Bridge Avenue
Bridge Avenue is all but a memory today, but at one time it was one of Camden's most notable thoroughfares. It lay between Federal and Mickle Streets. There were buildings on both sides of Bridge Avenue as far east as South 5th Street in 1890. By 1924 Bridge Avenue ran on the north side of the railroad tracks that started at the Market Street Ferry, with Mickle Street running parallel on the south side of the tracks.
By 1924 Bridge Avenue below South 5th Street was gone. The street then began at Hudson Street and ended at Broadway, then began again at South 8th Street east for one block. By 1947 only the block east of South 8th Street was left, and it has been gone for many years. Today what was Bridge Avenue is part of the property at the rear of the Police Administration building.
Phil Cohen — Sunday, November 24, 2019
Intersection of South 2nd Street & Bridge Avenue
Southeast Corner of South 2nd Street & Bridge Avenue: 1887 — Samuel B. Goff, patent medicine.
200 Block of Bridge Avenue
William J. “Kid” Gleason, who grew up at 212 Bridge Avenue
200 Block of Bridge Avenue — Occupants
Address and occupant records from city directories, 1869–1893.
209 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1878 | W. Elwood Campbell |
| 1878 | Sarah A. Campbell |
| 1878 | John Cherry |
| 1878 | Frank G. Sapp |
| 1878 | Walter Patton |
| 1878 | Henry E. Warner |
| 1888–1893 | James W. Hope Family — James & Susan Hope, James W. Hope Jr., Henry 'Harry' Hope, Emma Hope, Eddie Hope, William Hope, Harriet Hope, Carrie Hope |
211 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1869 | James Cassidy |
212 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887–1888 | William Gleason & Family — William & Ellen Ivins Gleason, William J. 'Kid' Gleason, Harry Gleason, Walter Gleason, Elizabeth Gleason, Theodore Gleason, Samuel Gleason, John Gleason, Marion Gleason, Isaac Gleason |
| 1887–1888 | William J. 'Kid' Gleason |
| 1891 | Anson H. Kelly & Family |
| 1891 | Anson H. & Katherine Mathews Kelley |
| 1891 | Anson Kelley |
| 1924 | Gone |
213 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1884–1887 | William McKinley |
214 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887–1890 | Anson H. Kelly & Family |
| 1887–1890 | Anson H. & Katherine Mathews Kelley |
| 1887–1890 | Anson Kelley |
216 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1878–1881 | John H. Fine |
217 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1888 | Richard Shannon Jr. — sailmaker |
| 1888 | Richard Shannon Jr |
219 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1880 | John Elberson & Family — John & Rachel Elberson, William P. Elberson, Edith Elberson, Mamie Elberson |
| 1880 | John Elberson & Family |
222 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1881–1882 | Charles S. Elfreth |
223 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1883–1888 | Thomas W. McCowan |
231 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1878 | Anson H. Kelly & Family |
| 1878 | Anson H. & Katherine Mathews Kelley |
| 1878 | Anson Kelley |
200 & 300 Block of Bridge Avenue in 1885
200 and 300 Block of Bridge Avenue in 1885. Click to enlarge.
300 Block of Bridge Avenue
John A. Stockton, listed at 326 Bridge Avenue in 1880
300 Block of Bridge Avenue — Occupants
Address and occupant records from city directories and newspapers, 1880–1907.
316 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Listed |
| 1906 | Listed |
| 1924 | Gone |
318 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Listed |
| 1898 | Camden Day Nursery |
| 1906 | Gone |
319 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Listed |
| 1902 | Listed |
320 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Listed |
| 1895 | William H.H. Coombs & Family — William H.H. & Mary Jane Hevern Coombs |
| 1924 | Gone |
323 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Listed |
| 1901 | Gone |
324 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Listed |
| 1906 | Listed |
| 1924 | Gone |
326 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1880 | Samuel Osler |
| 1880 | John Stockton |
| 1906 | Listed |
| 1924 | Gone |
328 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Listed |
| 1906 | Listed |
| 1924 | Gone |
330 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Listed |
| 1906 | Listed |
| 1924 | Gone |
332 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1897 | Jacob P. Laubach — railroad brakeman, injured |
| 1907 | Jacob P. Laubach |
334 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1894 | Emma Devinney |
| 1906 | Listed |
| 1924 | Gone |
Passed to Eternity’s Shores
Camden Courier —
Age and Youth Falls Before the Grim Reaper’s Sickle.
The funeral of John Haas, aged 55 years, the proprietor of the Junction Hotel, takes place this afternoon from his late residence, Sixth and Bridge avenue. He belonged to nearly all the German societies in the city. These are invited to attend the funeral, as well as Cyrene Castle, No. 27, K. G. E.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Next Wednesday will be donation day at the Camden Day Nursery, at 318 Bridge avenue.
Death Notice — Coombs
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Coombs.—On the 21st inst., William H. H. Coombs, beloved husband of Mary Jane Coombs, nee Hevern, aged 53 years and nine months. The relatives and friends of the family, also the employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and the Grand Army of the Republic, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Friday afternoon, May 24, 1895, at 2 o'clock, from his late residence, 320 Bridge avenue, Camden, N. J. Interment at New Camden Cemetery.
Brakeman Injured at Cooper Hospital
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Brakeman Jacob P. Laubach, of 332 Bridge avenue, had his right arm crushed at the elbow yesterday while coupling cars in the Pennsylvania Railroad yard. He was admitted to the Cooper Hospital.
400 Block of Bridge Avenue in 1885
400 Block of Bridge Avenue in 1885. Click to enlarge.
Odell Death Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
ODELL.—On February 16, 1894, Mabel H., daughter of Morris and Althea F. Odell, aged 6 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Tuesday afternoon, at 2 o’clock, from her parents’ residence, 442 Bridge avenue, Camden, N. J. Interment private.
Death Notice — Morrison
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Morrison.—On April 28, 1895, Sarah E., widow of the late J. J. Morrison. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Wednesday, at 2 o'clock, from her late residence, 442 Bridge avenue, Camden, N. J. Interment private.
500 Block of Bridge Avenue
500 Block of Bridge Avenue — Occupants
Address and occupant records from city directories and newspapers, 1860s–1947.
508 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1892 | Joseph C. Prickett — died here, age 65 |
| 1892 | Joseph C. Prickett |
513 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1880–1885 | John J. Logan |
516 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1902 | Mrs. Maria C. Hess — widow of Louis Hess |
519 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1879 | Isaiah Collins |
| 1888 | Andrew B.F. Jakway — grocery |
| 1888 | Andrew B.F. Jakway |
| 1924 | Gone |
523 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1897 | John H. Lutts |
524 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1869–1873 | Elwood Cline |
| 1924 | Gone |
529 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887–1888 | Thomas J. Hambrose — saloon |
| 1887–1888 | Thomas J. Hambrose |
| 1890 | William L. Hurley — plumbing and gas fittings |
| 1890 | William L. Hurley |
| 1924 | Gone |
557 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1860s–1890s | Isaac M. Shreeve — fireman, policeman |
| 1924 | Gone |
563 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1891–1900 | Hugh Boyle & Family — Hugh & Mary Boyle, Walter Boyle, Catherine Boyle; driver for bottler; appointed to Camden Police Department 8/1/1898 |
| 1891–1900 | Hugh & Mary Boyle |
| 1891–1900 | Walter Boyle |
| 1891–1900 | Catherine Boyle |
569 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Charles C. Croasdale Sr. |
| 1899–1900 | Charles C. Croasdale Sr. & Family — Charles C. & Emma Croasdale, Charles C. Croasdale Jr. |
| 1924 | Gone |
579 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | Charles C. Croasdale Sr |
| 1924 | Gone |
589 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887–1888 | Hugh Boyle & Family — Hugh & Mary Boyle, Walter Boyle, Catherine Boyle, Ella Boyle; foreman, Knickerbocker Ice Company |
| 1887–1888 | Hugh & Mary Boyle |
| 1887–1888 | Walter Boyle |
| 1887–1888 | Catherine Boyle |
| 1887–1888 | Ella Boyle |
591 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1889 | Mrs. Dickinson — burglar with pistol |
| 1889 | Mrs. Dickinson |
| 1895 | Frank Shaw — ex-jailer; daughter Regina burned to death |
593 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1894–1895 | Walter W. Browning |
| 1924 | Gone |
595 Bridge Avenue (aka 39 South 6th Street)
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1890 | New Junction Hotel — Mrs. William Zimmerman, proprietress |
| 1890s–1921 | Hotel Dubosq — J. Carrow Dubosq & Katie Zimmerman Dubosq |
| 1924 | Hotel Aldine |
| 1947 | American Red Cross Production Department |
East Corner of South 5th Street & Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887–1888 | Avenue Hotel — August C. Miller, proprietor |
Death Notice — Prickett
Philadelphia Inquirer —
PRICKETT.—On the 8th inst., at his residence, No. 508 Bridge avenue, Camden, N. J., Joseph Prickett, aged 65 years.
The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to a tend [sic] the funeral, on Sunday, the 11th inst., at 3 o'clock, from Post Hall of No. 275, No. 1131 South Broad street. Body to lie in state from 1 to 3 P. M. Interment at Wharton Street M. E. Church Ground.
Death Notice — Hess
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Hess.—On June 3, 1902, Maria C. Hess, widow of Louis Hess. In her 79th year. Funeral on Friday morning, June 6, at 10 o'clock, from 516 Bridge avenue, Camden, N. J. Interment at Odd Fellows’ Cemetery.
News of a Day in the City of Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Passengers on the Cape May express of the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad Company, due in Camden at 9 o’clock, were badly shaken up yesterday when the train struck a heavily laden wagon at the Kaign [sic] avenue crossing. The wagon, belonging to the Camden Lime Company, was being driven by Philip Dorsey, of 835 Bridge avenue. As he reached the track he saw the train bearing down on him. Almost at the same instant the gates were lowered and the team was imprisoned between them. The resulting crash carried the horse fifty feet and crushed its head, while the wagon was reduced to kindling wood. Dorsey escaped miraculously by dropping from his seat within a few inches of the wheels of the train.
George Willingmire, for whom the police have been looking for several weeks on a charge of stabbing Leo Hubner, who roomed with him at Ninth and Chestnut streets, was committed to the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse, in Camden, yesterday, in default of $500 bail. Willingmire, who has already served a term in State prison for stabbing two women, was located by Police Captain Stanley. While the latter was taking his prisoner to jail Willingmire attempted to escape. There was a desperate struggle, in which the bluecoat overpowered the man.
Clarence Burrows, 15 years old, of 423 Mickle street, was the youth who met such a horrible death beneath the wheels of a freight train at Broadway and Bridge avenue, Camden, Wednesday night. He and a companion had made a wager they could ride to Palmyra and back without paying their fares. They were on their return trip on the freight train when Burrows fell beneath the wheels.
Theodore Turner, 50 years old, and B. H. Sharp, 31 years old, both of 223 North Eighth street, were seriously injured yesterday when a wagon they were driving was struck by a trolley car at Ninth and Market streets, Camden. Both men were hurled from their seats and thrown directly in front of the car. They were dragged nearly a square by the fender before the motorman could stop the car. They were taken to the Cooper Hospital, where it was found they had sustained almost similar injuries.
An unknown man, about 36 years old, was drowned in the Cooper Creek, at the State street bridge, Camden, yesterday, while two boys witnessed his fate. The man was fishing and he attempted to walk out on a moss-covered log to cast his line. Slipping, he struck his head and then sank from sight. Half an hour later the body was recovered. The body was removed to the morgue.
J. Frank Johnson, of 1713 Broadway, Camden, was saved from drowning off the Jackson street wharf yesterday by former Policeman Thomas Pooley and Frank Jordan. Recently Johnson built a launch and yesterday he concluded to try it out on the Delaware. While hoisting the anchor he lost his balance and fell overboard. Unable to swim, he was just disappearing beneath the surface of the water when his rescuers reached him and brought him ashore.
Henry Beach, 15 years old, of 791 Line street, is seriously ill at his home with blood poisoning. Two weeks ago he lacerated his hand at the Camden Iron Works. White lead got into the wound, which resulted in the development of the disease.
Trolley car No. 134, of the Broadway line of the Camden and Suburban Railway Company, by a narrow margin escaped being struck by a train at the Bridge avenue crossing yesterday. At the time there were many passengers aboard the car and a small panic ensued.
Motor Vehicle Agent Forsythe has taken in over $7000 thus far in registering autos and licensing drivers.
Freeholder Lawrence Rhoades, who was so seriously ill that his death was expected, is now recovering.
William Rose, Jr., 7 years old, son of Fireman William Rose, of 426 Jackson street, who was threatened with tetanus, was greatly improved last night.
Charged with knocking out several teeth of Jacob Miskelly during a fight, Frank Harris was held in $300 bail by Recorder Stackhouse yesterday.
Death Notice — Croasdale
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Croasdale.—Suddenly, on January 4, 1899, Charles C., husband of Emma L. Croasdale, aged 63 years. The relatives and friends of the family, also the employes of the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services on Saturday evening, January 7, at 8 o’clock, at his late residence, 569 Bridge avenue, Camden, N. J. Also services at the M. P. church, at Glassboro, N. J., at 12.30 P. M. Sunday. The funeral will leave Camden Sunday morning on the 8 o’clock train from Philadelphia. Interment at Glassboro.
A Disguised Burglar with a Pistol
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mrs. Dickinson, who keeps house for her brother at No. 591 Bridge avenue, received a terrible fright yesterday, which caused her to wander around the streets in an extremely nervous condition for two hours. She was found lying on the step of a Mr. Matiack, her next door neighbor. Upon regaining consciousness she said she was home ironing, when a strange man, wearing a false beard, entered the house, and, placing a revolver at her head, said: “I want to ask you a question before you die.” This is all she remembers.
Mrs. Dickinson says she believes the man was her husband, from whom she is separated. When the woman re-entered the house she found that her pocketbook had been torn open and $5.00 abstracted.
A Child Burned to Death
Philadelphia Inquirer —
She Was Burning Leaves When Her Clothing Caught Fire.
Ten-year-old Regina Shaw, daughter of ex-Jailer Frank Shaw, of 591 Bridge avenue, Camden, was badly burned yesterday afternoon by her clothing catching on fire and died three hours later in the Cooper Hospital.
She was burning some leaves in a box when her dress caught fire. The flames spread rapidly and soon all her clothing was in a blaze. She screamed and rushed across the street, where some neighbors took hold of her and extinguished the flame. A patrol wagon was summoned and she was taken to the hospital.
595 Bridge Avenue — New Junction Hotel
New Junction Hotel, 595 Bridge Avenue (aka 39 South 6th Street), photographed 1892. In the 1890s it became the Hotel Dubosq under J. Carrow Dubosq and Katie Zimmerman Dubosq. By 1924 it was the Hotel Aldine; by 1947, the American Red Cross Production Department.
Intersection of South 6th Street & Bridge Avenue
Northwest Corner of South 6th Street & Bridge Avenue: 595 Bridge Avenue (aka 39 South 6th Street) — 1890s, New Junction Hotel / Hotel Dubosq; 1924, Hotel Aldine.
Intersection of Haddon Avenue & Bridge Avenue
Corner of Haddon Avenue & Bridge Avenue: 1890 — Joseph F. Pockerton, saloon. 1924 Gone.
800 Block of Bridge Avenue
Edgar S. Boulton, who grew up at 817 Bridge Avenue
Samuel C. Curriden, who lived at 845 Bridge Avenue
800 Block of Bridge Avenue — Occupants
Address and occupant records from city directories and newspapers, 1879–1947.
815 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Isaac Cotton |
| 1947 | Gone |
817 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1896 | Amanda Boulton & Sons |
| 1896 | Charles Boulton |
| 1896 | Gilbert Boulton |
| 1896 | Edgar Boulton |
| 1924 | James Grinnage |
| 1947 | Mrs. Anna Hunt |
819 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Harry H. Burton |
| 1947 | George L. Pratt |
821 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Oscar Conway |
| 1947 | Robert Davis |
823 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Gustave Tompkins |
| 1947 | Jessie Trotman |
825 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Lawrence Mosely |
| 1947 | Margaret E. Moore |
827 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1890 | Thomas J. Hambrose — stone cutter |
| 1890 | Thomas J. Hambrose |
| 1924 | Thomas Warren |
| 1947 | Clarence E. Pratt |
829 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Thomas Brown |
| 1933 | Vacant — razed June 1933 |
| 1933 | Vacant |
831 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Merl Phillips |
| 1933 | Vacant — razed June 1933 |
| 1933 | Vacant |
833 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1879–1880 | William H. Hawkins & Family |
| 1879–1880 | William & Adelaide Hawkins |
| 1879–1880 | J. Miller Hawkins |
| 1924 | Mrs. Lillian Royston |
| 1947 | Gone |
835 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1906 | Philip Dorsey — hay wagon struck by Cape May express |
| 1906 | Philip Dorsey |
| 1924 | Arthur Hayes |
| 1947 | Gone |
837 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924–1933 | Isaac Anderson — ice dealer, arrested for license violation |
| 1924–1933 | Isaac Anderson |
| 1947 | Mrs. Betty M. Anderson |
839 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887–1888 | William J. Maguire |
| 1924 | Daniel Cottman |
| 1933 | Alfred Scott & Norman Scott — arrested on larceny charge |
| 1933 | Alfred Scott |
| 1933 | Norman Scott |
| 1947 | Jesse A. Pearson |
841 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Mrs. Lydia Jackson |
| 1947 | Lawrence A. Hall |
843 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Andrew Jackson |
| 1947 | Charles Hammond |
845 Bridge Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1891–1894 | Samuel Curriden |
| 1924 | Charles Robinson |
| 1947 | Gone |
2 Houses Collapse, Bricks ‘Bury’ Man
Camden Courier-Post —
Wreckage where man was hurt — 829 and 831 Bridge Avenue after the front walls collapsed, June 1933.
Vandals Are Blamed for Destruction of Vacant Home
VICTIM IS HURLED DOWN INTO CELLAR
Buried under a ton of bricks when the fronts of two vacant houses collapsed, Jerry White, 22, of 759 Carman Street was admitted to Cooper Hospital for observation yesterday afternoon.
The houses, unoccupied for a number of years, were at 829 and 831 Bridge Avenue. They are believed to have been weakened by vandals who had stripped the interiors of wooden supports and fixtures. Recent damage by vandals throughout the city has been estimated at $500,000.
White was sitting on the front steps of 829 Bridge Avenue when the front walls of the three-story brick buildings caved in. One of the falling bricks stunned him and the weight of the others dropped him through the porch and into the cellar.
Lee Hackney of the Carman Street address had left the spot a short time before. He and Spencer Hunley of 843 Bridge Avenue extricated White from the ruins. Sergeant Edward Carroll and a detail of patrolmen roped off the front of the damaged area while firemen were engaged in razing the remaining sections of the structures.
White’s condition was not believed to be serious, according to hospital attaches.
Hay Wagon Struck by Cape May Express
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Philip Dorsey, of 835 Bridge Avenue, was driving a hay wagon for the Camden Lime Company when the Cape May express struck it at the Kaighn Avenue crossing. The resulting crash carried the horse fifty feet and crushed its head, while the wagon was reduced to kindling wood. Dorsey escaped miraculously by dropping from his seat within a few inches of the wheels of the train.
The same issue of the Philadelphia Inquirer also reported that Trolley car No. 134, of the Broadway line of the Camden and Suburban Railway Company, narrowly escaped running down a truck at the Bridge Avenue crossing.
2 Ice Dealers Held as License Violators
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden’s drive against unlicensed ice dealers last night netted two alleged violators of the city ordinance.
On complaint of Dr. David D. Helm, city health inspector, Alphonso D’Alonzo, 45, of 804 South Fourth street, and Isaac Anderson, 29, colored, of 837 Bridge avenue, were arrested by Policemen Howard Harden and George Clayton. They will be arraigned in police court today.
2 Brothers Arrested on Suit Theft Charge
Camden Courier-Post —
Two brothers were arrested yesterday on charges of larceny of a suit of Charles Parker, colored, of 225 Stevens Street. The men held are Alfred Scott, 18, of 839 Bridge Avenue, and his brother, Norman, 20, of the Stevens Street address. Both are colored. The former admitted they had sold the suit. They were arrested after an investigation by Detectives Walter Smith and John Trout.
Over the River
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DECORATION DAY.—Yesterday was a semi holiday in Camden in consequence of its being Decoration day. Nearly all public places of business were closed in the afternoon. The banks did not open their doors, and the steam boats and numerous dwellings were gaily decorated with flags. At two o’clock, according to the programme, a procession was formed at Fifth and Arch streets, which moved in the following order: Sixth Regiment Band, with Companies C and D of the regiment; members of Post No. 5; drum corps, also cadet corps of Post No. 5, in command of Captain George Hutchinson; T. M. K. Lee Post, G. A. R., under command of William H. Shearman. The chief marshals were Colonel Joseph C. Nicholls and aids, Joseph McCallister, William D. Middleton, Francis Saunders and Frederick Shill. Next came the floral car of Post No. 5, beautifully arranged and loaded with flowers. A large one, drawn by eight horses, contained the [?] of the Auxiliary Committee of Posts 5 and 37; the Juvenile Welsh Drum Corps of Post 37; the floral wagon of Post No. 37; then came wagons of the two posts containing soldiers’ orphans, wagons with cisterns of ice water for those in line, barouches containing city officials, &c., a piece of artillery and other vehicles. At 2:30 the procession started, and passed over the route already published. At the cemeteries about 175 graves were strewn with flowers and evergreens in the presence of a large concourse of people. This duty performed, the procession reformed and marched back to the Court House yard, where the closing ceremonies were had. “Cover them over with beautiful flowers” was sung by a number of excellent voices, with organ accompaniment. Rev. J. B. Graw delivered an impressive and appropriate address. Several other patriotic pieces were sung, and the services closed. An entertainment was afterward given by Post 5 in the Market House. The weather was fair, and the occasion passed without accident.
DIED FROM HIS INJURIES.—About twelve o’clock on yesterday Lewis Werts, aged twenty years, who had his leg crushed by a locomotive, at Fourth street and Bridge avenue, on Saturday afternoon week, died from the effects of his injuries, lockjaw having set in. He lost an arm six months ago by a rail road accident.
RUNAWAY HORSE.—Yesterday morning a horse became frightened on Federal, near Broadway, and dashed down the street with furious speed. A young man named Davis, at Third and Federal, sprang into the wagon, and, seizing the reins, succeeded in stopping the animal before any damage was sustained.
SERIOUS FALL.—A young lad, son of Abraham Anderson, who resides on Cooper street, near Camden while playing yesterday, accidentally fell from a fence, and broke his leg near the knee.
RAILROAD SMASH.—About four o’clock yesterday a train of cars struck a wagon at Seventh and Sycamore streets, demolishing the vehicle, but, fortunately, no one was injured.
COMMITTED.—Justice Cassady yesterday committed James McCulley, Lemuel Ridell and Charles Wilson, for being quarrelsome and disorderly.
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A black horse was stolen from Julius Taylor’s stable at 1193 Penn street.
Jurors for the April term of court were drawn yesterday by Sheriff Baird.
George M. Berringer, a Camden druggist, has caused the arrest of Samuel B. Gaw, of Philadelphia, in Newark, N. J., on the charge of getting him to advance $25 on a bogus check.
Henry L. Bonsall, editor of the Camden Post, read a very interesting paper last evening at the Court House before the new Camden County Historical Society, of which he is president. The paper was on “Personal Recollections.”
Chief Elfreth, of the Fire Department, and his driver, Joseph Maxwell, came near being run down by a train at Fifth street and Bridge avenue while answering an alarm of fire on Monday night.
Lightning Starts Fires, Hits Trees, Stuns Three Boys
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Costly Blazes in Camden—Youths Under Awning Badly Shocked
Sudden Torrent of Rain, High Wind and Bolts Cause Widespread Damage
Sudden and furious was the electrical storm which yesterday afternoon took Philadelphia, Camden and nearby towns by surprise. Fires were started by lightning in many sections, rain fell in torrents and the wind rose suddenly and played wide-spread havoc.
Camden was the centre of the disturbance and suffered the heaviest damage. Three boys were severely shocked there and the total damage from fires mounted to the $50,000 mark. Bolts in Ardmore felled trees across many roads, split a flag pole in front of the Ardmore public school and tumbled a chimney off the building.
Between 2.45 and 3.15 in the afternoon the thermometer dropped twenty degrees, from 85 to 65, a southwesterly wind rising at the same time to a velocity of thirty miles an hour. Typical of summer thunderstorms was the unheralded start of the downpour and its brief duration. The precipitation from 3.12 to 3.35 in the afternoon, the time during which the rain fell, was only .45 of an inch, but the greater part of this poured down in ten minutes’ time.
Many Fires in Camden
Every piece of apparatus in the Camden Fire Department was pressed into service at one and the same time, only quick response to the alarms averting disastrous blazes in two instances.
Out along the Main Line little damage was done. The house of A. J. Francis, at the junction of Grandview and Argyle roads, Ardmore, was struck by lightning and the roads themselves were blockaded by uprooted trees which forced motorists to go slow to avoid collisions with the obstructions.
The three Camden boys who were shocked, A. Goldberg, 15 years old; Richard Noon, 14 years old, and Howard Robbins, 9 years old, living at 310, 336 and 330 North Tenth street respectively, were all taken to the Cooper Hospital. Only one of the trio, Goldberg, is still in a serious condition. All were paralyzed when admitted to the hospital.
Boys Hurled to Pavement
When the storm made itself manifest with vivid flashes of lightning and reverberating thunder, the boys sought shelter beneath an awning at Tenth and Penn streets. Goldberg was leaning against an iron pole with his companions nearby. There was a blinding flash and the next instant the three boys were hurled to the pavement.
Others beneath the awning went to their assistance, although several were slightly affected by the bolt also. The boys were apparently dead when placed in the auto ambulance, but after several hours of work at the hospital, the youthful victims were revived. They said it looked like a great greenish white ball which descended from the darkened skies and which apparently struck the pole against which Goldberg was leaning.
Within five minutes four alarms of fire had been turned into the Camden Electrical Bureau. One was from the Parkside school at Wildwood and Princess avenues, another from the elevated bridge of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Third and Bridge avenue, the third from the department store of Toone & Hollinshed, at Broadway and Kaighn avenue, and the fourth from the Camden Curtain Rod Factory, Broadway and Jackson streets. In each instance it was a bolt of lightning that struck electric wires that caused the blaze.
At the Toone & Hollinshed store, one of the largest in Camden, and which is located in a three-story building, the fire had its origin in the basement. There were large quantities of mens’ and boys’ furnishing and duplicate supplies of dry goods stored there ready for display. This material was excellent food for the flames, and for a time they threatened to mount up through the stairway of the main floors, but the quick work of the firemen averted such a contingency.
Woman Saves Firm’s Books
At the height of the blaze, which raged fiercely in the basement, Miss Anna Brennan, chief bookkeeper, mounted a fire escape to the second floor. Standing by a window from which the smoke issued in thick volumes, she superintended the rescuing of the firm’s books. Not until all had been taken out did she leave her post. Fireman John McTaggart, of Chemical Company No. 1, rescued the books.
There was such thick, pungent smoke issuing from the windows that several firemen were temporarily overcome, but they were revived and went back to work. Harry Green, of Engine Company No. 1, was badly cut about the hands by falling glass.
It was stated by Thomas Hollinshed, a member of the firm, that the damage to the store and stock would total at least $25,000. This was due not only to the blaze, but also to the smoke which permeated all parts of the three-story building.
It was in the southwest corner of the building of the Camden Curtain Rod Company that the fire had its origin. It spread with great rapidity and for a time it was feared the entire three-story structure would fall prey to the flames. The fire fighters confined the blaze to the first floor however. The tons of water coupled with the fire caused damage estimated at $25,000, fully covered by insurance.
At the Parkside School it was found that the fire had caused but little damage and the railroad bridge at Third and Bridge avenue was only scorched. There was something of a furore at the latter place because over the structure were passing many seashore trains laden with passengers for Camden and this city.
The storm was one of the most intense Camden has experienced this summer, although it was less than half an hour in duration. Throughout the city trees and fences were leveled and on the surrounding roads, especially the White Horse pike, hundreds of autoists were forced to seek shelter. Some of the thoroughfares in the lower sections were converted into veritable torrents, so great was the rainfall.
New Jersey
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Jottings From the State Across the Delaware.
Lizzie Furman was committed to the county jail by Mayor Bradshaw, in default of $100 bail, for trial, charged with stealing a watch, the property of Edward S. Andrews, of No. 105 South Fifth street, Camden.
James Gleason, residing at West street and Bridge avenue, a boss driller in the Pennsylvania Railroad Company’s yard, was seriously injured yesterday afternoon by being thrown from a car, caused by the snapping of a brake chain. His head was badly cut. He was taken home and medical aid summoned.
The Gloucester county Republicans have made the following nominations: State Senator—Stacy Pancoast. Assembly—Job S. Haines. For sheriff Daniel J. Packer is supposed to have received the majority.
The commissioners appointed to assess damages by City Council for the opening of Washington street, east of the West Jersey Railroad, met at the City Hall yesterday and decided to recommend the payment of $2500 to Messrs. Roberts & Cohn, through whose property the street will be cut.
Jacob Nelviss, of Paulsboro, was held in $500 bail last evening by Mayor Moss for trial at court charged with cutting William Pull.
David Payton, colored, was held in $100 bail yesterday by Justice Price charged with assaulting the six-year-old son of Caroline Francis.
Business in the Camden District Court was very brisk yesterday, the principal business being landlord and tenant cases. The following warrants of removal were ordered: Hotchkiss vs. Ellis, Dismant vs. Miller, Pancost vs. Porter, Read vs. Shankland, Numbers vs. Simmons, Numbers vs. Hill, Maires vs. Mellow. The case of Shuck vs. Scott was adjourned until September 29. In debt cases judgment for the plaintiff was awarded as follows: Thurler et al. & Co. vs. Cox, $21; Hollinshead vs. Johnson, $25; Rogers vs. Belding, $69.50. The cases of Johnson & Holt vs. Johnson and O’Neil vs. Pine & Callingham were adjourned until the 27th instant; that of Wright vs. Gilmore until September 26. A non-suit was entered in Shull, Wireback & Co. vs. Orcutt, and the case of Lochead vs. the Prudential Insurance Company of America was held under advisement.
Forest fires are still raging in Atlantic county.
Fifty hands have been temporarily laid off at Starr’s Iron Works.
George Rose and Truman B. Woods, arrested on Sunday for disturbing the peace at Front and Birch streets by holding religious meetings, were arraigned before the mayor yesterday and afterwards released.
A fire at Burlington yesterday destroyed Pfeiffer’s stocking factory. Loss, $20,000; covered by insurance.
Over the River
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Courts.—In the Camden Quarter Sessions yesterday William Campbell, James Reading, George Farrington and Chas. Peoples, who were put on trial on Tuesday for the larceny of vegetables, were found not guilty. Philip Sing was put on trial on a charge of the larceny of a lot of jewelry, the property of Mrs. Mary Seidel, and was convicted. Several persons were arraigned charged with inciting to riot and for riotous assault and battery at a colored meeting in the Seventh Ward last summer. Their names are John Simpson, Allen Wood, William Jacobs, James Johnson, Franklin Brown and David Perry.
Coroner’ Inquests [sic].—Last evening Coroner Roberts commenced an inquest on the body of Mrs. Eliza Yates, aged twenty-two years, who was found dead in bed about ten o’clock that morning at her residence in the rear of No. 315 Division street, South Camden. Deceased leaves two children. The inquest was continued until this evening. At the same time he also held a a [sic] view on the body of a child one month old, belonging to a Mrs. Mortimer, in East Camden.
Public Hall.—The Farmers and Butchers’ Market Company, of Camden, commenced yesterday the work of converting a portion of their building on Bridge avenue, West and Mickle streets, into a public hall. They will occupy 64 feet in width of the centre of the building by 110 feet in length for that purpose. The hall will be used for public meetings, concerts, entertainments, &c.
Committed.—Justice Souders yesterday committed C. Hughes and Edward Gummery to the county jail for drunken and disorderly conduct. Justice Henry committed Norman Simmons for a similar offense. Justice Bundick committed James Galgar on the charge of appropriating to his own use moneys belonging to another person.
To Be Defended.—It is authoritatively stated that the general counsel of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for New Jersey has been directed to defend the Longstreet suit, and to insist that the lease is valid and binding in all respects.
Nominated.—The Democratic Convention of the Second Assembly District of Camden county reconvened on Tuesday evening and nominated Josiah S. Matlack, of Camden, as their candidate for the Legislature.
The Poor Birds.—The Game law in New Jersey is off on and after to-day. Shooting will be very lively. Partridge, quail and squirrel, with the live bait fishing, will make things lively for weeks to come.
Haddon Township.—The number of births, marriages and deaths in Haddon township during the past year was as follows: Marriages, 29; births, 68; deaths, 33.
Military Election.—On Wednesday evening Charles S. Bernard, Esq., was elected to the position of captain of Company D, Sixth Regiment, N. G., S. N. J.
Merchantville.—The newly organized Governor McClellan Club intends holding a Democratic meeting on Friday evening next.
Andrew Rabeau Dead
Camden Post-Telegram —
Well-known Citizen Died Suddenly This Morning From Paralysis.
Andrew Rabeau, an old resident of this city, died suddenly this morning at the residence of F. W. Fuller, the jeweler, of 217 Federal street, aged 71 years.
Mr. Rabeau had complained of feeling unwell for several days past. This morning he went out and returned about 7.30 o’clock and told Jeweler Fuller he had a peculiar feeling, a sensation of numbness in his hands. He laid down and in a few moments was observed to be breathing heavily.
Jeweler Fuller started for a physician, but had not gone over a block when Rabeau died. Death, it is said, was due to paralysis.
The deceased for over twenty-five years kept a cigar store at Second street and Bridge avenue. He was a staunch Republican and served as a member of City Council from the Third ward at one time. He had been employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for nearly forty years and was retired about one year ago. At the time of his retirement he was foreman of car inspectors. Before coming to Camden Rabeau had been employed by the railroad company at Bordentown.
Rabeau’s wife died several years ago but a son and daughter survive him.
Volunteer Firemen Worked 14 Years To Pay Off $5000 Debt on Engine
Camden Courier-Post —
Above is shown a photo of fire headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, before it was remodeled to provide sleeping quarters for each fireman. The photo was taken in the Gay 90’s. A hook and ladder truck was housed in a building to the north of it. The main building contained horse-drawn apparatus. The stables were in the rear. Note the tower from which hose was suspended to dry after a fire.
Answered No Alarms but Paid Dues and Staged Benefits
BITTER RIVALRY HAMPERED MEN
This is the third installment of a history of fire fighting in Camden from the formation of the first volunteer company in 1810 to 1936. It is the first complete history of the fire department written since 1886 and links the old volunteers with the new paid motorized department. It is being published in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the Camden County Fire Chiefs’ Association and the Camden Fire Department. Yesterday’s installment told of the purchase of the first steam pumper by Weccacoe in 1864.
The New Jersey Fire Company was organized May 1, 1851, and on July 21 that year obtained the fire apparatus formerly owned by the Mohawk company. The organizers of the company were James Carr, Samuel Adams, Thomas Butcher, Aaron Giles, John Wood, David H. Sparks, William Garwood, E. B. Turner, William Woodruff, Henry Coombs, Adam Newman and Caleb Clark. Coombs was elected president and Sparks secretary.
Frank Sheridan
The fire apparatus was housed in a stable at Broadway and Spruce street for a time. Better quarters were obtained later on Walnut street near Fourth. The New Jersey Company then purchased a lot on Chestnut street near Fourth street and erected a two-story brick building.
The company was incorporated in 1854 and disbanded in 1866. Its other presidents in succession were Carr, John Crowley, Joshua L. Melvin, Samuel Hickman, John Warrington, Jeremiah Brannon, Richard C. Mason and C. De Grasse Hogan.
A second Fairmount Fire Company was organized in 1854 and City Council gave the company the old Fairmount apparatus. The firemen rented a one-story frame building on Pine street near Third. The structure had been vacated by the Shiffler Hose Company.
[text missing between the crops]
Organizers were William C. Figner, president; William J. Miller, secretary; Frederick Breyer, treasurer; William H. Hawkins, John W. Hoey, Henry A. Breyer, and Alfred H. Breyer. Additional members enrolled were George W. Watson, Anthony R. Joline, Thomas Francis, John L. Ames, George W. Howard, William F. Colbert, Francis Fullerton, John S. Ross, Joshua Spencer, Lawrence Breyer, William H. Lane and James Scout.
Incorporated in 1853
The company was incorporated on February 17, 1853. The name was changed to United States Fire Company, No. 5, on February 10, 1854. Scout was elected president and George Deal, secretary.
New fire apparatus was purchased by the reorganized company. A lot was acquired and a two-story frame house was erected at 239 Pine street. The company continued at the fire house until it disbanded with other volunteer companies in 1869.
The Weccacoe Hose Company, No. 2, was organized on March 15, 1858, and housed with Weccacoe Fire Company on Arch street between Fifth and Sixth streets, for two years. In 1860 the company moved to a stable at Hudson street and Bridge avenue. Later the firemen moved to De La Cour’s labratory [sic], Front street near Arch. In 1863 the company bought ground on Benson street above Fifth costing $450 and built a two-story brick building costing $2200.
The organizers were Allan Ward, Edward T. James, Edward J. Steer, John W. Garwood, George W. Thomas, Simeon H. Pine, Thomas C. Barret, Thomas Ellis, and John Thornton. Thomas D. Laverty was elected president; Ward, vice president; James, secretary, and Steer, treasurer.
Steam Engine Purchased
The company was incorporated on February 2, 1860. A steam fire engine was purchased in 1868 at a cost of $5800. The company proposed to pay off the debt by subscription, but agitation for a paid department prevented collection of the money. When the company went out of service in 1869 to be succeeded by a paid department the members decided not to disband and remained intact to pay off its indebtedness of $5000 remaining to sustain the honor of the company.
The firemen met at regular periods, paid dues and carried on for 14 years to wipe out the debt. On September 8, 1883, the company met, voted to pay the last claim of $14.25 and adjourned rather than disband. During the 14 years the company answered no alarms but held entertainments and benefits to raise funds to pay off its indebtedness.
The volunteer firemen were prompt, daring and efficient but each company was independent and misdirection frequently resulted in loss of property. This led to agitation for a fire department under complete control of the city, which had maintained indirect jurisdiction over the volunteers.
City Council passed an ordinance in 1866 to reorganize the system and provided for appointment of a fire marshal with approval of the companies. James W. Ayers, of Weccacoe Engine Company, was elected marshal for a term of two years. He was succeeded by Wesley P. Murray, of Weccacoe Hose Company, in 1868.
2 Fire Districts Formed
Both men were good organizers and popular but the rivalry between companies and insubordination re- [cut off at the crop edge]
Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Trapped in Fire at the Old Sixth Regiment Armory They Perished in Flames
NINE OTHER PERSONS RECEIVED INJURIES
Three firemen were killed and nine persons injured at a fire last night which destroyed the old armory building at Bridge avenue, West and Mickle streets, Camden, causing a loss estimated at $50,000.
The dead firemen are: GEORGE SHIELDS, 525 Kaighn avenue, member of the Kaighn avenue chemical company. WILLIAM HILLMAN, 229 Beckett street, of the Kaighn avenue chemical company. WILLIAM JOBES, 57[?] Line street, member of Engine Company No. 2.
The Injured
The injured, all of whom will recover, are: Josiah Sage, 917 South Eighth street, Kaighn avenue company, cut head and face; Seth Monnell, 744 Mt. Vernon street, Kaighn avenue company, scalp wounds; George Quinn, 516 Line street, Kaighn avenue company, cut face; Martin Carrigan, 516 Clinton street, Engine Company No. 1, lacerated face and hands; J. W. Simpson, 551 Cedar street, Engine Company No. 2, lacerations of scalp and face; James Elberson, 628 North Fourth street, Engine Company No. 4, contused wounds of the legs; William Elberson, 231 Taylor avenue, Engine Company No. 2, injured about the back; Charles Worthington, 1017 Penn street, Engine Company No. 3, internally injured; Harry Dease, a citizen, cut about the face.
The six o’clock whistles were blowing when smoke was seen issuing from the northeast corner of the building. A moment later two boys ran out of a door, one of whom notified Policeman Isaac Toy that the structure was on fire. The officers immediately turned in an alarm. In rapid succession other alarms were given, until the entire department was on the scene.
One of the first companies to arrive was the Kaighn avenue truck. As the men drove up to the scene great tongues of flame were fast eating their way through the yellow pine timbers of which the interior was constructed. The main doors at the entrance on Mickle street were burst open and the firemen entered amid a perfect shower of sparks and falling debris. In this party were the three ill-fated firemen, Dease, and Firemen Harry Haines, Joseph Ernest, George Quinn, Seth Mounell and Joseph Gail.
After great difficulty the men worked their way into the blazing building about twenty feet. Dense volumes of smoke almost suffocated them and several dropped to the floor.
Dash for the Doors
While the firemen were waiting for the water a false ceiling thirty feet above them and composed of floor boards began cracking and bending. A shout of warning was given by Dease, and he and his companions made a dash for the doors. It was impossible to see a foot before them, and all blindly groped their way to the open doors but Jobes, Shields and Hillman. That they did not come out of the building was not known for several minutes later. Then reports were circulated that they had been taken to nearby houses, but these were found to be false. Their companions then tried to work their way back to their assistance, but by this time the interior was a seething furnace.
Subsequently, when the blaze had been somewhat subdued, firemen and policemen instituted a search for the missing men. Where the latter had been there was a great pile of blackened timbers and twisted iron. After vigorous efforts this was removed.
Finding the Bodies
First there came to light Shield’s helmet, and a few feet distant his body and those of Hillman and Jobes, scorched and blackened almost beyond recognition, were found. It was then learned how they had met their deaths. Instead of going toward the open doorway they had evidently become bewildered and, turning, ran into a toilet room to which there was no outlet. There they were quickly cut off from their comrades and, becoming unconscious from the smoke, all three dropped to the floor, where death overtook them.
The bodies were carried out and taken to the Morgue.
In the meantime every portion of the structure became a mass of flames. Fed by the pine, great tongues of fire sprang into the air, across Mickle and West streets, where the dwellings were badly scorched. The families residing in these in several instances became panic-stricken and began removing their household effects. Men, women and children ran excitedly about. It is owing to the excellent work of the firemen that these structures were not destroyed.
Spectacular Blaze
Chief Elfieth quickly concluded there was no hope of saving the armory and he directed a dozen lines of hose toward the dwellings, many of which became so hot that the streams of water fairly sizzled.
The fire was a spectacular one, lighting up the heavens for miles around. Thousands of persons crowded the thoroughfares leading to the blaze, but excellent order was preserved under the direction of Acting Chief of Police Schregler, who quickly had the streets roped off and guarded by the officers.
There was considerable danger at first from falling electric wires, which spluttered among the firemen and ofttimes amidst the onlookers. These wires also fell across the Pennsylvania Railroad Company’s tracks on Bridge avenue and suburban trains were stalled for over an hour. At one time the flames approached so near the passenger coaches that they had to be taken back into the yard.
Stubborn Blaze
For three hours the firemen fought the flames before they got them under control and it was not until an early hour this morning that they left the smouldering ruins.
The building was occupied by several concerns, including the Camden Bowling Alleys Company; whose loss amounted to $6000; F. G. Hitchener, wall paper; loss $1000; Sperry & Hutchinson, household articles, loss $2000; William Morgenweck, lumber, loss $500, and M. W. Taylor, theatrical scenery, loss $500.
The houses badly scorched and their occupants follow; 102 West street, John Sharwood; 104, vacant; 106, John Ackerman; Lewis Certain; 110, Richard Carpenter; 112, and 114. Daniel Mehlin; 120, Mrs. Ida Paul; 122, Mrs. Farley; 124, John Campbell; 126, Harry Chase. 416 Mickle street, John Widden; 418, Nelson Hart; 420, H.-W. Wilson; 422, Jules Bosch; 424, Gardner Corson; 426, Mrs. Borquin.
The stable immediately adjoining on the west side of the armory, and belonging to C. M. Alcott, was flooded with water. At this place there were forty horses, all of which were rescued.
Formerly a Market
The destroyed building was erected in 1873, by a number of well-known Camden men, as the Farmers’ and Merchants’ Market. From the first it was not a success, and subsequently became known as the Camden Opera House. After a more or less successful season the promoters of this scheme closed the doors. In 1886 the building was purchased by the State as an armory for the old Sixth Regiment, N. G. N. J. For ten years Camden’s citizen soldiers drilled and gave balls and receptions in the building. When the regiment moved to the new armory on Haddon avenue the old structure was cut up into several rooms and had been used by many different concerns. Recently it was purchased by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to make way for the elevated railroad. All the tenants had been ordered to vacate.
The origin of the fire is unknown. Incendiarism is hinted at and Mayor Ellis declared he will detail the detectives on the case to-day to make a rigid investigation.
Speaking of the matter, he said it is very peculiar that most of Camden’s fires occur about the time the firemen are at their meals. This has been the case in most every blaze if [sic] any importance in the city. The Mayor also highly commended the excellent work of the men in preventing a spread of the flames.