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Fern Street

Camden Street
Page Contents

Introduction

Fern Street runs east for three blocks from North 7th Street to North 10th Street between Linden and Pearl Streets in North Camden. Much of Fern Street is no longer standing.

Fern Street is probably best remembered for the bar at 800 Fern, known over the years as Clancy’s Cafe, the New Mill Bar & Grille, Stew’s Bar & Grill, and the Fern Grille.

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1946 Map of Camden

1946 Map of Camden — Fern Street runs east from 7th Street, between Linden and Pearl Streets

Fern Street runs east from 7th Street, between Linden and Pearl Streets, 1946.

700 Block of Fern Street

700 Block of Fern Street, 1952

700 Block of Fern Street, 1952.

700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1892–1947.

707 Fern Street

707 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Frank Robinson
1947Carlton Warwick

709 Fern Street

709 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Ernest E. McGee
1947Charles Seeger

711 Fern Street

711 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929John Olman
1947Woodrow W. Ferrell

713 Fern Street

713 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Vacant
1947Mrs. Florence L. Stiles

714 Fern Street

714 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Victor Grey
1947Frank Kawecki; Joseph H. Kawecki

715 Fern Street

715 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1894John & Mary Irving; Harry Irving
1929Mrs. Margaret Peterson
1947Vacant

716 Fern Street

716 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Vacant
1947Mary Bernard

717 Fern Street

717 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1892 Albert C. Dildine
1929William F. Otto
1947–1950Mrs. Anna B. Conway; Dennis Conway

719 Fern Street

719 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910 Alfred W. Dilks (World War I)
1929Thomas A. Smith
1947Mrs. Cecelia J. Homan

721 Fern Street

721 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Richard J. Furlong
1947Vacant

723 Fern Street

723 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Vacant
1940 Charles & Lillian MacNeir; Harrison MacNeir; Charles MacNeir Jr.
1940Charles MacNeir
1947William J. Tomlinson

725 Fern Street

725 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Vacant
1947Mrs. Carrie L. DeRogatis

727 Fern Street

727 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929–1947Mrs. Kathryn Merkle

729 Fern Street

729 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929No listing in directory
1947Oscar J. Miller

731 Fern Street

731 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929James K. Lewis
1947Edwin F. Taylor

732–734 Fern Street

732–734 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1920s–1950sO.B. Bebirian Company

733 Fern Street

733 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1917 Frederick Ballinghoff & Family (Frederick & Sadie Ballinghoff; Evelyn Ballinghoff; Arthur F. Ballinghoff)
1929John Humphreys
1947Harold J. Swain

735 Fern Street

735 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Lawrence Lyman
1947Robert Jarvis

736 Fern Street

736 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929William H. Prickett
1947Theodore Rettberg Jr.

737 Fern Street

737 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1920 Frederick Ballinghoff & Family (Frederick & Sadie Ballinghoff; Evelyn Ballinghoff; Arthur F. Ballinghoff)
1929Mrs. Marian Smith
1947No return

738 Fern Street

738 Fern Street — 700 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Harry W. Anderson
1933Samuel Schultz
1947Thomas W. Loveland

O.B. Bebirian Company

O.B. Bebirian Company, 732–734 Fern Street, 1920s–1950s. The company’s advertisement and rug-cleaner portrait follow, then its 1955 New Jersey Bell Yellow Pages advertisement.

O. B. Bebirian Co. — Oriental Rug Cleaners (advertisement)

Camden Courier-Post — Unknown

O. B. Bebirian Co. — Oriental Rug Cleaners (advertisement) - Camden Courier-Post, Unknown O. B. Bebirian Co. — Oriental Rug Cleaners (advertisement) - Camden Courier-Post, Unknown O. B. Bebirian Co. — Oriental Rug Cleaners (advertisement) - Camden Courier-Post, Unknown O. B. Bebirian Co. — Oriental Rug Cleaners (advertisement) - Camden Courier-Post, Unknown

For HEALTH - BEAUTY - ECONOMY

Arrange today for our expert Rug Cleansing Treatment!

Call us today for the service that Restores New Richness to your rugs — new Beauty and Cleanliness to your home. Our regular rug treatment will revive the Original Color to your Domestic or Orientals — Make them wear years longer and will, in fact, make them appear “Forever Beautiful”.

O. B. BEBIRIAN CO.

DEALERS, CLEANERS, REPAIRERS AND STORING OF ORIENTAL RUGS AND CARPETS

PLANT: 732-734 FERN STREET

PHONE: CAmden 4-5614

O. B. BEBIRIAN, PROP. OFFICE: 401 N. 9TH STREET

O.B. Bebirian Company — 1955 Yellow Pages

O.B. Bebirian Company — 1955 New Jersey Bell Yellow Pages advertisement

1955 New Jersey Bell Yellow Pages advertisement, as printed: “SERVICING THE PUBLIC SINCE 1924. O. B. BEBIRIAN CO. Oriental & Domestic RUGS - CARPETS. CLEANED • REPAIRED • STORED • REWEAVING. Upholstered furniture cleaned by experts. All Rugs Insured Against Fire & Theft From Pick Up To Delivery. WOodlawn 4-5614. 732-34 FERN ST CAMDEN.” (Read at 2.6x.)

Defies Efforts Of 2 Chums to Rescue Him

Camden Courier-Post —

Defies Efforts Of 2 Chums to Rescue Him - Camden Courier-Post, June 9, 1950

A 16-year-old boy was drowned in the Cooper river, near Eleventh and Linden streets, today after he jumped into the water, apparently to escape the heat.

The boy, William Bush, of 431 Riley street, was brought to Cooper hospital, where physicians used artificial respiration in an effort to save his life. Dr. Llewelyn Hunsicker pronounced the boy dead.

According to police, Bush, who could not swim, had been playing on the bank with two companions, Thomas Brown, 16, of 320 Washington street, and Raymond Hickman, 15, of 318 Washington street.

Police said the three decided to take a dip i nthe [sic] river. The Bush boy asked the others to watch him while he jumped in. He then leaped from the bank and immediately began bobbing up and down.

At first the other two thought Bush was joking, but soon realized that he was in trouble. Brown leaped in after him, but Bush was frantic by then and drove Brown away with his flailing arms.

Forced to Quit Effort

Another boy, Dennis Conway, 16, of 717 Fern street, who was swimming nearby, approached Bush and tried to grab him, but Conway also was forced to abandon the effort to save Bush when the latter thrashed at him.

Conway then shouted to one of the others to call the police. The boy was forced to run several hundred yards to the Scott-Smith Cadillac Co. to make the telephone call.

Fire Rescue Squad No. 1, at Fifth and Arch streets, under the direction of Battalion Chief Harry Wagner, administered artificial respiration until the arrival of Dr. Hunsicker, brought from Cooper hospital by police.

Orders Boy to Hospital

Dr. Hunsicker expressed belief Bush was already dead, but ordered the boy taken to the hospital for still further attempts to revive him.

The Weather Bureau reported a high of 86 today at 5 p. m., but a gentle southerly breeze brought fairly pleasant conditions in this area. The thermometer will drop to about 66 tonight, but will rise to 86 by tomorrow afternoon. The latest prediction is fair and quite warm weather tonight and tomorrow.

800 Block of Fern Street

800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1880s–1968.

800 Fern Street

800 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1880sRebecca Smith (boardinghouse)
1888–1891Dennis O'Leary (grocery)
1893–1901Frederick Heuberger (saloon)
1901–1903 Owen Kernan (saloon)
1903Frank Lavalle; Jerry Sullivan; Peter F. Morgan (saloon)
1906–1908John Graham (saloon)
1908–1914John McGovern
1914–1933Catherine McGovern (saloon)
1926–1933Hugh P. Reilly (bar; died Jan. 6, 1933)
1933–1949 Clancy's Cafe (Mrs. Mary Clancy)
1947Albert Saunders; Robert M. Lawson
1954–1956 New Mill Bar & Grille
1959 Stew's Bar & Grill
1963–1968 Fern Grille

802 Fern Street

802 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929William Smith
1947Arthur J. Lucha
1956Juan Muratti

804 Fern Street

804 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Bertram F. Matthe
1947Richard F. Moll

806 Fern Street

806 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929–1947Charles H. Brown

808 Fern Street

808 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1918–1930sCharles N. & Mary Ackley (Mary Ackley died 1922); Mildred Ackley McDonnell; James McDonnell; Charles Ackley Jr.; Cynthia Ackley; Regina Ackley; Arthur Ackley
1930Mildred Ackley McDonnell
1930Charles Ackley Jr.
1930Cynthia Ackley
1930Regina Ackley
1947Mrs. Ella M. Ferrell

809 Fern Street

809 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Alma B. Miller
1947Venerando Cantarella

810 Fern Street

810 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1938Louis Doerr Jr.
1947Jacob W. Lacey

811 Fern Street

811 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Carl M. Hubler
1947Mrs. Minnie L. Beverage

812 Fern Street

812 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Norman L. McDonough
1947Jacob Updegraff

813 Fern Street

813 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Edward M. Broderick
1947Helen R. Pietrezyk

814 Fern Street

814 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Albert Ebinger

815 Fern Street

815 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1899 William E. Hibbert
1947Norman MacDonald

816 Fern Street

816 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Edward M. Erdman

817 Fern Street

817 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Anna M. Greely

818 Fern Street

818 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Albert Genther

819 Fern Street

819 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1900s–1910s Alfred W. Dilks (World War I)
1917 Private Elmer Higgins Hunt
1947LeRoy J. Schoell

820 Fern Street

820 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1917 David R. Ellis
1947Frank P. Hudson; William G. Bennett (trucking)

821 Fern Street

821 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Michael J. Hinch

822 Fern Street

822 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Royden R. Waddy

823 Fern Street

823 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Emma M. Meincke

824 Fern Street

824 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Frank G. Santos

825 Fern Street

825 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910John C. Wheaton
1929Samuel Hill
1947George J. Waddleton
1964Wallace Florence
1970Inez Brown; destroyed by fire April 3, 1970

826 Fern Street

826 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Vacant

827 Fern Street

827 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947John H. Firefile

828 Fern Street

828 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1917Thomas Burns & Family
1917Thomas & Bertha Burns
1917Vera Burns
1924 David J. Baxter & Family (David J. & Leta B. Baxter; Leta E. Baxter; George P. Baxter)
1947Henry Smith

829 Fern Street

829 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Margaret D. Beckett

830 Fern Street

830 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1947Robert T. Hackett

831 Fern Street

831 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Theodore J. Lighthauser

832 Fern Street

832 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Gladys Stone

833 Fern Street

833 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Charles R. Alexander

834 Fern Street

834 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Clara Guthrie

835 Fern Street

835 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Edward Collins

836 Fern Street

836 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Margaret Millaway

837 Fern Street

837 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Thomas Fields
1959Richard Dent

838 Fern Street

838 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Richard Dent

839 Fern Street

839 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Henry J. Orth

840 Fern Street

840 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
post-1928 Mrs. Mary Eva Guthrie & Family (widow of Oliver S. Guthrie; Oliver S. 'Ollie' Guthrie III; Clara, Edith, Grace, Betty Guthrie; Theodore Norman 'Norm' Guthrie)
—Oliver S. "Ollie" Guthrie III
—Clara Guthrie
—Edith Guthrie
—Grace Guthrie
—Betty Guthrie
— Theodore Norman "Norm" Guthrie

841 Fern Street

841 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Irene M. Nolan

843 Fern Street

843 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947No return

845 Fern Street

845 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947William J. Cassidy

847 Fern Street

847 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Milton J. Deacon

849 Fern Street

849 Fern Street — 800 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
—No information available

Clippings and records in this block: Fern Yearly Formed — 800 Fern Street, December 1910. Clancy’s Cafe — portrait of Mrs. Mary Clancy, proprietor 1933–1949. Hospital Cases — 802 Fern Street, 1956. Charles N. Ackley — 808 Fern Street, 1918. Marriage Licenses — 810 Fern Street, 1938. Chasing Ball in Street Lands Boy in Hospital — 825 Fern Street, 1929. Funeral of John C. Wheaton — 825 Fern Street, 1910. Real Estate — 825 Fern Street, 1955. Man Beaten, Robbed — 825 Fern Street, 1964. Fire at 825 Fern Street — April 3, 1970. Man Charged With Assault — 828 Fern Street, 1917. Exterior — 830 Fern Street, 2005. Real Estate — 840 Fern Street, 1955.

Fern Yearly Formed

Camden Post-Telegram —

Fern Yearly Formed — Camden Post-Telegram, December 22, 1910

The Fern Yearly Beneficial Society was formed last evening at McGovern’s Hall, southeast corner of Eighth and Fern streets. The officers are as follows: President Douglass Endman; vice president, O. L. Wintz; secretary, John McPeak; treasurer, John McGovern.

Clancy's Cafe

Mrs. Mary Clancy, proprietor of Clancy's Cafe, 800 Fern Street

Mrs. Mary Clancy, proprietor of Clancy’s Cafe, 800 Fern Street, 1933–1949. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Ackley Nunn. The photograph is inscribed in ink “Mrs. Clancy from Ireland” (read at 2x).

Hospital Cases

Camden Courier-Post —

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

COOPER

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

WEST JERSEY

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

Charles N. Ackley

Charles N. Ackley, 808 Fern Street Arthur Ackley and Joseph Harner, 808 Fern Street

Left: Charles N. Ackley, 808 Fern Street, 1918–1930s. Right photo: Charles N. Ackley (left) and Joseph Harner (right).

Hatred Between Cousins Culminates in Slashing

Camden Courier-Post —

Hatred Between Cousins Culminates in Slashing - Camden Courier-Post, January 9, 1928 Hatred Between Cousins Culminates in Slashing - Camden Courier-Post, January 9, 1928 Hatred Between Cousins Culminates in Slashing - Camden Courier-Post, January 9, 1928

A hatred between cousins that began six months ago culminated last night in a knife battle that may cost the life of Peter Di Pise 35 years old, 325 Walnut street. The man is in Cooper Hospital with his throat slashed. His cousin, George Bongoino, 46 years old, with whom he lived, is held by police.

The hatred of the cousins, according to police, lay in the fear of Di Pise that his cousin would have him deported from this country. It flared up anew last night, police said, in an argument over the Christmas gifts of a woman.

On Christmas Day Mrs. Emma Meincke, 37 years old, 823 Fern street, housekeeper for Bongoino, presented the victim of the attack with a silk shirt and necktie. Police said Mrs. Meincke told them that Di Pise came home intoxicated on Christmas Day and threw the presents in her face telling her he did not want any gifts from her. Yesterday, police said, he again came home intoxicated and Mrs. Meincke told him of the incident on Christmas Day. Di Pise denied he threw the presents in the woman’s face, police said she told them, and she called Antoinette, Bongoino’s eight-year-old daughter, to corroborate her tale.

When the girl derided Di Pise’s actions, police allege he called her a liar. The girl’s father then entered the kitchen. Angry, he started for Di Pise who pushed him on a stove where he was burned by hot water, police said.

Di Pise held Bongoino on the stove a moment and then tried to run, but Bongoino grabbed a potato knife and slashed Di Pise from ear to ear, the woman asserted.

Mrs. Meinke notified police who took Bongoino and Di Pise to Cooper hospital. The former was treated for burns and then taken to police headquarters where he was questioned by Detectives Caputi and Truax.

Detectives said Bongoino had had his cousin arrested six months ago and had threatened to have him deported. It was Di Pise’s fear that his cousin would carry out the threat, according to detectives, that was responsible for the hatred they shared. The woman and the girl were held under $500 bail each as material witnesses and Bongoino is held without bail to await the outcome of his cousin’s injuries.

Marriage Licenses

Camden Courier-Post —

MARRIAGE LICENSES

CAMDEN

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

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

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

Roman Bielicke, 20, of 1184 Lansdowne avenue, and Steffie Krystanovicz, 20, of 1077 Van Hook street.

ELKTON

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

Chasing Ball in Street Lands Boy in Hospital

Camden Courier-Post —

Chasing Ball in Street Lands Boy in Hospital - Camden Courier-Post, June 25, 1929

Samuel Hill, 7, of 825 Fern street, chased a truant baseball into the street early last night and 10 minutes later was in Cooper Hospital with a fractured collarbone and an injury to his left foot.

Edward W. Kreh, 1204 Airdrie avenue, Philadelphia, told Detective Anson Kelly he saw the boy on the curb but was unable to stop his car in time. He hurried the child to the hospital and reported to police. The boy was permitted to return home.

Funeral of John C. Wheaton

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Funeral of John C. Wheaton, 825 Fern Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, October 17, 1910

Delegates from Nonpareil Lodge of Odd Fellows and Thomas Jefferson Council, Jr., O.U.A.M., were yesterday in attendance at the funeral of John C. Wheaton, which took place from his home at 825 Fern street. Interment being made in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Real Estate — 825 Fern Street

Camden Courier-Post —

Real Estate — 825 Fern Street — Camden Courier-Post, November 12, 1955

ONLY $350

Cash dn paymt needed to purchase 825 Fern St. 5 rms, b. Oil ht. Fine condition. $3500. Pay like rent. Wesley Rlty Co. WOod. 3-0357, Evs. LA 4-1034-W

Man Beaten, Robbed On S. Camden Street

Camden Courier-Post —

Man Beaten, Robbed On S. Camden Street - Camden Courier-Post, September 26, 1964

Wallace Florence, 40, of 825 Fern st., was attacked last night and robbed of $90 on a South Camden street.

Det. John Opfer said Florence reported he was leaving a house at 528 West st. when he was assaulted. He described his attacker as a tall Negro. He was treated at Cooper Hospital for face injuries.

Fire at 825 Fern Street

Camden Courier-Post —

Body of child carried from 825 Fern Street by Captain Al Collum, April 1970

—Courier-Post Photo by Bob Bartosz. “BODY of child, one of two young victims of Camden blaze, is carried from Fern Street row house by Capt. Al Collum of Engine Company 1.” (the crop ends at this line) Site text not on the crop: “one of two young victims of the Camden blaze” is the print; the Fern Street address, the owner’s name (Inez Brown) and the fire date (April 3, 1970) are the site’s.

Man Charged With Assault

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Man Charged With Assault - Philadelphia Inquirer, October 16, 1917

When Vera Burns and Clara Billet, both young girls, reported to their parents that they had been attacked by a man, their fathers, together with a posse of neighbors, placed under arrest Frank Schoopfer, 32 years old, of 2516 Richmond street. Philadelphia Recorder Stackhouse held him in $500 bail for court.

Exterior — 830 Fern Street

830 Fern Street, May 31, 2005 830 Fern Street, May 31, 2005 830 Fern Street, May 31, 2005

830 Fern Street, May 31, 2005. Home of Robert T. Hackett, 1924–1947.

Real Estate — 840 Fern Street

Camden Courier-Post —

Real Estate — 840 Fern Street — Camden Courier-Post, November 12, 1955

TODAY’S SPECIAL
NO. CAMDEN--840 FERN ST.

All Brick. 6 rms--Bath--Hot Air Heat. LOW, LOW DOWN PAYMENT. $50 Per Mo. Pays All. MOVE RIGHT IN.

Camden Realty Co., 722 Federal, REALTORS EM 5-5050. Open Eves. till 8 P.M.

Two Camden Toddlers Die As Fire Razes Row House

Camden Courier-Post —

Two Camden Toddlers Die As Fire Razes Row House - Camden Courier-Post, April 4, 1970 Two Camden Toddlers Die As Fire Razes Row House - Camden Courier-Post, April 4, 1970

Babysitter Seriously Burned

—Courier-Post Photo by Bob Bartosz

BODY of child, one of two young victims of Camden blaze, is carried from Fern Street row house by Capt. Al Collum of Engine Company 1.

By BOB REICHENBACH, Courier-Post Staff

A Camden man was in critical condition at Cooper Hospital today and two children were dead after a fire swept through a North Camden row house yesterday.

Stanley Brown, 25, was burned over 50 per cent of his body in the blaze at 825 Fern St. that took the lives of James Lyles, 3, and his brother John M., 2.

The two boys, sons of Mrs. Inez Brown, 22, died of burns over their entire bodies, according to an autopsy report released today by Blair M. Murphy, investigator for the Camden County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Flames Spread Rapidly

The first alarm was called at 1:40 p.m. Six minutes later a second alarm was issued as heavy winds whipped flames and the blaze spread throughout the small two-bedroom row home.

The fire apparently started in the kitchen in the rear of the home, a preliminary investigation has turned up.

“The gas stove was lit,” Deputy Chief Theodore Primas explained, “just to help take the chill away.”

According to Brown’s hospital bedside testimony, the children were playing in the house.

“The kids were running around,” Primas said, “and there most probably is a link between the stove and the children.”

Brown, he continued, was asleep in one of the second-story bedrooms when the fire started.

A member of the family said Brown had been babysitting for the boys while their mother went shopping. A sister, Dorothy, 4, was visiting a grandmother. The children’s father is stationed in Kansas City, Mo., with the Army.

Leaps To Safety

According to reports, Brown jumped from the second floor window and told firemen that the two boys were trapped inside.

Firemen were unable to get into the house until about half an hour later when the flames subsided.

A fireman, Robert Troutman, 40, of Engine Company 6, was injured when he was blown from the front door he was trying to enter, according to other firemen.

He was treated at Cooper Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Troutman had been called to a one-alarm fire a block away, at 531 N. 9th St. Shortly after that fire was under control, firemen were ordered to the Fern Street address.

Firemen said Troutman and Capt. James McGrory, 44, of Engine two, tried to enter the home when they arrived. An explosion of undetermined origin apparently sent them flying to the sidewalk.

High winds threatened two adjoining homes as flames and smoke spread along the roof eves. Firemen cut through the ceilings of all three homes to combat fire spreading through the roof crawlspace.

Firemen found the two children in the bathroom at about 2:15.

“There was a big one and a smaller one,” said Primas, “but I don’t know which was which, they were both burned beyond recognition.”

The two-alarm fire followed within almost 15 minutes of a one alarm fire that Battalion Chief John Mogck said was “deliberately set in the kitchen.”

Spring winds again fanned the flames and the vacant rowhouse on N. 9th Street was “completely engulfed” when firemen arrived.

Mogck said an investigation of the 9th Street blaze will definitely be made.

Family Mourns 2 Boys

Children’s Grandmother Inconsolable

Mrs. Doris Brown sat weeping on the sofa in a home across the street following the two-alarm fire that took the lives of her two young grandchildren.

The family there was trying to keep people away from the distraught grandmother but they failed.

Neighbors and friends were crowding around. They wanted to find out what had happened. “I really don’t know,” she said, rubbing her surviving granddaughter’s head.

Looking at Girl

“She . . .” Mrs. Brown said, looking at the little girl, “was over here when it started.”

Dorothy, 4, looked up at her grandmother. She was confused.

But she seemed to know she should be quiet.

“My daughter was uptown shopping,” Mrs. Brown said between sobs, “and her friend (Stanley Brown) was watching the kids.”

The mother of the two small boys, Mrs. Inez Brown, 22, was shopping at Broadway and Kaighns Avenue, according to Blair M. Murphy, Camden County Medical Investigator.

Mrs. Brown cried more, probably thinking about how she would break the news to her daughter.

‘Where’s Father?’

“Where’s the father?” someone asked.

Mrs. Brown looked up from her crumpled handkerchief and said, “He’s in Kansas City (Mo.) with the Army.”

She looked at Dorothy again. “She was visiting me (at 531 Elm St.) and then said she was going home,” the grandmother said.

She sighed. “She must have come here instead,” she continued.

Mrs. Brown began crying harder. A neighbor tried to comfort her. Those crowding around began to leave. On their way out, they saw two small bodies wrapped in white sheets being lowered from the bedroom window across the street. Attendants carried the covered bodies to waiting ambulances.

Crowd Falls Short In McIntire March

By LARRY WILLIAMS, Courier-Post Staff

WASHINGTON — Fewer than 15,000 pro-Vietnam war demonstrators were on hand as Dr. Carl McIntire’s “march for victory” started down Pennsylvania Avenue today.

McIntire said during the prayer meeting that he was “heartened” by the number of persons who attended the hour-long session, despite earlier

16 Coal Miners Killed in Blast

VIENNA (UPI)—At least 16 coal miners died early today when an explosion rocked a mine in northeastern Czechoslovakia, the government announced.

The government announcement said two other miners have been saved and 10 “are being rescued.”

The announcement by the official news agency CTK said 28 men were in the Paskov mine, near the city of Ostrava, when the explosion occurred. The blast occurred just before the changeover from the night to day shifts.

7 Area Policemen Finish Drug Course

Seven South Jersey police officers were recent graduates of the twelfth class in a special drug law enforcement training program for municipal officers, conducted at the State Police Academy, Sea Girt.

They were Ptl. William Sheffield, Collingswood; Capt. Joseph Foster, Pitman; Ptl. Anthony Francesco, Edgewater Park; Det. James Dooley, Atlantic City; Sgt. Charles Rankin, Margate; Ptl. Walter Oliver, Middle Township, and Sgt. Dominic Romeo, Wildwood.

900 Block of Fern Street

900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1909–1966.

907 Fern Street

907 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Fred G. Mills

909 Fern Street

909 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Alfred S. Matthews

911 Fern Street

911 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1921–1928 Oliver S. Guthrie & Family (Pennsylvania Railroad Police Detective; Oliver & Mary Eva Guthrie; Oliver S. 'Ollie' Guthrie III; Clara, Edith, Grace, Betty Guthrie; Theodore Norman 'Norm' Guthrie)
1921–1928Oliver & Mary Eva Guthrie
1921–1928Oliver S. "Ollie" Guthrie III
1921–1928Clara Guthrie
1921–1928Edith Guthrie
1921–1928Grace Guthrie
1921–1928Betty Guthrie
1921–1928 Theodore Norman "Norm" Guthrie
1930s–1947Frederick G. Brown & Family
1930s–1947Frederick G. & Alice
1930s–1947Edward Brown
1930s–1947Frederick Brown
1930s–1947William Brown
1930s–1947Charles Brown
1930s–1947Florence Brown Jordan
1930s–1947Rebecca Brown Goldy
1930s–1947Edna Brown Albrecht
1947Howard Brown

913 Fern Street

913 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Bridget McCabe

914 Fern Street

914 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Wilson Hambrose
1931William Elberson
1940Fred Laxton & Family (Fred & Mae Laxton; Fred Laxton Jr.; Harry S. Laxton)
1947Herman P. Campbell

915 Fern Street

915 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Emma W. Kuntz

916 Fern Street

916 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947George A. Morris

917 Fern Street

917 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Vacant
1947Carl V. Tuomisto

918 Fern Street

918 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Vacant
1947Harold B. Lane

919 Fern Street

919 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Vacant
1932William Bessing & Family
1932William & Bessie Bessing
1932James Bessing
1947Charles P. Green

920 Fern Street

920 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929William M. Jenkins
1932Alda Prickett
1947Vacant

921 Fern Street

921 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929–1930s Staff Sergeant Ronald J. Pearce (World War II)
1947Harry Clevenger
1949Kuen Gustas

922 Fern Street

922 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Florence I. Jarrett

923 Fern Street

923 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Hilda M. Olbrich

924 Fern Street

924 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Norman I. Robinson

925 Fern Street

925 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Arch D. Chew

926 Fern Street

926 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1919–1931William Kunitz & Family
1919–1931 William & Bessie Kunitz
1919–1931Edward Kunitz
1919–1931George & Ruth Kunitz
1947William J. Veasey

927 Fern Street

927 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1920–1947Archibald Campbell & Family
1920–1947Russell Campbell
1920–1947William Campbell
1920–1947Mamie Campbell
1920–1947Jennie Campbell
1920–1947Archibald & Bertha E. Campbell
1920–1947Dorothy A. Chew & Harry Chew (son-in-law)

928 Fern Street

928 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Ralph Kramer

929 Fern Street

929 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930Joseph Kelly & Family (Joseph & Nelly Kelly)
1947William Di Filippo

930 Fern Street

930 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1943–1966Raymond G. Bishop Sr. & Family (Raymond Sr. & Edith Augusta Bishop; Raymond G. Bishop Jr.; Robert R. Bishop; Charles J. Bishop; Ronald R. Bishop; William Paul Bishop)
1943–1966Raymond Sr. & Edith Augusta Bishop

931 Fern Street

931 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Francis Wheeler

932 Fern Street

932 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947No return

933 Fern Street

933 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1909James Maloney
1910s–1950sPhillip Marron & Family
1910s–1950sPhillip & Georgianna Marron
1910s–1950sJoseph Marron
1910s–1950sJames Marron
1910s–1950sMary Marron
1947August J. Lanni
1950s–1965Grace Marron Jedrzejewski family

934 Fern Street

934 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947George J. McGroarty
1959–1960sJohn S. Holliday & Family

935 Fern Street

935 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Charles Cramer
1938Oliver Guthrie
1940s–1950sJoseph S. Zippilli & Family
1940s–1950sJoseph & Grace Marron Zippilli
1940s–1950sLoretta Zippilli
1940s–1950sJoseph Zippilli Jr.

936 Fern Street

936 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Beatrice M. Wheeler
1950sStanislaw Jedrzejewski & Family
1950sStanislaw & Grace Marron Jedrzejewski
1950sJanet Jedrzejewski
1950sGeorgianna Sophia Jedrzejewski

937 Fern Street

937 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947George V. Ball
1956–1960sEdmund Dent Jr. & Family

938 Fern Street

938 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930 Susan Jones & Family (James O. Jones; Grace Jones)
1947William C. Figner
1959Raymond Doyle & Family (Raymond & Mary Doyle; Elizabeth, Michael, Patrick Doyle)

939 Fern Street

939 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929–1947No listing in directory

940 Fern Street

940 Fern Street — 900 Block of Fern Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Oliver Guthrie
1947 Edward H. Wicker
1960sThe Martinez Family (Sherry Martinez)

Clippings and records in this block: Mrs. Alice M. Brown — 911 Fern Street, 1938. Laxton Family — 914 Fern Street, 1940. Cards of Thanks — Bessing — 919 Fern Street, 1932. 3 Men Are Sent to Jail — 921 Fern Street, 1949. 4 Camden Men Held as Chicken Thieves — 926 Fern Street, 1930. Wed in Penna. — 927 Fern Street, 1935. Archibald Campbell — 927 Fern Street, 1938. Mrs. Bertha E. Campbell — 927 Fern Street, 1940. Husband Is Jailed — 929 Fern Street, 1930. Bishop Family — 930 Fern Street, 1943–1966. Three Win Divorces — 933 Fern Street, 1938. James Maloney — 933 Fern Street, 1909. Camden Incorporations — 935 Fern Street, 1938. Memory of 936 Fern Street.

Oliver S. Guthrie Dies, Pennsy R. R. Detective

Camden Courier-Post —

Oliver S. Guthrie Dies, Pennsy R. R. Detective - Camden Courier-Post, October 30, 1926

After being a victim of trouble for over six months, Sharpless Guthrie, a detective of the Pennsylvania Railroad, died yesterday in his fifty-first year.

The deceased was well known to the local police and fire departments. He was an active member of Butcher Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, being a veteran of the Spanish-American war. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Eva Guthrie.

Funeral services will be conducted at one o’clock Wednesday afternoon at his late residence, 911 Fern street, when Rev. C. Estornelle, pastor of St. John’s Episcopal Church, will officiate. Interment will be at the New Camden Cemetery.

Mrs. Alice M. Brown

Camden Courier-Post —

Mrs. Alice M. Brown died yesterday at her home, 911 Fern Street, of a heart attack, after an illness of several weeks. She is survived by five sons, Edward, Frederick, William, Charles and Howard; three daughters, Mrs. Florence Jordan, Mrs. Rebecca Goldy and Mrs. Edna Albrecht; one sister, Mrs. Jennie Jessup, thirteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren, all of Camden.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, at Mrs. Jordan’s home, 280 Elm street. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery.

Laxton Family — 914 Fern Street

Laxton Family — 914 Fern Street, 1940 City Directory

Laxton family at 914 Fern Street, 1940 Camden City Directory. Fred (Mae) Laxton, fireman; Fred Laxton Jr., fireman; Harry S. Laxton, factory worker.

Cards of Thanks — Bessing

Camden Courier-Post —

Cards of Thanks — Bessing, 919 Fern Street — Camden Courier-Post, June 2, 1932

BESSING—Mr. and Mrs. William Bessing, of 919 Fern St., Camden, wish to thank their friends and neighbors for floral tributes and other expressions of sympathy received during their recent bereavement in the death of their son, William Bessing.

3 Men Are Sent to Jail On Plot to Rob Cars

Camden Courier-Post —

3 Men Are Sent to Jail On Plot to Rob Cars — Camden Courier-Post, October 17, 1949

Three men who police said were arrested before they could carry out their intention to break into parked cars near Broadway and Mickle street Saturday night were handed two months in county jail by Police Judge DiMona.

John A. Downey, 22, of 420 Haddon avenue; Kuen Gustas, 23, of 921 Fern street, and Francis A. Green, 40, of 419 Royden street, all pleaded guilty to loitering with intent to steal. They were caught by Patrolman William Stibi, who was walking his beat.

4 Camden Men Held as Chicken Thieves

Camden Courier-Post —

4 Camden Men Held as Chicken Thieves - Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1930

Delanco, June 4.—Four Camden men who were arrested yesterday on charges of stealing chickens are in Burlington county jail at Mt. Holly today under $1000 bail each for court. The men are William Whalen, 20, of 940 Elm street; Edward Burns, of 811 Vine street; George Kunits, 24, of 926 Fern street, and Philip Weisen, 29, of 837 Birch street. They were arrested by Troopers Magee and Turnbull, of Delanco barracks of the state police, co-operating with Camden city detectives.

Arraigned before Justice of the Peace Wesley Perkins at Delanco last night, the four men were unable to furnish bail. Complaint was made against them by Oliver Christian, a farmer of near Centreton.

Wed in Penna.

Camden Courier-Post — 1935

Mrs. Harry Chew (Dorothy A. Campbell), daughter of Archibald Campbell of 927 Fern Street

MRS. HARRY CHEW

The former Miss Dorothy A. Campbell, daughter of Mrs. Archibald Campbell, of 927 Fern street, whose marriage to Harry Chew, of 545 Bailey street, at Broomall, Pa., October 18, 1935, has been announced.

Archibald Campbell

Camden Courier-Post —

Archibald Campbell obituary — Camden Courier-Post, October 6, 1938

Archibald Campbell, for 40 years a Pennsylvania Railroad employe, died Tuesday night at his home, 927 Fern street, after a week’s illness.

Mr. Campbell retired in 1928. He is survived by his widow, Bertha, and five children: Dorothy, William and Russell, of Camden; Mrs. Mame Lee, of Johnstown, Pa., and Mrs. Jennie Simpson, of Floral Park, L.I. The latter four are children by a previous marriage.

Mrs. Bertha E. Campbell

Camden Courier-Post —

Mrs. Bertha E. Campbell obituary — Camden Courier-Post, June 22, 1940

The funeral of Mrs. Bertha E. Campbell, 61, widow of Archibald Campbell, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, at the home, 927 Fern street. Mrs. Campbell, who died Thursday, is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy A. Chew, granddaughter and two sisters. Burial will be private in New Camden Cemetery.

Husband Is Jailed on Charges of Wife

Camden Morning Post —

Husband Is Jailed on Charges of Wife — Camden Morning Post, December 9, 1930

Charged with assault and battery against his wife, Nellie, Joseph Kelly, of 929 Fern street, was arrested last night by Constable William E. Burtis and committed to the county jail in default of $300 bail by Justice of the Peace William E. Laird.

Mrs. Kelly charged her husband came home last night, perfectly sober, and without provocation, struck her, knocked her down and jumped on her. Kelly could not explain the attack.

Bishop Family

Raymond G. Bishop Sr. and Family, 930 Fern Street, 1943–1966 Raymond G. Bishop and Santa Claus (Edward H. Wicker), 930 Fern Street, 1955

Raymond G. Bishop Sr. & Family, 930 Fern Street, 1943–1966. Raymond Sr. & Edith Augusta Bishop (1914–1974) & (1921–2009); Raymond G. Bishop Jr. (1936–2002); Robert R. Bishop; Charles J. Bishop (1943–2008); Ronald R. Bishop; William Paul Bishop. Right photo: Raymond G. Bishop and Santa Claus, aka Edward H. Wicker, 1955.

Three Win Divorces on Stories in Court

Camden Courier-Post —

Three divorces and an annulment were recommended yesterday by Advisory Master Erickson in Camden Chancery Court.

Mrs. Margaret Sheldon, 25, of 210 Ritchie Avenue, West Collingswood, testified her husband mixed a bad temper with drinking and as a result beat her from July, 1931, to March, 1936; when she left him. The husband, Stanley, now lives at 334 Vine Street.

Philip J. Marron, 620 Norway Avenue, Trenton, a traveling salesman, said his wife started an argument over his business trips that lasted three years. Mrs. Georgiana Marron resides at 933 Fern Street, Camden. Marron received custody of their four children.

Mrs. Betty Kushner, 28, of 1164 Empire Avenue, testified that her husband, Harry, 32, of Seventh and Thompson street, Philadelphia, deserted her four years after their marriage.

Mrs. Sheldon, Marron and Mrs. Kushner all won advisory divorce decrees.

An annulment was recommended for Emma Conneen, 23, of 6 Cove road, Merchantville, who eloped with Francis J., 3516 North Twenty-third street, Philadelphia, to Media in October, 1932. They never lived together as man and wife.

Camden News Notes — James Maloney

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden News Notes — Philadelphia Inquirer, August 7, 1909

Threatened with tetanus from an injury received in the celebration of Independence Day, Humphrey Lynch, aged 32 years, of 410 Viola street, is undergoing treatment at the Camden Homeopathic Hospital. The palm of his right hand was badly torn by the premature explosion of a cannon cracker, and of late he has been experiencing symptoms of the dreaded lockjaw.

The body of Leon Accete, of 548 Spruce street, Camden, who was drowned in Cooper Creek on Wednesday by falling from a barge, was recovered last evening. Coroner Wingender gave a certificate of accidental death.

Knocked down by a falling plank at the Public Service car barn, James Maloney, aged 42 years, of 933 Fern street, sustained a broken ankle.

Benjamin Derndinger, for many years engaged in the blacksmithing business, died yesterday at the home of his son, Stephen Derndinger, 1809 River avenue, in his 83d year. He was a native of Germany.

Death yesterday came to George Westcoat, aged 75 years, of 108 Broadway, following an operation in Cooper Hospital,

Camden Incorporations

Camden Courier-Post —

CAMDEN INCORPORATIONS

North Camden Young Republican Association: principal office, 940 Linden Street; agent, Sidney Liss. Objects: To advance true principles of good government, to inspire the welfare of the individual members, to promote the spirit of democracy throughout its members, to create a stronger interest among its members toward the Republican party, to create a feeling of sociability and friendship among the members, and to encourage social intercourse among the Republicans of North Camden. Trustees: Sidney Liss, 940 Linden Street; William Kirk, 734 Vine Street; Joseph V. Anderson, 532 Rex Place; Frank Nelson Jr., 921 Vine Street; Wilfred Fournier, 424 Bailey Street; Oliver Guthrie, 935 Fern Street; Charles Johnson, 536 Rex Place.

Memory of 936 Fern Street

My name is Janet Jedrzejewski-Bierma, my grandmother was Georgiannia Marron who lived at 933 Fern Street, Camden, N.J. She had 4 children, Joe, Jim, Mary and my mother Grace who was once married to Joseph Zippilli, they had 2 children Loretta and Joseph Jr. and lived at 935 Fern.

After their divorce my mother then met my father Stanislaw Jedrzejewski (though I have been told they never married) we lived at 936 Fern Street and after the death of my grandmother Georgianna Marron we moved into her house at 933 Fern Street, out of that union I was born and my sister Georgianna Sophia Jedrzejewski. I was born 1954 and Georgianna 1957 we moved from Camden in 1965.

Next door to us when we lived at 936 Fern were the Doyles on one side: Mary and Raymond their children Elizabeth, Michael and Patrick on the other side were the Hollidays. Next door to the Doyles was Sherry Martinez don’t remember what her folks names were.

Across the street next to 933 Fern were the Wheelers (John) and on the end by the alley were the Dents. My cousins who lived on Cedar Street knew many of the other people on the street having gone to school with them they were a little older than me. The Bishops, The Gillespies. On the corner was the Linden Baptist Church across from there on the next block was Myra’s it was a sub and candy store and across from there was Ben’s (I think) I know it was another store because we would go in there to get banana fudgecicles.

Janet Jedrzejewski-Bierma, December 21, 2010

Fern Street — Camilo Josu00e9 Vergara Timelapse Series

Sequence of 4 photographs by Camilo José Vergara of Fern Street in North Camden, 1979–2004

Sequence of 4 photographs taken by Camilo José Vergara of Fern Street in North Camden. Clockwise from top left: 1979, 1988, 1997, 2004.

Fern Street, North Camden, 1979 — Camilo José Vergara

1979

Fern Street, North Camden, 1988 — Camilo José Vergara

1988

Fern Street, North Camden, 1997 — Camilo José Vergara

1997

Fern Street, North Camden, 2004 — Camilo José Vergara

2004

Fern Street, North Camden, 2014 — Camilo José Vergara

2014

Fern Street, North Camden, 2014 — Camilo José Vergara

2014

Camden Father Dies in Fight With His Son; Both Jobless

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Father Dies in Fight With His Son; Both Jobless - Camden Courier-Post, April 10, 1931

Quarrel Over Youth Getting Work Is Blamed for Street Battle

ACCUSED WILL MAKE SELF-DEFENSE PLEA

Victim’s Head Hits Curb, Physicians Believe He Died Instantly

A quarrel over his son’s failure to obtain work ended fatally last night for the father of five children who was killed when he struck his head on a curb after the son had hit him on the jaw.

The father is Frederick Alanko Thompson, also known as Elanko, 45, of 805 Linden street. His son, Reino Alanko Thompson, who will be 18 in July, will be arraigned today on a charge of murder.

The fight occurred at the southeast corner of Ninth and Kimber streets.

The story of the alleged murder as told by the boy to Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin differed from that told by two young witnesses. The boy claimed self-defense while the witnesses said he had struck his father first.

Both Out of Work

Reino said he had been out of work for five months and his father had been unemployed for eight. The boy had worked for Todd Rooney, trucker, of Fern street near Eighth street.

Shortly before 7 p. m. last night, the boy said, his father criticised him for not obtaining work. To end the constant nagging of the father, his mother, Mrs. Rose Thompson, 45, gave her son a quarter and he left the house.

Reino was on his way to Tenth and Market streets to meet friends, he said, when his father followed him.

“He kept cursing me and when we got to Ninth and Kimber streets, my father struck at me. I sidestepped and hit him in the jaw. He fell to the curb and lay there. I shouted to him to get up if he wanted me to hit him again.”

When father failed to get up, Reino became frightened and ran home.

Francis Zoll, 15, of 912 Kimber street, and Herbert Townsend, 16, of 934 Linden street, who saw the fight, told the authorities the father made no effort to hit his son but that the boy hit him “six or seven times.”

Victim Dies Instantly

They notified Detective William Moll, who had the father taken to Cooper Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Coroner Melvin Cain will perform an autopsy today.

Detectives Clifford Carr and Anson Kelly went to the Thompson home where they found the boy hiding in a kitchen alcove. They told the mother that he was wanted for questioning about a fight with his father but did not reveal that the father had been killed until they reached police headquarters. The son himself did not know his blow had proved fatal until later.

Mrs. Thompson and her two older daughters, Rose, 16, and May, 14, accompanied Reino and the detectives to police headquarters. Two other twin daughters, Diamond and Irene, 10, remained at home.

The boy was questioned by Baldwin, Capt. John Golden, of the city detectives, and Maj. Charles V. Dickinson, deputy director of public safety.

The boy broke down when he was charged with murder and was led weeping to a cell. Mrs. Thompson, who had remained calm during the questioning, collapsed after her son was taken away.

Another son, Esel, 22, was arrested eight months ago by Detective Carr and turned over to immigration officials at Gloucester for deportation. He was said to have illegally entered this country from Finland six years ago. The other members of the family came to America some years before. The father was naturalized.

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