Rudolph Preisendanz Sr.
RUDOLPH PREISENDANZ SR. was born in Pennsylvania around 1858. He was living in Philadelphia at the time of the 1870 Census. He came to Camden around 1876, going to work as a wagon painter for Jacob Rettberg, who owned a business called the West Jersey Wagon Works, at 15–17 Market Street. Put in the context of today’s world, he worked in the 1880 equivalent of an auto body repair shop. When the Census was enumerated again, in 1880, Preisendanz, then 21, was living at 122 Elm Street in the North Camden section of Camden NJ with his wife Annie. He was then working as a wagon painter.
In the late 1880s it appears that he established his own business. The 1887–1888 Camden City Directory shows that Rudolph Preisendanz had moved to 109 Linden Street, and that his business was then located a short walk away, at 111 Front Street. One son, Edward, was born in 1883, another son was also born to the family, Rudolph Jr., as well as a daughter, Henrietta.
Rudolph Preisendanz kept a business relationship with Jacob Rettberg. Shortly after the 1893 Camden City Directory was published, Rudolph Preisendanz purchased the West Jersey Wagon Works. The business expanded to 15–21 Market Street, and specialized in building and repairing the light and heavy business wagons used by Camden’s many small and large businesses. The firm also maintained a lumber and storage facility across the street at 14 Market Street. He also later acquired Jacob Rettberg’s wagon showroom (the equivalent of a new car dealership) at the northwest corner of Delaware Avenue and Market street.
By the turn of the century the Preisendanz family had moved to 211 Pearl Street. While his business was quite successful, Rudolph Preisendanz suffered from a bad heart. Struck by a near fatal attack around Christmas of 1907, he was revived, but suffered a second and fatal heart attack on January 28, 1908.
A popular and well respected member of Camden’s German-American community, Rudolph Preisendanz was a member of the Camden Republican Club, which was in those days located on Cooper Street, the Camden Lodge of Elks, and the Mozart Masonic Lodge, and other clubs in Camden.
His sons, Edward and Rudolph Jr., carried on the family business through at least 1920. Edward Preisendanz then made his home at 636 Penn Street, across the street from prominent Camden attorney Howard M. Cooper. Edward Preisendanz also was a charter member of Camden’s Rotary Club. Both were active in the fund raising drive that culminated in the building of the Walt Whitman Hotel. Rudolph “Rud” Preisendanz Jr. had moved to Parkside, in a fine home at 1515 Baird Avenue, on which block his neighbors included many of the leading businesspersons in Camden at the time. By the late 1920s the business had relocated to 34–44 North 5th Street. This property was acquired during the construction of City Hall and turned into the park which became known as Roosevelt Plaza. The business was then known as Rudolph Preisendanz Sons and run by Rud Preisendanz Jr., moved to 1706–1716 Federal Street in East Camden, where it specialized in truck bodies. This property had been an automobile dealership in the late 1920s. In 1930 the Preisendanz brothers sold the body business to longtime employee Robert Becker. Rud Preisendanz Jr. went into the broadcast business, setting up the Broadcast Advertising Company. This firm leased municipally-owned radio station WCAM in the 1930s.
By January of 1938 Rud Preisendanz Jr. had passed away. By 1947 the body works had closed, and at 1706–1716 Federal Street a Food Fair grocery store had been erected.
1900 Camden City Directory
1900 Camden City Directory — Rudolph Preisendanz
The Wagon and Carriage Showrooms
Photo dates after 1900. In the early 1900s Rudolph Preisendanz acquired Jacob Rettberg’s carriage showrooms (he called them “ware rooms”). The wagon belonged to Samuel Smith, who had an ice business at 220 Cooper Street.
The Elks Lodge at Broadway & Federal Street
The Elks Lodge at Broadway & Federal Street, as it appeared during the lifetime of Rudolph Preisendanz. The building was remodeled in 1910, the roof being raised and a fourth floor added.
312 Cooper Street — Home of the Camden Republican Club
The Camden Republican Club occupied 312 Cooper Street during Rudolph Preisendanz’s lifetime. Left: photograph published in 1914. Right: the same location as it appeared on February 7, 2004.
Funeral of Thomas A. Walton
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The funeral of Thomas A. Walton, chairman of the Camden County Board of Elections, took place from his late residence, 314 Vine street, yesterday, and was largely attended. The services were conducted by Revs. Kittridge Wheeler and C. K. Binder. The honorary pallbearers were John Stowe, Rudolph Preizendanz, George Kappel, Recorder O. Glen Stackhouse and Powell Steele. Interment was made in Harleigh Cemetery.
Rud. Preisendanz Dies Suddenly
Camden Courier-Post —
Wagon Builder Expires From Second Attack of Heart Disease
PROMINENT IN MANY LODGES
Rudolph Preisendanz, the well known builder, died suddenly at his home, 211 Pearl street, this morning. Death was due to heart disease. A widow, two sons and a daughter survive him.
In apparent health, Mr. Preisendanz was first attacked with the heart affection on Christmas. At that time pulsation had ceased for so long a time that it was thought he had passed away, but he recovered. Lately he had been enjoying comparatively good health and from his appearance death seemed a long way off. This morning, however, another attack of the heart disease came on and before the arrival of a physician he expired.
Mr. Preisendanz was 49 years old and one of the best known German-Americans of this city. He came here about 31 years ago and worked with Jacob Rettburg. About 15 years ago he purchased from Rettburg the wagon building business and since he has made it unusually successful. He was a member of the local Lodge of Elks, the Camden Republican Club and Mozart Lodge of Masons. He was also identified with the Primrose Ciub [sic] and other organizations.
Camden Engagement Announced
Camden Courier-Post —
The engagement has been announced of Miss Hattie Preisendanz, of 211 Pearl street, to Byron B. Pratt, of State street.
1913 Camden City Directory
EDWARD PREISENDANZ RUD. PREISENDANZ, Jr.
RUD. PREISENDANZ WEST JERSEY WAGON WORKS BUILDERS OF HIGHEST GRADE LIGHT AND HEAVY Business Wagons AND Motor Truck Bodies Repairing, Painting, Trimming, Etc. Carriage and Automobile Work
15 to 21 MARKET ST., CAMDEN, N. J. TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS Lumber and Storage Warehouse: 14 Market St.
PERSONAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO ALL WORK ESTABLISHED OVER THIRTY YEARS
Rud Preisendanz’ Sons Advertisement
Camden Courier-Post —
Builders of High Grade Motor Truck Bodies
Rud Preisendanz’ Sons
Solid and Cushion Truck Tires
Automobile Work
Repairing, Painting, Trimming
34 to 44 North Fifth Street
Future of WCAM Awaits City Action
Camden Courier-Post —
Highest Bidder to Receive Lease of Municipal Radio Station
The future of Camden’s municipally owned radio station WCAM probably will be decided today at a special meeting of the city commission.
The present lease negotiated March 1, 1935, with the Broadcast Advertising Company, 1716 Federal street, expires February 1.
In order to provide for a new lease the City Commission must first approve a resolution authorizing advertisements for bids.
Under the terms of the present lease, the company headed by Mrs. Rud Preisendanz, whose late husband was former president, pays $1500 a year. The contract calls for the company to pay all operating, maintenance, studio and office expenses.
Recent reports indicate several persons have sought to lease the station. It is rumored officials of WCAU, the Columbia Broadcasting System outlet in Philadelphia, would seek the station for short wave and experimental broadcasts.
Firmin Michel, city solicitor, would not disclose identity of prospective bidders.
John J. Crean, assistant city solicitor, has prepared information and data in connection with the plans for a lease. He said the city is interested in getting more revenue from the station. It is understood the lease will be awarded to the highest bidder.
When the present lease was approved the only other bidder was Clarence Moulette, a clerk in the department of revenue and finance.
Moulette’s bid at that time was $1800 for the first year, $2400 for the second year and $3000 for the third year, plus 10 percent of the gross receipts over $25,000.
Sale Resolution Defeated
Mayor George E. Brunner revealed last August that he had an offer of $30,000 for the station.
The proposal for the sale was defeated by the city rulers. Commissiones [sic] Frank J. Hartmann led the opposition. He averred the call letters WCAM are an advertising asset to the city.
When the resolution was brought up for a vote, Hartmann and Commissioners Frederick S. von Nieda and Harold W. Bennett voted against it. Mayor Brunner also voted no on the resolution.
The original cost of WCAM, when first operated with 1000 watts power, was approximately $30,000. An ordinance creating a bureau of broadcasting was approved September 18, 1926. Prior to that time the city operated a second-hand transmitter bought for $10,000 from Robert Galvin, who operated the first commercial radio station in the city.
WCAM has for several years divided time with stations WCAP, Asbury Park, and WTNJ, Trenton. The station equipment has been expanded under permits of the Federal Communications Commission.