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Decatur Street

South Camden neighborhood, Camden, NJ
Page Contents

Introduction

Phil Cohen

DECATUR STREET is named for American Naval hero Commodore Stephen Decatur, who played a decisive role in the War of 1812 and in America’s war with Muslim pirates operating out of Tripoli and other ports in North Africa. Decatur is also known for his quote “…our country right or wrong.”

Decatur Street runs from Mount Ephraim Avenue on a straight line roughly north-east towards Haddon Avenue, stopping before the railroad tracks that run parallel to Haddon Avenue at that point. Development began around the turn of the century, and the street was for the most part completely built up by 1950. Many of the early residents of Decatur Street were of Polish descent, and were members of St. Joseph’s Church at 10th and Mechanic Streets. Like virtually all other streets in Camden, Decatur Street was always ethnically, if not racially, mixed.

Decatur Street is for the most part residential. The South Camden Bakery was located in the 1200 block at one time, and at the intersection of Norris and Decatur at one time held a grocery, a bar, and a social club. The Victory Cafe stood at 1301 Decatur Street, the 13th Ward Democrat Club was across the street at 1302, and a grocery was located at 1299 Decatur Street. Bar owner Edward Zajac, who boxed professionally out of Camden as Eddie Chaney, lived at 1287 Decatur Street. The most notable building on Decatur Street was St. Joseph’s High School.

Shortly after World War II, St. Joseph’s High School was erected at the corner of Mount Ephraim and Decatur Street. The school was abandoned by the Diocese of Camden around 1979, and stood vacant and open to the elements, drug dealers, squatters, and other undesirables for many years before it was acquired and converted into the Dayton Manor nursing home. The presence of the empty building, combined with the flood of drugs into Camden in the mid-1980s, and other social factors combined to the overall decline of Decatur Street and the surrounding neighborhood.

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1200 Block of Decatur Street

1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1891–2015.

1207 & 1209 Decatur Street

1207 & 1209 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1911–1924 August Scholl

1215 Decatur Street

1215 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1936Mrs. Mary Lisowski
1936 Stanley Wojciechowski

1216 Decatur Street

1216 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1917Peter Kovalenter
1943Antonio Maressa & Family
1943Frank Maressa
1950P.J. Andrella
1969St. Joseph's Catholic Church
2012Gone

1218 Decatur Street

1218 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1940Antonio Maressa & Family
1940Frank Maressa
1973–1977Gary Thompson

1220 Decatur Street

1220 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1933Robert Knighton
1942–1956Vincent Pavlak & Family
1942–1956Annie Pavlak
1947–1956Catherine Pavlak
1947–1956 Nicholas Pavlak

1225 Decatur Street

1225 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1927Lottie Medel

1226 Decatur Street

1226 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1939–1952 Leon F. Puszczykowski & Family
1939–1952Minnie Puszczykowski
1939–1952 Leon C. Puszczykowski
1939–1952Elaine Puszczykowski

1255 Decatur Street

1255 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1929–1933 Fred Klosterman

1259 Decatur Street

1259 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1950s Frank & Angelina DeNinno

1261 Decatur Street

1261 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1952Vincent Lamonte

1264 Decatur Street

1264 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1932Thomas Hines

1272 Decatur Street

1272 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1928Paul Starzynski

1276 Decatur Street

1276 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
2012Tower of Prayer and Deliverance, Inc.

1281 Decatur Street

1281 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
2012Destroyed by Arson Fire, March 2, 2012

1287 Decatur Street

1287 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1930s Eddie Chaney
1933James Hayes

1291 Decatur Street

1291 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1933 John Capello

1293 Decatur Street

1293 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1933 Jennie Barriger

1296 Decatur Street

1296 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1957Vincenzo Gallo & Family
1957Nicoletta Gallo
1957Dominick F. Gallo

1297 Decatur Street

1297 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1930s–1940 Herman J. Baker & Family
1930s–1940Emma Baker

1299 Decatur Street

1299 Decatur Street — 1200 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1947Santo Ardire
1947Grocery
2012Scheduled for Demolition

Related: 1200 Decatur — Photos, 2005 · 1207 & 1209 Decatur — August Scholl · 1216 Decatur — Peter Kovalenter, 1917 · 1216 Decatur — Frank Maressa, 1943 · 1217–1221 Decatur — circa 1928 · 1220 Decatur — Knighton, 1933 · 1225 Decatur — Lottie Medel, 1927 · 1226 Decatur — Leon Puszczykowski, 1951 · 1255 Decatur — Fred Klosterman · 1261 Decatur — Vincent Lamonte, 1952 · 1264 Decatur — Thomas Hines, 1932 · 1271–1283 Decatur — Photos, 2012 · 1272 Decatur — Paul Starzynski, 1928 · 1276 Decatur — Tower of Prayer, 2012 · 1281 Decatur — Arson Fire, 2012 · 1287 Decatur — Stores Looted, 1933 · 1290 & 1299 Decatur — Photos, 2012 · 1296 Decatur — Dominick Gallo, 1957 · 1297 Decatur — Herman Baker

1200 Decatur Street

1200 Decatur Street — May 15, 2005 1200 Decatur Street — May 15, 2005

1200 Decatur Street — May 15, 2005

1207 & 1209 Decatur Street

1207 & 1209 Decatur Street — December 28, 2011

1207 & 1209 Decatur Street — December 28, 2011. August Scholl lived at 1207–1209 from 1911 to 1924.

1216 Decatur Street — Houses For Sale

Camden Post-Telegram

Houses For Sale — 1216 Decatur Street, Peter Kovalenter — Camden Post-Telegram, May 26, 1917

HOUSES FOR SALE

Builder Wants to Leave City. One good dwelling with electricity and gas, parquet floor, brick, garage in yard, iron fence, modern. Cost $3,500, will sell for $3,200 to quick buyer. 1218–1226 Decatur st., 7 r’ms, porch, $2,000. 1347–1249 Chase st., 7 r’ms, porch, $1,850. 1230–1232 Chase st., 7 r’ms, porch, $2,300.

See owner at 1216 Decatur St., Peter Kovalenter, Camden, N. J.

1216 Decatur Street — Frank Maressa at Naval Training School

Camden Courier-Post

Frank Maressa, 1216 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, February 10, 1943 Frank Maressa, 1216 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, February 10, 1943

Frank Maressa, 21, of 1216 Decatur street, son of Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Maressa, is at the Naval training school at Newport, R. I. A graduate of Camden High School, he formerly was employed at the New York Shipyard. A brother, Joseph, is in the Naval Reserve and is attending Temple University.

1217–1221 Decatur Street — circa 1928

1217 Decatur Street — circa 1928 1217-1219-1221 Decatur Street — circa 1928 1219 Decatur Street — circa 1928 1221 Decatur Street — circa 1928

1217, 1219, and 1221 Decatur Street — circa 1928

1220 Decatur Street — Truckman Faces Quiz After Boy Is Struck

Camden Courier-Post

Truckman Faces Quiz After Boy Is Struck — 1220 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, August 8, 1933

TRUCKMAN FACES QUIZ AFTER BOY IS STRUCK

A South Camden truck owner has been ordered to appear at police headquarters to explain why a boy allegedly struck by his machine was not taken to a hospital.

The boy, Robert Knighton, 10, of 1220 Decatur street, told police he was struck by the truck near Decatur and Cope streets. He said the driver offered to take him to a hospital, but put him off the truck after he rode half a square.

John Rose, of 1312 Rose street, then picked up the boy and took him to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, where it was said he had apparently not been injured.

Police said the youth gave them a license number which they traced to Anthony Kinzler, of 1285 Van Hook street. Kinzler, who owns a truck, will be questioned by police today.

1225 Decatur Street — Mother of Four Fined for Disorderly House

Camden Courier-Post

Mother of Four Fined for Disorderly House — 1225 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, August 31, 1927

MOTHER OF FOUR FINED FOR DISORDERLY HOUSE

Mrs. Lottie Medel, 35 years old, 1225 Decatur street, mother of four children, was fined $100 in police court this morning when she was arraigned on a charge of maintaining a disorderly house after two 15-year-old girls had told of attending a party in her home. One of the girls was committed to the juvenile detention home for the grand jury, the other was released in her own recognizance and a young man was held in $500 bail.

The girl who was committed to the detention home is Anna Rodansky, 1309 Green street. She told her story in court this morning of having gone to Mrs. Medel’s house to “board” after she had left her own home. Mrs. Medel’s arrest was brought about when Anna’s mother, Mrs. Rose Rodansky, had her daughter arrested as being incorrigible.

The girl who was released as a material witness was Jennie Krauss, 15 years old, 1252 Sycamore street. She also testified that she had gone to Mrs. Medel’s house and slept over night.

John Adwntwski, 20 years old, 1251 Whitman avenue, was held in $500 bail on statements made by the Rodansky girl.

1226 Decatur Street — Engagement Announcement

Camden Courier-Post

Engagement Announcement — Leon C. Puszczykowski, 1226 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, January 29, 1951

Mr. and Mrs. Russell Trout, of 235 Hampshire avenue, Audubon, announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Agnes Barbara Trout, to Mr. Leon Puszczykowski, son of Mrs. Leon Puszczykowski, of 1226 Decatur street.

1255 Decatur Street

Fred Klosterman, 1255 Decatur Street

Fred Klosterman lived at 1255 Decatur Street from 1929 to 1933.

1261 Decatur Street — Marriage Licenses

Camden Courier-Post

Marriage Licenses — 1261 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, April 2, 1952

Marriage Licenses

Vincent Lamonte, 21, of 354 Division street, and Dolores T. Passeri, 20, of 1261 Decatur street.

1264 Decatur Street — 2 Youths Are Caught In Padlocked Cafe

Camden Courier-Post

2 Youths Are Caught In Padlocked Cafe — 1264 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, June 13, 1932 2 Youths Are Caught In Padlocked Cafe — 1264 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, June 13, 1932

2 YOUTHS ARE CAUGHT IN PADLOCKED CAFE

Two Whitman Park youths who were arrested by a special officer as they were emerging from the cellar of a padlocked saloon were held without bail Saturday to await grand jury disposal of charges of breaking and entering.

The prisoners gave their names as Thomas Hines, 21, of 1264 Decatur street, and Leon Gentek, 18, of 1219 Van Hook street. They were arrested by former Policeman Oscar Probst, now a special watchman guarding stores on Mt. Ephraim avenue.

Probst said he saw them coming from the basement of Purdy’s Cafe, southeast corner of Van Hook street and Mt. Ephraim avenue. They had forced their way in, Probst stated.

The two pleaded not guilty.

1271–1283 Decatur Street — March 15, 2012

1271 & 1273 Decatur Street — March 15, 2012 1275 & 1277 Decatur Street — March 15, 2012 1279 & 1281 Decatur Street — March 15, 2012 1283 Decatur Street — March 15, 2012

1271–1283 Decatur Street — Photographs taken March 15, 2012

1272 Decatur Street — Camden Drys Cut Holiday Rum Supply

Camden Courier-Post

Camden Drys Cut Holiday Rum Supply — 1272 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, December 4, 1928

CAMDEN DRYS CUT HOLIDAY RUM SUPPLY

Two Held for Grand Jury After Howe Street Seizure

At least part of the holiday liquor supply has been stopped, it was revealed yesterday when Mikoloy Miskiewicz, 34, of 1141 Van Hook street, and Paul Starzynski, 1272 Decatur street, were arraigned before United States Commissioner Wynn Armstrong on charges of manufacturing liquor, possession and transportation. They pleaded not guilty and waived hearings and were held in $1000 bail for the grand jury.

The men were arrested Saturday night by Federal agents under Schuyler Adams, newly-appointed prohibition head in this section, after the agents had watched a house at 907 Howe street all day.

Towards evening an automobile drove up and two men began piling cans into the back seat. The cans, on investigation, proved to be 18 five-gallon tins filled with moonshine whisky.

In the cellar of the house the agents found a 150-gallon still in operation, two cookers, a coil and cooler, 36 50-gallon barrels of mash, 15 empty 50-gallon barrels, 25 gallons of alleged moonshine whisky and some empty cans. Miskiewicz, the agents say, is the owner and driver of the automobile, and his partner is charged with being employed as a helper.

1276 Decatur Street — Tower of Prayer and Deliverance

1276 Decatur Street — Tower of Prayer and Deliverance, Inc. — March 15, 2012 1276 Decatur Street — Tower of Prayer and Deliverance, Inc. — March 15, 2012

1276 Decatur Street — Tower of Prayer and Deliverance, Inc. — Photographs taken March 15, 2012

1281 Decatur Street — Arson Fire Kills Homeless Man in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer

Arson Fire Kills Homeless Man in Camden — 1281 Decatur Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, March 3, 2012

Arson fire kills homeless man in Camden

Authorities have identified a 65-year-old elderly squatter killed Friday morning in a Camden arson fire.

After battling a blaze that burned through a rowhouse on the 1200 block of Decatur Street, fire fighters found Paul Johnson on the second floor of the home around 4:15 a.m., police said.

An autopsy ruled the man had died from smoke inhalation, and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office ruled the death a homicide.

1287 Decatur Street — Stores, Homes Looted; Radio, Pennies Taken

Camden Courier-Post

STORES, HOMES LOOTED; RADIO, PENNIES TAKEN

Burglars who broke into two stores and a private home Thursday night got exactly $2.50, a radio, and some cigars for their trouble.

At the store of Basile Constantine, 402 Berkley Street, cigars valued at $1.50 were stolen by the intruders, who forced a rear shutter. Michael Kelly, of 11 South Fourth Street, reported his store was broken into and $2.50 in pennies stolen. Entrance was gained through a rear window. James Hayes, of 1287 Decatur Street, told the police his radio set was stolen by the thieves after they entered his house through a rear window.

Detectives Clarence Arthur and Clifford Carr are investigating.

1290 & 1299 Decatur Street — March 15, 2012

1290 Decatur Street — March 15, 2012 1299 Decatur Street — March 15, 2012 1299 Decatur Street — March 15, 2012

1290 and 1299 Decatur Street — Photographs taken March 15, 2012. 1299 Decatur Street, a former grocery operated by Santo Ardire in 1947, was scheduled for demolition in March 2012.

1296 Decatur Street — Dominick F. Gallo

Camden Courier-Post

Dominick F. Gallo, 1296 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, December 12, 1957

DOMINICK F. GALLO

Dominick F. Gallo, 43, of 1296 Decatur st., died Tuesday in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Born in Italy and a Camden resident 34 years, he was associated in a fruit vending business, V. Gallo & Sons, with his father. He was a War II veteran.

Surviving are his stepmother, Mrs. Nicoletta Gallo, and his father, Vincenzo Gallo, with whom he lived.

Solemn requiem high Mass will be celebrated at 10 a. m. Saturday in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Relatives and friends will meet at 9 o’clock at the Joseph A. and Frank V. Falco Funeral Home, 1018 S. 4th st., where they may call Friday night.

1297 Decatur Street

Herman J. Baker, 1297 Decatur Street

Herman J. Baker and his wife Emma lived at 1297 Decatur Street in the 1930s–1940.

1300 Block of Decatur Street

1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1891–2015.

1301 Decatur Street

1301 Decatur Street — 1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1940s–2003 The Victory Cafe

1302 Decatur Street

1302 Decatur Street — 1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1930s13th Ward Democrat Club

1303 Decatur Street

1303 Decatur Street — 1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1941 Nicholas Iacovelli

1329 Decatur Street

1329 Decatur Street — 1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1941William J. Sbariscia

1334 Decatur Street

1334 Decatur Street — 1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1939Thirteenth Ward Italian-American Citizens Democratic Club

1338 Decatur Street

1338 Decatur Street — 1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1947Michael Nardelli & Family
1947Mary Nardelli

1348 Decatur Street

1348 Decatur Street — 1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1947Roy DeSanctis

1351 Decatur Street

1351 Decatur Street — 1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1940s–1947Rocco DeSanctis
1940s–1945 Romeo DeSanctis

1353 Decatur Street

1353 Decatur Street — 1300 Block of Decatur Street — Occupants
Year Name
1930s–1940sLawrence A. Scavette & Family
1930s–1940sConcetta Scavette
1930s–1940sDaniel Scavette
1930s–1940sMildred Scavette
1930s–1940sJennie Scavette
1930s–1940sTeresa Scavette
1930s–1940sAchille Scavette
1940s Lawrence A. Scavette Jr.

Related: 1301 & 1303 Decatur — Victory Cafe, 2003 · 1303 Decatur — Nicholas Iacovelli, 1941 · 1307 & 1309 Decatur — Photos, 2004 · 1329 Decatur — William J. Sbariscia, 1941 · 1334 Decatur — 13th Ward Italian-American Club, 1939 · 1351 Decatur — Romeo DeSanctis · 1353 Decatur — Scavette Family

1301 & 1303 Decatur Street

1301 & 1303 Decatur Street — October 5, 2003

1301 & 1303 Decatur Street — October 5, 2003. The Victory Cafe stood at 1301 Decatur Street.

1303 Decatur Street — Auxiliary Firemen

Camden Courier-Post

Auxiliary Firemen — 1303 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, July 1, 1941

Left: Charles Geitz. Right: Nicholas Iacovelli, auxiliary fireman, 1303 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, July 1, 1941.

1307 & 1309 Decatur Street — February 22, 2004

1307 & 1309 Decatur Street — February 22, 2004 Decatur Street — February 22, 2004 Decatur Street — February 22, 2004 Decatur Street — February 22, 2004 Decatur Street — February 22, 2004 Decatur Street — February 22, 2004 Decatur Street — February 22, 2004 Decatur Street — February 22, 2004

1307 & 1309 Decatur Street — Photographs taken February 22, 2004

1329 Decatur Street — Board No. 11 Calls 7 Men for Draft

Camden Courier-Post

Board No. 11 Calls 7 Men for Draft — 1329 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, July 24, 1941

BOARD NO. 11 CALLS 7 MEN FOR DRAFT

Local Board No. 11, Wildwood and Princess avenues, announced it has ordered seven youths to appear for induction into the Army July 30. They are: Paul Lightman, 24, of 1176 Haddon avenue; Joseph B. Kujawa, 26, of 1202 Everett street; Alfred Zanwood, 23, of 1195 Thurman street; John E. Wiley, 27, of 1061 Diamond street; Cecil W. Davis, 21, of 1213 Langham avenue; William J. Sbariscia, 23, of 1329 Decatur street; and Leonard Auslander, 22, of 1237 Magnolia avenue.

1334 Decatur Street — Guilty Pleas Made by 2 Clubs Here in Sunday Rum Cases

Camden Courier-Post

Guilty Pleas Made by 2 Clubs Here in Sunday Rum Cases — 1334 Decatur Street — Camden Courier-Post, January 24, 1939

GUILTY PLEAS MADE BY 2 CLUBS HERE IN SUNDAY RUM CASES

Officers of Six Other Organizations Deny Charges; Decisions Reserved

Officers of two clubs pleaded guilty last night to charges of selling liquor on Sunday and six others entered not guilty pleas to similar and other charges before Camden Excise Board.

Complaints were made by agents of the state commissioner of alcoholic beverages. They testified they visited most of the clubs on July 10 last and made purchases. Decision was reserved in each case.

The Fourth Ward Italian Republican Club, 464 Royden street, was cited for Sunday sales on August 14. Norman Myers and J. Lloyd Wright, state agents, testified they were recognized when they entered the premises but saw 10 men drinking at a bar.

It was revealed during the preliminary hearing that the club rented its club house to the Societa Operaia Di Mutu Assistenza Cittadina Di Camden, of 410 Line street, on that date.

John L. Morrissey, chairman of the board, pointed out the society would have obtained a special permit to sell beer but the organization could not obtain such a permit for Sunday sales, which are prohibited under the Camden ordinances. He said the club violated the law by renting the club house for sales of liquor without a special permit. The agents said Bector Borsello, 606 West Street, was tending bar at the time of their visit and David Angelo claimed to be chairman of the house committee.

Non-Member Charge Made

Officers of the Thirteenth Ward Italian-American Citizens Democratic Club, 1334 Decatur street, declared they did not know whether laws had been violated at their club as they were absent when Agents Bayard M. Sullivan and Roscoe Lockwood visited the club on July 10. Morrissey notified them to bring the charge at that time before the board at the next meeting. They also are charged with sales to non-members.

Russian Workers Mutual Aid Society of America, 612 Ferry avenue, and the Camden County Polish-American Republican Club, 1101 Van Hook street, entered pleas of guilty through officers Sullivan and Lockwood testified they visited those clubs on July 10.

Brunner Club Denies Guilt

Officers of the George E. Brunner Third Ward Democratic Club, 435 South Third street, pleaded not guilty to selling liquor to members on July 30. Two agents said they joined the Relief Truckers Association of Camden County to obtain entrance to the club. They testified you had to join the relief association to get into the bar room on the second floor. William Brooks, Norman Myers and Lockwood testified they obtained drinks in the club house.

1351 Decatur Street — Romeo DeSanctis

Romeo DeSanctis, 1351 Decatur Street

Romeo DeSanctis lived at 1351 Decatur Street in the 1940s.

1353 Decatur Street — Scavette Family

Engagement Announcement — Theresa Scavetti and Anthony Nardelli — Camden Courier-Post, July 23, 1947

Engagement Announcement — Scavetti/Nardelli

Mrs. Concetta Scavetti, of 1353 Decatur street, has announced the engagement of her daughter, Miss Theresa Scavetti, to Mr. Anthony Nardelli, son of Mrs. Louise Nardelli, of 1214 Kaighn avenue. The wedding will take place Saturday, Sept. 20.

Sgt. Lawrence A. Scavett Jr., 1353 Decatur Street

Sergeant Lawrence A. Scavett Jr. (last name was shortened to Scavett at enlistment) of 1353 Decatur Street.

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