Admiral Wilson Boulevard
ADMIRAL WILSON BOULEVARD, on most roadmaps is simply referred to as US Route 30. Of course no one who has ever lived here would even think of the thoroughfare as anything but Admiral Wilson Boulevard. The stretch of highway, which runs from the foot of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to the Airport Circle has been at different times one of the most famous and alternately the most infamous roads in South Jersey. The road is named for Admiral Henry Braid Wilson Jr., a Camden native and World War I naval hero. His father was also a noted figure in Camden, the H.B. Wilson school at 7th and Florence Street being named in his honor.
The thoroughfare was originally known as Bridge Boulevard, as it connected with Bridge Avenue, one of Camden's older streets, which has disappeared from the map over the years. The change in name was announced on November 11, 1929 during Camden's Armistice Day ceremonies. The change in name was a popular move, and travelers soon commonly called the highway the Admiral Wilson Boulevard. What they didn't know was that name change had not been made official.
During Mayor Winfield Price's administration, Camden's City Commission tried to correct the problem by adopting a resolution to make the name change official, but an ordinance was needed before the change could take effect. The ordinance was finally drafted in 1937 and Bridge Boulevard officially became Admiral Wilson Boulevard.
The south side of the boulevard runs parallel to the Cooper River between Memorial Avenue and the Airport Circle. When the road was originally conceived, this side of the boulevard was meant to be parkland, providing the motorist a view of the river and on its far bank, Camden High School and city- and county-owned parks. This idea was abandoned very quickly. Anticipating the change in shopping patterns that would come with the affordability of automobiles in the 1920s, the Sears-Roebuck Company insisted on locating on the boulevard instead of in downtown Camden. During the administration of Mayor Victor S. King (1923–1927) a deal was consummated, and Sears came to Camden, building a then ultra-modern building at Admiral Wilson Boulevard and Mount Ephraim Avenue, which opened on July 1, 1927.
Up until the late 1930s there was very little development along the Boulevard until one reached Pennsauken. The original plan, filed in 1921, for instance, called for residences on the north side of the Boulevard east of Baird Boulevard. In the mid-1930s Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann Jr. began a push that resulted in the rezoning of the Boulevard in Camden. Commercial development started before the end of the decade. Notable among the new businesses were the Merlin Motors car dealership and the White Tower restaurants, both near Baird Boulevard. At the Airport Circle end, in Pennsauken Township, development came much quicker. Mostly rural Pennsauken was happy to see commercial properties along the new route.
Within a very few years after World War II the boulevard was home to many businesses besides Sears, including gas stations, car dealerships, bars, motels, and various other commercial enterprises. There was a LOT of traffic on the boulevard which terminated at the Airport Circle. To alleviate traffic jams various improvements were made over the years. The road was widened, bridges were built over the road at Baird Boulevard, Federal Street, and Memorial Avenue, and ramps were built so that traffic could enter and exit the Boulevard smoothly. Even with all the construction, the Admiral Wilson Boulevard was famous for traffic jams.
By the 1970s the Admiral Wilson Boulevard became known for a few things thought even less well of than traffic jams. The bars and motels had come after 1960. Despite all the absolute silliness and propaganda promoted in the press, there never were any more than three bars on the boulevard, likewise there never were more than three motels, and NEVER were there more than two adult bookstores at one time. In fact, from the early 1980s on, there was only one adult establishment, and that was in Pennsauken. However, no thanks at all to the Philadelphia newspapers and with less help from the Courier-Post, the Boulevard and by inference Camden was portrayed as having “countless by-the-hour motels, strip joints, and seedy bars.”
Still, in fact, the motels, no longer fueled by regular commercial activity in the city, became magnets for prostitutes who solicited on the boulevard. By the mid 1970s, all three bars featured scantily clad dancers, and a former car dealership, just over the city line in Pennsauken, served no alcohol, but featured nude female dancers. Oddly enough, although this establishment attracted much of the negative press that focused on the Boulevard, there was far less illegal activity there than at the bars and especially the motels.
In anticipation of the 2000 Republican Convention held in Philadelphia, then New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman spent a great amount of taxpayer dollars in acquiring all the commercial properties on the south side of the boulevard east of the Cooper River to the Airport Circle. Every building was razed, grass and trees were planted, and a park, which no one can park at or really use, was created. Camden, which was already short on tax generating commercial properties, lost a few more—but the lame-duck Governor did get a cabinet-level job in Washington after the election.
The traffic jams have not been alleviated, as the south side of the boulevard floods during heavy rains and occasionally at high tide. The Cooper River had been dredged and the channel deepened around 1930. Over the years the river has silted back up, causing the flooding. No plans have been made public concerning a solution to this problem, which will only get worse as time goes by.
The north side of the boulevard still has many of the commercial buildings built prior to 1960. There were many large car dealerships prior to 1980, which are no longer there, but the buildings are still being utilized.
—Phil Cohen
Looking West from the Baird Avenue Bridge
Postcard from a photograph taken before 1915. The photograph was taken long before the Boulevard was built, and there is not much activity in East Camden to be seen in this picture either.
From the Airport Circle to the Ben Franklin Bridge
Photo published 1931. In this picture the only business on the south side of the Boulevard was Sears. A few businesses had located on the north side, near Baird Boulevard, and streets running parallel to the Boulevard and Marlton Avenue had been laid out.
1950s–1990s. As South Jersey grew, ramps were added to expedite the flow of traffic. This configuration was in place until the 1990s.
Eastbound on the Admiral Wilson Boulevard
Benjamin Franklin Bridge Approach — US 30 East, Exit 1
Before the Boulevard itself is the Benjamin Franklin Bridge Approach, US 30 East, at exit 1 in Camden. Strangely, exit 1 has no signage whatsoever. In the distance, the Federal Street Railroad Bridge. July 1, 2001.
1300 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — Sears-Roebuck
1300 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — Sears-Roebuck opened July 1, 1927. Heavy traffic in both directions in front of Sears-Roebuck (1931). The former Sears Building on July 23, 2008. Due to neglect by its owner, the building was declared a health hazard and not fit for human occupancy in January of 2006.
1350 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — Sears Auto Service
1350 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — Sears Auto Service (1974) • Adult Mini-Twin Theater • Bullseye Messenger • C.F. Air Freight. Razed July 2008 — Photo July 23, 2008. The former Sears Auto Service building is in the foreground during its demolition; old Sears Building (1300 Admiral Wilson Boulevard) is in background.
Camden Connection Overpass
Eastbound on the Admiral Wilson Boulevard, just past the old Sears Service building. The Cooper River bridge is just ahead. July 1, 2001. (Built in 1950.)
1420 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — Save-Way / Merit / Hess Gas Station
1420 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — June 21, 1950 to the 1970s: Save-Way Gas Station / Admiral Car Wash • 1980–2001: Merit Gas Station • 2003 to present: Hess Gas Station. Camden Courier-Post, June 21, 1950: “The world's largest gas station opened today at Admiral Wilson boulevard and Cooper river. Morton Sand, an official of the Save Way Stations, Inc., is pictured pumping the first tank of fuel for a motorist.”
Artist's Conception & Views of the Cooper River Bridge
Artist's conception of the then nameless boulevard (ca. 1930) • As seen from east of Cooper River Bridge (1930) • This bridge spanning the Cooper River was built during the construction of the Boulevard in the mid-1920s. Photograph published 1930.
1836 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — Al's Mobil Service Station
1836 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — 1955: Al's Mobil Service Station.
Merlin Motors
Merlin Motors car dealership on Admiral Wilson Boulevard, near Baird Boulevard. Note that in the 1940 photograph the large service department had not yet been built.
Other businesses near Baird Boulevard included:
2035 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — 1930s–1940s: White Tower • 1947–1970s: Marbett's Restaurant • 1990s–present: Golden Pearl Chinese Restaurant
Notice of Application — 2007 Admiral Wilson Blvd.
Camden Courier-Post —
2007 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — 1965–1974: SP Liquors • 1974–1980s: Minnie's Lounge • 1980s–present: Carool's Liquors
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
Camden Courier-Post —
Take notice that application has been made to the Municipal Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control of the City of Camden to transfer to Edmund Aristone for premises located at 2007 Admiral Wilson Blvd., the Plenary Retail Consumption License No. C-102, heretofore issued to Mamie Tarter, trading as Colonial Cocktail Lounge for the premises located at 801 Kaighn Avenue, Camden, New Jersey.
Plans and specifications of building to be constructed may be examined at the office of the Municipal Clerk.
Objections, if any, should be made immediately in writing to John T. Odorisio, Clerk of the City of Camden, New Jersey.
EDMUND ARISTONE, 130 Morris Street, Merchantville, N.J.
($23.04)
Berglund Ford
Berglund Ford on Admiral Wilson Boulevard.
Other businesses along this stretch included:
1951 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — Admiral Gulf Service • Garnett's Sunoco Station • Biddle Car Rental • 1980s–2004: Amoco Gas Station • 2004: BP Gas Station
1527 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — 1974: Dual Control Driving School • Auto Vinyl Top Company • Car & Driver Limousine Service • Avis Rent-A-Car • Avis Truck Rental • 1990s: Smith & Solomon Truck Driving School
1839 Admiral Wilson Blvd. — 1974–2001: McNulty's Exxon • 2001 to date: Exxon Gas Station
Rohrer Chevrolet
Rohrer Chevrolet at 16th Street and Admiral Wilson Boulevard. 1930–1950 in the main building; 1950–1980s continuing at the location. Also occupies the Intersection of Admiral Wilson Boulevard and South 17th Street. All Current Electrical Sales now occupies much of the old Rohrer Chevrolet Parts & Service Departments.
Also at the Intersection of Admiral Wilson Boulevard and South 16th Street:
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. building • MDTA Training School • Bush Refrigeration
3 Hurt in Collision on Wilson Boulevard
Camden Courier-Post —
Three persons were injured in an automobile crash at Admiral Wilson and Baird Boulevards yesterday when a machine driven by a Camden man was in collision with an automobile driven by a Bridgeton man.
The most seriously injured was John Kaus, Jr., 19, of 1738 Tioga Street. He suffered a severed tendon of the right hand. Walter Connell, of 27 Marlton Avenue, driver of one machine, was cut about the head.
Anthony Batani, of Bridgeton, driver of the other car, was cut about the hands. J. R. Boston, of 718 Pearl Street, took all the injured to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.
3 Hurt, 1 Arrested in 4-Car Collision
Camden Courier-Post —
Three persons were injured last night in a four-car collision on the Wilson boulevard, near Eighteenth street.
Muzio Incognito, 50, of 21 Camden avenue, Lenola, was arrested following the accident, charged with reckless driving by all three of the other drivers. Incognito was cut on the face in the accident and treated at Cooper Hospital.
The others injured were Mrs. Edna Sott, 50, of 5235 Cedar avenue, Philadelphia, and Raymond R. Scott, 36, of 123 Colonial avenue, Haddonfield, her brother. Scott was driving one of the machines.
The other drivers were Rev. Francis F. Brennan of Overbrook and Frank J. Hill, Jr., of 4650 Locust street, Philadelphia.
Incognito was held in $300 bail for a hearing today.
Commissioner Asks Legal Opinion on Plot Restrictions
Camden Courier-Post —
Plan Filed in 1921 Says Only Private Dwellings Can Be Erected
CITY DECLARED LOSER
In an effort to see if something may not be done for industrial, commercial and residential development of real estate on each side of Admiral Wilson boulevard from Baird boulevard to the Pennsauken township line, City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., yesterday contacted City Solicitor E. C. G. [sic] Bleakly.
An odd restriction in the Forest Hill Gardens plan is believed to have deprived the city of Camden of considerable business, Commissioner Hartmann said.
The restriction, incorporated in a plan by Walter MacNamara, filed in October, 1921, provides that “No improvements other than private dwellings costing not less than $2500 with privileges of private garages shall be erected on any lots shown on said plan . . .”
The plan covers the area from Baird boulevard to the city line and from Cooper river to Marlton pike. Lots fronting on Baird boulevard, and lots 1 to 58 fronting on Marlton pike are excepted.
As a result, Commissioner Hartmann said, many factories, gas stations and other business have sprung up in Pennsauken that might otherwise have been opened in Camden.
Threatens Action
Unless the restrictions are removed, the Commissioner warned, he will insist that valuation of the property on the bridge boulevard east of Baird boulevard should be so increased as to force owners to build to increase city revenue and justify the value of the land.
“Either there will be worthwhile buildings or higher assessments comparing with upper Admiral Wilson boulevard property,” the commissioner said.
Properties on the south side of Admiral Wilson boulevard, their frontage and valuation are: (east from Baird boulevard) Camden Safe Deposit and Trust company, 766.72 feet, $8650 valuation for ground; Hatch Land Improvement company, 145 feet, $3425 for land and $7825 for improvements; Forest Hill Boat club, 60 feet, $350 valuation for ground; and Camden Safe Deposit and Trust company, $25,550 for ground as far as the city line.
Properties Listed
On the opposite side of the bridge boulevard are the following properties:
Baird to Somerset street; First Camden National Bank and Trust, 103 feet, $2125 valuation for ground; Henry B. Coles, Jr., 56 feet, $2125 for ground; Combex corporation, 40 feet, $1925; Blanch I. Smith, 40 feet, $1925; Combex corporation, lots of 60, 40 and 90 feet, assessed at $2875, $1925 and $4325.
Somerset street to Thorndyke street; Camden Safe Deposit and Trust, 400 feet, $19,200 for ground.
Thorndyke street to city line: Camden Safe Deposit and Trust, 380 feet, $18,250 for ground; Raflin Realty company, Inc., 3 lots of 60, 60, and 65 feet, assessed at $2875, $2875 and $3125.
Mailbag: Danger on the Boulevard
Camden Courier-Post —
Danger on the Boulevard
To the Editor:
Sir—I agree with you that the driving conditions on Wilson Boulevard and Crescent boulevard are getting worse and worse. Out by the Walkathon the drivers, many from Philly, where they don't know any better, turn left in the middle of traffic, and spin about to make a complete turn.
Of course, I don't give a doggone what happens to such poor fools. But they tie up traffic and make trouble for other people. The airport has an entrance of its own, where you can drive in without making turns in the middle of the boulevard. It ought to be made to use that entrance or else the drivers should be made to quit turning left off the boulevard.
It is dangerous and somebody is likely to be killed before long. Then everybody will howl that it is terrible about these reckless drivers.
MOTORIST
The Airport Circle
Central Airport, the Airport Circle & East Camden, circa 1928. Most of East Camden & the Boulevard had yet to be developed. Courtesy N.J. Department of Transportation (formerly the N.J. State Highway Department).
Central Airport, the Airport Circle & East Camden, mid-1930s. Courtesy N.J. Department of Transportation.
Central Airport & the Airport Circle, circa 1950, before the 1951 fire that destroyed Weber's Hofbrau House. Courtesy N.J. Department of Transportation.
The Airport Circle, 1953. Courtesy N.J. Department of Transportation.
Auto Movie Theatre Has Premiere Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
The world’s first automobile movie theatre which has aroused national interest because of its basic patents and in which motor cars literally are transformed into private theatre boxes, will have its premiere performance tonight in the Camden Drive-In Theatre.
On the Admiral Wilson Boulevard, near the Central Airport, it occupies approximately 250,000 square feet and is comparable, in size, to Franklin Field. Eight semi-circular rows, each 50 feet deep, will accommodate 500 motor cars simultaneously. Motorists and their guests will see and hear talking pictures while they smoke, talk or partake of refreshments without annoying others in the audience.
There is a slight incline at the front of each aisle which guarantees uninterrupted vision.
The program will be a complete talking picture show and will be changed on Wednesdays and Sundays with three evening performances daily, at 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30 o’clock.
Work Starts On Boulevard Overpasses
Camden Courier-Post —
Construction of safety features on Admiral Wilson blvd. was started Thursday by Union Paving Co., of Wynnewood, Pa., holder of a $340,570 contract with the State Highway Department.
The program calls for construction of two pedestrian overpasses over the boulevard, and reconstruction of the concrete dividing island.
Work crews began ripping up the old three-foot wide concrete divider in preparation for construction of a new center barrier 32 inches high from a point halfway between 12th Street and the Pennsylvania Railroad overpass, to the Airport Circle, a distance of more than a mile.
The pedestrian overpasses will be constructed at 16th Street in the city and at Rodman Avenue near Rosemont Avenue in Pennsauken Township. Each will be built with safety railings, stairways and will be six feet wide.
After the overpasses and center medial strip are completed, the entire road surface of the boulevard will be covered with a blacktop. The state is paying the cost of the project.
Later photograph of the overpass construction work described above, in progress.
Airport Circle Aerial, 1963
The Airport Circle, aerial photograph, 1963.
3 Hurt in Boulevard Accident Caused by Runaway Bakery Horse
Camden Courier-Post —
Animal Rams Car Stopped for Traffic Light; Passengers in Two Other Automobiles Injured in Crash
A runaway horse was the indirect cause of three persons being slightly injured last night at Admiral Wilson boulevard and Baird avenue.
According to Detective Thomas Murphy, the horse, which had broken loose from a tether in the yard of Ralph Marchione, operator of a bakery at 3939 Marlton pike, rammed into the rear of an automobile driven by Jack Silverman, of 506 Beideman avenue. Silverman was stopped on Baird avenue for the traffic light at the intersection.
Charles Bleyer, 57, of 905 Atlantic avenue, Atlantic City, was driving north on the boulevard when he saw the runaway horse. He stopped and got out to lead the horse from the highway.
He left Mrs. Lillian McNamara, 44, of 419 Trenton avenue, in his car when he got out. Another automobile, driven by Harold B. Ash, 20, of 982 North Twenty-third street, crashed into the rear of Bleyer’s car, police said.
Mrs. McNamara, Ash and John F. Dease, 20, of 109 North Sixth street, a passenger in Ash’s car, suffered lacerations. Ash and Mrs. McNamara were treated at Cooper Hospital for minor cuts, while Dease was treated by his physician.
Police reported the horse also was hurt when he rammed Silverman’s car.
‘Stocking’ Bandit Hunt Underway
Camden Courier-Post —
Police are searching for two armed bandits who early today held up the night clerk of the Oasis Motel, Admiral Wilson Boulevard, and made off with $104 in cash.
According to police, John Manning, 60, of 2120 Watson Street, was alone in the office when two men wearing gray caps and stocking masks over their faces entered through a rear door.
After Manning turned over the money in the cash register, the bandits forced him to accompany them, he said. When they reached the top of the ramp near Baird Boulevard, he was freed. The two bandits fled on foot in the direction of Park Boulevard.
Manning said one of the hold-up men was about 5 ft. 5 inches tall, the other 5 ft. 7 inches. Both were described as Negroes, about 25 years old.
An undetermined amount of money, including money collected for the New Jersey Sales tax, was reported stolen today by a South Camden tavern owner.
Steve Raczykowski, owner of Steve’s Tavern, 1800 Fillmore Street, said he was unable to estimate immediately how much cash and merchandise were stolen.
Police said Clara Iaveccia, who lives in an apartment above the tavern, heard noises below at 5 a.m. and called police. They found a grating on a cellar window had been removed and a door leading to the bar forced.
Widow Routed by Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
A Camden woman whose husband was killed seven weeks ago in a traffic mishap today was routed from her home when fire broke out in the upstairs bedroom for the second time within six hours.
Mrs. Edith McDevitt, 45, of 916 Front St. was aroused while sleeping on the living room couch about 8 a.m. as she heard what appeared to be stones hitting a window.
As Mrs. McDevitt investigated she discovered the noise was fire crackling in the bedroom upstairs. She then ran to the rear door where she called for neighbors’ aid. One of the neighbors notified the fire department.
Two Overcome
Responding to the alarm were Engine Companies 2 and 6 and Ladder Company 1.
According to Fire Capt. Joseph Wolfinger, flames had engulfed the bedroom and flames shot from windows as firemen arrived at the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished although two firemen — Acting Capt. John Brzozowski of Engine Company 2 and Fireman Samuel Fisher of Ladder No. 1 — were overcome by smoke. Both were treated at the scene.
According to authorities, Mrs. McDevitt reported she had taken medication before retiring about 11 o’clock last night. She apparently fell asleep before finishing a cigarette which ignited the mattress.
Doused Mattress Fire
However, she doused the mattress fire—about 2 a.m.—with a bucket of water. Believing the fire out, she went downstairs and slept on the couch.
Mrs. McDevitt told firemen she has been prescribed a depressant medication since the death of her husband, James, who was killed last April 22 when the car he was driving crashed into a viaduct overpass on Admiral Wilson Boulevard near Federal Street.
Authorities said Mrs. McDevitt’s bedroom had extensive fire damage but was contained to that area. More than $300 in coins also was recovered for the widow after she informed firemen that a pitcher broken during the fire contained many coins.
Seven Violate Trucker Rule On Boulevard
Camden Courier-Post —
City Court Scene:
Four truck drivers paid fines of $25 and $5 costs in Camden Municipal Court today on charges of failing to keep to the right on Admiral Wilson blvd.
Three out-of-state truckers failed to appear for hearings before Judge Dzick and forfeited their $25 security. Warrants were issued for two New Jersey drivers who did not appear.
Paying the $25 fines and $5 costs were Bernard F. Beri, 28, Jessup rd., Thorofare; Hanlon Harris Sr., 20, Union Mill rd., Kresson; Harold T. Howard Jr., 34, Rt. 130, Burlington, and Joseph A. Salla, 28, of Springfield, Pa.
Forfeiting $25 by failure to appear were Socrates R. Dixon, 30, Pottsville, Pa.; Elijah Wright, 20, of 1212 N. 15th st., Philadelphia, and James M. Owens, 32, Seminola, Fla.
Warrants for failure to appear were issued for Harry Grebowich, 27, of 517 N. 3rd st., Camden, and Felix, [sic] Trapani, 34, of 147 Griffith st., Salem.
All were arrested by Motorcycle Patrolmen Charles Voll and William Miller.
* * *
Two Camden men were fined $200 and their licenses revoked for two years after being found guilty of drunken driving charges.
Walter Zienynski, 40, of 20th st. near Pierce ave., pleaded not guilty to the tipsy driving charge. He was arrested last Friday by Patrolmen John Moffa and William Haines. It was testified he was examined by Dr. Lee J. Hammett and pronounced unfit to drive.
Stanley Kiersznieswski, 49, of Jackson st. near 12th, pleaded guilty to the charge. He was arrested Friday by Patrolmen David Hainsworth and John Opfer.
2 Runaway Horses Imperil Children
Camden Courier-Post —
Gallopers Stage Impromptu Race in South Camden Traffic
Scores of children on their way to school were endangered yesterday when two horses hitched to a bakery wagon ran away in South Camden streets, ignoring red traffic lights and shouts of pedestrians and motorists.
A horse hitched to a wagon of the Seven Brothers Bakery, 322 Pine street, broke loose from its wagon at Third and Berkley streets when it was frightened by a truck, according to Joseph Cirelli, Second and Washington streets, the wagon driver. The animal raced east in Berkley street to West street, where it collided with an automobile. Despite numerous cuts and bruises, the horse continued its dash eastward.
At the headquarters of Freihofer Bakery Company, Fifth and Berkley streets, where several bakery wagons were being loaded, the runaway animal frightened the horses of the company, and one bolted.
Both horses crossed Broadway, demoralizing traffic and sending scores of children running in all directions to escape the menace of flying hoofs and a careening wagon.
At the railroad tracks, the bakery wagon and one horse was [sic] captured.
The other horse turned north in Sixth street, pursued by Motorcycle Policeman William Thorn.
Thorn overtook the horse and brought it to a stop at Sixth and Stevens streets, opposite Cooper Hospital. The animal was taken to the city stables at Federal street and Admiral Wilson boulevard, where it was later claimed by the driver.