Fillmore Street

Fillmore Street appears to have been named after Millard Fillmore, 13th president of the United States.

Fillmore Street runs parallel to the east of Broadway, from Jackson Street to Chelton Avenue. When Camden Beer was brewed at the brewery at 6th and Bulson Street, Fillmore Street ran all the way through to the railroad tracks at Bulson Street.

During World War II, six men from Fillmore Street gave their lives for America. They were Michael Carr, John Pluskosky, Elwood Shone, John E. Shuler, Leon Skabicki, and Alfred C. Titus. Professional basketball and baseball player Joe Hyde lived at 1600 Fillmore in the 1900s and 1910s; his father and he ran Hyde's Tavern around the corner at 1600 South 6th Street for over 40 years.

Over the years Fillmore Street had three of Camden's many bars and taverns on different corners. Only one is open today, at Fillmore and Jefferson Street. This bar was known from the late 1950s through 2003 as the An-Be Tavern. It was renamed El Bohio Bar & Grill in August of 2003.

My friend Loretta Wilson asked if I could find a little history about her childhood home at 1605 Fillmore Street. We turned that into a web-page about the 1600 Block of Fillmore Street.

Edward Keyko, 16, of 1619 Fillmore Street, was cut slightly on the arm early today when he was attacked by a man he could not describe in the darkness at Ninth Street and Atlantic Avenue. He was treated at West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital.

The 1900 household of George W. Ferris at 1721 Fillmore Street is taken from the 1900 census sheet shown below.

In 1901, Walter J. and Mary Walker moved to 519 Van Hook Street. In 1904, James Walker moved to 1748 Fillmore Street, leaving just George L. and Susan Walker at 1729 Fillmore Street.

‘This estimable lady opened this business about three months ago. The store itself is about 20 feet front and 30 feet deep. It is fitted in a very handsome and commodious manner. A large and varied stock is carried, and comprises a full line of Sugars, Spices, Teas, Coffees, Flour, and the many articles that belong in this branch.

Provisions, Fresh Fruits and Salt Meats are made a specialty of. Three efficient assistants are constantly employed.

Mrs. DeNise has always been one of the city’s most respected residents.

Funeral services for Mrs. Lisette Leitz, 64, of 1717 Fillmore Street, who died yesterday will be held at 9 a. m. Tuesday at the Church of the Sacred Heart. High Mass will be said. Friends of Mrs. Leitz will gather at 8 a. m. at 1635 Broadway. Burial will be in New St. Mary’s cemetery, Bellmawr. Mrs. Leitz is survived by her husband.

The police ambulance removed the following residents of South Camden to the hospitals late on Saturday afternoon:

West Jersey Homeopathic— William Perry, aged 62 years, 1725 Fillmore Street; Albert Biron, 24 years old, 1108 Baring Street.

Cooper Hospital— Mrs. Edna Rosenfelt, aged 23 years, 575 Washington Street; Margaret Radcliffe and John Carella, inmates of Children’s Home.

Anthony Stirchik, 38, of 1900 Fillmore Street, was arrested last night charged with stealing $225 from a trunk of Forma Senchuk, who lives in the same dwelling.

George Ludwick lost an argument to a dog, was bitten and bruised, and yesterday was fined $26 for inciting to riot.

Ludwick is 27 and lives at 1920 Fillmore Street. He was bitten on the arm, the lip and, suffered a black eye, in an encounter with a dog in the rear of 1914 Fillmore Street. Ludwick got a club and the dog took it away from him. Then, police say, Ludwick went away and returned with a revolver.

In the meanwhile, however, police headquarters received five telephone calls about a “riot” at that address, Motorcycle Patrolman Edward Shapiro told Judge Garfield Pancoast in Camden Police Court. Ludwick was treated at West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital and arrested.

Ludwick said the dog snarled at him every time he passed the yard in which it is kept. He admitted he was abusive to the policeman. Pancoast declared he believed the dog had sufficient provocation to attack Ludwick.

This gentleman opened here about five years ago. The store is a corner one about 20x25 feet in dimensions and fitted in the best manner. A large stock of Groceries, Canned Goods, Spices, etc., is always to be found here. Fresh and Salt meats are also extensively handled. Imported and Domestic Fruits and Provisions are paid especial attention to.

Three capable assistants are constantly employed and one team is used to deliver orders.

Mr. Letchford is an Englishman by birth, but has become a well known resident of this county where he has resided for nearly a quarter of a century. He is an active member of the Chieftain’s League, Red Men, and has been through all chairs, for over 18 years; and was one of the original members of Knights of Labor. Prior to engaging in business he followed the avocation of a painter for many years. Is now a highly esteemed merchant and property owner.

In May of 1901 Mr. Letchford moved to 685 Jefferson Avenue and went into the real estate business. He and his wife were still there as late as 1920. He passed in the early 1920s. Sarah Letchford was still there as late as 1924.

James Bray, 1891 — Philadelphia Inquirer, October 10, 1891: James Bray, a 45-year-old widower, hunted for a likely lady with money and a desire to marry. He found Miss Mary Lafferty, who said she had a thousand dollars. After a week’s courtship they were married. There was a fortnight of connubial bliss and then Bray wanted the cash to buy a farm with. Mrs. Bray, however, disappeared, and her husband now advertises that he will pay no debts she contracts.

John Carberry, 1906 — Philadelphia Inquirer, September 5, 1906: John Carberry, known as “Happy Hooligan,” of 2009 Fillmore street, was badly beaten by toughs Monday night. The affray took place at Sixth and Van Hook streets, Carberry being stabbed four times. The police are looking for his assailants.

Daniel Ryrie, 16, of 2009 Fillmore Street, and Vincent Storer, 16, of 879 Florence Street, pleaded guilty to charges of larceny before judge Samuel M. Shay, in Special Sessions Court here yesterday.

Ryrie was sent to the Rahway Reformatory and Storer to the State Home for Boys, both for indefinite terms.

The complainant was Frank DeFrancisco, 1810 South Fourth Street, whose sedan they were charged with stealing, May 17 at 1623 Collings Road.

Storer, according to Prosecutor Baldwin, admitted that he and Ryrie had stolen other automobiles, in addition to robbing a gasoline station at Almonesson. They admitted, the prosecutor said, being arrested in Gloucester.

I was born and raised in Camden. My name is Vincenzo Buttari III. I was born at 2025 Fillmore Street then moved to 1902 South 4th Street. I remember playing as a kid in the old brewery. I still to this day look for all memorabilia. I’m related to the cop Clifford Del Rossi. People ask me if I’m from South Philly because of the way I talk. I tell them I used to chew those guys up and spit them out, I’m from SOUTH CAMDEN. My wife thinks I’m nuts. I tell her that is who I am.

— Vince Buttari, March 2008