Broadway

Broadway in Camden… a legendary street, once the “Mall of South Jersey.” Running south west of 6th Streets past Ferry Avenue and then all the way to Gloucester City, and eventually on to Woodbury, Broadway was extended north from its beginning at Market Street through to the Delaware River (Ben Franklin) Bridge toll plaza in the 1920s.

When Camden began its period of industrial growth and expansion after the Civil War, the intersections of Broadway and Federal Street, Broadway and Kaighn Avenue, and Broadway and Ferry Avenue became anchor locations in the civic and commercial life of Camden and the surrounding areas. Homes and businesses soon filled in the “empty spaces” between these intersections. During the 1890s and the first two decades of the 20th Century, Camden-based contractor John J. Welsh was known in the city as “the man who built Broadway,” as his firm was involved with a great many projects along the thoroughfare. Brothers George M. Holl and Lewis F. Holl also completed many projects during these years.

James H. Reeve, who had worked for Welsh as a foreman, remodeled many of the homes, including those on the Holl Block, between Stevens and Mickle Streets, for business purposes. Reeve and his sons also built three theatres on Broadway, the Lyric, the Towers, and the Princess.

When Camden began its economic decline in the 1950s, Broadway suffered right along with it. Broadway became in many ways the symbol of Camden’s economic fall. Although there have been some new buildings erected in recent years, most significantly the Walter Rand Transportation Center between Broadway and Mickle Streets, far too much of Broadway in June of 2004 consists of vacant lots and boarded up buildings.

The plan of S. Herbert Taylor, assistant county engineer, for widening of Broadway as a state highway project will be explained by him at a meeting of property owners and Broadway business men in the Chamber of Commerce Assembly room at 3.30 p.m. Thursday.

Taylor will explain his proposal at the request of a sub-committee of the Retail Merchants Division of the Chamber, headed by J. V. Moran.

“This matter is of immediate interest to every business man on Broadway,” Moran said in inviting all Broadway business men to attend, “and I cannot urge too strongly that either you personally or some one authorized to speak for you should attend.”

200 Broadway. Walt Whitman Hotel, Broadway north of Cooper Street, circa 1926. North Broadway and Cooper Street, circa 1930; the traffic signal in the foreground was installed in 1928. North Broadway and Cooper Street, Walt Whitman Hotel, circa 1940; note changes in the storefronts of the hotel and later model cars.

The Terminal Block, 201–217 North Broadway, 1947–2000.

Horn & Hardart Retail Shops, New Jersey’s “Less Work for Mother” — “Weekend Salad Features: Potato Salad lb. 20c, Health Salad lb. 23c, Cole Slaw lb. 18c, Harvard Beets lb. 18c. Our famous Potato Salad and Cole Slaw! Health Salad already mixed with French Dressing! Harvard Beets to serve chilled on lettuce. Shops in Collingswood, Haddonfield, and Camden at 16 Broadway and 1138 Broadway.” — Camden Courier-Post, December 8, 1941.

As one contributor recalled: “at that same location was an ‘Automat’ which for its time was a great quickie place to get a meal, I guess maybe the first real fast food place. I can remember going in there and being amazed at all the little glass doors with food behind them, I guess for a buck Dad could feed the whole family. What memories!” —Fred Dunajek, November 2004.

Howard “Stylist for Men,” 14 Broadway, Camden, N.J. — “Camden’s Outstanding $ Day Values! Genuine Mohair Neckwear, Regularly 50c, 3 for $1.00. Famous ‘Bond Street’ Polo Shirts, Sold Regularly at $1.35, Reduced for This Event $1.00 Each. Adam Hats. Arrow Shirts.” — Camden Courier-Post, July 25, 1941.

Harry B. Levis, Inc., 12 Broadway, Camden, N.J., Established 1908 — “Columnar Books, $1.50 to $10.00. We carry the largest assortment of Bound and Loose Leaf columnar books—2 to 30 columns each. These books enable you to systematize your business, and are time and labor savers. Special Blank Books and Binders Made to Order.” — Camden Courier-Post, March 29, 1932.

Dave Levine & Co., Men’s Quality Clothing — “Upsay Daisy! Just twenty steps straight up he goes—and saves real ‘jack’ on Dave Levine Clothes! One Flight Up—And Worth It! 12 Broadway—one flight up—Direct from Factory!” — Camden Courier-Post, December 1941.

Bond Wine & Liquor Store, 6 Broadway — “‘Yours Truly’ Straight Rye Whisky, $1.35 qt., 99c Fifth, 75c Pint. 90-Proof Aged in Wood. Sold exclusively in Camden at Bond Wine & Liquor Store, 6 Broadway, Next to Western Union. Open Nights: Ph. 4025.” — Camden Courier-Post, August 31, 1935.

The Repair Center, 8 Broadway, Camden — “Repaired While You Wait, All Makes, Pens & Lighters Also Repaired. WOodlawn 6-3493.” — 1956 Yellow Pages.

King’s Jewelers, 4 Broadway — “If You Want Value You’ll Buy at King’s — Lady’s Diamond $27, 75¢ Weekly; Wedding Pair $47, 50¢ Weekly. Open Friday and Saturday Nights.” — Camden Courier-Post, October 3, 1936.

King’s, 4 Broadway, Camden, N.J. — “Use Our Christmas Lay Away Plan. Diamond Solitaire $75; Diamond Ensemble 14 Kt. Solid Gold $95; 5 Diamond Ring 14 Kt. Solid Gold $125. Easiest Terms in Town—Never a Budget Charge. Open Mon.—Wed.—Fri. Evenings ’til 9 P.M.” — Camden Courier-Post, October 27, 1955.

King Optical Co., 4 Broadway — “Glasses on Credit. You cannot afford to neglect your eyes when we make it so easy to own proper glasses. Our State Licensed Optometrist gives you a thorough examination. No drops used. Pay as Low as 50c a Week. Eyes Examined Free. Open Friday and Saturday Evenings.” — Camden Courier-Post, October 26, 1931.

King Optical Co., 4 Broadway — “Eyes Examined Free! Glasses on Credit. Licensed optometrist in charge—thorough examination—lenses fitted perfectly—newest style frames used. Satisfaction guaranteed. You don’t need cash—enjoy our easy payment plan! Pay As Low As 50c a Week. Open Friday and Saturday Evenings.” — Camden Courier-Post, March 28, 1932.

2 Broadway — Eugene Jacobs “Going Out of Business” sign on the marquee, Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1932.

M.A. Bruder & Sons Paint Stores advertisement: “Everything in Paints and Painters Supplies — Deliveries Anywhere — 2 Broadway, Phone 6882; 1043 Broadway, Phone 6082.” — 1930s.

Several hundred persons, attracted by the loud ringing of a burglar alarm at the King jewelry store, 4 Broadway, watched Patrolman John V. Wilkie last night as he climbed over the roof of the building and across a narrow ledge to an open second story window to investigate the alarm.

Failing to find anyone, Wilkie climbed back over the ledge to the roof after finding himself locked in the building.

A score of police detectives and motorcycle patrolmen answered the alarm. William Schoeffling, manager of the jewelry concern, was notified of the “false alarm.”

The 100 Block of Broadway lay between the Speed Line to Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks that ran up Mickle Street up until the 1960s. The widened Mickle Boulevard occupies the land once referred to as the 100 Block of Broadway.

104 Broadway. ANNUAL BALL LISTED BY AHEPA LODGEMEN The annual ball of Ahepa, Camden Chapter No. 69 , will be held February 23, in Hotel Walt Whitman . Thomas Manos is committee chairman. Proceeds will be contributed to the association's sanatorium in New Mexico and for the education of Greek boys and young men. Officers of the Camden chapter are: Thomas Shissias, president; John Manos, vice president; Mike Dendrinos, secretary, and Harry Calogeris, treasurer. Headquarters of the organization are located at 104 South Broadway

106 Broadway. Here's an item that shows that my Uncle, Lester R. Dilts, had an office at 106 S. Broadway, at least in the late '30's into the early '50's. He and his staff not only represented Superior Life Insurance CO., but also the Home Insurance Company of New York, which was much like current Homeowner's insurance. have many memories, as a young boy, from the office windows, watching train traffic crossing Broadway on the old bridge (viaduct) right outside the window! Curt Parrish

111 Broadway. Also at 540 federal street and 251-1/2 Broadway Speed Line to Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Railroad tracks that ran up Mickle Street up until the 1960s. The widened Mickle Boulevard

114 Broadway. Broadway From 200 Block, between Mickle & Stevens Streets On right 200 to 222 Broadway, known as the holl block The Columbia Hotel was not in business gone by 1906, according to the City Directory for that year. At that time, Thomas Samanni was operating a restaurant at that location, and the new Courthouse, in the background, had been completed by the end of 1905. On Left, 201-203 Broadway. During the 1880s and early Street On left 200 to 222 Broadway, known as the holl block The 12 story Stevens Building was at 300 Broadway, is gone; the site made into a parking lot. On Right, Broadway beginning at 201, which was at the time the home of borstein electric . it had been the home and place of business of roy r stewart , Mayor of Camden from

110 Broadway. Curran's was open on Broadway as early as October 1924 and as late as the fall of 1970.

212 Broadway. Hartmann Approves Plans for 2 Modern Stores at 213-15 Broadway Plans for two modern stores on the site of 213-15 Broadway, have been approved by Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann. The stores, modernistic in design, will be built for Abraham Brandt, of 104 King street, Gloucester City. The contractor will be S. Levy, Inc. Two former stores on the sites have been razed to make room for the more modern buildings, which will be the first of their design in the city. The stores will be one story in height with false fronts built to give them greater height. The plans provide for the future erection of upper stories.

300 Broadway. The Stevens Building was then called the Income Insurance Building (Equitable Casualty & Surety Company, Camden Courier-Post, March 12, 1930).

413-417 Broadway. Destroyed by Fire April 14, 1968 THIEVES TAKE CIGARS IN SONS OF ITALY HALL black leather pocketbook containing $5.50, papers and house keys, was stolen Wednesday night from the parked automobile of Violet Byers, 413 Broadway , on Park Boulevard near Kaighn Avenue Cigars, cigarettes and candy valued at $18 were stolen from the Sons of Italy hall at 440 Spruce Street , it was reported by the janitor, Nick Pitrini. An empty cash register taken from the place. was found in the yard. Entrance was made through a side window.

418 Broadway. <> $100 IN GEMS STOLEN FROM APARTMENT Theft at 418 Broadway Reported to Police; other Homes Robbed Two garages and several homes were entered over the weekend by thieves who escaped with, cash, jewelry and other articles. Theft of jewelry valued at $100 and a $5 note were reported to police last night by Mrs. Bernard Heidrich, of 418 Broadway Mrs. Heidrich told City Detective Harry Kyler she and her husband returned home after an absence of nine hours and discovered a door leading to their second-floor apartment had been jimmied. Among the articles reported stolen were a bracelet, a brooch and a ring. Kyler reported an attempt had been made to gain entrance to the office of Dr. C. C. Eppleman in the same building. A panel was forced in a door, Kyler said. Walter T. Ridgeway, of 924 Penn Street , reported the theft of a heater and radio speaker from his automobile while it was parked in his garage on Twelfth Street near Lawrence. Ridgeway said the lock on the garage had been forced. Jacob Fine, of 1700 Master Street, told police three boys walked into his store and escaped with 10 cartons of cigarettes. Jennie Finkel, of 2615 Westfield Avenue , said $25 had been stolen from a bureau drawer in her apartment. No marks of forced entry could be found. The lock, key, auto jack and two one-gallon cans of anti-freeze were stolen from a garage used by George Firth, 540 Stevens Street Firth told police. The articles were valued at $5.

422 Broadway. NINE FINED BY GORMAN IN TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS Nine motorists were fined and two t received suspended sentences for traffic violations when arraigned before Mayor John F. Gorman, in the Gloucester city police court last night. The heaviest fine, $10 and costs, was imposed on Dr. Albert Kogut, of 235 Central Park, West New York, arrested by State Inspector H. C. Wilson, while speeding on Crescent boulevard. Others were Albert Patta, Pedricktown; Harry Kline, 207 Ninth street, Salem; John Eychlicki, Newfleld, all $3.50 and costs; Michael Bratis, 431 Kaighn avenue Camden, $5 and costs; William E. Hibbert , 422 Broadway Camden, suspended sentence; Charles E. Cowell, 334 Harding Court, Pitman, suspended sentence James Freeman, Washington, D. C. $3.50 and costs; Howard Stringer 2810 Midvale avenue, Philadelphia $3.50 and costs; Roland H. Wilkerson Paulsboro, $3.50 and costs, and Lewis R. Sipple, Westville, suspended sentence.

504 Broadway. NON-PARTISAN LEAGUE TO REORGANIZE HERE The Camden County Committee of Labor's Non-Partisan League of New Jersey will be reorganized today at 11. a.m. at a meeting of delegates from C.I.O., A.F. of L., and Workers Alliance Units at 504 Broadway Sponsored by the provisional state executive committee of the league, elected at the last convention to work for establishment of a labor party in New Jersey, the meeting here is one of a series throughout the state. Leo Perlis, state organizer, will attend. Officers and committees will be elected and the question of establishing a city committee for Camden will be discussed. Arrangements are in charge of William C. Pommerer, first state vice president, and Nicholas Marinella and Joseph G. Mitton, executive board members.

538 Broadway. Arthur H. Williams & Sons built, among many other commissions, the Church of the Holy Communion at Broad and Arch Streets and St. James Church at 22nd & Walnut Streets in Philadelphia; St. John's, Camden, New Jersey; Christ Church, Riverton, New Jersey; Christ Church, Germantown; George S. South Memorial Church of the Advocate, Philadelphia; and the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Saviour, 38th Street above Chestnut, Philadelphia. 1870s-1919

521 Broadway. Miss Edith MacGeorge of 521 Broadway, has, had as her house guest for some time, Mrs. Frederick William Whiting of New York City.

The “Floating Chapel” was brought to Camden and set up on a brick foundation at Broadway & Royden Street. It was destroyed on Christmas morning 1870. The present church was completed in 1885.

602 Broadway. George W. Kephart established a funeral home at this address in 1917. He passed away the following year. His widow, Bertha Kephart, operated the business into the 1930s. By 1936 she had moved to 411 Cooper Street.

616 Broadway. The Library opened in 1905.

618 Broadway. Son of shipyard owner John H. Dialogue Sr., John Jr., an engineer by trade, moved here in 1890 after leaving his parents home at 712 Broadway. The property was sold early in the 1900s, and the Carnegie Library was built on the site.

725 Broadway. Woman Fires Gun After Mistaking Cop for Prowler wakened by a noise at 3 a. m. yesterday, Mrs. Prossie Corbett, proprietor of a drug store at 725 Broadway looked out of her third-story bedroom window and saw a man get in a car and hur riedly drive away. Mrs. Corbett, whose store bur glars attempted to enter last Friday by climbing a ladder and removing a window on the second floor, fired three shots to attract the police, but the car already had disappeared down Broadway few moments later, in answer to her call, half a dozen motorcy cle patrolmen were outside her place. Just then Detective Edward Mills came along in his car. Told of what had occurred, Mills declared it was he who had gotten into the car Mrs. Corbett described to the police. Mills said he had left the car parked there while he made a routine inspec tion of the neighborhood.

723 Broadway. CRASH FOILS THIEVES. Thieves who used a ladder to remove a second-story window from Corbett's Kut Price Drug Store, 725 Broadway, were frightened away early yesterday when the window crashed. Mrs. Prossie Corbett, proprietor of the store, asleep in her bedroom in another part of the building, told the police she heard no noise. The ladder, recently used by painters at the store, was discovered by David Hawkes, a private watchman in the neighborhood, at 4 a.m. He called the police and Detectives Leon Branch and George Zeitz responded. According to them, the thieves removed the window by using a brace and bit.

808 Broadway. The Merchant's Republican League had its office at this location in the early 1900s. William Sayrs, who had a long and distinguished career in municipal government, lived here a t the time of the 1930 Census. Sayrs Avenue , in Whitman Park, was renamed for him.

810 Broadway. BROADWAY FUR DEALER FILES IN BANKRUPTCY voluntary petition in bankruptcy was filed in U. S. District Court yesterday by Morris Snyder, 810-1/2 Broadway. Snyder gives his occupation as fur salesman and lists several South Camden properties, including his store at 810-1/2 Broadway among his assets. He gives his liabilities as $39,330 and his assets as $18,401 810-1/2 Broadway

821 Broadway. THIEVES ROB BAKERY AND GROCERY STORE While bakers were at work in an other part of the building, thieves entered the bakery of William Spengel, 825 Broadway , at 6.30 a. m. yesterday and stole $18 from a cash drawer. The theft was discovered when an employee, about to give change to a customer, found the money gone. Thieves who entered the grocery store of Herman Kaimowitz, Ninth and Elm Street s, during the night, tore a pay telephone station from the wall and took it with them. A quantity of cigarettes also was stolen. The windshield from the automobile of Earl Calhoun, Haddon Heights, was stolen while the machine was parked on Broadway near Market Street

832 Broadway. CHINESE LAUNDRY ROBBED burglar broke into the laundry of Charles Ling, Broadway and Spruce street, at 5 a, m, yesterday and stole $3 in cash, three suits of clothing and an electric fan, he re ported to police. Ling said the robber removed a rear window to effect an entrance.

919 Broadway. This house was built in 1840 for a relative of Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story. A dentist, dr. david e. cooper , purchased this building in the late 1930s. Dr. Cooper would practice at that address until he passed away in 1947. It was the sold to joseph dimona sr. , who razed the building in order to expand his furniture store.