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Carpenter Street

Streets of Camden, NJ
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Carpenter Street

Carpenter Street first appears in City Directories in 1867. The street is not listed in the 1863–1864 Directory. Carpenter Street was a narrow street originally running from 118 North 8th Street eastward until it reached Cooper Street, where Cooper angles toward its intersection with Federal Street near the Cooper River bridges. An alley adjacent to 1129 Carpenter Street provided access to Cooper Street.

Carpenter Street at one time was interrupted at North 9th Street by the Hollingshead Factory and a railroad crossing. The Hollingshead factory was destroyed on July 30, 1940 in a spectacular fire. Several homes in the 900 block of Carpenter Street went up in flames with the factory. By 1947 only one family that had been living on Carpenter Street in 1924 was still living on the street.

In later years most of Carpenter Street beyond North 9th Street was razed to make way for Interstate 676. Today virtually all that remains is the 800 block, with no buildings standing on it. For many years Carpenter Street was best known as being “the alley behind the Towne Park Motel.”

Phil Cohen

Map of Carpenter Street, 1946

Carpenter Street — 1946

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800 Block of Carpenter Street

800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1867–1947.

809 Carpenter Street

809 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Mildred C. Loving

811 Carpenter Street

811 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Mrs. Annie M. Barry
1922William J. McAleer

812 Carpenter Street

812 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Harry C. Emore

813 Carpenter Street

813 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

814 Carpenter Street

814 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1867Mrs. Harriet Maxwell
1890 A. Lincoln James & Family (A. Lincoln & Carrie James; Lizzie James; Anna May James; Charles H. James)
1906Mrs. Frank Schaffer

815 Carpenter Street

815 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1888–1927 Michael McCaffrey
1924Walter D. Hamilton

816 Carpenter Street

816 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1880s–1890sDaniel Carter
1880s–1890s Peter B. Carter

817 Carpenter Street

817 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Anna M. Johnson

818 Carpenter Street

818 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1887–1888 Jesse Johntra

819 Carpenter Street

819 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1878 Peter S. Gray & Family
1924William S. Tehn

821 Carpenter Street

821 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Clarence A. Gibbs

822 Carpenter Street

822 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1891–1892 William S. Davis & Family
1891–1892William S. & Dollie Amanda Davis

823 Carpenter Street

823 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Edward J. Beglin

824 Carpenter Street

824 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1912 Crawford M. Smith (brother-in-law) & Family (Crawford M. & Lillian Smith; Crawford M. Smith Jr.; Belford E. 'Bud' Smith; Della Smith; Elsie Smith; Edward B. Smith)

825 Carpenter Street

825 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1870s–1890sThomas A. Daley, proprietor, milk delivery business
1924Philip MacDonald

826 Carpenter Street

826 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906(recorded)

827 Carpenter Street

827 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1879 Benjamin Middleton
1924William H. Allen

828 Carpenter Street

828 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906(recorded)

829 Carpenter Street

829 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1898–1899Luke J. Gragan & Family (Luke J. & Mary Gragan)
1924Mrs. Margaret Burkett
1933Emil Hatter

831 Carpenter Street

831 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1883–1888 Peter S. Gray
1883–1884 John Gray
1924Mrs. Alice A. Stafford

833 Carpenter Street

833 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1911 Crawford M. Smith & Family (Crawford M. & Lillian Smith; Crawford M. Smith Jr.; Belford E. 'Bud' Smith; Della Smith; Elsie Smith; Edward B. Smith)
1924Frank McGuckin

835 Carpenter Street

835 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1883 Benjamin Middleton
1924Jesse D. Sawyer
1947Mrs. Gertrude M. Sawyer (widow)

836–840 Carpenter Street

836–840 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906(recorded)

842 Carpenter Street

842 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910William Robinson
1924Mrs. Mary J. Hamilton
1947George W. Webber

844 Carpenter Street

844 Carpenter Street — 800 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Not Listed
1947Vacant
Philadelphia Inquirer, April 2, 1922 — William J. McAleer Missing

Although he is of more mature years, the strange absence from home of William J. McAleer, of 811 Carpenter street, Camden, is causing his aged mother so much worry that relatives say that her health rapidly is breaking under the strain. She has written direct to Detective Hennigan, pleading with him to employ every means to determine what has happened to her son.

According to the mother’s letter, McAleer, who is 29 years of age, left his home on February 4 and has not been heard from since, although there is no known reason why he should remain away, or fail to communicate with his mother. He has gray eyes, light complexion, and weighs about 130 pounds. At the time he left home in February he wore a brown suit, overcoat and hat, and russet shoes. He wore a gold ring containing a green stone. The mother feels certain that he is somewhere in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Inquirer — April 2, 1922

Crawford M. Smith — Camden Post-Telegram, July 9, 1912

North Camden News

North Camden News

There was considerable excitement in the vicinity of Eighth and Carpenter streets yesterday afternoon when a bed in the home of Mrs. Lillie Smith, 824 Carpenter street, caught fire while being cleaned. On seeing the bedclothes burst into flames, Crawford Smith, a 12-year-old son, rushed out to secure help. Policeman David Clark was on Ninth street and he quickly sent in an alarm. The entire company from Fifth and Arch streets responded and by hard work succeeded in confining the blaze to the second story back room, where it had started.

Philadelphia Inquirer, January 6, 1899 — Mary Gragan funeral notice

GRAGAN.—On January 3, 1899, Mary, wife of Luke Joseph Gragan, aged 62 years. The relatives and friends of the family, Rosary and Sacred Heart Societies, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Friday morning, at 8 o’clock, from her husband’s residence, 829 Carpenter street, Camden, N. J. High mass at Church of Immaculate Conception. Interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Philadelphia Inquirer — January 6, 1899

Judge Pancoast Proves to 21 That Honesty Is Best Policy

If there’s anything Police Judge Pancoast doesn’t like it’s to have people trying to fool him, he said. So yesterday Pancoast sent two alleged speakeasy inmates to jail for 60 days and gave the confessed proprietor only 50 days.

Emil Hatter, 35, of 829 Carpenter Street, was arrested for violating the ordinance prohibiting congregation of disorderly persons on the premises by Lieutenant Herbert Anderson Thursday. Hatter told the court that he was proprietor and was in the illegal liquor business to provide for his two children.

“That’s no excuse,” said the judge, “you should provide for them without breaking the law.”

He fined Hatter $50 and sentenced him to 50 days when he was unable to pay. The judge then turned to Edward Mackay, 38, of 531 Ray Street, and Alfred Brooks, 45, of 700 Pearl Street, who, Anderson said, were drunk in Hatter’s establishment.

Both men admitted having a few drinks, elsewhere, but insisted they were sober and that they did not buy the drinks from Hatter.

“I’m good and tired of having people trying to fool me,” said Pancoast. “I don’t know what they take me for. I’m going to end it, though, by giving each of you 60 days.”

Unable to pay a fine of $100, George Young, 29, colored, 954 South Ninth Street, was sentenced to 100 days when he pleaded guilty to operating a “wash-boiler” still in violation of the city speakeasy ordinance. His wife, Ethel, 19, and Annie Fussel, 37, of 614 Chestnut Street, alleged inmates, were given 30 days each in default of $25 fines.

Camden Courier-Post — June 3, 1933

Crawford M. Smith — Camden Daily Courier, August 23, 1911

Scalded When Hot Water Fell on Him

Scalded When Hot Water Fell on Him

Crawford Smith, 10 years old, of 883 Carpenter street, was badly scalded yesterday when a pan of hot water fell over on him. The boy was playing about the room at the time. He received the scalding liquid over his legs. At the Cooper Hospital it was found he had been quite severely injured.

Philadelphia Inquirer, February 14, 1910 — William Robinson funeral

A delegation from the Second Ward Republican Club yesterday attended the funeral of William Robinson, which took place from his home at 842 Carpenter street.

Philadelphia Inquirer — February 14, 1910

Children clean up the 800 block of Carpenter Street, 1949

Tired of playing in dirt and filth littering the thoroughfare, children in the 800 block of Carpenter Street are shown cleaning it after they organized their own volunteer brigade. The youngest of the cleanup squad, two-year-old Howard Handy, is shown in the arms of his sister Patsy, 9 (at rear of automobile). The children, numbering about 20, started the job at 8 a.m. and had the street spic and span four hours later. — Camden Courier-Post — July 20, 1949

Looking east on Carpenter Street during the Hollingshead Factory fire, July 30, 1940

Looking east on Carpenter Street — A scene repeated many times throughout the neighborhoods surrounding the fire: dwellings were dwarfed by the immense size of the burning factory complex. Hot and windy weather, low water pressure, flying embers, and severe radiant heat conditions joined forces to spread the fire in all directions among several city blocks. — Hollingshead Factory Fire, July 30, 1940

Camden News Notes

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden News Notes - Philadelphia Inquirer, February 14, 1910

Sixty feet from the ground, a 20,000-gallon tank is being erected for a soap manufacturing concern at Fourth street and Atlantic avenue.

A delegation from the Second Ward Republican Club yesterday attended the funeral of William Robinson, which took place from his home at 842 Carpenter street.

Efforts are being made to have Dr. Nachman Heller, of Harrisburg, become rabbi of a Camden synagogue. He is widely known in Jewish circles for his brilliant writing.

Work of installing a much-needed padded cell in the city jail has been completed to the satisfaction of Mayor Ellis.

About the only thing to show that yesterday marked the city’s eighty-second birthday was the flag which floated from the tall pole in front of the City Hall.

Members of the Debating Society of the High School will wrestle with this question next Friday night: “Resolved, That Co-education in Public High Schools is Undesirable.”

At the North Baptist Church yesterday, Rev. Kerr Boyce Tupper, of Philadelphia, preached eloquent sermons to large congregations. This church has not yet selected a successor to Rev. Kittredge Wheeler who resigned to go West some months ago.

Camden churches continue to experience a wonderful awakening as a result of revivals.

Mary Jones, 29 years old, of 911 North Second street, was badly bruised by a trolley car at Broadway and Newton avenue yesterday. She was taken to her home in an ambulance.

Sleepwalker Falls to Death

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Sleepwalker Falls to Death - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1915

Walking in her sleep, Mrs. Annie M. Barry, aged 65 years, of 811 Carpenter street, Camden, fell downstairs to her death early yesterday morning. Members of her family were awakened by hearing her moving about but before they could get to her she had plunged down the stairway to the bottom. Coroner Bushey said her death was due to a fractured skull and gave a certificate accordingly.

Sad Plight of Starved Woman

Camden Daily Courier —

Sad Plight of Starved Woman - Camden Daily Courier, July 12, 1906

Pronounced Insane and Will be Taken to State Asylum

SON TO BE PROPERLY CARED FOR

Mrs. Frank S. Schaffer, aged 58 years, and her nine year old son Frank, who were found in their home on Tuesday evening at 814 Carpenter street, almost dead from lack of proper nourishment, will be taken in charge by the authorities to-day. Mrs. Schaffer was examined yesterday afternoon by Drs. Haines and Litchfield and pronounced insane. She will be taken to the State Asylum at Trenton this afternoon.

Her little son is now being cared for by the City Matron. In the meantime Overseer of the Poor Jeffries will complete arrangements for his removal to the county poor house.

The mother and son came to this city from Elmira, N. Y., about six months ago. They have cousins residing there and the police authorities have notified them of the plight of Mrs. Schaffer.

For two days the boy has amused himself romping around the City Hall. He is bright and cheerful and has the sympathy of every one in the hall. Frank found almost instant favor in the eyes of Chief Gravenor. For hours he would sit by Sergeant McClung and watch him as he operated the switch board as the patrolmen reported.

900 Block of Carpenter Street

900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1890–1947. Most homes were destroyed in the Hollingshead Factory fire of July 30, 1940, or demolished afterward.

917 Carpenter Street

917 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1893–1895 A. Lincoln James & Family (A. Lincoln & Carrie James; Lizzie James; Anna May James; Charles H. James), policeman
1924Mrs. Annie Eichenberg

919 Carpenter Street

919 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

921 Carpenter Street

921 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Harry Kier

923 Carpenter Street

923 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

924 Carpenter Street

924 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1900Martin Kneiblher & Family
1924Vacant

925 Carpenter Street

925 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Walter S. Baldwin

926 Carpenter Street

926 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

927 Carpenter Street

927 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Jennie Slaughter

928 Carpenter Street

928 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924George T. Potter
1927–1928Thomas Kirk

929 Carpenter Street

929 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1903Daniel Dickinson
1906 Benjamin Middleton
1924Charles Baners

930 Carpenter Street

930 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Samuel Barrett & Family (Samuel & Susan Barrett; Roy Barrett; Kenneth Barrett)

931 Carpenter Street

931 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924John M. Turner

932 Carpenter Street

932 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

933 Carpenter Street

933 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

934 Carpenter Street

934 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924George F. Crowe
1938Leon J. Kirk

935 Carpenter Street

935 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914 Melvin & Nettie Gleason; Lester A. Gleason
1924Vacant
1928William Mates
1934Thomas Kirk

936 Carpenter Street

936 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924George F. Dueschle

937 Carpenter Street

937 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1902Rev. O.G. Burt & Family (Rev. O.G. & Susie Burt; T. Gladstone Burt)
1924–1928Mrs. Mary Miller

938 Carpenter Street

938 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Joseph Johnson

939 Carpenter Street

939 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

940 Carpenter Street

940 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Annie Martin

942 Carpenter Street

942 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924James W. Monroe

944 Carpenter Street

944 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890 A. Lincoln James & Family (A. Lincoln & Carrie James; Lizzie James; Anna May James)
1924Robert B. Rich

946 Carpenter Street

946 Carpenter Street — 900 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Not Listed
1947Alfred Dannibale
Philadelphia Inquirer, January 24, 1900 — Martin Kneiblher funeral notice

KNEIBLHER.—Suddenly, on January 17, 1900, Martin Kneiblher, aged 39 years. The relatives and friends of the family, also St. Joseph’s and Bishop O’Farrell’s I. C. B. U. Societies, and Welcome Circle, No. 3 B. U. H. F., are respectfully invited to attend the funeral on Monday morning, at 8 o’clock, from his late residence, No. 924 Carpenter street, Camden, N. J. High mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception at 9:30 o’clock. Interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Philadelphia Inquirer — January 24, 1900

Philadelphia Inquirer, August 28, 1903 — Daniel Dickinson

Dickinson Is Insane

Former Well Known Camden Grocer to Go to the Asylum

Daniel Dickinson, aged 50 years, of 929 Carpenter street, Camden, who frightened Cooper Park visitors Wednesday by firing a revolver, was examined yesterday by Drs. Haines and Beale and pronounced insane. He will be taken to the State Hospital for the Insane.

Dickinson was at one time a well-known grocer. He lost his wife some time ago, and this is thought to have preyed on his mind.

Philadelphia Inquirer — August 28, 1903

Marriage Licenses

George Albert Leary, 21, of 650 Berkley Street, and Ellen Jane Frame, 19, of 525 North Sixth Street.

Joseph C. Rapa, 25, of 606 South Fourth Street, and Margaret R. Schiave, 24, of 220 Royden Street.

Louis Doerr Jr., 22, of 810 Fern Street, and Marian Hawk, 17, of 2904 Buren Avenue.

Roman Bielicke, 20, of 1184 Lansdowne Avenue, and Steffie Krystanovicz, 20, of 1077 Van Hook Street.

Leon J. Kirk, 23, 934 Carpenter Street, and Ida V. Hope, 36, Oaklyn.

Camden Courier-Post — February 8, 1938

Camden Courier-Post, February 7, 1928 — Man's Ingenuity Saves House Menaced by Fire

Man’s Ingenuity Saves House Menaced by Fire

Ingenuity on the part of a young man today saved a house from possible destruction by fire.

Harry Gordon, a boarder in the home of Mrs. Mary Miller, was installing a gas stove in the basement of the house at 937 Carpenter street, at noon. Mrs. Miller was standing nearby holding matches so he could see.

When a plug slipped off the gas pipe, flame from one of the matches ignited the gas. Mrs. Miller shouted for help and William Mates, 935 Carpenter street, turned in an alarm.

While they were waiting the arrival of the fire apparatus, Gordon fastened a tin can over the flaming pipe line and he, Mrs. Miller and Mates formed a bucket brigade. They were still pouring water over the can to keep it from becoming hot when firemen arrived and turned off the gas.

Camden Courier-Post — February 7, 1928

Philadelphia Inquirer, December 4, 1902 — T. Gladstone Burt funeral notice

BURT.—Suddenly, Dec. 1, 1902, T. Gladstone, son of Rev. O. G. and Susie B. Burt and grandson of Robert G. and late Phoebe A. Smith, aged 6 years and 1 month. Relatives and friends of family are respectfully invited to attend funeral, on Thursday morning, at 10 o’clock, from residence of his uncle, Harry B. Smith, 937 Carpenter, Camden, N. J. Interment private.

Philadelphia Inquirer — December 4, 1902

Klostermans Identified as Numbers Kings by 5 Witnesses

Camden Courier-Post —

Klostermans Identified as Numbers Kings by 5 Witnesses - Camden Courier-Post, March 20, 1935 Klostermans Identified as Numbers Kings by 5 Witnesses - Camden Courier-Post, March 20, 1935

Storekeeper Says His Place Was Used as ‘Drop’ for Gaming Slips

5 CONVICTS RECALLED FROM STATE PRISON

Five witnesses in Criminal Court yesterday placed their fingers on the Klosterman brothers, Joseph and Fred, as Camden numbers “barons,” as they went on trial on 12 counts charging them with operating a lottery.

Each of the witnesses admitted under direct examination by Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando they had been in the employ of the Klostermans at two of the three establishments they are alleged to have maintained.

John Frenia, 57, proprietor of a delicatessen store at 1413 Mt. Ephraim avenue, testified he worked for the Klostermans at the Young Republicans Seventh Ward Club, 1411 Mt. Ephraim avenue. He said the Klostermans used the club as a headquarters for their numbers bank. He further admitted his store was used as a numbers “drop” for the Klostermans and that packages of numbers were left at his store daily by “pick up” men and called for by either Fred or Joseph Klosterman. His wife, Pauline, corroborated his testimony.

Chester Topolski, 25, of 1230 Dayton street, testified he was employed as a janitor at the club and received money from the bank operators to be turned over to “pick up” to pay off winners.

Tells of Numbers Party

Another witness, Albert Magee, 45, colored, of Davistown near Westmont, told of a party which Fred Klosterman “threw for his ‘numbers’ writers at a Black Horse pike roadhouse. It was strictly a formal affair, Magee testified, and he was introduced to Fred Klosterman as “one of his numbers writers.”

John Szalanski, 30, of 1188 Chestnut street, another witness testified he was employed by the Klostermans as a “pickup” man in the number business for three years. He worked for them until a few days after they were acquitted January 17 last in Criminal Court here of 30 joint “numbers” indictments.

The court adjourned at 4.03 p. m. until 10 a. m. today after Mrs. Frenia finished her testimony.

Seated in the court room near the exit to the county jail were five numbers writers, who suddenly lost their memory at the first trial of the Klostermans in January and were resentenced to serve from two to three years in state prison. They were Crawford Smith, 53, of 702 Carman street; Thomas Kirk, of 935 Carpenter street; Walter Hart, 28, of 1245 Thurman street; Andrew Pointkowski, 1475 South Ninth street, and Arthur Woodridge, 40, of 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken. They were returned from Trenton for the trial and probably will be called by the state this morning.

It was indicated last night by the prosecutor that these men are willing to talk.

Szalanski further testified he saw both Klosterman brothers in the Young Men’s Seventh Ward Republican Club and at a taproom called the Chez La Joy, 1050 Mechanic street. The state charges the taproom and another establishment at 1051 Mechanic street were used by the Klostermans as headquarters for their illegal “numbers” racket.

Passed Bags of Slips

Frenia asserted that both Fred and Joseph Klosterman came into his store with bags containing “numbers” slips.

“I would pass them over to Leon Dabrowski, who worked in the Republican Club or to a man called “Sparrow” or another known to me only as ‘Peaches’,” Frenia testified.

Frenia told Prosecutor Orlando under direct examination that he could look from his second floor window directly into the second floor room of the Republican Club which is spearated [sic] by a five-foot alley:

“I could see men working over adding machines computing the daily play of the ‘numbers’ game,” Frenia testified.

“One one [sic] occasion the adding machines were passed from the Republican Club across the alley into my second story room.”

The witness said he was formerly employed by the Klostermans in their saloon business.

He further declared he received “numbers” slips from the Klostermans before and after their first trial in Criminal Court which resulted in acquittal because of lack of evidence produced by the state.

Szalanski further declared that he saw both Klosterman brothers in the Young Men’s Seventh Ward Republican Club at 1411 Mt. Ephraim avenue and at a taproom called the Chez LaJoy at 1050 Mechanic street, which the state alleges were two of the three headquarters of the “numbers” bank operated by the Klostermans.

Tells of ‘Counting Room’

“I saw both Fred and Joe Klosterman at the Republican Club last Summer in rooms on the second floor in which there were five adding machines for computing the daily ‘numbers’ play,” testified Szalanski.

“On one occasion when one of the ‘numbers’ slips which I picked up, hit the daily number, Fred Klosterman paid me $500 to distribute to the writers who then gave it to the winners.”

The Klostermans, represented by Carl Kisselman, are on trial on 12 joint indictments charging the operation of a “numbers” lottery. The true bills allege the brothers “unlawfully did keep a place with the intent that persons might resort thereto for the purpose of gambling at so-called game of numbers.”

The indictments further charged the political club was used for unlawful lottery purposes between September 22, 1934, and January 31, 1935; that the taproom, Chez LaJoy and a dwelling at 1051 Mechanic street was so used between March 1, 1933, and July 31, 1934.

Szalanski, the first witness to definitely hook up the Klostermans with the “numbers” racket in Camden, said that he was employed by the brothers after a conference in a saloon at Mechanic and Liberty streets.

“I told the Klostermans I had no car and they advanced me $100 to buy an automobile,” said the witness.

When the witness said he continued to work for the Klostermans as a “pickup man” during and after the first trial, which resulted in the court directing a verdict of acquittal because of lack of evidence, Judge Neutze questioned him:

“Do you mean to say that you turned money over to the Klostermans at the Republican Club after their last trial?”

“Yes,” the witness replied.

Denies Intimidation

Szalanski admitted he was arrested two weeks ago in Philadelphia on “numbers” charges and is at liberty under bail.

Cross-examination of the witness by Kisselman failed to move Szalanski.

“Didn’t the prosecutor’s office try to intimidate you into testifying here?” asked Kisselman. “Didn’t they tell you what happened to other ‘numbers’ witnesses when the prosecutor’s office deemed their testimony was not satisfactory?”

The witness denied he had been intimidated or threatened into testifying.

“I know what is going on—I read the newspapers,” he asserted.

Szalanski corroborated statements of Topolski, as to the identity of persons seen about the club.

Szalanski was recalled to the stand when court reconvened after the noon recess. He testified he worked

Again on Trial

JOSEPH KLOSTERMAN

FRED KLOSTERMAN

Brothers, who were identified yesterday by former employes of Camden numbers operators.

as an “extra” at the Seventh Ward Republican Club for $1 a day.

“Who gave you to understand that you were to take $1 from the money you received in the numbers business?” Orlando asked.

After giving several evasive answers, Szalanski finally admitted that Fred Klosterman had told him he was entitled to $1 a day for his labor.

Puts Finger on “Joe”

Magee was the third witness called at the afternoon session.

Q. What is your business? A. I am a “numbers writer.”

Q. How long were you in the business. A. Three years.

Q. What district did you cover? A. I covered Blenheim, Hilltop and surrounding territory.

Q. How much did you take in a day from your collections last year? A. Oh, about $20 a day.

Q. To whom did you turn over this money? A. I turned it over to a man named George Smith.

Q. What percentage of the proceeds were you paid? A. I got 25 percent.

Q. In December, 1934, you had some differences with the pickup man over your total sheet and a shortage? What did you do about this? A. I went to a saloon on Mt. Ephraim avenue in Camden and asked for the Klosterman brothers.

Q. Did you see either of the Klosterman brothers and if so, which one?

At this point, Prosecutor Orlando asked the witness to point to either one of the two brothers and asked them both to stand up which they did.

“That’s the one there—in the blue suit,” said the witness pointing to Joe Klosterman.

Q. Did you ever meet Fred—the man besides him—his brother? A. Yes, I met him on the Black Horse pike in the Summer of 1934.

Party for Writers

Q. What was the occasion of that meeting? A. Well, it was at Charley Lutz’s place—that’s a roadhouse.

Q. What were you doing there? A. Well, it was a party to the “numbers” writers and we were all there for a good time.

Q. Well how did you happen to meet Fred Klosterman? A. Well, somebody took me up and introduced me to him and said I was one of the boys—one of his “numbers” writers.

Q. And then what happened? A. Well, Fred shook hands with me, turned around at the bar and ordered beer for the house.

At this juncture the witness was examined by the prosecutor as to his reasons for going to the Mt. Ephraim avenue saloon and he repeated his testimony that it was because of a shortage in his “numbers” slips account.

“Joe Klosterman treated me very nice and he said he would fix the thing up for me and I wouldn’t have any more trouble with my total sheets,” Magee said.

“After I saw him I didn’t have any more trouble,” the witness added.

Through a Polish interpreter, Frenia testified under direct examination that he had worked for Fred Klosterman in the latter’s saloon on Mt. Ephraim avenue in December, 1933. He also testified that previously Joe Klosterman employed him in another saloon at Green and Mechanic streets.

“What would you do with the numbers slips when you received them in your store and from whom did you receive them?” Orlando asked.

“Sometimes I received slips from Leon Dabrowski and from Fred Klosterman and his brother Joe only once or twice.”

Orlando then directed five or six men to stand up in the courtroom. He asked Frenia to point out any of those standing among the men who delivered slips at his store. Among those identified by the witness were Walter Hart, Kirk, Piontkowski and Szalanski, who had previously testified.

Saw Counting in Club

Q. How near was the rear of your store to the Seventh Ward Republican club? A. It was only about five feet across an alley.

Q. Could you see into the club from the second floor of your store? A. Yes. I could see into the second story window of the club.

Q. Did you ever look across there, and if so, what did you see? A. I saw Leon Dabrowski, “Sparrow” and “Peaches” counting out slips on adding machines.

Q. Were those machines ever moved across to your house? A. Yes.

Q. How were they moved across this alley to you? A. They were just lifted across and I took them in with my hand. It was only about five feet distance.

Q. Had you previously discussed moving these machines with either of the Klosterman brothers? If so, what was the reason? A. Sometime in November of 1934 I talked it over with Fred Klosterman and the only thing he told me was that the machines were needed.

Q. When these men brought “numbers” slips to your store how did you receive them? A. Sometimes I received them in paper bags and sometimes I received them on paper. Fred Klosterman told me it was O.K. to turn over the slips to Leon Dabrowski. I also received slips from Fred Kolsterman [sic] and Joe Klosterman once to my place.

Q. Did you receive slips at your store before and after the last trial of the Klosterman brothers on January 17? Answer yes or no. A. Yes.

Frenia, in answer to a direct question of the prosecutor as to when was the last time he had an adding machine in his store or home, said it was three days before he was arrested on “numbers” charges.

He also testified he received $10 a week for about four months for “receiving numbers” in his delicatessen store. He said he was told by Fred Klosterman he would get that amount each week and that the money was paid to him each week by Dabrowski.

Gives Confused Testimony

The last $10 he received, Frenia testified, was paid to him in January of this year. For this money, Frenia asserted, he was to “take the slips and help around the club.”

He said that on the second floor of the Republican club, were tables and chairs and the money they brought in, but there were no adding machines there. In earlier testimony, Frenia testified he had adding machines in his home which had been passed over a second-story window from the clubhouse.

Under cross-examination by Kisselman, Frenia gave confusing and contradictory testimony as to whether or not Joe Klosterman had received or taken any of the “numbers” slips from his store. Finally, he declared Joe Klosterman did take “numbers” slips from the store on one occasion.

Frenia denied that any county detectives sought to intimidate him in telling his story as Kisselman charged, by reminding him that other witnesses who told stories not satisfactory to the prosecutor’s office, were sentenced to prison terms of two to three years.

Knew of Punishments

Frenia said he knew that phase himself as he had read it in the newspapers. Prosecutor Orlando objected to Kisselman’s questioning along these lines, asserting it was unfair to infer that “something would happen to witnesses because of anything displeasing that they may say and the prosecutor might not agree with.”

“We are not responsible,” Orlando said, “for the condition of witnesses’ minds brought about by something over which we have no control.”

Kisselman was permitted by the court to ask the question, explaining that “whatever it is Mr. Kisselman is seeking to bring out, the jury would get later.”

“Do you know why these other witnesses got 2 to 3 years?” Kisselman asked.

“Yes, I know that because it was in the paper and because they were working in the ‘numbers’ business,” said the witness. “They got more than three months because they did not tell the truth.”

Mrs. Frenia, called as a state witness, testified both Fred and Joseph Klosterman came to their store for “numbers” slips.

She testified she gave the slips to Fred Klosterman five or ten times and that she gave the slips to Joseph Klosterman about five times before Christmas, 1934.

Asked to name who brought the slips to their store, the witness said Walter Hart, Arthur Woodridge, “Sparrow” and another man whose name she did not know.

Gave Klosterman Slips

She disclosed that Dabrowski would come into the store to collect the slips. “They started to bring the slips into the store around Christmas time and they stopped in January a couple of days before my husband was arrested,” the woman testified.

The witness said the slips were sometimes in a bag and on other occasions wrapped in a rubber band. She testified to delivering some of the slips to Fred Klosterman not wrapped up in a bag.

“Between five and seven people would bring the ‘numbers’ slips to the store,” Mrs. Frenia said.

Under questioning the woman said she was in the store when the adding machines were transferred from the club next door to her house. She asserted the men who brought the machines from the club to their house were Dabrowski and “Sparrow.”

Mrs. Frenia further testified that she could see from her second floor of the house, men adding numbers on the second floor of the clubhouse next door. She also said she saw both Fred and Joseph Klosterman on the second floor of the club but did not remember whether she saw them there when they were adding numbers.

“I saw Leon Dabrowski and “Sparrow” in the clubhouse adding numbers,” she testified.

Testifies of Slips

Relating how she first came to pick up the “numbers” packages left in her store, she explained that Fred Klosterman told her that “if anyone brought a package there to take it.” That was about a month or two before Christmas, 1934, the woman declared.

Asked if she had a similar conversation with Joseph Klosterman, she said she did not.

She testified the last time Fred Klosterman was in the store to pick-up “numbers” slips was in December before Christmas. Joseph Klosterman was in the store also before Christmas which was the last time she saw him, Mrs. Frenia testified.

Under cross examination, Mrs. Frenia said she never played the “numbers” or banked or sold “numbers” slips. She testified her husband was not in the store when Joseph Klosterman came in and she knew the packages contained “numbers” slips because she saw them.

Asked how she would know they were “numbers” slips if she did not play them, the woman said “they asked for them.”

Mrs. Frenia was asked if she did not know it was against the law to take the “numbers” slips. She said “Yes, I did, but I took them because my husband worked for them at the club.”

“How often did you see what was going on in the second floor of the clubhouse from your home?”

“About twice a week—only when I looked over there.”

Exposes Brothers

Testimony of John Szalanski:

Q. Did you ever turn over numbers to Fred and Joe Klosterman at the Young Men’s Seventh Ward Republican Club? A. Yes.

Q. What were you in the business? A. I was a pickup man for about three years.

Q. When did you first start in the numbers business with Klosterman? A. I can’t tell exactly. I would say about three years ago.

The witness then identified each defendant from the witness stand.

Q. Before you started with them, with whom did you do business? A. With Griffith, of Haddon Heights or Haddonfield.

Q. Why did you go to Klosterman? A. I went with them because I made no money out of Griffith.

Q. Whom did you first see at the Klostermans? A. I saw Fred. I had no car, and they gave me $100 to get one. I talked it over with Fred. They gave me a $100 check at the saloon on Liberty street where I saw both Fred and Joe and I bought with it a Chrysler coupe.

Dealt With ‘Fred’

Q. With whom did you do your business? A. With Fred. I handed him the slips. I would turn the slips over to Fred at Mechanic and Green streets. That was before they moved to the Young Men’s Seventh Ward Republican Club.

Q. Did you turn the slips over to Fred or to Joe at the club? A. To either of them.

Q. To either or both? A. Yes. If I was late I would turn them over sometimes to Leon Dabrowski or to someone else in the office. That would be about once a month, or sometimes once or twice a week. I would turn them over at the club better than a year.

Q. Would you ever turn them over at Fred’s home? A. Yes.

Q. How long have you known Leon? A. About six years. He is supposed to be a brother-in-law of Fred.

Q. What was your daily average in the money you delivered from pickups? A. About $100 a day. I would get 5 percent. I would turn the money over to Leon, and I have turned it over to Fred already a few times at the Young Men’s Seventh Ward Republican Club.

Trial Failed to Halt Them

Q. You turned money like that right after the trial this year? Before the witness could answer, Judge Neutze interrupted to ask: “Do you mean to say that you turned money over to them right after the trial?” The witness answered, “Yes.”

Prosecutor Orlando then asked the witness whether he could identify Frenia or Mrs. Frenia. He identified both as the ones who conducted a delicatessen store next to the club. He testified that he would turn the slips in to John Frenia every day for a few months up to last Christmas.

Q. Why did you turn them in at Frenia’s place instead of at the Seventh Ward club? A. Fred or Leon told me to turn them in there instead of at the club.

Q. Where did you turn in the money? A. I turned it in to the club, upstairs on the second floor.

Asked by the prosecutor to describe the second floor, the witness said it contained rooms much like the second floor of a home, and in one of the rooms was a table at which Leon sat. There were four or five adding machines, and numbers slips in the room.

Q. Did you ever see Joe and Fred Klosterman on the second floor? A. Yes, about once a week.

Q. When do you recall seeing Joe there, in particular? A. There was once last Summer in the afternoon, between 2 and 5.

Q. Who else was there? A. There was Leon Dabrowski, Andrew Piontkowski, who were adding up slips; myself and Fred or Joe, whoever came in.

Tells of Getting Money

Q. On the hits, who would deliver the money? A. I delivered the money.

Q. From whom would you receive the money? A. Sometimes from Fred, if there was a big hit and the people won a lot of money. If it was not such a big hit, I would receive the money from Leon.

Q. Did any of the players make large hits? A. Yes. Fifty cents and a dollar. That means if they hit a dollar it would mean $500, and Freddy or Leon would give me that money.

At this point, the voice of the witness was almost inaudible, and the prosecutor requested him to speak out loudly and clearly. Orlando next asked the witness whether he had any difficulty before he quit the Klostermans. He answered that he had, because he had borrowed $50, and Fred had told him that if he made any other loans, he was to know about it. Fred also told him, he said, to be a “good boy” while he was away.

In the back room of the Chez La Joy, he said, he received the full amount of a big hit. At the time there was there with him, Fred Klosterman, Leon and a man called “Flori.”

“At this time,” the witness said, “Fred ordered Leon to give me the full amount.”

Gave Brothers Slips

Q. To whom did you give the money? A. I gave it to a fellow I knew as ‘Bill’ on the East Side.

Q. Did you give him all of the money? A. No.

Q. Did you take any of it out for yourself, for commission? A. No.

Q. How much did you give him? A. I gave him between $400 and $500. He was the writer.

Q. Did you ever deliver slips to Fred or Joe Klosterman at the Chez La Joy? A. Yes, whoever was around.

Q. When, in particular? A. Well, on one occasion last summer I handed them to Joe, and at other times, I also handed them to Fred in the summer. I would say about a half dozen times in the past year.

The witness testified he delivered slips to Leon at the Chez La Joy but that he never delivered slips to Mrs. Frenia, but he did to her husband for about two months. He said he gave the slips to Frenia in a paper bag. He also testified that he knows a man by the name of “Peaches,” and that he saw him at the Republican club, turning in numbers.

He also turned in slips to Andrew Pointkowski, he said.

Orlando Overruled

“I also saw Walter Hart turning in numbers at the club and the store, as did Tom Kirk,” the witness testified.

That ended the direct examination. On cross-examination by Kisselman, the witness said that he first told the prosecutor what he knew about a month ago.

Q. Did the prosecutor come after you? A. Yes. They called me on the phone and told me to come to the prosecutor’s office.

Q. Are you charged with anything here in connection with this case? A. No.

Q. Did they tell you there were witnesses in jail; that these other fellows were in jail? A. I knew it.

Q. Did Mr. Doran, chief of detectives, tell you that because the previous testimony of these witnesses was unsuitable, their sentences were increased? Prosecutor Orlando objected; to which Kisselman replied:

“It seems that we have a right to show intimidation.”

“I can’t see the relevancy of such testimony,” replied Orlando.

Judge Neutze allowed the question and the witness answered:

“I knew it because I read it in the newspapers.”

Asked why he appeared as a witness, whether because he was a public-spirited citizen and wanted to tell the truth, he said that was the reason. He admitted later under cross-examination, that he was arrested in Philadelphia because he was in the numbers business.

Parries Cross-Jabs

Q. You come here and profess to be a public-spirited citizen, yet you were arrested after what you told the prosecutor in connection with the case? A. Yes.

Q. When did you last see Fred in connection with the numbers business? A. On a Saturday after the trial. (The date of the trial was January 17, 1935.)

Q. Did you know that Fred was in the hospital? And did you do the numbers business with him when he was in the hospital? As a matter of fact, didn’t Fred go away the day after the trial? A. He went away on a Saturday, and I did business in the meanwhile with Leon. I would see Joe around.

Q. Did you see him every day before the trial? A. Yes, I would say about every day.

Q. Do you remember seeing him after the trial? A. I don’t remember seeing him after the trial.

Luncheon recess was declared. The court warned the jury not to discuss the case with anyone on the outside.

Tells of Transfer

Topolski, who testified he was employed as a janitor at the clubhouse by Fred Klosterman but paid by a man named Leon Dabrowski, said he often saw Dabrowski, Charlie Smith, Walter Hart, Andrew Piontkowski, Crawford Smith, “Gassy” and “Peaches” about the place.

Topolski said he also was employed as “pickup man” in the “numbers” business and that he took the slips and money to the delicatessen store of John Frenia next door to the Republican club. Dabrowski, according to the witness would then gather the slips and receive the money personally from Topolski.

Jury Quickly Chosen

It required only 45 minutes to select the jury to try the Klostermans. The state used seven challenges and the defense ten.

The courtroom which was slow to fill up at the opening of the trial, was crowded by the time the jury had been selected and the prosecutor made his opening.

Topolski, who said he was a leather worker before engaging in the “numbers” business, was the first witness called by the state.

“I was a pick-up man in the numbers game,” Topolski replied in answer to a question by Prosecutor Orlando. “I used to meet a fellow on the corner known as Charles Stewart. He gave me number slips and books which I took to the delicatessen store of John Frenia.

“Do you know Fred and Joseph Klosterman, the defendants on trial here?” the prosecutor asked.

“Yes I met them several times. I saw Fred Klosterman come into the club several times but I never saw Joe there.

The witness identified the two Klostermans seated at the defense counsel table. Questioned by Prosecutor Orlando as to whether he did any “numbers” business with either defendant, Topolski said, “I never did any business with either of them.”

“No, I Didn’t”

“Did you ever deliver any ‘numbers’ books or ‘numbers’ slips to a tap room called the Chez LaJoy at 1050 Mechanic street?” he was asked.

“No. I didn’t.”

That address as well as the Republican club are alleged by the state to have used together with a house at 1051 Mechanic street, as headquarters for the operations of the “numbers” business of the Klosterman brothers.

Names Three Men

“Did you ever deliver any “numbers” books to 1051 Mechanic street?”

“No, I did not,” answered the witness.

In connection with seeing the Klostermans, the witness said it was in the Republican Club that he met them, where both were members.

Questioned concerning his activities in the “numbers” business, Topolski said he started working as a “pickup” man sometime in June or July, 1934, and continued up to about three weeks before Christmas.

“How much business would you do?” he was asked.

“I would pick up anywhere from $40 to $50 daily. I would pick up from three different men.”

“Who were they?”

“Joe Miller, Charles Smith and John Jankowski.”

Questioned further, Topolski said he made arrangements to leave the slips at Frenia’s store for Leon Dabrowski, who he identified as “the guy who got me the job.” He testified he met Dabrowski in Chez LaJoy in June of last year.

‘Sort of Grab Bag’

“I would just hand Frenia the bag which had the slips in. I don’t think he knew what was in the bag,” Topolski testified.

“Sort of a prize bag, eh,” broke in Judge Neutze and the courtroom tittered in laughter.

Hired by Klosterman

“Who did you give the money to which you collected?” Prosecutor Orlando asked.

“To Leon Dabrowski.”

“Did you ever see Fred or Joe Klosterman at Frenia’s store?”

“No.”

The witness then said he did see them at the Republican Club where he had been engaged last July as a janitor to clean up the place.

“Fred Klosterman hired me but Leon Dabrowski paid me,” Topolski said. “The first couple of weeks I was paid $3 a week but then they raised me to $6 a week.”

Under grilling he said he did not think it was strange that Fred Klosterman gave him the job and Dabrowski paid him.

“Did you ever see any adding machines on the second floor of the club?” Prosecutor Orlando asked.

“No,” was the answer.

The witness then testified he cleaned up newspapers, slips of papers and long pieces of tape paper which were blank. He further testified he would see Dabrowski at the club in the evenings and also about when he was cleaning up.

Got 5 Percent Fee

Topolski said he was to receive 5 percent of the $40 or $50 of “numbers” playing which he collected daily. He said he deducted it from the money he turned in. Asked by Prosecutor Orlando to tell who appeared around the club when he was there, the witness said:

“Well there was “Gassy,” Charlie Smith, “Peaches,” Walter Hart, Andrew Piontkowski, Crawford Smith . . . and I also saw Fred Klosterman walk in and out but he never stayed long.”

Frenia was called to the front of the courtroom by the prosecutor and Topolski identified him as the man with whom he left the bag of “numbers” slips daily. The prosecutor then called Frenia’s wife and Topolski identified her but said he never left any “numbers” slips with her.

“Did any of the slips which you picked up ever hit?” the prosecutor asked.

“Yes, there were several hits,” said the witness. “On one hit I received $15 which I gave to the “numbers” writers to distribute to the winners. They went mostly to Charles Stewart.”

‘Santa’ Pays Fines of Numbers Pawns

Camden Courier-Post —

‘Santa’ Pays Fines of Numbers Pawns - Camden Courier-Post, January 19, 1935

Or Maybe His Brother Helped 2 Who Changed Testimony in Klosterman Case

There IS a Santa Claus—at least for numbers racketeers—and he pays off their fines in scrip.

Three convicted numbers writers have had their fines paid by unidentified persons. In two such cases, the same man paid both fines. And curiously enough, the fines this man paid were those on two recanting witnesses at the Klosterman trial. One of the fines was paid the day before the surprising trial and the other fine was paid a few hours after the trial. All of which may be a coincidence—.

The payment of the fines was revealed yesterday afternoon by Frank Tyson, chief clerk of the county jail. Tyson stated that all fines were paid in scrip but that the donors’ names were not recorded.

“We don’t keep any record of the names of persons who pay fines for prisoners,” Tyson averred. “If someone wants to pay a fine, we take the money. I can’t even say whether the same person paid all the fines. I believe they were different persons.”

And so Santa Claus—and maybe a brother or two—went to the rescue of Arthur Woodridge, 7910 Park avenue, Pennsauken; Crawford Smith, 702 Carman street, and Thomas Kirk, 935 Carpenter street.

Smith and Woodridge were two of the “state witnesses” at the trial Thursday of Fred and Joe Klostermen [sic] who “thought” they had been employed as numbers men by the Klostermans but weren’t sure—resulting in acquittal for the Klostermans.

Previously, Woodridge had been sentenced to two months and fined $100 on numbers charges, while Smith had been fined $100 and sentenced to three months. Both are still serving time at the county workhouse.

But on Wednesday, Santa Claus paid Woodridge’s fine. An hour or two after Thursday’s trial concluded, Woodridge’s unknown benefactor also paid Smith’s fine. Kirk’s fine was paid on January 3 by Santa; he had been fined $100 and sentenced to three months.

Meanwhile, Miss Geneva Harden, beauty shop operator of Chapel avenue, Delaware township, was arraigned before Judge Frank F. Neutze yesterday afternoon following her conviction of numbers charges on Jan. 2. She was given a suspended jail sentence and then fined $200.

It was first reported that Miss Harden’s fine was also paid by “Santa Claus,” after Tyson had said no record was kept of the doner’s [sic] name. After this report was published, Joseph W. Cowgill, attorney, telephoned the Courier-Post and said:

“I’m the man who paid Miss Harden’s fine, but I’m not Santa Claus. I obtained cash from Miss Harden’s mother and took it to the sheriff’s office where they all know me. And I didn’t pay it to Tyson; I paid it to ‘Happy’ Glenn.

“Furthermore, I had cash, but someone in the sheriff’s office asked me to trade it for scrip as a favor to them.”

1000 Block of Carpenter Street

1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1874–1944. Most homes were razed for Interstate 676.

1002 Carpenter Street

1002 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1882–1892Herman Keeley & Family (Herman & Charlotte Keeley), Saloon
1882–1892Herman & Charlotte Keeley

1004 Carpenter Street

1004 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924George S. Lewis

1006 Carpenter Street

1006 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1874–1876 Josiah M. Davis
1924Jacob Newman

1008 Carpenter Street

1008 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Amanda Welch

1009 Carpenter Street

1009 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

1010 Carpenter Street

1010 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890 John W. Pine Family (John W. & Emma Pine; Walter A. Pine)
1902 Charles Ford & Effie May Wagner, common-law wife (Casper Wagner aka Casper Ford; Henry Ford)
1924Henry M. Turner

1011 Carpenter Street

1011 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910–1918Howard D. Emery & Family (Howard D. & Augusta Emery; Carolyn Emery; Maurice Emery; Howard D. Emery Jr.; Frederick Emery; Augusta Emery)
1924Frank J. Moore

1012 Carpenter Street

1012 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924William A. Mapes

1013 Carpenter Street

1013 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924John W. Howell

1014 Carpenter Street

1014 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1909Howard D. Emery & Family (Howard D. & Augusta Emery)
1924Mrs. Alice Mentz

1015 Carpenter Street

1015 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906 John W. Pine Family (John W. & Emma Pine; Walter A. Pine)
1924George Lye
1944 Zellie Ellis rental property

1017 Carpenter Street

1017 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Harold F. Roberts

1019 Carpenter Street

1019 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1900s–1930sConrad A. Gerhart & Family (Conrad & Sarah Gerhart; George Gerhart; Catherine Gerhart)
1924Vacant

1021 Carpenter Street

1021 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

1023 Carpenter Street

1023 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

1024 Carpenter Street

1024 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

1025 Carpenter Street

1025 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1898–1906 Thomas J. Stanton & Family (Thomas J. & Annie Stanton; Thomas J. Stanton Jr.; William Stanton; Mary Stanton; John B. Stanton; Anna Stanton; Catherine Stanton; Alice Stanton)
1924Musghy Zonenian
1933Fred Powell

1026 Carpenter Street

1026 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Christian L. Gerney

1027 Carpenter Street

1027 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Charles J. Packer

1028 Carpenter Street

1028 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Emory Saunders
1932 Richard O'Neill

1029 Carpenter Street

1029 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Rudolph Funk

1030 Carpenter Street

1030 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Daniel Beverly

1031 Carpenter Street

1031 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1918 Private John T. Deighan
1924Frank Nelson

1032 Carpenter Street

1032 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Charles S.R. Hile

1033 Carpenter Street

1033 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924William Crowell

1034 Carpenter Street

1034 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Etta Conrow

1036 Carpenter Street

1036 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Karop Tashjian

1038 Carpenter Street

1038 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924John R. Ruby

1040 Carpenter Street

1040 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Charles Kobel

1042 Carpenter Street

1042 Carpenter Street — 1000 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924James Corrigan
Philadelphia Inquirer, August 21, 1888 — Camden's Liquor Sellers Philadelphia Inquirer, December 5, 1892 — Herman Keeley obituary

Camden’s Liquor Sellers

Those Who Violate the Law Find That Mayor Pratt Will Make it Lively for Them.

Mayor Pratt, of Camden, is making it rather warm for the saloon-keepers who are doing an illegal business. Yesterday four cases were before him, and as they are all under the new law the violators, if convicted, will probably suffer severely.

Herman Keller is the proprietor of a saloon at Tenth and Carpenter streets. He was arrested on the charge of selling on Sunday. He was released on his own recognizance for a hearing.

Daniel Hurley, of Seventh and Mount Vernon streets, was also brought up for violations of the Sunday law. He was held in bail for a hearing. Hurley is also charged with keeping a disorderly house. He was held in bail on that charge for the October term of court.

John Cleary, who keeps a place at No. 231 Pine street, was held in bail on the charge of selling liquor to minors. Lewis Mickle, whose saloon is located at Kaighn’s avenue and Mount Ephraim pike, was arraigned for selling on Sunday. He was released on bail for a hearing.

Philadelphia Inquirer — August 21, 1888

KEELEY.—On December 5, 1892, Herman, husband of Charlotte Keeley, aged 52 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Thursday morning at 9 o’clock, from his late residence, southeast corner of Tenth and Carpenter streets, Camden, N. J. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery.

Philadelphia Inquirer — December 5, 1892

Philadelphia Inquirer, January 24, 1917 — Catherine Gerhart

Catherine Gerhart, 3 years old, of 1019 Carpenter street, fractured her right shoulder in slipping on the ice. She was treated at Cooper Hospital.

Philadelphia Inquirer — January 24, 1917

Boys on Roof Accused of Plot to Rob Store

Two 15-year-old boys were arrested last night on charges of breaking and entering and attempted larceny.

The boys, Fred Powell, of 1025 Carpenter Street, and John McCloskey, of 33 North Twenty-fifth street, were arrested by Policeman Everett Joslin and John Taylor on the roof of a shanty in the abandoned Humphrey Lumber yard, Point and Pearl Street, which is occupied by William L. Rice, of 206 York Street, as an ice cream and candy store. The boys had broken off a section of the roof and were about to enter the store, the police said. They will be arraigned today.

Camden Courier-Post — June 19, 1933

Private John T. Deighan — 1031 Carpenter Street, 1918

Private John T. Deighan — 1031 Carpenter Street — 1918

Richard O’Neill Real Estate Advertisement

Richard O’Neill Real Estate Advertisement - March 28, 1932

OWN YOUR HOME

RENT $15 to $35

709 Berkley 545 Royden St. 327 Harvard Ave. 520 Division 425-430 Henry 620-22 N. 8th St. 916 Walnut 1028 Carpenter 607 Robert 142 N. 25th St.

OWNERS and TENANTS Come to Headquarters FOR PROPERTY RENTING

RICHARD O’NEILL

6th and Berkley Streets

Established Over 21 Years

INSURANCE MORTGAGES

ESTATES MANAGED

BELL 2726

1100 Block of Carpenter Street

1100 Block of Carpenter Street, 1885 map

1100 Block of Carpenter Street — 1885

1100 Block of Carpenter Street, 1891 map

1100 Block of Carpenter Street — 1891

1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Sanborn map, 1906

1100 Block of Carpenter Street — 1906

1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1897–1963. The block ran to Cooper Street; Richman Alley provided access between 1140 and 1142 Cooper Street.

1107 Carpenter Street

1107 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1897R. Wilson Moffett
1924Robert J. Landis

1108 Carpenter Street

1108 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Russell Saulsbury

1109 Carpenter Street

1109 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Elizabeth Pinn

1110 Carpenter Street

1110 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Martha Williams

1111 Carpenter Street

1111 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924David Stephens

1112 Carpenter Street

1112 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Manuel J. Reaves

1113 Carpenter Street

1113 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924 Edward Smith & Family (Edward & Catherine Smith; Orris W. Smith; Ethel Smith; Catherine Smith)

1114 Carpenter Street

1114 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Frederick Foster

1115 Carpenter Street

1115 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Albert Johnson

1116 Carpenter Street

1116 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

1117 Carpenter Street

1117 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1905–1919William Walters
1920V. Kalowistien
1924Daniel Stephens Jr.
1949James E. Cannon
1959–1963Julius Porter & Family (Julius & Caroline Porter; William Porter)

1118 Carpenter Street

1118 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Mary Meginnis

1119 Carpenter Street

1119 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Edward McGill

1120 Carpenter Street

1120 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1896–1897 Edward Simpson & Family (Edward & Sarah Simpson; Edward Simpson; Walter Simpson)
1924Leroy E. Simpson
1933Jessie Fife

1121 Carpenter Street

1121 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Frederick Thompson

1122 Carpenter Street

1122 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Hattie Bulla

1123 Carpenter Street

1123 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1897William Mount
1924Mrs. Bessie Green

1124 Carpenter Street

1124 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Henry Green

1125 Carpenter Street

1125 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

1126 Carpenter Street

1126 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906(recorded)
1930Frank Williams

1127 Carpenter Street

1127 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant
1956Owner Edward Gordon (c/o Reba Obus, 101 N. 7th Street)

1128 Carpenter Street

1128 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Frank Cook

1129 Carpenter Street

1129 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Albert West

1131 Carpenter Street

1131 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Ella Jackson

1136 Carpenter Street

1136 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant
1927–1928Patrick Coyle

1138 Carpenter Street

1138 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

1140 Carpenter Street

1140 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

1142 Carpenter Street

1142 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant

1144 Carpenter Street

1144 Carpenter Street — 1100 Block of Carpenter Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant
1947Jacob Fisher
1956John Wright
Philadelphia Inquirer, August 4, 1890 — R. Wilson Moffett

R. Wilson Moffett, of 1107 Carpenter street, went home intoxicated on Saturday and attempted to break in the door with his fist, but only succeeded in receiving a lacerated wound of the finger.

Philadelphia Inquirer — August 4, 1890

Philadelphia Inquirer, December 14, 1919 — Dog Stands Guard Over Master's Body

Dog Stands Guard Over Master’s Body

Camden Man Last Seen Tuesday Found Dead on Kitchen Floor

Canine Companion Attacks Policeman Forcing Entrance to Home

With his little yellow terrier on guard, William Walters, 60 years old, was found dead yesterday on the kitchen floor at his home, 1117 Carpenter street, where he has lived alone since the death of his wife in 1905.

Policeman Taylor forced an entrance to the house when neighbors told him they had not seen Mr. Walters since Tuesday and found the lifeless body on the floor of the kitchen guarded by the little dog.

The dog barked and snapped at the officer when he got near the body and the faithful little animal repeated these tactics when Coroner Hall called to examine the corpse. The Coroner gave a certificate of death from apoplexy and sent the body to the Morgue. Mr. Walters, who owned the house in which he lived, had relatives in Germantown and efforts are being made to locate them.

Philadelphia Inquirer — December 14, 1919

Camden Post-Telegram, September 25, 1920 — Flames Caused by Explosion of Stove

Flames Caused by Explosion of Stove

In an early morning fire a man was burned, a house badly damaged, the First district police auto partly wrecked and a policeman was hurt.

The alarm came from the home of V. Kalowistien, 1117 Carpenter street, shortly after 5 o’clock this morning. Brehm Zrnooksen, 40 years old, a boarder in the house, was burned on the hands when the gasoline stove exploded in the shed and set the place afire. Kalowistien and his wife, who were dressing, hurried downstairs and despite the efforts of the two men and woman the flames gained great headway.

When the firemen arrived the back of the house was all ablaze and for a time the property was threatened with destruction.

Zrnooksen was being taken to Cooper Hospital in the police auto. Officer Edgar Anderson was driving and Officer Edward Middleton was in the rear with the patient. Near Haddon avenue and Federal street the brakes on the machine locked and the car skidded into the curb, breaking a front wheel. Middleton was thrown into the street and was bruised on the leg and arm. Middleton placed Zrnooksen on a passing machine and took him to the hospital.

Damage to the house will amount to about $2,000. The owner had no insurance on the place.

Camden Post-Telegram — September 25, 1920

Edward Simpson, 1911 — 1120 Carpenter Street

Edward Simpson — 1120 Carpenter Street — 1911

Philadelphia Inquirer, November 6, 1897 — William Mount

Plumber William Mount, of 1123 Carpenter street, was fined $50 and costs by Mayor Westcott yesterday, charged with violating the plumbing code.

Philadelphia Inquirer — November 6, 1897

Intersection of Cooper Street and Carpenter Street — Sanborn map, 1906

Intersection of Cooper Street & Carpenter Street. The “intersection” was actually “Richman Alley,” an alley that ran from Carpenter Street out to Cooper Street, between 1140 and 1142 Cooper Street.

1[?] Months Given in Cutting

Camden Courier-Post —

1[?] Months Given in Cutting - Camden Courier-Post, December 4, 1930

John Jones, 28, of 1018 Lawrence street, was sentenced to 1[?] months when he admitted he “almost carved off the head” of Frank Williams, 22, of 1126 Carpenter street. Williams displayed a scar which he said took 16 stitches, to close. Jones said the argument started over his housekeeper, and he only cut Williams in self-defense.

Hospital Cases

Camden Courier-Post —

Hospital Cases - Camden Courier-Post, February 15, 1956

COOPER

Lamaas Fletcher, 11, 137 Spruce st., cut head. John Wright, 68, 1144 Carpenter st., burned left ankle. Juan Muratti, 802 Fern st., cut nose. Paulia Huston, 35, 622 Mt. Vernon st., cut left hand.

WEST JERSEY

Richard Di Patri, 8, 1813 S. 4th st., possible concussion and injured legs. Christine Whye, 1017 Kaighns ave., dog bites of face. Linda Field, 5, 316 Austin ave., Glendora, cuts of lip and chin.

Order Razing Of 6 Buildings As Fire Hazard

Camden Courier-Post —

Order Razing Of 6 Buildings As Fire Hazard - Camden Courier-Post, April 26, 1956

Six Camden properties, described as unfit for human habitation and fire hazards, were ordered razed Wednesday by Edwin Segal, city legal assistant in charge of the condemnation bureau.

The houses are located at 523 Newton ave., 1036 Segal st., 1127 Carpenter st., 250 Burns st. and 620-22 Kaighns ave.

All six properties were declared in dilapidated condition and hazards to children and pedestrians by George LaMarra, inspector in the building bureau.

The Newton ave. building, a two-story brick and frame semi-detached house, is a haven for playing children, according to several nearby residents, who appeared at the hearing. The residents were Mrs. Olga Anton, of 722 Clinton st.; Edward Bender, of 733 Clinton st., and Mrs. Emilie Griffin, of 527 Newton ave.

Segal said he had received a petition signed by 42 residents in the area, urging the property be razed.

Mrs. Mamie Pinsky, of 1212 S. 3rd st., owner of the property, informed Segal she would have the structure demolished.

Owners of the other properties who failed to appear at the scheduled hearing were Louis B. Humphreys Jr., real estate, 3rd and Market sts., for 1036 Segal st.; Edward Gordon et ux, care of Rheba Obus, of 101 N. 7th st., for 1127 Carpenter st.; B. H. Stow et ux, of Marlton, for 250 Burns st., and John W. and Miss Otelia Cromwell, of Washington, represented by Louis M. Huston, of Burr-Smith Co., 13 Haddon ave., for 620-22 Kaighns ave.

Fourteen Caught in Saloon Round-Up

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Fourteen Caught in Saloon Round-Up - Philadelphia Inquirer, June 26, 1900

Latest Haul Made by the Law and Order League in Camden

There was another round-up of Camden county liquor dealers yesterday. Complaints were made against fourteen persons by George B. M. Adams, an agent of the Law and Order League.

Those for whom warrants were issued are: Walter S. Hubbs and wife, charged with running a speak-easy in Pensauken township; John Keefe, of Fogarty avenue and Carman street; Thomas Farnham, Ninth and Lawrence streets; John Daly, 321 North Seventh street; William Gallagher, 106 Kaighn avenue; Charles E. Bakley, 2318 Federal street; John H. Carroll, Third and Cherry streets; John H. Jones, 517 North Front street; George W. Hoskins, 505 Main street; William Convery, Eleventh and Carpenter streets; John Opfer, Front and Pearl streets; Joan [sic] Dugan, Front and Pearl streets; Michael J. Walsh, 503 Federal street.

All entered bail before Justice Schultz for hearings to-day except Opfer, Gallagher and Walsh. The latter was locked up and the other two sent word they would appear this morning. The complaints will at once be submitted to the grand jury.

Camden News Notes

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden News Notes - Philadelphia Inquirer, September 4, 1913

By the bursting of a blood vessel in her leg, Mrs. May Sherlock, aged 45 years, of 1128 Penn street, nearly bled to death before the Cooper Hospital was reached.

For striking his wife when she interfered because she thought he was chastising a young son too harshly, George Lehman, of Carpenter street, was held in ball [sic] for court by the Recorder yesterday.

Supreme Court Justice Garrison yesterday ordered the release of Frank Sapp, a youth, of 206 Walnut street, who was arrested on a capias as a result of charges being made by Ethel McCormick, of Philadelphia. The decision was reached by Judge Garrison that the case had been improperly brought.

Seriously accused by 12 year-old Mary Mistral, of 1193 Sycamore street, who avers she was locked in a room and mistreated, Kostanky Ostrowski, aged 36 years, of 1142 Sycamore street, was committed to jail without bail by Justice Rudney yesterday.

Malt License

Camden Post —

Malt License - Camden Post, January 29, 1878

The Court of Common Pleas yesterday granted licenses to sell malt drinks, to John Beck, 306 Federal; Henry Garren, 27 South 4th; Andrew Sheddinger, 344 Spruce and Wm. G. Zimmerman; refused to Charles Horner, 313 Federal; Charles B. Hale, 417 Market; John M. Hertlein, 123 Arch; Herman Kuhle, 10th and Carpenter; John Lock, 325 Spruce and Adam Rumpf, 329 Arch street. Jacob Lawrence of Stockton township was licensed. Wm. Geands application, 12th and Federal, was deferred till Saturday.

Fire Veteran Dies in Harness

Camden Morning Post —

Fire Veteran Dies in Harness - Camden Morning Post, January 31, 1927

Capt. P. Scott Franklin, Officer of No. 1 Company, Victim of Stroke

J. Scott Franklin, junior captain at No. 1 fire house, Fifth and Arch streets, died at his home, Eleventh and Carpenter streets, yesterday. He was 62, and had been attached to the station for more than 22 years.

He died suddenly of a stroke. He had been injured in an accident several months ago, and while continuing at his duties, had been complaining of illness.

His wife has been seriously ill for the past week. According to his mates at the fire house he had been greatly worried over her condition. She had not yet been told of his death late last night, as it was feared that the shock would be too great for her.

He was one of the veterans of the fire department and had won his way up to captain from the ranks. He figured in the fighting of several large fires.

Von Nieda Opposes ‘Parking Lot’ Plan

Camden Courier-Post —

Von Nieda Opposes ‘Parking Lot’ Plan - Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1936 Von Nieda Opposes ‘Parking Lot’ Plan - Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1936 Von Nieda Opposes ‘Parking Lot’ Plan - Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1936 Von Nieda Opposes ‘Parking Lot’ Plan - Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1936 Von Nieda Opposes ‘Parking Lot’ Plan - Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1936 Von Nieda Opposes ‘Parking Lot’ Plan - Camden Courier-Post, August 22, 1936

Mayor Calls Razing of 20 Blocks ‘Destruction,’ Denies Slums Exists [sic]

Mayor Frederick von Nieda last night denied that he approved the recommendations of the Camden Housing Advisory Committee to remove 20 blocks of houses to provide public parking places for motorists in North and South Camden.

The mayor particularly stressed his opposition to the razing of properties in the area designated by the committee as Section A, embracing Tenth to Twelfth streets between Market and Linden streets, taking in Linden, Penn, Lawrence, Cooper and Carpenter streets between Tenth and Twelfth strets [sic].

“If some people in Camden have gone crazy you can tell them the mayor has not,” Mayor Von Nieda declared.

“If you move these people then you only place them somewhere else. I am emphatically against any Zioncheck plan like that. I believe in construction, not destruction.”

‘No Slums in District’

“This plan was proposed to me by Joseph N. Hettel, a member of the committee, as a slum district elimination. I want to say here and now there are no slums in that district and the people who live there resent that statement.

“I said I would favor the plan if it meant slum elimination, but it does not. If there were actual slums in the area I would say ‘Amen.’ The residents are poor people in modest homes. Here and there is a dilapidated property. But to take them all down, I say ‘No!’

“There are 825 families living in that section. The advisory committee says a survey shows the city’s annual operating expenses in the area is $95,335.30. The income to the city is placed at $27,061.63, causing a loss to the city of $68,273.67.

“I want to say the cost of operation is $141,000 a year. We spend $66,000 yearly to educate children in that area. If we moved them we would not save anything. We would have to educate them wherever we moved them. The relief administration spends $75,000 yearly in that area. That would have to be paid wherever we move them. If the costs of operation were $180,000 that sum would be insignificant.

Wants to Help City Grow

“I want to help Camden grow if I tread on my own political toes. That progress must come slowly and not takes [sic] away wage-earners’ homes. That survey is an overstatement of facts. I have lived with figures all of my life.

“If it is a question of slums then that is a matter for police to clear up. I know there is no slum district in Section A. As far as ratables are concerned, there are lots of good ratables in the area.

“When the government proposed constructing Westfield Acres apartments it was said it would aid slum clearance. It will not. It will provide only cheaper housing for wage-earners who do not get enough to live in higher-priced houses.

“The project will house less than 600 families. If they take large families of children with them we will have to provide another school, more teachers. It will cost $75 per child a year for education. Say there will be 500 children housed there, that will mean an additional $37,500 piled on the taxes for education. The city will get a gross take of five percent on the rentals and I dread the tax rate when another year comes around.

Would Keep Veterans’ Homes

“I also am opposed to razing the two veterans’ homes at Broadway and Benson street. They are substantial. To tear them down would be an absolute crime. If they were a menace I would say yes. But not to lease the site for a parking lot. If anything should be done it would be to convert them into stores to give revenue to the city.”

James W. Burnison, chairman of the housing advisory committee, recommended the plan for the elimination of the two areas. He said the recommendation was being made on the basis of a survey made by the State Housing Authority.

Burnison declared the parking areas would bring additional business to the city and remove a costly burden.

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