Introduction
Thirty-Sixth Street runs from the Delaware River south, across River Road to Federal Street. As in all numbered streets in Camden, it is North 36th Street above Federal and South 36th Street below. North 36th Street forms Camden’s northern border with Pennsauken Township at different intervals along its length. This has resulted in some inconsistency in the street numbering on the north side of North 36th Street, as Pennsauken uses a four-digit street numbering system which is not consistent with Camden’s street numbering system.
Thirty-sixth Street became a part of Camden when Stockton Township became a part of Camden in 1899. The street had already been laid out many years before, and was known in Pennsauken as Cove Avenue into the 1890s.
Phil Cohen
1200 Block of North 36th Street
Farragut Avenue & North 36th Street
Camden Courier-Post — 1964
BATTLING SPREAD of mosquito-borne St. Louis encephalitis — firemen burning swamp lands at the foot of 36th st. yesterday hold the attention of Camden Deputy Fire Chief Godfrey Patterson (pointing) and Fire Marshal George Baxter. — Courier-Post Photo by Bob Bartosz
1100 Block of North 36th Street
Camden Burglar Slain; Cop Wounded in Gun Duel
Camden Courier-Post —
TWO SUSPECTS HELD IN FATAL FIGHT AT STORE
Detective Robert Ashenfelter in Serious Condition at Hospital
NO WARNING IS GIVEN AS SLEUTH IS FELLED
‘Tip’ on Robbery at Thirty-Second and Pierce Given By Telephone
Wounded Sleuth and Companion
—Courier-Post Photo
City Detective Robert Ashenfelter, wounded three times in a gun battle with a burglar suspect early this morning, is shown in his bed at the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, talking to Detective Benjamin Simon. The latter, who was two feet behind Ashenfelter when the latter was hit, is shown telling the wounded man that the burglar, Charles Rettberg, 21, was killed in the volley of machine gun and revolver shots. The shooting occurred at the rear of a chain store at Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue.
CHARLES RETTBERG
Twenty-one-year-old East Camden burglar who was shot to death during a gun duel with police early this morning. Trapped in a chain grocery store at Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue, Rettberg seriously wounded Detective Robert Ashenfelter. The latter emptied his pistol at Rettberg, while Policeman Frank Evans opened fire with a machine gun.
A burglar was shot and killed by policemen armed with a machine gun after he critically wounded a city detective during a gun duel in the rear of an East Camden store early this morning. The slain man was Charles Rettberg, 21, 1189 North Thirty-sixth street.
In grave condition at the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital is City Detective Robert Ashenfelter, 39, of 119 Manheim avenue, Oaklyn. Ashenfelter, who is married, was shot three times, one bullet lodging over his heart, another in his right shoulder and another went through the right hand.
Two men are under arrest on suspicion of being Rettberg’s accomplices in the fatal attempt to rob the American Store on the southeast corner of Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue. They are Theodore Rettberg, 24, brother of the dead man, and a man who gave his name as Melvin James, 38, of Pottstown, Pa.
Theodore Rettberg was arrested at his home after the shooting when detectives found his clothing soaked by rain. James, who is believed to be a Camden man despite the address he gave, was found lying on the front step of the store prior to the shooting, ostensibly intoxicated. He was armed.
Police believe that James was feigning intoxication and actually was the lookout. Clothing worn by a third man seen running across a vacant lot immediately after the shooting tallied with that found in Theodore Rettberg’s room, according to the police.
A truck said by the police to be owned by Theodore Rettberg was found parked within half a block from the store.
Both James and Theodore Rettberg denied any implication in the attempted robbery, although they were subjected to questioning for several hours by Captain John Golden, of the city detectives, and Chief Lawrence T. Doran, of the county detectives.
Police was unable to determine how many times Charles Rettberg had been shot, or who had killed him. Detective Ashenfelter emptied his revolver at the trapped men, while Policeman Frank Evans manned the machine gun.
The fatality occurred at about 3.1[?] a. m. Desk Sergeant Gus Koerner received an anonymous telephone call at police headquarters shortly after 3 a. m. The caller declared that burglars were breaking into the American Store at “Thirty-second Bergen avenue.”
“You meaned Thirty-second and Pierce?” quizzed Koerner.
The caller mumbled something and hung up without giving his name. His mistake in the address — Thirty-second street and Bergen avenue run parallel to each other—led police to believe the caller was a stranger in that section of the city, if not in the city itself.
Koerner dispatched Policemen Evans and Charles Wainwright to the scene in a bandit chaser, which is equipped with a portable machine gun. Koerner also notified the detective bureau, and Ashenfelter and Benjamin Simon started out in another car. A third call was made to the Third district police station by Koerner, and the patrol crew, Joseph Shreeves and Elwood Humphreys, hastened to the store.
Evans and Wainwright arrived first, parking their car when they saw James sprawled on the front step. They questioned him, but he talked incoherently. Ashenfelter and Simon arrived in their car. Believing James was a lookout and that the burglar or burglars might still be in the place, the two detectives ran toward the rear to cut off escape from that exit.
Ashenfelter was about two feet ahead of Simon. With his gun in hand, Ashenfelter reached the rear of the building and started to turn the corner.
Burglar Opens Fire
Without warning a shot rang out from the interior of the shed at the rear. The bullet struck Ashenfelter in the right hand, tearing the butt off his revolver and then entering his chest. The revolver dropped from his hand.
Ashenfelter sank to his knees, crying, “They got me!” Nevertheless, he grasped his revolver in his uninjured left hand and emptied it into the shed, as four more bullets ripped through the door from the inside at the already wounded detective. One bullet struck Ashenfelter in the right shoulder, but the other three missed him.
Unable to reload, Ashenfelter drew himself to his feet and staggered out of line of fire. He fell into the arms of Simon, who pulled him out of danger.
Meanwhile Evans, hearing the shots, left Wainwright in front of the building with their prisoners, James. Seizing the machine gun, Evan’s [sic] ran to the rear. He pointed it at the door and shouted.
“Come out or I’ll shoot.”
There was no answer. Evans waited a moment, again shouted his warning, and then fired a burst from the machine gun. Seven bullets crashed through the door and wall of the shed.
The Third district patrol arrived and Ashenfelter was placed in it. He had attempted to rise three times, but on each occasion he slumped to the ground.
Hearing no sound from inside, police tore the door off its remaining hinge. They found Rettberg lying on the floor in a line with the door. He was dead. In his right hand was a 25-calibre pistol. All its cartridges had been discharged. Near his body also were a brace, bit and jimmy.
Policeman Wainwright then saw a man running east across the vacant lots in the rear of the store. Humphreys shouted to him to stop but when his command was not heeded, fired a shot at the fleeing figure. The fugitive disappeared on Bergen avenue, but not before Humphreys ascertained that he wore a yellow shirt.
Gun Found on Suspect
James was searched, and a .38-calibre revolver was found in his possession. He denied knowledge of the attempted robbery, and was taken to police headquarters.
A short time later, District Detectives Louis Schlam and Richard Donnelly, and Policemen Charles Johnson and Lewis Smith, all of the Third District, went to Rettberg’s home. There they found Theodore Rettberg clad only in underwear. He denied he had been at the store or with his brother, but the officers declared they found a bright yellow shirt and a pair of duck trousers in his room. The two articles of clothing were wet. As it had been raining at the time of the robbery, Theodore Rettberg was arrested on suspicion.
The manager of the store, Charles Schultz, 1618 Pierce avenue, stated it was the second time burglars had visited the establishment. About a month ago robbers stole $100 worth of goods, entering the place by forcing the shed door and then drilling a number of holes around the lock of the inner rear door.
This leads police to believe that Rettberg was implicated in the first robbery, as the same method of entrance was tried this morning. The thieves took off one hinge of the rear shed door and in that manner, opened that door this morning. Then the thieves attacked the door leading from the shed to the rear room of the store. A number of holes had been drilled around the bolt and a hole large enough to admit a man’s hand had been punched through the door.
However, Schultz had barricaded the inside door to prevent a second burglary. He had braced a heavy timber against the door, nailing the other end to the floor.
Hospital physicians at first feared that Ashenfelter had no chance for recovery. This forenoon, they said his condition had become fair, although it was too serious to permit them to remove the bullets.
The wounded detective was conscious this afternoon, and when Simon visited him, asked,
“Did they get him?”
“Yes, he’s dead,” Simon informed him.
“That makes me feel better,” sighed Ashenfelter. “That does me more good than medicine, and now I’ll get better quick. I’m glad they got him, for he tried to kill me and almost did.”
Where Burglar Was Killed and Cop Wounded
Here is the scene of this morning’s gun battle between a burglar suspect and police, as reconstructed by photographer and artist. The photo shows the rear of the American Store at Thirty-second street and Pierce avenue, in which Charles Rettberg was shot to death as he opened fire on police who trapped him. Rettberg is pictured lying in the shed, a small revolver, discharged, grasped in his hand. Outside the shed is the figure of City Detective Robert Ashenfelter, wounded three times. Detective Benjamin Simon is shown pulling Ashenfelter out of the line of fire, not knowing whether the trapped man was dead or alive.
CRASH HURTS 2; DRIVER HELD
Camden Courier-Post —
As the result of a collision between machines driven by Hugh W. Wall, 34, of 1199 North Thirty-sixth Street and Edward DuBuske, 38, of 132 Terhune Avenue, Greenville, early yesterday morning at a State Street intersection two persons were injured and Wall was arrested.
Injured are Stella Bucklew, 17, of 3113 Miller Street, Philadelphia and Michael O’Connor, 40, of 1136 North Thirty-fifth Street, here. Both suffered cuts on the face. Sergeant Edward Horne charged Wall with having fictitious license tags and he was held under $25 bail for a hearing before Police Court Judge Pancoast Thursday. Wall said that he bought a new car on October 22 and failed to have the registration tags changed at Trenton.
1199 North 36th Street — Julius L. Hubert
World War II Draft Registration Card for Julius Loueman Hubert, 1199 N. 36th St., Camden, N.J. Born December 23, 1891. Employed by Public Service Elec.-Gas, 2nd & Cherry Sts., Camden.
JULIUS L. HUBERT
Julius L. Hubert, 62, a lifelong resident of Camden, died Tuesday at his residence, 1199 N. 36th st. Mr. Hubert had been employed by Public Service gas plant for 32 years. Surviving are his widow, Marian; two sons, William and Russell, both of Camden; a daughter, Miss Roseana Hubert, of Colorado, and two grandchildren. Services will be held at the residence at 10.30 a. m. Friday and burial will be in Bethel Memorial Park, Pennsauken. Friends may call at the residence Thursday evening.
1199 North 36th Street, 2010
1189 North 36th Street — Rettberg Family
‘June Bride’ Season Opens as 5 Couples Seek Licenses Here
Dan Cupid scored five “hits” in Camden yesterday as the month of June brides and roses began, Lewis A. Lee, chief clerk in the city health bureau, received applications from:
Robert Alberts, 31, of Billingsport avenue, Paulsboro, and Helen Graczyk, 23, of 1581 South Tenth street;
Warren A. Spruill, 22, of 3522 Farragut Avenue, and Alice V. Slemmer, 20, of 1189 North Thirty-sixth street;
Otto Buschmann, 46, and Bertha Schafer, 26, both of 814 Locust Street, Germantown, Pa., John Anderson, 40, and Jessie Evans, 44, both of 322 Division Street;
Samuel G. Clark, 28, of 906 Grant avenue, West Collingswood, and Virginia R. Watson, 22, of 3129 Atlanta road.
Camden Courier-Post — June 2, 1933
1100 Block Photos
1123 North 36th Street, photograph taken 2013
1000 Block of North 36th Street
1053 North 36th Street — Charles S. Hance
Charles S. Hance, 1053 North 36th Street, 1950s–late 1970s
Stanley Skabicki
Camden Courier-Post —
Stanley Skabicki, 77, died Sunday in his home, 1051 N. 36th st. He was born in Lithuania, resided in Camden more than 50 years and was a member of the National Lithuanian Beneficial Club.
Surviving are three sons, Stanley Jr., Anthony and Charles; and a daughter, Mrs. Mildred Corney, all of Camden.
Requiem high Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 9.30 a. m. in St. George’s R. C. Church, 9th st. and Chelton ave. Relatives and friends will meet at 9 a. m. in the Zembruski Funeral Home, 1643 Mt. Ephraim ave., where friends may call Wednesday night. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
900 Block of North 36th Street
Mrs. Anna E. Boulton
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. Anna E. Boulton died Sunday in her home, 949 N. 36th st., after a long illness.
A native of Philadelphia, she had resided on Princess ave., Parkside, for 18 years, and for a year in the Cramer Hill area of Camden.
Surviving are her husband, Edgar S.; three daughters, Mrs. Joseph Messick, Bellmawr; Mrs. Russell Young, whose husband is a Camden city detective, and Mrs. John McErlain, Camden; a son, Edgar S. Jr., of the 36th st. address; a sister, Mrs. William Eastwick, Berlin, and five grandchildren. Services will be held Wednesday at 1 p. m. in the funeral home of Gustav Roedel & Son, 804 N. 27th st. The Rev. Donald C. Bakley, pastor of the Fairview Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Harleigh Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday night.
933 North 36th Street — John T. Clemmons
John T. Clemmons, 933 North 36th Street, 1956–1965
600 Block of North 36th Street
500 Block of North 36th Street
J. R. STICKLER KILLED; CAMDEN EX-RESIDENT
John R. Stickler, 26, airplane mechanic formerly of Camden, was killed recently in a traffic tragedy near his home at Santa Ana, Calif., according to word received here yesterday.
Stickler’s automobile struck a tree while he was on his way to Santa Ana from San Diego. The car apparently skidded on a curve. There were no witnesses.
Stickler was born in Camden and attended schools here until 1928, when his family moved to Santa Ana. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Stickler; two brothers, George C. and Wilbert, and three aunts, Mrs. Ada Nelson and Mrs. G. Stokes, all of Santa Ana, and Mrs. Florence Hynes, of Camden, survive. His parents live at 506 McFadden Street, Santa Ana.
Stickler graduated from Santa Ana High School and was well known as a baseball player there. He was employed by the Solar Aircraft Company, San Diego.
The Stickler family lived at 551 North 36th Street in 1924.
503 North 36th Street — John P. Gryckiewicz
John P. Gryckiewicz & Family, 503 North 36th Street, late 1950s–1980s
400 Block of North 36th Street
Mrs. Julia A. Grell
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. Julia A. Grell, wife of William Grell, died yesterday at her home, 472 North Thirty-sixth street, after an illness of several years.
She is survived by her husband, proprietor of the Camden Towel Supply Company, and a daughter, Mrs. Catherine Thorne.
The funeral will be held at 2 p. m. Monday.
300 Block of North 36th Street
317 North 36th Street — Lynne Sochor
Lynne Sochor at 317 North 36th Street, 1950s — Photograph courtesy of Paul G. Huber
H. A. Randall & Bro.
Camden Courier-Post —
THE HEART OF A HOME
Surely a heating plant is the very heart of a home sending a steady stream of life-giving warmth through metal veins to the farthest corner.
American Radiator Heating Equipment will provide your home with a sure, dependable heart requiring the minimum of worry and labor. The cost is low, your fuel bills will be less, your home will be warmer. We’ll gladly arrange convenient payments. Less than $75 a room to install.
Liberal allowance on your old furnace. We guarantee all work.
H. A. RANDALL & BRO., Heating Contractor — Phone Camden 2317 — 312 No. 36th St.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
** The Camden Excise Board last night transferred the licenses of William Fitzgerald, 1401 Broadway, to W. J. Seitzenmorgen and that of Edward J. Sterling, 629 Sylvan street, to Charles Tagasstrong.
** When a dozen men were noticed acting in a suspicious manner in the Pavonia car yards, in East Camden, early yesterday morning, Special Officer William Alexander sent word to the police department for assistance. The men were located in a nearby building. All escaped. They are supposed to have invaded the yards for the purpose of robbery.
** While at work on his naphtha launch in East Camden yesterday, William Kniesle, of 322 North Thirty-sixth street, had his wrist broken by a piece of machinery breaking.
200 Block of North 36th Street
200 Block Photos — April 30, 1909
206, 208, and 212 North 36th Street — April 30, 1909
200, 202, and 204 North 36th Street — April 30, 1909
200 North 36th Street — Huber Bros Photographers
My dad, Paul F. Huber, My Uncle Marvin Huber and my Grandpop Paul G. Huber, all ran Huber Bros – Photographers at 200 North 36th Street.
Grandpop Huber’s Stutz Bearcat. Huber Bros – Photographers, 200 North 36th Street, 1930s–1960s. — Paul G. Huber, July 2010
Grandpop Paul G. Huber’s Car. From left to right the five visible people are: Aunt Jamey, my Aunt Catherine (Honey) Huber, my dad Paul F Huber, my Grandmom Catherine Huber, my Uncle Marvin Huber. Read the door of the car. Grandpop was Official Photographer of Camden Real Estate Board. I don’t know how “Official” that was but Grandpop Huber was never shy. — Paul G. Huber, CPA, July 2010
Paul G Huber CPA, in hand me downs, 1949. Our first American Flyer Christmas Trains. — Paul G. Huber, CPA, July 2010
Grandpop Irving Randall, a plumber, Dorothy R Huber, back of head — Randall L. Huber & Paul G. Huber. 1951. We were not rich but we had trains. — Paul G. Huber, CPA, July 2010
Randall L. Huber & Paul G Huber, 1952 — Paul G. Huber, CPA, July 2010
230 North 36th Street — Nicholas Rapinotti
I grew up at 230 N. 36th Street. My mom and Dad, Nick and Phillis Rapanotti moved to the house in 1954, if my memory is correct. My brothers and sisters all grew up on 36th Street.
Barbara Rapanotti — Graduated WWHS 1974
Nick Rapanotti — Graduated WWHS 1976
Lisa Rapanotti — Graduated Camden Catholic 1981
Mike Rapanotti — Graduated Camden Catholic 1983
Rebecca Pepa — Graduated Camden Catholic
I have many memories. Some were of all the accidents that happened at the intersection of 36th and Westfield. It was a really dangerous corner. Some of the more pleasant memories were sitting on the front steps and listening to the Printing Machine from Acme Craftsman print away in to the night. Jimmy Burgos Pizzaria, on the corner of 36th and Westfield. Before Jimmy Burgos, there was Barrons Rug Store. Mr. Barron was always nice to us kids. THE MR. SOFTEE TRUCK!!!!!!!!
Nicholas J. Rapinotti — April 2011
Merriel Avenue & North 36th Street
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Thirty-sixth and Merriel, Rev. R. E. Rumer
Camden Courier-Post — February 5, 1938
100 Block of North 36th Street
100 Block Photos — February 2013
137–139 North 36th Street — February 24, 2013
133 and 137–139 North 36th Street — February 24, 2013
133 North 36th Street — February 24, 2013
125 North 36th Street — February 24, 2013
121 North 36th Street, damaged by fire February 22, 2013 — Photo taken February 24, 2013
4 homeless after Camco blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
139b North 36th Street fire, March 22, 2007 — Photos by Steve Skipton, www.phillyfirenews.com
An electrical fire damaged an apartment Thursday night in Camden and displaced a family of four, fire officials said.
The blaze was reported about 8:42 p.m. at 139 N. 36 St., an official said.
The fire originated in a bedroom of the second floor apartment, Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Braulio Villegas said.
“Firefighters contained the fire to the front bedroom,” Villegas said. “There was moderate smoke and water damage throughout the apartment.”
Villegas said the fire, which began as a result of malfunctioning electrical cords, has been ruled accidental.
Camden firefighters brought the blaze under control at 8:56 p.m., authorities said.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
Villegas said working smoke detectors helped the family escape injury.
“The detectors alerted the occupants so that everyone was safely evacuated,” he said.
The family received housing assistance from the American Red Cross, fire officials said.
Three other apartments sustained smoke and water damage, Villegas said.
Mrs. Mary Jane Gill
Philadelphia Inquirer —
In a fall downstairs Mrs. Mary Jane Gill, 80 years old, of 138 North Thirty-sixth street, fractured a wrist and sprained a shoulder. She was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
Conscience Forces Confession
Philadelphia Inquirer —
“I want to give myself up; I can’t eat or sleep,” said a mild-mannered young man to Sergeant Tatem, at the Camden police headquarters, yesterday. On being questioned he said he was Eugene Caffrey, 21 years old, of 616 Roberts street. While visiting the home of a friend, Harry Virtue, 134 North, Thirty-sixth street, on September 23, he had purloined a quantity of jewelry. Caffrey was so overwrought that he sobbed aloud. He was later held in $300 bail by Recorder Stackhouse.
129 North 36th Street — George W. Rich
George W. Rich & Family, 129 North 36th Street, 1908. Family included George W. & Ella Rich, Warren H. Rich, Florence Rich, and Herbert Rich.
James Taylor
Camden Courier-Post —
James Taylor, 71, a retired painter, died yesterday at his home, 119 North Thirty-sixth street, after a brief illness. A native of Philadelphia, Mr. Taylor resided most of his life in the Camden area. He is survived by his widow, Louise. Funeral services will be held in the home at 10.30 a. m. Wednesday.
1949 Mercury belonging to Paul F. Huber, parked at 119 North 36th Street
Rosedale Avenue & North 36th Street
4308 36th Street, Pennsauken, NJ — northwest corner of North 36th Street & Rosedale Avenue, 2004
Unit Block of North 36th Street
3 Camden Men Enlist in U. S. Coast Artillery
Camden Courier-Post —
Three Camden men have been accepted at the United States army recruiting office, Fourth and Market streets, since June 1, for three-year enlistments in the coast artillery in Panama.
They are William R. Davies, 20, 3009 Stevens street; Walter W. Crim, 19, 1037 Princess avenue, and Joseph Newman, 19, 49 North Thirty-sixth street. Davies has two years of high school and Grim [sic] one. They are now at Fort Slocum, N. Y., and will sail for Panama June 18, Captain John J. Gorman, recruiting officer, said.
William Lewellen Dies in 82nd Year
Camden Courier-Post —
One of City’s Oldest Residents and Long Chemical Plant Head
William H. Lewellen, for 15 years superintendent of the General Chemical Co., and an employe of the old Moro Phillips Chemical Co. and the General Chemical Co. for 54 years, will be buried today. Services will take place at 2 p. m. at the home, 41 North Thirty-sixth street and burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Lewellen died Tuesday.
Lewellen, who was 82, was one of the oldest residents of Camden. He was born in Medford and moved to this city when a young boy. He often spoke of the beer gardens that once occupied the site of many big industries now and of the numerous cattle paths that dotted the town.
Lewellen entered the employ of the Moro Phillips Co. at Eleventh and Linden streets when a youth and worked himself up until he became general superintendent. He virtually reorganized the concern until its merger with the General Chemical Co. He retired about 10 years ago.
He is survived by his widow, Caroline Wyle Lewellen, two sons, Moro and Lemuel, and two sisters, Mrs. Anna Brown and Mrs. Emma Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Lewellen celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last January. Moro Lewellen is superintendent of the acid department of Wilckes-Martin-Wilckes Co.
Lewellen took an active interest in politics many years ago, although he held only one office, being a member of the Board of Health.
Unit Block Photos — 2004
33 and 41 North 36th Street — November 2, 2004
19 to 41 North 36th Street — November 2, 2004
19 to 27 North 36th Street — November 2, 2004
19 North 36th Street — William E. Gehret Jr.
William E. Gehret Jr., 19 North 36th Street, 1965
Federal Street & 36th Street
North 36th Street & Federal Street — July 2003
North 36th Street as seen from Federal Street — August 6, 2011
South 36th Street as seen from Federal Street — August 6, 2011
Unit Block of South 36th Street
Pvt. Henry G. C. Yip
Camden Courier-Post —
Pvt. Henry G. C. Yip, 18, of 5 South Thirty-sixth street, whose father is a well-known restaurateur, is at Camp Wheeler, Ga. Young Yip, of Chinese ancestry, enlisted a year ago and was called into the service Feb. 10, this year. He attended Camden public schools.
Unit Block South Photos — 2011
7 South 36th Street — August 6, 2011
12 and 14 South 36th Street — August 6, 2011
17 and 19 South 36th Street — August 6, 2011
20 South 36th Street — August 6, 2011
27 South 36th Street — Vacant, damaged by fire July 29, 2011 — Photos taken August 6, 2011
29 South 36th Street — August 6, 2011
31 South 36th Street — August 6, 2011
100 Block of South 36th Street
104 South 36th Street — Josiah S. Pedigree
104 South 36th Street, home of Josiah S. Pedigree, 1896–1900s — Photograph taken December 9, 2011
106 South 36th Street — Photograph taken December 9, 2011
Pennsylvania Railroad & North 36th Street
Camden Fire Department at the railroad crossing guard shack — sometime after 1956 — Photos by Bob Bartosz
Looking west towards Cramer Hill on the North 36th Street bridge — 1980 — Photograph courtesy of Floyd L. Miller Jr.
Before a bridge was built to carry automobile traffic over the railroad tracks, there was a rail crossing at street level on North 36th Street. This photo was taken not long after the house on the right was built in 1956. The photo shows the entrance on the left to the Campbell Soup warehouse, and the residence on Remington Avenue to the right. Smoke is coming from the crossing guard’s shack which was on fire. — Photo by Bob Bartosz
500 Block Photos
557 North 36th Street — May 2009
Flames Rake Warehouse in East Camden
Camden Courier-Post —
—Courier-Post Photo
SMOKE BILLOWS through the roof of Cartun Hardware Store’s warehouse as two groups of firemen bring hoses to bear on the blaze which was fed by an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 gallons of paint.
A two-alarm fire raged out of control in an East Camden warehouse for an hour Thursday night.
The warehouse, at 14 S. 35th st., an L-shaped annex to the Cartun Hardware Store, 36th and Federal sts., was formerly a feed store and is now used to store paints, plumbing supplies and other merchandise.
Irving Cartun of 2601 Parkway, Philadelphia, proprietor, reported that the warehouse inventory was valued at an estimated $15,000. Cartun said he had not yet determined the extent of his loss.
According to Cartun, there were 10,000 to 12,000 gallons of paint stored in one-gallon cans in the warehouse.
Fireman Injured
Joseph H. Arensberg, 25, of 1041 N. 32nd st., a hoseman with Engine Company 11, was injured slightly when a door in the flaming warehouse fell on his leg. He was treated at Cooper Hospital.
Robert D. Halsey, 23, of 41 N. 36th st., a clerk in the store, and Capt. Otto Kaiser of Engine Company 11 assisted Arensberg from the scene.
The fire was discovered because of an experiment linking traditional Christmas caroling with electronic gadgetry.
James E. Wright of 17 S. 35th st., his son James Jr., 14, Mrs. Coleman Rosenberg of 16 S. 35th st., and her daughter, Merle, 12, were standing outside their homes listening to recorded Christmas carols through an outdoor amplifier system that the elder Wright had rigged.
They saw smoke billowing from the one and a half story frame and shingle warehouse and the younger Wright sounded a box alarm at about 8 p.m.
Second Alarm Sounded
Engine Companies 9 and 11 and Truck Company 3 answered the call. At 8:28 p.m., a second alarm was sounded bringing Deputy Fire Chief Harry Wagner, Engine Companies 2 and 7, Truck Company 1, and Rescue Squad 1 to the scene.
The fire was declared under control at 9 p.m. and extinguished at 9:15 p.m.
Firemen were hampered in reaching the blaze by a corrugated tin ceiling which separated the main floor of the warehouse from the half floor or attic section, where the fire raged at its worst.
Flames burst through the outside wall and roof of the warehouse, when firemen chopped holes there in order to get a hose into the blazing attic.
Sparks Shower Roofs
Sparks showered the rooftops of the homes of Mrs. Rosenberg and her sister Mrs. Calvin Miller of 18 S. 35th st.
Police had already evacuated Mrs. Miller and her three children Robin, 9, Wendy, 7, and Elyse, 5.
According to police Robin refused to leave her house until her pet cat “Snoozy” was found. “Snoozy” was located hiding under a sofa.
The fire was confined, however, to the warehouse.
Wall Blocks Flames
A fire door between the warehouse and the store prevented the fire from spreading into the store. However the intense smoke drove several customers into the street.
Pennsauken residents reported that smoke from the blaze penetrated their homes, almost a mile away.
A major traffic tie-up was averted when cars were detoured off Federal st. at 34th and 37th sts.
Major William Gwynne of the Volunteers of America was at the scene serving coffee and doughnuts to the firefighters.
Held in East Camden Gun Battle
Camden Courier-Post —
Two of the three purported accomplices of the burglar slain by police yesterday, and the young woman whose statements helped to implicate them, are shown in the accompanying photographs. Above are James Melbourne, right, and Theodore Rettberg, left. The latter is a brother of Charles Rettberg, 1189 North Thirty-sixth street, shot in a gun battle yesterday with Detective Robert Ashenfelter, who was seriously wounded, and Policeman Frank Evans. Miss Emmalinda Canilus, a material witness, is shown at the right. Melbourne and Rettberg confessed to planning the robbery with the youth who was slain, the police say.
Family of Six Escapes Fire
Camden Courier-Post —
A Camden mother and her six children escaped without injury from a two-alarm fire that destroyed the interior of their home at 832 N. 3rd St. last night, but two firemen were slightly burned while fighting the blaze.
Acting Btn. Chief John Gryckiewicz, 50, of 36th and Fairfax Streets and Hoseman Edmund Goreznski [sic], 36, of 272 N. 33rd St. were treated at Cooper Hospital for burns of the face and hands.
Mrs. Girlene Garrett and her children fled to homes of neighbors when the 6 p.m. fire broke out. Firemen controlled the blaze within 20 minutes.
Three Injured
Camden Courier-Post —
A man and two women were hurt slightly early yesterday morning when an automobile in which they were riding crashed into a pole at Thirty-sixth street and Westfield avenue.
The driver of the car, Robert Blake, 23, of 220 North Lenola road, Moorestown, was bruised about the right knee and head. Miss Laura Quigley, 25, of 1251 Princess avenue, also was bruised on the right leg. Mrs. Frances Dahl, 25, of 3317 Pelham place, was cut on the face. All were treated at Cooper Hospital.
Several children were injured in various accidents. Eugene Molick, 5, of 1336 Chase street, suffered a fracture of the right leg when knocked down by a bicycle near his home.
Heroic Chum Near Dies As Boy Drowns
Camden Post-Telegram —
Young Son of Police Sergeant Loses His Life in the River as He Steps Into Hole.
BODY FOUND AFTER ALL-NIGHT SEARCH
Russell Horner, aged 14 years, son of Sergeant of Police William Horner, of 808 North Thirty-sixth street, was drowned in the Delaware off the old Red Mill, Pea Shore, yesterday afternoon. The body was recovered this morning by Anson Nicholson, a grocer, of Thirty-sixth and Trinity streets. Coroner Fithian gave a certificate in accordance with the facts.
Russell, a bright and active boy, able to swim only a few strokes, went bathing yesterday afternoon near the old mill with a boy named MacBurney and another companion. Some years ago a channel was dug to the wharf so that a small steamboat could make a landing there. While the boys were paddling about in the water Russell stepped into a hole on the edge of the channel and was soon beyond his depth. He sank from sight and as he rose he appealed for help. Young MacBurney, who can swim went to his assistance, and Russell caught him by the throat, both going to the bottom where MacBurney managed to free himself.
MacBurney managed to reach shore in a greatly exhausted condition and gave the alarm. A number of persons dived for the body, but without success. In the meantime the police were notified and Captain Albert and Policemen Abbott, Palmer and Johnson went to the scene.
The officers and a number of friends of Sergeant Horner grappled all through the night and early morning at one time six boat crews being at work. Believing that the constant stirring up of the water would send the body shoreward on the early morning tide Mr. Nicholson grappled accordingly and he found it in very shallow water.
During this morning hundreds of friends of Sergeant Horner lined the shore and watched the men at work. Sergeant Horner is suffering terribly, while Mrs. Horner is on the verge of collapse.
The funeral arrangements have not been completed.
Rich Brothers, Inc.
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
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The Origin of St. Joseph’s Parish—Continued
parish April 22, 1937, Father James McGrath acting as administrator in the interim before Father McKenna’s arrival.
April of 1938 saw the change of Father Brecker and Father Foley and the arrival of the Reverend Francis J. Hegarty and the Reverend John Wieckowski. Father Hegarty became Superintendent of diocesan parochial schools in 1942, and was succeeded on April 4, 1942 by the Reverend George E. Sharkey. Father John became an army chaplain in November, 1942. He was replaced for a few months by the Reverend Bernard Frank, O.M.C. The Reverend Eugene P. Kerley came to the parish in April, 1943.
In December, 1938, Father McKenna installed a bell in the school tower, and not long afterwards made improvements in the interior of the auditorium, striving to remove the theatrical atmosphere and make the building more church-like. Again in 1943 further improvements have been made by tearing out the stage and remodeling the sanctuary.
1943, The Golden Jubilee Year of the parish, will be remembered by the parishioners of Saint Joseph’s for a number of reasons. Father William Regan, a native of the parish, was advanced to the priesthood and sang his First Solemn High Mass here on April 11th. A Golden Jubilee Debt Reduction Fund was set up, and a total of about $20,000.00 was collected for
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