco Palese WWI Draft Card, reverse

REGISTRATION CARD No. 91

1. Name in full: Rocco Palese 2. Home address: 900 Fourth, Camden, NJ 3. Date of birth: July 4, 1893 4. Are you (1) a natural-born citizen, (2) a naturalized citizen, (3) an alien, (4) or have you declared your intention (specify which)?: Naturalized by father by 5. Where were you born?: Garagusi, Province of Basilicata 6. If not a citizen, of what country are you a citizen or subject?: USA 7. What is your present trade, occupation, or office?: Attorney at Law 8. By whom employed?: Albert B. Woodruff Where employed?: Camden, NJ 9. Have you a father, mother, wife, child under 12, or a sister or brother under 12, solely dependent on you for support (specify which)?: No 10. Married or single (which)?: Single Race (specify which)?: Caucasian 11. What military service have you had?: [blank] 12. Do you claim exemption from draft (specify grounds)?: Eyes

I affirm that I have verified above answers and that they are true. Signed: Rocco Palese

Camden County: A History 1624–1924

Rocco Palese in Camden County: A History 1624-1924 Camden County: A History 1624-1924 caption

Camden County: A History 1624–1924

Autograph

Rocco Palese autograph, 1924

Rocco Palese – autograph, 1924

112th Field Artillery Armory

Camden Courier-Post –

Camden Courier-Post, February 25, 1928

CITY EMPLOYE KICKED BY HORSE ASKS DAMAGES

Alleging continued disability as the result of having been kicked by a horse last May while he was a city employe, Charles Morgan, 732 Birch street, will appear in Workmen’s Compensation Court Monday when his case is heard by Referee Charles E. Corbin. Morgan claims he was injured by the horse while he was at work in the stables at the 112th Field Artillery Armory. At the time, he says, he was a laborer in the parks department. The city, which will be represented at the hearing by Rocco Palese, assistant city solicitor, contends Morgan’s disability occurred prior to his employment with the city. Morgan is represented by Judge Frank F. Neutze.

Camden Courier-Post – April 2, 1928

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South 5th StreetFederal Street

Camden Courier-Post – September 22, 1928

Camden Courier-Post, September 22, 1928, page 1 Camden Courier-Post, September 22, 1928, page 2

Named: T. Yorke Smith, F. Walter Toms, and Rocco Palese.

Camden Courier-Post – April 29, 1929

Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, portrait Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, caption Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, caption 2 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 2 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 3 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 4 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 5 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 6 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 7 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 8 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 9 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 10 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 11 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 12 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 13 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 14 Camden Courier-Post, April 29, 1929, page 15

Named: Raymond O’Connor and Hughy McLoon.

Camden Courier-Post – April 30, 1929

Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929 — Joseph Connors Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929 — Rose Gibbs Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929, page 1 Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929, page 2 Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929, page 3 Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929, page 4 Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929, page 5 Camden Courier-Post, April 30, 1929, page 6

Joseph Connors, who is facing a crisis in West Jersey Hospital from wounds received in a shooting affray early Sunday near Broadway and Kaighn Avenue

Mrs. Rose Gibbs, who is held as a material witness in shooting of Joseph Connors Sunday night near Broadway and Kaighn Avenue

John DorisFrank DorisJoseph O’Connor aka Joseph ConnorsBroadwayKaighn AvenueHenry Street

Rocco Palese — Joseph “Mose” FlannerySylvester McGrathGarfield S. PancoastSamuel P. OrlandoLawrence T. Doran — Edward Powell — Rose Gibbs — Eli Conaghy — Russell Sage — Joseph Gannon — Polack Joe Deven — Nonpariel Club — Joseph Riks

Camden Courier-Post – June 27, 1929

Camden Courier-Post, June 27, 1929

More than 1500 guests attended a reception following the wedding last night of Miss Jennie Maroccia, 822 South Third street, and Louis Cavallo, 314 Kaighn avenue, which was held at the Sons of Italy Hall, Fourth and Spruce streets. The ceremony was performed in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Fourth and Division streets, by Rev. John Proseda.

The bride and groom cut a five-foot wedding cake. The hall was gayly decorated. William Troncone led the grand march. Guests from New York, Atlantic City and Hammonton and representatives of virtually every Italian organization in Camden attended both the wedding and reception.

Richard Troncone, 336 Spruce street, was best man. Rocco Palese and Nicholas Martella, 411 Viola street, were second and third best men. Miss Rose Marini was maid of honor. The ushers were Daisy Pucci, Mary Doria, Lillian Geordano [sic] and Grace Merocra. After a few weeks Mr. and Mrs. Cavallo will reside at 1204 South Third street.

Camden Courier-Post – August 27, 1929

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Named: Abraham Lutz, Rose Gibbs, Walter S. Keown, William King, Nonpareil Club, Russell Sage, William Jones, Lillie R. Kelton, Bessie Kunitz, William Wescott, Bernice Branch, Mrs. F.L. Barber, David Rolle, Abbie Lewis, Mary Heake, Stella McGowan, Catherine LeSage, Michael Carrigan, Alva P. Joseph, Frank Doris, Clifford A. Baldwin, and Joseph “Mose” Flannery.

Camden Courier-Post – September 17, 1929

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Named: John Doris, Joe O’Connor, Samuel M. Shay, Eli Conaghy, Frank Doris, Edward Holloway, Helen Doris, Frederick Eichfeld, Highland Avenue, Walter S. Keown, Rocco Palese, Joseph “Mose” Flannery, Lorenzo Cole, American Restaurant, South 6th Street, Nonpariel Club, Rose Gibbs, Henry Street, Ernest Matsios, Jefferson Avenue, and Amber Street.

Camden Courier-Post – September 18, 1929

Camden Courier-Post, September 18, 1929

SECRECY HIDES DATE DORIS GOES TO PEN

Trial for Flannery Murder to Be Called Later

Secrecy will conceal the date when John Doris, Philadelphia gangster, who was convicted of shooting Joseph Connors, Gloucester, will be taken to state prison, according to Sheriff Walter T. Gross.

Gross said last night he is taking no chances with Doris, whose brother Frank was electrocuted with three others for the Olney bank robbery and murder. Gross said the prisoner will be taken to state prison any time within the next 21 days heavily guarded.

No attempt will be made by the state to try Doris on an indictment charging him with the murder of Joseph (Mose) Flannery, before he begins serving the sentence of 10 years meted out by Judge Shay yesterday.

“The state is not ready to move the murder indictment against Doris,” said County Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin yesterday.

Pinto Still Missing After Fleeing Court

Camden Courier-Post –

Charles Pinto, 28, of 230 Benson Street, who is wanted as a material witness against Garfield Del Duca, former proprietor of the Ringside Inn, was still at large last night.

Pinto fled from Criminal Court Thursday while county Detective Fiore Troncone was on his way to the office of Justice of the Peace William F. Laird after Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese had ordered his arrest.

Palese alleges Pinto suddenly failed to remember he had confessed that Del Duca was one of his companions when four automobiles were stolen “10 years ago.” Palese said somebody had talked to Pinto before he went on the witness stand.

The police believe Pinto is hiding in Philadelphia. Del Duca’s trial resumes Monday.

Trenton Times – June 21, 1930

Trenton Times, June 21, 1930

Six Are Arrested In Sailor Murder

(Associated Press)

CAMDEN, N.J., June 10.—Release on bail of Albert Saunders, 24, a waiter in a Camden barroom, who is held as a material witness in the death of Felice Solury, 24, a sailor of Waterbury, Conn., will be asked today by his attorney. Solury died of a fractured skull in the Naval Hospital at Philadelphia Sunday.

Saunders, with Rollie Waterhouse, 22, Samuel Wortz, 27, and three women, all of Camden, were held in connection with Solury’s death from a blow on the head received in a fight in a South Camden Cafe Saturday.

Two women identified Saunders as the man who struck Solury, but Saunders denied this. A charge of murder was first placed against him by Rocco Palese, assistant prosecutor, yesterday, but this was withdrawn in place of one charging him as being a material witness.

Camden Courier-Post – December 9, 1930

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Named: Frank T. Lloyd Jr., John Cullen, Stanley Janasz, John Makowski, Rocco Palese, Joseph A. Varbalow, Clifford A. Baldwin, West Jersey Hospital, Mt. Ephraim Avenue, and South Common Road.

‘Gibbons’ Free After 46 Days ‘Extra Time’

Camden Courier-Post –

Judge Shay Calls Holding of Impersonator An Outrage

Declared to have been illegally detained in Camden County jail, Henry Luellowitz, 28, of Los Angeles, who posed as Floyd Gibbons, was ordered released yesterday by Judge Samuel M. Shay.

A writ of habeas corpus, served at the office of Sheriff E. Frank Pine, charged Luellowitz had been kept prisoner 46 days after his 90-day sentence had expired. The man was sentenced June 13, by Police Court Judge Pancoast, on a charge of impersonating the famed radio announcer after his arrival here by plane.

He was detained following expiration of his sentence, on a detainer from New Haven, Connecticut, where he was accused of having defaulted payment of a hotel bill.

According to Rocco Palese, assistant prosecutor, and Chief of County Detectives Lawrence T. Doran, Luellowitz was held in connection with an investigation of the escape from jail of Albert Rumford, 23, of Philadelphia. The latter cut his way from a cell adjoining Luellowitz last August 17.

Wanted Poster for Albert Rumford, August 1931, front Wanted Poster for Albert Rumford, August 1931, reverse

Wanted Poster for Albert Rumford – August 1931

Calls Case Outrage

In dismissing the prisoner, Judge Shay declared the case was “an outrage,” ruling that the man was kept “through somebody’s oversight.” Luellowitz criticized the prosecutor’s office upon his release, saying his detention was occasioned by his refusal to “become a goat in the investigation of Rumford’s escape.” He praised prison attaches and Warden Edmund B. Powell, for treatment accorded him in the jail.

Frank M. Lario, attorney, who started proceedings to affect Luellowitz’ release, told Judge Shay yesterday that the man had been detained without a hearing after his sentence had expired. He charged that following service of the writ last week, Luellowitz was rushed by county detectives to the office of Peter J. Wallace, justice of the peace, and then recommitted to his cell.

Judge Shay sent for Justice of the Peace Wallace who admitted he ordered the man’s commitment after a hearing at which only the detectives appeared as witnesses.

The jurist declared he was convinced Luellowitz had been kept in jail through oversight of someone.

“The New Haven authorities have had ample time to come for the man. I don’t care now whether they want him or not. This man cannot be punished for some one’s negligence. I order his release immediately.”

Says He Was ‘Goat’

Following his dismissal, Luellowitz said he had been questioned about the escape of Rumford, alleged bandit, for whose capture the county has offered a $200 reward. Luellowitz and another inmate were said to have made noise while the jailbreak was being made.

“It’s an outrage, the way I was treated by the prosecutor’s office. Warden Powell and the jailers were mighty nice but the prosecutor and sheriff wanted to have a goat when that guy escaped and I was the first one they reached for.

“But I wasn’t going to let them make a goat of me. It wasn’t my fault if they didn’t have enough jailors there and they couldn’t blame me if that guy got away.”

Assistant Prosecutor Palese said Luellowitz was detained because he was suspected of having aided Rumford to escape. He admitted the man was not legally committed.

Camden Courier-Post – October 23, 1931

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Named: Samuel M. Shay, Liberty Street, Rocco Palese, Frank Lario, Charles B. Kay, Reino Thompson, and Henry Mallet.

Camden Courier-Post, October 23, 1931, portrait Camden Courier-Post, October 23, 1931, group

Reino A. Thompson (portrait)

REINO A. THOMPSON

Portrait photograph of Reino A. Thompson, 805 Linden street, convicted of highway robbery with co-defendant Henry N. Mallet in Camden Criminal Court.

Camden Courier-Post – June 1, 1932

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Named: Robert Brennan, Marie Mackintosh, William H. Heiser, Mary McCready, James Corea, Susie Marchiano, James E. Tatem, Mary A. Ivins, Martin A. McNulty, Madeline Salvatore, Howard B. Dyer, Mary S. Hartung, Edward A. Kemble, Mary D. Guthridge, Edmund A. Walsh, Mamie F. Piraine, Edward Holloway, Deborah Schuck, Henry I. Haines, Lillian M. Walker, Horace B. Beideman, Etta C. Pfrommer, Carlton M. Harris, Mary E. Hamel, Henry Knauer, Louella I. Whaland, Jesse M. Donaghy, and Lottie B. Stinson.

Camden Courier-Post – June 8, 1932

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Named: Arthur “Gyp” Del Duca, Charles Fanelli aka “Charlie Mack”, Austin H. Swackhamer, James Russell Carrow, Gene R. Mariano, Rocco Palese, Fairview Street, Penn Street, Clifford A. Baldwin, David Visor, Joseph Weska, Broadway, Kaighn Avenue, and Matthew Fanelli aka Battling Mack.

Camden Courier-Post – June 16, 1932

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Named: Royden Street, Benson Street, Samuel P. Orlando, Samuel M. Shay, Senate Street, Martha Tomlinson, Joseph Girgenti, Frank Corofola, William Lopergola, Tony Basile, Clinton Street, and Rocco Palese.

Camden Courier-Post – June 18, 1932

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Named: Royden Street, Benson Street, Samuel P. Orlando, Samuel M. Shay, Senate Street, Clinton Street, and Rocco Palese.

Camden Courier-Post – January 25, 1933

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Named: William J. “Shooey” Bonner, William Pernier, Julius Sklar, Rocco Palese, Liberty Street, Kaighn Avenue, Locust Street, William Whaland, Joseph Lack, Joseph Leonhardt, and Samuel M. Shay.

Palese Peddles Tickets For His Own Testimonial

Camden Courier-Post –

Selling tickets for his own testimonial dinner is a distinction enjoyed by Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese.

The dinner, arranged as a testimonial to “the Polish Ambassador,” proved a surprise to Palese last night when 28 friends, members of the “Srelsihc Club,” let him share the secret in Hotel Walt Whitman.

The dinner, among other reasons, was tendered him because he was the only member of the club to put together a Courier-Post “Hi-Ho” puzzle. For a week prior to the affair he sold tickets to friends, not knowing the affair was in his honor.

With former Judge John B. Kates as toastmaster, wit and repartee passed the festive board, while entertainment was furnished by Bobby Heath and Billy James, famous writers of popular songs.

Those who did honor to Palese are: Judge Kates, Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin, Chief of County Detectives Lawrence T. Doran, John R. DiMona, Carl Kisselman, Herbert H. Blizzard, Robert Brest, Charles F. Knapp, Edward V. Martino, William Freeman, William Duby, Louis J. Gale, Edward Gorman, John J. Fitzgerald, City Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, Anthony Maltesta, F. J. Haws, Edward Neuman, Clifford Stratton, Jules Derowski, Bronislaw Derowski, Richard Troncone, T. Harry Rowland, William F. Lehman, William McDonald, Judge Frank F. Neutze and Robert W. Saeger.

What Do YOU Think?

Camden Courier-Post –

By Charley Humes

Get Joe Feinstein, to explain “if and reverse” bet … And then try and borrow three bucks from him … Bobby Brest says he will demand a handicap from “District Attorney” Rocco Palese next time they play golf… Rocco winning five out of the last six games but Jack McCarroll says he can take them both if he had two broken arms … So What Do You Think?

‘Numbers’ Slips Just Ain’t They’re Only Timetables!

Camden Courier-Post –

Porter, Held for Papers Found in Possession, Convinces Jury ‘Evidence’ Is Only Data on ‘Choo-Choo’; Change Is ‘Tip’

Believe it or not, but slips such as those used by numbers lottery players and patrons are really not numbers slips at all—they are train schedules! At least, that was the contention of one Washington Nixon, of Philadelphia, a porter in Broad Street station.

Nixon so well presented his version of what the slips really are used for—at least the slips found in his possession—that a jury, out an hour, returned a verdict of not guilty yesterday afternoon before Judge Samuel M. Shay in Criminal Court.

Nixon was arrested in a raid at 1017 South Second Street last December 2. Besides number slips, $15 in pennies, nickels, and dimes was found in his possession, according to police testimony.

Nixon demanded a jury trial and then proceeded to explain to the jurors, holding several slips aloft, the real meaning of the slips found on him. One slip, marked 10 in a corner and bearing a list of other numbers, he explained, meant that trains bearing those numbers were due to arrive on track number 10. Likewise, two other slips, each marked 5 in the corner and bearing other numbers on it, which have always been regarded as nothing but numbers slips, also meant that trains bearing those numbers would arrive on that track. Unperturbed by the laughter of everybody in the courtroom, Nixon went on to explain that the slips were given to the porters daily by the conductors to let the porters know what trains to expect on the various tracks.

“How do you explain the small change found on you?” asked Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese.

“Oh, they were tips,” said Nixon, “tips from the Army and Navy crowd—and what cheap tips they give!”

“The generals and the admirals didn’t tip so well last year, did they,” interposed Palese.

“They didn’t tip so good last year,” said Nixon.

Pauline Bowers, also arrested in the raid, faced Judge Shay without a jury. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in jail.

Wife Slain By Jagged Glass, Husband Held

Camden Courier-Post –

Accident Hoax Broken By Cops After Grilling Family; Friend

On Deathbed, She Orders 4 Children to Say She Fell on Stairs

Command Arouses Concealed Detectives

Woman Slashed by Broken Decanter; Man Faces Murder Charge Today

A death-bed command of a South Camden mother to her four children to stick to their story failed of its motive last night and the woman’s husband was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The charge will be changed today, police said, to one of murder.

“Say only what I say, that I fell down the steps.”

Mrs. Philomena Marcozzi, 41, died in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital shortly after she made that remark; at 4 p.m. yesterday. She bled to death from a severe cut on her left arm.

At her bedside were her children, Josephine, 15; Ida, 13; Louise, 17, and David, 19.

Cops’ Suspicions Aroused Nearby

Out of sight of the dying woman, stood Detectives Clifford Del Rossi and Fiore Troncone.

Their suspicions aroused, the sleuths renewed their investigation. As a result the woman’s husband, Guilio Marcozzi, 55, of 321 Pine Street was put in the city jail last night, charged with the death of his wife.

Mrs. Marcozzi was cut with the jagged edge of a broken wine decanter, during an argument with her husband over the cleaning of some hardshelled crabs.

But it wasn’t the children who said that.

A neighbor, Mrs. Ida Lupini, 31, of 311 Line Street, was in the Marcozzi home when the children returned Sunday night from a crabbing trip to Sea Side Heights. She told police, they declared, that she saw the children jubilantly deposit their catch on the kitchen table.

Then she watched, alarmed and afraid to leave, as Marcozzi told his wife to “throw ‘them out.”

The wife refused.

The husband insisted, and when his wife told him he should clean the crabs, he grasped the wine decanter and struck the mother over the temple, Mrs. Lupini said.

Cut by Jagged ‘Glass’

The decanter broke. Grasping the long neck of the bottle, Marcozzi continued to attack his wife. He swung the jagged edge towards her breast, and to protect herself she raised her arm.

The broken bottle cut deeply into her skin. An artery was severed.

Then the children rushed the mother to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.

That is the story Mrs. Lupini told: according to Acting Chief of Police John W. Golden and Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese.

The mother told hospital attaches she fell down the steps of her home, cutting her arm on the broken bits of a bottle she was carrying at the time.

The children, hearing this story, corroborated her.

Wife Dying—Man at Work

The father failed to appear at the hospital. Police were forced to get him at his work yesterday, according to Detective Joseph Carpani, when his wife was dying.

Last night he denied the crime. He said he was not at home when his wife suffered the fatal injury.

But his children, confronted with Mrs. Lupini’s tale, broke down and confessed, according to police.

Eighteen hours of almost constant questioning of the Lupini woman by Detectives Carpani, Del Rossi and Troncone solved the tragedy. All three were complimented last night by Acting Police Chief John W. Golden.

Circolo Italiano Honors 6 Tonight

Camden Courier-Post –

Young Professional Members to Be Guests at Dinner Dance

Six youths of Camden city and county, graduates of various institutions of higher learning, who have embarked upon professional careers within the past ten months, will be honored tonight at a dinner-dance, to be tendered them by the Circolo Italiano of Camden County.

The event is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. in Hotel Walt Whitman.

The honored guests are Dr. Anthony Di Ielsi, of 1018 South Fifth Street, graduate of Hahnemann Medical College; Dr. John Carman Canal of 101 Black Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, graduate of the Temple University Dental School; Dr. John D. Del Duca, of 919 South Fifth Street, also a graduate of Temple University Dental School; Philip M. Mealo, civil engineer with a degree from Carnegie Tech., Angelo D. Malandra 1909 South Fourth Street, graduate of the South Jersey Law School, and Dr. P. J. Chinappi, of 1728 Broadway, who holds a degree from Temple University Dental School.

Common Pleas Judge Eugene V. Alessandroni, of Philadelphia will be one of the principal speakers. Others include State Senator Albert S. Woodruff, Mayor Roy R. Stewart of Camden and Dr. A. A. de Porreca, noted Philadelphia architect.

Rocco Palese, assistant prosecutor of Camden County and president of the Circolo Italiano of Camden County, will preside as toastmaster. Other officers of the organization are Edward V. Martino, vice president; Vincent A. Sarubbi, recording secretary; Cosmo Buono, corresponding secretary and Dr. Troiano, treasurer.

The Circolo Italiano of Camden County was organized in October, 1931 with a membership of six. Today its membership totals 44 men. Its purpose, as set forth in its charter of incorporation, “to engender, stimulate, and foster interest in the movement for the betterment of the Italian American citizens in the County of Camden.’

The committee directing tonight’s dinner dance includes Chairman Martino, Gene R. Mariano, John R. Di Mona, Anthony Marino, Dr. Troiano and Joseph Bantivoglio.

Camden Courier-Post – May 10, 1934

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Richards Opens Camden Quarters

Richards Opens Camden Quarters

Jack Weinberg in Charge of Senator's Campaign for Governor Here

Camden campaign headquarters for State Senator Emerson L. Richards, one of the four candidates seeking the Republican nomination for governor, was opened yesterday in the Hotel Walt Whitman building on the Broadway side.

At the same time, Jack Weinberg, who is supervising the campaign of Senator Richards in Camden, announced a committee of 50 business and professional men of Camden

Camden Courier-Post – January 4, 1935

Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935, page 1 Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935, page 2 Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935, page 3 Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935, page 4 Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935, page 5 Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935, page 6 Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935, page 7 Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1935, page 8

Named: Fred Klosterman, Joseph Klosterman, Dominick Mozzare, Highland Avenue, Louis Schmidt, Paul Edwards, Elwood Humphreys, Horace Gunby, South 10th Street, John Garrity, Earl Cunningham, Frank F. Neutze, Garfield S. Pancoast, Rocco Palese, Samuel P. Orlando, Joseph A. Varbalow, Andrew Pointkowski, Frank Martz, Erie Street, South 9th Street, Crawford Smith, Carman Street, Charles Simonin, Fairview Street, John Studinger, Federal Street, Samuel Ford, Frank Terionova, Beckett Street, Mary Angelo, Pine Street, Thomas Kirk, Carpenter Street, Walter Hart, and Thurman Street.

Camden Courier-Post – August 29, 1935

Camden Courier-Post, August 29, 1935, page 1 Camden Courier-Post, August 29, 1935, page 2

Named: Joseph De Luca, Frank Travaline, Dr. A. Di Ielsi, Rocco Palese, John DiMona, Dr. Pasquale J. Chinappi, Dr. John Del Duca, Frank Lario, Joseph Bantivoglio, and Circolo Italiano of Camden.

Camden Courier-Post – January 7, 1938

Mrs. Margaret Palese Camden Courier-Post, January 7, 1938, page 2 Camden Courier-Post, January 7, 1938, page 3

Mrs. Margaret Palese

Camden Courier-Post – January 7, 1938

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Camden Courier-Post – January 7, 1938

Camden Courier-Post – January 12, 1938

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Camden Courier-Post – January 12, 1938

Legislature Delays Action on Span Job

Camden Courier-Post –

Line-Up of Solons Supporting Woodruff or Baird Remains Undisclosed

Trenton, Jan. 31 — The line-up in the Legislature on election of either former Senator Albert S. Woodruff or David Baird Jr. as Camden member of the Delaware River Joint Commission remained undisclosed as both houses adjourned tonight.

No election resolution was introduced in either the Senate or the House, with supporters of both candidates seemingly reluctant to force the issue without assurance of sufficient votes.

Today it was understood Assemblyman Rocco Palese was prepared to introduce a resolution in the Assembly for Woodruff, claiming he had enough votes pledged.

It was also reported that Baird’s backers were trying to delay action on the job at the present time due to the quick and favorable response which greeted the Woodruff candidacy in the Republican clubs of Camden city and county.

17 Democratic Assemblymen Reported Pledged to Baird

Camden Courier-Post –

Former Camden Jobholders at Trenton Trying to Line Up Votes to Retain Ex-Leader on Bridge Board; Hoffman Hinted Back of ‘Deal’

By Mercury

With both sides at a stalemate over the Delaware River Joint Commission appointment, local political circles today were agog over a state house report that all 17 Democratic Assemblymen are pledged to vote for David Baird.

Baird, a one-time Republican leader here, is holding an ad interim appointment given him by the outgoing Governor Hoffman while the Legislature was not in session. However, regular appointments to the bridge commission must be made by both branches of the Legislature and not by the governor.

State Senator Albert E. Burling and Assemblyman Rocco Palese were reported prepared to submit former State Senator Albert S. Woodruff’s name Monday night. Assemblymen Lawrence Ellis and Millard Allen, on the other hand, had been reported ready to submit Baird’s name.

Neither side made a move toward introducing the necessary resolution, but both factions were busily engaged in lining up votes.

Woodruff Seen Confident

Woodruff supporters claimed they have enough votes—all Republican—to elect the attorney. They said there are 23 Republican Assemblymen who will refuse positively to vote for Baird even should Baird’s name be the only one submitted.

It was the well-circulated report that Baird would get unanimous help from the Democrats, however, that had the State House corridors buzzing last night. Some greeted the report with an I-don’t-believe-it-because-Baird-never-deals-with-Democrats expression, while others laughingly dismissed the rumor with a I-knew-it-all-the-time attitude.

The report started when one of the lobbyists asked Traffic Judge Lewis Paladeau, of Jersey City, a Hague spokesman, whether the Democratic Assemblymen would take sides in the contest. Judge Paladeau replied: “The 17 Democratic votes are pledged.” He declined to say to which candidate.

But several Democrats who had the judge’s ear told the wide world that Judge Paladeau had confided that all 17 votes were for Baird.

Hoffman’s Hand Seen

Some onlookers who heard reports that this pledge was the result of some footwork by the same ex-Governor Hoffman who was able, when he was chief executive, to find no end of help from the Hague Democrats when he needed it for his friends.

Another report was that the Camden Democrats had asked Jersey City to “keep Baird in the picture” for obvious reasons.

Assemblymen Ellis and Allen surprised their associates by joining the Baird button-holers in trying to enlist votes. Both Allen and Ellis had told Surrogate Frank B. Hanna, state committeeman, that they were for Baird only because they had pledged him their votes before Woodruff’s name was proposed, and that they didn’t wish to break their word to Baird. They didn’t tell Hanna that they had pledged themselves to get other votes for Baird.

Ellis’ Statement

Ellis stated this afternoon: “I was approached after Mr. Baird’s name was announced by Hoffman for the ad interim appointment. No one, from the county committee or anyone else, has ever mentioned any other name to me. I was asked by Mr. Baird how I felt about his appointment, and I replied ‘All right, Mr. Baird. As far as I know you’ve always been a Republican. Since I’ve been approached by no one else, it’s all right with me.’

“As far as approaching other Assemblymen last night is concerned, it was to this extent: A number of Assemblymen from other counties asked me how the Camden county delegation stood, and I told them it was two against one.

“As far as I am concerned, unless we can get 31 Republican votes I won’t put in Mr. Baird’s name. But if the others get help from the Democrats, and bring up Mr. Woodruff’s name in the House, it would be no more than fair that Mr. Baird’s name be brought up and find out exactly how the vote stood.”

Among the vote-for-Baird lobbyists in the State House corridors were present and former jobholders. These included Mrs. Florence Baker, State committeewoman; City Commissioner Frederick von Nieda, former Mayor Roy R. Stewart, former Assemblyman Edwin G. Scovel, and William Lehman, who is a candidate for appointment to William A. E. King’s job on the county board of elections.

Von Nieda Explains

Von Nieda declared he was in Trenton because he is “interested in the light plant bill and some fish and game measures.” Yesterday, he reiterated this, but also said: “I didn’t go to Trenton primarily on the Baird matter, although Baird is a fine chap, it is a matter of principle. He was appointed by Hoffman probably without his knowledge, now someone is challenging his ability to fill the job.”

Scovel was asked whether he and von Nieda had tried to get votes for Baird last night. “We did what we could for Baird,” replied Scovel. “I am for him. There was a lot of button-holing on both sides. You’d think it’s a $10,000 job.”

Mrs. Baker was the first on the scene and tried her luck with the Essex delegation; including Senator Clee: The latter listened to her exhortation that he had always received help from the Camden Republicans and then smilingly averred: “It looks like you’re trying to sell me an applecart.” Mrs. Baker said she wasn’t; she was trying to sell him a diamond.

Hanna, Alfred Driscoll, Haddonfield commissioner, and Assistant City Solicitor Edward V. Martino were among those who lined up votes for Woodruff.

What Do YOU Think?

Camden Courier-Post –

By Charley Humes

Assemblyman Millard E. Allen has been reading a book, I betcha.

And in the book, the big, dastardly villain, his legs shackled in irons that clanked as he walked, is being led to the slaughter.

And right then, Mister Assemblyman Allen gets an idea. At least he is of the opinion that it is an idea, but I don’t go for it very much.

As I go about my daily chores, I see a lot of things I would much rather do than be guillotined; despite Mister Assemblyman Allen and his idea.

Even Mister O’Neill wouldn’t wish that I be guillotined. He might want that I be shellacked, slugged, kicked, pushed around or even chastised, but not guillotined.

“If I had my way,” sez Mister Assemblyman Allen, “everybody on the paper would be led to the guillotine.”

“And if I had my way, I sez to myself as I read about it, ‘Mister Assemblyman Allen would get a couple of Mickeys in his tea.’”

Personally, being led to the guillotine would be very distasteful to me. I doubt very much if I would get over it. There are several forms of chastisement I think I would like a lot more.

I am not a broker, even though I am broke most of the time, but even with my limited capacity for solving life, I could do a lot better with an idea than Mister Assemblyman Allen,

F’rinstance, there is a guy I don’t think is any rosebud what works with me, but never did I think of the guillotine for him. Once I thought I might influence Mister O’Neill into sending the fellow up to listen to Mister Assemblyman Allen stun the legislators at Trenton with his silence, but then I figured that would be a little tough on the guy.

The more I think of Mister Assemblyman Allen’s idea, the more I sez to myself who is this guy. Maybe it is better that he is only an Assemblyman and not a Mussolini.

So I decide I will find out all about Mister Assemblyman Allen and I ankle over to the Courthouse and I ask Mister Assemblyman Rocco Palese, who I bumps into.

“Oh,” Rocco sez in his best legislative manner, “He is an allright fellow. He just has an idea.”

Which makes me a little hurt that I voted for Mister Assemblyman Palese, ’cause anybody what thinks anybody else who wants me to be guillotined is an all right fellow is not all right himself, as much as I like Mister Assemblyman Palese…

With a pained expression, I decide I will hunt further for information concerning Mister Assemblyman Allen. It seems funny to me that I never hears of this fellow before last Fall, me being one of them fellows what gets about a bit, too.

So I ambles down Broadway and I was somewhat surprised to see a Republican county committee member coming out of Broadway and Stevens. But I recover quickly and I sez here is my man. I bet he knows this Mister Assemblyman Allen. And he did.

He told me that Mister Assemblyman Allen was some sort of a compromise candidate the Republicans decided to run in order to get out of endorsing somebody else favorable to Mister David Baird.

The C. C. also sez that Mister Baird had recommended Evans, Scovel and Reiners for the Assembly posts, but that the committee decides Mister Baird’s recommendations are perfectly terrible and so they go right ahead and endorse Palese and Ellis, who are the Choices of the late Committee of 21, and that they then vote on Evans, Reiners and Mister Assemblyman Allen, the latter getting into the picture when a chap named Marshall, who I don’t know either, insisted that Mister Assemblyman Allen be voted upon.

All of which reminds me of the time they run Man O’ War up North one time and all the other horses in the race drop out but a nag named Upset, because they are all afraid of Man O’ War. Well it finally ends up by Upset beating Man O’ War.

Now I don’t say that all the other candidates dropped out of that fight because they were afraid of anybody else, but like Upset, Mister Assemblyman Allen won out and he won out because a lot of folks who were allowed to cast a ballot thought he was not a Baird man.

But like the betters what laid it on the line for Man O’ War, they was fooled too, and Mister Assemblyman Allen turns out to be a Baird man also.

And like Upset, Mister Assemblyman Allen will probably never win another race because you can’t fool a few guys around this town twice in a row. So that’s what I found out about Mister Assemblyman Allen.

Parley Due Today on Light Plant Bill

Camden Courier-Post –

Burling to Confer With Hartmann; May Introduce Measure Wednesday

Hopeful of Introducing Camden’s light plant bill at Wednesday’s session of the Legislature, State Senator Albert E. Burling planned to confer today with City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann and the latter’s assistant, Walter S. Anderson.

Anderson appeared before Burling and the Camden county Assembly delegation at the weekly forum Saturday with suggested revisions in previous bills, after contacting Dr. Clark Forman, of the PWA legal staff in Washington. Today’s conference was the outgrowth of that discussion.

City Clerk Clay W. Reesman, of Camden, asked the Legislators to amend the election law to defer certification of polling places until Fall in years when primaries are held in September.

Cites Election Law

Reesman pointed out that Article 8, paragraph 87 calls for municipal clerks to send polling place lists to county boards of election before March 1 and directs the county boards to certify them back by April 15.

“That was all right when primary elections were held in May each year,” Reesman said. “But now they are held in September except in Presidential years, and the dates should be changed to August 1 and September 1 except in Presidential years. As it now stands, changes are made all Summer after the list is certified, until the original list becomes unrecognizable.”

Clarence Dunkleberger, of the Eleventh Ward, reappeared to ask that a way be found to provide an underpass for school children who cross the railroad tracks between Cramer Hill and the Westfield Avenue section. There are no crossings between Twenty-seventh and Thirty-sixth Streets.

Asks About Trade Mark

Dunkleberger said it is his understanding that an existing law requires railroad companies to provide crossings at every other block, but if this is not so, he asked that a bill be introduced to compel railroads to provide crossings every half mile in second-class cities.

Charles Dieck, of Philadelphia, representing non-residents in business in New Jersey, appeared to ask questions concerning the Foran trademark bill, which it is estimated by its sponsor would provide $10,000,000 this year to help finance relief.

Dieck said he had been unable to obtain a copy of the bill, which was introduced in the upper house last Monday.

“I have been to the Courier-Post and the bills are not available,” Dieck said.

“You come down to my house and I’ll show you the bill,” put in Assemblyman Millard E. Allen, of Laurel Springs, who wants all employees of the publication “led to the guillotine.”

“How can you show him the bill?” asked Assemblyman Rocco Palese, “when they haven’t been printed yet?”

Maybe He Has Got it

“I got my bills yesterday,” Allen insisted.

“Was that bill among them?” inquired Burling. “I haven’t been able to get one yet.”

“I think it was, but I’m not positive,” admitted Allen. “At least I have some information on it.”

“I don’t think you have the bill,” Assemblyman Lawrence H. Ellis said. “I was told in Trenton they haven’t been printed yet.”

“Well, I said I’m not positive,” Allen declared. Shortly afterward he left the session.

The legislators voted to dispense with the regular weekly meeting next Saturday, because it is Lincoln’s birthday. They will be resumed February 19.

Burling Confers With Hartmann on Light Plant Bill

Camden Courier-Post –

Details of Possible Legislation to Enable City to Get PWA Funds Kept Secret

Anderson at Parley

A conference on Camden’s proposed legislative light plant bill was held yesterday by State Senator Albert E. Burling, Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann and his assistant, Walter S. Anderson. The session was held in Burling’s private office.

Neither Burling nor Hartmann would disclose if they had decided on any action to introduce a bill to provide enabling legislation to obtain Federal PWA funds for the proposed municipal electric light plant, for which voters of the city twice cast a majority vote.

“The conference was held at the request of Commissioner Hartmann,” Burling said. “We discussed possible legislation which may be favorably acted on by the Legislature.

“It was agreed that our plans not be discussed or made known for the present and not until the matter can be more thoroughly analyzed and discussed.”

Commissioner Hartmann was reluctant to discuss the conference. “Out of courtesy to Senator Burling I do not desire to discuss the matter,” Hartmann said.

Anderson appeared before Burling and the Camden county Assembly delegation at the weekly forum Saturday with suggested revisions in previous bills, after contacting Dr. Clark Forman, of the PWA legal staff in Washington. Today’s conference was the outgrowth of that discussion.

City Clerk Clay W. Reesman, of Camden, asked the Legislators to amend the election law to defer certification of polling places until Fall in years when primaries are held in September.

Cites Election Law

Reesman pointed out that Article 8, paragraph 87, calls for municipal clerks to send polling place lists to county boards of election before March 1, and directs the county boards to certify them back by April 15.

“That was all right when primary elections were held in May each year,” Reesman said. “But now they are held in September except in Presidential years, and the dates should be changed to August 1 and September 1 except in Presidential years. As it now stands, changes are made all Summer after the list is certified, until the original list becomes unrecognizable.”

Clarence Dunkleberger, of the Eleventh Ward, reappeared to ask that a way be found to provide an underpass for school children who cross the railroad tracks between Cramer Hill and the Westfield Avenue section. There are no crossings between Twenty-seventh and Thirty-sixth streets.

Asks About Trade Mark

Dunkleberger said it is his understanding that an existing law requires railroad companies to provide crossings at every other block, but if this is not so, he asked that a bill be introduced to compel railroads to provide crossings every half mile in second-class cities.

Charles Dieck, of Philadelphia, representing non-residents in business in New Jersey, appeared to ask questions concerning the Foran trademark bill which, it is estimated by its sponsor, would provide $10,000,000 this year to help finance relief.

Dieck said he had been unable to obtain a copy of the bill, which was introduced in the upper house last Monday. “I have been to the Courier-Post and the bills are not available,” Dieck said.

“You come down to my house and I’ll show you the bill,” put in Assemblyman Millard E. Allen, of Laurel Springs, who wants all employees of the publication “led to the guillotine.”

“How can you show him the bill?” asked Assemblyman Rocco Palese, “when they haven’t been printed yet?”

Maybe He Has Got It

“I got my bills yesterday,” Allen insisted.

“Was that bill among them?” inquired Burling. “I haven’t been able to get one yet.”

“I think it was, but I’m not positive,” admitted Allen. “At least I have some information on it.”

“I don’t think you have the bill,” Assemblyman Lawrence H. Ellis said. “I was told in Trenton they haven’t been printed yet.”

“Well, I said I’m not positive,” Allen declared. Shortly afterward he left the session.

The legislators voted to dispense with the regular weekly meeting next Saturday, because it is Lincoln’s birthday. They will be resumed February 19.

Dressmaking Contest Winners Start N.Y. Excursion Today

Camden Courier-Post –

3 Camden Schoolgirls First in Doll Dressing Competition, Will Spend Two Joyous Days in Metropolis With Chaperone

Three Camden schoolgirls who won first awards in Camden’s first annual Dressmaking and Doll Dressing Contest, jointly sponsored by the Camden Recreation Commission, the Courier-Post Newspapers and the Camden City Parent-Teacher Association, will leave at 9:30 a.m. today on a two-day New York trip.

The girls embarking on the adventure are Lillian Paglione, 10, of 331 Benson street, who attends the E. A. Stevens school; Evelyn Stevenson, 13, of 406 North Fortieth street, a pupil at Davis school, and Merfrida Di Filippo, 10, also attending E. A. Stevens school. Jean Drew, member of the staff of the Courier-Post newspapers, will chaperone the contest winners.

An outline of arrangements for the trip was made by Mrs. Rocco Palese, chairman of the general committee of the Recreation Commission and Camden city Parent-Teacher Association chairman. She has been assisted by other members of the commission, Frank H. Ryan, managing editor of the Courier-Post newspapers; the Camden City P. T. A., and the services of the National Youth Administration.

Special rates have been offered the contest winners by the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. They will be furnished with a suite of rooms.

Julius Haber, in charge of the press division of RCA Manufacturing Company, Camden, has obtained passes for the children for a Rockefeller Center guided tour, an NBC studio tour, tours of the museum of science and industry and museum of modern art at Radio City. In addition, Haber has made arrangements for the girls to view an NBC radio broadcast while in New York.

Upon their return to Camden, Haber plans to have the children make a recording at the Camden RCA plant of their trip to New York. Each winner may keep this as a lasting souvenir. Another representative of RCA has arranged for tickets to admit the contest winners to the Music Hall, and Jack Weinberg of Warner Brothers is obtaining passes for the Capital Theatre in New York City.

The contest party will leave for New York from the Broad Street Station, Philadelphia. Samuel E. Fulton, president of the commission, and Mrs. Palese will see the party to the train and Fulton will meet them upon their return to Camden tomorrow night.

Winners in Contest Taken to New York

Camden Courier-Post –

Camden Schoolgirls Leave on Two-Day Trip as Doll Victors

Surrounded by members of the Camden Recreation Commission and friends, three Camden school girls who won first prizes in Camden’s first annual dressmaking and doll dressing contest boarded a New York train at Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, yesterday, bound on a two-day trip to New York.

The trip was the first contest award for three events. The contest was sponsored by the Camden Recreation Commission, the Courier-Post Newspapers and the Camden City Parent-Teacher Association. More than 30 prizes were awarded to entrants on Jan. 14, at Camden Convention Hall, when the competition closed.

The three girls who won first places are Lillian Paglione, 10, of 331 Benson street, and Merfrida Di Filippo, 10, both students at Stevens school, and Evelyn Stevenson, 13, of 405 North Fortieth street, who attends Davis school. They were chaperoned by Jean Drew, a member of the staff of the Courier-Post Newspapers.

The party met today in the lobby of a Camden hotel. A delegation of friends and members of the Camden Recreational Commission, headed by Mrs. Rocco Palese and Samuel E. Fulton, president of the commission, escorted the party to the train. Mrs. Palese, chairman of the general committee of the Recreation Commission and Camden City Parent-Teacher Association chairman, has been active in all arrangements for the trip.

At New York, the party taxied to the Roosevelt Hotel, where the management had provided a suite of rooms at a special rate for the contest winners. After luncheon, the group embarked upon a special bus tour of the city.

Among the pleasures in store for the children are guided tours through Rockefeller Center, an NBC studio tour and tours of the museum of science and industry and the museum of modern art at Radio City.

Passes for all the tours were obtained for the contest winners by Julius Haber, who is in charge of the press division of RCA Manufacturing Company, Camden. He has also made arrangements for the girls to view an NBC broadcast while in New York. Another member of the RCA company has arranged for tickets to admit the group to the Music Hall.

Jack Weinberg, of Warner Brothers, has obtained passes for the children to Capitol Theatre in New York City.

Upon their return to Camden, Haber has arranged to have the winners make recordings at the RCA of their trip, impressions of which each child may keep as a souvenir.

Assisting Mrs. Palese in arrangements for the trip were other members of the commission, including Fulton; Frank H. Ryan, managing editor of the Courier-Post Newspapers, and the Camden City P.T.A.

Palese Bill Seeks Suspensions Curb

Camden Courier-Post –

Urges 5-Day Limit for Civil Service Workers, Spurred by Schneider Case

Trenton, Feb. 14.—A bill to restrict suspension of civil service employees to five days, was introduced tonight in the Assembly by Assemblyman Rocco Palese.

Thirty-day suspensions are provided at present as a maximum. Palese said his bill was inspired by the recent 30-day suspension which Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., of Camden, imposed upon Thomas Schneider, inspector in the Water Department.

Schneider had charged “drones” were in Hartmann’s department, and when asked for names gave none. The suspension followed.

“Of course some discipline is necessary,” said Palese, “but I think five days is sufficient for any offense.”

Another bill offered tonight by Palese would make it necessary for any persons applying for a new trial on a criminal charge to file a notice of the application with the prosecutor’s office as well as with the court.

Inviting Trouble For Civil Service (Editorial)

Camden Courier-Post –

Assemblyman Palese has introduced in the Legislature a bill intended to protect Civil Service employees—but which might easily do the opposite!

Where suspensions up to 30 days now are permitted for disciplinary purpose, Palese’s bill would limit the suspension to five days. His belief is that “five days is sufficient for any offense.”

That, of course, depends not only on the offense but on the discretion of the official who wishes to enforce order and efficiency among his employees.

The bill is based on the case of Thomas Schneider, inspector in the Camden city water department, who recently charged the department was infested with “drones.” Commissioner Hartmann suspended Schneider for 30 days but offered to reinstate the inspector if he would name the “drones” or substantiate his remarks. Schneider refused—and permitted the penalty to appear entirely justified.

While a 30-day suspension might be considered a severe penalty, it is obvious that it also has saved many employees their jobs—giving department heads an available alternative to the red tape and unpleasantness of filing specific charges and causing an offender to lose his job altogether.

To reduce the suspension period from 30 days to five days would virtually remove the alternative, limiting punishment to a figurative slap on the wrist.

To establish leniency, whether deserved or not might meet with approval of the State Court of Pardons but we doubt whether it will elicit much public applause.

It will serve only as a “backfire” for Civil Service if it results in formal charges and outright dismissals for employees now subject to a 30-day “fine.”

Wonsetler Hailed as Next President of State

Camden Courier-Post –

Dinner Speakers Predict Camden Man Will Get Association Post

N. J. Officers Attend

Robert Wonsetler, of the Camden Fire Department, was hailed as the next state president of the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association at the 41st anniversary dinner of Camden Local, No. 5, last night. It was held in Kenney’s Cafe, with 150 members and their women folks attending.

The Camden man is now first vice president of the state association and state representative of the local. James Delaney, of Elizabeth, state president, and other state officers who were among the speakers predicted that when the local has its 42nd anniversary next year, it will have occasion to celebrate the election of Wonsetler as 1939 state president.

Other speakers were Mayor George E. Bruner, City Commissioners Mary W. Kobus and Frank J. Hartmann, Assemblyman Rocco Palese, Fire Chief John H. Lennox, Carlton W. Rowand, Bruce A. Wallace and Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan.

State officers attending, besides Delaney and Wonsetler, were Fred Bailey, Weehawken, second vice president; George Steele, Union City, recording secretary; Joseph Burke, Newark, financial secretary, and Jack Reed, Kearny, treasurer.

Surrogate Frank B. Hanna, who was toastmaster, referred to the three city commissioners present as “candidates for re-election without opposition.”

Commissioner Kobus, head of the city fire department, was applauded when she announced wash-stands and showers are being installed in local firehouses and that windbreakers and new fire nets have been ordered.

“The firehouses in Camden are in better condition than ever before,” Commissioner Hartmann said.

Officers of the Camden Local are Chester Andrus, president; W. Samuel Mountney, vice president; Nelson Andrews, recording secretary; Harrison Pike, financial secretary; Henry Zook, treasurer; Ralph Bingemann, sergeant-at-arms; William H. Harrison, chaplain, and Wonsetler, state representative.

Russell J. Anderson was chairman of the dinner committee, which included Harry Wagner, Arthur Batten, Harry Wilkers, David Humphries and Pike.

Survey Planned To Determine Need For Increased Play Sites

Camden Courier-Post –

Recreation Commission Sponsors Move in City-Wide Plan for Curb on Juvenile Delinquency; Y.M.C.A. Aide Outlines Athletic Program

A committee has been appointed to conduct a survey among underprivileged boys on the need for added recreation centers to curb juvenile delinquency by the Camden Recreation Commission.

The survey would be conducted by the committee, in conjunction with the local National Youth Administration.

Samuel E. Fulton, commission president, named C. Robert Perina, Samuel Brest and Jack Vadurro to the committee.

The commission also approved a plan to join in sponsoring an enlarged boy’s club activity in the local Y.M.C.A.

William E. Lovett, director of boys work of the local “Y,” outlined a plan to enlarge the basement of the Y.M.C.A. building to accommodate the members of boys groups throughout the city.

Lovett said the basement will be furnished with boxing and wrestling rings, a library, quoit, tennis and handball courts, marble rings and other paraphernalia.

Former Assemblyman Harry Roye and Herman Hensgen were named to co-operate with Lovett.

Students at Philadelphia medical schools will be urged to aid at commission-operated playgrounds in the Spring and Summer.

The Camden County Medical Association will be asked to co-operate in the plan to have all children using play sites examined for health defects.

Playgrounds operated by the city of Philadelphia and by other agencies are given the services of senior medical students, Fulton reported.

Gervas H. Stratton, representing the Fourteenth Ward Civic Association, reported his organization will select four recreation sites in Fairview to be operated under supervision of the commission and the NYA.

Stratton said the Fairview organization plans contests for better care of lawns and a flower growing contest for boys and girls. The commission approved both plans and pledged its support.

Mrs. Rocco Palese reported on the doll dressing and dressmaking contest. The three first prize winners were given a two day trip to New York City, Mrs. Palese said.

The commission thanked Mrs. Palese and members of the committee, P.T.A. groups, women’s organizations, the Courier-Post Newspapers, the NYA and others who aided in the contest.

Thoirs Auxiliary Dates Style Show

Camden Courier-Post –

Mrs. Albert Wehner Named Chairman of Charity Event, March 28

The annual fashion show followed by cards which is sponsored by the Auxiliary to Thoirs Post American Legion has been announced for Monday evening, March 28, and will be held in the ballroom of the Hotel Walt Whitman.

Mrs. Albert Wehner, of Collingswood, has been named general chairman for the event by the president, Mrs. Meyers Baker. Proceeds are used each year for the child welfare and rehabilitation work of the auxiliary.

Mrs. Wehner is being assisted by the following committees: Prizes—Mrs. W. DuBois Brown, chairman, Mrs. Earl Ludlam and Mrs. Raymond A. VanHorn; cards and tallies—Mrs. Edward Hamilton, chairman, Mrs. Earl Young, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Anne Davis Spooner, Mrs. Peter DaCosta, Mrs. Milton Walker, Mrs. Walter Garlan and Mrs. Rocco Palese; candy—Mrs. Harold Evans, chairman, Mrs. George F. Seybold, Mrs. Joseph Bossle, Mrs. LeGrande Roberts and Mrs. Byron G. Tuttle.

Novelties—Mrs. Russell B. Keen, chairman, Mrs. Frank Matthews, Mrs. Charles Yost, Mrs. John Errickson and Mrs. Heber DeLong; music—Mrs. Frank F. Neutze; tickets, Mrs. Percy L. Bastian, chairman, Mrs. John T. Cleary and Miss Rachel Donalley.

Further plans for the benefit will be made at the monthly meeting of the executive board to be held at the home of Mrs. Percy L. Bastian, 12 Fairview court, this city, on Wednesday, February 23. Hostesses will be Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Bossle, Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Wehner.

Little Patronage Still G.O.P. Fights

Camden Courier-Post –

Committee Goes in Huddle on ‘King’ Successor—Comes Out With Headache

By Mercury

There isn’t a whole lot of patronage available for the Camden county Republicans these days, but they’re fighting like cats about it, anyway.

Wednesday was Headache Day for the G. O. P. patronage committee. The committee met for the purpose of picking a successor to William A. E. King on the county elections board. The net result was plenty of names, plenty of arguments, no successor.

Among those there at various times were David Baird, County Clerk Leslie H. Ewing, Mrs. Florence Baker, Louis Bantivoglio, Frank Middleton, Mrs. Margaret Wermuth, Mrs. Mary Tegge, Mrs. Anna Holl, Assemblymen Lawrence Ellis and Millard Allen. Other members of the committee, such as Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, Senator Albert E. Burling and Assemblyman Rocco Palese, could not get there. Surrogate Frank B. Hanna could get there and did at 3 p.m., when the meeting was supposed to start. But he left at 3:35 p.m. before the session had got under way.

A Baird Order

It was reported that the meeting broke up with the general idea that Meyer L. Sakin, local attorney, would be recommended for the job. This, however, was decidedly not a unanimous opinion and, according to some quarters, not even a majority decision. It would be more proper to characterize it as a Baird order.

It was rumored that Mrs. Tegge, Mrs. Wermuth and Mrs. Holl opened the hostilities by suggesting that King be allowed to succeed himself. But Dr. Ewing and Mrs. Baker vetoed this rather enthusiastically.

Then Mrs. Holl, it is understood, was asked whether she would support George Walton, a fellow townsman from Haddonfield, but she refused. It is reported that Hanna has suggested Walton for the post and that Dr. Ewing and Mrs. Baker are willing to support Walton.

The real fireworks began when William Lehman, manager of the county Republican headquarters, declared that Baird had promised him that none other than William Lehman was going to get the job. It appears that Lehman will soon be in need of the job, as the county committee is now voting on whether to discontinue maintaining the headquarters and Lehman.

Lehman Let Down?

But it appears that Baird didn’t put up much of a fight Wednesday in Lehman’s behalf. So another net result of the meeting is that Baird and Lehman were walking on opposite sides of the street yesterday.

Hanna was asked yesterday whether Sakin had been recommended. “Yes, I understand they went on record for Sakin, but I don’t know that officially,” asserted the state committeeman. “I got there at 3 o’clock, but nobody wanted to start things. It looked like they were just waiting for Dave Baird to come and tell them what to do. I had some legal papers to get out so I had to leave.”

Another report being circulated yesterday was that Baird wants to put Lehman in the job held by Harry F. Ecky, First ward Republican. Ecky is a registrar for the county election board. His was one of the most popular appointments made in recent years, by the Republicans. Both he and Victor Scharle, Democratic registrar, are not only popular but their work has been universally recognized as extremely efficient.

Camden Courier-Post – February 19, 1938

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Named: Harry Roye, Loyal D. Odhner, Charles B. Crabiel, James W. Burnison, Thomas N. McCarter, Mrs. Rocco Palese, John F. Gilliams, Oliver C. Boileau, Arthur Colsey, Charles Errickson, Rev. James S. Pemberton, Dan McConnell, Leon H. Rose, Laura Moore, Russell E. Nickerson, Elber Reim, Elmer C. Pratt, Mrs. Miriam Lee Early Lippincott, Samuel Brest, Neil F. Deighan, William Atkinson, Roy Lanning, Albert M. Bean, Dr. Leon N. Neulen, and George W. Guyer.

Camden Courier-Post – February 23, 1938

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Named: Horace R. Dixon, Frank J. Hartmann Jr., Harold W. Bennett, George Brunner, Mary Kobus, Joseph N. Hettell, S. Raymond Dobbs, and Rocco Palese.

Camden Courier-Post – February 24, 1938

Camden Courier-Post, February 24, 1938

A resolution urging the passage of enabling legislation by the Legislature to obtain Federal funds for low-cost housing was adopted at a meeting of the Fourth Ward Democratic Club.

The resolution urged all civic and fraternal groups to request State Senator Albert E. Burling and Assemblymen Rocco Palese, Millard E. Allen and Laurence H. Ellis to support the bills.

Prompt action is urged in order that New Jersey and Camden can share in the $300,000,000 fund approved by Congress for slum clearance and housing.

The resolution was offered by Leonard Mass, Jr., recording secretary. John O’Hanlon is president of the club. Other officers are Joseph Mignona, vice president; Domonick Lombardo, treasurer; Paul Navarra, financial secretary, and Joseph Yocavelli, sergeant-at-arms.

Is Zat So!

Camden Courier-Post –

By Gordon Mackay

Fair, charming and clever, Mrs. Rocco Palese is one of my “favorite girl friends”—this is rather an exclusive organization—to be found in South Jersey. When this charming matron proceeded to rebuke me with the chastening rod the other day, I was obedient to the command of Camden’s fair daughter.

“The great trouble with you,” opined Mrs. Palese, who was talking with Mrs. Florence Baker, Republican state committeewoman, who is also one of the “F. G. F.,” is that you don’t write enough about women.”

“Why you should have column after column about the fine women we have in Camden,” she added.

As I left the charming Mrs. Palese and the equally winsome Madame Baker it was my fortune to encounter one of the others who are ensconced in the Circle of “F. G. F.” She is Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, postmaster of Camden and for years the brave matron who carried aloft the banner of an unterrified but unwelcome Democracy.

Mrs. Hyland smiled in that manner so disarming, and in her own diplomatic way. My thoughts meanwhile ran back to a banquet that was held a few nights before, in which the winsome Mrs. Hyland administered one verbal spanking to that glutton for punishment who writes this potpourri.

Mrs. Hyland verifies sapient remarks made by that astute counselor, Samuel P. Orlando, to wit: “The great wonder in my mind has been that Mrs. Hyland could battle in politics the way she has and still retain her femininity to such a marked degree.”

Harmony Dwells in Democracy

The sentiments expressed so tersely but eloquently by the limb of the law named Orlando meets with my emphatic “aye.” Therefore, when Mrs. Hyland proceeded to chastise this scribe because the Mackay hinted that harmony does not dwell in Democracy’s tents, the lady appeared vocally ruffled as she proceeded to shoot Mackay at sunrise.

We acknowledged the lambasting, but still there lurked in our mind the same old seed of suspicion. We recalled when Harry Moore was inducted into office as the only Governor to thrice have held that exalted office. The inauguration tickets were not profuse in the Brunner-Kelleher camp, hence we wondered why.

At the same time we remembered an innocent remark that we had read in the column of our able colleague, the cheery sprite, known as Charlie Humes. It was to the effect “that I am not supposed to bring people up here now.”

As we trudged along the streets our minds burrowed in thought and our brains deeply immersed in imagination we pulled up near Broadway and Stevens street in front of the red brick building which the unrighteous now call “No Man’s Land” or more formally the Republican county headquarters.

We were startled out of our reverie by hearing a dulcet voice shouting: “My car is afire! My car is afire! I can’t put it out!”

Instantly we knew that voice. It was that of another of our “F. G. F.” in trouble, this time Mrs. Baker. Her gasoline chariot had come ablaze. She was in quandary terrific as to extinguishing the flames.

Squish! Squish! Out Goes Fire

Don’t tell me why woman loses her head in an emergency. Out of a store came a lady; racing with a can in her hand. She was Sadye Levinsky, one of the few women pharmacists in Camden county.

Miss Levinsky knew her stuff as she also knows Mrs. Baker. Sadye went at her job in calm matter-of-fact fashion that would have won the envy of any volunteer fireman who ever borrowed Fred Lynch’s rubber boots.

Squish! Squish! Squish! went the pump in the can. Out, pronto went the flames. Mrs. Baker was profuse in her thanks as Miss Levinsky waved the emergency treatment of the fiery chariot aside, it was all in the day’s work.

“Boy,” we were saluted. “I’ve just seen the best emotional thespian, that hasn’t made Hollywood. She’s a knockout, about the prettiest girl in this county.”

“Where is this paragon,” we queried, wanting to know something about such a lady myself.

“She is in court trying to get alimony from her husband, Dr. Eppelman,” said the barrister. We trudged over to the courthouse where we met a group who were discussing the Ethel Barrymore who had just asked her dentist husband be compelled to support her and a child.

“Phew,” said Walter Keown, who was hubby’s counsel, “what an actress, what an actress;” Now that was some tribute for we’ve seen Pete Keown in court and he can do a John Barrymore, too.

It was at that moment that a petite blonde; with a face that rivaled Helen of Troy’s and could launch a thousand ships from any dock in the world came around the corner. She was fetchingly dressed and surrounded by a flotilla of males; all members of her families.

She was Mrs. Eppleman, and that lawyer’s description of her glamour and charm was a prize bit of understatement. If she can act as good as she looks they better get Carole Lombard, Lucille Ball and some of those other gals an annuity right away, for they’ll be pushed off the map.

Hardly had we sauntered away from this beauty when we encountered Mrs. Pauline Caperoon, our best bet for the prize politician among all her sex in Camden County. Pauline was as energetic, as politic and loquacious as is characteristic and we had a talkfest about certain folk and their foibles that was enriched, by the strength of Mrs. Caperoon’s vocabulary, with an added trimming of a most conservative type from the writer.

After we had chatted with Pauline and learned plenty we should know we walked away again. Just in time to see Mayor Brunner and Mrs. Kobus hiking for a train to Trenton. Of course, we knew they were just running up to see the Governor, but nothing political. We subsided.

Thus, Mrs. Palese, we feel that we have covered the ground pretty well today in a single column, to bring to the attention of our readers something about women.

Camden Courier-Post – June 28, 1939

Camden Courier-Post, June 28, 1939, header text George Clayton portrait Camden Courier-Post, June 28, 1939, page 1 Camden Courier-Post, June 28, 1939, page 2

Rocco Palese — George Clayton

Henry Magin Laid to Rest By War Veteran Buddies

Camden Courier-Post –

Trucks of Flowers in Funeral Cortege

Funeral services for City Commissioner Henry Magin were held today with his colleagues in official and veterans circles participating.

Services were conducted in city commission chambers on the second floor of city hall, in charge of Rev. Dr. W.W. Ridgeway, rector of St. Wilfrid’s Episcopal Church.

The casket was carried by war veteran associates of the public works director, who died from a heart attack Friday. A color guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion preceded the casket, followed by the four remaining members of the city commission, Mayor George Brunner and commissioners E. George Aaron, Mrs. Mary W. Kobus and Dr. David S. Rhone.

A guard of honor lined both sides of city hall steps, 22 policemen on one side and 22 firemen on the other, representing Magin’s age, 44 years.

Hundreds of men and women waited outside the building to pay their respects as the solemn procession filed by. Mayor Brunner had declared this morning a holiday for city employees. The casket was borne by Thomas Jackson and Samuel Magill, both past Legion commanders; Leon McCarty, past commander of August Walter Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Richard Jermyn, past commander of Post 1270, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Benjamin P. Thomas, past captain of Sparrow Ship No. 1269, V.F.W.; and William Miller, past State commander, D.A.V.

Three trucks were required to carry the floral pieces from the scene of the services to the National Cemetery at Beverly, where burial took place.

An estimated 8,000 persons from all walks of life paid their respects to the late official by viewing the body as it lay in state in the commission chambers.

The throng of mourners of Camden city and county was the largest to converge on a public building since the funeral of Fire Chief Charles Worthington, who was killed while fighting a fire almost 20 years ago. His body was placed on public view in the rotunda of the old county courthouse.

File Past Bier

A continuous progression of people filed past the flag draped bier for more than three and one-half hours. Scores of Republicans and hundreds of Democrats joined in the tribute.

Services were conducted by Camden lodges of Elks and Moose. Military rites were conducted by the Fairview Post, American Legion, of which Magin was a founder and past commander. The tribute was led by Mitchell Halin, post commander, and C. Richard Allen, past department commander.

James W. Conner, chief clerk of the city water bureau and past State Commander of the V.F.W., conducted rites at the grave.

Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone came early and remained throughout the hours of viewing. Mrs. Helen Magin, the widow, and daughter Helen, attired in deep mourning, arrived shortly after 7:00 PM.

Embraces Widow, Daughter

Commissioner Kobus, who knelt in prayer before the bier, arose and went over to Mrs. Magin and her daughter. Mrs. Kobus embraced and kissed the widow and daughter of the late commissioner. They were in tears.

Three firemen and three policemen maintained a vigil as a guard of honor. They were Patrolmen Jack Kaighn, George Weber, and William Deery and Firemen Arthur Batten, Warren Carter and William Reed.

American Legion and V.F.W. members in uniform alternated as members of the military guard of honor. A detail of 50 policemen was under command of Acting Lieutenant John Garrity. Fifty firemen, under supervision of Deputy Chief Walter Mertz, assisted the patrolmen in handling the crowd, which at times choked the stairways leading to the second floor.

Freeholders Arrive

Albert H. Molt, director of the Board of Freeholders and Freeholders John J. Tull, Oscar Moore, Ventorino Francesconi, Stanley Ciechanowski, Earl Armstrong and Emil J. McCall arrived shortly after 7:00 PM. Moore and Tull wore American Legion overseas caps. Albert S. Marvel, clerk of the board, accompanied the freeholders.

Employees of the various bureaus in the department of public works, headed by Commissioner Magin, came in delegations with the highway bureau having 150, the largest number.

Frank A. Abbott, acting director of the department, accompanied by James P. Carr, superintendent of Streets; led the highway bureau employees. Abbott is deputy director of revenue and finance and first assistant to Mayor Brunner. He was named by Brunner as acting director until the City Commission elects Mr. Magin’s successor.

County Clerk Frank J. Suttill, city clerk Clay W. Reesman, fire chief John H. Lennox and James A. Howell, chief of the city electrical bureau, attended, as did Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the board of education. Every city department sent a floral piece.

Outstanding Floral Tribute

Outstanding among the floral tributes was a six-foot broken circle of varied flowers, an offering from Mayor Brunner and Commissioners Kobus, Aaron, and Rhone.

A floral chair was sent by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association. The word “Rest” was made up of flowers. The offering of the Veterans League of South Jersey, an organization formed by Commissioner Magin and of which he was the first president, was a large floral pillow.

The freeholders and county officials gave a large floral basket. Floral tributes came from the employees of the board of education, the RCA Manufacturing Company, the police and fire bureaus, Pyne Point Athletic Association, the Elks, Moose and several Democratic clubs.

The floral tributes came in such numbers yesterday afternoon that Funeral Director Harry Leonard and his assistants could not find room for them in the commission chamber proper. They were banked on both sides, in the rear and over the casket.

Among prominent officials and citizens who came to pay their respects were Congressman Charles A. Wolverton and his son, Donnell, Assemblymen Joseph W. Cowgill and J. Frank Crawford, Sidney P. McCord, city comptroller, Thomas C. Schneider, president of Camden County Council No. 10, New Jersey Civil Service Association.

Others at Bier

Others were Sue Devinney, secretary to Mrs. Kobus; Fred S. Caperoon; Henry Aitken, city sealer of weights and measures, Horace R. Dixon, executive director of the Camden Housing Authority; George I. Shaw, vice president of the board of education.

Sgt. Ray Smith, chairman of the Elks Crippled Children Committee and commander of East Camden Post, V.F.W.; Albert Becker, commander of Camden County Post 126, Jewish War Veterans; Dr. Howard E. Primas and Wilbur F. Dobbins, members of the Camden Housing Authority; Postmaster Emma E. Hyland; Samuel E. Fulton, member of the Camden local assistance board.

Also former Assemblyman Rocco Palese, former Freeholder Maurice Bart and wife, County Detective James Mulligan, Deputy City Clerk William D. Sayrs, Mary King, secretary to City Clerk Reesman, Charles W. Anderson and John W. Diehl Jr., former members of the housing authority, Walter P. Wolverton, chief clerk of the public works department; Thomas J. Kenney, Maurice Hertz, Isadore Hermann, chief of the city tax title bureau; S. Raymond Dobbs; acting chief of city property, John Oziekanski, building inspector, Harry Langebein, city assessor.

Oliver H. Bond, housing manager of Clement T. Branch Village; former Judge Joseph Varbalow, acting city counsel John J. Crean, assistant City Counsel Edward V. Martino, Paul Day, secretary of city board of assessors, former Assemblyman William T. Iszard, Harry Roye, district director of NYA; Victor J. Scharle and Martin Segal, Democratic and Republican registrars, respectively, of the Camden County permanent registration bureau.

Mrs. Marian Garrity and Mrs. Mary F. Hendricks, vice chairman and secretary respectively, of the Republican City Committee; Dr. Ethan A. Lang and Dr. Richard P. Bowman, members of the board of education; Edward J. Borden, Carl Kisselman, Harry A. Kelleher, Samuel T. French Sr., former Freeholder Walter Budniak, Coroner Paul R. Rilatt, County Treasurer Edward J. Kelleher, William Shepp, of the city legal bureau, Marie Carr, stenographer, mayor’s office; Samuel T. French Jr., member, board of education.

Also John C. Trainor, member of the Camden County Board of Elections; Antonio Mecca, funeral director; Alexander Feinberg, solicitor of the housing authority, former Freeholder John T. Hanson, Sterling Parker and Paul Reihman, member of the county park commission.

James O’Brien, commander of the Camden Disabled American Veterans, was in charge of services by veterans at the cemetery. Former Freeholder Edward J. Quinlan, county vice-commander of the American Legion, directed last night memorial services and was in charge of the firing squad at the grave.

Trenton Times – February 27, 1942

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Named: Mary Kobus, George Frost, Rocco Palese, David S. Rhone, Henry Magin, and James J. Mulligan.

Indiana PA Gazette – March 21, 1946

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V-J Slayer Convicted, To Get Chair

CAMDEN, N. J., Mar. 21—(AP)—Howard Auld, 25 year old discharged soldier who said he was wounded in the Philippines, was convicted last night of first degree murder in the V-J rape slaying of a pretty Philadelphia waitress.

An all-male jury recommended no mercy. The verdict makes a sentence of death in the electric chair mandatory.

Judge Bartholomew A. Sheehan announced he will set the date of execution for the rangy Bellmawr, N. J. ex-GI today.

Rocco Palese, court-appointed defense attorney, said he would ask the Court of Errors and Appeals for a new trial. Failing this, he said he would appeal to the Court of Pardons to commute the death sentence to life imprisonment.

Auld pleaded insanity to prosecution charges that he murdered Margaert [sic] Rita McDade, 23, after a victory party last August 14. His defense counsel argued the army released “a violently homicidal man when it discharged” Auld.

Prosecutor Gene R. Mariano asserted the former paratrooper was sane and “knew right from wrong.”

Phychiatrist [sic] witnesses for both sides failed to agree on the defendant’s sanity.

The young woman’s nude and battered body was found in a Haddon Heights (N.J.) sewer five days after the V-J party. An autopsy disclosed she suffocated to death in the cistern.

Trenton Evening Times – May 20, 1948

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15 Pay Fines Of $43,000 In Gambling

CAMDEN, N. J.—AP—Fifteen persons accused of gambling or bookmaking were fined a total of $43,000 yesterday.

They were among 30 defendants indicted as a result of the campaign by Attorney General Van Riper growing out of charges of gambling and police laxity here.

Judge Rocco Palese fixed the fines and the 15 went directly to the sheriff’s office and paid off.

The men were to go on trial before juries yesterday. Instead, their attorneys announced all decided to plead no contest.

15 PAY FINES OF $43,000 IN GAMBLING

(Continued)

The men were to go on trial before juries yesterday. Instead, their attorneys announced all decided to plead no contest.

Deputy Attorney General Nelson F. Stamler told Judge Palese that Van Riger favored heavy fines “to show the gambling fraternity that the day of $150 fines is over.”

He said that fines would yield the State and county enough to defray the cost of the investigation and the prosecution.

Those fined and the amounts were Fred Klosterman, $10,000; Albert Gawronski, $7,500; George Hamilton, $5,000; Edwin F. Goldy, $4,000; Benjamin Anyczak, $4,000; Samuel Bosco, $2,500; Frank Fort, $2,500; Leo Robbins, $1,500; Joseph Starr, Patsy Navarro, Charles Stevenson, Frank Markowitz, Thomas Zegrino, Edward Wesenberg, Robert Hamilton, $1,000 each.

Camden Courier-Post – February 16, 1950

Camden Courier-Post, February 16, 1950

GUN TOTER JAILED

Charged with carrying a concealed weapon, Clarence Russell, of 236 Mt. Vernon street, today was sentenced to six months in the county jail by County Judge Palese. He was arrested Nov. 11, police said, when a blackjack was found in his possession.

Camden Courier-Post – April 14, 1950

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Camden Courier-Post – April 14, 1950

Camden Courier-Post – December 29, 1950

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Named: Lawrence Bleichner, Mitchell Cohen, Rocco Palese, and Market Street.

Camden Courier-Post – December 19, 1951

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Named: Leroy Snyder, Cherry Street, Grace Henefer, Rocco Palese, Patricia Duddy, and Broadway.

Camden Courier-Post – January 4, 1955

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Named: Wallace Roman, Vincent L. Gallaher, William C. Gotshalk, Joseph Dynakowski, Rocco Palese, and Diamond Street.

Camden Courier-Post – January 4, 1955

Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1955, page 2

Ex-Camden Man Gets 5-7 Years in Slaying

Isadore Birch, 29, of New York City, was sentenced today by County Judge Palese to a term of five to seven years in State Prison on a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of a South Camden man during an argument on Aug. 14, 1947.

Birch, who formerly lived on Kaighns ave., near 2nd st., was charged with the death of Zatch McGriff, 28, of 247 Mechanic st. McGriff died in West Jersey Hospital several hours after he had been admitted with slash wounds inflicted, police said, by a soda bottle.

The fight took place at 233 Kaighns ave. Birch was apprehended by FBI agents last Sept. 1 in New York City. Assistant Prosecutor Robert B. Johnson said that a detainer against Birch has been lodged by Florida officials. Johnson said Birch is accused of escaping from a chain gang after serving six months of a two to three year sentence on the charge of breaking and entering.

Camden Courier-Post – December 24, 1957

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Named: Benjamin Dzick, Edward V. Martino, Anthony Mitchell, Rocco Palese, and Orvyl Schalick.

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