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Borton Street

Streets of Camden, NJ

Borton Street

By Phil Cohen

Borton Street runs for one block, north from Pearl Street to Elm Street, between Ray Street and North 10th Street. The street first appears in city directories in 1890. The 1969 New Jersey Bell Telephone Directory shows nine families living on Borton Street. A reverse directory published in 1980 shows two houses still occupied. The last house standing on Borton Street, the long vacant number 528, fell to fire on June 1st of 2008.

Borton Street was named after the best man at the wedding of developer and builder Charles W. Cox, lawyer Joshua Borton. Charles W. Cox built the homes on Borton Street and also those on Ray Street, which was named for his wife Mrs. “Ray” Cox.

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Intersection of Pearl Street & Borton Street

1946 map of Camden showing Borton Street running north from Pearl Street, east of Ray Street

1946 map of Camden — Borton Street runs north from Pearl Street, east of Ray Street

Looking west on Pearl Street from Borton Street, 1993 Looking west on Pearl Street from Borton Street, 2005

Looking west on Pearl Street from Borton Street — 1993 and 2005

Satellite image of Borton Street, 2006, with Borton Street marked by a red box Satellite image of Borton Street, 2006, closer view

Satellite images of Borton Street — 2006 — beginning and end marked by red box

512 Borton Street

Accused of attacking two small children — Louis Works of 512 Borton Street, Camden Courier-Post, December 4, 1930

Accused of attacking two small children, Louis Works, 22, of 512 Borton street, was given two years in prison. The sentence carried with it a recommendation for a mental examination. Complaint against him was made by Mrs. Louise F. Walsh, secretary of the S.P.C.C.

Camden Courier-Post, December 4, 1930

521 Borton Street

Torch Thaws Pipes, Also Sets House Afire — Frank Roccanella of 521 Borton Street, Camden Courier-Post, December 2, 1936

TORCH THAWS PIPES, ALSO SETS HOUSE AFIRE

When Frank Roccanella, of 521 Borton street, applied a gasoline torch to frozen pipes in the basement of his home yesterday, flames from the torch set fire to wooden joists. Roccanella turned in an alarm and firemen extinguished the blaze before the fire spread.

The pipes in the Roccanella home are thawed all right, but floor boards in their vicinity are ruined.

Camden Courier-Post, December 2, 1936

524 Borton Street

William Walsh of 524 Borton Street returns after going missing, Philadelphia Inquirer, May 16, 1906

William Walsh, 17 years old, of 524 Borton street, who had been missing several days, returned yesterday. He had gone to Atlantic City to see the sights.

Philadelphia Inquirer, May 16, 1906

525 Borton Street

Rox Saponare, associated with 525 Borton Street, Camden Courier-Post, February 25, 1928

Woman Drinks Poison, Spats With Husband

WOMAN DRINKS POISON, SPATS WITH HUSBAND

Following an argument with her husband, Mrs. Martha Cowley, 25 years old, 525 Borton street, swallowed a drug with suicidal intent. She was taken to Cooper Hospital where the stomach pump was applied and she was later sent home.

The woman told Detective Sapinore that her husband, Harry, came home intoxicated last night with part of his pay missing. An argument started and she went to her bedroom and drank the poison. Her husband heard her groans and notified the police.

Obituary for John F. Warren of 525 Borton Street, Camden Courier-Post, June 23, 1952

JOHN F. WARREN

Services for John F. Warren, 68, will be held Tuesday in the funeral home of Robert J. Blake, Haddon ave. and Division st., where friends may call tonight. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery, New Gretna. Mr. Warren, who lived at 525 Borton st., died Friday. Born in Pottsville, Pa., he resided in Camden eight years and was an engineer at the Commercial Trust Building, Philadelphia. Surviving are his widow, Sophie; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Jordan, Camden, and Mrs. Anna M. Bossik, Mizpah; two sisters, Mrs. Sallie Karl and Mrs. Nellie Miller, both of Roxborough, Pa., and 16 grandchildren.

Camden Courier-Post, June 23, 1952

531 Borton Street

Man Charged With Assault — related to Norman E. Billet family of 531 Borton Street, Philadelphia Inquirer, October 16, 1917

Man Charged With Assault

When Vera Burns and Clara Billet, both young girls, reported to their parents that they had been attacked by a man, their fathers, together with a posse of neighbors, placed under arrest Frank Schoopfer, 32 years old, of 2516 Richmond street. Philadelphia Recorder Stackhouse held him in $500 bail for court.

Philadelphia Inquirer, October 16, 1917

532 Borton Street

Legal notice from John M. Reeves of 532 Borton Street, Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1927

I WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE for any bills unless contracted by myself. John M. Reeves, 532 Borton St., Camden.

Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1927

533 Borton Street

George Jordan of 533 Borton Street committed to county jail, Philadelphia Inquirer, July 29, 1906

George Jordan, of 533 Borton street, Camden, was committed to the county jail yesterday by Recorder Stackhouse, for a further hearing, on a charge of brandishing a butcher knife and threatening to kill several neighbors. In a pistol fight with a man named Souders in 1894 Jordan was shot and his father was killed. Jordan hovered between life and death for a long time. He never fully regained his health. Souders was acquitted on the ground of self-defense.

Philadelphia Inquirer, July 29, 1906

537 Borton Street

William Kunitz Dies From Heart Attack — William Kunitz of 537 Borton Street, Camden Courier-Post, October 15, 1934

WILLIAM KUNITZ DIES FROM HEART ATTACK

Democratic Worker Stricken While Standing in Kitchen

William Kunitz, an active worker in Second ward Democratic ranks, died suddenly yesterday from a heart attack. He was stricken while standing in the kitchen of his home at 537 Borton street.

Kunitz, who was 52 and a foreman in the city highway department during the Non-Partisan regime, was twice defeated for nomination for freeholder. He was a candidate in the primary elections of 1931 and 1934.

Edward B. Kunitz, a son, said his father ate breakfast yesterday and shortly afterward complained of pains in the chest. He collapsed shortly after 11 a. m.

The family, aided by neighbors, took him to Cooper Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Coroner Arthur H. Holl issued a certificate of death from natural causes.

Kunitz is survived by his widow, Bessie; another son, George; a brother, Charles, of Lindenwold, and a sister, Mrs. Nellie Volz, of Runnemede.

He was a member of the Roosevelt Democrat Club and an associate of Edward J. Kelleher in Democratic ranks. Funeral arrangements have not been completed.

Camden Courier-Post, October 15, 1934

June 1, 2008 — The Last House on Borton Street Lost to Fire

The last house on Borton Street, 528 Borton Street, engulfed in flames, June 1, 2008

528 Borton Street — the last house on Borton Street — June 1, 2008

Camden, NJ Fire Fighters Save Minnie Mouse From Blazing Dwelling

Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on June 1, 2008 Camden New Jersey fire fighters were dispatched to the 500 block of Borton Street in the North Camden section of the City for a reported dwelling fire. As the companies were responding fire radio gave an update that they were receiving numerous calls for a working fire. A large column of smoke was seen in the sky as the first due units turned the corner they reported that they had a two story vacant vandalized dwelling with heavy fire showing, and that they were going into service with a 2½ inch line.

Due to the condition of the building an exterior attack was being made. Within 10 minutes the bulk of the fire was knocked down and an unusual event took place. A fire fighter found an unconscious figure of Minnie Mouse laying in the rear of the dwelling. Fire fighter Javier Matos of Ladder Company 3 knew that something had to be done to save Minnie. To the delight of his brother fire fighters, fire fighter Matos removed his face mask and placed it on Minnie Mouse. Within a few minutes Minnie Mouse was revived and a loud cheer went up applauding fire fighter Matos for his gallant bravery saving the life of one of the country’s National Heroines.

Someone hollered “Where is Mickey Mouse”???

Members of Ladder Co. 1 immediately made a secondary search of the burned out dwelling but were unable to find any signs of Mickey Mouse. The matter was turned over to the Fire Marshal’s office to find out why Minnie Mouse was in this section of the City without Mickey by her side. As one fire fighter put it “A lot of strange things happen in this City” and this was one of them.

First arriving units find a heavily involved dwelling fire at 528 Borton Street, June 1, 2008 Ladder Company 1 fire fighter Mariano Pinto ascending ladder for ventilation and overhaul, 528 Borton Street fire, June 1, 2008

Left: First arriving units find a heavily involved dwelling fire. Right: Ladder Company 1 fire fighter Mariano Pinto ascending ladder for ventilation and overhaul.

Ladder Company 1 fire fighter Mariano Pinto ascending ladder for ventilation and overhaul at 528 Borton Street, June 1, 2008

Ladder Company 1 fire fighter Mariano Pinto ascending ladder for ventilation and overhaul.

Fire at 528 Borton Street, Camden, June 1, 2008 Fire fighter Matos of Ladder Company 3 holding a happy Minnie Mouse after reviving her from the blaze at 528 Borton Street, June 1, 2008

Fire fighter Matos of Ladder Company 3 holding a happy Minnie Mouse after reviving her from the blazing dwelling.

Fire fighters were unable to find any signs of Mickey Mouse at 528 Borton Street, June 1, 2008

Fire fighters were unable to find any signs of Mickey Mouse. An investigation will begin.

Fire at 528 Borton Street, last house on Borton Street, Camden, June 1, 2008

528 Borton Street — the last house on Borton Street — June 1, 2008

500 Block of Borton Street

500 Block of Borton Street

Address and occupant records from city directories, 1890–1980.

509 Borton Street

509 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Lewis B. Todd
1969B. I. Parker

511 Borton Street

511 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Sadie Markward
1969T. A. Cox

512 Borton Street

512 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915 George Griffith
1929Raymond A. Miller
1930 Louis Works
1947Gone

513 Borton Street

513 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1918 Levering Minister
1947Mrs. Mary E. Durham
1969M. Ross

514 Borton Street

514 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Raymond E. Becker

515 Borton Street

515 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Anna Williams
1969Betsy Williams

517 Borton Street

517 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Mary S. Yates

519 Borton Street

519 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Americo Passarella

520 Borton Street

520 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Vacant

521 Borton Street

521 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1936–1947 Frank F. Rocanella
1969R. L. Sherman

522 Borton Street

522 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Isabel Long

523 Borton Street

523 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Robert W. Gresch

524 Borton Street

524 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906 William Walsh
1947Henry J. Williams

525 Borton Street

525 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1927–1928 Harry & Helen Cowley
1947–1952 John F. Warren & Family
1947–1952John F. & Sophie Warren
1947–1952Mary Warren Jordan
1947–1952Anna Warren Bossik

526 Borton Street

526 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890–1891James Nettleton — laborer
1890–1891James Nettleton
1947Vacant

527 Borton Street

527 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1900 Philip Schucker & Family
1900Philip & Mary Schucker
1900Mary Schucker
1900Fred Schucker
1900Ernest Schucker
1900 William Schucker
1947Stewart D. MacIntosh

528 Borton Street

528 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890–1891Richard H. Kirkbride — polisher
1890–1891Richard H. Kirkbride
1947Benjamin J. Merckel
1969Occupied, no telephone
1980J. Gresch
2008 Vacant — destroyed by fire June 1, 2008
2008Vacant

529 Borton Street

529 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Edith C. Simpson

530 Borton Street

530 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Ellis Hurst
1969Occupied, no telephone
1980J. Dent

531 Borton Street

531 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1917–1918 Norman E. Billet & Family
1947Frederick Gresch

532 Borton Street

532 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890–1891Malvern H. Moore
1927 John M. Reeves
1947Mrs. Marian McCann

533 Borton Street

533 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906 George Jordan
1947Ellsworth H. May — hauling

534 Borton Street

534 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890–1891James McCabe
1947James E. Coughlin
1934William Kunitz & Family
1934William & Bessie Kunitz

535 Borton Street

535 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Francis Coughlin
1969C. Cain

536 Borton Street

536 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890–1891George W. Jackson — hatter (Barton Street directory)
1947Cornell A. Prosser
1969B. L. Colangelo

537 Borton Street

537 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1931William Bessing & Family — William & Bessie Bessing, James Bessing, William Bessing
1931William & Bessing Bessing
1931James Bessing
1934 William Kunitz & Family — William & Bessie Kunitz, Edward Kunitz, George Kunitz
1947Mrs. E. Dyer

538 Borton Street

538 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Mary E. Mount
1969H. J. Smith

540 Borton Street

540 Borton Street — 500 Block of Borton Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947William Tucker
1969Mrs. A. Del Baugh

Location

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