Introduction
William F. Schmid
WILLIAM F. SCHMID was born near Harrisburg, PA in 1868 to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph von Schmid. The family had moved to Philadelphia, PA by 1879, when Joseph von Schmid founded the Inter-Urban Realty Company. In 1889 he opened an office at 2522 River Road in what was the Stockton Township, taking his son William, then 20, in as a partner. When Joseph von Schmid passed away, William dropped the “von” and went as William Schmid. His name was occasionally misspelled as Schmidt. William Schmid would conduct business in this office for 61 years, right up until his death in April of 1950.
William Schmid was one of the leading citizens of old Stockton Township, and an advocate of its merger with Camden in 1889. He served as the police judge in Stockton, and was appointed its postmaster in the 1890s by President Grover Cleveland. After the merger with Camden, he would serve for many years as a justice of the peace. He also served on the Board of Taxation and was involved with other tax and real estate related entities. He also served as a deputy sheriff and as assistant treasurer of the Camden County Welfare Board. Sometime between the summer of 1910 and 1914 he moved to North 26th Street. In 1916 William Schmid co-founded with Robert Denny Clow the Camden County Real Estate Board. His sons Richard and William Jr. joined the firm in 1924 and 1929 respectively.
William F. Schmid died at his home, 945 North 26th Street in Camden, NJ on April 22, 1950. He is buried at Bethel Memorial Park in Pennsauken, NJ. His sons continued the family business into the 1960s.
William F. Schmid real estate advertisements, c. 1925
Biographical Review — 1897
WILLIAM SCHMID, Esq., police justice of Stockton, Camden County, N.J., is one of the most successful real estate and insurance brokers in this part of the State. Born in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pa., October 26, 1868, he attended school in Philadelphia until he was eighteen years of age, going to work then as clerk and salesman for a piano house. When he was twenty years old he entered Bryant & Stratton’s Business College, and after finishing his course of study he engaged in tho [sic] real estate business. In 1886 he came to Camden, his home now for ten years; and in this city he has won success as a business man and popularity as a citizen. As an insurance agent he represents four of the largest companies in the Union: the Commercial Union Assurance Company, organized in 1861; the Spring Garden Insurance Company, organized in 1835; the New York Underwriters, organized in 1864; and the Niagara Fire Insurance Company, organized in 1850. As a real estate broker he has an enormous business, handling property in Camden and the suburbs.
A Democrat in politics, he has been elected to a number of important offices. In 1890 he was made Commissioner of Deeds and Notary Public; since 1892 he has been exercising the functions of Justice of the Peace; in 1893 he was appointed Postmaster at North Cramers Hill for four years; and in 1896 he was elected City Recorder, to serve two years. His appointment to his present office is an unusual honor, as he is the youngest police justice ever elected in the State. Justice Schmid has two offices for the transaction of his business, one at the corner of River Road and Main Street, the other at 436 Cooper Avenue, near Pavonia station. He is actively interested in all projects for the good of the general public, and it was he who originated the penny saving fund school system in the town of Stockton. Justice Schmid is prominent as a member of Provident Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, of Camden; of the Brotherhood of the Union; the Junior Order of American Mechanics, of Stockton; and the Stockton Court of Foresters. He attends services at the Lutheran church.
Biographical Review of New Jersey, 1897
Houses $600 and Upwards
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HOUSES $600 AND UPWARDS; BUILDING lots $125 and upwards, along new trolley line to Vine street and Market street ferries; send postal for list. WM. SCHMID, Real Estate, Pavonia, Camden, N. J.
Camden Commissioners of Deeds
Philadelphia Inquirer —
County Clerk Patterson in Camden yesterday received the thirty-two commissions for as many Commissioners of Deeds as follows: F. Joseph Rouh, Elias E. Truax, E. T. McGill, Howard L. Merrick, William Schmid, Benjamin E. Mellor, Thomas J. Peterson, George W. Jessup, John Campbell, Jr., Philip Schmitz, Robert L. Knight, Edward F. McGill, Howard L. Miller, Joseph F. Hoey, Chester D. Vanduyn, Thomas I. Dunlap, Charles G. Jessup, Washington W. Irvin, George W. Rexon, Henry Haltman, Thomas W. Smith, William J. Hoyt, Howard E. Truax, Charles H. Laird, John Furey, Edward Glass, Edward Wesley, Oscar Boardman, W. F. Eidell and W. Taylor Wright.
Camden Memorial Day Committee
Philadelphia Inquirer —
In order that Camden veterans may have an elaborate celebration on Memorial Day, Mayor Ellis yesterday appointed the following committee of citizens to act in conjunction with them: William D. Vanaman, William Sangtinette, Frank W. Tussey, William Fox, Dr. J.W. Martindale, Walter L Tushingham, Ira E. Lutte, Harry C. Kramer, John W. Coleman, Bernhard Schroeder, Edward H. Nieland, Daniel M. Stevens, W.F. Powell, Abe Fuhrman, Jacob Neutze, Francis B. Wallen, Charles A. Ackley, Louis T. Derousse, James M. Bentley, John K. Newkirk, William Schmid, John Larsen, Sigismund Schoenagle, Charles M. Baldwin, and Harry A Whaland.
Camden Will Observe Decoration Day
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden has completed its arrangements for the annual Memorial Day exercises. All the local G. A. R. posts will visit the cemeteries early in the day to decorate the graves of their comrades.
At the Soldiers’ Monument special exercises will be held, one of the features being the singing of patriotic airs by school children. The assemblage will be called to order by Comrade William Thompson, prayer will be offered by Rev. A. H. Newton, the children will sing and a volley of musketry will be fired. Exercises will afterwards be held in the First M. E. Church, the oration to be delivered by Hon. Isaac T. Nichols, of Bridgeton. Camp fires will be held at night.
Richard Dease is marshal of the parade and H. L. Hartshorn assistant.
The veterans have been assisted in their preparation by a citizens’ committee appointed by Mayor Ellis, as follows. William D. Vanaman, chairman; Charles S. Ackley, Charles M. Baldwin, James M. Bentley, John W. Coleman, C. K. Deacon, Malachi D. Cornish, Louis T. Derousse, William Fox, Abe Fuhrman, Harry C. Kramer, Ira E. Lute, J. W. Martindale, Jacob Neutze, Edward Nieland, H. S. Riddle, William Sangtinette, Bernard F. Schroeder, William Schmid, Sigismund Schoenagle, Daniel M. Stevens, W. L. Tushingham, Frank W. Tussey, Francis B. Wallen and Harry Whaland.
Camden Masons’ Home
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Sign Contract for Erection of New Temple on Fourth Street
Camden Masons yesterday signed a contract with George Bachman for the erection of their new Masonic Home, which will be located on Fourth street below Market. It will cost in the neighborhood of $100,000 and will be completed by next October. In style of architecture it will be of mixed Ionic and Rennaissance [sic] and will add much to the city.
The building will be erected by what is known as the Masonic Association of Camden, which has been regularly incorporated. The officers include William P. Weiser, president; Joseph L. Shackelford, secretary; Frank W. Tussey, treasurer; Adam R. Sloan, solicitor; William P. Weiser, Reuben Croxton, William P. Osler, George E. Boyer, William Schmid, George F. Hammond, John W. Johnson, Albert B. Fortiner and J. Blair Cuthbert, building committee.
Some Shifts in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
New County Detective Will Be on the Job Tomorrow
Harry E. Cheeseman, of the Twelfth ward, Camden, will begin his duties as a county detective in the office of Prosecutor Boyle tomrow [sic] morning. Announcement of the appointment came the past week, coupled with the statement that he was eligible because he had outstripped all his competitors in a civil service examination. There were a number of Democrats who were after the place, which was held by Marcus N. Carroll, who resigned shortly after the appointment of Prosecutor Boyle.
It was also rumored yesterday that when Judge French assumes charge of the District Court on April 1 he will have Frank X. Devereaux, of the Sixth ward, as his sergeant-at-arms, a position which Fred Voight has held for several years. Voight is a stalwart Republican and will not remain in the position. Devereaux has been prominently mentioned in connection with thec oming [sic] apointment [sic] to fill the vacancy in the County Board of Taxation. It is likely that William Schmid will get that plum, however.
Wield Trowel at Mason’s Home Site
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Members of the Craft From Several States Participate at Corner-Stone Laying in Camden
Masons from all parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware yesterday participated in the festivities incident to the laying of the corner-stone of the $100,000 temple erected by Camden’s various Masonic bodies. In addition, there were forty members of the Grand Lodge in attendance.
Prior to the exercises the guests, including Grand Master Richard C. Woodward, of Burlington, were welcomed by Mayor Ellis at a banquet held at the Ridgway House. This was followed by a street parade in which participated Trimble, Ionic, Camden and Mozart Lodges together with Cyrene Commandery, Knights Templar. The latter was in charge of Eminent Sir Joseph Shackelford.
Worshipful Grand Master Woodward laid the stone while the Masonic bodies massed themselves in a semicircle. The oration was delivered by John Lloyd Thomas, 33d degree, commander-in-chief of the New York Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. The music was given by the Excelsior Consistory Quartet.
The new building, which will take the place of the present Masonic Temple, will be of granite and brick. Its actual cost will be close to $70,000, which with the furnishings and other incidentals, will make a total of $100,000. It is being built under the direction of the Masonic Association of New Jersey, of which William P. Weiser, is president; Joseph L. Shackelford, secretary; Frank W. Tussey, treasurer; Adam R. Sloan, solicitor, and Reuben Croxton, William Osler, George Boyer, William Schmid, George F. Hammond, John W. Johnson, Albert Fortiner and J. Blair Cuthbert, building committee.
Planning Memorial Day Program
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mayor Ellis, in Camden yesterday, announced the committee of citizens who will act in conjunction with the veterans in arranging for the Memorial Day festivities. The committee follows: Frank W. Tussey, chairman; Charles M. Curry, secretary; Fred Roedel, William Sanginette, W. L. Tushingham, B. F. Schroeder, Edward H. Nieland, Daniel M. Stevens, W. F. Powell, Abe Fuhrman, C. K. Deacon, Jacob Neutze, Francis B. Wallen, Charles S. Ackley, Wallace McGeorge, Ralph D. Baker, Wm. F. Kelly, William Schmid, Lawrence B. Reader, M. D. Cornish, Harry Whaland, General John A. Mather, James E. Hewitt and David Jester.
Show Big Assessment
Philadelphia Inquirer —
In an interesting report made by William Schmid, of the Camden County Board of Taxation yesterday, it is shown the various public utilities in the district total $2,389,085 in assessed valuation. They are divided as follows: Street railways, $662,575; gas and electric, $926,000; water companies, $250,550; telegraph and telephone companies, $454,585; local gas and electric, $51,325; sewer companies, $54,050. The valuations for 1913 totaled $1,759,985.
Wm. P. Hallinger Board President
Camden Post-Telegram —
Wm. P. Hallinger Board President
Much Important Business Transacted at Real Estate Men’s Annual Meeting.
A-SHAPED SIGNS ARE IN DISFAVOR
At the annual meeting of the Camden Real Estate Board at the Hotel Ridgway these officers were elected: President, William P. Hallinger; vice president, Raymond L. Warren; treasurer, Joseph H. Forsythe; secretary, Robert D. Clow, Jr.; trustees, three years, George W. Kirkbride and Meyer Baker.
President Hallinger appointed the committees for the ensuing year as follows:
Legislative committee—Howard A. Walton, chairman; George W. Jessup, Raymond L. Warren, William B. Hambleton, John A. Ackley.
Arbitration committee—Frank J. Burr, chairman; R. A. Rockhill, Maurice B. Rudderow, Ralph D. Baker, Edgar A. Freeman.
Membership committee—William Schmidt, chairman; Charles S. Ackley, Meyer Baker, Charles G. Jessup, Clinton I. Evans.
Auditing committee—Anthony J. Oberst, chairman; Leon E. Todd, William Derham.
Ways and means committee—George W. Kirkbride, chairman; T. Yorke Smith, Eldred I. Hibbs, Henry Budney, Carl Evered.
The board passed a resolution asking City Council to pass an ordinance prohibiting large A- or V-shaped signs being placed on properties in Camden, either for rent or sale. This is one of the many actions that have been taken by the Real Estate Board with a view of better protecting the property owner’s interest. It is the feeling of the members that the extension sign, known as A- or V-shaped signs, are a detriment to properties, and also to the appearance of the city.
It is considered that properties will rent just as well by the advertising in the newspapers, and from the personal work by the office organizations as by having them defaced with signs.
Five new members were elected to membership as follows: T. Yorke Smith, Leon E. Todd, Howard C. Walton, Francis C. Ely, of Camden, and John A. Ackley, of Vineland.
Practically all of the real estate men of Camden and the suburbs who do any business are affiliated with the Camden Board, and it is hoped that within the next few months all of the active real estate men of Camden county will be members of this wide-awake organization. The membership committee, of which William Schmidt is chairman, expects to call in the near future on the real estate agents who have not yet become associated with the board.
It was reported at this meeting by a number of the members that since the April meeting, at which time the minimum rate of commission for selling properties up to $10,000 was increased from two per cent. to three per cent., that no objections were made by the owners, as the latter appreciate that the real estate offices are under great expense, and also appreciate the fact that they not only receive the service from one office, with whom they place exclusive agency of their property, but from every member of the Board.
The Camden Real Estate Board was started in 1916 by a few agents who saw a future for real estate men, by uniting for the purpose of standardizing the business. Edgar A. Freeman was elected president and through his hard and earnest efforts the Board grew to a membership of thirty men in 1917. Geo. W. Jessup succeeded Mr. Freeman as president, and the past year has shown such marked improvement that the agents now appreciate the fact that by co-operating better results are obained [sic] in handling of client’s properties and the people at large are beginning to realize it, for by listing their property with one agent who is a member of the Board any member can and will sell said property.
It is the intention of the members who will be known as “Realtors” to place on all new signs, in addition to his name the words, “or by any member of Camden Real Estate Board.”
It is hoped that the property owners will back up the agents in this movement, and in listing properties for sale to list same with only one agent or realtor, as they are then assured the services of every member of the Camden Real Estate Board.
Camden Democrats to Invade Trenton
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Aiming to take a thousand men to Trenton to march in the parade the Camden Democratic Club is preparing for participation in the inauguration of Governor-elect Edwards on January 20. A special train will carry the Camden faithful, who will be marshaled by George Kleinheintz. George Fisher is chairman of the committee and is being aided by Samuel Shay, E. J. Kelleher, R. Gimello, John T. Cleary, William Schmid, Joseph Keefe and Frank Homan.
Realty Men Oppose County Park Loans
Camden Courier-Post —
Resolution Denounces Borrowing of Funds for Projects Not Self-liquidating
One of two resolutions adopted yesterday afternoon by the Taxation Committee of the Camden County Real Estate Board opposes the borrowing by Camden county or city of any funds for projects that are not self-liquidating.
The resolutions were acted upon at a luncheon of the committee, headed by Leon E. Todd, in the Hotel Walt Whitman. Copies were sent to city and county officials.
One proposed loan which the resolution opposed was the application for federal industrial recovery funds to carry on the Camden county park program. It had been called to the attention of the committee that plans are being considered to alter the city and county budgets for various projects.
The other resolution endorsed plans submitted to newspapers by the joint taxation committee of the New Jersey legislature for the relief of taxation on real estate “provided, however, that all such additional funds so assessed and raised will be utilized only for the direct relief of real estate.”
Other members of the committee are William S. Abbott, president of the Real Estate Board; Earl R. Lippincott, George B. Robeson, J. William Markeim, Carl R. Evered, William F. Schmid and Edward J. Borden.
Herbert K. Strattan, a Democratic leader of Haddonfield, also expressed opposition to the park loan application.
He stressed three reasons as his grounds for opposing the loan, the first being the absence of a definite plan for spending the money.
Strattan also charges that the members of the park commission are incapable of handling such a large project and that no one park has been finished and no portion of the parks are self-liquidating, thus necessitating large annual maintenance funds.
He also stated the loan would increase Camden’s bonded indebtedness, which could not be afforded at this time.
Opposes Park Loan
Camden Courier-Post —
LEON E. TODD Chairman of the taxation committee of the Camden County Real Estate Board, which yesterday adopted a resolution opposed borrowing of federal industrial recovery funds to carry on the Camden county park program.
Schmid Remembers Good Old Days When House Cost $1250 (—) No Bath!
Camden Courier-Post —
Dean of So. Jersey Realtors:
Things have changed quite a bit around these parts in the last 50 years or so.
And the real estate business has changed along with everything else, according to William F. Schmid, dean of South Jersey realtors. Now 81, Schmid remembers the time when a man could buy a dandy six-room house for $1250.
“But there were quite a few catches in such a deal,” said Schmid the other day in his office at 2522 River road, where he is still active in business.
Some of the catches were, for example, the fact that the “bargain” contained no bathroom, and no running water. Furnaces were virtually unheard-of, and heat was provided by stoves.
“You grabbed your clothes when you got up in the morning and bee-lined for the kitchen stove,” said the veteran realtor.
The houses contained no storm sash, so the winter winds had almost free access to the anatomy of the tenants. In summer, about the best that could be produced to keep out insects were tiny window screens that merely teased the flies and mosquitoes.
Real Estate men did much of their business via the horse and buggy route, said Schmid.
“And it wasn’t a bit uncommon for me to drive 60 miles in a day,” he recalled. Once he drove to Trenton and back, arriving home at about midnight—in plenty of time to start at 7 a. m. the following morning. The chances were the following night, he’d keep open until 9 p. m.
Working people toiled about 60 hours per week before the turn of the century, Schmid remembered. And they looked old and broken by the time they reached middle age.
“I had clients who would get married and either buy or rent property through me,” he said. “In 20 or 25 years, those same people would be literally hunchbacked from nothing but terribly hard work,”
They might have had to pay only $8 a month for a six-room house, but they made only about $9 per week, Schmid said.
Schmid originally maintained a branch office at 125 Market street, where the RCA Victor building now stands. At the corner was the bicycle shop then operated by Eldridge R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Co.
Back in September, 1901, Schmid “escaped” being blown up with the ill-fated steamer City of Trenton, by the simple process of insisting on a shave and missing the boat. His neighbors were swarming about the house for news of him when Schmid placidly appeared with his wife and daughter, Lucille.
Schmid who has been in business at the same “stand” for 61 years is now assisted by a son, Richard. Last December, the New Jersey Association of Real Estate boards paid him special tribute at a convention in Atlantic City.
William Schmid, Veteran Realtor, Dies at Age of 81
Camden Courier-Post —
William F. Schmid, 81, dean of South Jersey realtors, died Saturday at his home, 945 North Twenty-sixth street.
One of the organizers of the New Jersey Association of Real Estate Boards and the Camden County Real Estate Board, he was president of the Inter-Urban Realty Co., and conducted the business at Twenty-sixth street and River avenue, for the past 61 years.
Mr. Schmid served as police judge in the old Township of Stockton and was an advocate of its annexation to Camden, which took place in 1899. He also served for years as justice of peace in the Eleventh ward.
President Grover Cleveland appointed Mr. Schmid as postmaster of the Town of Stockton after the Township of Stockton went out of existence. He had served as justice of peace in the old township and became known to his many friends as “Squire.”
Served on Tax Board
Mr. Schmid served two terms as a member of the Camden County Board of Taxation, being named to one term by Governor Woodrow Wilson. He served two terms as member of the New Jersey Tenement House Commission of which he was president four years.
Mr. Schmid was one of the appraisers who fixed the value of the land needed in Camden for the Camden bridge and was the first appraiser for the HOLC in South Jersey.
In April 1916, Mr. Schmid and Robert Denny Clow, organized the Camden County Real Estate Board. In December, 1916, they were instrumental in organizing the N. J. Association of Real Estate Boards.
Headed State Group
He was former president of both the state and county real estate boards and was a member of the Fifty Year club of the state association. He was believed to be one of the oldest realtors in the state from the point of continuous service.
The Inter-Urban Realty Co. was formed by Mr. Schmid’s father, Joseph von Schmid in Philadelphia in 1879. Ten years later the father opened a real estate office at Twenty-sixth street and River avenue, taking William, then 20, as a partner. William dropped the surname of von from the family name and continued the business after his father’s death.
Born near Harrisburg in 1868, he married Miss Jennie Law 51 years ago. They had two sons, Richard L. and William Bergen Schmid. His widow and two sons survive.
Former Deputy Sheriff
Richard, a son, became a partner in the firm in 1924 and William, a son, in 1929.
Mr. Schmid formerly was a deputy sheriff and assistant treasurer of the Camden County Welfare Board. He was a trustee of Mozart lodge, 121, FAM, and a member of Excelsior Consistory Scottish Rite Masons, Valley of Camden.
Last December the New Jersey Association of Real Estate Boards paid him special tribute at its convention in Atlantic City.
Services will be held Tuesday at 8 p. m. in a funeral home at 804 North Twenty-seventh street. Friends may call Tuesday night when lodge services also will be held.
Burial will be private Wednesday at the convenience of the family in Bethel Memorial park.
Funeral Rites Held For W. F. Schmid
Camden Courier-Post —
Private funeral services for William F. Schmid, 81, dean of South Jersey realtors, were held today in a funeral home at 804-06 North Twenty-seventh street. Burial was in Bethel Memorial park. Mr. Schmid died Saturday in his home, 945 North Twenty-sixth street.
More than 400 persons, friends of the Cramer Hill section where he conducted his real estate business for 61 years, and from other parts of the city and South Jersey paid their respects to Mr. Schmid in the funeral home Tuesday night. There were many floral pieces.
Mr. Schmid, who had served as squire in the old Township of Stockton and was known through the years as Squire Schmid, was one of the organizers of the New Jersey Association of Real Estate Boards and the Camden County Real Estate Board. He had served as president of both organizations. He was president of the Inter-Urban Realty Co. at Twenty-sixth street and River avenue.
Surviving are his widow, Jennie L., and two sons, Richard and William.
Grave Marker
Schmid family grave marker, Bethel Memorial Park, Pennsauken, NJ
Inter-Urban Real Estate and Insurance Offices
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
Cor. 26TH ST. AND RIVER AVE., CAMDEN
Our 54th Year Same Corner
1879—J. V. SCHMID 1889—W. F. SCHMID 1924—R. L. SCHMID
Consult Our Offices with Your Problems
Camden 0698
JOHN LYNCH, Prop.
Boulevard Grille
...GOOD FOOD...
Corner 27TH AND FEDERAL STREETS
The Origin of St. Joseph’s Parish—Continued
parish. The parish plant was still incomplete, so in March of 1930 plans for a new rectory were approved and the contract for its construction awarded. The auditorium was enlarged to accommodate the increasing congregation, the old church being now quite inadequate. In July of 1930 Father McCorristin purchased the house of Mrs. Anne Bendinger at 29th and Carman Streets, and the lots adjoining. On these lots in the following year a twin brick dwelling was erected, both buildings being required as a convent for the Sisters.
In September, 1930, Father McCorristin received an assistant in the person of the Rev. Raymond J. Kavanaugh, who remained until March, 1931. Father William Brennan succeeded him, and he was joined by another assistant in July of the same year. Father Brecker was stationed in Saint Joseph’s parish from July, 1931, to April, 1938. The Reverend James S. Foley came to the parish to fill the place vacated by Father Brennan in June, 1932, and he remained for more than three years. The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly replaced him for a few months, followed by the Reverend James C. Foley, who was stationed in Saint Joseph’s from June, 1936, to April, 1938.
Father McCorristin was pastor of Saint Joseph’s until March, 1937. The Reverend Edward A. McKenna took charge of the
Phone, Merch. 9211 Mary Hinkson, Prop.
Hinkson’s Cafe
Orchestra and Floor Show Wed., Fri., Sat. and Sunday
Bob Oney and Harry Clark at the Taps
27TH ST. AND MARLTON PIKE PENNSAUKEN
Phone, Camden 900
Joseph Munger & Son
BUILDER OF HOMES
No Job Too Large or Too Small
3302 River Ave., Camden Main and Locust Sts., Marlton, N. J.