Theodore N. Guthrie
THEODORE NORMAN “NORM” GUTHRIE was born in Camden, New Jersey in 1915 to Oliver S. Guthrie Jr. and his wife, the former Mary Eva Schock. His father worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a detective, a very busy job given the size and number of railroad yards in the city. The family was listed at 914 South 6th Street in the 1915 City Directory. Directories and Census records from 1916 through 1920 show the family at 943 St. John Street. Theodore N. Guthrie was named after his uncle, Theodore F. “Dorrie” Guthrie, who had served with the Camden Fire Department for two years before transferring to the Camden Police Department where he would serve for almost thirty. Theodore N. Guthrie was the third child, coming after Oliver S. “Ollie” Guthrie III and Clara Guthrie. A younger sister, Edith, was born while the family lived on St. John Street.
Shortly after the 1920 Census, Oliver S. Guthrie Jr. and his family moved to 911 Fern Street in North Camden. Two more sisters were born, Grace in 1921 and Betty in 1925.
Sadly, in 1926 illness began to plague Oliver S. Guthrie Jr. He died on October 29, 1926 at the age of 51 and was buried at New Camden Cemetery. The family stayed at 911 Fern Street until shortly after the 1928 City Directory was compiled. By 1929 Mrs. Guthrie had moved the family to 840 Fern Street. Mrs. Guthrie and family were still there in 1946. Theodore Norman Guthrie appears in the 1930 Census as “Norman Guthrie,” and he was known in his family as Norm, possibly to differentiate him from his uncle.
On November 16, 1940 Theodore N. Guthrie was one of the first 17 men who were drafted into the United States Army in 1940 when the draft was re-instituted in anticipation of America’s entry into World War II. He served until 1945, then returned to Camden and was appointed to the Camden Fire Department. Tragically, he was struck by a car while waiting for a bus in Gloucester and died from his injuries on March 16, 1946. Theodore N. Guthrie was buried two days later at New Camden Cemetery.
Oliver S. Guthrie Dies, Pennsy R. R. Detective
Camden Courier-Post —
OLIVER S. GUTHRIE DIES, PENNSY R. R. DETECTIVE
After being a victim of trouble for over six months, Sharpless Guthrie, a detective of the Pennsylvania Railroad, died yesterday in his fifty-first year.
The deceased was well known to the local police and fire departments. He was an active member of Butcher Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, being a veteran of the Spanish-American war. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Eva Guthrie.
Funeral services will be conducted at one o’clock Wednesday afternoon at his late residence, 911 Fern street, when Rev. C. Estornelle, pastor of St. John’s Episcopal Church, will officiate. Interment will be at the New Camden Cemetery.
Banquet to Honor John S. M’Taggart
Camden Courier-Post —
BANQUET TO HONOR JOHN S. M’TAGGART
Popular Patrolman Will Be Guest at G.O.P. Club in Sixth Ward
A testimonial dinner will be tendered Patrolman John S. McTaggart, well known member of the Camden police force, at 8 p. m. next Friday at the Sixth Ward Republican Club.
Officer McTaggart, who resides at 806 South Sixth street, is particularly popular in the Sixth ward. He has worked there a number of years and distributes a large quantity of food and clothing to the poor throughout the year. His charitable activities have made him innumerable friends. He was a member of the city fire department before becoming a policeman. He was working in William Mills’ butcher shop, at Broadway and Jackson street, in 1910 when he was appointed to the fire department by Monte Bessor, then a city councilman. McTaggart was the youngest man to have ever won appointment to the fire department.
Acting Mayor Frank S. Van Hart transferred McTaggart to the police department in 1922.
Among the invited dinner guests will be former U. S. Senator David Baird, Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, State Senator Albert S. Woodruff, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, the five city commissioners and a large group of Sixth ward Republicans.
The committee in charge of the dinner comprises Michael Durkin, former City Detective Theodore Guthrie, George Chambers, Joseph Leonard, Howard B. Dyer, John Breslin, Miss Mary Hartung and Miss Marie Doyle.
A Few Missing Teeth
Camden Courier-Post —
A Few Missing Teeth
To the Editor:
Can you or any of our Mail Bag friends tell me why a fellow in good health cannot join the CCC just because he happens to have a few missing teeth?
Suppose we go to war. Would five missing teeth stop me from shooting a gun?
When I made out my application for the CCC I had one bad tooth and bad tonsils. I was told to have them out and I would be O.K. to join.
On the strength of that I borrowed money from a friend and had a tonsil operation and my tooth out. (I have not worked for months.) Now that I have gone back for a final medical examination they tell me that I have too many missing teeth.
Why couldn’t they have told me in the first place that I already had too many missing teeth and saved me all of that expense?
I am no crybaby, but do you or any of the Mail Bag readers think they would have taken me if I had been unable to speak English? Perhaps I should have asked some other fellow to take my medical examination for me. Some one with no missing teeth.
Who knows? There may be war yet. Then they will take me.
THEODORE N. GUTHRIE.
840 Fern street.
Army Takes 17 City Youths In 1st Draft Call
Camden Courier-Post —
Survivors of List of 24 Begin Year’s Training At Fort Dix
6 FAIL TO PASS TEST; 7TH AWAITS DECISION
Camden’s first 17 peacetime trainees slept under army blankets in army tents at Fort Dix last night—soldiers at last.
This morning, after being questioned on sundry subjects, they will be issued uniforms and emerge—looking like soldiers.
They reached Fort Dix at 6:10 o’clock last night by bus and had their first taste of army coffee and sandwiches. After a wait of two hours they passed through the initial receiving station and at 8 o’clock ate their first army meal. They were issued blankets and toilet articles, assigned to tents. And so to bed the first members of Uncle Sam’s great draft army that by next June will reach 780,000 men.
The 17 are the survivors of a list of 24 called to service here yesterday morning. Six failed to pass the medical examination and one was held until today for further questioning. Members of the first contingent are: Harry Boody, Jr., 21, of 301 Liberty street; Cecil Graves, 35, of 819 South Second street; Joseph H. Ward, 27, of 2011 Federal street; John M. Bowers, 28, of 128 North Twenty-second street; Arthur F. Ballinghoff, 23, of 2950 Cramer street; George Borland, 30, of 2305 Howell street; Valdo Zannoni, 21, of 614 Point street; Leonard Buffetta, 22, of 604 Point street; William F. Fournier, 26, of 424 Bailey street; Joseph W. Milgala, 23, of 913 Mechanic street; Luca R. D’Oria, 21, of 820 Haddon avenue; James E. Wright, 25, of 541 Washington street; William DiBello, 26, of 621 Henry street; John S. Zawila, 21, of 1471 South Ninth street; Edward J. Haab, 35, of 201 South Sixth street; Theodore N. Guthrie, 25, of 840 Fern street; and Bernardo S. Doganiero, 24, of 274 Division street. Rejected: Jesse Massi, 30, of 813 South Fifth street; Joseph H. O’Hara, 23, of 864 Lois avenue; John Mohollen, 26, of 57 York street; Harvey Goodwin, 35, of 1107 Federal street; Robert Stockdale, 25, of 209 North Ninth street; and Charles A. Williams, 35, of 203 State street. Held for further questioning: Herman Foster, 35, of 819 South Second street.
The Camden detachment was part of a total of 131 reaching the fort, including 15 from Manhattan, 16 from the Bronx, 54 from Newark, 12 from Elizabeth and 17 from Trenton. A detachment of 160 from Rochester failed to arrive owing to faulty train connections. All were greeted by a reception committee composed of army officers, the 71st Infantry band and Company G, 71st Infantry. The trainees were escorted to the initial receiving station, where they were registered and given preliminary army instructions in pamphlet form.
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All Cleared by 8 p.m.
The first 25 men to clear the receiving station were served supper within an hour after their arrival. The last of the draftees did not clear the station until 8 o’clock.
This morning they will have breakfast of oatmeal, French toast, syrup, jam, milk and coffee. Next they will undergo a psychological examination, to be followed by a general examination on family background, talents, ambitions and past activities. These tests are designed to fit each man into his proper niche in army life. Then will come the uniforms, and the making of soldiers will begin.
Camden’s first quota came from Board No. 7, wards 1, 2, 10; No. 8, wards 11, 12; No. 9, wards 3, 5, 6; No. 10, wards 4, 7, 9. The trainees underwent final physical examination at the Naval Militia Armory, after which those passing were inducted into the service by Capt. Charles Seltzer, of the army induction station. The oath they took follows:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America; that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies whomsoever, and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the rules and articles of war.”
This oath, taken under the Selective Service Act, differs from that taken by the regular recruits to the Army only in the omission of a phrase concerning the term of enlistment and one referring to “bounty, pay and rations.”
Feted by City Rulers
After the induction the Camden boys were taken to Kenney’s Cafe, 531 Market street, where they were the luncheon guests of the City Commission. There, Major Allyne M. Freeman, speaking as the representative of Lt. Col. Lee Sumner, in charge of the army recruiting station here, told them:
“Learn to smile, not to grumble and grouch. You will never be asked to do anything unlawful, but you must obey orders, no matter how hard the job. You must obey, otherwise the army would be a mob.”
As the boys left Camden in an army bus after the luncheon, they were cheered by many who had gathered to wish them luck. Parents, brothers, sisters, sweethearts and friends were there to cheer them on the way.
A similar sendoff is planned in Gloucester tomorrow for a group of 12 men who will leave the headquarters of Board No. 3, Broadway and Monmouth street, at 8:30 a.m. Mayor John F. Gorman, of Gloucester; Mayor R. D. Cranston, of Mt. Ephraim; Mayor N. C. Courtney, of Brooklawn; church pastors, the Gloucester High School band, students, relatives and friends will compose the cheering group.
Gloucester Trainees
Those who enter the service are: William E. Hughes, William J. Maurer, Robert B. Black, Harry Proposki, Benjamin E. Morris, Joseph F. Marini, William D. Spence, William C. Randolph, John F. Gorman and Joseph E. McCann, all of Gloucester; Richard V. Buck, of Mt. Ephraim, and Paul Cipolone, of Brooklawn.
Yesterday’s contingent was the first of the draftees to report for duty. It consists of 18,700 men. Most of the first group will be used to bring Regular Army regiments to full strength. Later, men will be sent to replacement centers, 21 of which are being constructed. The registration totals 16,500,000, from which places were drawn by lottery.
And Here’s His Primer on Soldiering
Camden’s first draftees now have a chance to burn the midnight oil over preliminary instructions of the U.S. Army. They received their copies at Fort Dix last night. They are shown grouped around Pvt. Edward Quinn, and Arthur F. Ballinghoff, 23, of 2950 Cramer street, heading the line, receives his copy first.
Camden’s First Group of 17 Conscripts Inducted Into U.S. Army
Camden’s first group of 17 conscripts (top) being inducted into the U.S. Army yesterday before its departure for Fort Dix. The oath of allegiance is being administered by Capt. Charles Seltzer, of the Camden induction station. He is surrounded by members of the Camden city commission. John S. Zawila, 21, of 1471 South Ninth street, is shown (below), receiving his beddings at Fort Dix from Pvt. Otto Muller, of the medical detachment at the receiving station.
Injured as Fire Destroys Kresge Building
Camden Courier-Post —
2nd Blaze Calls Out All Men
Camden’s entire fire-fighting facilities were called on during the night to battle two blazes, one a three-alarm in which five firemen were injured.
The three-alarm fire swept the S. S. Kresge building at 29-33 Broadway, threatening the central business district until brought under control.
Discovered at 10.17 p. m., the Kresge fire brought all except three of the city’s 12 companies to the scene. At 1.52 a. m. fire broke out at the Camden Foundry Co., Front and Elm streets, requiring the three remaining companies.
The North Camden blaze was confined to a small section of the building. Firemen said it was caused by an overheated stove which set moulding afire. Firemen returned from this blaze at 2.15 a.m.
With five firemen temporarily unavailable for service because of face and hand burns, Deputy Chief Erickson appealed to the city electrical bureau at 12.30 to summon all available off-duty firemen.
Firemen were forced to lay flat on the slush-covered pavements to play hoses into the Kresge building because of the dense smoke billowing from doorways and windows. After two hours, many were at the point of exhaustion.
The fire was believed to have started in the basement and the building was filled with smoke when firemen arrived. They were unable to enter the building.
At 2 a.m. the flames broke through the roof and were visible for 10 blocks. The first floor was sagging at the ends of the building after the fire broke through the center.
Forcing a corrugated iron receiving door in the rear, firemen of Engine Company No. 8 were forced to drop to the street as flames shot 35 feet into Hudson street.
Hose lines were run through the highspeed line terminal, which adjoins the fired building. A line was played into the building from the roof of the terminal.
Several times firemen were forced to crawl backward from the building as back-lashes of flames roared from the interior.
Taken to Cooper hospital with burns of the face were Firemen William Reed, Thomas Winstanley and Thomas McParland. All returned to the fire for duty.
Treated at the scene were Acting Captain Howell Needham and Fireman Theodore Guthrie. They were burned about the hands and face.
Camden Fireman Hurt Badly By Auto
Camden Courier-Post —
CAMDEN FIREMAN HURT BADLY BY AUTO
Operation Performed in Attempt to Save Overseas Veteran
An emergency operation was performed early today in West Jersey hospital to save the life of a Camden fireman a few hours after he was injured by an automobile in Gloucester City.
The fireman, Theodore Guthrie, 31, of 840 Fern street, was struck while waiting for a bus at 3 a. m. at Broadway and Kohler street.
The car, according to Gloucester police, was going north on Broadway when the driver lost control, crashing into a pole then into Guthrie.
The driver, George Leafey, 24, of 490 Salem avenue, Woodbury, called police who summoned the Gloucester ambulance. The ambulance was delayed by a slight collision at Broadway and Monmouth street. The ambulance was driven by James Berkie, of 170 South Broadway, Gloucester, who charged that Vincent Conners, of 624 Market street, also Gloucester, drove past a red light.
Leafey continued to Broadway and Kohler street, several blocks away, and rushed Guthrie to the hospital. The fireman, hospital authorities said, suffered internal injuries, compound fracture of the left leg and a fractured right leg.
Guthrie became a city fireman a year ago and was placed on the temporary list as a hoseman with No. 6 Engine Company at Sixth and Linden streets. He is a discharged Army overseas veteran.
Guthrie is a nephew and namesake of former City Detective Theodore F. “Dorrie” Guthrie, who retired in 1932. A brother of the injured fireman, Oliver Guthrie, was a well-known baseball and basketball player in Camden several years ago.
Two persons were admitted to Cooper hospital yesterday suffering injuries suffered when struck by automobiles.
Mary Barr, 6, of 558 Audubon street, was admitted with a fractured right arm and body bruises. According to police, the child was struck by a car driven by Michael Verlingieri, 21, of 2232 North Thirty-seventh street.
The accident occurred at Sixth and Line streets. Verlingieri told police the child ran in front of his car. He took her to the hospital.
Jacob Mertz, 67, of 8307 River road, Delair, was admitted with a fractured right leg. Police said the car was driven by John W. Marsh, 62, of 1728 Lexington avenue, Pennsauken. Marsh said Mertz crossed River road at Lenox road, turned, and walked into the side of his car. He took the man to the hospital.
The Rev. Thomas T. Barry, of Lawrenceville, was injured slightly when his car and a truck collided on State Highway Route 25 near Yardville, yesterday. He was treated for cuts of the face by Dr. Nathan Smulian, Bordentown. The truck driver was identified as Clarence Stanton, of Prince street, Bordentown.
A couple was injured slightly today when their motorcycle collided with an auto on Crescent boulevard near Haddon avenue.
Treated at Cooper hospital for cuts and bruises were Rea Wallace, 31, and his wife, Ruth, 25, of 136 East avenue, Swedesboro. The auto figuring in the accident was driven by Herman Johnson, 55, of 26 Champion road, Gloucester.
According to police, Johnson attempted to make a U-turn and the cycle crashed into his car. No charges were preferred.
Fireman Succumbs To Crash Injuries
Camden Courier-Post —
Theodore Guthrie, 31, Camden fireman, died in West Jersey hospital this afternoon of injuries suffered when struck by an automobile March 9 at Broadway and Kohler street, Gloucester.
Guthrie, who lived at 840 Fern street, suffered internal injuries, compound fracture of the left leg and fractured right leg.
The driver, Gloucester police said, was George Leafey, 24, of 490 Salem avenue, Woodbury, who declared he lost control of his car and hit a pole and then struck Guthrie.
The fireman joined the department a year ago and was placed on the temporary list as a hoseman with No. 6 Engine Co., Sixth and Linden streets. He was a discharged Army overseas veteran. He was a nephew and namesake of former City Detective Theodore F. “Dorrie” Guthrie, pensioned in 1932. A brother, Oliver Guthrie, was an independent baseball and basketball player in Camden several years ago.
T. N. Guthrie Burial Set for Wednesday
Camden Courier-Post —
GUTHRIE—On March 16, 1946, Theodore N., son of Mary Eva (nee Schock) and the late Oliver Guthrie age 30 years. Relatives and friends of the family and members of Company 6, Camden Fire Dept., Corporal Mathews Purnell Post, No. 518, V. F. W. and the Police and Firemen’s Association are invited to attend the funeral services on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the funeral home of B. C. Schroeder and Sons, 715 Cooper St., Camden. Interment at New Camden Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday evening.
T. N. GUTHRIE BURIAL SET FOR WEDNESDAY
Camden Fireman, World War II Veteran, Dies of Auto Injuries
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday for Theodore N. Guthrie, 30, city fireman and four-year infantry veteran of World War II, in the funeral home of B. C. Schroeder and Sons, 715 Cooper street. Burial will be in New Camden cemetery.
Guthrie died in West Jersey hospital Saturday from injuries suffered when hit by an automobile March 9 at Broadway and Kohler street, Gloucester. He had had tire trouble with his own car and started walking for aid when George Leafey, 24, of 490 Salem avenue, Woodbury, police said, lost control of his car, struck a pole and then hit Guthrie, inflicting internal injuries and leg fractures.
Guthrie is survived by his mother, Mrs. Mary Eva Guthrie; a brother, Oliver, former independent baseball and basketball player, and five sisters, Clara, Edith and Alice Guthrie, Mrs. John Cunningham and Mrs. Arthur Dilks. A nephew and namesake of Theodore F. “Dorrie” Guthrie, retired city detective, Guthrie made his home with his mother, 840 Fern street.
Guthrie was a hoseman at Engine Co. 6, Front and Linden streets, a member of the Police and Firemen’s Association and of Corp. Mathews-Purnell Post, 518, VFW. He enlisted in the Army Nov. 25, 1940, was a staff sergeant with the 159th Infantry in the Aleutians and with the Fourth Army in the Pacific. He was discharged Jan. 1, 1945.