Introduction
By Phil Cohen
River Avenue, more popularly known as River Road, runs north from Federal Street to the city limits and, beyond, more or less all the way to Burlington. It became a Camden thoroughfare in 1899, when the town of Stockton, which consisted of all of present-day Camden north of the Cooper River, was united with the city. River Avenue, of course, is the main artery running through Cramer Hill, and was and still is the location of many stores and small businesses.
Maps
Cramer Hill & East Camden, from a map published in 1914.
Cramer Hill & East Camden, from a map published in 2002.
Intersection of River Avenue & Railroad Tracks
Southwest Corner of River Avenue at the railroad tracks. In 1947, this was the R.M. Hollinghead Company (Loyd’s Division). Photo taken August 20, 2011.
Northwest Corner of River Avenue at the railroad tracks. In 1955, this was the Sinclair Refining Company. From the 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages.
SINCLAIR REFINING CO
NYE and PARKER OIL HEAT DIVISION
SINCE 1925
TIMKEN
Silent Automatic
OIL HEAT
OIL BURNERS - AIR CONDITIONING OIL FURNACES
OIL BOILERS - OIL BURNING WATER HEATERS
24 HOUR SERVICE ON ALL MAKES
SINCLAIR
OIL
BURNERS
COOPER RIVER & RIVER ROAD
CAMDEN N J
WOodlawn 4-4131
Looking north on River Avenue from Federal Street. Photo taken August 6, 2011.
RiverLine train crossing River Avenue at Federal Street. Photo taken August 6, 2011.
RiverLine train crossing at River Avenue. Photo taken August 6, 2011.
1400 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory records, 1947–2011.
1435 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Sinclair Refining Company | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
| 1960s–1980s | Federal Oil Company |
1435-A River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Mi Tierra Dominicana (shipping) |
1435-B River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Green Cab Company |
1490 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Marty's Auto Parts | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
1400 Block of River Avenue — Photos
1435-A River Avenue — Mi Tierra Dominicana (shipping), 2011. Photo taken August 20, 2011.
1435-B River Avenue — Green Cab Company, 2011. Photo taken August 20, 2011.
William S. Ablett Village, public housing project on River Avenue, 1942–2011. Photo from July 1965.
1500 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory records, 1947.
1516-A River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1516-B River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1518 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1520 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1522-A River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1522-B River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1528-A River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1528-B River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1530 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1532 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1534-A River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1534-B River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1700 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory records, 1947–2011.
1718 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Moeller's Lunch Room |
1787 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947–1959 | Camden County Society Prevention of Cruelty to Children |
| 1960s–2010 | The Chateau |
| 2011 | No Longer In Business |
1791 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Raymond D. Sooy |
1799 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1946–1947 | Baker's Atlantic Station — Tom Baker | 1946 Ablett Village Newsletter Ad |
| 2011 | Larry's Professional Service Center |
1787 River Avenue — The Chateau
1787 River Avenue — The Chateau, a bar open from the 1960s to 2011. Photo taken August 20, 2011.
1799 River Avenue — Baker's Atlantic Station / Larry's Service Center
1799 River Avenue — Baker’s Atlantic Station (Tom Baker), 1946–1947. From the 1946 Ablett Village Newsletter.
CALL US
CAMDEN 4-10081
WE'LL CALL FOR YOUR CAR, PREPARE IT FOR WINTER AND DELIVER IT BACK TO YOU - PART OF OUR SMILING SERVICE - "Whether it's a gallon or a tankfull"
Your Neighborhood ATLANTIC SERVICE STA.
18TH ST & RIVER AVE.
TOM BAKER PROP'R.
1799 River Avenue — Larry’s Professional Service Center, 2011. Photos taken August 20, 2011.
1800 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory records, 1909–2011.
1809 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1909 | Benjamin Derndinger & Family — Benjamin & Martha Derndinger, Stephen Derndinger, Edward Derndinger, Emma Derndinger |
| 1909 | Benjamiin & Martha Derndinger |
| 1909 | Stephen Derndinger |
| 1909 | Edward Derndinger |
| 1909 | Emma Derndinger |
| 1935 | Walter Conine |
| 1947 | No information available |
1810 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 2000s–2011 | Patrick D. Kelly Drums, Inc. |
1811 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1813 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1958 | Edward J. Rowan |
1823 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1825 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1890 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1892 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1932 | Mary Peard |
1894 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No information available |
1896 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1919–1920 | Harry Johnson & Family |
| 1919–1920 | Harry & Barbara P. Johnson |
| 1919–1920 | Joseph Johnson |
| 1919–1920 | Harold Johnson |
| 1919–1920 | George Johnson |
| 1919–1920 | William Johnson |
| 1919–1920 | Barbara Johnson |
| 1920–1949 | Ernest J. Powell & Family — Ernest J. & Alice J. Hamill Powell, Alice Powell (died 1921), Edmund Powell, Howard Powell, William Powell, Dorothy Powell, Eleanor Powell |
| 1920–1949 | Ernest J. & Alice J. Hamill Powell |
| 1920–1949 | Edmund Powell |
| 1920–1949 | Howard Powell |
| 1920–1949 | William Powell |
| 1920–1949 | Dorothy Powell |
| 1920–1949 | Eleanor Powell |
1898 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1918–1931 | George Huder & Family (saloon) | |
| 1918–1931 | George & Bertha Schmidt Huder | |
| 1918–1931 | Walter Huder | |
| 1918–1931 | George Huder Jr | |
| 1918–1931 | Katherine Schmidt | |
| 1939–1959 | Ben's Cafe / Bennie Niewinski's Friendly Tavern / Niewinski's Cafe — Benjamin C. Niewinski | 1946 Ablett Village Newsletter Ad |
| 1964–1966 | Walt's Place | |
| 1970–1984 | Gretta's Inc. | |
| 2000 | Sunshine Lounge |
Cramer Hill Stores Praised by Officials
Camden Courier-Post —
Importance of neighborhood business was stressed last night at an open air meeting sponsored by the Cramer Hill Businessmen’s association, at Veterans Park, Twenty-sixth street and Hayes avenue. Businessmen of the section were praised in brief talks by Mayor Frederick von Nieda, Mayor Joseph H. Van Meter, Collingswood, and Joshua C. Haines, recorder of deeds.
Prizes were awarded to Mrs. Newton Ash, 840 North Thirtieth street, electric refrigerator; Walter Conine, 1809 River avenue, radio, and George Blanck, 1026 North Twenty-first street, vacuum cleaner.
Officers of the association are Frederick Wolf, president; Charles Till, vice president; Richard Liebert, secretary and George Stiefel, treasurer. Trustees are: Edward Wenner, Joseph Till and Sylvester Onesty.
1898 River Avenue — Niewinski's Cafe
1898 River Avenue — Ben’s Cafe / Niewinski’s Cafe (Benjamin C. Niewinski), 1939–1959. From the 1946 Ablett Village Newsletter.
A PLACE THAT APPRECIATES YOUR PATRANAGE
BEN'S CAFE
19TH ST AND RIVER AVE.
TEMPTING PLATTERS TASTY SANDWICHES
PACKAGED LIQUORS AND WINES
CAMDEN AND SCHEIDTS BEER DIRECT FROM KEG
ICE COLD PREMIUM BOTTLED BEER TO TAKE OUT
BEN NIEWINSKI PROPRIETER
1898 River Avenue — Bennie Niewinski’s Friendly Tavern (Benjamin C. Niewinski), August 1951 advertisement.
BENNIE NIEWINSKI'S
FRIENDLY TAVERN
WE GO A LONG WAY TO MAKE FRIENDS
19th & River Avenue
1900 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
1901 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
1903 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1926 | J. Frederick Stahl & Family |
| 1926 | J. Frederick & Elsie Frick Stahl |
| 1926 | Virginia Stahl |
1905–1907 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | No Listing | |
| 1955 | Johnson Glass Company | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
1906 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
1911 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
1813 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1958 | Edward J. Rowan |
| 1958 | Thomas McGrory |
1913 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
1915 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
1919 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1938 | Jesse C. Maurer & Family |
| 1938 | Ruth Little Maurer |
1921 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2000 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
2000 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1930s–1960s | Keating's Tavern |
| 1970s | Lin-Rick Tavern |
| 2000s | G & N Supermarket |
2001 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1936 | Isabella Esbenson |
| 1947 | (listing) |
2002 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2004 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2006 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2008 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2010 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 1965 | Edwin S. Wirtz, Camden Fire Department |
2011 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1890 | Charles Hope, Justice of the Peace |
| 1947 | (listing) |
2013 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1913–1947 | (listing) |
2015 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1917 | Theodore F. Adams |
| 1939–1943 | John Dickinson & Family |
| 1940 | Thomas Dickinson & Family |
| 1940 | Thomas & Sarah A. Dickinson |
| 1943 | John & Edna L. Dickinson |
2016 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2017 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1913–1947 | (listing) |
2018 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2019 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1913–1947 | (listing) |
2020 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2021 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1913–1914 | Michael Wordal & Family (machinist) |
| 1913–1914 | Michael & Anna Wodal |
| 1913–1914 | Henry Wodal |
| 1913–1914 | Joseph Wodal |
| 1913–1914 | Anna Wodal |
| 1913–1914 | Francis Wodal |
| 1947 | (listing) |
2022 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Twigg's Barber Shop | |
| 1955 | Cannon Batteries | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
2023 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1913–1922 | William Lemmerman & Family (grocery) |
| 1913–1922 | William & Emma Lemmerman |
| 1913–1922 | Gustav Lemmerman |
| 1913–1922 | George Lemmerman |
| 1913–1922 | Bertha Lemmerman Murphy |
| 1913–1922 | William A. Lemmerman |
| 1913–1922 | Freda Lemmerman |
| 1913–1922 | Helen Lemmerman |
| 1923–1943 | Max Ravitch & Family (grocery) |
| 1923–1943 | Max & Sarah L. Ravitch |
2202 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1917–1920s | William Getner |
| 1919–1920 | Ralph F. Bingemann Sr. |
2000 Block — Keating's Tavern
Keating’s Tavern, 2000 River Avenue. Photo taken September 2003.
2100 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
2100 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Fisher's Gulf Service (gas station) |
| 1947 | Fisher's Gulf Service |
2103 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2111 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2112 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2114 & 2118 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Magnetic Metals Company |
2114 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Magnetic Metals Company |
2115 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2117 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2118 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2119 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2121 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2123 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 2012 | Gone |
2198 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
Intersection of River Avenue & North 22nd Street
Street sign at the intersection of North 22nd Street and River Avenue.
Northeast Corner of North 22nd Street and River Avenue — 2198 & 2200 River Road. Photo taken August 27, 2009.
2200 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
2200 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1917–1931 | Frederick C. Bauer Sr. & Family (cabinetmaker) |
| 1917–1931 | Frederick C. & Louisa Bauer |
2203 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| Late 1950s–1960s | Edward H. Gaven Real Estate |
| 1996 | Remesas America Oriental Inc. |
| 2014 | Jose's Upholstery (Jose Diaz) |
2204 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| WWII | Captain Harry G. Maisch |
2208 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2209 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2210 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2212 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2213 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2214 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2215 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1946–1947 | Diamond's Tailoring (Irving Diamond) | 1946 Ablett Village Newsletter Ad |
2216 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2217 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2218 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2219 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2220 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1933 | Joseph Werner, Quaker Stores grocery |
| 1947 | Lewis A. Goldman (grocery) |
2221 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2223 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1942–1970 | Warren H. Rich & Family |
| 1942–1970 | Warren Rich Jr. |
| 1942–1970 | Vera Rich Sweeney |
| 1942–1970 | Florence Rich Graham |
2225 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2200 Block — Photos
2203 River Avenue. In the late 1950s–1960s this was Edward H. Gaven Real Estate; in 1996, Remesas America Oriental Inc.; in 2014, Jose’s Upholstery (Jose Diaz). Photo courtesy of Bruce Jay Smith.
2210 and 2212 River Avenue. Photos taken March 15, 2012.
2300 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
2300 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2301 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924–1950s | Fairview Methodist Church |
| 2011 | Iglesia Pentacosta Lapena De Horeb A & O |
2302 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2304 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2306 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1914 | William Getner |
2307 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2308 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1915 | John Rubright |
| 1947 | (listing) |
2310 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2313 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2315 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2317 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2318–2320 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1947–1955 | Bantle's Hardware | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
2318 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Max Reihmann & Son | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
2319 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | Radio Service Center | 1946 Ablett Village Newsletter Ad |
2400 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory records.
2401 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2409 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2500 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
2500 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1932–1947 | Richfield Gas Station (William Flanagan) |
2510 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2512 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2516 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2518 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947–1955 | Fischer's Outfitters (Murray Fischer) |
2520 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1889–1950 | William F. Schmid (real estate) |
| 1902 | George T.M. Beideman |
2522 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2500 Block — Photos
2500 River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2510 River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2510 & 2512 River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2512 River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2600 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
2609 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2610 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2612 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2614 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2616 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2618 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2695 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2699 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
Intersection of River Avenue & North 27th Street / Cambridge Avenue
Northwest Corner of River Avenue & North 27th Street, as seen from the Southeast Corner of Cambridge Avenue and River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
Northeast Corner of River Avenue & North 27th Street, as seen from the Southwest Corner of River Avenue & Cambridge Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
Northeast Corner of River Avenue & North 27th Street, as seen from the Southwest Corner of North 27th Street & River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
Southeast Corner of River Avenue & Cambridge Avenue, as seen from the Northwest Corner of North 27th Street & River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
Southeast and Southwest Corners of River Avenue & Cambridge Avenue, as seen from the Northeast Corner of North 27th Street & River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
Southwest Corner of River Avenue & Cambridge Avenue, as seen from the Northeast Corner of North 27th Street & River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
Southwest Corner of North 27th Street & River Avenue, as seen from the Northeast Corner of North 27th Street & River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
Southwest Corner of River Avenue & North 27th Street, as seen from the Northeast Corner. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2711–2715 River Avenue — The Rio Theater
The Rio Theater, 2711–2715 River Avenue (aka 2713 River Avenue), 1930s–1960s.
The Rio Theater was originally called The Auditorium, and was opened by one of the first entrepreneurs to go into the movie theater business. He later sold the property to Samuel Varbalow’s Savar theater chain. The theater was later renamed the Rio. The Rio closed its doors in the 1960s, and became the home through the late 1970s of the Cramer Hill Boys Club. The former theater has for many years been the Faith Holy Temple Church of God in Christ.
2712 River Avenue, near the former Rio Theater site. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2712 & 2714 River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2700 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
2711–2715 River Avenue (aka 2713)
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1930s–1960s | Rio Theater (originally The Auditorium) |
2712 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2714 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2717 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1912 | John Crawford Funeral Home |
2718 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2719 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 2011 | Gone |
2720 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 2011 | Gone |
2725 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 2011 | Gone |
2727 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 2011 | Gone |
2728 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1926–1947 | Johnson Thomas Morrow & Family (printer) |
| 1926–1947 | Johnson T. & Mamie O. Morrow |
| 1926–1947 | Johnson W. Morrow |
| 1926–1947 | Marie Morrow |
| 1926–1947 | Howard Morrow |
| 1926–1947 | Thelma Morrow |
| 1926–1947 | Raymond Morrow |
2732 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 2011 | Gone |
2733 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1941 | John Bray |
| 2000s | New Construction |
2734 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 2011 | Gone |
2740 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1904–1916 | Frederick C. Bauer & Family (cabinetmaker) |
| 1904–1916 | Frederick C. & Louisa Bauer |
| 1904–1916 | Frederick C. Bauer Jr. |
| 1904–1916 | William Bauer |
| 1904–1916 | Louis H. Bauer |
| 1940s–1970s | Francis Bushey & Family |
| 1940s–1970s | Francis & Anna Bushey |
| 2011 | Gone |
| Vietnam | Private Frank Harry Bushey |
2742 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2742–2744 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2744 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1916–1924 | Johnson Thomas Morrow & Family (printer) |
| 1916–1924 | Johnson T. & Mamie O. Morrow |
| 1916–1924 | Johnson W. Morrow |
| 1916–1924 | Marie Morrow |
| 1916–1924 | Howard Morrow |
| 1916–1924 | Thelma Morrow |
| 1916–1924 | Raymond Morrow |
| 1926–1929 | Clarence J. Danenhower |
| 1940 | John L. Dale |
| 1943–1947 | Franklin Moorhouse |
| 1970s | The Spataro Family |
2700 Block — Photos
2718 River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2728 River Avenue — home of the Johnson Thomas Morrow family, 1926–1947. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2733 River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
2742 & 2744 River Avenue. Photo taken August 22, 2011.
The Spataro family at 2744 River Avenue in the 1970s.
2744 River Avenue — Felix Spataro
My name is Felix Spataro I am third from the youngest. We lived at 2744 River Rd. in Cramer Hill. I even remember my phone number Em5-6718. I was too young to know Teddy Frett though I think I may have seen him once or twice if memory serves me he played for Temple University on the baseball team we were all very proud of him. But I remember his younger brother Freddy Frett. He was also a standup human being, Born in 1956 I am now 63 years old they were the best memories especially Dutchies to for a nickel. I remember Mr. Radcliffe was the coach for the Orioles, and his son Puttie. I played for the Cardinals with Mike Mayor as our pitcher. I’m sure Teddy would remember him. Anyway thanks for the memories.
Intersection of River Avenue & North 28th Street — Beideman School
Northwest Corner of River Avenue & North 28th Street — Benjamin C. Beideman School, aka Abraham Lincoln School. Built around 1865, closed June 1935, demolished 1936.
Southeast Corner of River Avenue & North 28th Street. Photo taken August 20, 2011.
2800 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
2801 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2818 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1917 | Eleventh Ward Republican Club |
| 1941 | Community Center |
| 1945–present | St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church |
2819 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1922 | Stroud's Garage (John C. Stroud & Family) |
| — | John C. & Anna Stroud |
2821 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2825 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1910s–1930s | Samuel Wharton & Family |
| 1910s–early 1930s | Samuel & Anna Wharton |
| 1910s–early 1930s | Herbert Wharton |
2844 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
2818 River Avenue — St. Anthony of Padua Church
2818 River Avenue — St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 1945–present. The parish was established on August 27, 1945 and used a building that had been built prior to America’s entrance into World War I. The present church was dedicated on December 20, 1959.
COMMUNITY CENTER PLANS YOUTH OUTING
Camden Courier-Post —
Boys and girls who attend the Community Center at 2818 River road will be guests of the Center next Wednesday at a picnic at Garrison’s Lake.
The children will be transported in buses from the Center. The boys will be in charge of former Mayor Frederick von Nieda, and the girls in charge of Mrs. Noel Magnus.
Preparations are being made for a St. Patrick’s celebration at the headquarters of the Eleventh Ward Republican Club, 2818 River avenue, on Friday evening, March 16.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Preparations are being made for a St. Patrick’s celebration at the headquarters of the Eleventh Ward Republican Club, 2818 River avenue, on Friday evening, March 16.
2900 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
2953 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | No listing |
| 1964 | James R. Maycott & Sons (heating & air conditioning) |
2956 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 2011 | J & H Volkswagon & Toyota |
2966 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1927–1928 | Albert Hagemann Jr. & Family |
| 1927–1928 | Albert & Elsie Hagemann |
| 1927–1928 | George W, Hagemann |
| 1927–1928 | Albert Hagemann III |
| 1927–1928 | Elsie Hagemann |
| 1927–1928 | Ernest Hagemann |
| 1927–1928 | Fred Hagemann |
| 1947 | Harry Morrill |
| WWII | Paul J. Hagemann |
2900 Block — Photos
2956 River Avenue — J & H Volkswagen & Toyota, 2011. Photo taken August 20, 2011.
3000 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
3001 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1930s–1947 | Mrs. Elsie Hagemann & Family |
| WWII | Seaman First Class Paul Jackson Hagemann |
3002 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1916 | William Schweitzer |
| 1916 | Bernard Doran |
3015 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Edmund J. Powell & Family |
| 1947 | Edmund J. & Jane Powell |
| 1947 | Tina Powell |
3050 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1906–2009 | St. Andrews' Episcopal Church (aka Iglesia Episcopal San Andres) |
3052 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1930 | Charles Carter & Family |
| 1930 | Charles & Mary Carter |
| 1930 | Warren Carter |
| 1947 | (listing) |
3053 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3054 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3055 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924–1931 | Theo Benz & Family (janitor) |
| 1924–1931 | Theo & Emma Benz |
| 1947 | (listing) |
3057 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3059 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3060 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1910s–1920s | Floyd Odell & Family |
| 1910s–1920s | Floyd & Edan Odell |
| 1910s–1920s | Morris M. Odell |
3061 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3062 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3068 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1955 | (QSL card address) |
3069 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3100 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
3100 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3101 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3102 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3103 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3106 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3108 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1942–1947 | William Harry Mailahn & Family |
| 1942–1947 | William H. & Florence Cummiskey Mailahn |
| 1942–1947 | Anna Mailahn |
| 1942–1947 | Louis Mailahn |
| 1942–1947 | Albert Mailahn |
| 1942–1947 | Harry Mailahn |
3116 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1989–1994 | Lou-George Liquors (George & Louise Yurkow) |
| 1994–2017 | Sheyla & Millie's Liquors |
| 1994–2017 | Milagros Plaza |
| 1994–2017 | Sheyla Cabrera |
3118 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1963–1967 | Cumberland Farms Dairy (convenience store) |
| 1980–1992 | The Bakeshop Bakery (George Yurkow) |
3120 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 1956–1995 | George Yurkow & Family |
| 1956–1995 | George & Louise Yurkow |
3125–3127 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1947–1955 | Anchor Bar & Liquor Store (Benjamin Friedman, Martin Zonies) | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
| 2011 | Decisions Beauty Salon (3125) |
3129 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3150 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
| 1950s–1960s | Lucy Beauty Shop |
| 1950s–1960s | Joseph & Lucy Pellegrino |
| 1952–1984 | Joseph Pellegrino Family |
3151–3153 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ | Source ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1927–1955 | Universal Motor Service (Franklin C.T. Willard) | 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone |
3153 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1955 | Universal Motor Service |
3175 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3195 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3100 Block — Anchor Bar / Bakeshop Bakery
3125–3127 River Avenue — Anchor Bar & Liquor Store (Benjamin Friedman, Martin Zonies), 1947–1955. From the 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages.
ANCHOR
BAR & LIQUOR STORE
Benj. Friedman & Martin Zonies
A Full Line of
IMPORTED and DOMESTIC
LIQUORS - WINES - CORDIALS
ICE COLD BEER
Delivery Service
EMerson 5-0746
3125-27 RIVER AVE
CAMDEN N J
3151–3153 River Avenue — Universal Motor Service (Franklin C.T. Willard), 1927–1955. From the 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages.
[UNI]VERSAL MOTOR SERVICE
Since 1927
GENERAL AUTO REPAIRING
SPECIALISTS
IGNITION & BRAKE SERVICE
[315]3 River Av Camden....EMerson 5-9868
3150 River Avenue — The Pellegrino Family
The Pellegrino’s… My mother owned a Beauty Salon at 3216 River Road, where the shooting began. We lived down the street at 3150 for 30 or more years, they bought our home in 1952. We also owned the shop next door and was once Pie-zon Pizza… also owned by my parents and ran by my brother and I. That location is now Izzarry Insurance and has been for the last 30 years now. Both my brothers were Woodrow Wilson grads and both served in the US Army. After my brothers and I left Camden, my parents sold their business and home around 1984.
Intersection of River Avenue & North 32nd Street
Northeast Corner of North 32nd Street & River Avenue. October 18, 2011.
Southeast Corner of North 32nd Street & River Avenue. October 18, 2011.
Southwest Corner of North 32nd Street & River Avenue. October 18, 2011.
Northwest Corner of North 32nd Street & River Avenue. October 18, 2011.
3200 Block of River Avenue — September 6, 1949
On September 6, 1949, Howard Unruh, a veteran of World War II who had developed schizophrenia but had not been diagnosed or treated, killed thirteen people and wounded two others in the 3200 block of River Avenue.
3200–3202, 3204, 3206, 3214, 3216, 3252 & 3268 River Avenue — September 6, 1949.
3200–3202 & 3204 River Avenue — November 30, 1961. Photos by Bob Bartosz.
…He Left A Trail Of Death
Camden Courier-Post —
September 6, 1949 was a pleasant, sunny Tuesday but 27-year-old Howard B. Unruh awoke in a black mood. He had been at the movies in Philadelphia the night before but paid little attention to the double feature. He had planned his revenge in that theater. He had planned to kill them all—those who had made him suffer so much grief and humiliation. The druggist and his wife, the barber, the tailor, the shoemaker.
He was in such a dark mood that he even theatened [sic] his mother. He had a wrench in his hands, Mrs. Freda Unruh would tearfully recall four days later, and he raised the wrench and threatened her. He was upset about the late, Mrs. Unruh knew. But Howard wouldn’t talk. He wouldn’t tell his mother what was bothering him. And Mrs. Unruh was so alarmed by his unusual behavior that she left her apartment and went to a neighbor’s home. She said she felt like calling the police, but she didn’t and the one opportunity to avoid a massacre slipped by.
THE TALL, square-shouldered, veteran of World War II waited until 9:30. He told investigators he waited until all the stores were open so he could get all his “persecutors” at once. He took his German Luger and several clips.
He lived with his mother in a small second-floor apartment, just one door from the corner of River Avenue and 32nd Street in the East Camden neighborhood known as Cramer Hill. Eyewitness accounts conflict as to where Unruh started his trail of death. The 10-minute killing spree was confined to a few yards of pavement at that intersection and he must have retraced his steps several times. The Courier-Post that day said his first stop was the drugstore of Maurice M. Cohen. Unruh felt a special grudge toward Cohen and his wife, Rose.
IT STEMMED from the unusual setup of the Uhruh [sic] apartment. The only entrance was through a rear door. The most convenient way to get to the door was through the Cohens’ backyard. Over the years there had been friction. Sometimes the druggist allowed Unruh to use the backyard, sometimes he didn’t. Just a few days before there had been conflict over a gate Unruh had constructed between the two yards. And then someone tore the gate off its hinges.
The silent Unruh saw this as a source of humiliation. He smoldered inside. The pharmacist apparently saw Unruh coming. He tried to warn his wife, mother and 12-year-old son, who were upstairs. Unruh apparently chased him and killed him outside the store. Then he went up the steps and killed Mrs. Cohen and the elderly mother of the druggist as they tried to hide in the clothes closets. The boy somehow escaped.
As he left the pharmacy, James H. Hutton, 45, an insurance agent well known in the neighborhood and also known to Unruh, was entering the store. Unruh executed the insurance man on the sidewalk.
MOST NEWSPAPER accounts talk about Unruh’s “deadly accuracy,” and his “marksmanship.” But all of his victims were shot at almost point-blank range. It doesn’t take a marksman to kill from three or four feet away.
Probably the next victim was Alvin M. Day, 24, an RCA television repairman from Mantua. He was making his first stop of the day on River Avenue and was probably halted at the intersection for the traffic light. Unruh went up to his car and put a bullet through his head.
Then Unruh walked a few paces down River Avenue to Clark Hoover’s Barber Shop. Unruh told investigaters [sic] that the barber was always directing insulting remarks in his direction. THE BARBER had a carousel-type hobbyhorse in his shop used by tots instead of the barber chair. That morning six-year-old Orris Smith was perched on the horse getting a haircut for school. Before the horrified mother, Unruh put bullets into the heads of the barber and her son.
His next stop was an adjoining shoe repair shop, where he killed the cobbler, John J. Pilarchik, 27. The next building on River Avenue is a private home. Mrs. Mary Hamilton, nine months pregnant, was playing with her three sons in the living room. She saw Unruh peer through the window and aim his gun. She got two of the boys out of the room in time but two-year-old Thomas Hamilton died.
UNRUH NEXT went into the tailor shop. He was after owner Thomas Zegrino but he was not there. So Unruh killed Zegrino’s bride of only a few weeks, Helga. Unruh walked back up River Avenue, passing the shops where he had left a trail of death. A car was stopped for a red light at the intersection. Unruh walked up to the car, put his hand through the window and shot the driver, Mrs. Helen Wilson of Pennsauken, her elderly mother and her 10-year-old son. The two women died instantly. The boy died the next morning in the hospital. By now the intersection was littered with bodies in stalled cars and on the sidewalks. People were rushing from the scene screaming while Unruh calmly walked around looking for more victims.
Unruh took a shot at Charles Peterson, 18, who had just stopped his car and had came [sic] out to see the bodies. Peterson was hit in the leg and survived.
ACROSS THE STREET, customers in the American Store had bolted the door and taken cover behind the counter. Unruh tried the door but could not open it. He shot twice into the store but no one was hit. He took two shots at a group of men looking out from Frank Engle’s Cafe. Both shots missed. Engel got his pistol and shot at Unruh from his second story window, hitting the gunman in the buttocks.
Unruh walked a short distance up 32nd Street and into the first house where he shot Mrs. Madeline Harrie. Her son, Armand, 16, took a flying leap at Unruh. The killer hit him with the butt of his Luger and shot him as he lay on the floor. Both survived their wounds.
UNRUH HAD reloaded his pistol several times but by now had used most of his ammunition. He went back up into his second-story apartment, locking the doors behind him. Soon the air was filled with the shrill wail of police sirens and the intersection swarmed with heavily armed officers, perhaps 50 of them. The policemen kept discovering bodies and rushing them off to Cooper Hospital.
It might have been 15 or 30 minutes before police realized it was one man they were after and he was probably sitting right above their heads looking down on the whole scene. Police, armed with sub-machine guns, took up positions in the rear of the building and shouted for Unruh to give himself up. Then they opened up fire on the windows and finally lobbed in tear gas cylinders which never went off. Then came a voice, “Don’t shoot. Don’t shoot. I’m coming down.”
DOWN THE backstairs and out into the sunshine stepped Howard Unruh. He was calm. He was dressed neatly in a pinstriped suit, white shirt, bow tie. A photographer captured the scene. One cop said, “What’s the matter with you? You a psycho?”
“I’m no psycho. I have a good mind,” answered Howard Unruh. He was quickly hustled away from a menacing crowd. He gave a confession to Camden County Prosecutor Mitchell Cohen, now a federal judge. He said to Cohen, “I’m glad I did it. They were making derogatory remarks about my character.” When asked about the children, he said, “What children?” He was booked on 12 counts of murder (raised to 13 the next day). It was discovered that he and he was was [sic] taken to Cooper Hospital. At two the next morning he was whisked away to Trenton State Hospital’s Vroom Building for the criminally insane. He has been there ever since.
Map of the 3200 Block of River Avenue
Camden Courier-Post —
Harrie Home: Armand Harrie, Madeline Harrie.
Driveway. Gate D. Garage. Hedge. Fence. Rough Lot. Gate A. Gate B. Gate C. Apt. Entrance.
Hamilton Home: Thomas Hamilton.
Dirt Alley. Shoe Repair: John J. Pilarchik. Barber Shop: Clark Hoover, Orris Smith. Store and Unruh Apartment. Drug Store and Apartment: Mrs. Rose Cohen, Mrs. Minnie Cohen, Maurice M. Cohen.
Helga Zegrino.
32nd Street: James J. Hutton, Mrs. Emma Matlack, John Wilson, Alvin M. Day, Mrs. Garland G. Wilson.
River Road.
3200 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
3200–3202 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947–1949 | River Road Pharmacy (Maurice Cohen & Family) |
3201 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | American Stores (grocery) |
| 1947 | American Stores |
3202 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1949 | Mrs. Freda Unruh |
| 1949 | Howard Unruh |
3204 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947–1949 | Clark R. Hoover (barber) |
| 1960s–1970s | Al Santoro (barber) |
| 2009 | Gone |
3205 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | John J. Murray (restaurant) |
| 1947 | American Stores |
| 1991 | Los Hispanos Restaurant |
| 1991 | FireWatch |
3206 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1909 | Built in 1909 |
| 1949 | John Pilarchik (Shoe Repair) |
| 2005–2011 | Martin's DA Shop (Martin J. Ortiz, barber) |
| 2005 | Callejo Fenina |
3208 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Morrey Lacktman |
| 1947 | John F. Brumbach |
3209–3211 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1940–1943 | George E. Hoover (bar) |
| mid 1940s–1982 | Engel's Cafe (Frank Engel; Frank X. & George L. Engel families) |
| 1983–2001 | Silver Dollar Saloon (Billy & Marge Eckel) |
| 2008–2009 | Rumba Renque Lounge |
3214 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947–1949 | Thomas Zegrino (clothes cleaner) |
| 1955 | Astor One-Hour Cleaners & Tailor |
3216 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Domenick Taglialatela (restaurant) |
| 1959–1960 | Sav-Mor Cut Rate Bakery |
| 1960s–1970s | Lucy's Beauty Salon |
3218 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1978–2011 | Irizarry Insurance Agency |
3252 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1929 | Progressive Weaving Company |
3255 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3257 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1914 | John McBurney |
| 1924–1949 | Harry C. Soistman Sr. & Family |
| 1924–1949 | Harry C. & Annie Soistman |
| 1924–1949 | Benjamin H. Soistman |
| 1924–1949 | Harry C. Soistman Jr. |
| 1924–1949 | Mabel Soistman |
3265 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3268 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3269 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3209–3211 River Avenue — Engel's Cafe
George E. Hoover with his daughter Elaine in the rear of the bar at 3209 River Avenue, 1940–1943.
3209–3211 River Avenue was home to Engel’s Cafe (Frank Engel; Francis X. “Frank” Engel Sr. & Family; L. G. “George” Engel Sr. & Family) from the mid-1940s to 1982. It later became the Silver Dollar Saloon (Billy & Marge Eckel, 1983–2001).
3209–3211 River Avenue — Rumba Renque Lounge
Rumba Renque Lounge, 3209–3211 River Avenue, 2008–2009. After the shooting of Luis Garcia on February 22, 2009, the bar’s liquor license was revoked. The owners’ last appeal was denied in August 2011. Photo taken August 23, 2011.
Rumba Renque Lounge, 3209–3211 River Avenue.
3200 Block — Photos
3216 River Avenue — Lucy’s Beauty Salon, 1960s–1970s. From the 1970 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages.
LUCY'S BEAUTY SALON
Hairstyling
HAIR SHAPING-PERMANENT WAVING
TINTING - COLORING
WIGS & HAIR PIECES
SOLD - STYLED - SERVICED
TUES. WED. & SAT. 9 AM TO 5 PM
THUR. & FRI. 9 AM TO 9 PM
CLOSED MONDAYS
3216 River Av Cam ---------- 964-7547
3268 River Avenue. Photos taken August 20, 2011.
3300 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
3300 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Mrs. Rose Griffin Beauston |
3301 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 2011 | (building) |
3302 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1933 | Jacob Munger (real estate) |
| 1933 | Jacob Munger |
3304 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3305 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3306 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3307 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3309 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Frederick von Nieda |
3317 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Robert H. Sell |
| 1968–1993 | Anthony Orme |
3300 Block — Photos
3301 River Avenue, 2011.
Anthony Orme, who lived at 3317 River Avenue from 1968 to 1993.
3400 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
3401 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3403 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3404 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | (listing) |
3419 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1927 | David J. Baxter & Family |
| 1927 | George P. Baxter |
3425 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | George M. Heller & Family |
| 1947 | George M. & Rose Heller |
| 1970s–1997 | Edward P. Leonard Jr. Funeral Home |
| 1997–2011 | Falco Caruso & Leonard Funeral Home |
3500 Block of River Avenue — Occupants
City directory and other records.
3517 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1890s–1912 | Benjamin C. Beideman & Family |
| 1890s–1912 | Benjamin & Ruth Anna Stow Beideman |
| 1890s–1912 | Richard C. Beideman |
| 1890s–1912 | Sarah Beideman |
| 1890s–1912 | Isaac W. Beideman |
| 1890s–1912 | Benjamin M. Beideman |
| 1890s–1912 | Mary S. Beideman |
3520 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1907 | Thomas Beideman |
3525–3527 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947–1958 | Donato's River Drive Restaurant (Mrs. Jean Donato) |
| 1947–1964 | Dominic Donato & Family |
| 1964–1994 | William F. Housewright & Family |
3527 River Avenue
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | William R. Hollinger & Family |
| 1947 | William R. & Thyra Hollinger |
3525–3527 River Avenue — Donato's River Drive Restaurant
Donato’s River Drive Restaurant, 3525–3527 River Avenue (Mrs. Jean Donato), 1947–1958.
Dominic Donato with his five grandchildren at 3525–3527 River Avenue, circa 1958.
3525 River Avenue — home of William F. Housewright & Family, 1964–1994.
3525 River Avenue — JoAnne Housewright Johnson
The house was a restaurant way back in the day, then converted to apartments which my parents rented one when I was born in ’64. The Donatos moved to Merchantville offering to rent them the downstairs, in turn my mom would collect rent from the other boarders and upkeep the outside. When the elder Donatos passed on my parents bought the house from their son Vince in the mid ’70s. It was unfortunate they didn’t have money to upkeep the exterior. I loved growing up in that house. Many many many great memories with family and friends! My mom is Edith Housewright, she worked at Sharp School from 1978 until 2002 retiring as head of the lunch program.
The Donatos also owned The Reading Hotel in Wildwood until around 1970. My mom was a cleaning lady on weekends in turn for free room. Unfortunately I have vague memories of that place. There are a few pictures of me on the front steps though!
3525 River Avenue — Peter Donato
Here is a photo of my grandmother, Jean Donato’s, restaurant from the ’40s at 36th & River Ave. You can barely make out the sign that says: Donato’s / River Drive / Restaurant / Italian Spaghetti … Platters.
This second photo is from the porch of the same house probably early 1958. That’s my grandfather Dominic Donato with his five grandchildren. From the left, Bethann Born, Johnny Born (red shirt), and Stephen Donato. Being held by grandpop: Peter Donato (me), and Susan Donato.
Police, Fire Tests Take Heavy Toll
Camden Courier-Post —
Courier-Post Bureau
TRENTON — The high rate of failures on police and fire examinations was repeated yesterday in the Civil Service Department’s announcement of the results of tests for fire captain and patrolman in Camden City.
In the captain’s test, 23 passed, 64 failed and two did not show up for the test. In the test for patrolman, 10 passed, 32 failed and 14 failed to show. In the non-residents’ test for Camden patrolman, six passed, eight failed and five did not appear.
In the fire captain’s test, Kenneth M. Clark of 111 North 26th St., Camden, a veteran, qualified with a score of 92.6, highest for the seven veterans who qualified. Joseph R. Gfrorer of 3040 N. Constitution Road, Camden, was highest of applicants with a score of 96.5.
In the residents’ patrolman test, Robert D. Craig of 817 Vine Street was high with 78. In the non resident’s test, Edwin B. Hoffman of 514 Walnut Street, Audubon, a veteran qualified with 72.2 and Flem J. Hopkins Jr. of 113 Estates Ave., Pine Hill, was high with 78.
Others who passed the fire captain’s test were:
George D. Getty of 1111 N. 34 St., 95.4; John DiMaggio of 319 Beckett St., 94; Joseph J. Anderson of 2406 Denfield St., 92.96; Phillip A. Maycott of 2836 Lincoln Ave., 90.5; James McMaster of 402 N. 37th St., 90.2; William D. Hillman of 3071 Constitution Rd., 89.4; Joseph Arensberg of 1041 N. 32nd St., 88.3; Robert E. Briggs of 2861 Congress Road, veteran, 86.3; John S. Brzozowski of 371 N. 34th St., 86.2; Edmund F. Gorczynski of 272 N. 33rd St., veteran, 85.4; Anthony F. Orme of 3317 River Ave., veteran, 82.4; William B. Young of 1126 N. 33rd St., 80.5; William D. Ayers of 2846 Pierce Ave., veteran, 79.1; Joseph Dowhy Sr., of 866 Beideman Ave., veteran, 78.9; James O. Jones of 3214 Mitchell St., 78.3; Joseph Chelhowski of 1324 Sheridan St., veteran, 75.8; James T. Robinson of 504 Trenton Ave., 75.5; Anthony D. Moffa of 23 Leonard Ave., 73.3; Robert E. Davenport of 1026 Reeves Ave., 73; John F. Gaffney Jr., of 78 S. Dudley St., 72.8, and Albert E. Collum Jr., of 2409 Howell St., 72.6.
Patrolman (residents) who passed:
Joseph A. Fox of 2117 Mount Ephraim Ave., 77.1; Charles W. Cahilly 2d of 2015 Westminster Ave., 75.; Edward B. Bush of 3210 Mitchell St., 78.9; John F. Oppmann of 550 N. 30th St., 77.7; Gary E. Miller of 486-A Rand St., 77.4; Donald J. Tymusczuk of 2737 Concord Ave., 75.1; Joseph A. Broccoli of 1467 Pershing St., 74.2; Richard W. Merta of 1641 Pulaski St., 72.9, and Robert G. Gibson of 572 Clinton St., 72.6.
Patrolman (nonresidents) who passed:
Flem J. Hopkins Jr., 78; Elwood L. Ridge, 75.4; Joseph E. Benton, 74.7; David Vautier Jr., 74.1, and Frank R. Pedano, 73.8.
Say Bandit Hunt Points to Marine
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Police Grow More Positive, Connecting Thallman With Hold-Up
Hat Found at Scene May Prove a Clue—State Sleuths Very Busy on the Case
The Camden police are growing more positive in their belief that William Thallman, who escaped from League Island Navy Yard and whose house at Riverside was found to be stocked with plunder, could throw some light on the recent hold-up at Pavonia.
According to the police, Thallman lived in Camden for several years under an assumed name. His home is said to have been luxuriously furnished and he seemed to be well supplied with money about the time several robberies were committed in North Philadelphia. He was caught looting a bulk window of a store and was convicted and sentenced to the Eastern Penitentiary inside of forty-eight hours.
City Detectives Hart and Painter were at work all day yesterday on clues that might lead to the detection of Thallman’s whereabouts, but little or nothing had resulted up to a late hour last night.
Hat May Give Clue
Amos Fowler, a bridge tender at the State street bridge, East Side, early last evening found a derby hat in a ditch on the north side of State street near River avenue, that the authorities believe was dropped by the bandits in their hasty departure. The hat is an expensive derby and contains the letter “A.” Bridgetender Till says he has a slight recollection that one of the bandits who held a revolver at his head while he was being robbed wore a derby hat just about the style of the one found by Fowler.
Since the exploit of the bandits Camden residents have been going armed on the streets at night. Revolvers, blackjacks and other weapons are concealed in many a pocket. Everyone who walks about without apparent aim is looked upon with suspicion, and the police are at once notified. The telephone wires at night are kept hot with such messages.
The Hungarian taken to the Camden City Hall from Cloverdale by William F. Miller, Sunday, is believed to have been the victim of a holdup Saturday night. The man cannot speak English, but from what the police could learn from him he was attacked on Mt. Ephraim avenue by three men and relieved of $450, a lifetime’s savings.
Fire Rips E. Camden Home, Leaving 4 Youngsters Dead
Camden Courier-Post —
By CHARLES JOHNS and JOSEPH R. McCARTHY Courier-Post Staff
Four East Camden children were killed this morning in a 20-minute house fire that broke out after their mother went next door to make a quick phone call.
A fifth child, the oldest in the family, was not involved because he lives with his grandparents only a few blocks away in Pennsauken. Today is his 12th birthday.
Two of the victims were taken to West Jersey Hospital, Northern Division, Camden. They were identified as Anthony DePasquale, 8, and Jackie Binder, 3. Both were dead on arrival at 2:55 a.m.
The other two children were identified as John Spataro, 10, and Marlene Spataro, 9, by a spokesman at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Camden. John was dead on arrival at 3:04 a.m.; Marlene died in the hospital at 3:40 a.m.
All the victims were the children of Mrs. Geraldine Binder of 433 Garden Ave., according to Thomas R. Daley, investigator for the Camden County Medical Examiner’s Office. Mrs. Binder, who worked as a waitress, had lived at the address with her children for the past five years.
“She (Mrs. Binder) was here 10 minutes,” said Gary Mason, who was visiting the other half of the Binder family’s duplex house, the home of Mrs. Anna Bier.
Mason said Mrs. Binder went to Mrs. Bier’s side of the house to call her mother, and that he was the first to smell smoke.
“Mrs. Binder went to the rear of the house, opened her door,” Mason said, “and the smoke just poured out.”
Mason, of 14 Stewart Ave., Camden, said he and another man at the Bier house, Paul Marioni, of Pennsauken, tried to enter Mrs. Binder’s house through the front and rear doors and also a bedroom window but were unsuccessful.
“We had one foot in the front room, but the smoke was too thick,” Mason said. The smoke forced Mrs. Bier and her three children to flee from their house.
Firemen found one of Mrs. Binder’s children on the floor of the front bedroom, near the door to the hall, Battalion Chief Thomas Blair said.
Smoke and flames were pouring out of the house when firemen arrived after the alarm was sounded at 2:30 a.m., Blair said, and the first floor living room was “totally involved.”
The other three children were found in two rear bedrooms, Blair said, each of which contained a double bunk bed. Blair said it appeared all four children died from smoke inhalation since they were found on the floor.
“One kid — Marlene — they got her breathing,” the chief said, “but eventually she died.”
Blair said the asbestos-sided house was extensively damaged and its furnishings destroyed. A firewall prevented anything more than smoke damage to Mrs. Bier’s side of the house.
Firemen extinguished the blaze in 20 minutes, Blair said.
The chief said the fire appeared to have started near the living room couch, and he speculated that the cause was either a defective lamp cord or extension cord.
Mrs. Binder’s surviving child, Danny Spataro, is a student at the Burling School in Pennsauken, and lives with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wolfson, on Harris Avenue, where Mrs. Binder was reported to be staying today. The other children, with the exception of 3-year-old Jackie, were students at the McGraw School in Camden.
Autopsies were scheduled to be performed today by Camden County Medical Examiner Louis C. Riegert.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete but are being handled by Edward P. Leonard Jr., 35th Street and River Avenue.
Hugh Hatch and Sister Hurt in Trolley Collision
Philadelphia Inquirer —
In a collision between a trolley car and a wagon at Twenty-fourth and River road, Camden, yesterday, Hugh Hatch, a prominent brick manufacturer, and Mrs. Elizabeth Haley, his sister, were thrown out and severely injured.
11th Ward G.O.P. Club to Discuss Boulevard
Camden Courier-Post —
A meeting of the Eleventh Ward Republican Club has been called for tonight to discuss the city’s plans for the northeast boulevard to connect with the proposed Linden street bridge over Cooper river. Edward Peard, president of the club, will preside.
Freeholder Howard Firth and Horace Beideman, named by the club to consult with city officials on a plan for the extension of the boulevard to Pierce avenue, will speak. The boulevard is to extend from Eleventh and Linden streets to River avenue and East State street.
Two Firemen Injured in East Camden While Fighting Grocery Blaze
Camden Courier-Post —
Two firemen were injured last night while combating a slight fire in a grocery store basement at 2401 River avenue.
Harry Leigh, 44, of 28 North Twenty-sixth street, suffered cuts over the right eye while descending stairs in a smoke-filled cellar to combat a fire in a defective oil burner, he said.
Albert Dukes, 44, of 3803 Westfield avenue, received cuts of the hand and a sprained ankle when he fell 12 feet from the roof. Both are hosemen attached to Engine Company No. 9 and were treated at West Jersey Hospital.
Leigh said one of the steps was broken and he did not see it on account of the smoke. Dukes was examining a chimney on the roof when he made a misstep and fell to the sidewalk.
The store is operated by Mrs. Elizabeth Savitz.
East Camden Coal Co.
St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
Camden 797
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The Origin of St. Joseph’s Parish—Continued
After World War 1 [sic] a building boom started in East Camden. The congregation of Saint Joseph’s parish grew rapidly, and it became necessary to seek a new site for a Church and School.
Father Shuvlin was directed to take the site formerly occupied by Saint Patrick’s cemetery. He purchased this ground for $55,000.00. Those who had been buried there were removed principally to Calvary cemetery. Plans for a fine school building were drawn up by Mr. H. G. Dagit, and the contract for its construction was let to the Farrell and Rath Company of Philadelphia, for the sum of $186,687, which included all but heating. The heating contract was let separately for $11,461.00, the cost of furnishings about $25,000.00, which brought the debt at the time to a total of $223,148.00. The new convents and rectory were to come later.
The new building, completed in 1929, was intended primarily as a total school unit. Father Shuvlin had hoped to build a basement church facing Federal Street, but events in 1929 forestalled that step.
Early in January, 1930, the parishioners of Saint Joseph’s were shocked to hear from Father Shuvlin that he had received notification of transfer to Riverside. The new pastor, the Rev. Charles G. McCorristin, arrived in the middle of January, 1930, to take up the weighty burden of the now sizeable and deeply indebted
Howard Johnson’s Royal Cafe
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St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
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The Origin of St. Joseph’s Parish—Continued
parish. The parish plant was still incomplete, so in March of 1930 plans for a new rectory were approved and the contract for its construction awarded. The auditorium was enlarged to accommodate the increasing congregation, the old church being now quite inadequate. In July of 1930 Father McCorristin purchased the house of Mrs. Anne Bendinger at 29th and Carman Streets, and the lots adjoining. On these lots in the following year a twin brick dwelling was erected, both buildings being required as a convent for the Sisters.
In September, 1930, Father McCorristin received an assistant in the person of the Rev. Raymond J. Kavanaugh, who remained until March, 1931. Father William Brennan succeeded him, and he was joined by another assistant in July of the same year. Father Brecker was stationed in Saint Joseph’s parish from July, 1931, to April, 1938. The Reverend James S. Foley came to the parish to fill the place vacated by Father Brennan in June, 1932, and he remained for more than three years. The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly replaced him for a few months, followed by the Reverend James C. Foley, who was stationed in Saint Joseph’s from June, 1936, to April, 1938.
Father McCorristin was pastor of Saint Joseph’s until March, 1937. The Reverend Edward A. McKenna took charge of the
Phone, Merch. 9211 Mary Hinkson, Prop.
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St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
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St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book — 1943
Walnut 4556 Established 1919
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I had a clear shot at him…
Camden Courier-Post —
JOHN FERRY, a retired Camden policeman, still lives about a block from the scene of the massacre. He was the first policeman on the spot and was the only policeman who knew Unruh before the slayings. He had an opportunity to kill Unruh and Unruh had ample opportunity to kill him. But neither took advantage of that opportunity.
“I had worked the midnight to 8 shift and had just gotten to sleep when a neighbor came knocking on the door and said there was a man on 32nd Street killing a lot of people. I called in and told them I was going down there.
“I went down and the first thing I saw was my insurance man lying across the steps, dead. There was a car stopped in traffic with two women in it. One was dead. The other was moaning and her head was going from side to side. I went into the barber shop and there was a guy with the back of his head blown off. Engel was across the street pointing to the alley. Six people were lying dead in the street, altogether. The smell of death was in the air.
“When the other cops started arriving I went home and came back with my shotgun.
“When I got back I found out it was Unruh up there. I knew him. His uncle, Bob Wonsettler (he was a deputy fire chief), had asked me if I could try and find him a job. He hadn’t worked all summer. So I said I would try.
“I went and spoke to him once, or maybe twice. My impression of him was that he was very quiet, sedate and very intelligent. I never did find him a job.
“Anyway, I was in the backyard with my shotgun. I was crouched down with Jim Mulligan, the head of the county detectives, and for a minute Unruh appeared in the window.
“I had a clear shot at him. I said, ‘Jim should I take his head off?’ Jim said, ‘No, there has been enough killing.’
“I found out later that Unruh told Mitch Cohen (prosecutor) ‘I could have killed Johnny Ferry or Pop Lawyer (a crossing guard) any time I wanted. But I liked Pop, and John Ferry tried to find me a job.”
John Ferry
Yes, this is Howard…
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Yes, this is Howard....it looks like a pretty good score.’
PHILIP W. BUXTON has since died but he was a Courier-Post reporter who pulled a brilliant journalist coup by calling the Unruh house during the police seige [sic] and actually talking to Unruh. Or did he talk with Unruh? Here’s the story.
Buxton’s story appeared on page one that evening. He said the call was made shortly after 10 a.m. “...while Unruh, gun in hand was still exchanging shots with a cordon of police.”
“Hello” said a strong clear voice. “Is this Howard?” I asked. “Yes, this is Howard. What’s the last name of the party you want?”
He asked again for the last name and Buxton said Unruh. Unruh wanted to know what the man wanted and who he was. Buxton said he was a friend and wanted to know what Unruh was doing. “Well, they haven’t done anything to me yet but I’m doing plenty to them.”
Buxton asked how many people were killed and Unruh supposedly answered that he hadn’t counted, “but it looks like a pretty good score.”
Unruh also said he didn’t know why he was killing people and finally said, “I’ll have to talk with you later. A couple of friends are coming to get me.”
The story was sensational and Buxton appeared that night for an interview on NBC radio.
Rumors soon spread that Buxton had actually been talking to a cop. In 1964 William E. Kelly, a detective on the scene, made a sworn affidavit on what occurred that day and one of his memories concerned the famous telephone call.
Kelly said he and other officers went up into the Unruh apartment right after the killer surrendered. “While doing this I heard the phone ring, and Officer Martin “Sid” Nelson answered the phone. I did not pay any attention to the conversation, but after we had hung up we went down to the celler [sic] and I asked him who was on the phone. He said, ‘Some reporter that thought that I was the guy that did the killing—this guy Unruh.’ Later we both had a lot of fun when we read of the reporter calling the killer.”
Sid Nelson and Buxton are both dead today so the case must rest with Kelly’s memory and Bill Kelly is sure that the reporter did not speak with Unruh.
The Kids…The Breadman…The Cop…
Camden Courier-Post —
FOR CAMDEN PEOPLE the date Sept. 6, 1949 is like the day Pearl Harbor was attacked or the day JFK was assassinated. They remember where they were. They remember their emotions. “Has it been 25 years, already?” they ask, amazed at how fast time has flown.
Scores of people were affected personally and their memories are even more vivid. They were survivors, witnesses, policemen and newsmen.
Some are dead but many are alive. Alive like William Joyce, now a Cherry Hill policeman.
Joyce was 12 at the time. That morning his father gave him and a brother money for haircuts. Of course, they would walk several blocks to Clark Hoover’s barber shop on River Avenue. They liked to sit on the horse.
But the Joyce boys were naughty that day. They didn’t go to the barber. They hung around the neighborhood to play. So, William Joyce is still around to remember.
Roxy DeMarco of Pennsauken is still around...still driving a bread truck. He was at the intersection of 32nd Street and River Avenue that morning making deliveries to the bar and food store. He saw the slaughter. He ducked into the rear of the truck to avoid an Unruh bullet. He scooped up two children and drove off.
Ex-policeman Harry “Barney” Tracy is still alive and working in security at Camden City Hall. In his mind’s eye he can still see Howard Unruh coming down the backstairs of his apartment to surrender.
“A lot of people criticized us for not killing him,” says Tracy. “But the way he surrendered...well, he had no fight left. We shouted stick your hands up higher. He did it. How the hell can you shoot a guy that has no fight in him?”
Here are the recollections of others who can’t forget “the walk of death.”
Everyone was lying dead on the pavement
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Everyone was lying dead on the pavement. What a sight.’
CARL SORG was a teenager at the time of the shooting. He was inside his house a half a block away from the carnage. He may have been one of Unruh’s intended targets. Today he is a roofer and lives about two blocks away from his old home.
“I was about 17 and I went to work that morning but came right home. I had been up late the night before and didn’t feel good. I was lying on a couch in the living room and my brother came in and said a dog had been hit down at the corner. He saw a cop car and that what [sic] he thought.
“I went down to the corner and saw the druggist, Cohen lying in the driveway and his son, Charlie Cohen was screaming out the window. Everyone was lying dead on the pavement. What a sight.
“When I found out it was Howard, I was just surprised. I knew him...Some say they knew him well but I doubt it. He was the type that never held a conversation. I never heard him say more than three words to anybody. He kept to himself.
“But one time he was angry at me. I used to bunk (hang around) in the vacant store below his (Unruh’s) apartment. In fact, I used to collect the rent sometimes for the owner, Mr. Hoover. I sold Christmas trees from the store and I tapped into Mrs. Unruh’s electric line in the basement. Howard told me about it. He didn’t like it. I heard a few months after the shooting, that he was after me because of the incident. I don’t know if it’s true.”
He shot at me twice…bang…bang…
Camden Courier-Post —
FRANK ENGEL still is the proprietor of Engel’s Cafe, directly across from the barber shop. He watched the walk of death from the cafe window in horror and is believed to be the man who shot Unruh.
“Jeez, has it been 25 years? There were about four men in the bar. We were talking about the World Series.
“We heard some commotion and shooting. I saw him go into the barber shop and I saw most of the rest of the killings. It was so sudden. I just couldn’t believe it was happening. I was glued...just couldn’t get myself started.
“I knew who he was. He had never been in the bar but you would see him walk down the street, walking straight like he had a poker in his back and the kids on the corner would make some remarks at him.
“He tried to get into the grocery store and by that time I had gotten my P-38 (also a form of German Luger). I really didn’t know what I was going to do with it.”
“As soon as he spotted me standing in the door, he shot at me twice. Bang. Bang . . . .Just like that.
“The bullets just missed. One went right between my legs. I closed the door and ran upstairs. The other guys went out the back door. I had my wife and children up there to protect. He came into the bar but nobody was there so he walked out.
“I saw him across the street through my upstairs window. He was going into the alley. I got off one shot. It hit him in the leg. I saw him go down but he got up again and went up into his apartment.
“You know there is still a bullet hole in the bar and one bullet went into a stool. I still have the stool down in the basement.”