Wayland Post Cramer
WAYLAND POST CRAMER was born Stockton Township, in what is now known as East Camden, on October 14, 1885. As written in 1924, the family home was then on the northeast corner of North 27th Street and Westfield Avenue, which for many years has been the site of a bank, at different times the Third National, United Jersey, Fleet and Citizens’s Banks. His father was Joseph Cramer, who with brother Alfred Cramer, was deeply involved in real estate and the development of Cramer Hill and East Camden… oddly enough, much of the hill that WAS known as Cramer Hill lies in East Camden. His mother was Elizabeth Merriel Cramer; Merriel Avenue in East Camden is named in her honor.
After receiving his early education in Camden’s public schools, Wayland Post Cramer attended the Peddie Institute in Hightstown NJ, and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1909. He then went into the family real estate business, which he pursued with much success. Wayland Post Cramer was involved with many business and civic groups, was a leader in the fund raising drive that culminated in the building of the Walt Whitman Hotel at Broadway and Cooper Street, and was active with the Masons and the Elks in Camden. He was a charter member and the first president of the Camden Lions Club, and was president of the Camden Chamber of Commerce in 1922 and 1923. In 1933 he was serving as director of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration. By the time of the compilation of the 1936 New Jersey Bell Telephone Directories, the Cramer companies were no longer active in the area, and the Wayland Cramer family is not listed there either.
From South Jersey: A History 1624–1924
WAYLAND POST CRAMER — Constructive activities along many lines of advance claim the time and energies of Wayland Post Cramer, whose excellent training and natural ability are forces of significance to present-day advance in South Jersey. Mr. Cramer is a son of Joseph Cramer, who was born March 31, 1847, and Elizabeth L. (Merriel) Cramer, born August 11, 1851, his father long prominent in real estate affairs in Camden and vicinity. Both parents are still living.
Wayland Post Cramer was born in Cramer Hill, now a part of Camden, October 14, 1885. The family home was then on the site which now forms the northeast corner of 27th Street and Westfield Avenue. Receiving his early education in the Camden public schools he later attended Temple University at Philadelphia, then covered a course at Peddie Institute at Hightstown, New Jersey, from which he was graduated in 1906. Thereafter entering the University of Pennsylvania he was graduated in the class of 1909.
Mr. Cramer’s early business activities were in real estate matters, and from the beginning he has done much to promote organized endeavor in this general field. He has won not only success and a position of leadership but the cordial cooperation of many groups of progressive men, going forward along parallel lines and his name is acknowledged throughout this part of the State as one of influence and definite power.
Mr. Cramer was one of the organizers of the Cramer Realty Company of which he is now vice-president and general manager. This concern has carried forward extensive and increasing activities in land development and their work is of vital importance to the progress of this section. He is vice-president of Joseph Cramer, Incorporated, also vice-president of the Cramer Agency, and is a director and chairman of the executive committee of Cramer-Bilt Homes, Incorporated. He is further identified with constructive and allied endeavors as a director of Camden Materials Company, Jersey Mortgage Company, Central Investment Company, Atlas Steel Works, Market Building and Loan Association; also a director of the Chamber of Commerce, of which he was president in 1922 until 1923, and director of East End Trust Company.
Fraternally, he is affiliated with Trimble Lodge, No. 117 Free and Accepted Masons, of Camden; Siloam Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch Masons; Crusade Commandery, No. 23, Knights Templar; Crescent Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Trenton; and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a charter member of the Camden and Tavistock Country clubs, a charter member and first president of the Camden Lions Club and a director of the Lions International. He attends Grace Baptist Church, of Camden.
Wayland Post Cramer married on June 19, 1909, at the northwest corner of Marlton Pike and Highland Avenue, Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, Marguerite Dean Brooke, daughter of Charles John and Annie D. (Scovel) Brooke. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are the parents of four children: Dorothy, born May 30, 1912; Elizabeth Merriel, born October 14, 1915; Richard Scovel, born August 6, 1918; and Janice, born May 6, 1924. The family are members of the Grace Episcopal Church of Merchantville, New Jersey. The Cramer family residence is at No. 106 Church Road, Merchantville, New Jersey.
Camden Lions Club
Camden Daily Courier —
Contracts were let yesterday for the erection of an addition to the convent of the Sacred Heart Church, Broadway and Ferry avenue. The addition will provide sleeping quarters for the Sisters in charge of the school, and a community room.
Joseph W. Redding, 80 years old, died yesterday in the Homeopathic Hospital from ailments incident to advancing years. He lived at [?]19 South Seventh street. He is survived by a wife and several children. He was a veteran of the Civil War. The funeral will be held on Tuesday.
Delegates from the Camden Lions’ Club to the international convention at Hot Springs, Ark., left yesterday on a special train over the Baltimore & Ohio road. The delegation includes Frank S. Norcross, Albert E. Burling, Jerome Hurley, Wayland P. Cramer, Edgar Myers, Edwin J. Gorman, M. J. Lubanyik, and Daniel P. Connell [sic].
Jammed Against Pole
Jammed against a telegraph pole when his horse became frightened and bolted, Mounted Policeman Carl Quinton, 29 years old, of 1819 Van Buren street, suffered lacerations and bruises of the legs. He was treated at the Homeopathic Hospital.
Wade Locke and his wife, Mrs. Regina B. Locke, of 3[?]8 Erie street, are suing the Public Service Railway Company for $25,000.
Mrs. Locke and her daughter Martha were injured in falling from a trolley car. They claim that the accident was due to premature starting of the car. Mrs. Locke asks for $10,000 for personal injuries, and her husband asks $15,000 for loss of services and expenses in caring for his wife, daughter and baby born after the accident, which occurred two years ago.
Internally injured when struck by a trolley car while trying to evade an automobile several weeks ago, John Kaighn, 82 years old, of 830 Elm street, died yesterday in the Homeopathic Hospital.
When Frank Leonard, a government agent, looking for drug addicts and peddlers, approached Alice Murphy, 28 years old, of 740 Baxter street, the woman swallowed a package of cocaine; she then ran into her house with Leonard after her. On reaching the back yard he found the woman lying unconscious. She was sent to Cooper Hospital, where her condition was pronounced serious, although it was stated she will recover.
At Kaighn’s Point Ferry, Policeman Naylor found Benjamin Wilson, a negro, 36 years old, of 1025 Poplar street, Philadelphia, with a suitcase that looked suspicious. The negro is alleged to have opened the suitcase and taken a gallon and a quart gallon [sic] jug of moonshine and throw [sic] them at the officer. Wilson was taken before Recorder Stackhouse and sentenced to thirty days for disorderly conduct.
Charged with having cocaine in his possession, Nicholas Michioore, 27 years old, of Collingswood, was held for a further hearing by the Recorder. He was arrested by Agent Leonard and Policeman Fisher.
Home-brew is the bottom of most cases of neglect of children which come before the Camden County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, according to Mrs. Louise F. Walsh, secretary of the society.
“It is indeed a peculiar condition,” said Mrs. Walsh. “If anything it is actually worse that in [sic] the period prior to the enactment of the Volstead law. The home-made brands produce a condition of mind, or lack of it, that seems to border on insanity.
“In nearly all the cases which I am called on to investigate I find the father engaged in the manufacture of home-brew. He is so engrossed in this new work that the kiddies are overlooked. In most instances he resents interference and we are frequently compelled to take drastic steps to force the parent or parents to understand that the law will step in in vigorous fashion unles [sic] sthere [sic] is less home-brewing and more attention paid to the children.”
Cramer Asks Stone To Quit Relief Job; Dodges Questioning
Camden Courier-Post —
Slams Door on Reporter; City Director Sees State Chief After Request to Resign Post He ‘Never Formally Accepted’
Wayland P. Cramer, director of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration, last night continued to be secretive regarding his request for the resignation of Dr. Arthur L. Stone, director of relief in the city. Dr. Stone yesterday admitted he was asked to quit the post to which “drafted” by Cramer four months ago. He said he is uncertain whether to comply and promised to issue a statement later.
Cramer adopted an evasive course when a reporter repeatedly sought to learn the reason for this latest turn of events in the relief bureau. He attempted to play “hide-and-seek” throughout the day. Numerous telephone calls drew almost the same response, that “Mr. Cramer is not in his office.” During part of the day he was seen at his desk. When a reporter sought an interview Cramer was surprised and insisted “I have nothing at all to say” and slammed the door of his private office. At that time Dr. Stone was in Cramer’s office.
Rumor that Dr. Stone was asked to resign spread yesterday morning. Throughout the day and last night a “run-around” ensued. The only definite comment came from Dr. Stone. “Yes,” Dr. Stone said, “it’s true I have been asked to resign but I am undecided what I shall do. Other than that, I have nothing to say right now, but I shall have a statement to make later.”
Stone Quits Relief Job in Mystery Clash
Camden Courier-Post —
Jobless Union Demands All Facts Public; City Director Refuses to Discuss Battle With Cramer; Reporters Forbidden to Attend Meetings; County Chief Continues Secrecy, Refers Queries to State Head
Dr. Arthur L. Stone last night resigned as Camden city director of the Emergency Relief Administration. His decision to quit came as a climax of a clash with Wayland P. Cramer, Camden county relief director, which has stirred the city for the past two days.
Cramer, who “drafted” Dr. Stone for the municipal post last January 14, continued to mantle in mystery the reason behind his request for the resignation. He referred inquiries to John Colt, of Princeton, who is state director of the relief administration.
While speculation over the reason for the rift between Dr. Stone and Director Cramer was spreading throughout the city the county administration was denounced at a meeting held in Convention Hall annex. Frank J. Manning, president of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, made a public demand “for all the facts” behind Cramer’s request for the city health bureau chief’s resignation.
Dr. Stone announced his resignation after Director Cramer had added to his long series of refusals to inquiring newspapermen. Asked for a statement Dr. Stone said: “I have no statement. I have sent my resignation to Mr. Colt, through Mr. Cramer. That’s all there is to it.”
Stone Ousted for Humanness; ‘Gave Too Much Milk to Poor Children,’ Jobless Union Hears
Camden Courier-Post —
Cramer Refuses Detailed Statement, But Intimates Ex-Director of Relief ‘Let His Heart Run Away With His Head’
Dr. Arthur L. Stone resigned as director of emergency relief in this city because of opposition to his humanness. This was the inference drawn from both the city health bureau chief and Wayland P. Cramer, director of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration, who requested Dr. Stone to quit. According to Cramer a municipal relief director “must not let his heart rule his head.”
Dr. Stone, who is credited directly with having brought about extensive reduction in the infantile mortality rate of this city, said: “It is true that I took the human side, in the administration of city relief. So far as I know no charges have been made.”
Appointment of a successor to Dr. Stone was a topic of gossip about the city and county buildings yesterday. It was rumored that William W. Logan, at presently serving as manager in the county relief office, will be named as city director. Another report linked the name of William J. Strandwitz, who formerly was county director. A successor will be named by John Colt, of Princeton, who is state emergency relief administrator.
Dr. Stone’s comment regarding “the human side of city relief administration,” followed an expression by Clarence Moullette, executive secretary of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, to the effect that Dr. Stone had given “too much milk to children.”
‘But the Greatest of These Is Charity!’
Camden Courier-Post —
“He let his heart rule his head!” That is the astonishing reason given by County Relief Director Wayland P. Cramer for demanding the resignation of Dr. Arthur L. Stone as city relief director. If this is the only reason Cramer has to offer — THEN DOCTOR STONE SHOULD BE REINSTATED IMMEDIATELY! Furthermore, State Relief Administrator John Colt should make a prompt and thorough investigation into the entire conduct of the Camden County Relief office.
“He let his heart rule his head!” Fancy that as a “reason” for asking a man to resign from work which consists of the relief of human needs and suffering! To this newspaper, the fact that Doctor Stone DID let his heart rule his head is THE VERY BEST QUALIFICATION HE POSSESSES FOR THAT JOB. It was because the Courier-Post knew he was that kind of a man that Doctor Stone was asked, years ago, to be one of the three directors of the Courier-Post Relief. Better that two undeserving be given more than their share than that one deserving family be deprived of the bare essentials of life. Simply because we are afraid to let our hearts rule our heads!
The worst crime of relief administration throughout the land during the depression has been the constant fear of conservative die-hards that “the heart” might sway doling out of the only too scanty pittances which are given our needy and destitute. This nation needed MORE HEART in official life. That’s why Hoover was defeated and Roosevelt elected!
Entirely aside from the issue of mercy and charity, a thorough inquiry is due in fairness to Doctor Stone himself: This man has been the city’s health director for about 12 years. He enjoys the esteem of our people and the respect of associates in his profession. If Director Cramer has no other charges to bring, he should say so at once. He should clear Doctor Stone’s name at once — or state his real reasons.
Head of Pyne Poynt Garden Group Says Relief Job Needs ‘More Heart’
Camden Courier-Post —
Demand that Dr. Arthur L. Stone be retained as Camden city director of emergency relief was made by Walter S. Agin, president of the Pyne Poynt Garden Club, at a meeting of the Cox Garden Club at Twenty-first Street and Harrison Avenue. “The city gardeners ask John Colt, state director of relief, to refuse to accept the resignation of Dr. Stone,” Agin said. “They feel that a great heart like that of Abraham Lincoln in 1861 is the thing most needed today. The city of Camden and the unemployed as well as the relief administration have use for a man with a heart and a head. After all, it is not what we do for ourselves that make us great, but what we do for the other fellow. We believe there is something more than the excuse that ‘he let his heart rule his head’ for the demand of County Director Wayland P. Cramer for Dr. Stone’s resignation and for that reason we ask that Dr. Stone be retained on the job.”
More than 20,000 tomato, pepper and cabbage plants were given to the city gardeners by Daniel Deacon, Twenty-seventh street and Pierce Avenue, and more tomato plants will arrive today from the Campbell Soup Company firms at Mt. Holly for distribution to the various gardens throughout the city. The Kaighn Avenue Plumbing Supply Company donated 300 feet of water pipe to the Pyne Poynt Club, while 2 tons of fertilizer were given the gardeners by the Walters Company, of Philadelphia. John Emery, president of the Cox Club, announced his organization has 137 gardens underway on the old Cox farm on Harrison Avenue.
11 Families Cook in Yards; 35 Children Suffer Until Paper Guarantees Gas Bills
Camden Courier-Post —
Mothers Forced to Use Make-Shift Means When Public Service Cuts Fuel Supply Pending Assurance of Payment by Emergency Relief Officials
Uncivilized hardship forced on eleven poor North Camden families has been alleviated.
From early Friday morning until 3:20 p.m. Saturday these families, supposedly under the protecting care of the emergency relief, were forced to revert to pioneer methods to cook the food and heat milk. There are 35 children in the families.
Gas and electricity which had been turned off by Public Service for non-payment of bills by owners of the properties in which the families are living finally was turned on again after the Courier-Post newspapers guaranteed to Public Service the payment of future bills.
When the Courier-Post learned that these families at 106–108–110 State Street had been forced to cook their meals and heat their milk over makeshift stoves in the yard, an effort was made at once to reach Emergency Relief officials Saturday afternoon. When that failed, these newspapers notified Public Service they would stand responsible for the bills incurred until the emergency relief would have an opportunity to act today.
A few minutes later, however, a Public Service employee stated that a representative of the emergency relief organization also had called and agreed to guarantee payment of the bills.
Diligent efforts to verify this statement were unsuccessful last night. Wayland P. Cramer, Camden county relief director, said he had heard nothing of the case and that it would be one to be handled by Dr. Arthur L. Stone, Camden city relief director who is serving until his resignation is accepted by the state relief organization.
Dr. Stone said that while he had guaranteed payment of gas and electric bills in a similar case about a month ago, he had no knowledge of Saturday’s case.
“I assume the situation was handled by Charles Edgar, of the rental division of the emergency relief,” Dr. Stone said. Edgar could not be reached last night.
Dr. Stone said it was the usual policy of the Emergency Relief to arrange with Public Service to guarantee payment of gas and electricity of companies when rent properties to the relief administration. If the bills are not paid by the renting companies, the money is taken from the amounts due these companies from the relief administration. Dr. Stone said he had no knowledge that such was the policy followed in this case.
A pathetic picture was presented in the back yards of 106, 108 and 110 State Street Saturday until the gas and electric service was resumed.
Huddled about little open stoves, with the sun beating down on them, the housewives worked as best they could to cook food and heat the milk for their children.
In these families are 35 children between the ages of one and ten years. All 11 families have been on relief for some time. Three other families in the apartments not on relief, also suffered from the lack of gas and electricity until payment of the bills was guaranteed.
Meanwhile John Colt, state director of emergency relief, has received but has not accepted Dr. Stone’s resignation. Colt admitted the possibility it might be necessary for him to visit Camden in his investigation surrounding Dr. Stone’s resignation.
“I have received Dr. Stone’s letter of resignation,” said Colt, “but have not accepted it. You can say for me that I have this whole matter under advisement. I shall visit Camden if necessary. I do not want to give this matter any more publicity than is necessary. After all, my job is to conduct relief affairs to the satisfaction of localities throughout the state, and disturbances of this nature take my time from relief work. I shall try to compose this matter to the best interests of all concerned.”
Suit to End Relief Secrecy Planned by Civic Congress; Irregularities Are Charged
Camden Courier-Post —
North Camden Association Told Affidavits Are Being Taken; Cramer and Howard Accused of Evasion; Protest Rally Called
Court action to force the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration to reveal its books for public inspection is planned by the Congress of Civic Associations of South Jersey. This was announced last night at a meeting of the North Camden Civic Association in the headquarters of the Pyne Poynt Social Club, 939 North Fifth street. Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., secretary of both organizations, disclosed the proposed step. Affidavits charging irregularities in the relief administration are being gathered, Hartmann asserted.
Wayland P. Cramer, director of the county relief board, and Captain Albert S. Howard, deputy director, were charged with evading public inquiries. “They’ve given us a grand run-around,” Hartmann said in relating his efforts in behalf of a destitute family.
The Congress of Civic Associations, headed by Fred von Nieda, is determined to force inspection of the relief records by applying for a court writ. Vince Marinelli, member of the North Camden association and active in the Civic Congress, declared a number of married men were discharged from positions in the relief administration and single women engaged for their posts.
The association agreed to join with the Unemployed Union of New Jersey in staging a public mass meeting to protest against the relief board. The meeting is scheduled for June 11, at the Convention Hall.
Fire Cramer and Howard, Unemployed Ask Colt
Camden Courier-Post —
With more than 300 persons filling every section of their hall, at 312 Market street, the Unemployed Union last night adopted resolutions attacking Camden county relief officials. A letter was sent to John Colt, state director of Emergency Relief, in which many cases of destitution and grievances of the union were cited. In the letter, Colt was informed of the union’s repeated attempts to have their grievances heard by Wayland P. Cramer, county relief director, or his assistants, all meeting repeated failures.
The communication, signed by Frank J. Manning, president of the union, requested the removal of the Camden county relief director and deputy director. The deputy director is Capt. Albert S. Howard. “There can be no good will in Camden county,” the letter stated, “until the present director and deputy director are removed and the unemployed are given representation on the relief board.”
The union adopted a resolution demanding representation on the relief board. Cramer was asked two questions in the resolution: “Will the emergency relief allow a committee of the Unemployed Union to have full representation on the relief board?” and “Will you give our grievance committee full access to the records of the Emergency Relief?”
The Mail Bag: Where Is the ‘Charity’ in Relief Methods?
Camden Courier-Post —
But the Greatest of These Is Charity
To the Editor: Sir — Beautiful words, well spoken. Especially when Charity means, in a general sense, love, benevolence, goodwill, that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men, and do them good. We read where Dr. Stone was asked to resign because his heart ruled his head. In your editorial, Mr. Editor, something seems wrong somewhere. There seems that Mr. Cramer is unaware of the meaning of charity. Dr. Stone may or may not be the man for the job. When one has a comfortable job at the taxpayers’ expense one can easily dispense charity, especially if he uses somebody else’s money.
The present way the relief is being run is, perhaps, the most autocratic thing ever done in the city of Camden. The ones in charge think they are above question or reproach. But one thing is certain, and that is the citizens do not think that way about it.
Dr. Stone Keeps Job as City Relief Chief
Camden Courier-Post —
Cramer Takes Back Request for Resignation After Parley; Surprise Action Revealed by State Director Following Conference; Colt Hits News Ban; Says Public Must Know
Dr. Arthur L. Stone, who “let his heart rule his head,” will remain director of the Emergency Relief Administration in Camden city. This surprise announcement was made last night by John Colt, of Princeton, director of the State Emergency Relief Administration. Wayland P. Cramer, Haddonfield, Camden county relief administrator, withdrew a request for Stone’s resignation at a conference with Colt yesterday at Princeton. Dr. Stone, who attended the meeting, thereupon asked Colt to return his written resignation forwarded by Cramer a few days ago.
Colt issued this statement: “Mr. Colt, State Director of the Emergency Relief Administration today had a conference in Princeton with Wayland P. Cramer, the county director of Camden county, and Dr. A. L. Stone, the city director of emergency relief in the City of Camden. As a result of this conference, Mr. Cramer withdrew his request for Dr. Stone’s resignation, and asked Dr. Stone to continue at the head of the Emergency Relief Administration in the City of Camden. Dr. Stone agreed to this request and asked Mr. Colt to return the resignation which was forwarded through Cramer a few days ago. This magnanimous and public spirited attitude and action on the part of these two gentlemen is pleasing to me, and I believe it will be received with satisfaction by the public generally.”
Cramer Opens Door to Newspapermen; ‘Controversy Over’
Camden Courier-Post —
Dr. Stone Insists on Clear Division of Authority in City, County Relief; Colt’s ‘Eye on Camden’
With peace restored in the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration yesterday, Director Wayland P. Cramer announced he would grant interviews to newspapermen. This turnabout marks the end of a week’s campaign of evasion, during which Cramer frequently refused to discuss affairs of his bureau with reporters. Dr. Arthur L. Stone, director of the city Emergency Relief Administration, resumed his duties following withdrawal of his resignation.
“War was on,” Cramer told a Courier reporter, “but peace has been restored and I shall grant personal interviews to newspapermen from now on. I believe Dr. Stone now fully understands the situation on relief which he had previously stated he didn’t understand. There is now a perfect understanding on city and county relief among Dr. Stone, Mr. Colt and me.”
Cramer was asked whether the conference with Colt would result in any change of policies within the city or county relief departments. “Mr. Colt,” said Cramer, “has his eye on Camden and is taking a personal interest in the city relief administration. Of course, we shall acquiesce to any of Mr. Colt’s requests concerning administration. No relief applicants in Camden will suffer by reason of the controversy between Dr. Stone and me.”
Borden to Be Guest of Realty Board
Camden Courier-Post —
Newly Elected President of Commission Will Be Honored at Dinner
Edward J. Borden will be guest of honor tonight of the Camden County Real Estate Board at a banquet in honor of his election as president of the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. The banquet, to be held in the Camden Club, 315 Cooper street, will be attended by lawyers, real estate men and public officials from all sections of the state.
Among the guests who will attend are former U.S. Senator David Baird, Jr., Assemblyman Frank M. Travaline, Jr., Mayor Roy R. Stewart and other members of the Camden City Commission; Dr. Leon N. Neulen, city superintendent of schools, and Police Judge Garfield Pancoast. The speakers include William S. Abbott, president of the Camden County Real Estate Board; Leon E. Todd, former president; Vincent P. Bradley, of Trenton, retiring president of the New Jersey Real Estate Commission; Carleton E. Adams, of Atlantic City, vice president of the New Jersey Association of Real Estate Boards; Samuel P. Orlando, former assistant prosecutor of Camden county, and C. Armel Nutter, general chairman of the banquet committee. Wayland P. Cramer is chairman of the program committee.
Borden Honored at Dinner on Election as President of Real Estate Commission
Camden Courier-Post —
250 Guests Attend Affair and Speakers Laud His Service; Wife Paid Tribute in Second Fete; Date Marks Twentieth Anniversary of Wedding of Popular Couple
Leading real estate brokers and notables in other callings paid high tribute last night to Edward J. Borden in honor of his election as president of the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. Before 250 guests at a testimonial dinner in the Camden Club, 315 Cooper Street, Borden was presented a briefcase by C. Armel Nutter on behalf of the Camden County Real Estate Board, which Borden served three terms as president. The Chamber of Commerce, through Carl R. Evered, gave him a RCA-Victor auto radio. The occasion also marked Borden’s twentieth wedding anniversary.
Since the dinner to him was a stag party, Mrs. Borden was given a similar dinner at the same time at the home of Mrs. William A. Eppright, 223 Seventh Avenue, Haddon Heights. “We need more men like Ed Borden in the world today,” Vincent P. Bradley, of Trenton, whom Borden succeeds as president of the commission, said in the principal speech. Wayland P. Cramer was chairman of the program committee.
Cramer Upheld in Keeping From Public Relief Payroll and Job Holders
Camden Courier-Post —
State Director Says Secrecy Aids ‘Little Fellows’; Denial Made That Politics Has Part in Naming of Emergency List; Removals Demanded
Wayland P. Cramer, Camden county relief director, yesterday was victorious in his policy of secrecy in affairs of his relief administration when he won authority from John Colt, state relief director, to suppress from newspapers a complete salary list of relief employees. Last Wednesday, at the request of the Courier-Post newspapers, Cramer instructed his secretary, Lincoln Wood, Jr., to write Colt and ask for his opinion in the matter. That was after Cramer had demurred when asked for the salary lists, which were demanded by several Camden organizations including the Unemployed Union.
Word of Colt’s refusal was brought to Camden yesterday by Col. Joseph D. Sears, deputy state director, who explained that his chief had adopted the policy of withholding the names because it might cause “embarrassment and a hardship to little fellows” on the relief payroll to have their salaries published.
Colt’s refusal to submit the complete salary lists for public inspection followed the announcement of a mass meeting tonight in Convention Hall, when demands will be made for the immediate removal of Cramer and all other officials of the county relief administration. The meeting will be conducted jointly by the Unemployed Union of New Jersey and the New Jersey Congress of Civic Associations.
Relief Here Rapped as Sweatshop Ally
Camden Courier-Post —
Jobless Rally Hears Cramer Challenged on ‘$75 a Week’ Salary; Relief Payroll Public to Citizens’ Delegates
“Any citizen representing a group of citizens” may examine the list of persons on the payroll of the Camden County Relief administration, Wayland P. Cramer, county director, announced yesterday afternoon. Cramer said he was awaiting a decision from John Colt, state director, on whether the payroll may be published in the newspapers.
The Camden County Emergency Relief Administration and the New Jersey Legislature were raked with accusations last night at a mass meeting of the local unit of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, held in Convention Hall. Five hundred persons heard speakers demand a legislative investigation of the relief bureau. That the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration is subsidizing sweatshops and that Wayland P. Cramer, director, is receiving compensation although his position is non-salaried were charged. The waning session of Legislature was rapped as “notorious for its lack of achievement,” and “for its failures.”
Vocational School to Remain Open
Camden Courier-Post —
Freeholders Also Rescue Farm Aid Bureau and Home Extension Service
By approving issuance of a $20,000 emergency note, the Camden County Board of Freeholders yesterday afternoon assured continuance of the Camden County Vocational Training School and maintenance of the Agricultural Demonstration Bureau and Home Economic Extension Service until December 31. The resolution authorizing the move was introduced by Horace G. Githens, Republican floor leader. “This will assure continuation of the school at least until the end of the year,” said Githens. “We have always been of the opinion that these three functions of the county government are essential and should be continued without an increase in the tax rate.”
Cramer Denies County Relief Bureau Allied With Sweatshops
Camden Courier-Post —
Charges Agitators Seek to Destroy Faith in Future; Dr. Stone Invites Jobless Union Officials to Conference and Inspection; Promises Baker Inquiry
Wayland P. Cramer, director of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration, yesterday ridiculed charges his bureau is allied with sweatshops, as publicly issued by the New Jersey Unemployed Union, at a mass meeting here. At the same time Dr. Arthur L. Stone, city health officer and director of the city emergency relief board, welcomed spokesmen of the unemployed to a conference.
Director Cramer at first refused to “dignify with an answer” the charges of the unemployed. Later he issued a statement leveled at “insidious attacks of agitators endeavoring to break down the hope and faith in the future of our government, our home and our institutions.”
Questioned as to his attitude on two affidavits obtained by the unemployed union, in which it is charged Mrs. Viola Baker, municipal relief director of Magnolia, had used her position to subsidize persons in need of aid, Director Cramer said: “If those affidavits are turned in to me, I shall see that they are examined as to the facts and by the proper authorities.”
‘Whitewash’ Feared in Berlin Relief Probe
Camden Courier-Post —
Fear was expressed tonight that charges against Ralph Baccellieri, Berlin Township relief director, would be whitewashed if the public were not admitted to his hearing tomorrow night. The county relief organization is conducting the investigation. At a meeting of the local unemployed union tonight, William McAllister, secretary, implored his listeners to demand admission to the hearing. McAllister said affidavits will be given Wayland P. Cramer, county relief director, showing Baccellieri has shown favoritism in administering relief in Berlin.
Relief Man Gets Delay on Hearing
Camden Courier-Post —
Charges of Mixing Milk With Politics Will Be Heard on June 27
A hearing on charges against Ralph Baccellieri, Berlin township relief director, was postponed yesterday until Tuesday, June 27, at the request of the Unemployed Union. Baccellieri is accused by William Lemke, of the Berlin Unemployed Union, with failing to supply milk to families with babies and with mixing politics with the affairs of his relief office. Wayland P. Cramer, county relief administrator, agreed to postpone the hearing on his investigation of the charges.
Cramer received a letter from William McAllister, secretary of the union, requesting the postponement on grounds that “the notice is too short to enable us to assemble witnesses” and that the designated hall conflicted with relief order distribution. The union suggested the West Berlin school and Tuesday, June 27, for the hearing.
Relief Leader in Berlin Twp. Is Accused at Cramer Probe
Camden Courier-Post —
County Director Sits at Public Hearing on Series of Charges; Turmoil Marks Hectic End of Session; Official Refuses to Admit Complaints Against Local Agent’s Factory
Turmoil marked the public “trial” of Ralph Baccellieri, Berlin Township relief director, last night before Wayland P. Cramer, county relief administrator, and a staff of his assistants, sitting as a board of inquiry in Huber’s Hall, Berlin. Charges of political preference, “starvation wages” in his overalls factory and improper administration were made against Baccellieri. They were answered by a statement from a township society, commending Baccellieri’s regime.
At one point in the hearing, one witness tried to question another about his political affiliations and whether he was on the relief list, and Cramer leaped to his feet to halt the questioning. At another juncture Cramer praised political affiliations as a token of good citizenship. Capt. Albert S. Howard, county deputy relief director, was a member of the inquiry board and was mentioned frequently in the testimony.
Cramer refused to hear any complaints in connection with the township director’s factory, and asserted any complaints about that would have to be made with the State Commissioner of Labor. After the hearing, the board of inquiry reserved decision and refused to make any comment.
The first witness was Mario Caparella of Berlin Township. “I asked Baccellieri for a quart of milk for my one-month-and-a-half baby,” he said. “He told me to come to his factory and he would give me a job.” Caparella said he went to the factory and was given a job at “25 to 30 cents an hour” sewing overalls but quit because the rate was too low.