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Cherry Street

Camden Street
Page Contents

Introduction

Cherry Street is one of Camden’s “tree” streets, running east-west between Spruce and Walnut Streets.

The western end of Cherry Street, below South 3rd Street, was the original southern border of the Fettersville tract, named for Richard Fetters, a prominent citizen of 19th century Camden. Fetters played a vital role in establishing the City of Camden. Richard Fetters in 1833 purchased from Charity and Grace Kaighn the land lying between Line and Cherry Streets, extending from Third Street to the Delaware River. Fetters, a Quaker, was a political and civic leader light years ahead of his time in his commitment to address the needs of his fellow citizens. The town of Fettersville grew rapidly, and in 1835 an additional tract was purchased from the Kaighn family extending south to Mount Vernon Street.

Lots originally laid out by Fetters measured 30×200 feet and in 1835 were assessed at $50 each. These low rates attracted many buyers of modest mean, a large portion of them South Jersey and Philadelphia Blacks. He platted these lands into lots and sold them for $125 for a lot 40×100 feet. Fetter’s plan placed the fronts on the streets running east and west in consideration of his design for a ferry to be located at the foot of Spruce Street. This ferry never was built, as the Kaighns’ Point Ferry more than adequately serviced the area’s needs.

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A Cherry Street Memory

John Ciafrani —

When I was a kid I remember that I was told that in I would guess the first twenty years or so of the 20th century, that Cherry Street was known for all the Italian umbrella makers and repairers, who lived in that neighborhood, and that some people called the west end of Cherry Street “Gas House” or “Coke House” because of the coke plant and PSE&G gas plant. A lot of the Italians that lived in that neighborhood were in the needle and garment trades years later.

200 Block of Cherry Street

200 Block of Cherry Street

City directory records, 1905–2011.

249 Cherry Street

249 Cherry Street — 200 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1905Rose Mitchell

257 Cherry Street

257 Cherry Street — 200 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1909–1924Mrs. Elizabeth Mackey & Family
1909–1924Frank Mackey
1929Vacant

261 Cherry Street

261 Cherry Street — 200 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924James Gardiner
1929Vacant

263 Cherry Street

263 Cherry Street — 200 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914–1929Donato Fanelle — rags
1914–1929Donato Fanelle
1938 Rocco Fanelle's Junkyard; George W. & Flora Jackson
1938 Rocco Fanelle's Junkyard
1938 George W. & Flora Jackson

265 Cherry Street

265 Cherry Street — 200 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Peter Leisen
1929Vacant
1938 George W. & Flora Jackson

267 Cherry Street

267 Cherry Street — 200 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mary E. Johnson — dressmaker
1924Mary E. Johnson
1929Addison A. Thompson

286 Cherry Street

286 Cherry Street — 200 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930s–1970sSteinberg Brothers Bag Company
2010Destroyed by fire, April 6, 2010

292 Cherry Street

292 Cherry Street — 200 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2011Photographed October 11, 2011

Camden News Notes

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden News Notes - Philadelphia Inquirer, December 18, 1905

Policeman John Zane, of East Camden, will have a hearing before the Police Committee of City Council to-morrow night, on fresh charges preferred against him by Police Captain Albert. He is accused of conduct unbecoming an officer and neglect of duty. When recently charges were preferred against him, Zane tendered his resignation, to take effect on February 1.

Police Captain Stanley and a squad of officers in Camden early yesterday morning raided the house at 249 Cherry street, on complaint of Fannie Clark. There was considerable excitement when the officers descended on the inmates, and while some escaped, Rose Mitchell, the alleged proprietress; Maud Trusty and Edward Nugent were captured. They were locked up at the city prison for a hearing before Recorder Stackhouse this morning.

The Fifth Ward Republican Club and Washington Circle, Brotherhood of the Union, last night viewed the remains of Benjamin M. Braker, at the latter’s home, [?]08 Sycamore street.

Everything was closed tight yesterday. The police reported the lid was down good and hard.

“The Treating Habit in Our American Saloons” was the subject of a sermon preached by Rev. F. A. DeMaris, at the State Street M. E. Church, yesterday, [cut off at the crop edge]

257 Cherry Street — Mrs. Elizabeth Mackey & Family

Camden Daily Courier —

Camden Daily Courier, January 9, 1909 — Boy's Aunt Charges Theft, 257 Cherry Street Philadelphia Inquirer, June 10, 1910 — Frank Mackle of 257 Cherry Street knocked down by patrol wagon Philadelphia Inquirer, March 14, 1911 — Oil stove explosion at home of Mrs. Elizabeth Mackay, 257 Cherry Street

BOY’S AUNT CHARGES THEFT — Carl Green, colored, charged by Elizabeth Mackey, his aunt, of 257 Cherry Street, with robbing her on New Year’s Eve of clothing and metal valued at $18. Carl and his brother John came to borrow the wash boiler; Carl disappeared and the boiler was returned in half an hour; the aunt made an examination and found the attic ransacked; Carl had thrown clothing from a window then jumped. Prisoner denied the charge at arraignment; Recorder committed him to county jail. Camden Daily Courier, January 9, 1909.

Knocked down by the second district patrol wagon, Frank Mackle, 42 years old, of 257 Cherry street, was bruised and lacerated. He was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital. Philadelphia Inquirer, June 10, 1910.

CAMDEN NEWS NOTES — The explosion of an oil stove caused a commotion in the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Mackay, 257 Cherry street, yesterday. The blaze was extinguished by the firemen after some quick and effective work. Philadelphia Inquirer, March 14, 1911.

Acting Chief Hurt in 3-Alarm Blaze

Camden Courier-Post —

Acting Chief Hurt in 3-Alarm Blaze - Camden Courier-Post, January 11, 1938 Acting Chief Hurt in 3-Alarm Blaze - Camden Courier-Post, January 11, 1938

Camden Junkyard Swept; Couple Forced to Flee as Fire Menaces Home

Two persons were forced to leave their home last night when a three-alarm fire damaged a junkyard owned by Rocco Fanelle and Sons at 263 Cherry street. Patrolman Marshall Thompson, one of the first on the scene, warned George W. Jackson and his wife, Flora, living at 265 Cherry street, of their danger and aided them in removing part of their furniture in the living room to the dining room.

Acting Battalion Chief Leonard Megee was injured slightly when he fell while inspecting the damage.

The first alarm to be turned in came from the fire box at Third and Spruce streets at 8.18 p.m. When Chief John Lennox arrived on the scene and discovered flames issuing from both floors of the storage building he ordered the second alarm pulled at 8.35 and at 8.46 p.m. another was ordered.

Firemen were hampered in fighting the blaze due to the great amount of smoke caused by the burning rags and paper bailed [sic] and stored on the two floors.

Six hose lines were played on the building. Deputy Chief Walter Mertz said the flames were under control after a half hour’s battle.

The damaged furniture in the Jackson home was covered partially by insurance, Jackson said.

286 Cherry Street — Camden Fire Kills Man, Injures 2 Other People

Camden Courier-Post —

April 6, 2010 — Fire at 286 Cherry Street, Camden April 6, 2010 — Heavy smoke showing from 286 Cherry Street fire scene April 6, 2010 — Fire scene at 286 Cherry Street April 6, 2010 — Fire scene at 286 Cherry Street April 6, 2010 — Fire scene at 286 Cherry Street April 6, 2010 — Fire scene at 286 Cherry Street April 6, 2010 — Fire scene at 286 Cherry Street April 6, 2010 — Fire scene at 286 Cherry Street

A three-alarm fire in an abandoned building on Tuesday left one person dead and two others injured, authorities said.

A man who was pulled from the fire was declared dead at the scene, said Camden City Chief Fire Marshal Ralph Roberts. A woman who was helped from the burning building suffered smoke inhalation, he said. A fire captain was taken to Cooper University Hospital with minor injuries.

Rescue workers arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the building, Roberts said. He said it was not known if the victims were living in the abandoned building, which was last used as an auto-detailing shop. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.

By George Mast, Courier-Post Staff. Camden Courier-Post, April 7, 2010.

286 & 292 Cherry Street — Photos

286 Cherry Street, October 11, 2011 286 Cherry Street, October 11, 2011 292 Cherry Street, October 11, 2011 292 Cherry Street, October 11, 2011 292 Cherry Street, October 11, 2011

286 and 292 Cherry Street. Photographs taken October 11, 2011.

Intersection of South 3rd Street and Cherry Street

At the northeast corner of South 3rd Street and Cherry Street stood 922 South 3rd Street, home from the 1890s through the 1930s to Johnny Carroll’s, one of Camden’s most storied saloons.

300 Block of Cherry Street

300 Block of Cherry Street

City directory records, 1871–1969.

302 Cherry Street

302 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1870s–1920s Harry F. Wolfe

304 Cherry Street

304 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1940s Staff Sergeant Augustine Burgo
1940s Joseph Burgo

308 Cherry Street

308 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1932Fiore Tiziani

309 Cherry Street

309 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1938Stanley Thomas Young

312 Cherry Street

312 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1956Rosie Ross

319 Cherry Street

319 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1880 William B. Gordon Jr.

320 Cherry Street

320 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1900Harry Weeks
1910–1960sAntonio Fugaro & Family
1910–1960sAnthony & Amelia Fugaro
1910–1960sMorris Fugaro
1910–1960sAngelina Fugaro
1910–1960sJoseph Fugaro
1910–1960sRose Fugaro
1910–1960sRocco Fugaro
1910–1960sNicola Fugaro
1910–1960sSalvatore Fugaro

321 Cherry Street

321 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914–1915 Rocco Fanelle

322 Cherry Street

322 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1908Peter Celia

324 Cherry Street

324 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1949Canio R. Abate & Family
1949Canio & ELizabeth Abate
1949Canio Abate Jr.
1949Catherine Abate
1949Joseph Abate
1949Arlene Abate
1949Robert Abate

327 Cherry Street

327 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1897–1898 Solomon Clark
1906–1911 George H. Hunt

329 Cherry Street

329 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1871–1883 William H. Schwaab & Family
1871–1883William H. & Amanda Schwaab
1871–1883George Schwaab

333 Cherry Street

333 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1878–1879 William B. Gordon Jr.

334 Cherry Street

334 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1919 Michael Stellao

335 Cherry Street

335 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1925Rocco Martino

336 Cherry Street

336 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1963Frank 'Chick Hayes' DiCerbo

337 Cherry Street

337 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910–1912 Frank J. Ciliberti Sr. & Family — Frank & Rosa Ciliberti; Bess Ciliberti; Anthony Ciliberti; Frank J. Ciliberti Jr.; Josephine Ciliberti; Mildred C. Ciliberti

338 Cherry Street

338 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906A. Valentine — bartender

342 Cherry Street

342 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1878 G. Rudolph Tenner & Family
1878G. Rudolph & Keturah Tenner
1878Clara Tenner
1878Casper Tenner II

344 Cherry Street

344 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1880–1927 G. Rudolph Tenner & Family
1880–1927G. Rudolph & Keturah Tenner
1880–1927Casper Tenner II
After 1885Wilmer Davis Family — Wilmer & Clara Tenner Davis; Clara Davis; Emma Davis; Ruth Davis; Keturah Davis; Amelia Davis

346 Cherry Street

346 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1920s–1969 Frank 'Chick' Abbott

347 Cherry Street

347 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1871–1872 William B. Gordon Jr.

348 Cherry Street

348 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1887–1894 John Painter
1915Owen Maley

354 Cherry Street

354 Cherry Street — 300 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1895John H. Fetters
1914–1929Joseph Rossa & Family
1914–1929Joseph & Rose Ross
1914–1929Wargo Rossa
1914–1929Helene Rossa
1933Mrs. James Falconiero

Jealousy Seen as Motive for Bombing Dairy

Camden Evening Courier —

Police Seeking Mysterious Stranger in Terrific Downtown Blast

Milk Plant Damaged; Nearby Homes Rocked

Crudely Made Explosive Placed in Trench Beneath Steps

With the owners and the police attributing jealousy of business success as the only plausible motive for the bombing last night of the plant of the Sanitary Milk Dairies Company, at 311 Division Street, search was started today for a tall, heavyset man, with mixed blue suit, as the bomber.

City detectives mingled among the throngs of men, women and children who today viewed the damage caused by the bomb — a crude, home-made time device — which, in exploding, rocked the neighborhood, shattered window panes, doors, fences and the exteriors of nearby properties. Machinery in the Coccia plant was damaged by the concussion and by parts of bomb shrapnel, which pierced or bent it.

Mrs. Angelina Coccia, mother of the Coccia brothers, her daughter, Theresa Coccia, 14, and Mrs. Mary De Luzzio, 59, of 317 Division Street, were in the kitchen of the Coccia home when the bomb exploded. The dairy is at the rear of the home of Primo Coccia, one of the owners. His brothers — partners in the business — are Paul Coccia, 242 Pine Street; Adam Coccia, 346 Cherry Street, and Matthew Coccia, 941 South Third Street.

Saw Mysterious Stranger

Mrs. Coccia cannot speak English, but through her son, Matthew Coccia, it was learned today that, before the explosion, she had seen a man passing the kitchen window.

“The man walked down the alley at the side of the house,” Mrs. Coccia told her son in Italian. “He was a heavy-set man and tall; I thought he was a customer who had come for milk. People often come at night to buy milk, and I did not think it strange about the man.

“But then I waited for him to knock at the back door, as customers usually do,” she continued.

“When he did not knock, I wondered what he might be up to, and I was just ready to leave the kitchen to see where he went when I heard the explosion. I did not know what happened after that, I was so nervous, I didn’t even see the man leave the way he came. But he was the one who set the bomb. Of that I am sure.”

Dog Vainly Warns

The Coccias have a big Italian Bulldog chained to a gasoline tank at the rear of their home. The dog barked continually last night to warn the Coccias; they were so used to his barks, they said today, that they thought he had been growling at a customer, as he sometimes does late at night.

Mrs. Coccia said she was unable to give a detailed description of the man she saw last night because an electric bulb in the alleyway was not lit. It was the first time the alley was in darkness at night, Matthew Coccia said, and this the bomber apparently took into consideration in seeking to go about his diabolical tasks without possible detection.

Coccia said boys living in the neighborhood saw the man enter an automobile, with lights out, immediately after the explosion shook the neighborhood. The car, they said, had been parked near the Coccia home with its front and rear lights out.

Detective Fiore Troncone, who is investigating the bombing, informed Coccia today that he had received a description of the automobile from Coccia’s neighbors. They said they had seen the driver put on the lights at Fourth and Division Street as he turned the corner to go north in his escape.

Rev. John S. Hackett, pastor of the Wiley M.E. Church, Third and Berkley Streets, who was among those viewing the damage done by the bomb, said he saw the man acting nervously at Third and Pine Street last night, immediately after the explosion. His description of the man tallied with that given by Mrs. Coccia.

“I was waiting for the first edition of the Morning Post to arrive at the store at that corner,” Mr. Hackett said today, “when my attention was attracted to this man. He seemed to be very nervous about something. He was fairly tall and heavy-set and wore a mixed blue suit, with light coloring.

“When the papers arrived and I bought a copy, he seemed to be very anxious to see what was on the front page. I did not know about the bomb until I read the paper, but it occurred to me later that perhaps this man was acting suspiciously and was eager to see what damage had been caused. I’m sorry now I didn’t question him. But I can give police a good description of him.”

The Coccias said the only reason they could see for the bombing was jealousy of their business success by a person with a deranged mind.

“We had no enemies,” Matthew Coccia said, “and we never fought with anybody. I cannot understand it. It must have been jealousy at the way we were getting along.”

Coccia said no threatening letters had been received. He insisted that there was no reason why the “Blackhand” should desire to ruin Primo Coccia’s home or their business.

Neighbors Called Police and Firemen

Detectives found a firemen’s shovel near where the stone steps to the dairy had been. They believed it had been used to dig a trench under the steps in which to insert the bomb.

Primo Coccia, who had been to the theatre, came home five minutes after the explosion. He found a throng in front and dazedly pushed through until his mother hysterically screamed the news to him.

The bomb burst in the dairy door and sprayed big pieces of the iron pipe along the side of the house and into the room, where it caused most of the damage to the machinery.

Fifteen windows of the Coccia house were shattered and police believe the foundations at the rear may have been weakened.

The worst damage to neighboring buildings was to the rear of the Seven Brothers Bakery, owned by the Canzanese Brothers, 318–322 Pine Street, which backs against the dairy. Twenty windows of the bakery were crushed in, the door was riddled with small pieces of the pipe and the rear was peppered with the “shrapnel.”

Mario Manarefi, 912 South Fourth Street, a bookkeeper in the bakery, was at his home nearby. He ran to the street and looked several minutes for the bombers before he joined the crowd.

Joseph Scotthouse, 317 Division Street, ran to the yard at the rear of his home to find the fence had been peppered with tiny pieces of the pipe, some of which had torn into his kitchen through windows and doors.

Six windows of the home of Sabatino Di Paolo, 321 Division Street, were broken. Fragments of the pipe were found on the floor of rooms on the second floor of his house, he told police.

A police cordon was thrown around the neighborhood by Chief of Police Stehr, who took personal charge of the investigation.

Police from every district in the city were rushed to the scene and patrols were dispatched to be prepared for any eventuality.

The neighborhood was searched carefully and every resident was questioned, but no one was able to give any clue which might lead police to the bombers.

Squads of detectives and police patrolled the neighborhood for hours after the explosion, seeking objects which might have been dropped by the bombers.

Nine New Police From Nine Wards

Camden Daily Courier —

Nine New Police From Nine Wards - Camden Daily Courier, July 6, 1922

Mayor Van Hart Swears In New Recruits—5 More To Join

Nine men, representing as many wards, were sworn in as members of the police department by Mayor Van Hart today. Five more men, residents of the five remaining wards, will be named within the next few days.

The new appointments are being made to augment the number of traffic men and for additional police protection in the wards. The new policemen are as follows:

Frank Murray, 817 Kimber street, Second ward; Edward C. Hahn, 938 North Fifth street, Tenth ward; Walter Christy, 2203 Howell street, Eleventh ward; Albert Yost, 3101 Waldorf avenue, Twelfth ward; Frank Pintozzi, 321 Cherry street, Fifth ward; John McTaggart, former fireman, 461 Lansdowne avenue, Sixth ward; Frank Sattler, 1268 Jackson street, Thirteenth ward; Walter Larson, 829 Sylvan street, Fourteenth ward; August Pfleiderer, 918 Pine street, Seventh ward.

Camden County Transfers

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden County Transfers - Philadelphia Inquirer, November 11, 1914

COLLINGSWOOD—N E cor Harrison and Virginia—Newton B T Roney to Arthur J Podmore, $1.

OAKLYN—N W side Lakeview, 250 ft N E White Horse turnpike, Bettlewood Land Co to Hattie C Pettit, $1.

CAMDEN—534 West—Sidney G West to Rosantonia Lemarra, $2500

CAMDEN—1555 Norris. Eleanora Stolinski et al to Czeslaw Mikolojczak et ux, $1750.

PENSAUKEN TOWNSHIP—N side Walnut, 1020 ft W Centre—Harry W Applegate to Josiah B Smyth, $1.

AUDUBON—Lot 24, Sec 4, plan new addition to Audubon—Harry D LeCato to Christian J Mohrfeld, $1.

CAMDEN—Lots 17 and 18, Sec A, plan South Rosedale—Victor King to Herbert K Wright et ux, $1.

CAMDEN—1339 Princess—William S Eastlack to Florence Podmore, $3000.

CLEMENTON—Lots 10 and 12, sec C, plan of Flury’s—Frances A Flury to John C Duem[?] et ux, $180.

CAMDEN—Lot 475, plan Kaighns Point Land Asso—William P Kelly to Mahissida B Dutton, $1.

COLLINGSWOOD—Lot 11, plan of Frank B Byram—Turner E McMullin to John M Starr, $1.

CAMDEN—N side Atlantic, 220 ft E Norris—Rudolph Detwyler to Max Schoemen et al, $[?]50.

CAMDEN—1129 Penn—Frank H Smith to Mary Facht, $875.

CAMDEN—W side 35th, 220 ft N H[?]rrison—Alfred Cramer, Jr, et als, excrs, to Charles W Lang et ux, $200.

CLEMENTON—Six acres, Emily Hawkes et al to Mary Carless, $400.

COLLINGSWOOD—Cor of Atlantic and Dayton—J Edward Fagen to Frank A Knight, $1100.

HADDON TOWNSHIP—S W cor Wyoming & Pine—Charles Bauer to Tillie Lieberstein, $4[?]00.

CAMDEN—843-847 and 849 S Third—G Frank Travis to Joseph Palese, $13 000.

CAMDEN—321 Cherry—Rocco Fa[?]elle to Domenico A Loscalzo, $1180.

Four Persons Bitten by Dogs in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Four Persons Bitten by Dogs in Camden - Philadelphia Inquirer, August 24, 1915

Three Children and Man Victims, One Canine Believed to Be Suffering From Rabies

Four persons fell victims to the fangs of dogs in Camden yesterday, in one instance it being believed the canine was suffering from rabies.

George Humphreys, aged 10 years, of 28 Morris street, was bitten on the wrist by a dog which he declares was mad. The wound was carefully treated at Cooper Hospital to prevent possible complications, although the boy had sufficient forethought to suck the wound directly after he was bitten. E. J. Gallaghan, aged 45 years, of 211 Bailey street, was bitten on the left hand while administering medicine to a pet canine, and Foreman Long, aged 11 years, of 23 Lincoln avenue, was nipped on the hand. These two were treated at Cooper Hospital.

While 10-year-old Thelma Payne, of 870 Fairview street, was running to meet her father a dog attacked her, biting her about the face and arm. She was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital.

New Collector Named

Some surprise was occasioned in Camden’s Democratic circles yesterday when it was announced that former Councilman Thomas Littlehales had been appointed a deputy internal revenue collector by Revenue Collector Iredell. When Isaac Moffett stepped out of office some months ago Mr. Littlehales’ name was mentioned as a possible successor, but George Hampton, of Bridgeton, was selected. Then there came a mixup, in which Hampton failed to get the proper confirmation and Iredell was given the plum. Mr. Littlehales is widely known throughout Camden and the appointment has given comparative satisfaction among the rank and file of the local Democracy.

Looked for Wife in Wrong Home

When a scuffling sound on the shed roof at the home of Mrs. Earl Richards, of 1012 Lawrence street, aroused her sleeping children yesterday they awakened in time to see a man climbing through the back window. Then he proceeded to light numerous matches, several of which dropped on the floor. Mrs. Richards was aroused by the cries of her children and when she found the prowler rambling about upstairs she summoned Policeman Deith, who placed the man under arrest. Before Recorder Stackhouse he gave the name of James Giberson and said he was trying to find the home of his wife, from whom he is separated. He was sentenced to a month in jail.

Mother and Daughter Burned

In the explosion of gas in a range at the home of Mrs. Rosie Ross, aged 38 years, of 354 Cherry street, she and her daughter, Helene, aged 7 years, were badly burned about the face and hands. Both were taken to Cooper Hospital. The woman was preparing a meal while her little daughter stood beside her. The range refused to ignite at the first application of the match and when another effort was made the explosion came. A blinding flash of flame enveloped mother and daughter.

Once Custodian, Now Inmate

For many years one of the custodians of the insane asylum at Blackwood, former Freeholder Patrick McNulty, of Gloucester City, was taken to that institution from Camden by Under Sheriff Newitt yesterday. McNulty, now old and feeble-minded, was committed to the asylum by Judge Boyle after being adjudged insane following the fatal shooting of his son, Thomas.

Motorist Fined $10 for Hitting Cop’s Car

Camden Courier-Post —

Motorist Fined $10 for Hitting Cop’s Car - Camden Courier-Post, June 17, 1932

A $10 fine for one motorist and dismissal for another on reckless driving charges furnished the denouement in traffic court last night to two automobile accidents.

Marshall Reinheimer, 28, of 546 Erie street, was dismissed when Burton Tunnel, of 36 Cedarcroft avenue, whose car was struck by Reinheimer’s car, testified damages in the case had been adjusted amicably.

Fiore Tiziana, 27, of 308 Cherry street, whose atomobile [sic] struck the machine of Patrolman Nathan Wine, at Broadway and Everett street, was fined $10. Twenty-two motorists forfeited cash security.

Marriage Licenses

Camden Courier-Post —

Marriage Licenses - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1938

Stanley Thomas Young, 32, of 309 Cherry street, and Louella Thomas, 29, of 3613 Sampson street, Philadelphia.

George Cranmer, 23, of 2762 Constitution road, and Pauline Biocco, 22, of 1487 Kenwood avenue.

Roy McCauley, 29, of 3864 North Marshall street, Philadelphia, and Florence Fillman, 24, of 1544 Mt. Ephraim avenue.

Harry J. Williams, 37, of 2800 South Seventh street, and Mary Etta McCully, 44, both of 2800 South Seventh street.

Elmer Bowker, 25, of 3168 Alabama road, and Margaret Osborne, 22, of 3205 Alabama road.

John Adam Tamarelli, 29, of 702 Market street, and Florence E. Heacock, 27, of 1500 North Sixty-first street, Philadelphia.

320 Cherry Street — Antonio Fugaro & Family, 1910–1960s

Paving permit associated with 320 Cherry Street — Carroll P. Sherwood, Antonio Fugaro Property value record for 320 Cherry Street, purchased by Antonio Fugaro from C. Moles in 1909 Water bill, May 1909 — 320 Cherry Street, Antonio Fugaro Permit to install water, May 9, 1913 — 320 Cherry Street, Antonio Fugaro Property tax receipt, December 12, 1913 — 320 Cherry Street, Antonio Fugaro

Documents related to 320 Cherry Street. In 1909, Antonio Fugaro purchased 320 Cherry Street from C. Moles. Includes paving permit (Carroll P. Sherwood), property value records, water bill (May 1909), installation permit (May 9, 1913), and property tax receipt (December 12, 1913). Antonio & Amelia Fugaro resided here through the 1960s, with children Morris, Angelina, Joseph, Rose, Rocco, Nicola, and Salvatore Fugaro.

320 Cherry Street — Harry Weeks

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Harry Weeks, of 320 Cherry Street, had one of his feet crushed yesterday by a heavy stone falling on it while he was at work at Front Street and Kaighn Avenue. He was taken to Cooper Hospital. Philadelphia Inquirer, July 8, 1900.

Peter Celia Treated for Dog Bite

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Peter Celia Treated for Dog Bite - Philadelphia Inquirer, November 24, 1908

Peter Celia, 42 years old, of 322 Cherry street, was treated at the Homeopathic Hospital last night for a dog bite wound of the thigh.

Boy Stabbed While at Play, Flees Hospital

Camden Courier-Post —

Portrait of Alexander Test, 1932-1933, 333 Cherry Street — Camden Courier-Post, January 6, 1933

Stabbed in the chest while at play, Alexander Test, 11, of 333 Cherry street, eluded nurses and fled from Cooper Hospital yesterday. The boy was treated for superficial flesh wounds and placed in a rest room, hospital authorities said. While attendants were busy he made his escape and ran to his home. Detective Clifford Carr named Carmen Rossi, 12, of 342 Cherry street, as the assailant. The two boys are chums and were at play in the vicinity of Third and Walnut streets when the knifing occurred.

At his home last night the Test boy indicated he had forgiven his pal for the stabbing. The Rossi boy was not arrested. Camden Courier-Post, January 6, 1933.

335 Cherry Street — Early Morning Visit Results in $10 Fine

Camden Courier-Post —

Arrested early this morning by Policeman John Schott and charged with breaking and entering a Mechanic Street house, Rocco Martino, 35 years old, 335 Cherry Street, was fined $10 in police court this morning.

The complaint was changed to disorderly conduct after Martino said he couldn’t explain his actions at the home of Mrs. Helen Featherer, 323 Mechanic Street. The woman testified she was awakened at 6:40 o’clock by pounding on the back door of her home. She said Martino was trying to force the door and had broken a window. Camden Courier-Post, January 25, 1928.

Hospital Cases

Camden Courier-Post —

Hospital Cases - Camden Courier-Post, May 21, 1956

WEST JERSEY

Alfred Fabiano, 26, of 2614 Manall ave., Pennsauken, cut fingers.

Nathaniel Winthers, 45, of 823 Sycamore st., cut hand.

Julia Williams, 6, of 688 Hazelton ct., cuts over eye.

Rochelle Rivera, 3, of 643 Locust st., cut forehead.

Ronald De Pasquale, 8, of Central ave., Glendora, cut forehead.

COOPER

Susan Harvey, 3, of 907 Pine st., cut scalp.

Rosie Ross, 79, of 312 Cherry st., dog bite of arm.

Clarence Chapman, 65, of 739 Kaighns ave., cut head.

Leroy Freedman Jr., 7, of 952 Linden st., cut over eye.

Karen Mathis, 5, of 169 Frazer ave., Collingswood, cut face.

2 Thugs Break Arm of Woman, 60, Flee With Handbag on Broadway

Camden Courier-Post —

2 Thugs Break Arm of Woman, 60, Flee With Handbag on Broadway - Camden Courier-Post, December 19, 1949

Robbed on Way to Church:

A 60-year-old South Camden woman was admitted to West Jersey hospital Sunday night after she was injured while battling two youths who stole her purse on Broadway near Liberty street.

Mrs. Lillian Heard, of 535 Mechanic street, who told police she was on her way to services at the Union Methodist Church, Fifth and Mt. Vernon streets, when attacked, suffered a broken left arm.

Two youthful suspects were chased from the scene to Second street and Kaighn avenue by passersby who rushed to aid Mrs. Heard when she screamed.

A search of the neighborhood failed to uncover any persons answering the description given by Mrs. Heard but Detective Leon Branch said the youths answered the desciption [sic] given by Mrs. Rose Garriola, of 306 Cherry street.

She told Detective Marshall Thompson two youths snatched her purse Saturday night at Spruce and Coates streets.

Mrs. Heard said she was walking on the west side of Broadway above Liberty street when the two overtook her. She said one grabbed her purse and the other held her arm.

As Mrs. Heard battled to save her purse, which she said contained only about 90 cents and some keys, she fell to the curb, pulling one of the youths to the street with her.

Lester F. Cranmer, of 2251 Gross avenue, Pennsauken, who was visiting at Broadway and Mechanic street, heard Mrs. Heard scream and went to her aid. An unidentified passerby called police.

Mrs. Garriola told police her purse contained $14 in addition to keys and cards.

Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday

Camden Courier-Post —

Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941 Magin’s Body to Lie in State In Commission Room Monday - Camden Courier-Post, August 23, 1941

Acting Director

Abbott Named as Temporary Department Head by Mayor

CHURCH SERVICES TUESDAY MORNING

Frank A. Abbott.

Deputy director of revenue and finance, who was named yesterday by Mayor George E. Brunner as acting director of the department of public works to take over the duties of City Commissioner Henry Magin, who died suddenly of a heart attack yesterday. Abbott is Democratic leader of the Fifth ward.

The body of Commissioner Henry Magin will lie in state in the city commission chambers Monday night.

Mayor Brunner made that announcement today following completion of funeral arrangements with members of Commissioner Magin’s family. Magin died suddenly yesterday from a heart attack at the city incinerator plant.

On Tuesday morning, the body will be moved to the Church of St. Joan of Arc, Fairview, where a Requiem Mass will be sung at 9 a. m. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Philadelphia.

Half-Holiday Declared

The public will be permitted to pay its last respects after 7 p. m. Monday. Mayor Brunner has declared a half-holiday Tuesday morning so that city employes can attend the funeral. The mayor said employes of as many departments as can conveniently be closed will be given time off.

The four city commissioners will act as pallbearers. Commissioner Kobus is in Buffalo, attending a convention, but will be home Monday.

In addition to the commissioners, Thomas Jackson, an employe of the highway department, and Samuel Magill, a former commander of Fairview Post, American Legion, also will be pallbearers.

Jackson served as a sergeant with Magin during the World War and the two men had been close friends ever since. He was named a pallbearer at Mrs. Magin’s request. A list of honorary pallbearers is being compiled by Mayor Brunner.

City, county, State, Federal and veterans’ officials are expected to view the body Monday night. Several veterans’ organizations of which Magin was an officer or member will conduct their rituals at the cemetery.

Mayor Brunner said that James O’Brien, commander of the Disabled American Veterans and president of the Veterans’ Political League which sponsored Magin as a city commissioner, will be in charge of the arrangements for services by veterans.

Edward J. Quinlan, a vice commander of the Camden County American Legion, will be in charge of memorial services in the commission chamber Monday night and military services at the grave. The funeral will be a military one, Brunner said.

Quinlan requested all veteran groups assemble at the City Hall Plaza at 7.45 p. m. Monday so they can attend the services at 8 p. m. in a body.

The police and firemen also will attend the Monday night services in a body. Firemen will be led by Chief John H. Lennox while the police will be in charge of Chief Clerk George Clayton.

Brunner said parking at the plaza will not be permitted Tuesday morning until after the funeral party has left for the church.

Commissioner Magin collapsed in the arms of James Carr, assistant superintendent of streets, a minute after he had been photographed while conversing with Samuel Burgess, an official of the Nichols Engineering & Research Corp., New York, who was inspecting the plant. The commissioner was 44.

Mayor Goes to Home

When Mayor Brunner was informed the Commissioner was dead he immediately went to the Magin home at 3043 Alabama road to console the widow, Helen, and a daughter, Helen, 20. The Mayor remained two hours until Mrs. Magin regained her composure.

Mayor Brunner announced Frank A. Abbott, deputy director of revenue and finance, will assume temporary charge of the public works department, beginning Monday.

“I appointed Mr. Abbott acting director of the department of public works in order that business and functions of the department will not be curtailed,” Mayor Brunner said. “This is the largest department in the city and it requires a directing head until such time as a successor to Commissioner Magin is elected by the City Commission.”

Abbott is familiar with workings of the department, having been acting director several weeks last year when Magin was ill in a hospital. It is reported he will be named to succeed Magin.

Although he has the title of deputy director of revenue and finance, Abbott actually is first assistant to Mayor Brunner who heads the revenue and finance department.

Abbott is serving his second consecutive four-year term as deputy. For more than 15 years he has been Democratic leader of the Fifth ward. He lives at 346 Cherry street.

Native of Camden

Born in Camden, Abbott attended Fetters school and later learned and worked at the plastering trade. He was a Fifth ward Democratic leader in days when Democrats ran for but seldom were elected to public office.

He went through several torrid political campaigns against the late John Carroll, Republican leader of the ward and political lieutenant of the late former U. S. Senator David Baird, Sr.

Abbott learned to play baseball on the rocky vacant lots in the Fifth ward. He was regarded as a fleet-footed outfielder and a fast base runner.

For a short time he had a brief fling as a dancer in vaudeville, but Pater Abbott put his foot down, ordered him to return home and learn the plastering trade.

Close Friend of Mayor

The Damon and Pythias like friendship between Mayor Brunner and his deputy is a legend in the Democratic party of Camden. One of Brunner’s first acts when he was elected a city commissioner six years ago was to name Abbott as his deputy at a salary of $3000 a year.

Brunner has stated publicly that Abbott will be his aide in any position to which he is elected or appointed. Abbott’s loyalty to Brunner is little short of devotion.

It’s Abbott’s job to keep Brunner’s appointments, admit those the mayor wants to talk to and give the gate to those the mayor doesn’t want to meet. Abbott makes a perfect buffer for the city’s chief executive.

336 Cherry Street — Frank 'Chick Hayes' DiCerbo

Camden Courier-Post —

Portrait of Frank 'Chick Hayes' DiCerbo, 336 Cherry Street, 1963 — Camden Courier-Post, November 9, 1963
Frank “Chick Hayes” DiCerbo, 336 Cherry Street, 1963. Camden Courier-Post, November 9, 1963.

348 Cherry Street — Owen Maley

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, March 21, 1915 — Owen Maier, 15, of 348 Cherry Street, sent to Juvenile Court
Owen Maier, aged 15 years, of 348 Cherry street, was yesterday sent to the Juvenile Court by Recorder Stackhouse. He was arrested for the third time charged with pilfering. Philadelphia Inquirer, March 21, 1915.

Mother and Daughter Burned

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, January 27, 1915 — Joseph Rossa & Family, 354 Cherry Street; Fiore Troncone Philadelphia Inquirer, August 24, 1915 — Joseph Rossa & Family, 354 Cherry Street

In the explosion of gas in a range at the home of Mrs. Rosie Ross, aged 38 years, of 354 Cherry street, she and her daughter, Helene, aged 7 years, were badly burned about the face and hands. Both were taken to Cooper Hospital. The woman was preparing a meal while her little daughter stood beside her. The range refused to ignite at the first application of the match and when another effort was made the explosion came. A blinding flash of flame enveloped mother and daughter. Philadelphia Inquirer, August 24, 1915.

354 Cherry Street — Mystery Shots Pierce Door of Camden Home

Camden Courier-Post —

Mystery shots that splintered the door of a South Camden home yesterday started the police on a search for a group of youths seen loitering in the neighborhood.

Mrs. James Falconiero, of 354 Cherry Street, reported to Detective Benjamin Simon that she was awakened at 5 a.m. by a series of shots. She said she looked out a window and saw several young men entering an automobile a short distance from her home.

An inspection of the front of the house revealed several holes in the door caused by bullets. One missile, of 38-calibre, was found buried in the plaster in the hallway. Camden Courier-Post, June 17, 1933.

400 Block of Cherry Street

400 Block of Cherry Street

City directory records, 1878–1969.

403 Cherry Street

403 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1911 Luigi Vernello

406 Cherry Street

406 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1878 Alexander Peacock
1879 William Jeffreys
1880–1881 William H.H. Clark
1900s–1930sAnthony & Rose 'Nellie' Tantonio — house built 1899
1969Samuel R. & Elizabeth Tortella Smith

409 Cherry Street

409 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1956Tommasso DiTaranto & Family
1956Tommasso & Antonia DiTaranto

410 Cherry Street

410 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1916Joseph Ferrari

412 Cherry Street

412 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1940s–1950s La Familia Sanabria

414 Cherry Street

414 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1940s Joseph DiMona Company — warehouse

417 Cherry Street

417 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1917Charles R. Norris

418 Cherry Street

418 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1932John Vesper

422 Cherry Street

422 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890Pauline Gottenburg

423 Cherry Street

423 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910–1930s Leonardo Mardino Family

426 Cherry Street

426 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930Camillo Tosto

433 Cherry Street

433 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1913Southwark Bottling & Supply Co. — Charles F. Sattler
1936 Joseph Mardino

435 Cherry Street

435 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1913Southwark Bottling & Supply Co. — Charles F. Sattler

437 Cherry Street

437 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910–1911 Horace B. Parker Jr. & Family — Horace B. & Gertrude Parker; Lillian Parker; Margaret Parker; Horace B. Parker III
1913Southwark Bottling & Supply Co. — Charles F. Sattler
1930 Joseph Mardino

439 Cherry Street

439 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1908–1909John E. Applegate & Family
1908–1909John E. & Mary L. Applegate
1908–1909Martha Applegate
1908–1909Ethel May
1908–1909Ferdinand L. Applegate
1908–1909Miriam L. Applegate
1908–1909Lillian F. Applegate
1908–1909John F. Applegate

443 Cherry Street

443 Cherry Street — 400 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914 Joseph P. Boone

406 Cherry Street — Anthony & Rose 'Nellie' Tantonio

406 Cherry Street — Anthony & Rose Tantonio home, built 1899. Photo 2011.

This house was built in 1899. I was pleased to find this photo of my Uncle Tony & Aunt Nellie’s Home. About Anthony and Rose Tantonio, Uncle Tony spelled the name as ‘Tantonio’ but my Grandparents spelled it ‘Tantone’. Records of when they arrived at Ellis Island and all other records indicate ‘Tantone’. They are buried side by side in Calvary; my maternal grandparent’s marker reads ‘Tantone’ and their marker ‘Tantonio’. According to his sisters he felt the name sounded more Italian spelled as Tantonio.

Anthony Venella, September 2011.

Camden Holds Four as Counterfeiters

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden Holds Four as Counterfeiters - Philadelphia Inquirer, May 6, 1911 Camden Holds Four as Counterfeiters - Philadelphia Inquirer, May 6, 1911 Camden Holds Four as Counterfeiters - Philadelphia Inquirer, May 6, 1911 Camden Holds Four as Counterfeiters - Philadelphia Inquirer, May 6, 1911

Secret Service Men, After One, Bag Unexpected, More-Sought-For Suspect

Raiding a house at 403 Cherry street, Camden, last evening for the purpose of arresting Luigi Vernello, against whom suspicion of passing counterfeit money has long been directed, Camden police and Secret Service agents, captured a man for whom government officers have been searching for months on a charge of being the maker of spurious coins. The later [sic] is Vincenzo Paolucci, aged 23 years, whose address is given as 912 South Twelfth street, Philadelphia. According to the police, he confesses to manufacturing counterfeit dollars and dimes. Two other Italians, Uco Belloassi and Michael Finimore, are also under arrest in Camden on suspicion of being concerned in the circulation of the bogus money.

When counterfeit dollars and dimes of good workmanship made their appearance in Camden several weeks ago Policeman Troncone, an Italian, was assigned to the care [sic]. It was not long before suspicion was directed to Vernello, and after both the suspect and his 13-year-old daughter were trailed for days to stores in different parts of the city sufficient evidence was had to justify an arrest. In the meantime Secret Service Agent Matthew Griffin declared that the stuff circulated in Camden was made by the same hand which manufactured that passed in Philadelphia, supposedly Paolucci. Though the officers were satisfied that Vernello had no hand in the making of the money, it was deemed best last night to raid the Cherry street house, little dreaming that Paolucci was there.

In the raiding party were Agents Griffin and Tate, Policeman Troncone and City Detectives Brothers and Schregler. Three entered by the front way and the other two the back. Ascending to the second floor, Griffin was amazed to come face to face with Paolucci. The latter had a loaded pistol in his hand, but submitted quietly to arrest. Vernello was found in an adjoining room. A search of the house brought to light a melting pot and other tools which the secret service men say are used in counterfeiting. The prisoners and implements were sent to City Hall. The other two suspects were picked up on the street by Troncone. All will have a hearing today before United States Commissioner Morgan.

It was stated last night at the Camden City Hall that Paolucci admits having gotten rid of sixty-five of a lot of 200 bogus dollars, and that he sold the “money” to other persons to palm off on the unsuspecting. It was also said that he had served time for counterfeiting.

Camden Youths Seriously Accused

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden Youths Seriously Accused - Philadelphia Inquirer, April 30, 1917

Accused of knowing something about alleged obscene letters sent to girls employed at the Majestic Theatre, in Camden, James Gimello, 1[?] years old, of 41[?] Line street; Charles R. Norris, 20 years old, of 417 Cherry street, and Thomas Schneider, 16 years old, of 414 Spruce street, were arrested yesterday by Deputy United States Marshal Voll and Detective Troncone on bench warrants. The three are said to have been indicted by the United States grand jury following an investigation into complaint made some time ago. They will be taken to Newark for trial in the United States District Court.

406 Cherry Street — Samuel R. Smith

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, July 21, 1969 — Samuel R. Smith & Elizabeth Tortella Smith, 406 Cherry Street

Smith-Tortella

On July 18, 1969, Elizabeth, beloved wife of Samuel R. of 408 Cherry St., Camden, N.J. Age 59 years. Also surviving are her mother, Mrs. Lena Tortella, three brothers, Rocco and Daniel both of Camden and Jules of Pennsauken, one sister, Mrs. Martha Tortella of Somerdale. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral on Tuesday morning at 8 o’clock in the Bocco Funeral Home, 4th and Walnut Sts., Camden, N.J. Requiem High Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Camden. Friends may call Monday evening after 7. Camden Courier-Post, July 21, 1969.

Mrs. Antonia DiTaranto

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, September 20, 1956 — Tommasso DiTaranto & Family, 409 Cherry Street

Mrs. Antonia DiTaranto, 65, of 409 Cherry st., died Tuesday after a long illness. A native of Italy, Mrs. DiTaranto resided in Camden for 45 years.

Surviving are her husband, Tommaso, and three brothers, Venceszo Castellano, of Glendora, and Antonio and Guiseppe Castellano, of Italy.

A requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10 a. m. Saturday in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R. C. Church, 4th and Division sts. Relatives and friends will meet at 9 a. m. in the Bocco Funeral Home, 4th and Walnut sts., where they may call tonight and Friday night. Camden Courier-Post, September 20, 1956.

Here and There in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, August 14, 1916 — Joseph Ferrari, 410 Cherry Street

Accused of driving an automobile on a sidewalk, Joseph Ferrari, 25 years old, of 410 Cherry street, will have a hearing before Recorder Stackhouse this morning. He said he drove on the walk because the street was not in a passable condition. Philadelphia Inquirer, August 14, 1916.

418 Cherry Street — John Vesper

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, June 6, 1932 — John Vesper, 418 Cherry Street

A watch and $2.50 was taken from a suit left in a car parked at Broadway and Spruce street by John Vesper, 418 Cherry street. Camden Courier-Post, June 6, 1932.

422 Cherry Street — Pauline Gottenburg

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Henry Shultz, the carriage builder, was held in bail by Recorder Baker [sic] last night for assault and battery on Pauline Gottenburg, of 422 Cherry Street. Philadelphia Inquirer, August 7, 1890.

Suspect Tries to Kill Self at Police Station

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, December 15, 1930 — Camillo Tosto, 426 Cherry Street; Frank Valeriani; Spruce Street

Arrested on a charge of embezzlement, Camillo Tosto, 39, of 426 Cherry street, attempted suicide yesterday afternoon by swallowing three poison tablets in the Second District police station.

He is in a serious condition in West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.

Tosto is charged by Frank Balerini, of 259 Spruce street, with passing worthless checks.

Taken to the district police station, Tosto was permitted to go to a retiring room. A moment later his screams attracted police, who found him writhing in agony on the floor. He admitted he had swallowed three tablets. Camden Courier-Post, December 15, 1930.

439 Cherry Street — Martha Applegate

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, March 18, 1909 — Death of Martha Applegate, 4, of 439 Cherry Street, burned while playing with matches

Death claimed Martha Applegate, 4 years old, of 439 Cherry street, Camden, in the Homeopathic Hospital yesterday as the result of the child being terribly burned while playing with matches. Philadelphia Inquirer, March 18, 1909.

500 Block of Cherry Street

500 Block of Cherry Street

City directory records, 1885–1949.

503 Cherry Street

503 Cherry Street — 500 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914 John J. Olden
1924 George B. Wade — Battalion Chief, Camden Fire Department
1924George B. & Mary Wade

505–517 Cherry Street

505–517 Cherry Street — 500 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1899–1914William S. Avis — stables
1915–1921James D. Freeston — stables

506 Cherry Street

506 Cherry Street — 500 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1940s N. Fuhrman Company — warehouse

507–517 Cherry Street

507–517 Cherry Street — 500 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924U.S. Postal Service — garage

509 Cherry Street

509 Cherry Street — 500 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1949Haddon Metals Corporation

512 Cherry Street

512 Cherry Street — 500 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1938Charles Lack — 25 years' service with Public Service Electric & Gas Company

513–517 Cherry Street

513–517 Cherry Street — 500 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1885–1896W.H. Wilkins & Company — lumber & millwork
1897James F. Davis — lumber & millwork

503 Cherry Street — George B. Wade

George B. Wade, Battalion Chief, Camden Fire Department — 503 Cherry Street, 1924

George B. Wade, Battalion Chief, Camden Fire Department — 503 Cherry Street, 1924.

512 Cherry Street — P.S. Honors Employee

Camden Courier-Post —

P. S. HONORS EMPLOYEE

Charles J. Lack, 512 Cherry Street, Camden, completed 25 years’ service with Public Service February 3 and received a gold badge emblematic of the occasion. He is employee at the Burlington Generating Station of Public Service Electric & Gas Company. Lack started with Public Service at Camden and was transferred to Burlington in 1927. Camden Courier-Post, February 7, 1938.

Intersection of Daubman Alley & Cherry Street

Daubman Alley ran parallel to Broadway from Walnut to Cherry Street.

Intersection of Coates Alley & Cherry Street

Coates Alley ran parallel to Broadway from Cherry Street to Division Street.

Coates Alley and Cherry Street, July 10, 2004 Northwest corner of Coates Alley and Cherry Street — 513-517 Cherry Street, W.H. Wilkins & Company, 1885-1896 Looking north on Coates Alley from Cherry Street, July 10, 2004

Coates Alley & Cherry Street, July 10, 2004.

Northwest corner: 513–517 Cherry Street — W.H. Wilkins & Company, lumber & millwork, 1885–1896; James F. Davis, lumber & millwork, 1897; William S. Avis, stables, 1899–1914; James D. Freeston, stables, 1915–1921; U.S. Postal Service garage, 1924.

Looking north on Coates Alley from Cherry Street, July 10, 2004.

Intersection of Broadway & Cherry Street

Broadway and Cherry Street street sign, July 10, 2004

Broadway & Cherry Street, July 10, 2004.

Intersection of South 6th Street & Cherry Street

600 Block of Cherry Street

600 Block of Cherry Street

City directory records, 1878–1944. Most addresses on the 600 block were gone by 2012.

601 Cherry Street

601 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

602 Cherry Street

602 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1904Lee Sears
1906 Oliver S. Guthrie & Family — Pennsylvania Railroad Police Detective; Oliver & Mary Eva Guthrie; Oliver S. 'Ollie' Guthrie III
1906Oliver & Mary Eva Guthrie
1906Oliver S. "Ollie" Guthrie III
1944Margaret Henry

603 Cherry Street

603 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890 Henry Bunting & Family — Henry & Clara Taylor Bunting; Leroy Bunting; Ralph H. Bunting; Edna Bunting; Blanche Bunting
2012Gone

604 Cherry Street

604 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906John Butcher
2012Gone

606 Cherry Street

606 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

607 Cherry Street

607 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Sixth Ward Colored Democratic Club
2012Gone

608 Cherry Street

608 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1878–1880 John D. Cooper & Family
2012Gone

610 Cherry Street

610 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

611 Cherry Street

611 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1935 Private First Class Worthington W. Betts
2012Gone

612 Cherry Street

612 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

614 Cherry Street

614 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

616 Cherry Street

616 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

618 Cherry Street

618 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

619–621 Cherry Street

619–621 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906Camden Van Company — storage
1920s–1930sGarages
2012Gone

620 Cherry Street

620 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

622 Cherry Street

622 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

623 Cherry Street

623 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

624 Cherry Street

624 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1896–1898Lewis E.W. Banks & Family — driver, Camden Van Company; Lewis E.W. & Nellie Banks; Sallie Banks
1896–1898Lewis E.W. & Nellie Banks
1896–1898Sallie Banks
1910Albert Boggs
2012Damaged by fire, June 2012

625 Cherry Street

625 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1920Occupied
2012Gone

626 Cherry Street

626 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1908–1909Mrs. Eliza Holloway & Family — widow of James L. Holloway; Oley R. Holloway; Robert J. Holloway; James Holloway
1908–1909James Holloway
1909Miller & Holloway (ice cream)
1909O. Miller & Mrs. Eliza Holloway
1910Oley R. Holloway; Robert J. Holloway
1910Oley R. Holloway
1910Robert J. Holloway
2011Vacant
2012Destroyed by fire, June 2012

627 Cherry Street

627 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

628 Cherry Street

628 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1879 William H. Whaland & Family
1879William H. & Mary Whaland
1879Lillian Whaland
1879Charles Whaland
1879William K. Whaland
2012Gone

629 Cherry Street

629 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1900 Howard Harrington & Family
1900Howard & Margarette Harrington
1900 Howard F. Harrington
2012Gone

630 Cherry Street

630 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1884–1890 William Wynn & Family
1884–1890William & Sarah Wynn
1884–1890Alice Wynn
1884–1890Anna May Wynn
1938Anderson Williams
2012Gone

631 Cherry Street

631 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

633 Cherry Street

633 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Martha Jones
2012Gone

634 Cherry Street

634 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890William Stroud
2012Gone

635 Cherry Street

635 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

636 Cherry Street

636 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

637 Cherry Street

637 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

638 Cherry Street

638 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1920s–1930s John F. Blackson
2012Gone

640 Cherry Street

640 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

642 Cherry Street

642 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Gone

650 Cherry Street

650 Cherry Street — 600 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890Frederick Funk — saloon

Six Hurt by Falling Walls

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Six Hurt by Falling Walls - Philadelphia Inquirer, July 30, 1904

Caught Under a Shower of Bricks and Taken to Hospital

Six workmen were hurt by falling walls at Park’s storage warehouse, Haddon avenue, near Pine street, Camden, yesterday. The walls were weakened by the severe storm of the night before, and the contractor ordered the men to pull them down. They were at work on the third story when the walls collapsed, and all were precipitated to the ground floor.

Those injured were Austin Foster, 22 years, 110[?] Pine street; Lee Sears, 39 years, 602 Cherry street; William Chambers, 22 years, 919 South Ninth street; Thomas Sherman, 28 years, 1119 Pine street; George Beach, 1062 Pine street; Thomas Melton, 110[?] Pine street.

Sergeant of Police Hyde, who lives nearby, sent in an emergency call, and the men were sent to Cooper Hospital. After examinations it was found that with the exception of slight cuts and bruises all escaped serious injury. After their wounds were dressed all were sent home.

To Sentence Woman

Camden Courier-Post —

To Sentence Woman - Camden Courier-Post, June 10, 1944

Judge Sheehan will hold Special Sessions of Criminal Court Thursday at which time he will sentence Margaret Henry, of 602 Cherry street.

The woman was convicted by a jury this week on a charge of voluntary manslaughter in causing the death of Earl Keller, 632 Vine street, last Feb. 5. Keller died on Feb. 10 in Cooper hospital from a fractured skull.

Judge Sheehan will also sit on Friday hearing matters in the Orphans Court.

Woman Gets 6 Years in Murder Case Here

Camden Courier-Post —

Woman Gets 6 Years in Murder Case Here - Camden Courier-Post, June 16, 1944

Margaret Henry, 21, of 602 Cherry street, was sentenced to the State Home for Women for six to 10 years by Judge Sheehan yesterday on a manslaughter conviction.

She was convicted last week of causing the death of Earl Keller, 44, of 632 Vine street. The evidence charged she struck the man with a brick and robbed him of 35 cents on Feb. 5.

“This should be a lesson to others that a life is not to be taken cheaply in this community,” Judge Sheehan said.

John Butcher Treated for Gash

Philadelphia Inquirer —

John Butcher Treated for Gash - Philadelphia Inquirer, September 12, 1906

John Butcher, 16 years old, of 604 Cherry street, was treated at the Cooper Hospital yesterday for a great gash in one of his legs caused by an ice hook.

619–621 Cherry Street — Camden Van Company & Garages

619-621 Cherry Street — Camden Van Company storage, 1906; garages in foreground built after 1906. January 7, 1928.

619–621 Cherry Street. Camden Van Company, storage, 1906. Garages in foreground built after 1906. Photograph January 7, 1928.

624 & 626 Cherry Street — Fire Damage, June 2012

624 Cherry Street — Damaged by fire, June 2012. Photograph July 2012. 624 and 626 Cherry Street — Damaged by fire, June 2012 626 Cherry Street — Destroyed by fire, June 2012. 2010 occupied; 2011 vacant.

624 and 626 Cherry Street. Damaged and destroyed by fire, June 2012. Photographs July 2012.

631, 633 & 635 Cherry Street — Photos, 2011

631 Cherry Street, October 3, 2011 — 2012 Gone 631, 633 & 635 Cherry Street, October 3, 2011 — 2012 Gone 633 Cherry Street, October 3, 2011 — 2012 Gone 635 Cherry Street, October 3, 2011 — 2012 Gone

631, 633 & 635 Cherry Street. Photographs October 3, 2011. Gone by 2012.

Marriage Licenses

Camden Daily Courier —

Camden Daily Courier, May 22, 1915 — Martha Jones, 633 Cherry Street; Henry Hackney

The following marriage licenses were granted by City Clerk Brown at his office in City Hall yesterday:

Ralph J. Vanmatre, of Pensacola, Fla., and Jennie Elridge, of 965 East Chelton avenue, Philadelphia.

Henry Hackney, of 283 Mitchell street, and Martha Jones, of 633 Cherry street. Camden Daily Courier, May 22, 1915.

634 Cherry Street — William Stroud

Philadelphia Inquirer —

William Stroud, aged 16, living at 634 Cherry Street, was badly injured yesterday while at work in Dialogue’s ship yard. He was removed to Cooper Hospital. Philadelphia Inquirer, June 7, 1890.

Brief Cross River Notes

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, August 7, 1890 — Frederick Funk saloon, 650 Cherry Street; Jesse Pratt

Frederick Funk, a saloon-keeper at Seventh and Cherry streets, was tried before Mayor Pratt yesterday on the charge of selling liquor to minors. He was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of $50 and costs. Philadelphia Inquirer, August 7, 1890.

Intersection of Cherrier Place & Cherry Street

Intersection of South 7th Street & Cherry Street

700 Block of Cherry Street

700 Block of Cherry Street

City directory records, 1884–2016.

700 Cherry Street

700 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906Occupied

701 Cherry Street

701 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1894–1899 Samuel S. Buzine
1908Penilla M. Harrison

702 Cherry Street

702 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906Occupied

704 Cherry Street

704 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890–1891 John C. Edwards & Family
1890–1891John C. & Martha Ann Edwards
1890–1891James Edwards
1890–1891Lydia Edwards

707 Cherry Street

707 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1887–1899 William M. Butts & Family (Camden Police Department)
1887–1899William M. & Ellen "Lizzie" Butts

711 Cherry Street

711 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1912–1913George A. Williams & Family — George A. & Eleanor Williams

712 Cherry Street

712 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1938John P. Kintzel & Family
1938John & Minnie Mintzel
1938John G. Kintzel
1938William R. Kintzel
1938Howard H. Kintzel
1938Marie Kintzel

713 Cherry Street

713 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910s–1918 Corporal Arlington Baltimore

722 Cherry Street

722 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1890s–1900s Thomas & Julia Higgins — Gertrude L. Higgins; Helen Higgins
1900s–1910s Norman O. Payne Sr.
1933William Templeton
1964Willie Wade Walker

723 Cherry Street

723 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Vacant

725 Cherry Street

725 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1955Rev. Henry Ball & Family
1955Henry & Ada Ball

726 Cherry Street

726 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Vacant

728 Cherry Street

728 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1964Willie Wade Walker
2012Vacant

729 Cherry Street

729 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1891Lewis Munson

731 Cherry Street

731 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1923–1975Ollie Dean Fullman & Family — Cordelia Tilghman (sister); Harold Benjamin Tilghman (nephew); Irva Tilghman (niece); Harold Byron Tilghman (great-nephew)
1940sPrivate First Class Harold Byron Tilghman
1982Abandoned, condemned, and ordered razed November 13, 1982

735 Cherry Street

735 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906Vacant

736 Cherry Street

736 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1939–1949Louis Frazier & Family — Louis & Jane Frazier; Mrs. Susie Vinson (daughter)
1939–1954 Rex Snyder & Family — Rex & Rosa Snyder; Woodley Rex Snyder; Julius Snyder; Margaret Snyder; Leroy Snyder; James R. Snyder

738 Cherry Street

738 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1897–1898 John C. Edwards & Family
1897–1898John C. & Martha Ann Edwards
1897–1898James Edwards
1897–1898Lydia Edwards

740 Cherry Street

740 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1951Walter N. Teague & Family
1951Guinevere E. Brown

741 Cherry Street

741 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1902William H. Tegler & Family — William H. & Susan Tegler; Ella Tegler; Samuel String & Family
1902William H. & Susan Tegler
1902Ella Tegler
1940–1943 Reginald Laws

742 Cherry Street

742 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1894Joseph C. Souders & Family — Joseph C. & Mary Souders
1898 Charles Cornog & Family
1898Charles & Mary Cornog
1898Anna May Cornog
1898 Albert L. Cornog
1898Marguerite Cornog
1898Ruth Cornog
1898Andrew Cornog
1898Charles Cornog Jr.

744 Cherry Street

744 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1940Anna Fitch

751 Cherry Street

751 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1933William Pollard
1938Howard Cannon

756 Cherry Street

756 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1884Andrew Miller & Family
1884–1885 Charles H. Robinson Sr. & Family

757–759 Cherry Street

757–759 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1887–1908Wissahickon Dye Works — Cyrus P. Carmany

760 Cherry Street

760 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914 David R. Ellis

764 Cherry Street

764 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1900s George B. Heckenhorn
1900s–1910s Henry Heckenhorn
2012Vacant

772 Cherry Street

772 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1900s–1952 George B. Heckenhorn
2012Gone

776 Cherry Street

776 Cherry Street — 700 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Vacant

Camden County Transfers

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden County Transfers - Philadelphia Inquirer, February 22, 1908

Camden—S W corner Mechanic and Norris sts—G Hugo Ernst to Edward Geschke ... 2100

Camden—No 701 Cherry st—John J Burleigh to Penilla M Harrison ... 1500

Haddonfield—E side Centre st, 163 ft N Park ave—Samuel Dunbarr to Sara Le Master Stager ... 2500

Camden—Nos 327 and 329 Liberty st—William B Stephens to Ephraim B Fisher ... 2000

Many Persons Hurt While Celebrating

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Many Persons Hurt While Celebrating - Philadelphia Inquirer, July 5, 1903 Many Persons Hurt While Celebrating - Philadelphia Inquirer, July 5, 1903 Many Persons Hurt While Celebrating - Philadelphia Inquirer, July 5, 1903 Many Persons Hurt While Celebrating - Philadelphia Inquirer, July 5, 1903

A heavy downpour of rain stopped all of the morning exercises at the Pyne Point Park Fourth of July celebration, Camden, except the sunrise salute and the base ball game. In the afternoon a number of sporting events were decided.

Nearly all the political and social clubs of the city kept open house. In the evening the Eighth Ward Republican and Democratic Clubs gave an exhibition of fireworks at the foot of Jefferson avenue. There were a large number of private displays.

In the East Side a main feature of the day was a big demonstration by war veterans of Philadelphia and other places. About noon Captain Phil R. Schuyler Post, No. 51, of Philadelphia, in command of Captain William H. Buck, arrived by way of the North Cramer Hill ferry, accompanied by a band and Cushing’s Battery; Captain Schuyler Camp, No. 2, Sons of Veterans, in command of Captain Theodore Dast; Camp Guard, S. of V., in command of Lieutenant Maxwell; Camp Battery, S. of V., in command of Lieutenant Lilly, and Troop A and a company of Spanish War veterans. The Philadelphians were met by General John A. Logan Post, No. 102, of the East Side, and after parading the principal streets proceeded to Twenty-seventh and Pleasant streets, where several salutes were fired. Addresses were made by Comrade Scheibner, of Camden, and Comrade Van Vogan, of Philadelphia. The leading pyrotechnic display last night was at the fire house, Twenty-seventh and Federal streets, where the people, half of the East Side, enjoyed the fireworks for some time under the direction of the firemen in charge of Captain Amadee Middleton. The Germania Maennerchor had a balloon ascension at Pavonia and a display of fireworks.

Blank cartridges and toy cannon caused the following accidents, which were treated at Cooper Hospital: Earl Carlisle, aged 15 years, 338 North Ninth street, hole in thigh and finger blown off; Angus McDougall, aged 34 years, 813 Princeton avenue, finger lacerated; John Richardson, 11 years, 560 Mickle street, fingers burned; William Opperman, 16 years, 1130 Market street, left hand torn; Christopher Gurney, 28 years, 726 Cherry street, right hand torn; Edward Ryan, 15 years, 701 Spruce street, left hand shattered; Daniel McLaughlin, 9 years, 1190 Mt. Vernon street, cartridge shot of left leg; Max Pinto, aged 17 years, 837 South Ninth street, right hand badly lacerated; Henry Duncannon, 13 years, 1153 Baring street, left hand torn.

At Homeopathic Hospital the following were treated: Alex. Roberts, 7 years, 310 Cleveland Terrace, right hand torn; James Mutton, 38 years, 1820 South Seventh street, left hand badly burned; George Myers, 23 years, 212 Mickle street, right hand torn.

Alice Dessler, 3 years, 249 Chestnut street, run over by an ice wagon; Henry Ledger, 40 years, 519 Kaighn avenue, left hand torn by cartridge; Ellen Sharp, 12 years, 207 Chestnut street, elbow dislocated by fall, and Henry Haines, 10 years, 407 Liberty street, left hand torn by cartridge, were taken to their respective homes.

Because of the seeming prevalence of tetanus in Camden extraordinary precautions were observed by surgeons in dressing gunshot wounds.

711 Cherry Street — Held Corpse Nine Days for Casket

Camden Daily Courier —

Camden Daily Courier, April 25, 1913 — Held Corpse Nine Days for Casket — Mrs. Williams of 711 Cherry Street, weighed over 300 pounds

HELD CORPSE NINE DAYS FOR CASKET

Mystery of No Funeral Caused Neighbors to Complain to the Police

COLORED WOMAN IS BURIED

To secure a casket large enough to contain her remains, the funeral of Mrs. Williams, a negress, of 711 Cherry street, was delayed for over a week. The dead woman weighed over 300 pounds. She died nine days ago from heart failure. Camden Daily Courier, April 25, 1913.

712 Cherry Street — John P. Kintzel & Family

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1938 — John P. Kintzel obituary, 712 Cherry Street Camden Courier-Post, February 23, 1938 — Kintzel death notice, 712 Cherry Street Camden Courier-Post, February 26, 1938 — Kintzel family thanks notice, 712 Cherry Street

JOHN P. KINTZEL — John P. Kintzel, 59, who had lived in Camden for 50 years and was active in the Seventh Ward Republican Club, died yesterday. He also was a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, Council 138. Mr. Kintzel is survived by his wife, Minnie; one daughter, Mrs. John H. Evans; and three sons, John G., William R., and Howard H., all of Camden. Funeral services will be held at the Kintzel residence, 712 Cherry street, at 2:30 p.m., Thursday. Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1938.

KINTZEL—On February 21, 1938, John P., beloved husband of Minnie Kintzel (nee Seymon), age 59 years. Relatives and friends of the family, also members of Thomas Jefferson Council, No. 138, Jr. O. U. A. M., and the Seventh Ward Republican Club are invited to attend the funeral services on Thursday, at 2:30 p.m., at his late residence, 712 Cherry St., Camden. Friends may call Wednesday evening. Camden Courier-Post, February 23, 1938.

KINTZEL—We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to our many friends who were so kind to us during our recent bereavement, and also for the beautiful floral offerings. Mrs. Minnie Kintzel and family, 712 Cherry St., Camden, N.J. Camden Courier-Post, February 26, 1938.

722 Cherry Street — Young Wife Found Beaten on Street

Camden Courier-Post —

YOUNG WIFE FOUND BEATEN ON STREET

Charges She Was Robbed — Estranged Husband Identifies Her

Blackjacked and contending she was robbed, a pretty 20-year-old South Camden married woman is in Cooper Hospital with a fractured skull. Her condition is reported as serious.

The woman was identified yesterday as Mrs. Margaret Templeton by her husband, William Templeton, of 722 Cherry Street. He said he has been estranged from her for some time.

Police are searching for the driver of a taxi and a man known to them as “Harry,” whom the injured woman told police took her from a cafe in Gloucester.

Police learned Mrs. Templeton and a man were deposited at Second and Penn Streets from a taxicab at 1:40 a.m. The woman was found on the same corner at 6:30 a.m.

She first told police her name was Martha Shay and later changed it to Margaret Shane. She gave an address at 401 Kaighn Avenue, but was not known there. Then she said she lived at the Cherry Street address of her husband. He denied this, although he identified her.

Police say the woman was struck over the head with a blackjack or blunt instrument. She will be questioned further when her condition improves. It was learned last night that Mrs. Templeton has been living at 1148 Kaighn Avenue. Camden Courier-Post, June 12, 1933.

Youth Held in Attempt To Strangle Girl, 16, Quizzed on Murder

Camden Courier-Post —

Youth Held in Attempt To Strangle Girl, 16, Quizzed on Murder - Camden Courier-Post, December 16, 1949

Police Grill Suspect About Garroting of Church Worker

A South Camden youth is under questioning today in the garrote slaying of Richard H. Thompson, 36-year-old churchworker, after his arrest Thursday night for attempting to strangle a girl with a length of clothesline.

Leroy Snyder, 18, of 736 Cherry street, was arrested on complaint of Gertrude Jones, 16, of 536 Liberty street.

The girl told police she was walking along Walnut street near Sixth about 11 p. m. when she was attacked by a youth who looped a piece of clothesline about her neck and tossed her to the ground.

The girl said she screamed and began to struggle. Her shouts were heard by a minister, the Rev. Isaac Foulkes, pastor of the New Union Baptist Church, 608 Walnut street, of which the girl is a member. The Rev. Mr. Foulkes was looking at books in the church and ran outside. Seeing him, the suspect fled.

District Detective John Opfer responded to the alarm and with the girl in his car began a tour of the neighborhood. About a block from the scene, Opfer said, the girl pointed to Snyder and he was arrested. At police headquarters Miss Jones identified Snyder as the one who attacked her.

Detective George Ellis and County Detective James McLaughlin, who are investigating the Thompson murder, were notified.

Ellis said Snyder would be questioned and the clothesline would be checked against the one found knotted tightly around Thompson’s neck when he was discovered Oct. 15 in an areaway behind a row of garages at Fifth and Mickle streets.

Cops Are Checking On Movements of Garrote Suspect

Camden Courier-Post —

Cops Are Checking On Movements of Garrote Suspect - Camden Courier-Post, December 17, 1949

LEROY SNYDER

Investigators of the murder of Richard H. Thompson, 36-year-old churchworker, today were checking the whereabouts and movements of a South Camden youth prior to and after the discovery of the crime.

Leroy Snyder, 18, of 736 Cherry street, arrested Thursday night for allegedly attempting to strangle a 16-year-old girl with a piece of clothesline, is under examination in the county jail by City Detectives Ellis and Simon and County Detective McLaughlin.

The probers said they were particularly interested in the piece of clothesline the girl said she wrested from Snyder’s grasp when he tossed it about her neck and pulled her to the sidewalk at Sixth and Walnut streets.

Detectives said the clothesline will be compared with a four-foot length clothesline found tightly knotted about Thompson’s neck when he was discovered Oct. 15 in a small areaway behind a row of garages at Fifth and Mickle streets.

Hospital Cases

Camden Courier-Post —

Hospital Cases - Camden Courier-Post, April 6, 1940

West Jersey

George Rice, 63, of 1143 North Fawn street, Philadelphia, contusion of abdomen. Joe Brancho, 12, of 334 Sycamore street, fracture of arm. Jennie Falknoll, 31, of 601 North Third street, fishbone in throat. Harry Goff, 40, of 1229 Sheridan street, cut of arm. Edward Chase, 8, of 106 Jasper street, cut of scalp. Carmen J. Ante, 18, of 410 Spruce street, crushing contusion of toe. Ruth Whiteman, 43, of 218 York street, cut of lip. Clifton Fublman, 40, of 1017 Bulson street, cut of arm. Dave Pronchick, 27, of 317 Jasper street, cut of chin.

Cooper

Alexander Locantore, 65, of 576 Walnut street, fractured ribs. Howard Kenny, 46, of 514 Mickle street, infection of hand. Charles Neff, 59, of 39 North Thirty-third street, sprained wrist. Florence Cicchini, 20, of 2253 North Forty-first street, sprained ankle. Anna Fitch, 50, of 744 Cherry street, swallowed a fish bone. Jennie Fargnoli, 31, of 601 North Third street, swallowed a fish bone. William Geitz, 36, Mantua, injury to eye. Mary Healey, 32, of 408 Haddon avenue, eye injury. Maybelle Vanderslice, 8, of 506 Beideman avenue, scalp injury. Paul Mastraianni, 24, of 413 Benson street, cut of hand. Robert Yarnell, 2, of 2022 Broadway, cut of hand. May Davis, 25, of 1146 Clover street, cut of mouth.

725 Cherry Street — The Rev. Henry Ball

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, October 4, 1955 — The Rev. Henry Ball, 74, of 725 Cherry Street, obituary

THE REV. HENRY BALL

The Rev. Henry Ball, 74, of 725 Cherry st., died Saturday at his home. He served as associate pastor of the Tenth Street Baptist Church and was a missionary of the New Light Union of New Jersey. He was a member of the American Woodman Lodge, Camp 7, Camden. Surviving are his wife, Ada, and a daughter, Mrs. Richard Bowman, of Detroit, a former Camden school teacher. Services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Baptist church where friends may call Wednesday night. Burial will be in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Mt. Royal. Camden Courier-Post, October 4, 1955.

728 Cherry Street — Willie Wade Walker

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, October 2, 1964 — Willie Wade Walker, 63, of 728 Cherry Street, obituary

WILLIE WADE WALKER

Services for Willie Wade Walker, 63, of 728 Cherry st., who died Tuesday in Cooper Hospital, will be at 8 o’clock tonight in the Friendship Baptist Church, 10th and Walnut sts., where friends may call after 7 p.m. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Pennsauken, tomorrow. Walker is survived by two brothers, Johnny of Sharon Hill, Pa., and J.C. of Garfield, Ga., and a sister, Mrs. Almeatha Mumford, Camden. Camden Courier-Post, October 2, 1964.

Adele Bordley Held for Theft

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Adele Bordley Held for Theft - Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15, 1891

Justice Davis has held Adele Berdley, living at Chestnut street and Eighth street, in bail charged with stealing $15 from Lewis Munson, of 729 Cherry street.

731 Cherry Street — Pfc. Harold Tilghman Buried at Beverly

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, December 22, 1952 — Pfc. Harold B. Tilghman, 23, of 731 Cherry Street, buried at National Cemetery at Beverly after dying in Korea

Pfc. Harold Tilghman Buried at Beverly

Pfc. Harold B. Tilghman, 23, who died Oct. 2 in Korea of a stomach disorder, was buried today with full military honors in the National Cemetery at Beverly. Pfc. Tilghman, who was born in Camden, had been in service for 15 months before his fatal illness. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Tilghman, of 731 Cherry st., Camden. His grandmother, Mrs. Cordelia Walker, lives at the Cherry st. address. Services for the soldier were held Sunday night at a funeral home at 743 Chestnut st. Camden Courier-Post, December 22, 1952.

Note: 731 Cherry Street was abandoned, condemned, and ordered razed on November 13, 1982.

Three Men Are Held In Burglary Attempt

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, September 7, 1948 — Rex Snyder & Family at 736 Cherry Street; Pride of Camden Elks Lodge; Kaighn Avenue Leroy Snyder, of 736 Cherry Street, 1939-1949

Jailed after police surprised them climbing a 20-foot ladder into the Elks club, 711 Kaighn avenue, three men were held in police court today on charges of attempted robbery.

Patrolmen Frank Cavallo and Richard Power testified they seized John E. Sturges, 18, of 830 Walnut street, as he fled the scene last Wednesday. Sturges, a parolee, denied the attempt until questioned by Salvatore J. Russoniello, state district parole officer.

Sturges confessed his part in the attempted robbery and identified Woodley and Julius Snyder, 736 Cherry street, as accomplices. Camden Courier-Post, September 7, 1948.

Leroy Snyder, 736 Cherry Street, 1939–1949.

Carter-Brown Wedding Announcement

Camden Courier-Post —

Carter-Brown Wedding Announcement - Camden Courier-Post, September 26, 1951

BISHOP D. M. HARMON, of the UAME Church will perform the marriage rites Saturday, Sept. 29, uniting Miss Guinevere E. Brown, of 740 Cherry street, and Garland R. Carter, of 758 Sycamore street, a veteran of War II, studying under GI benefits to become an electrician.

Miss Ida Young will stand with Miss Brown, and John Young is to serve as best man.

A reception will follow at the Cherry street address where the bride-elect lives with Mr. and Mrs. Walter N. Teague. After the marriage Carter and his bride will live with his grandmother, Mrs. Cora Gibbs at 758 Sycamore street. Both Carter and Miss Brown are natives of Camden.

741 Cherry Street — William Harmon String

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, June 19, 1902 — Death notice for William Harmon String, son of Samuel and Mary E. String, of 741 Cherry Street

STRING—Suddenly, on June 16, 1902, William Harmon, son of Samuel and Mary E. String, aged 10 years 4 months. Asleep in Jesus; peaceful sleep. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock from 741 Cherry street, Camden, N.J. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Philadelphia Inquirer, June 19, 1902.

741 Cherry Street — Reginald Laws, 1940–1943

Reginald Laws, 741 Cherry Street, 1940-1943

Reginald Laws, 741 Cherry Street, 1940–1943.

742 Cherry Street — Mary Souders

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, February 6, 1894 — Death notice for Mary Souders, wife of Joseph C. Souders, 742 Cherry Street

SOUDERS—On February 4, Mary, wife of Joseph C. Souders, aged 26 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral on Tuesday, 8th inst., at 1 o’clock, from her late residence, 743 Cherry street, Camden, N.J. Interment at Camden Cemetery. Philadelphia Inquirer, February 6, 1894.

Hospital Cases

Camden Courier-Post —

Hospital Cases - Camden Courier-Post, February 26, 1938

COOPER

John Passarella, 7, of 433 Spruce street, lacerated scalp.

Peter Chiodi, 14, of 337 Spruce street, lacerated hand.

John Cool, Jr., 7, of 218 Burns street, lacerated thumb.

Michael Bottalico, 19, of 816 South Fifth street, lacerated hand.

Kenneth Bell, 40, of 754 Wright avenue, lacerated upper lip.

Irving Yerks, 9, of 1134 Baring street, lacerated thumb.

Theresa Joyce, 61, of 507 Haddon avenue, possible fractured hand.

William Malloney, 15, of 709 Morgan street, possible fractured nose

Leonard Schaffer, 10, of 119 Dudley street, fractured wrist.

Florence Melari, 60, of 808 Princeton avenue, dog bite.

Theresa Tenovese, 7 months, of 221 Railroad avenue, Glassboro, burn, hand.

Marie Cahill, 5, of 2168 Berwick street, brush burns, hand.

Howard Cannon, 30, of 751 Cherry street, nail wound, foot.

Catherine Wolfer, 14, of Lindenwold, injured ankle.

Alex Maloney, 29, of 425 South Fifth street, injured shoulder.

WEST JERSEY

James Brady, 7, of 1580 Minnesota road, lacerated wrist.

Betty Antonow, 6, of 1038 street, puncture wound, foot.

J. E. Walker, 46, of 222 Washington terrace, Audubon, near amputation, tip of finger.

Arthur Davis, 10, of Nicholson road, West Collingswood, lacerated scalp.

Ed Cachell, 35, of 612 Robert street, lacerated finger.

Dolores Pfeffer, 7, of 548 Haddon avenue, Collingswood, abrasions of thigh; communuted [sic] fracture of ankle.

Ida Devlin, 40, of 1337 Morton street, contusion, wrist and possible fractured arm.

751 Cherry Street — 60-Day Sentence Given in Theft of Watch

Camden Courier-Post —

60-DAY SENTENCE GIVEN IN THEFT OF WATCH

Sixty days in the county jail was the sentence meted out to Wilmer Brown, 52, of 3002 Thompson Street, when he was charged in police court yesterday with stealing a watch.

Arrested on complaint of Martin Nelson, 561 Spruce Street, Brown denied the charges and said he knew nothing of the timepiece. Nelson testified that he went to a house on Cherry Street near Sixth with Brown and fell asleep. His watch was taken while he slept, he said. He admitted he had been drinking.

William Pollard, of 751 Cherry Street, said he was in the back yard of the house on Cherry Street when Nelson and Brown appeared. An hour after they entered the place, he said, Brown asked him for a pair of pliers to cut it.

In sentencing Brown, Police Judge Pancoast said he believed the man wanted the pliers to cut Nelson’s watch chain. Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1933.

Fire at Carmany’s Dye Works

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Fire at Carmany’s Dye Works - Philadelphia Inquirer, April 21, 1900

A slight fire occurred yesterday at Carmany’s dye works at Eighth and Cherry streets.

760–768 Cherry Street — Photos, July 2012

760, 762, 764, 766 and 768 Cherry Street, July 2012

760, 762, 764, 766 & 768 Cherry Street. July 2012.

764 Cherry Street — Photograph 2016

764 Cherry Street, damaged July 3, 2016. Photo by Josh Berry.

764 Cherry Street, damaged by fire July 3, 2016. Photo by Josh Berry.

The Pursuit of a Murderer

Camden Courier-Post —

The Pursuit of a Murderer - Camden Courier-Post, August 15, 1970 The Pursuit of a Murderer - Camden Courier-Post, August 15, 1970

By Joe Happ and Joseph R. McCarthy

The announcement, when it came, burst in City Hall like a grenade. A Camden man — in jail nearly a year awaiting trial for murder — was being charged with six additional killings.

The disclosure was made July 2 by the Camden County Prosecutor’s office as a short, stocky man was being led from his sixth-floor jail cell to an arraignment before Camden Municipal Court Judge William M. Rosenblatt.

Until then it had been one of the best-kept secrets in the city in recent memory. The press corps, usually well informed in advance about all such goings-on was caught by surprise.

When the hour-long court procedure was over, newsmen, armed with little more than the name of the prisoner and a list of victims’ names, went to work.

The old newspaper clippings from which they frantically culled information had a grim tale to tell. Six women and a man had been beaten, slashed or shot to death between February and September 1969. The clippings suggested grotesque pictures of battered, butchered human beings.

The suspect was 38-year-old Leroy Snyder, an ex-convict who had spent most of his adult life in prison for acts of violence.

Fresh details fo [sic] the killings were scarce, as County Prosecutor A. Donald Bigley, not wanting to jeopardize his case, clamped down hard on information released to the press. The July 2 stories were mostly a rehash of the earlier murder stories.

The victims:

Mrs. Lula Crawley, bound, gagged and stabbed 13 times, was found Feb. 14, 1969 in a room behind her S. 6th Street antique shop.

Mrs. Mary Freeman, found stabbed to death April 12, 1969, floating in two feet of water in an abandoned house.

Mrs. Shirley Brittingham and Warren Wells, discovered April 25 in the basement of a vacant house. The woman, seven months pregnant, had been stabbed repeatedly and shot in the chest several times. The man had a shotgun wound three inches in diameter in his back, had been stabbed several times and beaten with a blunt instrument. Both bodies had lain there three weeks before being discovered and were badly decomposed and partially eaten by rats.

Mrs. Lovie Williams, found May 19 in her West Street apartment by her 12-year-old son. She had been slashed to death.

Mrs. Vera Stevens, beaten to death Aug. 9 on a vacant lot.

Mrs. Gertrude Friedman, raped, beaten and slashed about the throat Sept. 8 in her combination apartment-linoleum store on Kaighns Avenue.

In city hall, quick comparisons were made between this case and the Sept. 6, 1949 rampage in which a Bible-quoting war veteran, Howard Unruh, shot 13 persons to death in about 20 minutes.

“This one looks worse,” commented one veteran reporter as he scanned the year-old stories.

Following the arraignment, events in the case of Leroy Snyder moved quickly. In less than a week, indictments were handed up by the Camden County grand jury. The following day, Snyder’s signed confessions to all seven killings were presented in Superior Court along with his pleas of no defense.

A week later, he was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in the New Jersey State Prison at Trenton. Within the hour, Snyder was en route to Trenton.

The story of Leroy Snyder was ended. This week, however, the two men most responsible for the capture of Snyder revealed some of the details of the exhausting eight-month investigation which led to his arrest. It is a story laced with ironies and improbabilities.

“It was a real jig-saw puzzle,” said veteran city Det. Earl Smith, who along with Det. Nate Jones, logged more than 1,200 hours of overtime and traveled from New England to South Carolina, interviewing more than 150 persons and taking statements from about 75 material witnesses.

Before the case was solved, Jones would have trouble convincing his wife that all the hours away from home were actually spent working. “Not only that, I developed a case of high blood pressure during the investigation,” he added.

Smith would only shrug when asked about the effects of the chase on his home life. He indicated that they were “about the same as Nate’s.”

The two detectives, relaxing in their office in City Hall, explained that the keys to cracking the case were the investigations of the Brittingham-Wells double murder and the rape-slaying of Mrs. Friedman.

“We didn’t turn up much on the other murders at all,” Smith said. “In fact, we weren’t even sure they were related until Shirley and Warren were found.”

At that point, Jones explained, police officials began to fear that a psychopath was loose in the city and ordered efforts in solving the case intensified.

Few clues had been left in the abandoned house where Shirley and Warren were found. “We even had trouble identifying them,” said Smith. “They were horribly decomposed and it looked like rats had eaten away most of their faces.”

Identification had to be made by the use of dental records and fingerprints. Even Mrs. Brittingham’s estranged husband was unable to make a positive identification, the detective said.

Frank Brittingham was located the day after the bodies were discovered. He was in a bar at Broadway and Division Streets where Shirley had worked as a barmaid. He could only tell police that he knew his wife was pregnant by a boyfriend whose name he gave the detectives.

A barmaid in the establishment told the three detectives she last saw Shirley leaving the bar with a man on April 5 (the day she died, according to the medical examiner). She also identified an egg-shaped gold locket found by police at the murder scene as one she sold to Shirley for $10.

Smith said Shirley’s boyfriend was located two days later living at the YMCA in New Brunswick. Police in that city had run a check and told Smith the man had registered in his own name but had listed a non-existent firm as his place of employment.

“We wanted to get more on him,” Smith said, “so we waited a while before picking him up.”

Meanwhile, the identity of the man seen leaving the bar with Shirley was learned after police had interviewed several persons in South Camden. They told police the man had gone to see his wife in Seaford, Del.

Smith and City Det. Isaiah Pitts went to Delaware and, after following the trail of the man’s family through several small towns, learned he had been there a few days before and continued south to visit his father in Traveler’s Rest, S.C.

Smith and Pitts returned to Camden and notified police in the small South Carolina town. A week later, the man was arrested as a material witness and was returned to Camden for interrogation.

He told police he had gone to Delaware in order to cash an Internal Revenue Service check and leave part of the money with his wife. His story checked out with what had been learned in Delaware, and he was released.

On July 19 police in Franklin Township, Sussex County, picked up Shirley’s boyfriend as a material witness. In Camden a lie detector test was administered. The man failed, Smith said.

“We asked him if he was withholding information about the murders,” the detective said. “He answered ‘No.’ The machine indicated he lied. We got the same response when we asked if he knew who killed Warren and Shirley.”

Police, however, had nothing to connect him with the murder and released him.

The probe into the death of Warren Wells was a painfully slow process, Smith said. “We knew absolutely nothing about the man when we started.”

An intensive interview campaign was launched in South Camden, but little was learned. On May 19, however, police learned that Wells’ brother-in-law, a suspect in the case, was living in the 400 block of Sycamore Street. Police placed the house under surveillance, but the suspect failed to show up.

Two women living in the house were unable to give any information about the suspect’s whereabouts. The women, both in their early 20’s accompanied the detectives to police headquarters and were arrested and charged with being under the influence of narcotics.

A separate inquiry into the suspect’s background revealed him to be wanted by the U.S. Army for desertion.

The search spread throughout Camden County and on June 12, nearly a month later, he was picked up by State Police from the Toms River barracks.

Brought back to Camden, the suspect failed a lie detector test, Smith said. Yet nothing was established to connect him directly with either murder and he was held pending the arrival of federal authorities.

The suspect’s wife was arrested a few days later while visiting him in Camden County jail. Smith said he recognized the woman from a police photo shown to him earlier by Williamstown police. He said a federal warrant had been issued for her arrest on a charge of mail theft. She was turned over to the U.S. Marshal’s office in Camden.

The search for information in South Camden continued. Detectives began to check through vacant houses in the area. They found a man crouching behind the heater in the basement of one abandoned house. He claimed to be an acquaintance of Wells. An identification check on the man revealed he was wanted on a charge of possession of stolen property. He was arrested.

Under interrogation, the man told detectives he did not know where Wells had been living before his death but said he knew several persons who might know.

One of his tips paid off. A woman living on Kaighns Avenue told detectives that Wells had been living in the 700 block of Walnut Street in the apartment of a man named Leroy Snyder.

Smith and Jones set up a stake-out at the apartment, but Snyder did not return home that night. The following day, the two detectives canvassed the neighborhood and learned that Snyder had a job in a junkyard on Division Street.

“We went to the junkyard and talked with Snyder,” Jones said. “He told us Wells had been living in his apartment since the latter part of March.”

Snyder told police that Wells received a phone call at the apartment on April 4. He said Wells appeared quite shaken by the call and left, saying he would return shortly. Snyder said that was the last he had seen of Warren Wells.

“Snyder even volunteered to come to police headquarters that night to give us a statement and deliver some clothes he said were left behind by Wells,” Smith said. Snyder dictated a four-page statement for police that night, but the information shed no further light on the killing.

“We had checked on Snyder’s background and knew about his prison record,” Smith said. “But we didn’t have enough evidence to hold him. Besides, he seemed to be cooperating with us.” Snyder was released.

That was on May 23. Four days earlier, Lovie Williams was found slashed to death. On Aug. 9, Vera Stevens, her head battered by a rock, was found. No leads were turned up in those investigations.

The Wells probe produced one more lead, however. Police learned that a man believed to operate a house of prostitution in North Camden had been a friend of Wells. Checking at the address, Smith was told the man had recently departed on a trip through New England and Canada.

Police in several states as well as Canada were notified and, on May 28, Wells’ friend was arrested by a Royal Canadian Mounted Police vice squad as he attempted to cross the border in a stolen car.

A joint investigation by the Mounties and police in Camden revealed the names of several women, allegedly involved in prostitution, who were in this country illegally. The women were later deported to Canada, Smith said.

The police investigation of the murders, now numbering six, continued until Sept. 8, when the nude, mutilated body of Gertrude Friedman was discovered in the living room of her apartment on Kaighns Avenue by a neighbor.

Police swarmed into the area that night and found with a woman who said she had seen a man leaving the Friedman apartment that afternoon. She told police he was carrying two suitcases and a brown paper bag filled with clothing.

A state police artist, Tpr. George Homa of the West Trenton barracks, was called in and drew a sketch based on the woman’s description.

Armed with copies of the sketch, police teams again hit the streets in the area around Kaighns Avenue.

A man, when shown the drawing, told police, “This looks like the guy who tried to rape a woman a few weeks ago on 4th Street.” He did not know the assailant’s name, but he gave police the woman’s name and address.

Smith and Jones checked it out.

The woman, who had not reported the incident because she feared reprisals, said the man depicted in the sketch had knocked on her apartment door one night a few weeks earlier saying he was looking for friends who lived in the apartment below hers. Then he forced his way in and tried to assault her, she said. She did not know his name.

The occupants of the downstairs apartment identified the drawing. They said it seemed to be Leroy Snyder.

“The first thing we did after hearing that, was to check on where Snyder was living,” Smith said. “We knew he had moved from the apartment on Walnut Street, but we didn’t know his new address. Later, we learned he was living in the 700 block of Cherry Street.”

A warrant was obtained and, on the evening of Sept. 11, Smith and Jones arrested Snyder at home.

“He was lying on the couch in the living room when we made the arrest,” Smith recalled. “He didn’t offer any resistance.”

Searching the house, detectives found the bags of clothing and other items taken from the Friedman apartment. Positive identification of the articles later was supplied by Mrs. Friedman’s husband.

“He was wearing Mr. Friedman’s wristwatch,” Smith added.

With Snyder in custody, charged with the murder of Mrs. Friedman, larceny, possession of stolen property and assault with intent to rape in the case of the woman on 4th Street, Smith and Jones began a detailed investigation into Snyder’s possible relationship with the other murders.

Since there was no trial, it will never be known just how much evidence the detectives had piled up against Snyder. But apparently, it was enough to convince Snyder and his attorney that a defense against the charges in court would have been futile. Snyder later signed confessions to all seven slayings, but the confessions alone would not be sufficient basis for sentencing.

The contents of those confessions have not been made public, but one unconfirmed report out of the prosecutor’s office had it that a stenographer became ill while transcribing Snyder’s detailed accounts of the killings.

The future holds nothing for Leroy Snyder except prison. Under present New Jersey parole laws, Snyder, with three consecutive life sentences facing him, will not even be eligible for parole for another 43½ years.

Prosecutor Bigley, who sought seven consecutive life sentences for Snyder, summed it up in the courtroom moments after sentence was passed: “There’s a good chance he’ll die in prison.”

Detective Nate Jones

Detective Earl Smith

The psychiatric section of the pre-sentencing report described Leroy Snyder as a “malignant sociopath and a threat to society.” Little is known about Snyder except that he has spent 19 of the past 21 years in prison for assorted acts of violence. His prison record began when he was 17.

Arrested June 1949 on charge of assault. Convicted, sentenced to two years in Annandale Reformatory. Released May 1951.

Arrested July 1951 on charges of attempted armed robbery and threats to kill. Convicted, sentenced to four years in Bordentown Reformatory. Released June 1955.

Arrested December 1955 on charges of assault and battery and assault with intent to rob. Convicted, sentenced to three to five years in New Jersey State Prison at Trenton. Released January 1959.

Arrested August 1959 for attempted armed robbery and threats to do bodily harm. Convicted, sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. Paroled January 1969 after serving nine years.

Arrested September, 1969, for murder of Mrs. Gertrude Friedman.

Intersection of Cherry Street and Douglas Street — Busy 24 Hours in Camden

June 17, 2006 — Cherry Street and Douglas Street during the 'Busy 24 Hours' fire tour in South Camden

June 17, 2006 — Busy 24 Hours in Camden NJ — 6 Working Fires along with a Rescue

Camden Firefighters had a busy 24-hour tour starting on June 16th and ending on June 17th with four All Hands fires and two second alarms, all in the South Camden section of the city.

The first job was a working fire in a row of two-story dwellings in the 1200 block Morton Street. Later that day they had a working fire in the middle of a row of two-story dwellings in the 700 block of Spruce Street. A few hours later in the AM hours they were called to the 700 block of Cherry Street.

First-in companies found heavy fire showing in a large 3-story brick dwelling that put all companies to work within minutes; part of the structure collapsed. Battalion 1 called for a second alarm. A few minutes later, while the fire was going, another alarm came in for a working fire at 908 Haddon Avenue, about 6 blocks away. As the companies were coming in they found another blaze a block away from the first job, in a row of 2-story dwellings at 903 Haddon Avenue.

Fire Radio put in a Special call to Camden County Fire Units to respond into the City. Fire Companies from Gloucester City, Oaklyn, Westmont, Collingswood, Pennsauken Township were put to work fighting these blazes. By 4:30 AM all the fires were placed under control.

A few hours later Firefighters were dispatched to 620 Sycamore Street for an explosion and fire with reports of people trapped. Engine 8 was first in with Captain Dan Baker. He reported he had the end of a row brick 2-story dwelling that had exploded and had numerous people injured and one victim still trapped on the collapsed second floor, and he requested the Second Alarm to be transmitted.

Rescue 1 was arriving with Captain Frank Sandrock and Battalion 1 Chief Daryl Lewison along with Squad 7 and Engine 1 and Ladder Companies 2 and 1 and Battalion Chief 2 Mike Dipascale on the second alarm with Engine Companies 6 and 9, Ladder 3 and Special Operations Rescue unit and Car 3 with Deputy Chief Mike Harper and Chief of Department Joseph Marini in Car 1.

Firefighters could hear a female calling for help from the collapsed second floor. Firefighters went to work shoring up the collapsed building. Captain Sandrock of Rescue 1 was OPS Officer. About 30 minutes later firefighters were able to get to the badly injured woman. She had burns over 70 percent of her body. Rescue 1 firefighter Eli Hall was sent up the ladder to bring her down. Camden EMS removed her to Cooper Hospital Trauma.

Two other males were blown out of the second floor of the building onto the street and were taken to the hospital by Camden EMS. Two of the victims were admitted in critical condition. Car 3 Harper placed the assignment under control.

The explosion is under investigation by the Camden Fire Marshal Office and Camden Police Arson Unit along with the ATF. Cherry Hill Twp Canteen Unit RIT team and Rehab Unit, and County Fire Police and Camden County Field Com units were Special called. This was a busy 24 hours with 4 All Hands and 2 second-alarm fires and a life-saving rescue.

800 Block of Cherry Street

800 Block of Cherry Street

City directory records, 1897–1960s.

807 Cherry Street

807 Cherry Street — 800 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1957Frank Ross & Family — Frank & Blanche Ross; Mary Ross Stewart; Elnora Ross Troutman

812 Cherry Street

812 Cherry Street — 800 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947–1960sNathan Palmer Jones Sr
1947–1960sNathan P. & Etta Jones

814 Cherry Street

814 Cherry Street — 800 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914Edgar Blaine Trites

815 Cherry Street

815 Cherry Street — 800 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1932Thomas Howard

817 Cherry Street

817 Cherry Street — 800 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1897Real Estate Investment Company — W.A. Davis; Harry W. Boureau; George Zollers

822 Cherry Street

822 Cherry Street — 800 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1927 Charles W. Cooke

For Rent

Camden Daily Telegram —

For Rent - Camden Daily Telegram, March 11, 1897

313 Line street, 6 rooms $10.00

821 Line street, 7 rooms 13.00

416 Arch street, 9 rooms 17.00

531 Bailey street, 7 rooms 14.00

514 Felton street, 5 rooms 8.50

206 York street, 9 rooms 16.00

124 Clay street, 4 rooms 6.00

1146 Cooper street, 6 rooms 9.00

431 Berkley street, 8 rooms 13.00

815 Federal street, 7 rooms 12.00

503 Trenton avenue, 7 rooms 13.00

434 Arch street, 4 rooms 8.00

569 Stevens street, 11 rooms 30.00

817 Cherry street, 5 rooms 8.00

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT CO., No. 325 Federal street, Camden.

807 Cherry Street — Frank Ross

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, January 26, 1957 — Frank Ross, 75, of 807 Cherry Street, obituary; Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church

FRANK ROSS

Frank Ross, 75, of 807 Cherry st., died Friday in the State Hospital, Ancora. He was retired a year ago from the Dubell Lumber Co., resided in Camden for 39 years and was born in Warrenton, N.C. He was a deacon of Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church and a member of the senior and gospel chorus. Surviving are his wife, Blanche; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Stewart, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Elnora Troutman, of Camden; a brother, James, of Weldon, N.C.; nine grandchildren, including three members of the Camden police, Ptl. Edward F., William W., and John W. Troutman, and Kenneth Troutman, in the U.S. Navy. Services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church, 9th st. and Kaighns ave., where friends may call Monday night. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Pennsauken. Camden Courier-Post, January 26, 1957.

812 Cherry Street — Nathan Palmer Jones Sr.

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Courier-Post, January 2, 1975 — Nathan P. Jones Sr., formerly of 812 Cherry Street, Camden, obituary

JONES

Nathan P., Sr., of 1143 So. Ruby St., Phila., Pa., formerly of 812 Cherry St., Camden, N.J. Husband of the late Etta Jones. On Jan. 2, 1975, age 86. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 7th, at 8 p.m., at the Bethany Baptist Church, 58th and Warrington Sts., Phila., Pa. Viewing 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Employees of the Camden Sanitation Dept., relatives and friends are invited to the services. Interment 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Lakeview Cemetery, Cinnaminson, Burlington County, N.J. Arrangements by Ebenezer Welsh Funeral Home, 26th and Dauphin Sts., Phila. Camden Courier-Post, January 2, 1975.

814 Cherry Street — Edgar Blaine Trites

Camden Post-Telegram —

Camden Post-Telegram, December 11, 1914 — Engagement of Edgar Blaine Trites, of South Camden, and Miss Agnes Young of Phoenixville

Cards are out announcing the engagement of Miss Agnes Young, of Phoenixville, and Mr. Edgar Blaine Trites, of South Camden. Miss Young is very popular among the younger set, while Mr. Trites has a host of friends in fraternal circles. The wedding will take place in Phoenixville in the near future. Camden Post-Telegram, December 11, 1914.

Boy Stoning R.R. Train Is Jailed for 100 Days

Camden Courier-Post —

Boy Stoning R.R. Train Is Jailed for 100 Days - Camden Courier-Post, May 7, 1932

Charged with throwing stones through the windows of trains at Haddon avenue and Line street, Ernest Tinney, 17, colored, of 1012 Sycamore street, was sentenced to 100 days in jail yesterday by Police Judge Pancoast.

Three youths arrested with him, Thomas Howard, 18, of 815 Cherry street; Robert Morton, 20, of 457 Berkley street, and William Wallace, 19, of 1031 South Ninth street, all colored, were given suspended sentences when George Baitzel, a Pennsylvania Railroad policeman, testified he saw only Tinney throwing stones.

Edward Barnes, 29, colored, of 958 South Ninth street, alleged to have threatened Baitzel, also received a suspended sentence.

900 Block of Cherry Street

900 Block of Cherry Street

City directory records, 1902–1950.

909 Cherry Street

909 Cherry Street — 900 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1950John Spence

911 Cherry Street

911 Cherry Street — 900 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1933Charles Minor

913 Cherry Street

913 Cherry Street — 900 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1933William Jackson

938 Cherry Street

938 Cherry Street — 900 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1905George Strain

950 Cherry Street

950 Cherry Street — 900 Block of Cherry Street
Year ↕ Name ↕
1902–1903Thomas Ryan

So. Camden Man Fined In New Year’s Raid

Camden Courier-Post —

So. Camden Man Fined In New Year’s Raid - Camden Courier-Post, January 4, 1950

Louis Bumbrey, 56, of 906 South Eighth street, was fined $100 today for maintaining a disorderly house and then sent to county jail on a charge of possessing several gallons of untaxed alcohol.

Bumbrey was committed to prison by Police Judge Di Mona to await grand jury action.

Bumbrey was arrested during a raid Jan. 1 at a bootblack parlor, 725 Kaighn avenue. Six other men, who police said, were buying a pint of alcohol for $1, were released until wanted.

Court records listed them as John Spence, 29, of 909 Cherry street; Stacy Ingram, 31, of 918 Pine street; Percy Briscoe, 53, of 810 South Eighth street; Fletcher Mc Burrow, 32, of 824 Chestnut street; and George Kee, 24, of 181 Branch Village.

911 & 913 Cherry Street — Man Gets 30 Days in Row Over 9 Cents

Camden Courier-Post —

MAN GETS 30 DAYS IN ROW OVER 9 CENTS

An argument over a 9-cent gambling debt yesterday sent Charles Minor, colored, 32, of 911 Cherry Street, to county jail for 30 days in default of a $25 fine for assault and battery on William Jackson, 913 Cherry Street.

Sentence was imposed by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast after Jackson testified that Minor struck him on the chin with some blunt instrument and knocked him down. Jackson said he and Minor had played cards Wednesday and Minor had accused him of cheating him out of 9 cents. The argument continued, Jackson added, when Minor struck him. Minor denied the charge. Camden Courier-Post, June 17, 1933.

938 Cherry Street — George Strain

Philadelphia Inquirer —

George Strain, aged 28 years, of 938 Cherry Street, who was killed by a train Friday, was buried yesterday. Philadelphia Inquirer, July 12, 1905.

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.

Purifying Box at Locust and Cherry Streets

Camden Courier-Post —

Purifying Box at Locust and Cherry Streets - Camden Courier-Post, March 9, 1932

Purifying box of the Public Service Company at Locust and Cherry Streets, which formed a steel tomb for workers today, is shown above. The only means of entrance to the interior of the tank was through a hatch. Workmen used the narrow steel stairway on the side to reach the opening in top.

P.S. Purifier Detonates in South Camden

Camden Courier-Post —

Explosion at Locust and Cherry Traps Workers in Structure; Victims Mostly Temporary Employees Cleaning Metal Tank

Four Others Injured, One May Die; Poisonous Fumes Hamper Rescue

A terrific explosion in the purifying plant of the Public Service Gas and Electric Company at the Southeast corner of Locust and Cherry Streets killed 14 men today and injured four others, one of whom may die.

All the dead were trapped in a huge box-like tank about 25 feet square. Most of them were neighborhood unemployed who had been given a day’s work scraping off a caked substance which forms during the process purifying illuminating gas.

Poisonous sulfur fumes hampered firemen in the effort to extinguish a blaze which followed the explosion. Two hours were required before the first body could be removed.

The explosion occurred at 7:15 AM. By 11:00 AM two charred and horribly mangled bodies had been taken out by use of a block and tackle. Firemen were digging out the third body buried under smoldering debris.

Six of the known dead were regularly employed by Public Service. They were:

John Albert, of 275 Walnut Street

Domonick Pizzutello, of 1005 South 4th Street

Pasquale Curiale, of 338 Walnut Street

Frank Deluggi, of 324 South 4th Street

Nicholas Tulini, of 208 Benson Street

Nunzio Farrao, of 1131 South 4th Street

The other known dead, who were employed only temporarily were: E. Anderson, colored; George Williams, colored; Tony Bilank, F. Kralich, T. Watson, colored; J. Pollard, colored; T. Coleman, colored, and L. Carcione.

The police and officials of the company were unable to determine the cause of the tragedy but one of the workmen who escaped said that he saw a “little fire” burning in one corner of the tank minutes before the explosion.

One of the Injured May Die

The injured, all of who were taken to Cooper Hospital were:

Spiro Cecich, 37, of 1815 Salem Street, burned over his entire body. Condition so critical he may die.

Hillman Bryant, 29, colored, of 109 Chestnut Street, burned over face, head, eyes.

Harry Read, 27, of 111 Chestnut Street, burned on head and face.

Harry Hall, 37, colored of 718 South 2nd Street, burned on head and face.

Read and Hall were permitted to return to their homes after being treated.

While racing to the hospital with the injured, the patrol car of the Second District collided with a truck at Broadway and Pine and was delayed several minutes. The truck driver, Meyer R. [?], 25 of 1732 South 7th Street, was injured slightly and also treated at the hospital.

Worker Tells of Blast

Rudolph Walker, 40, colored, of 1060 South Front Street, was the only worker to escape unhurt.

“We went in the tank about 7:00 o’clock,” he said. “About 15 minute later I noticed a little fire burning in one corner. I said ‘Come on fellows, let’s get out of here.’ I climbed out and just as I reached the ground I heard an awful explosion.

“I looked up and flames were shooting way up into the air. I didn’t know what to do, so I [?] and notified some other [?]. There were 15 or more other men in the tank with me”

Chemicals Cake On Tank

Workmen who described the purifying box said that a substance consisting of sawdust, sulfur, and noxious chemicals was used to clean gas which was pumped into the tank from storage tanks across the street.

This substance caked upon the sides and girders about halfway down the box, they said, and had to be scraped off with pitchforks about every three or four weeks.

There are, they declared, two tanks in the box, each about 15 feet wide and 20 feet deep. The blast was in the west tank.

According to officials, the tanks are used in a process that has been in operation for only two years.

Access is gained through removal of a large hatch-like lid at top of the box. There is no other entrance or exit.

Walker and the four injured were working on top of the girders. The others were trapped at the bottom without a chance to escape. They probably died instantly.

The entire neighborhood was aroused and more than 1,000 persons gathered around the plant. The police roped off Locust Street between Cherry and Walnut. No windows were broken or other damage caused to private property in the vicinity.

Grocer Saw Man On Fire

Benjamin Plevinsky, a grocer at Locust and Spruce Street, said that he was opening his store when he heard the detonation.

“I looked up and saw a man running down a stairway leading to the top of the tank,” he said. “He was on fire from his feet to his head and looked like a human torch.

“I called the fire department and told them what happened. They asked me if I was sure there was a fire. I told them I was looking right at it. I don’t know whether they thought I was crazy or what, but I certainly think that was a peculiar thing to ask when you’re sending in an alarm.

The crowd which gathered was thrown into intense excitement, when Frank Pizzitilla, Walnut Street near Third, was taken to the top of the tank by firemen; looked in and fainted.

He recovered consciousness while being carried down the stairway, firemen said, and murmured, “My God, my father and father-in-law are in there.”

When the hundreds of persons saw Pizzitilla they believed he was one of the dead and began shouting. One man was seized with a fit and was carried away by firemen.

Rescuers Driven Back

When firemen first arrived they attempted to get into the tank but were driven back by sulfur fumes. They put on gas masks but the poisonous gases penetrated even these and they were unable to reach the bodies.

James Bevan, foreman at the plant, said that 13 of the men were temporarily employed and the others were regularly employed. In all, he said, there were 19 workers in the tank when the blast occurred.

Before the bodies were removed firemen said they counted 12 floating in the water pumped into the tank to extinguish the blaze. Two others were believed hidden by debris.

Coroner Benjamin Denny, Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin, Director of Public Safety Charles V. Dickinson and Fire Chief Thomas Nicholas arrived at the scene before the bodies were taken out. They described the sight as “ghastly.”

Coroner Denny announced that he will open an investigation after today in which he will summon officials of the Public Service Company, firemen, workers, and other witnesses. County Prosecutor Edward B. Rodgers also will attend he said.

Denny said that because many of the workers were day laborers, families probably would not know of their deaths until they failed to return home at the end of the working day.

Relatives’ Cries Nearly Start Panic

Camden Courier-Post —

Crowds Mill About Scene of Explosion Where Workers Died

“They are in there—dead.”

That shrill scream from the chilled lips of a relative of two men trapped in the steel tomb of the purifying box at the Public Service gas plant at Locust and Cherry Streets today almost started a panic among 1,000 persons, gathered at the scene a few minutes after a mysterious explosion snuffed out the lives of more than a dozen men.

The cry of horror and grief was taken up by others as they pressed against the woven wire fence about the company’s property. Panic was averted by the policemen and firemen who had reached the scene a few minutes after the blast.

The excitement started when Frank Pizzatilla, of Walnut Street near Third, climbed up the narrow steel stairway that led to the top of the purifying box and looked upon a scene of horror within the square steel tomb.

Pizzatilla, who had rushed to the plant with several hundred others when word of the tragedy spread, said he recognized the seared bodies of his father and father-in-law in the seething mass below.

He started to walk down the narrow, steel stairway that formed the only means of reaching the lone entrance to the purifying box. Below the hundreds of relatives and friends of the doomed men watched him with anxiety.

“In There Dead”

“They are in there—dead,” he screamed.

He fell in a faint and but for a fireman, Pizzatilla would have toppled to the ground, fully 20 feet below. Other firemen and policemen rushed up the narrow stairway and carried Pizzatilla down.

As his inert body was being carried toward an ambulance, cries of bitter hatred were heard. They came from a relative of another victim. He shouted vile curses upon the officials of the company, upon the firemen and upon the policemen. He called them murderers. He yelled for a revolver, shouting that he would avenge the death of the trapped men.

About him gathered a number of persons, most of them of foreign extraction, or colored, for the majority of the victims were colored. The situation became tense.

Every policeman and fireman who could be spared from the gruesome work of trying to reach the entombed bodies rushed the crowd. Lieutenant George Ward and several policemen grabbed a heavy, long rope from one of the nearby fire wagons.

Quickly the rope was stretched across Locust Street at the intersection and a tug of war started, with the crowd surging against the rope and policemen and firemen pulling at both ends, sweeping them backward into Locust Street.

With the crowd under control, the police began to search for the man, whose cries for revenge had started the hundreds milling around in groups, but he had disappeared in the crowd.

Then Locust Street below Cherry was roped off with little difficulty and a line of policemen took their positions across Cherry Street between the two gas tanks that stand on the northeast and southeast corners. People who attempted to reach the plant were turned back.

“No use going any farther,” the policemen would tell each person who tried to get up closer. “All the men in the tank are dead and there is nothing anyone can do except remove the bodies when the tank is cooled down.”

These words seemed to have a quieting effect upon the hundreds that had tried to rush the police lines. Gradually the people left for their homes. An hour after the blast there was less than 100 spectators at the scene.

Bodies Identified

So badly were the bodies burned that identification was extremely difficult. It was early evening before identification was complete. The dead are:

John Albert, 55, of 275 Walnut Street, father of eight children.

Dominick Puzzitiella, 53, of 1005 South 4th Street, father of four sons.

Pasquale Curiale, 48, of 338 Walnut Street, father of eight children.

Frank DeLarge, 51, of 324 South 5th Street, father of three children.

Nicholas Tulini, 58, of 208 Benson Street, father of 10 children.

Nunzio Ferraro, 51, of 1131 South 4th Street, single.

Edward Anderson, 30, colored, northeast corner Second and Pine Streets, no children.

George Williams, 33, colored, of 277 Sycamore Street, father of three children.

John Pollard, 32, colored, of 1065 Ivins Street, no children.

Thomas Watson, 65, colored, of 123 Chestnut Street, single.

Louis Carcione, southwest corner of Third and Spruce Street.

Antonio Bilanko, 43, who lived in a club room at Locust Street and Kaighn Avenue and boarded at the home of Pedro Blair, 1225 Hyde Park.

F. Kralich, northeast corner of Second Street and Kaighn Avenue.

Farrell Coleman, 44, colored, northeast corner of Second and Pine Streets, single.

The first six were employed regularly by the company. The others were unemployed in the neighborhood, hired especially to clean out the purifier yesterday.

List of Injured

The other injured, all of whom were taken to Cooper Hospital are:

Hillman Bryant, 30, colored, 109 Chestnut Street, burns on face, head and hands.

Harry Read, colored, of 111 Chestnut Street, burns on the head and face.

Harry Hall, 27, colored, of 718 South Second Street, burns on the head and face.

Read and Hall were taken to their homes after receiving hospital treatment.

Patrolman Walter Patton of the First District suffered a cut on his left arm while digging in the debris for bodies. He was treated at the hospital and returned to the station house.

After working with the police and firemen for several hours, James Bevan, 1447 Kaighn Avenue, foreman at the plant, collapsed just as the last body was removed. Physicians treated him for exhaustion and shock and he was taken to his home.

Another workman, Peter Alemi, 35, of 1010 South 4th Street, a volunteer who helped firemen in removing the last body, was overcome by fumes in the tank and was treated at the hospital.

Red Cross aid to the stricken families of the victims was offered by William T. Read, chairman of the Camden County chapter. Public Service officials were informed that the national Red Cross headquarters had listed this tragedy as a “disaster” for which relief was available.

Baldwin to Fix Responsibility in Fatal Explosion

Camden Courier-Post —

Baldwin to Fix Responsibility in Fatal Explosion - Camden Courier-Post, March 9, 1932

An investigation to fix responsibility, “if any,” in the fatal explosion at Locust and Cherry streets today, is underway, according to an announcement made by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin.

Baldwin, notified of the explosion shortly after 7 a. m., immediately went to the scene.

Two hours after his return to the courthouse, he issued the following statement:

“I have just been on the scene of the accident and have begun an investigation which will be continued in detail to determine the responsibility, if any, for thi [sic] terrible affair.

“Further than that, I am unable to say anything now.”

4 Held for Grand Jury on Auto Theft Charge

Camden Courier-Post —

4 Held for Grand Jury on Auto Theft Charge - Camden Courier-Post, May 7, 1934

Four youths charged with the larceny of an automobile were held for the grand jury Saturday by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast. The prisoners were caught by Motorcycle Policeman Gus Fortune after a chase.

The prisoners described themselves as Henry Garbacki, 17, of 1201 Lansdowne avenue; Walter Lewadowski, 17, of 1158 Atlantic avenue; Nicholas Boganik, 19, of 1305 Thurman street, and Wallace Slowski, 19, of 820 Cherry street.

Shortly after midnight William Wright, of 338 Benson street, reported to the police that his automobile had been stolen from in front of his home. An hour later Fortune saw the four youths in the car and captured them. The prisoners were unable to furnish the $1000 bail.

Man Held in Slaying Of City Shopowner

Camden Courier-Post —

Man Held in Slaying Of City Shopowner - Camden Courier-Post, September 12, 1969 Man Held in Slaying Of City Shopowner - Camden Courier-Post, September 12, 1969

By TERRY BITMAN

Courier-Post Staff

A 38-year-old Camden junkyard worker was arrested and arraigned last night in connection with Monday’s brutal rape and slaying of a Kaighns Avenue shopkeeper.

Leroy Snyder, of the 700 block Cherry Street, was arrested in his home about 9 p.m. by city and county detectives and charged on three counts, two of them in connection with the murder of Mrs. Gertrude Friedman, 58, operator of a linoleum store at 330 Kaighns Ave.

Snyder, arraigned before Camden Municipal Court Judge Theodore Z. Davis, was charged with murder and larceny and possession of stolen property in connection with the slaying.

Recover Clothing

Det. Capt. Frank Senatore said the second charge stems from police recovery of clothing and jewelry which they believe belonged to Mrs. Friedman and her husband Harold. Capt. Senatore said the items were found in Snyder’s possession.

Snyder also was charged with assault with attempt to rape in connection with the attempted rape of a South Camden woman in her home on July 26.

The suspect was placed in the Camden County Jail with a preliminary hearing scheduled Monday.

LEROY SNYDER

Junkyard Worker Held In Murder of Shopowner

Police said the arrest came after three days of intensive investigation into the crime. They said the suspect offered no resistance to his arrest.

Mrs Friedman’s battered body was found early Monday afternoon on the living room floor of her apartment behind the shop by Paul Pallas of Maple Shade who operates the Storm Window Service at 336 Kaighns Ave.

An autopsy on Tuesday revealed Mrs. Freidman [sic] had been raped, beaten and slashed about the throat.

Blair M. Murphy, chief investigator for the Camden County Medical Examiners’ office said the victim died from “a penetrating wound of her neck.”

Police said she was found naked on the floor of her ransacked apartment after a customer went to the shop, got no response and summoned Pallas to the scene.

Brief ‘Cross River Notes.

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Brief ‘Cross River Notes. - Philadelphia Inquirer, August 7, 1890

Frederick Funk, a saloon-keeper at Seventh and Cherry streets, was tried before Mayor Pratt yesterday on the charge of selling liquor to minors. He was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of $50 and costs.

George Barber was sent to jail by Squire Cassady yesterday for beating Mrs. Catherine Jack, of Gloucester City.

The Second Ward Republican Club has indorsed the following candidates: Congress, C. A. Bergen; Sheriff, Henry J. West.

Blast at Purifying Plant Killing 14 P.S. Workers Is Held Unpreventable

Camden Courier-Post —

Blast at Purifying Plant Killing 14 P.S. Workers Is Held Unpreventable - Camden Courier-Post, March 10, 1932 Blast at Purifying Plant Killing 14 P.S. Workers Is Held Unpreventable - Camden Courier-Post, March 10, 1932 Blast at Purifying Plant Killing 14 P.S. Workers Is Held Unpreventable - Camden Courier-Post, March 10, 1932 Blast at Purifying Plant Killing 14 P.S. Workers Is Held Unpreventable - Camden Courier-Post, March 10, 1932

Prosecutor, Coroner and Officials of Company Say Spontaneous Combustion Probably Caused Tragedy—All But One of 4 Injured Are Out of Danger

Although they had not reached an official decision, investigators today were unanimous in their belief that spontaneous combustion probably caused the explosion in the purifying plant of Public Service Electric and Gas Company, Locust and Cherry streets, which cremated 14 workmen and burned four others yesterday.

Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin said today that Lawrence T. Doran, chief of county detectives, still was questioning witnesses, but so far as can be determined, spontaneous combustion was responsible for the tragedy.

Baldwin said that it also was possible sawdust used in the purifying process had somehow been ignited. “While the sawdust was smouldering,” he said, “one of the 19 men may have removed one of the plates at the bottom of the tank. It was windy yesterday and an inrush of air might have fanned the fire into a real blaze.”

Saw ‘Little Fire’

This would bear out a statement by Rudolph Walker, 37, colored, of 718 South Second street, the only one of the workmen to escape unscathed. He said he saw a “little fire” burning in one corner of the tank and climbed out a moment before the explosion.

Coroner Benjamin R. Denny likewise thought spontaneous combustion was the cause. “We will hold an inquest unless the prosecutor and I can determine definitely that this tragedy was not accidental,” he said. “As far as we have learned, it was just an unfortunate accident, probably due to spontaneous combustion.”

The same theory was advanced by Public service officials. The following statement was issued by Walter F. Allen, director of publicity, at his office in Newark.

“The cause of the explosion has not been learned definitely, but it is believed to have been due to spontaneous combustion.”

Meanwhile, physicians at Cooper Hospital reported that all but one of the injured are out of danger. The man whose condition still is critical is Spiro Cecich, 37, of 1815 Salem street, who suffered burns over his entire body.

Five hours were required to remove the horribly distorted bodies from the tank. At first firemen were unable to descend into the tank because of gas fumes and most of the bodies were taken out by use of a block and tackle.

15th Victim Dies in Gas Plant Blast

Camden Courier-Post —

15th Victim Dies in Gas Plant Blast - Camden Courier-Post, March 11, 1932 15th Victim Dies in Gas Plant Blast - Camden Courier-Post, March 11, 1932

Funerals Held Today for Four of Men Killed in Explosion

With the death toll in Wednesday’s gas blast disaster increased to 15, bereaved families of the victims began today to bury their dead.

Spiro Cecich, 37, of 1815 Salem street, who was burned all over his body when he was trapped in the purifying tank of the Public Service Electric & Gas Co. at Locust and Cherry streets, died last night in Cooper Hospital. He never regained consciousness.

The first of the victims to be buried was Nunzio Ferraro, 51, of 1131 South Fourth street. Services were held this afternoon in a funeral parlor at Fourth and Division streets. Interment was in New Camden Cemetery. Benediction was said in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Following the funeral of Ferraro, services were conducted in the same place for Lorenzo Carcione, who lived at the southwest corner of Third and Spruce streets. After benediction at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Curcione was buried in Calvary Cemetery.

Later, services were held in a funeral establishment at 1135 Kaighn avenue for Farrell Coleman, 44, colored, of Second and Pine streets, and George Williams, 33, colored, 277 Sycamore street. Both were buried in Mt. Peace Cemetery, Lawnside.

Speakeasy Raided on Cherry Street

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Speakeasy Raided on Cherry Street - Philadelphia Inquirer, September 18, 1911

Following out the instruction of Mayor Ellis, the police early yesterday morning raided an alleged speakeasy on Cherry street. Captain Stanley and a squad of officers surprised Daniel Murton, who was arrested as the principal. Several others were held as witnesses for a hearing before Recorder Stackhouse today.

Raid Rhone Ordered Costs Barman $100

Camden Evening Courier —

Raid Rhone Ordered Costs Barman $100 - Camden Evening Courier, December 8, 1930 Raid Rhone Ordered Costs Barman $100 - Camden Evening Courier, December 8, 1930 Raid Rhone Ordered Costs Barman $100 - Camden Evening Courier, December 8, 1930

Spruce Street Saloon Visited by Cop for Violation of Sunday Curfew

Arrested in a raid ordered by Dr. David S. Rhone, director of public safety, Daniel McGettigan, 60, was fined $100 in police court today.

McGettigan said he was bartender of a saloon at 783 Spruce street, raided last night, after Dr. Rhone found it open in violation of the “Sunday-closing” order.

Police Judge Pancoast ordered a warrant issued for the arrest of a man named “John McCauley,” of Pine street, after McGettigan said McCauley owned the place.

Two other men arrested in the raid, which was made shortly before midnight Sunday night, failed to appear in court and forfeited $10 security each. They gave their names and addresses last night as Jack Sands, 31, of 915 Spring Garden street, and Harry Hertsch, 47, of 5400 North Fairhill street, both of Philadelphia.

Policeman William Kiker said he was on his way to Second District police headquarters at 11:35 a. m. to start work on the midnight to 8 a. m. shift when he met Dr. Rhone at Ninth and Cherry streets.

“Dr. Rhone told me the saloon at 783 Spruce street was open and told me to close it,” Kiker related. “I saw 20 persons drinking in the back room. When I went to the telephone in the saloon to call headquarters for a patrol wagon I found the phone out of order. I had to go to Eighth and Walnut streets to telephone and when I returned all had fled except Sands and Hertsch. I found McGettigan in bed upstairs.”

McGettigan testified he hadn’t felt well yesterday and went to bed at 2 p. m.

Two automobiles found outside the place were impounded by the police. One bore the Pennsylvania license 23U38 and is said by the police to belong to William Walker, 901 North Moss street, Philadelphia. The other, with Pennsylvania license number B717 belongs to McCauley, according to Kiker. Kiker said he saw McCauley jump out of it and run after the raid.

Camden’s Reputed Counterfeiters Held

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden’s Reputed Counterfeiters Held - Philadelphia Inquirer, May 7, 1911

Preliminary hearings were given yesterday to the four alleged counterfeiters captured Friday night by the Camden police and Secret Service men in a house on Cherry street. The defendants, Lesigo Zernilo, who is alleged to have confessed; Uzo Belossi. Zincurao Paolucci and Michael Fennimine, were committed to the Camden county jail by Acting Recorder Knight for a further hearing before United States Commissioner Morgan next Thursday.

It was through a daughter of Zernilo, who is said to have passed several of the coins on a storekeeper, that the first hint was received by the Camden police. At once Policeman Troncone was put on the case, with Detective Schregler. They had everything arranged when the Secret Service agents made the descent. Zernilo’s daughter had in the meantime apprised her father of the storekeeper’s inquiry as to where she was getting the coins. This put the accused on their guard. In consequence, much paraphernalia was not found when the house was entered.

Viciously Attacked in Fight on Street

Camden Post-Telegram —

Viciously Attacked in Fight on Street - Camden Post-Telegram, June 10, 1909

Leon Branch, aged 24 years, a engro [sic] of 816 Locust street, was stabbed in a row with a colored woman at Third and Cherry streets about 12.30 o’clock this morning and had certain parts of his anatomy so savagely slashed that but for the timely arrival of the Second District patrol wagon he might have bled to death.

The wagon took the razor-carved victim to Cooper Hospital, where the flow of his life-fluid was checked and long, deep, ghastly-looking gashes in an arm and one side of his body sewed up.

Branch was able to leave the hospital after having his wounds dressed and was then taken to Police Headquarters to make a complaint of atrocious assault and battery against his assailant. But the man could not be induced to press a charge against the wicked-hearted weapon-wielder and even refused to give Sergeant McClong any details of the bloody fracas.

He did state, however, that it was a woman who stabbed him and that her name is Lulu Parks.

Owing to the obstinate refusal of Branch to have a warrant issued for the negress no arrest could be made.

A policeman who investigated the slashing this morning could not find the woman at her old haunts. It was evident that fearful of arrest and a term in prison she skipped to a safe refuge in Philadelphia.

John H. Carmany Dead in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer —

John H. Carmany Dead in Camden - Philadelphia Inquirer, December 17, 1910 John H. Carmany Dead in Camden - Philadelphia Inquirer, December 17, 1910 John H. Carmany Dead in Camden - Philadelphia Inquirer, December 17, 1910 John H. Carmany Dead in Camden - Philadelphia Inquirer, December 17, 1910 John H. Carmany Dead in Camden - Philadelphia Inquirer, December 17, 1910

Was a Prominent Member of City Council and Well-Known in Industrial and Lodge Circles

Death yesterday made another call on Camden’s official family. Councilman John Carmany expired at his home, 772 Pine street, after a three weeks’ siege with Bright’s disease. As a member of the Water Committee of City Council, Mr. Carmany was intimately associated with Chief Robert Hollingsworth, whose death occurred just a week ago yesterday. He had served seven years in the city law-making body and there yet remained another year of his fourth consecutive term as one of the representatives of the Seventh ward. Before being elected to Council, Mr. Carmany was a member of the Board of Education for several years, and in both capacities he was attentive and painstaking.

Succeeding his father in the ownership of the Wissahickon Dye Works, at Eighth and Cherry streets, Mr. Carmany two years ago moved his plant to a new building he erected at Eleventh and Pine streets. He was also engaged as a cotton broker on quite an extensive scale. Born in Lebanon county, Pa., 51 years ago, Mr. Carmany came to Camden at the age of 14 and had since resided there. He was a member of Philadelphia Lodge No. 9, F. and A. M.; Camden Elks, Moose, Seventh Ward Republican Club and Camp No. 50, P. O. S. of A., of Roxborough, Pa. He is survived by a widow and three children, one of whom is Mrs. Howard Justice.

President of City Council Hewitt last night named Messrs. Broome, Gordon, Read, Francis, De Unger and Kensinger as a committee to make arrangements for the city officials to attend the funeral, which takes place on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The committee held a meeting at the City Hall last night.

JOHN H. CARMANY

Prominent member of Camden City Council who died yesterday

Penny Caused Lively Set-To

Camden Post-Telegram —

Penny Caused Lively Set-To - Camden Post-Telegram, March 26, 1906

Negro and Conductor on Electric Car in a Mix-up Over Missing Cent.

WITNESSES DISPUTE TROLLEY MAN’S TALE

With a Freeholder testifying on one side and a Public Service Corporation conductor on the other, a case of drunk and disorderly conduct seemed to resolve itself into a question of veracity in Police Court this morning, and Recorder Stackhouse settled the difficulty by suspending sentence on the defendant, who was Harry Holmes, a young colored man.

The complainant was H. Selby, a trolley car conductor. Selby swore that Holmes tendered him a quarter in payment for his fare, but Holmes claimed that he was a cent short in the change given him. The missing penny had dropped on the floor of the car and the conductor called Holmes’ attention to the fact.

For an answer, Conductor Selby said, the colored man drew a blackjack, but he landed on him before he had a chance to use the weapon. Selby said the man was drunk at the time.

Conductor Selby’s evidence, however, was at direct variance with that of Policeman Howard Smith and Freeholder Larry Rhoades, of the Eighth ward.

Freeholder Rhoades testified that when the car had passed Broadway and Cherry street, where Holmes said he wanted to get off, the conductor caught him by the shoulder and, saying “—— you, get off here,” pushed him off the platform and had an officer lock him up.

“Did you see him have a jack?” asked Recorder Stackhouse.

“No, sir” replied Mr. Rhoades, “and to make sure of it I had the policeman search him, but he found no such weapon on him.”

“Who struck the first blow?”

“The conductor. He not only pushed him off the car, but followed him up and struck him.”

Recorder Stackhouse recalled Policeman Howard Smith, which by the way was his first arrest, and asked him if Holmes had a blackjack on him when he searched him at Freeholder Rhoades’ behest and he replied no.

Recorder Stackhouse suspended sentence on Holmes, after Freeholder Rhoades had stated that he had known Holmes’ father before the latter was born and never knew him to be drunk or disorderly.

2 Dope Users Given Year, $1000 Fines

Camden Courier-Post —

2 Dope Users Given Year, $1000 Fines - Camden Courier-Post, December 30, 1950

Two South Camden men who refused to “cooperate” in naming their source of supply of narcotics were given jail sentences of one year and $1000 fines today by Municipal Court Judge Dzick.

The pair, Robert Anthony, 23, of Cherry st. near 7th, and Hugh Johnson, 23, of Cherry st. near 8th, pleaded guilty to the charge of using narcotics.

They were arrested in their homes Thursday night by Detective Russell Young and state police narcotics squad members. After pleading guilty, Dzick asked the men where they obtained the narcotics.

Johnson said they got it at 23rd st. and Erie ave., Philadelphia, from a man who he knew only as “Pete.”

Dzick said he believed both knew the identity of the supplier and refused to tell the court. He then levied the maximum sentences.

Westfield Acres Community Store

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943

Westfield Acres Community Store - St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book, 1943

Frosted Foods

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Magazines—Newspapers

Hershey’s Ice Cream—Notions

Full Line of Fresh Meats

402 N. 32ND ST. Camden 10103

Sportswear Open Evenings

THE SELECT SHOP

DRESSES—COATS—MILLINERY

2633 Westfield Ave. 425 Kaighn Ave.

Camden

Compliments of

JOS. CAMPBELL

CIGAR STORE

129 North Eleventh Street

Phone, 9803

Harold R. Praul

SWISS WATCH SHOP

GIFTS—EXPERT WATCH REPAIRING

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419 Broadway

BLUE RIDGE

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Enjoy the Best and Most Skilful Service in Town

2406 FEDERAL STREET CAMDEN

BUDDY’S

Original Submarine Sandwiches

2001 FEDERAL ST. - 1010 KAIGHN AVE.

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Camden 1722

DiMONA’S

FURNITURE AND JEWELRY STORE

921 Broadway, Cor. Cherry St.

Compliments of

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MEN’S AND BOYS’ STORE

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Phone, Cam. 10162

BILL’S CAFE

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2079 FEDERAL ST. CAMDEN, N. J.

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