Florence Street
Florence Street originally ran from the railroad tracks that lay between South 6th Street and South 7th Street east to South 10th Street. Since Interstate I-676 was built, the 600 block of Florence Street begins at Master Street.
600 Block of Florence Street
600 Block of Florence Street — Occupants
Directory records and institutional history.
697 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1903–1923 | Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church |
| 1923–1976 | St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church |
| 1989–2016 | St. Matthew Highway Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith Inc. |
700 Block of Florence Street
700 to 759 Florence Street
700 Block of Florence Street — Occupants
City directory records, 1906–1961. Addresses 700–712 destroyed by fire January 28, 1961.
700 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Mrs. Catherine Lazor (confectionary) |
| 1960–1961 | Edward R. Chubik & Family — Destroyed by Fire, January 28, 1961 |
701 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Fine's Grocery / Jacob Fine |
702 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1906 | Russell Miller |
| 1947–1961 | Nicholas & Louise Zitz & Family — Destroyed by Fire, January 28, 1961 |
| 1947–1961 | Nicholas Zitz & Family |
704 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Joseph A. Ellis |
| 1960–1961 | William Wells — Destroyed by Fire, January 28, 1961 |
| 1960–1961 | William Wells |
706 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Vacant |
| 1960–1961 | William Lekowski — Destroyed by Fire, January 28, 1961 |
708 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Harry Small |
| 1960–1961 | Joseph Danner — Destroyed by Fire, January 28, 1961 |
| 1960–1961 | Joseph Danner |
710 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Owen Thompson |
| 1960–1961 | George Wells — Destroyed by Fire, January 28, 1961 |
| 1960–1961 | George Wells |
712 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Frank B. Ricmond |
| 1961 | Austin Dickinson — Destroyed by Fire, January 28, 1961 |
| 1961 | Austin Dickinson |
721 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No listing |
725 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No listing |
727 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No listing |
729 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Vacant |
743 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1916–1918 | Nathan Wine |
752 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1955 | Carl Schmidt |
News of a Day in the City of Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Fremont Shaw, aged 22 years, said to be the son of wealthy South Jersey parents, is locked up at the city prison in Camden until his people are heard from. The young man appears to be suffering from hallucinations as the result of taking morphine. He was found wandering about the streets yesterday by Policeman Murray.
Albert Birney, a Florida negro, was tried and convicted before Judge Joline in the criminal court in Camden yesterday on a charge of attacking Alexander Shorts with a razor. He was sentenced to two years in State prison.
The body of Charles Larsen, aged 22 years, who was killed Monday as the result of a fall from an eight-story Philadelphia building, arrived at his home, 710 Florence street, Camden, to-day.
Ethel Elzener, aged 1[?] years, of 322 Division street, Camden, had a portion of her hand crushed off in a factory at Ninth and Market streets yesterday, when it was caught in machinery. She was taken to the Cooper Hospital.
Charles Illupie, aged 3 years, of 560 South Second street, Camden, yesterday swallowed the contents of a bottle containing ammonia and turpentine while he was temporarily left alone. The child’s mouth was badly burned.
A man who has been collecting clothes presumably for the Salvation Army, was arrested in Camden yesterday. Instead of turning the clothing over to the Army the fellow sold it for whisky. He said his name was Walter Hunt. He was sentenced to thirty days in the county jail by Recorder Stackhouse.
Former Mayor J. Leighton Westcott, who died Friday, was buried yesterday from his home, 221 North Third street, Camden, many officials and business men being in attendance. The services were in charge of Rev. John Lyell. The pall bearers were Mayor Charles H. Ellis, former Mayors C. B. Hatch and Joseph E. Newrey, Senator William J. Bradley, S. S. Iszard and William Shillingsburg. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.
Postmaster Berber yesterday appointed John Holland a regular letter carrier to succeed the late John Amer.
The first of a series of organ recitals was given last night at St. Paul’s P. E. Church under the direction of S. Wesley Sears, of St. Clement’s Church, Philadelphia.
The Dilmore New Year’s Association has reorganized by electing these officers: President, William Yann; vice president, William Hunsinger; recording secretary, Charles Mathis; treasurer, William Dilmore; scribe, George R. Thompson.
With a million dollar capital the National Window Glass Company was incorporated yesterday with John A. MacPeak, D. M. Callahan and J. C. Clow as incorporators.
Brass Valve Thieves Jailed
Philadelphia Inquirer —
On a charge of stealing brass valves from the yards of the Reading Railway, George Maryland, 19, of 2312 South 10th Street, and Russell Miller, 19, of 702 Florence Street, were yesterday committed to jail by the Recorder in default of $300 bail.
On a charge of stealing brass valves from the yards of the Reading Railway, George Maryland, 19, of 2312 South Tenth street, and Russell Miller, 19, of 702 Florence street, were yesterday committed to jail by the Recorder in default of $300 bail.
Property Listing: 747 Florence Street, Camden
Home Owners' Loan Corporation —
FORM PM 429E
HOME OWNERS’ LOAN CORPORATION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
DATE 11/17/38 PM NO. NJ E 713 PO
CONTRACT SALES BROKER Leon Todd Inc., 2623 Westfield Ave., Camden, N. J.
TYPE 1 fam. brick NO. ROOMS 6 NO. BED ROOMS 3 BATH 1 SUN ROOM BKFST. RM. FIRE PLACE HEAT Hot air ROOF Slag
SIZE LOT 14 x 100 TRANSP. 2 blocks WATER yes GAS yes ELECT. yes SEWER yes STREET paved GARAGE SERVANTS QTRS. ANNUAL TAXES
MO. RENTAL $ SALES PRICE $ 2,000.00
ADDRESS 747 Florence Street, Camden, N. J.
THIS LISTING SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF H. O. L. C.
mf
Carl Schmidt
Camden Courier-Post —
Carl Schmidt, 92, of 752 Florence st., died Tuesday in West Jersey Hospital after a long illness. A native of Danzig, Germany, Mr. Schmidt resided in this country more than 50 years. There are no known survivors. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 8.45 a. m. Monday in Sacred Heart R. C. Church, Broadway and Ferry ave. Friends will meet at 7.45 a. m. in the Creran Funeral Home, 400 White Horse pike, Oaklyn. Burial will be in New St. Mary’s Cemetery.
800 Block of Florence Street
800 Block of Florence Street — Occupants
City directory records, 1908–1955.
801 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1947–1955 | Christian Precision Manufacturing Co. / Albert K.A. & Amelia Christian / Frederick Christian | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
810 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1938 | Evelyn Bufo |
821 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1914 | James Eastlack & Family |
| 1947 | Gone |
879 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1908 | George Miller |
| 1929 | Vacant |
| 1933 | Vincent Storer |
881 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1913–1914 | Mrs. Catherine Pettit |
| 1913–1914 | John Pettit |
| 1913–1914 | Robert Pettit |
887 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Lynn's Sweet Shop / Joseph Lynn / Post Office Substation No. 22 | |
| 1947 | Post Office Substation No. 22 | |
| 1947 | Jospeh Lynn | |
| 1955 | Walt's Auto Parts | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
Christian Precision Manufacturing Co.
New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages — 1955
CHRISTIAN PRECISION MANUFACTURING CO. INC. — Precision Instruments, Machine-Precision Parts and Assemblies; Experimental & Designing, Production of Small Parts. WOodlawn 3-3289. 801 Florence St Cam.
Albert K.A. & Amelia Christian and Frederick Christian lived at 215 Fern Avenue in Collingswood, N.J.
2 Girls, Youth Held in Probe of Fatal Card Game Holdup
Camden Courier-Post —
Arrests in Delair and Here Follow 14-Day Hunt for Dum-Dum Bandit
Two girls and a man are held incommunicado by the Camden city and county police, pending an official examination of the brain of Angelos Malagas, a restaurant cook. Malagas died in the Cooper Hospital on Sunday, 13 days after he had been the victim of a holdup and alleged assault.
Malagas was one of the victims held up in a card game at 725 Penn street on January 11 and died after making a valiant fight for life.
The three prisoners are Luigi Tortu, 21, of 426 Line street, Camden; Pearl Wills, 18, of 7900 Day street, Delair, and Evelyn Buffa, 18, of 810 Florence street, Camden. Tortu was arrested yesterday in Delair as he was keeping a “date” with the Wills girl. He was seized by Detectives Harry Kyler and Thomas Murphy, of the city detective bureau, and James Mulligan of the county staff.
Second Girl Arrested
The Wills girl also was arrested and after the pair were questioned the sleuths came to Camden where they picked up Miss Buffa.
None of the detectives last night would give an inkling as to the reason for holding the prisoners “on ice,” or if any charges would be preferred against them.
Meanwhile Coroner Franklin P. Jackson III refused to give a certificate of death until the chemical test of Malagas’ brain is made by Philadelphia experts. Dr. David S. Rhone, county physician, sent the organ away yesterday, after Dr. Rhone had performed an autopsy. Dr. Rhone refused to disclose result of the post-mortem at this time.
Malagas’ funeral will be held from his home, 1110 Langham avenue, at 3 p.m. tomorrow, and from the Schroeder home, 715 Cooper street. Burial will be in Locustwood Memorial Park.
Hunted for 13 Days
Thirteen days’ hunt for Tortu came to a climax yesterday when the detectives learned that the young man was calling frequently on the Wills girl at her home. Armed with this information they went to Delair, posted themselves in the vicinity of the Wills’ home and waited for their quarry.
They were there a short time when Tortu appeared and was arrested immediately. The Wills girl and her friend, Miss Buffa, are said to be held as material witnesses, but the detectives refused last night to tell where they were detained.
Two men were identified with the holdup, according to the victims’ story told to the police. A search by the police of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware for the fugitive, who is believed to have severed Malagas’ arm with a “dum dum bullet” has been in progress since the crime was committed.
Also wounded in the holdup was Ross Pandeladia, 37, owner of a restaurant at 6846 Market street, Philadelphia.
Police do not have the identity of the bandit who accompanied Malagas’ assailant. The fugitive suffered a beating about the head with the pistol which was said to have been used on Malagas. Police recovered the weapon at the holdup scene.
The occupant of the place, Samuel Ermlios told police he had merely invited friends to the house for a friendly game, and that when the bandits entered shortly after midnight he and his guests were ordered to line up against the wall and throw their money on the table. More than $600 was taken.
As one of the bandits reached for the money the players struck him over the head with a chair and a struggle for the weapon ensued. The pistol was discharged during the struggle.
Eight material witnesses arrested after the holdup will be recalled to the office of Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando and re-examined. They are Pandeladia, George Summers, 46, of 2592 Baird avenue; Samuel Bosco, proprietor of a Broadway barber shop; George Caras, 45, of 581 Mickle street; Michael Dandrea, 47, of 1667 Norris street; George Matros, and his wife, Annie, living at the Penn street address, and Mrs. Ermlios.
Tortu was arrested late in December, 1937, when detectives took four suspects whom the police sought to identify with various holdups committed in South Jersey during the latter part of last year.
Tortu then gave his address as 426 Line street. Arrested at the same time was a girl who said she was Evelyn Buffalo, and who gave the address, 322 Penn street, as her home. It was at the Penn street house that the suspects were arrested.
Others captured at the time were Frank Luggi, 21, 322 Penn street; Nicholas Dandrea, 27, of 529 Line street, and Frederick Gasperone, who gave a false address when he was booked.
Justice of the Peace George Wilkinson, of Stratford, held Luggi, Gasperone and Dandrea for the grand jury, on the charge of breaking into the garage of Albert Weston at Stratford on Thanksgiving. Tortu was discharged.
City Policeman Drowns in Lake at Blackwood
Camden Courier-Post —
Body of Joseph S. [sic] Ward Found Near Upset Canoe
OFFICIALS START PROBE IN DEATH MYSTERY
Tragedy Comes as Climax to Outing by Social Club
JOSEPH G. WARD
An intensive investigation into the mysterious drowning of Joseph G. Ward, a Camden motorcycle policeman, was opened today by Police Chief William Ritter, of Gloucester township, following the recovery of Ward’s body in Blackwood lake.
Ward drowned when a canoe he occupied overturned. He was 34, attached to the Second Police District, and lived at 1572 Louis street. The body was found by searchers led by Chief Ritter and Lieutenant Ralph Bakley, of the Camden police, after an all-night search.
Ward’s father, Joseph Ward, Sr., who has been seriously ill, collapsed when informed of his son’s death. He operates a cafe on Mt. Ephraim avenue near Decatur street. The drowning victim’s mother also is reported to be ill. The tragedy has aggravated her condition.
The drowning is a tragic aftermath of an outing yesterday of the Moonlight Social Club, which rented a clubhouse at Blackwood two months ago. With Ward on the outing were Clifford Del Rossi, a driver of the Second District police patrol; Theodore “Dorie” Guthrie, Second District detective, and other members of the Camden police department whose names have not been learned.
Chief Ritter reported today having only meager clues as to the circumstances of the drowning. Ward is believed to have been in the canoe alone. Coroner Melvin Cain is expected to conduct an autopsy today or tomorrow.
Chief Ritter said there is no suspicion of foul play, as Ward’s body was unmarked. It was recovered at [?]:30 a. m. by William [sic] McGrath, a city detective, who had been diving for it with George Hess, near the clubhouse of the Moonlight Social Club.
The overturned canoe was found last night in the lake by girls who also have a clubhouse at Blackwood. Police Chief Ritter, with Peter English and Walter Wilkie, all of Blackwood, began grappling immediately for the body.
Ward is believed by Chief Ritter to have drowned when the canoe upset. Whether he had a companion or companions in the boat is not known, but Ritter reported today that he found four hats in the rear of Ward’s automobile parked near the lake.
Auto Window Broken
In addition to finding the four hats, Ritter also discovered that the left rear window had been broken. How the glass was smashed, Ritter would not venture to say, pending completion of his investigation.
The upset canoe was found opposite the summer home of Sheriff E. Frank Pine which borders the lake on the Camden county side. North of Pine’s place is the social club’s headquarters. The girls’ club is on the Gloucester county side.
Ward was a brother of Urquhart Ward, superintendent of Camden sewage disposal plants and Thirteenth Ward Republican county committeeman, and Robert Ward, a Third District detective. He was appointed to the force in 1925. He was married but had been separated from his wife.
Ward, it was learned today, left Camden yesterday at 4:30 p. m. with Del Rossi and Guthrie. They were expected back at midnight.
Ward had stopped for Del Rossi at the latter’s home, 417 Winslow street, and the two then went to Guthrie’s home on Ferry avenue near Eighth street.
Reaching Blackwood, Ward parked his car near the lake and after exchanging greetings with members of the social club, informed Del Rossi that he was going out into the lake in a canoe.
Del Rossi said today that he did not go into the canoe with Ward, having informed him that he wanted to get some sleep. Del Rossi said he waited a half hour for Ward to return from canoeing, but Ward failed to appear and Del Rossi reported for work at midnight, when he learned his companion on the trip was missing.
Exonerated In Scandal
The drowning victim was one of the central figures in a police scandal in 1927. Suspended from the force February 23 of that year on charges of extortion, he was exonerated by the State Civil Service Commission after a hearing and returned to duty in the Second District the following July 2.
Ward had been accused with Policeman John Smith and a pensioned former officer, Maurice Mensch, of an attempt to “shake down” Michael Matthews, a storekeeper, 60, of 801 Florence street. He denied the charges against him, including an accusation that he had spoken disrespectfully about the then Mayor King with a remark that “King is no good.”
Matthews had told former Police Chief James E. Tatem that Ward and Smith had entered the store and introduced Mensch as “the biggest prohibition guy in the country and a great friend of President Coolidge.” They had agreed to “forget” charges of violating the dry law, which otherwise would be made, if Matthews would pass them $100, the storekeeper had charged.
Several witnesses for Ward attacked the story related by Matthews, and Ward himself insisted at the hearings that he had not said anything to Matthews about raid or money. His testimony was corroborated by Smith and others.
Since his reinstatement after being cleared of the charges, Ward proved to be a very efficient officer, according to Captain Arthur Colsey, stationed at headquarters. Other police officials also spoke well of the policeman.
Girl Witness Gone in Magalas Probe
Camden Courier-Post —
Alleged Sweetheart of Luggi Vanishes as Police Relax Surveillance
Police fliers for the arrest of Evelyn Bufo, 18, alleged sweetheart of Frank Luggi, fugitive under indictment for the murder of Angelos Magalas, were sent out yesterday by city and county detectives.
The girl, who had been at liberty on bail as a material witness, disappeared from her home at 810 Florence street, early today, it was reported.
She is being sought for further questioning in the case, police admitted.
Ever since her release on bail, it was learned, Miss Bufo has been under surveillance by detectives in the belief she might seek to contact Luggi.
For a short time however, the surveillance was “lifted,” and the girl left her home undetected.
Police were of two opinions regarding her disappearance: That she had left to join Luggi in some hideout, or that friends of his, fearing she knew “too much” about the murder of Magalas, had spirited her away.
Luggi and Sam Bosco, central city barber, were indicted for the murder by the Camden County Grand Jury on February 18. Bosco previously had been arrested and held without bail, pending completion of the Grand Jury investigation.
Named with them in the indictment also was one “John Doe.”
Magalas, a chef, died in Cooper Hospital on January 24, from a wound he suffered Jan. 11 when shot during the holdup of a card game at 725 Penn street.
Miss Bufo was arrested for questioning in the case the day the chef died and after it was reported to police that she was Luggi’s sweetheart.
Camden Man's Head Severed by Express
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Stepped Directly in Front of Northbound Reading Railroad Train Near West Collingswood
Stepping directly in front of a northbound Atlantic City express on the Reading Railroad near West Collingswood, James Eastlack, aged 50 years, of Eighth and Florence streets, Camden, was killed yesterday. His head was severed, and almost every bone in his body was broken. Coroner Bushey gave an accidental death certificate.
In a statement made by Morris Scheney, engineer of the train, Coroner Bushey learned that Eastlack stood beside the track to permit a southbound express to pass and then stepped directly in front of the other. In a twinkling his body was drawn beneath the wheels. When the train backed to the scene the man’s head lay several feet from his body.
Caught in an Explosion of Acid
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Caught in an explosion of acid. George Miller, 60 years old, of 879 Florence street, was seriously injured yesterday in the laboratory of a South Camden industrial plant. He was engaged in preparing a solution of vitriol and peroxide of soda when the explosion came. The man’s face, hands and arms were covered with the fiery liquid and he was terribly burned.
Auto Thieves Jailed
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.
Arrested When He Tried to Help Jailed Brother
Philadelphia Inquirer —
With one son in jail and another sent back to the Hunterdon Reformatory, Mrs. Catherine Petitt, of 881 Florence street, Camden, will have a sad New Year’s. Robert Petitt, aged 17 years, was committed to jail for purloining copper wire from a telephone company.
Through the fraternal affection of Robert’s brother, John, the latter was apprehended. He had been out of the Reformatory for several months, and he was charged with breaking his parole. None was the wiser until he went to police headquarters and tried to assist his younger brother in his difficulty.
When apprehended. [sic] John and his mother cried and later the brothers had a sad parting when Detective Fitzsimmons permitted them to meet for the last time in several months at least.
Walt's Auto Parts
New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages — 1955
WALT’S
AUTO PARTS
CARS
Bought - Sold - Exchanged
PARTS
For All Makes of Cars
EM erson 5-6503
887 Florence St CAMDEN
900 Block of Florence Street
By 2009 all buildings on the 900 block had been erased to build the new Morgan Village Middle School.
900 Block of Florence Street — Occupants
City directory records, 1906–2011. By 2009 all buildings had been erased to build Morgan Village Middle School.
903 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1941 | Vacant |
913–923 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1913 | Built by Mockett Construction Co. for Dr. O. W. Saunders & Freeholder Thomas W. Leeson |
917 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1922–1950s | Joseph L. Rocanella & Family | |
| 1922–1950s | Joseph L. & Angelina Rocanella | |
| 1930s–1950 | James M. Rocanella & Family | |
| 1930s–1950 | James & Madeline Rocanella | |
| 1930s–1950 | James M. Rocanella Jr. | 1942 Woodrow Wilson High School Yearbook |
| 1930s–1950 | James Rocanella & Family |
923 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1931 | Mrs. Bertha Barkowski & Family / Julia Barkowski |
953 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924–1927 | Russell L. & Anna Benson |
969 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1923–1926 | James & Madeline Rocanella (moved to 917 by 1930s) | |
| 1947–1955 | Camden Photo Service / Eugene Zalewski | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
| 1927–1929 | James Rocanella & Family |
975 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1920–1960 | August & Lena Rocanella DiVietro / Lawrence DiVietro / Mary Divietro Bonamassa / Michael Divietro |
| 1923–1926 | James & Madeline Rocanella (moved to 969 by 1927) |
| 1920–1960 | August Divietro & Family |
| 1923–1926 | James Rocanella & Family |
| 1923–1926 | James M. Rocanella |
979 Florence Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1941 | Mrs. Myrtle E. Cunninghman |
City Schedules Sale of Garage Building
Camden Courier-Post —
The City of Camden will sell a one-story public garage building at 2626 Carman street containing 28 individual garages, which it acquired for unpaid taxes, in city commission chambers next Tuesday, Solicitor John J. Crean announced. The commission set $2500 as the minimum acceptable bid.
Seven other tax-delinquent properties also are scheduled for sale, as follows: vacant land 40 by 100 feet on east side of Twenty-seventh street 60 feet south of Garfield avenue, $250; two-story frame store and dwelling at 555 Division street, vacant, $150; vacant land 77 by 21 feet on east side of Mt. Ephraim avenue 40 west north of Sayres avenue, $100; lot at 523 South Fifth street, $75, and vacant dwellings at 215 North Ninth street, 903 Florence street and 211 Sycamore street for $50 each.
Building Permits
Camden Daily Courier —
Charles W. Austermuhl, 8 two-story brick dwellings, 16.4x56 feet, at 1501-3-7-9-13-15-19-21 Baird avenue.
The Mockett Construction Company, for Dr. O. W. Saunders and Freeholder Thomas W. Leeson, 6 two-story brick dwellings, 14x59 feet, at 913-15-17-19-21-23 Florence street.
Barclay White Company, for S. Chew & Sons Company, three-story brick building, at 37-39 North Third street.
917 Florence Street — James M. Rocanella & Family
James M. & Madeline Rocanella — 917 Florence Street (1930s–1950). Left: James M. Rocanella. Right: Madeline Rocanella.
James M. Rocanella & Family — Photos from 1943
James Rocanella & Family — 917 Florence Street
James M. Rocanella Sr.
(newspaper clipping) —
James M. Rocanella Sr., 48, of 917 Florence street, died in Cooper hospital Saturday. Surviving are his widow, Madeline; a son, James M. Jr.; three brothers, Michael, Joseph and Frank, and three sisters, Mrs. Lina Divietro, Mary and Netty, all of Camden.
High requiem Mass will be celebrated Friday at 9 a. m. in the Sacred Heart R. C. Church. Relatives and friends will meet at 8 a. m. in the Murray funeral home, 408 Cooper street, where friends may call Thursday night. Burial will be in New St. Mary’s cemetery, Bellmawr.
Card of Thanks: Rocanella
(newspaper clipping) —
(3) CARD OF THANKS
ROCANELLA—The family of Mr. James Rocanella Sr., of 917 Florence St., Camden, wishes to thank their many relatives, friends and neighbors for their cards, kindnesses and floral tributes in their recent bereavement in the death of their husband and father.
James Michael Rocanella
Woodrow Wilson High School yearbook — 1942
“Rock” is that little demon of the clarinet who can be heard “swinging it” between numbers at band practice. Speaking from a scientific point of view, this is one “Rock” who has made the world a better place in which to live. Though usually quiet and somewhat reserved, “Rock” is one swell fellow when you get to know him.
Deed Transfers
Camden Courier-Post —
Camden — No. 2026, 2022, 2024 Miller street; Rocco Maria Rocanella et al to Albert Bonelli, $1.
Camden — No. 2028 Miller street; Joseph L. Rocanella et ux to Albert Bonelli, $1.
Camden — No. 917 Florence street; Rocco Vincenzo Rocanella et ux to Albert Bonelli, $1.
Camden — No. 975 Florence. Angela Antonia Di Vietro et vir to Albert Bonelli, $1.
Camden — No. 411 Emerald Street; Raymond Gattone et ux to Albert Bonelli, 1.
Camden — Nos. 2026, 2022, 2024 Miller street; Albert Bonelli to Rocca Maria Rocanella, $1.
Six Are Arrested Following 'Party'
Camden Courier-Post —
Young Girls Accuse Married Man of Attacking Them in Bungalow
Three pretty girls, a married man and two youths were arrested last night on charges growing out from an extended whoopee party in a Blackwood Terrace bungalow.
Two of the girls, all of whom are related, are said to be runaways from Philadelphia. One of these and a Camden schoolgirl charge they were attacked by the married man.
The girls gave their names as: Julia Barkowski, 17, of 923 Florence Street, Camden; Mary Holod, 16, and her stepsister, Vera, also 16, both of 1325 Tyson Street, Philadelphia. Both Julia and Mary allege they were criminally assaulted early last week by Samuel Read, 31, who gave his address as 2847 Congress Road, Camden.
Linked as material witnesses in the case are John Barwick, 19, of 543 Fairview Street, and William Murdock, 19, of 548 Gordon Terrace, Camden.
According to the story gathered by Police Sergeant John Skolski and Patrolman John Larson, the three girls were strolling along Broadway on the night of October 12, when they were “picked up” by Barwick and Murdock, in an automobile. The girls related they were taken to a bungalow in Blackwood Terrace where they said they met Read. The two youths then left, they said.
The Barkowski girl and Mary Holod allege they were attacked by Read while Vera Holod told police she averted assault by fighting.
Return of the girls to the Barkowski home yesterday was followed by arrest of all six revelers. Mrs. Bertha Barkowski, mother of the Camden girl, summoned police. Read was lured to the house and placed under arrest and apprehension of the two youths was then made.
Julia was charged with being incorrigible by her mother. Police held Mary and Vera as runaways and as witnesses against Read. The Philadelphia girls are said to have been missing from home several weeks.
All are to be given hearings today before Police Judge Garfield Pancoast.
August W. Divietro
Camden Courier-Post —
August W. Divietro, 65, of 975 Florence st. died Thursday in his home. Born in Philadelphia, he was a Camden resident for 40 years. He was a War I veteran and an employé of Evanson and Levering Co. for 25 years.
Surviving are his wife, Lena; a daughter, Mrs. Mary Bonamassa, of Mt. Ephraim; two sons, Lawrence, of Delaware Township, and Michael, of Camden; two brothers, Lawrence, of Woodbury, and Dominick, of Camden, and nine grandchildren.
Requiem high Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 9.30 a. m. in Sacred Heart Church, Broadway and Ferry ave. Friends may call Monday evening at the Falco Funeral Home, 1018 S. 4th st. Burial will be in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.
975 Florence Street — James Rocanella & Family
James & Madeline Rocanella — 975 Florence Street (1923–1926). Moved to 969 Florence Street by 1927.
Divorce Decrees
Camden Courier-Post —
Decrees also were recommended for a man and a woman who claimed their respective mates deserted them. They are Joseph P. Whitaker, of 321 Mt. Vernon street, who charges his wife, Dorothy, of 420 Jefferson street, tired of married life, and Mrs. Myrtle E. Cunningham, of 979 Florence street, who testified her husband, Edgar, of 131 East Wayne terrace, Collingswood, deserted her in 1921.
915 & 917 Florence Street — Photos
915 Florence Street — Photo from 2012
915 & 917 Florence Street — Photo from 2012
917 Florence Street — Photo from 2012
Affairs Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A Child’s Narrow Escape from Death by Fire. Educational Board Committees.
Ella Sneed, a 6-year old child, living with her parents at Tenth and Florence streets, Camden, was burned almost to death yesterday afternoon while playing around a bonfire on an adjoining lot. After the flames enveloped the child’s clothing she ran into the house crying for help. The mother succeeded in extinguishing the flames, not, however, until both were badly burned. The child was removed to the Cooper Hospital, where it’s recovery is considered doubtful.
At a meeting of the Camden Board of Education last evening, President Carson announced the following committees for the year: Finance, Jesse H. Carey, S. C. Muschamp, Joseph M. Engard, Edward Martin, Walter P. Sellers; teachers, Fred. W George, Homer M. Snyder, Thomas P. Powell, James Ware, Jr., Wilbur F. Carhart, Gabriel Johnson and Edward W. Sharp, at large; property, G. Genges Browning, E. W. Sharp, Daniel M. Stevens, F. W. George, James Ware, Jr., Gabriel Johnson and William A. Husted, at large; supplies, James Ware, Jr., Thomas P. Powell, W. A. Husted, H. C. Sharp, J. Wesley Sell; accounts, Stanley C. Muschamp, J. W. Sell, J. M. Engard, Edward Martin, Wilbur Carhart; printing, J. Wesley Sell, G. Genges Browning, Daniel M. Stevens, Edward Martin, Walter T. Sellers; books, Homer Snyder, J. H. Carey, W. A. Husted, Thomas P. Powell, Fred W. George; insurance, E. W. Sharp, H. M. Snyder, Gabriel Johnson, G. Genges Browning; library, H. C. Sharp, J. H. Carey, Daniel M. Stevens, W. F. Carhart and Joseph M. Engard.
Managing editor Upton S. Jeffers, of the Telegram, was presented last evening with a handsome oxidized and hand-painted hanging lamp by his journalistic friends of Camden. Mr. Jeffreys, who was recently married, is just about going to housekeeping.
Camden Has Building Boom
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden had a healthy young building boom yesterday when Inspector Day issued permits for the erection of thirty-eight dwellings. Eleven are to be located from 3[?]2 to 346 Viola street; eleven from 1901 to 1921 South Fourth street; eight from [?]31 to 345 Winslow street. These are to be constructed for the Guarantee Realty Company William Sangtinette was granted a permit to build five dwellings on Thirty-second street, while the Mockett Construction Company was also given the right to erect three properties from 1717 to 1721 Florence street.
Fire at Wilson Elementary School
Camden Courier-Post —
—Courier-Post Photo by Gary L. Shivers
CAMDEN FIREMEN survey contents of a classroom closet at Wilson Elementary School, 9th and Florence sts., where fire broke out today. The fire started in the closet of a room where a special class was being conducted for pupils some of whom are blind. Shown (left to right) are Leon Puszczykowski and Ernest Tartaglia. Standing in rear is Chief Joseph Guarino of District Three.
Two Camden Schools Ransacked by Thieves
Camden Courier-Post —
Vandals who entered and ransacked two South Camden schools are being sought by the police.
Lawrence Miller, janitor of the H. B. Wilson School, at Eighth and Florence streets, reported that several rooms had been rifled early yesterday. Detectives William Zeits [sic] and Clifford Del Rossi are conducting an investigation.
Fred Fianigan, janitor of the Fairview School, at Collings and Cumberland roads, reported that prowlers, who forced a front door ransacked two rooms. Detective Joseph Carpani was assigned to investigate.