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Segal Street

Camden Street
Page Contents

Introduction

SEGAL STREET was named after Philadelphia businessman Adolph W. Segal, who was president of the nearby American Wax Bag and Manufacturing Company, located in the 1880s and 1890s at the corner of 2nd and Erie Streets in North Camden. Born in Austria around 1860, he came to America and found work as a soap boiler. Adolph Segal patented a process for the manufacture of wax paper bags, upon which the fortunes of his company were based. He later sold his patent and went into real estate and promotions.

Adolph Segal had already erected several factories in North Camden when he announced in 1895 that he would erect a $3,000,000 sugar refinery on the Delaware at the foot of Cooper River, which in those days was called Cooper's Creek. He became heavily involved in real estate, and at one time owned the entire town of South Altoona PA, selling it in 1906, after being implicated in the wrecking of the Real Estate Trust Bank in Philadelphia. Adolph Segal was also involved with the Pennsylvania Sugar Refining Company. When the “sugar trust” attempted to take his business, the Department of Justice stepped in, and indictments were handed down for violations of the Sherman Anti-Trust act. Although in this case a victim, Adolph Segal would lose his sugar refinery to the trust, and spend much time in court over the next few years. After 1910 he later moved to New York City where he owned and operated the Hotel Majestic. He declared bankruptcy in March of 1914, and during that year he collapsed, and was declared insane in September. In August of 1925 the one time millionaire, now 65 years old, was arrested on a bad-check charge during a visit to Philadelphia.

Contrary to rumor, Segal Street was not named after a former Camden County Sheriff, Martin Segal.

On February 22, 1928 a large fire on Erie Street menaced the Segal Street homes. Firefighters were hampered by a wooden fence that had been placed across Segal Street by the John R. Evans Company when they had built their leather works prior to World War I. At that time they had bought the last five homes on either side of Segal Street, razed them, and fenced off their property.

In August of 1933 former Camden boxer James “Jimmy” Rogers was arrested for running a speakeasy at 1000 Segal Street. Two other men well known to police were also arrested when the place was raided.

Segal Street remained pretty much intact into the early 1970s. Despite the fire that destroyed the John R. Evans Company facility at least six homes were occupied as late as 1980. Sadly, no physical trace of Segal street survived into the next century.

By Phil Cohen

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Looking North on Segal Street — Summer of 1971

Looking north on Segal Street, summer of 1971

Looking north on Segal Street — Summer of 1971. Left to right: Floyd Miller Jr., Vennie Miller, Bobby Reed, Frank Houser Jr. John R. Evans factory at rear. Photo courtesy of Floyd L. Miller Jr.

A Big Sugar Refinery

Philadelphia Inquirer —

A Big Sugar Refinery — Adolph Segal, Philadelphia Inquirer, January 19, 1895

It Will Be Erected in Camden and Will Cost $3,000,000.

Adolph Segal, who has erected a number of factory buildings in North Camden during the past two years, announces that a $3,000,000 sugar refinery, with a daily capacity of 4000 barrels of refined sugar is to be built on the river front at the foot of Cooper street. The site has been secured and workmen are already clearing the ground preparatory to commencing building operations.

The property lies north of Cooper street, and has a frontage of 500 feet and runs out to 1350 feet to the riparian line. The work of excavating for the foundations will be commenced in about three weeks, Mr. Segal says, and it will take a year to complete the plant, which will be one of the largest in the country.

1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants

1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1895–1980.

1000 Segal Street

1000 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914 John Winstanley & Family (Thomas Winstanley)
1914John Winstanley & Family
1924Clayton Durham
1933 James E. 'Jimmy' Rodgers
1947Frank Bosko & Sons, produce
1947Bert's Variety Store
1947Stanley A. Gasior
1947Frank Bosko & Sons
1962 William Kunitz & Family
1962William & Mary Kunitz
1962Richard Binder
1962 Donna Binder
1962Nancy Binder
1962Betty Binder
1962Rita Binder

1001 Segal Street

1001 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Harry Lentz, grocery
1929Harry Lentz

1002 Segal Street

1002 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Stanley E. Janowski

1003 Segal Street

1003 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Ernest P. Managnaro

1004 Segal Street

1004 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1928Frank Bosko
1938Emil Mascher (WPA worker; shot Florence Gottwald Dec. 27, 1938)
1938Emil Mascher
1947Clarence Swain

1005 Segal Street

1005 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Frank Lukaszeski
1969M.M. Keel

1006 Segal Street

1006 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Jon H. Horner
1947Harold A. Davis
1969S. Walsch

1007 Segal Street

1007 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Marie Vogel
1969M. Priestley

1008 Segal Street

1008 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Byrd J. Anderson

1009 Segal Street

1009 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914 Elwood P. Martz Sr.
1947Joseph P. Ryan

1010 Segal Street

1010 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Clinton R. Horner

1011 Segal Street

1011 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947–1980William B. Deputy

1012 Segal Street

1012 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1905O. Glen Stackhouse (Philadelphia Inquirer, April 26, 1905)
1905Eugene Mercier
1947Melanchton Sterner
1947John Davidson

1013 Segal Street

1013 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924 James Young
1924 Elwood P. Martz Sr.
1924 Elwood Martz Sr
1947Leo F. Carr
1969G.F. Ellis

1014 Segal Street

1014 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1929Harry F. Barr
1930s–1947Mrs. Mary A. Kelly
1938Howard Ross & Family (Howard & Airnea 'Agnes' Ross)

1015 Segal Street

1015 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Sophia A. Walsch
1980Alex Wisniewski

1016 Segal Street

1016 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Danville Martinelli

1017 Segal Street

1017 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Henry T. Benson
1969–1980Mrs. Esther Marzilli

1018 Segal Street

1018 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Charles F. Mills

1019 Segal Street

1019 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910Ella Martz
1947Louis I. Kellum
1980G.C. Kellum
—Technical Sergeant Francis J. Knox (World War II)

1020 Segal Street

1020 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1943Lansing Cowley Sr. & Family
1943Lansing & Martha Cowley
1943Lansing Cowley Jr.
1943Alice Cowley
1943Elmer Cowley
1943Byron Cowley
1943Irene Cowley
1943Dorothy Cowley
1943Elaine Cowley
1943Theodore Cowley
1943Jerry Cowley
1947Raymond R. DeVone

1021 Segal Street

1021 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947John Williams
1980G. Williams

1022 Segal Street

1022 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1938Mrs. Helen Camp & Burton Camp
1938Mrs. Helen Camp
1947Mrs. Anna J. Titternmary

1023 Segal Street

1023 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1906Clarence N. Matthews & Family (Clarence & Catherine Matthews, Edwin Winchester Matthews)
1906Clarence & Catheine Matthews
1906Edwin Winchester Matthews
1947Asa Redrow

1024 Segal Street

1024 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1912James Pollar
1947Harry L. Schmidt
1969Harold F. Roberts Sr.

1025 Segal Street

1025 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Glen L. Braswell

1026 Segal Street

1026 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Harry W. Fredericks

1027 Segal Street

1027 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Harry Rowland
1927Walter Schinski
1947Frederick G. Rowland
1980G. Kellum
— Bernard Bertman
— Walter Smith
— Joseph Carpani

1028 Segal Street

1028 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Harvey R. Latham

1029 Segal Street

1029 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Graham C.H. Worrall

1030 Segal Street

1030 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Simeon F. Ollis

1031 Segal Street

1031 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947No return

1032 Segal Street

1032 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mrs. Dolly Marks & Family (Austin E. Marks, Walter Marks, Lester Marks)
—Walter Marks
—Lester Marks
1924Mrs. Dolly Marks & Family
1947Not listed

1033 Segal Street

1033 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Margaret Duncan

1034 Segal Street

1034 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Not listed

1035 Segal Street

1035 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Harry Rowland

1036 Segal Street

1036 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Joseph Simmons
1930s–1947 Charles Gottwald & Family
1930s–1947Charles & Catherine E. Gottwald
1930s–1947 Florence Gottwald
1956Vacant, razed — Owner: Louis B. Humphreys Jr.

1037 Segal Street

1037 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Marie Hannold
1965–1968Estelle Cannon (photos)

1038 Segal Street

1038 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Harry Gaul
1947George W. Camp

1039 Segal Street

1039 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1947George N. Camp

1040 Segal Street

1040 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1934Mrs. Lillie Ball
1934Lillie Ball
1947Not listed

1041 Segal Street

1041 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Edgar W. Chapman

1042 Segal Street

1042 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1947Austin W. Dickinson
1938Wilson Pfeiffer (rescued Helen Camp and baby from fire at 1022 Segal)
1938Richard Dickinson
1938Wilson Pfeiffer

1043 Segal Street

1043 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Mrs. Mae A. Hall

1044 Segal Street

1044 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924George M. Wilson
1931Charles Priestly & Family (Charles & Elizabeth Priestly, Charles Jr.)
1947Mrs. Margaret A. Gaul
1969Alex Wisniewski

1045 Segal Street

1045 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930 James E. 'Jimmy' Rodgers
1947Arthur Williams

1046 Segal Street

1046 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Not listed

1047 Segal Street

1047 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Benjamin Wadraff

1061 Segal Street

1061 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1895John Henry Wilde & Family
1895John Henry & Mary Ann Turner Wilde
1895Charles Pratt Wilde
—Dr. W.H. Pratt, attending physician

1062 Segal Street

1062 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914–1918John H. Blackson & Family
1914–1918John H. & Amanda Blackson
1914–1918David Blackson

1065 Segal Street

1065 Segal Street — 1000 Block of Segal Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1899Mrs. Sarah Jeness
1917 Elwood P. Martz Sr.
1917 Elwood Martz Sr
1924Gone

Cases Treated at Cooper Hospital

Camden Post-Telegram —

Cases Treated at Cooper Hospital — James Pollar, 1024 Segal Street

In a street brawl at Front and Erie streets, Saturday night, James Pollar, aged 42 years, of 1024 Segal street, had four teeth knocked out. He was treated at Cooper Hospital.

Man Held for Court, Neighborhood Nuisance

Camden Courier-Post —

Man Held for Court, Neighborhood Nuisance — Walter Schinski, 1027 Segal Street

Described by police as a nuisance to his neighborhood, because of frequent fights with his wife; Walter Schinski, 46 years old, 1027 Segal street, was held in $500 bail for court, on a charge of assault and battery, by Police Judge Bertman today.

Schinski’s wife appeared in court with a swollen and discolored eye. Her husband asserted that a “table hit her,” and added that she has been “running around with other men.” The woman demanded he prove it.

Detectives Walter Smith and Joseph Carpani declared neighbors of the couple have complained of Schinski’s treatment of his wife for some time, and of disturbances caused by him.

Cowley Family at Pyne Poynt Park — Easter 1943

Elaine, Irene, and Dorothy 'Dot' Cowley at Pyne Poynt Park, Easter 1943

Left to right: Elaine, Irene, and Dorothy “Dot” Cowley at Pyne Poynt Park, Easter 1943. The Cowley family — Lansing Sr. & Martha, Lansing Jr., Alice, Elmer, Byron, Irene, Dorothy, Elaine, Theodore, Jerry, and seven other children — lived at 1020 Segal Street. Photo courtesy of Donna Thomer-Mendelero.

Florence Gottwald — 1036 Segal Street

Florence Gottwald of 1036 Segal Street

Florence Gottwald, 1036 Segal Street. RCA Manufacturing employee and amateur impersonator. She survived being shot ten times by a spurned neighbor on December 27, 1938.

Order Razing Of 6 Buildings As Fire Hazard

Camden Courier-Post —

Order Razing Of 6 Buildings As Fire Hazard - Camden Courier-Post, April 26, 1956

Six Camden properties, described as unfit for human habitation and fire hazards, were ordered razed Wednesday by Edwin Segal, city legal assistant in charge of the condemnation bureau.

The houses are located at 523 Newton ave., 1036 Segal st., 1127 Carpenter st., 250 Burns st. and 620-22 Kaighns ave.

All six properties were declared in dilapidated condition and hazards to children and pedestrians by George LaMarra, inspector in the building bureau.

The Newton ave. building, a two-story brick and frame semi-detached house, is a haven for playing children, according to several nearby residents, who appeared at the hearing. The residents were Mrs. Olga Anton, of 722 Clinton st.; Edward Bender, of 733 Clinton st., and Mrs. Emilie Griffin, of 527 Newton ave.

Segal said he had received a petition signed by 42 residents in the area, urging the property be razed.

Mrs. Mamie Pinsky, of 1212 S. 3rd st., owner of the property, informed Segal she would have the structure demolished.

Owners of the other properties who failed to appear at the scheduled hearing were Louis B. Humphreys Jr., real estate, 3rd and Market sts., for 1036 Segal st.; Edward Gordon et ux, care of Rheba Obus, of 101 N. 7th st., for 1127 Carpenter st.; B. H. Stow et ux, of Marlton, for 250 Burns st., and John W. and Miss Otelia Cromwell, of Washington, represented by Louis M. Huston, of Burr-Smith Co., 13 Haddon ave., for 620-22 Kaighns ave.

1037 Segal Street — 1965, 1966, 1968

Evie Hansbury and Estelle Cannon at 1037 Segal Street, 1965 Estelle Cannon at 1037 Segal Street, 1966 Estelle Cannon and Sharon at 1037 Segal Street, Easter 1968

Top: Evie Hansbury & Estelle Cannon at 1037 Segal Street, 1965. Middle: Estelle Cannon, 1966. Bottom: Estelle Cannon & Sharon, Easter 1968.

Stool Pigeons Ordered Brought Into Court

Camden Courier-Post —

Stool Pigeons Ordered Brought Into Court - Camden Courier-Post, August 11, 1934

Three women defendants in illicit liquor cases were given a four-day respite when arraigned in police court yesterday.

Judge Garfield Pancoast ruled that police raided the three places at which the women were arrested must produce in court the stool pigeons who made the “buys,” and continued the cases until Tuesday, August 14.

The defendants were Mrs. Lillie Ball, 1040 Segal street; Mrs. Louise Weber, 922 North Front street, and Mrs. Sarah Dowling, 7 Wood street. All were arrested after raids yesterday afternoon by Police Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, and all pleaded not guilty in court.

Wilson Pfeiffer — 1042 Segal Street

Wilson Pfeiffer of 1042 Segal Street

Wilson Pfeiffer, 1042 Segal Street. He rescued Mrs. Helen Camp and her infant son from their burning home at 1022 Segal Street on February 22, 1938, running up the flaming stairway in his bare feet. See: Mother, Baby Saved From Burning Home.

Birth of Charles Pratt Wilde — 1061 Segal Street, 1895

Birth certificate of Charles Pratt Wilde, 1061 Segal Street, September 26, 1895

Birth certificate of Charles Pratt Wilde, born September 26, 1895, at 1061 Segal Street. Father: John Henry Wilde (England). Mother: Mary Ann Turner Wilde. Attending physician: Dr. W.H. Pratt.

Man Held for Court, Neighborhood Nuisance

Camden Courier-Post —

Man Held for Court, Neighborhood Nuisance - Camden Courier-Post, September 2, 1927

Described by police as a nuisance to his neighborhood, because of frequent fights with his wife; Walter Schinski, 46 years old, 1027 Segal street, was held in $500 bail for court, on a charge of assault and battery, by Police Judge Bertman today.

Schinski’s wife appeared in court with a swollen and discolored eye. Her husband asserted that a “table hit her,” and added that she has been “running around with other men.” The woman demanded he prove it. Detectives Walter Smith and Joseph Carponi [sic] declared neighbors of the couple have complained of Schinski’s treatment of his wife for some time, and of disturbances caused by him.

Boy Scolded by Parent Reported as Runaway

Camden Courier-Post —

Boy Scolded by Parent Reported as Runaway — Charles Priestly, 1044 Segal Street, 1931

Believed to have run away from home following a reprimand for “coming in late,” Charles Priestly, 16, of 1044 Segal street, was reported missing last night.

The boy’s mother, Elizabeth Priestly, told police her son has “been going around with a couple of bad boys” and that he was reprimanded Monday night by his father, when he came home shortly before midnight. The following night he did not come home at all.

The boy is described as five feet, five inches tall, weighs 125 pounds, and wore a white cap, blue sweater, dark trousers and black shoes and stockings when he left home.

Dogs Bite Two Children

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Two little victims of vicious dogs were patients at Cooper Hospital. They were David Blackson, aged 12 years, of 1062 Segal Street, and Rose Arcani, aged 3 years of 947 South Third Street. The boy was bitten on the left leg and the girl was bitten on the face.

Cafe Owner Fined for Sunday Sales

Camden Courier-Post —

Cafe Owner Fined for Sunday Sales - Camden Courier-Post, August 27, 1935 Cafe Owner Fined for Sunday Sales - Camden Courier-Post, August 27, 1935 Cafe Owner Fined for Sunday Sales - Camden Courier-Post, August 27, 1935

South Camden Saloonkeeper Granted Continuance of Hearing After Raid

A North Camden saloonkeeper was fined $50 with the alternative of serving 50 days in Camden County jail yesterday by Police Judge Lewis Liberman as police continued the drive against Sunday sales.

The saloonkeeper is Clement Bridgeman, 36, of 939 North Third street.

Louis Bruten, 58, colored, who operates a saloon at 773 Central avenue, was arrested for illegal Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages. He was granted a continuance yesterday by Judge Liberman until September 3. Bruten told the court he wanted to obtain the services of an attorney.

Meanwhile Camden police under orders of Chief Arthur Colsey were continuing their investigation opened last Saturday into reports that minors were being sold liquor in various sections of the city. It was reported proprietors of a number of liquor establishments would be ordered to appear before Chief Colsey today for questioning. The probe resulted from facts uncovered by Patrolman John V. Wilkie with the arrest of a runaway Maple Shade girl last week.

It was reported the State Department of Alcohol Beverage Control had detailed several investigators to Camden to conduct a separate inquiry into the matter of selling liquor to minors. At Newark, Deputy Commissioner Garrett in charge of law enforcement said he knew nothing of the report.

Bridgeman entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of violating Section 5 of the Camden city ordinance covering the sale of liquor on Sunday.

Lieutenant Frost presented as evidence 13 glasses, all of which contained beer, which he said were seized when he and Thompson followed a customer into Bridgeman’s establishment Sunday afternoon.

Five men and two women were in the place, Lieutenant Frost testified, three of the men standing up against the bar and two men and the women along with Bridgeman were seated in the backroom.

Bridgeman protested he sold no beer, giving away to all who were in his place because they were friends of his. Mrs. Mary Frank, 64, who resides in an apartment above the saloon and said she was a half-owner of the establishment, was also arrested by the raiders.

Seven of the eight persons arrested in addition to Bridgeman, appeared in police court yesterday. They were charged with disorderly conduct and being material witnesses. The missing person, Ernest Ridge, 42, of 619 Cedar street, forfeited $10 security which he posted.

The others who were discharged with 30-day suspended sentences included: Mrs. Frank, Miss Monica Aument, 23, of 1493 Kenwood avenue; Mrs. Marie Fisher, 41, of 1031 Segal street; Albert Moyer, 53, of 419 Erie street; Charles Luers, 30, of 10 York street; Charles Sevcik, 45, of 225 Milton street and Archibald Knox, 25, of 97 North street.

In finding Bridgeman guilty, Judge Liberman declared the saloonkeeper had no authority to sell or even give beer away to his friends in a taproom on Sunday.

Mother, Baby Saved From Burning Home

Camden Courier-Post —

Barefoot Neighbor Runs Up Stairs Through Flames in Segal Street House

A North Camden woman and her three-month-old baby were rescued from their blazing home at 2.30 a.m. yesterday by a man who ran up a flaming stairway in his bare feet to reach them.

Mrs. Helen Camp, 30, of 1022 Segal street, and her son, Burton, were trapped on the second floor when the fire ate through a partition and ignited the stairs.

Mrs. Camp was awakened by the smoke and attempted to carry her baby downstairs, but she found her path blocked by the flames. She ran to a front window and screamed for help. Neighbors sent in an alarm.

Wilson Pfeiffer, 31, and Richard Dickinson, 34, both of 1042 Segal street, ran into the house when they heard Mrs. Camp’s cries for help. They had taken time only to put on their trousers and shirts.

They ran to the kitchen, filled several buckets with water and doused the blazing stairs. Pfeiffer told Dickinson to keep throwing water on the stairs; and he dashed through the flames to the second floor.

Mrs. Camp was standing at the head of the stairs with the baby in her arms when Pfeiffer reached her. He lifted the woman into his arms and carried her and the baby to the first floor. They were taken in by neighbors. A short time after the three reached the ground floor several of the steps collapsed.

Pfeiffer was taken to Cooper Hospital, where he was treated for burns of the feet and hands. Firemen were unable to determine how the blaze started. They said they believed a stove in the kitchen ignited the partition during the night. They fought the fire for an hour before gaining control.

Segal Street Remembered by Floyd L. Miller Jr.

People I remember who lived on Segal Street when that picture was taken — some I only remember their first name. I lived on the northeast corner at 1000 Segal. Steve Cox lived next door, 1002 Segal — his brother Ronny Cox lived at 1008, and his father and mother lived on the northwest corner with his sister, Chicky Cox. I can't remember his parents names. Their brother Joe lived with Ron.

There was also a man we called John the Junker. He lived at 1006, and he had a giant buggy with wheels like a stagecoach. That thing was humongous, and shaped like a wheelbarrow. He would push that thing all over Camden everyday looking for junk. Other people were an elderly lady named Mrs. Welch, and a man named Lou Kellem, who worked as a security guard at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, and his daughter Nancy.

Then their was another Mr. and Mrs. Miller, my good friend John Wunch, Donald Johnson and family, a man we called Whispering Willy, and Patricia Monroe her husband Biggy. I’m not sure if they were really married, I don’t think so. Everybody knew Biggy, he was pretty cool though he always had a bottle of Tiger Rose — he died of cirrhosis of the liver. Also Bill and Linda Merrell, and Lois and Al Wisniewski. Down on the corner of 2nd and Erie were two stores, one on the northeast corner named Dave’s Market, the other on the southwest corner named Joe’s (O’Donald) Market.

— Floyd Miller Jr., June 2004

$225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants

Camden Courier-Post —

$225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928 $225,000 Fire Ruins 5 Uptown Plants - Camden Courier-Post, February 22, 1928

How Flames Gutted Big Industrial Building

Residents Flee as Flames Rage in Big Building

Factory of Evans Leather Co. Saved by Valiant Work of Firemen

Apparatus Is Disabled; Debris Buried Fire Plug

Metal Stamping Firm, Textile Concern Heavy Losers; Pattern Shop Saved

Taken shortly after daylight today, this photograph shows firemen still pouring water on the ruins of the Varoma building on Erie street from the roof of the Evans Leather Company building adjoining. Five industries were wiped out in the blaze which caused damage estimated at $225,000.

Sweeping through the Varoma Building on Erie street and driving 80 persons from their homes, a spectacular fire early today wrecked the quarters of five industrial concerns and caused damage estimated at $225,000.

Responding to three alarms, every piece of fire apparatus in the city, with the exception of the “cover-up” companies, fought the blaze for hours.

Handicapped by the location of fire-plugs and the breakdown of several pieces of apparatus, the firemen prevented the flames from spreading to the huge building of the Evans Leather Company, which forms an “L” on two sides of the burned structure.

Twenty dwellings on the east side of Segal street, separated from the Varoma building only by a narrow alley, were also saved after their occupants had fled to the street.

Fire Chief Thomas Nicholas announced later today, after the flames had been brought under control, that he would begin a rigid investigation into the blocking of Segal street by a high board fence and the piling of refuse around a fireplug at the head of the street.

The wrecked building is owned by the Varoma Corporation of which Thomas Van Osten, of Palmyra, is president; William MacIntosh, 3[?]7 Vine street, vice president; Alfred Van Osten, of Palmyra, secretary, and David B. Robinson, of West Collingswood.

Building Loss $50,000

MacIntosh today estimated the damage to the building alone at $50,000. He is also president of the MacIntosh Printing and Lithographing Company, of which James J. Stinson, of Merchantville is secretary. Damage estimated at $10,000 resulted from the fire in the quarters of that concern.

The other industries, all located in the big brick building, which suffered in the blaze, with official estimate of the damage to each, are as follows:

Blue and Gray Textile Company, of which T. A. Carr, of 302 Porter road, Fairview, is president, $30,000.

Allied Metal Stamping Company, of which Joseph A. Skublicki, of 115 State street, is president, and William Daugherty, vice president, $75,000.

James A. MacMillan & Co., manufacturing chemists, headed by James MacMillan, of 809 North Third street, $10,000.

Philadelphia Metal Stamping Company, of which firm Clement A. and Mrs. Florence Perrin, of Collingswood, and Edwin L. Seabrook, of 566 Benson street, are members, $50,000.

Other Concerns Escape

The fire was discovered at 5.35 o’clock by a watchman who sounded the first alarm. The flames had started, from causes as yet undetermined, in that portion of the building occupied by the Blue & Gray Textile Company. The building, which housed nine separate industries, covered an area 100 by 300 feet. Part of it was one story in height and another part two stories. Four of the industries in the two-story section of the building escaped serious damage. They are Kruse & Slattery, tool-makers; the Camden Hardware Manufacturing Company, the Wolf Company, manufacturers of advertising novelties; the Thomas C. Van Osten pattern-makers, headed b[illegible]dent of the concern w[illegible] building.

The structure, at 105-107 Erie street, extends back almost to Segal street and has a frontage covering most of the block on Erie street between Second and Burns streets.

Arrivnig [sic] in response to the watchman’s alarm, Chief Nicholas visioned the danger of repetition of the fire nine years ago when buildings at the same location were wiped out by flames. He immediately sounded the second and third alarms, bringing almost every piece of apparatus in the city to the scene.

Carr, president of the textile company, estimated the loss there at $30,000, stating that a large shipment of intricate machinery from Germany had arrived only a few days ago. The concern was anticipating removal, in a short time, to larger quarters at Ninth and State streets, Carr added.

From the two large rooms occupied by the Blue & Gray textile firm, the flames swung over to the quarters of the Allied Metal Stamping Company. Daugherty, the vice-president of this concern, said his company was filling a large order for electric switch-boxes and had been working at capacity for several weeks. Switch-boxes valued at $40,000 were destroyed by the fire, with machinery and other equipment valued by Daugherty at an additional $35,000.

Blasts Add to Perils

Moving northward, the flames next struck the MacMillan plant, where chemicals are manufactured for paints and drug companies. Here the flames reached a number of containers of chemicals and, for a time, the blaze was punctuated by a series of explosions. Here, firemen risked imminent peril to their lives by carrying other containers of chemicals out of reach of the flames.

Still continuing northward; the fire next reached the MacIntosh lithographing plant and spread through the cutting and shipping rooms, causing damage estimated at $10,000 before firemen succeeded in dragging two lines of hose into this section of the building and driving back the flames.

The Philadelphia Metal Supply Company went next as the fire swept eastward. In this plant, metal cornices and valuable hand-made dies were destroyed at a loss estimated by Perrin, a member of the firm, at $50,000. Arriving at the scene, apparatus from Engine Companies No. 1 and No. 7 developed boiler trouble and were unable to work. Firemen were further handicapped by the fact that the Evans Leather Company has blocked off Segal street at the north end by a high board fence. A fireplug at this point was also blocked by a pile of chemical containers, declared to have been placed there by the leather company.

Declaring that he could have attached at least four more hose lines had this plug not been blocked, Chief Nicholas announced that he would conduct an investigation. He said also that the leather company had failed to place gates in the Segal street fence, as city officials required them to do when permission was given for erection of the barrier.

Hose lines were taken to the flat roof of the Evans company, high above the burning building, and water poured onto the flames from this altitude. Hundreds of persons were attracted to the scene by the spectacular nature of the fire, which was visible from the Camden bridge and for miles around. A police detail led by Chief James E. Tatem and Inspector Lewis Etehr [sic] kept the crowds in check.

Firemen escaped injury while fighting the flames at their height, but while they were still pouring streams of water onto the ruins shortly before noon today, the first casualty occurred. Emanuel Kane, of 703 North Third street, a fireman attached to Engine Company No. 6, was struck on the head and knocked down by a 12-foot length of steel bar, six inches thick, which pinned him under it as he fell. Companions ran to his aid, lifted the bar from him and revived him. Hospital treatment was not necessary.

Eight other firemen narrowly escaped serious injury a few minutes later when a section of the east wall fell. The eight men were standing under the wall when one of them saw it totter. They dashed from the spot just in time to avoid being buried by the falling debris. Three of these firemen were from Engine Company No. 1 at Fifth and Arch streets; three from No. 4, Fourth and Vine streets, and two from No. 2 Company, Front and Linden streets.

Jack Sperry, an Evening Courier photographer, was walking along the roof of a part of the burned building when he fell through a portion of it which had been burned from beneath. Pinned at his arm-pits, he was dragged out. He got his picture.

While carrying a hose line into the [illegible] structure, Firemen Harry Lee [illegible] David Ellis were knocked down when a [illegible]pling blew off the hose but [illegible] hurt.

[illegible] wild confusion was [illegible] street when members [illegible] whose homes were threatened by the flames, rushed to the street, many of them clad only in night clothing. Carrying screaming children with them, occupants of the dwellings also dashed out with furniture and personal belongings which they piled in the street. Cellars of the score of houses on Segal street were flooded by water from the firehoses, which was knee-deep amid the ruins.

Families whose homes were menaced and who were driven from the dwellings were those of Paul Warner, 1002 Segal street; Frank Bosco, 1004; Giles Beebe, 1006; Howard Pratt, 1008; Mrs. Mary Sweeten, 1010; Charles Randall, 1012; Harry Burr, 1014; John Sweeten, 1016; Leona Moore, 1018; Dora Annastasio, 1020; John Hamilton, 1024; Abe Granis, 1026; George Stewart, 1028; Arthur Wilkins, 1032; Charles Stutzenburg, 1034; George Wilson, 1036; George Bowers, 1040, and A. W. Dickinson, 1042 Segal street.

The fire today was the fourth big blaze that has occurred on the site. The first was in 1867, when a roller mill and nail factory were destroyed.

In the second, in 1908, flames destroyed the morocco plant of R. H. Evans Company.

In 1919, with the temperature at the zero point, firemen were again called out to fight another disastrous blaze in the Evans plant that had been rebuilt.

Fence That Hampered Firemen

Camden Courier-Post —

Fence That Hampered Firemen - Camden Courier-Post, February 24, 1928 Fence That Hampered Firemen - Camden Courier-Post, February 24, 1928

The upper view shows the fence at the end of Segal Street, above Erie Street, which firemen say hampered them during yesterday’s big fire which caused $225,000 damage. The insert shows how a fireplug was blocked. The lower sketch is a bird’s eye view of where the fences are located in relation to the big blaze. Officials of several plants destroyed by fire say they will demand from city officials an explanation as to why the fence was built.

2 Firms to Demand City Begin Probe of Fence as Aid in Fire

Camden Courier-Post —

2 Firms to Demand City Begin Probe of Fence as Aid in Fire - Camden Courier-Post, February 24, 1928 2 Firms to Demand City Begin Probe of Fence as Aid in Fire - Camden Courier-Post, February 24, 1928 2 Firms to Demand City Begin Probe of Fence as Aid in Fire - Camden Courier-Post, February 24, 1928 2 Firms to Demand City Begin Probe of Fence as Aid in Fire - Camden Courier-Post, February 24, 1928

Structure Across Alley Caused Heavier Loss at Factory Blaze, Officials Say

GATES FOUND BOLTED

Officials of two North Camden industrial plants that were wiped out by fire yesterday morning, announced today they would demand a thorough investigation by the building inspectors and highway department as to why a ten foot fence was allowed to be built across Segal street and a wide alley adjoining their property on Erie street. They claim that if the fence had not been erected Camden firemen would have been able to check the blaze which caused $225,000 damage.

Officials who will demand an investigation are Vincent P. Dougherty, vice president of the Allied Metal Stamping Company, whose loss was $75,000, and C. E. Perrin, head of the Philadelphia Metal Stamping Company, who suffered a $50,000 loss in the blaze.

“I intended to ask Mayor Price to start a probe that will not end in a whitewash,” Dougherty said. “The fences were constructed of heavy planking by the John R. Evans and Company. It is my impression that when the company sought permission to erect these fences they were informed gates must be placed there in case of fire. Gates were installed in the fence leading into the alley but some time ago the gates were bolted and carboys of acids and other chemicals were placed against the fence.

Fence Near Fireplug

“The fence cutting off Segal street is right against a fire plug and this hampered the firemen in their work. If the firemen had been able to use this plug at once the fire loss would not have been so great.”

“The erection of these fences was an outrage. I don’t know who gave the Evans company permission to build them, but I want to find out why they were allowed to be built,” Perrin said.

Firemen said they believed the fence contained a gate, but when they arrived at the blaze they found the gates bolted. Fire Chief Nichols said the fence compelled the firemen to lay 900 feet of hose where if they had been able to get through the fence at once they would have been required to lay only 100 feet to reach the blaze.

Engineer Defends Action

Charles Jones, chief engineer of the Evans plant, said the company was within its rights in constructing the wooden fence as it was built on the Evans property.

“We bought property on Segal street about nine years ago,” Evans said. Segal street was never a through street and when we bought the property we tore down the buildings and moved the dead end further south.

The city, after we made the purchase, removed water and gas mains and if they left a fire plug up against our fence that is the fault of the city. The properties were bought and torn down about nine years ago.”

Fire Chief Nichols said today had there been a gate on the two fences the fire loss would have been greatly cut down. George W. Johnson, building inspector said the matter had not been brought to his attention as yet.

Letter to the Editor of The Evening Courier

Camden Courier-Post —

Letter to the Editor of The Evening Courier - Camden Courier-Post, February 29, 1928 Letter to the Editor of The Evening Courier - Camden Courier-Post, February 29, 1928

To the Editor of The Evening Courier.

Sir:—In Monday’s issue I noticed a letter, “Some Whys Suggested By the Fire in Erie Street,” which I will endeavor to answer in the sequence in which they were asked.

“Why is a corporation allowed to dead end a street?”

This I suppose applies to Segal street, at the river end of which next to the leather plant is a high board fence and against which is a fireplug with outlet facing towards Erie street. Rilett’s shipyard previous to the leather plant’s purchase of the same had the same condition existing, and when the new plant was built the city cut the water main and moved the fireplug up the street outside of the new owner’s line. This has existed for years, and cannot now be criticised. So far as maintaining a passageway or alley there, none ever existed either during Segal’s building and ownership of the old match factory, ammonia plant and ice plant on this site or the old Rilett ship repair yard, and as the leather plant bought 10 houses, five on each side of Segal street at that end, they are entirely within their rights to erect a fence there and store anything on their own property they see fit.

As for the driveway running down by the burnt buildings, there never was an outlet at the river end, only a gate for a man to pass through when going from Rilett’s shipyard to the blacksmith’s shop on the other side for the work he did for the shipyard, all of which property is included in the present site of the leather plant.

“Why are fire towers outlet to streets locked at all times?”

The law distinctly says that fire tower doors must be open to exit from the inside and to prevent people from entering from the outside. A special lock is used which allows the doors to be opened from the inside but locked against the outside entrance of same. No other kind of lock is used as in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and New York the fire marshals and safety inspectors are on the job too much to allow any monkey business with fire tower exits.

In answer to third question, I would say that the fire department has the right to burst open any thing or place necessary to gain entrance, but as the fire was outside the building, which was amply protected by fire walls, they probably did not think it necessary.

As far as the fire equipment going bad at such times this can be expected especially when conditions exist as outlined by the last part of “A Taxpayer’s” letter, to which this is an answer.

J. T. L.

Fire-Fence Probe Refused by City

Camden Courier-Post —

Fire-Fence Probe Refused by City - Camden Courier-Post, February 25, 1928 Fire-Fence Probe Refused by City - Camden Courier-Post, February 25, 1928

Officials Declare They Have No Jurisdiction in Factory Blaze Controversy

City officials declared today they would make no investigation into the erection of two large fences which firemen say hampered them in fighting the $225,000 fire at the Varoma Building, Second and Erie streets, early Thursday morning.

The fence, erected by the John R. Evans & Company, cuts off Segal street and prevented the firemen from entering an alley from Front street which would have enabled them, they said, to fight the fire from the rear.

Bernard Gallagher, fire marshal, said there was sufficient water without the firemen using the blocked fire plug on Segal street.

“It required only 150 feet more of hose to circle the yard and this was attached so quickly the Segal street plug was not necessary. We are not planning any investigation,” he said.

Vincent P. Dougherty, vice president of the Allied Metal Stamping Company, whose firm suffered a $75,000 loss, and C. E. Perrin, head of the Philadelphia Metal Stamping Company, which lost $50,000 in the blaze, yesterday asked Mayor Price to order an investigation.

George W. Johnson, building inspector, said today the city had no authority or jurisdiction in the matter.

“The fence was built on the Evans property and no authority is necessary from the city for the erection of a fence,” he said. “There is no regulation I know of requiring gates to be placed in a private fence.”

Jimmy Rodgers Is Given 180 Days

Camden Courier-Post —

Former Boxer Jailed on Speakeasy Charge, Held on Stolen Goods Count

James “Jimmy” Rodgers, 28-year-old former boxer who on numerous occasions has run afoul of the law, was sentenced yesterday to serve 180 days in the county jail for operating a speakeasy at 1000 Segal Street.

In addition, he was held without bail by Police Judge Pancoast on a charge of possession of stolen goods. The goods were identified by their owner, James Greer, 35, of 332 North Second Street, who was in the speakeasy when police raided it Monday night.

Greer turned state’s evidence against Rodgers in police court yesterday, and for a reward, received a suspended sentence.

District Detective Harry Kyler, Marshall Thompson and Walter Smith raided the speakeasy and confiscated 65 pints of whisky in bottles and a gallon of whisky in a jug. Kyler testified Rodgers was not there when the raiders entered the place but appeared later and was arrested.

3 Others Nabbed

Three others were arrested in the place. These were Greer, Thomas Spencer, 33, who gave the speakeasy as his home address, and John D. Wood, 35, of 928 Kimber street. Spencer has been arrested approximately 75 times, the police said.

The detectives, when searching the premises, found a suitcase filled with shoestrings, collar buttons and other merchandise. Greer identified the case and its contents as having been stolen from his car when it was parked on Segal Street near Front some time ago. He lodged the complaint of possession of stolen goods against Rodgers.

Rodgers was arraigned on three charges, including the stolen goods count. The other complaints were that he sold beer without a license and violated Section 422 of the city ordinances which prohibits disorderly persons to congregate on the premises.

Rodgers pleaded not guilty on all three charges, and told the court he had “nothing to say.” He was fined $200 on each of the charges of violating Section 422, and selling without a license, and when he did not pay, he was sentenced to 90 days on each of the two counts. He was committed to the county jail without bail on Greer’s complaint of possession of stolen goods.

Greer testified that he had purchased liquor in Rodgers’ place several times, as late as last night. Greer’s sentence was suspended.

Spencer Refuses to Talk

Spencer refused to testify against Rodgers. He said he did not know “what was going on there” and that he was there painting.

“You won’t be painting there for 90 days,” retorted the court in pronouncing sentence.

Wood, the other man arrested in the place, did not appear in court and forfeited $10 security he had posted after the raid.

Rodgers has been arrested several times for operating speakeasies. He was also arrested as a material witness two years ago in the murder of William “Shooey” Bonner.

Spencer was arrested so often when he resided in Gloucester that he became known as “Gloucester’s Peck’s Bad Boy,” the police said. Since moving to Camden he has been arrested nearly 50 times, police stated.

The majority of his arrests have been on charges of drunkenness and disorderly conduct, but in 1925 and in 1926, he was arrested on a charge of larceny of automobile. Again in 1929 he was charged with non support, when he was ordered to pay his wife $10 weekly. Back in 1916 he was arrested on a charge of stealing a gold watch.

3 Hydrant Showers Dedicated; Segal Street Youngsters Happy

Camden Courier-Post —

3 Hydrant Showers Dedicated; Segal Street Youngsters Happy - Camden Courier-Post, August 8, 1935 3 Hydrant Showers Dedicated; Segal Street Youngsters Happy - Camden Courier-Post, August 8, 1935

North Camden Garden Club Sponsors Move to Give Children Relief on Sultry Days; Mayor Turns Key for First Spray

More Heat Waves—Who Cares—Not These!

Courier-Post Photo.

Heat waves may come and heat waves may go, and maybe it won’t rain anymore, all of which is of no concern now to the children of Segal street, North Camden. For now they have their own private “bathing beach” in the form of sprinklers attached to fire hydrants. Mayor Frederick von Nieda is shown here turning on the water at the dedication of the showers yesterday.

Segal street youngsters came into “their own” yesterday afternoon.

With ceremonies befitting an occasion of such importance to North Camden’s juvenile residents, three sprinklers attached a fire hydrant at the end of the street were dedicated.

Mayor Frederick von Nieda turned the key which sent the first spray of water over happy youngsters. Assisting was Robert Brennan, First Ward Republican county committeeman.

Even a band turned out to play for more than an hour for the residents of the flag-draped street. Added to the peanut scramble and distribution of lolly pops and “yum yum” for all, it made quite the outstanding afternoon of the summer for most.

The ceremonies were largely brought about through the efforts of the North Camden Garden Club and parents on the street.

There are 95 children and more than 100 adults on the block, and during the hot, sweltering days of July harassed parents racked their brains for a means of providing relief for the children.

Committee Organized

Through co-operation with the North Camden Garden Club and its president, Walter S. Agin, a committee of residents approached city officials.

Arrangement was made whereby officials agreed to permit the use of the hydrant at regular intervals daily.

A collection was taken up among the “Segal streeters”, and the triple spray shower was purchased.

The committee included John F. Hedican, chairman, George M. Wilson, Harry Rowland, Austin Dickinson and Harry Condell, assisted by Brennan.

To make the showers even more inviting, the Belgian blocks with which the street is paved were cemented over an area of 32 feet to assure smooth footing for the children.

Yesterday’s program was temporarily delayed when showers sent residents indoors. However, they ceased shortly after 2 p. m., when exercises were scheduled to start.

The ceremonies opened with selections by the Leisure Time Activities band, with W. H. Townsend conducting. Then, the entire group joined in singing “America.”

Hedican, secretary of the North Camden club and a resident of the street, welcomed guests who included Willard King, county director of Leisure Time Activities, and Agin, in addition to the Mayor.

Refreshments Distributed

Mayor von Nieda, Agin, King and Brennan all spoke briefly. Then the women took charge. Mrs. George M. Wilson, chairman, Mrs. Helen Knox, Mrs. Harry Rowland, Mrs. Anna Lukaszewski and Ruth Coleman conducted the peanut scramble and saw to it that no child was missed in the distribution of refreshments.

A concert completed the program.

The children on the street had a “swell time”, yesterday, and they look forward to a whole lot more for the rest of the summer. But they haven’t forgotten their pals in the neighborhood.

“Good bye, Mister!”, they shouted to the photographer when he left, we’re gonna let all the kids around here use our showers. If you’ve got any friends send them around, too!”

Segal Street Folk Give Outdoor Dance

Camden Courier-Post —

Segal Street Folk Give Outdoor Dance — Camden Courier-Post, August 19, 1935, column 1 Segal Street Folk Give Outdoor Dance — Camden Courier-Post, August 19, 1935, column 2

Prizes Donated by Merchants Awarded to Contest Winners

Residents of Segal street entertained their neighbors Saturday afternoon at an outdoor dance contest arranged by a committee headed by John F. Hedican. Prizes donated by local merchants were awarded to the following winners: Waltz, Josephine Vergo, of 1043 Segal street, and Mrs. William Bonner, of 916 North Front street; lady’s solo, Mrs. Frances Lynskey, of 1033 Segal street; men’s solo, John Webber, of 932 North Maine street, Philadelphia, and Joseph Frost, of 1021 Segal street; novelty dance, Carrie Jordan, of 1018 Segal street; girls’ dance, Thelma Lynskey, of 1033 Segal street, and Esther Cathers, of 1004 Segal street; second prize, Mabel Knox, of 1015 Segal street, and Frances Lynskey, of 1033 Segal street.

Music was furnished by the Harmony Boys, under direction of Frank Torella. Soft drinks were given the guests. The dance judges were George M. Wilson, Harry Condell and Howard Cathers. The refreshments committee comprised Austin Dickinson, Mrs. George M. Wilson and Mrs. Harry Rowland.

Driver Hurt in Crash as Machine Overturns

Camden Courier-Post —

Driver Hurt in Crash as Machine Overturns — Harry Condell, 1009 Segal Street, August 8, 1936

Harry Condell, 40, of 1009 Segal street, was treated at Cooper Hospital last night for cuts and bruises of the hands and knee after a collision between his car and one driven by Nathan Weitman, 26, of 528 North Third street, at Third and York streets. Condell’s car overturned after the crash and burst into flames. Firemen were called to extinguish the blaze.

Patrolmen Thomas Welch and John V. Wilkie said Weitman has been in several accidents in the past year and they will seek to have his license revoked.

Swung at Sgt. Smith, Sentence Suspended

Camden Courier-Post —

A man who allegedly aimed a blow at Sgt. Ray Smith, ex-heavyweight champion of the A.E.F. Tuesday night received a 30-day suspended sentence in police court yesterday.

Police Judge Lewis Liberman said he suspended sentence on George Gordon, 40, of 1018 Segal Street, because the blow he aimed at Smith never landed.

Gordon, after starting an argument with the doorman at a theatre at Broadway and Market street, tried to punch Smith when he remonstrated with him. Smith, a special officer, arrested Gordon on a disorderly conduct charge.

Mrs. Agnes Ross

Camden Courier-Post —

Funeral services for Mrs. Agnes Ross, 36, wife of Howard Ross, of 1014 Segal Street, Camden, will be held tomorrow, 2 p.m., at 414 South Fifth Street, Camden. Mrs. Ross died Friday in West Jersey Hospital from pneumonia. Four children survive. Burial will be private in New Camden Cemetery.

Fights for Life

Camden Courier-Post —

Fights for Life - Camden Courier-Post, December 27, 1938

FLORENCE GOTTWALD Young North Camden woman, who was shot 10 times last night in front of her home, 1036 Segal street, by Emil Mascher, 46, a neighbor, whose attentions she had spurned for three years. Mascher confessed the shooting to police. Miss Gottwald is near death in Cooper Hospital.

Woman Shot 10 Times By No. Camden Suitor Spurned for 3 Years

Camden Courier-Post —

Victim Is Near Death; Admirer Gives Up Self

Emil Mascher, 46, Empties Gun 3 Times at Florence Gottwald, 26

Angered Over Return of Xmas Candy Gift

WPA Worker Opens Fire as RCA Employee Returns Home in Auto

Shot 10 times last night by a suitor she had spurned for months, Florence Gottwald, 26, of 1036 Segal Street, lay near death in Cooper Hospital today while her assailant, Emil Mascher, 46, awaited a police court hearing in a city jail cell. Mascher, with a reputation of being a quiet, unassuming man in his neighborhood, emptied a revolver at Miss Gottwald in front of her home. Ignoring her screams for mercy as she lay on the sidewalk, he twice reloaded his weapon and emptied it at her. Then he calmly walked to the corner of Front and Erie streets and waited until police arrived and arrested him.

Gift of Candy Returned

Police said Mascher brooded over the fact that Miss Gottwald refused his advances of friendship. The accused man said he tried to get her to marry him for three years. Yesterday she returned, unopened, his Christmas gift of a five-pound box of candy.

The shooting occurred as Miss Gottwald was alighting from the automobile of a friend who had brought her home. As she stepped to the sidewalk, Mascher walked from the shadows and without warning opened fire. “Don’t, please don’t,” the girl screamed as she fell to the street. Ignoring her plea, Mascher recharged his revolver, emptied it again at her. Again he refilled the chamber. There was no plea for mercy as he emptied it the third time. She lay on the walk unconscious.

Little Chance to Live

Rushed to Cooper Hospital in a police patrol, it was found 10 bullets struck the girl. Attendants said there was “one chance in a thousand” she would survive. Her condition became critical at 1:30 a.m., and she was placed in an oxygen tent. One bullet pierced her body, entering the right breast. Another struck her in the abdomen. Three lodged in her left wrist, one in her left palm. Two bullets entered the right forearm, another the right shoulder.

As he emptied the revolver the last time, Mascher, a WPA worker living at 1004 Segal Street, tossed the gun aside and walked to Front and Erie streets, where police found him. “I loved her,” Mascher told them. “I loved her madly but she never paid any attention to me. For three years I tried to get her to marry me, but she wouldn’t have anything to do with me. I don’t know why I did this.”

After questioning Mascher at headquarters, detectives took him to the hospital and into the operating room where surgeons prepared for an operation in an attempt to save Miss Gottwald’s life. “That’s the man,” the girl said. “Let me kiss her, please,” Mascher begged Detectives Clarence Arthur, James McLaughlin, and Leon Feltz. “Take him away,” the girl begged in a voice barely audible.

Mascher, who has lived alone since the death of his mother three weeks ago, told detectives he brooded “all day” over Miss Gottwald’s rejection of his attentions. The return of his Christmas present, a five-pound box of candy, he said, was the “final blow.” He said he visited relatives in Philadelphia and returned home. He learned Miss Gottwald was away from home for the evening. He said he sat in a room from which he could observe her return. He saw her step from the car of Donald Osmund, 23, of 2904 Carman Street, whose wife, Gertrude, and Miss Gottwald are intimate friends. She had spent the evening with them. With them was Osmund’s seven-year-old nephew, Vincent Macrina, of 542 North 7th Street. “I don’t know what happened then,” Mascher told detectives.

Fired Without Warning

Osmund, however, said he saw Mascher come from the shadow of the Gottwald home and with no warning began firing at the girl. Mascher was 20 feet or less away when he fired the first shots, Osmund said, and kept walking toward Miss Gottwald as he fired. When the girl fell to the ground, Osmund said, Mascher reloaded the revolver and walked a few feet closer to her. The last shots were fired, Osmund said, as she lay unconscious. Osmund said the first shots “paralyzed” him and he was fearful Mascher would fire at him and his nephew. He said he “finally managed” to get his car started, drove a few blocks and called police.

Neighbors Call Police

Neighbors had summoned police. Feltz and McLaughlin were first to arrive in a police car. About the same time as the patrol wagon of the First District arrived. The crew placed the girl, whose clothing was saturated with blood, in the patrol wagon and proceeded to the hospital. Staff physicians ordered an operation as a last resort to save her life.

Miss Gottwald, an attractive brunette, is employed as a radio tester by the RCA Manufacturing Co., Inc. She lives with her mother, Mrs. Catherine Gottwald. Though she heard the shooting, the mother did not know her daughter was the victim until notified by police. She collapsed but was revived and insisted on being taken to the hospital. She was allowed to see her daughter for a moment and then was led to a seat outside the operating room.

After taking Mascher to the hospital, detectives returned him to police headquarters for further questioning in which County Detective Chief Lawrence T. Doran took part. According to Doran, there were three other witnesses of the shooting. They are Wilson Peiffer, 32, of 1040 Segal Street, and two small girls, Grace Kelly, 10, of 1016 Segal Street and Alberta Bosco, 13, of 1014 Segal Street. Peiffer told detectives he was asleep when aroused by a shot. He said he ran to the window of his bedroom and saw Mascher firing at Miss Gottwald. The girls said they, too, were aroused from sleep and from their bedroom windows saw the shooting.

Miss Gottwald was employed at the RCA plant for nine years and is widely known as an amateur impersonator. She appeared in that role a number of times with the Holy Name Minstrels and won several prizes in contests for amateurs, several of them at Convention Hall.

Victim of Shooting Expected to Live

Camden Courier-Post —

Only 5 of Bullets Fired by Rejected Suitor Hit No. Camden Woman

Miss Florence Gottwald, 26-year-old radio worker who was shot by a WPA worker she spurned, will recover, physicians at the Cooper Hospital said today after a thorough examination of her wounds.

Previously believed by police to have been struck by 10 of 18 bullets fired at her, the woman is suffering from only five gunshot wounds, none of which is serious unless infection develops, the doctors said.

The belief that she had been hit by 10 bullets was due to the fact that four of the five bullets which struck her passed through her arms, making two surface wounds in each case.

The fifth bullet struck her in the abdomen while she was lying on the ground but did not penetrate the abdominal muscles, according to the physicians. It was removed from under her right arm, where it had lodged. Its course lay directly under the skin.

Bullets Break Bones

A two hour examination of Miss Gottwald was made by a half-dozen physicians of the hospital staff last night. They agreed that while the bullet wounds of her arms broke bones, they are not considered serious. They said the stomach wound was superficial.

The doctors said the woman is suffering more from loss of blood and shock than from the effect of the bullets. She was given a transfusion yesterday and will undergo another today, they said.

One of the bullets penetrated her left palm, another went through her left forearm, the third pierced her left upper arm and a fourth struck her in the lower part of her right arm and went through. The bones were broken in each of the places the bullet passed through.

The physicians said that if no complications set in, Miss Gottwald will be able to leave the hospital in two or three weeks.

Meanwhile police announced that Emil Mascher, 46, a WPA worker, signed a confession at headquarters, admitting that he shot Miss Gottwald in an alleyway leading to their homes on Segal Street. Mascher lives at 1004 Segal, and Miss Gottwald at 1036. He will be arraigned in police court.

Hospital physicians selected four persons from 12 who offered their blood for transfusion. Of these, Gerald Harter, 24, of 827 North 6th Street, brother of a girl friend of Miss Gottwald, gave the first transfusion shortly after noon. The other three were instructed to return today.

Segal Street Kids, 1942

Segal Street kids, 1942 — Tom Stone, center with dark shirt and cap

Segal Street kids, 1942. Tom Stone, center with dark shirt and cap. Photos courtesy of Warren Fairess, from the collection of his mother, Marie Fisbeck Fairess.

Technical Sergeant Francis J. Knox

1019 Segal Street — World War II

Technical Sergeant Francis J. Knox, 1019 Segal Street, World War II

Technical Sergeant Francis J. Knox, 1019 Segal Street. World War II.

Floyd Miller Jr. on the Camden Riots

I remember during the riots — I was a kid then but on Segal Street we had to stand at the end of Segal Street with shotguns to keep our houses from getting burnt down.

— Floyd Miller Jr., June 2004

Girl, 15, Drowns Trying to Catch Minnows

Philadelphia Daily News —

Girl, 15, Drowns Trying to Catch Minnows - Philadelphia Daily News, May 22, 1962

A group of six young boys and girls went to catch minnows along the Cooper River, 300 yards south of the State St. bridge, in Camden, at 7 last night.

Donna Binder, 15, of 1000 Segal St., Camden, was wading, trying to scoop up a school of minnows when she stepped into a deep hole.

While her friends watched, horrified and helpless, she disappeared. Her friends ran to the bridge-tender’s shack and told attendant William Caffrey what happened. He called police.

AT 9 O’CLOCK, after continuous dragging for almost two hours, firemen brought up the girl’s body. She was taken to Cooper Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Donna and a friend, Georgia Hazel, 13, of 522 N. 3d St., Camden, had left Donna’s home to visit Donna’s grandmother in Ablett Village, a Camden housing development. But on the way they met four boys.

The boys invited the girls to join them in their “minnow hunt.” So the girls went along.

IN THE GROUP were Georgia’s brother, James, 14; James Luciano, 9, of 522 N. 3d St.; William Stavlick, of 616 Linwood Ave., and Curtis Platt, 10, of 908 Elm St.

The spot where Donna was drowned has been a danger area during hot days. Two weeks ago a boy drowned in almost the exact spot.

And yesterday four boys in a boat got in trouble and were hauled ashore by police.

Donna was identified at the hospital by her mother, Mary, 38, and her stepfather, William Kunitz.

Girl Drowns In Cooper River

Camden Courier-Post —

Girl Drowns In Cooper River - Camden Courier-Post, May 22, 1962 Girl Drowns In Cooper River - Camden Courier-Post, May 22, 1962 Girl Drowns In Cooper River - Camden Courier-Post, May 22, 1962 Girl Drowns In Cooper River - Camden Courier-Post, May 22, 1962

(Another Photo on Page 2)

Donna Binder.

A 15-year-old North Camden girl, on her way to visit her grandmother Monday night, drowned in Cooper River when she and five friends decided to hunt for minnows instead.

The girl, Donna Binder of 1000 Segal st., was to have graduated from Pyne Poynt Junior High School next month.

Police said Donna and a friend, Georgia Hazel, 13, of 522 N. 3rd st., left home about 7 p.m. They intended to visit Donna’s grandmother in Ablett Village.

Instead, they joined Georgia’s brother, James, 14, James Luciano, 9, also of 522 N. 3rd st., William Spavlick, 11, of 616 Linwood st., and Curtis Platts, of 908 Elm st.

According to investigators, the youths headed for the east bank of Cooper River and began looking for minnows about 300 yards south of the State st. bridge.

Steps Into Hole

Donna’s companions said she wandered about 10 feet from shore in shallow water. Suddenly she stepped into a hole and disappeared. She came to the surface, thrashed about and called for help. James Hazel, Luciano and Spavlick tried to reach her as she fought to stay afloat in about 10 feet of water.

Their rescue attempts failed and Donna slipped below the water.

The youths then ran along the river’s edge to the bridge where they told attendant William Caffrey what had happened. Caffrey called police who dispatched Fire Rescue Squad 1, Engine Companies 6 and 11 and several police cars.

Rescuers reached the spot at 8:20 p.m. and, directed by Second District Fire Chief Godfrey Patterson, began dragging operations. Harrison McNair of Rescue Company 1 stripped and dove in a vain attempt to make a quick recovery.

Mother Collapses

Donna’s body was recovered about 9 p.m. by Acting Capt. James Smith. She was pronounced dead on arrival at Cooper Hospital at 9:21. Camden County Coroner Howard Creran said he will perform an autopsy at 1:30 p.m. today.

The girl was identified by her mother, Mary, 38, and stepfather, William Kunitz, at the hospital. Mrs. Kunitz became hysterical after seeing her daughter and collapsed. She was revived, given a sedative and sent home.

Donna is also survived by three sisters, Nancy, 19; Betty, 13; Rita, 10, and a brother, Richard, 17.

—Courier-Post Photos by Bob Bartosz

STRIPPED TO HIS SHORTS, Harrison McNair of Fire Rescue Company 1 helps rescuers in boat look for body of Donna Binder who was drowned in Cooper River Monday night.

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