Stevens Street
STEVENS STREET was named after the two Stevens brothers, Robert L. and Edwin A. Stevens, who owned a large tract of land south of the Camden & Amboy Railroad, which they laid out into building lots about 1840.
On May 4, 1875 Camden City Council, by ordinance, vacated Stevens Street east of 6th Street for a hospital which was to be called “Camden Hospital,” subsequently changed to “The Cooper Hospital” in honor of its donors. In 1888 an ordinance was passed moving the easterly curb of 6th street, between Mickle and Benson Streets, thirty feet westward, making the street from curb to curb thirty feet wide, the ground so vacated to be kept forever free from buildings.
The charter of the Camden Homeopathic Hospital and Dispensary Association was granted February 5, 1885. The house at 4th and Arch Streets was fitted up for hospital use and opened on March 2, 1885. In 1887 the property at West and Stevens Streets was purchased, and the hospital moved there and continued its work until the fall of 1890, when it was voted to close the hospital. On May 15, 1891 the West Jersey Homeopathic Dispensary and Hospital association was incorporated. The house at 3 North 5th was rented and fitted up as a dispensary; and later the building at West and Stevens Street was purchased from the old Association and opened to the public on March 25, 1892. This early hospital moved to Mount Ephraim Avenue, and is known in modern times as the West Jersey Hospital. The cornerstone of the present West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital at Mount Ephraim and Atlantic Avenues was laid on June 29, 1912.
The Camden Day Nursery Association organized on April 14, 1890. The Association opened its Nursery at 416 Stevens Street in 1894.
In 1914 the Amoroso Bakery opened at 320 Stevens Street. It remained there until 1929, when it moved back to Philadelphia. Amoroso rolls remain a Delaware Valley delicacy to this day.
The Young Women’s Christian association (YWCA) moved into its present new building on Stevens Street above Broadway on May 17, 1924.
In 1942 the Holl Block, at the northeast corner of Broadway and Stevens Street, was razed to make room for the block of stores that still serves Camden shoppers over sixty years later. In July of that year 225 Broadway, on the northwest corner of Broadway and Stevens, was also razed to make way for two new stores.
Around 1970 the 200 block of Stevens Street was condemned and razed. The Royal Court Townhomes were built as a rent to own public housing project. Problems plagued the facility, and by the mid 1990s only six of the ninety-three units were occupied. Only after The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development stepped in and de-politicized the situation, was the Housing Authority of the City of Camden, under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Maria Marquez, able to complete the renovations and sell the homes to individual private owners, the last unit having been sold by early 2004.
Stevens Street West of Broadway — 1909
Stevens Street west of Broadway — 1909.
200 Block of Stevens Street
201 Stevens Street — Jesse B. Hunsberger — Philadelphia Inquirer, February 16, 1905.
203 Stevens Street — Charles H. Smith — Camden Post-Telegram, March 25, 1914.
203–213 Stevens Street — 1930 Census records.
205 Stevens Street — Agnes Cimini — Philadelphia Inquirer, May 16, 1922. Cooper Hospital.
206 Stevens Street — Charles Davis / 235 Stevens Street — James Rose — Camden Courier-Post, April 13, 1948.
211 Stevens Street — Anthony J. & Catherine Dorothy Broccoli, Joseph Broccoli — Camden Courier-Post, January 1940.
216 Stevens Street — Frank S. Fithian, 1880s–1890s.
219 Stevens Street — William F. Barnett.
228 Stevens Street — Amy Bamford, 1915 — Philadelphia Inquirer, January 27 & February 9, 1915. Cooper Hospital.
231 Stevens Street — Benjamin D. Coley.
232–234 Stevens Street — Egizi’s Cafe (aka High Speed Line Cafe), 1940–1964 — Camden Courier-Post, February 4, 1955.
Theft of 3 Screens Brings 30-Day Term
Camden Courier-Post —
John Rafferty, 35, of 222 Stevens Street, was sentenced Saturday by Police Judge Pancoast to 30-days in county jail on a charge of stealing three screens belonging to Giacomo Daraio, of 706 South Third Street.
Rafferty has been frequently in police court during the last year on charges of drunkenness, and, Judge Pancoast expressed surprise that he should now be accused as a thief. Leon Branch, a detective, testified that Rafferty had stolen the screens.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
Camden Courier-Post —
Take notice that application has been made to the Municipal Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control of the City of Camden, to transfer to Francis P. Kochanowicz, t/a Primrose Inn for premises located at 232-234 Stevens Street, 255-57-59 and 301 South Third Street, the Plenary Retail Consumption License No. C189, heretofore issued to Frank A. Kochanowicz, t/a Primrose Inn for premises located at the same address.
Objections, if any, should be made immediately in writing to John T. Odorisio, Municipal Clerk, City of Camden. (Signed) FRANCIS P. KOCHANOWICZ, 1452 S. Tenth Street, Camden, New Jersey. ($14.08)
CAMDEN NEWS IN BRIEF
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Democrats who follow the standard of Sheriff Mowrey are jubilant over the reappointment of Charles MacKillone as a member of the Camden County Board of Taxation. It is declared to be a victory for the Mowrey followers and as such indicates that he is the recognized head of Camden Democracy.
Promising to stay away from his wife and mother-in-law George N. Cook, accused of striking his young wife and terrorizing the household, was released on suspended sentence by Recorder Stackhouse.
Charles Smith, of 203 Steven street, has been appointed a city fireman to fill the vacancy occasioned by the recent death of Edward Finley.
Out of work, Daniel Burns, aged 32 years, of 1755 South Fourth street, drank carbolic acid. At Cooper Hospital it was stated the man has good chances for recovery.
Building Inspector Day has issued building permits to the Guarantee Realty Company for the erection of five dwellings on 1601 to 1609 Mt. Ephraim avenue, and for twelve from 1137 to 1159 Sherman street.
Working about electric lights at the Farr & Bailey oil cloth works, John Shimski, aged 31 years, of 1230 Sherman street, was shocked and fell. At Cooper Hospital it was found he had been injured about the back.
Camden Man Stabbed During Argument
Camden Courier-Post —
Emil Tisani, 35, of 237 Stevens street, was stabbed in the neck, head and face Saturday night following an argument with a neighbor in a grocery store at 210 South Second street. After being treated for the wounds at Cooper Hospital, Tisani said he would swear out a warrant for Lugi Celani, of 203 Royden street, whom he claimed attacked him with a razor.
Census sheet: Channing Terrace and Stevens Street, Block 168
U.S. Census, 1930 —
Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1930. Population Schedule. New Jersey, Camden County, Camden city, Ward 3, Block No. 168. Enumeration District 4-12. Sheet 15A. Enumerated April 15, 1930. The columns kept are house, name, relation, home owned or rented and value, sex, color or race, age, marital condition, place of birth, and occupation and industry.
216 Channing Terrace: Valentino, Joseph, Head, rented $16, M, W, age 32, m. 18, born Italy, carpenter, contractor.
Valentino, Theresa, Wife, F, W, age 32, m. 18, born Italy, none.
Valentino, Joseph Jr., Son, M, W, age 14, single, born Connecticut, none.
Valentino, Rapheline, Daughter, F, W, age 11, single, born New Jersey, none.
Valentino, Michael, Son, M, W, age 8, single, born New Jersey, none.
Valentino, John, Son, M, W, age 7, single, born Connecticut, none.
Valentino, Rudolph, Son, M, W, age 3, single, born New Jersey, none.
212 Channing Terrace: Skinner, Edwin, Head, rented $16, radio, M, W, age 37, m. 26, born New Jersey, wringer, laundry.
Skinner, Ida L., Wife, F, W, age 37, m., born Virginia, none.
Williams, Elizabeth, Boarder, F, W, age 67, widowed, born Irish Free State, mangler, laundry.
213 Channing Terrace: Hunter, Frank, Head, rented $16, M, W, age 22, m. 19, born New Jersey, boxmaker, box factory.
Hunter, Bertha, Wife, F, W, age 25, m. 18, born New Jersey, none.
Hunter, Reynolds, Son, M, W, age 1, single, born New Jersey, none.
Hunter, Charles, Son, M, W, age 3, single, born New Jersey, none.
215 Channing Terrace: Soltan, Louis, Head, rented $16, M, W, age 46, m. 26, born Jugo Slavia, laborer, contractor.
Soltan, Anna, Wife, F, W, age 36, m. 26, born Jugo Slavia, none.
Soltan, John, Son, M, W, age 16, single, born Illinois, errand boy, grocery store.
Soltan, Mary, Daughter, F, W, age 14, single, born Illinois, none.
Soltan, Louis, Son, M, W, age 5, single, born Pennsylvania, none.
Soltan, George, Son, M, W, age 3, single, born New Jersey, none.
217 Channing Terrace: Ferrante, Giussepe, Head, rented $16, M, W, age 42, m. 17, born Italy, laborer, radio company.
Ferrante, Rose, Wife, F, W, age 32, m. 17, born Italy, none.
Ferrante, Ida, Daughter, F, W, age 1, single, born Italy, none.
213 Stevens St.: Mazzarela, Birgio, Head, owned $2000, M, W, age 39, m. 29, born Italy, coach cleaner, railroad.
Mazzarela, Mary, Wife, F, W, age 42, m. 32, born Italy, none.
Mazzarela, Joseph, Son, M, W, age 9, single, born New Jersey, none.
Mazzarela, Peter, Son, M, W, age 4, single, born New Jersey, none.
Mazzarela, Yolando, Daughter, F, W, age 1/2, single, born New Jersey, none.
209 Stevens St.: Brocoli, Philomena, Head, rented $22, F, W, age 44, widowed, born Italy, none.
Brocoli, Anthony, Son, M, W, age 12, single, born Rhode Island, none.
Brocoli, Stella, Daughter, F, W, age 7, single, born New Jersey, none.
Brocoli, Mary, Daughter, F, W, age 10, single, born New Jersey, none.
Di Lorenzo, Anthony, Boarder, M, W, age 42, single, born Italy, laborer, coke plant.
207 Stevens St.: Brown, Walter, Head, rented $20, M, Neg., age 46, m. 34, born West Virginia, laborer, soap company.
Philips, Alzeda, Boarder, F, Neg., age 31, widowed, born Georgia, housework, private family.
205 Stevens St.: Cimini, Anthony, Head, owned $4000, radio, M, W, age 41, m. 28, born Italy, hauling contractor, construction company.
Cimini, Mary, Wife, F, W, age 32, m. 16, born Italy, none.
Cimini, Louis, Son, M, W, age 14, single, born New Jersey, none.
Cimini, Agnes, Daughter, F, W, age 13, single, born New Jersey, none.
Cimini, Albert, Son, M, W, age 12, single, born New Jersey, none.
Cimini, Frances, Daughter, F, W, age 10, single, born New Jersey, none.
Cimini, Edward, Son, M, W, age 9, single, born New Jersey, none.
203 Stevens St.: Jones, Harry, Head, rented $30, M, Neg., age 52, m. 45, born North Carolina, laborer, radio company.
Jones, Alice, Wife, F, Neg., age 35, m. 30, born North Carolina, house worker, private home.
Jones, Robert, Son, M, Neg., age 14, single, born Virginia, none.
212 South 2nd St.: Juarez, Jesus, Head, rented $26, M, Mex., age 42, single, born Mexico, laborer, construction company.
Morris, Florence, Roomer, F, Neg., age 26, single, born Pennsylvania, housework, private home.
More Bars in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Excise Commissioners Granted Additional Licenses
The Camden Excise Commission last night received two applications to sell liquor at 505 Main street, one from William Oberman and the other from John A. Walls. Oberman was given the license. Antonio Cealla, at 727 Kaighn avenue, and I. B. Hunsberger, Second and Steven streets, were also granted licenses.
These transfers were granted: Bernard Moore, from 109 to 127-29 Kaighn avenue; Walter F. Manning, 700 Mt. Vernon street, to Patrick McVeigh; Peter Corrado, 1448 Broadway, to Marino Gughelmo.
Charles Smith a Fireman
Camden Post-Telegram —
To fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Fireman Edward Finley, late of No. 1 Truck Company, Charles Smith, of 203 Stevens street, has been appointed by the Fire Committee of City Council. He will take up his duties on April 1.
Child Injured by Auto
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Struck by an automobile near her home yesterday, Agnes Cininni, five years old, 205 Stevens street, sustained a concussion of the brain and abrasions of the forehead. She is in Cooper Hospital.
James Rose fined for hitting Charles Davis with a cap pistol
Camden Courier-Post —
James Rose, 45, of 235 Stevens street, was fined $15 for hitting Charles Davis, 206 Stevens street, in the neck with a cap pistol. Rose admitted guilt.
Driver Held as Tipsy After Auto Collision
Camden Courier-Post —
Thomas Scott, 45, of Forrest avenue, Runnemede, was arrested on a drunken driving charge last night following an automobile accident at Mt. Ephraim avenue and Van Hook street.
The charge was preferred by Anthony Broccoli, 21, of 212 Stevens street, who said Scott's car struck the rear of his machine while he was waiting for a traffic light on Van Hook street. Scott was committed to jail to await a hearing tomorrow in Police Court.
Hearing Postponed on Tipsy Drive Charge
Camden Courier-Post —
Hearing on a drunken driving charge against Thomas Scott, 45, Forrest avenue, Runnemede, was postponed yesterday until tomorrow by Judge Gene Mariano for further investigation of an automobile accident which was the basis of the charge.
Scott was arrested Jan. 2 when Anthony Broccoli, 212 Stevens street, charged Scott's car ran into his automobile at Sixth and Van Hook streets.
Broccoli accused Scott of being drunk, but admitted that he did not actually see the defendant driving the machine. He told the court he found Scott in the car after the accident.
Patrolman William Michalak, the jailer, also testified that he believed Scott was under the influence of liquor.
Mrs. Amy Bamford taken to Cooper Hospital
Philadelphia Inquirer —
As a result of a fall at her home, Mrs. Amy Bamford, aged 84 years, of 228 Steven street, was taken to Cooper Hospital yesterday, to undergo an X-ray examination of her arm, which is believed to have been broken.
Fall Results in Death
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Mrs. Amy Bamford, aged 80 years, of 228 Steven street, died yesterday from the effects of a fall two weeks ago, when her arm was broken and she was injured internally. Mrs. Bamford had the distinction of being the only woman pensioner on the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad, she having been employed for many years by the company.
Thomas Hezekiah fined for assault in Egizi's taproom
Camden Courier-Post —
* * *
THOMAS HEZEKIAH, 32, of 425 S. 13th st., Philadelphia, was found guilty on a charge of assault and battery and fined $200 and sentenced to six months in county jail.
Hezekiah was arrested Jan. 31 on complaint of Tullio Egizi, 62, operator of a taproom at 234 Stevens st. Egizi testified Hezekiah entered his place, proceeded to the ladies' dining room and was ordered to leave. He was later put out of the bar by some customers and returned with something in his hand and attempted to hit the owner, Egizi testified.
Hezekiah was arrested by Patrolmen Edward Troutman and George Brown.
* * *
Sixth Ward Group Gets Club Liquor License
Camden Courier-Post —
SIXTH WARD GROUP GETS CLUB LIQUOR LICENSE
A club liquor license for the Sixth Ward Democratic Club, 424 Kaighn avenue, was granted last night by the Camden Excise Board.
The board also granted a person to person transfer of the license of John J. Jackson, 837 Lawrence street, to Herbert V. Deckert.
A place to place license transfer was granted Tullio Egizi from 302 to 232 Stevens.
232–234 Stevens Street — Egizi’s Cafe, 1940–1942 — Camden Courier-Post, May 28, 1940. Sixth Ward Democratic Club — Kaighn Avenue — Lawrence Street.
DRIVER HURT TAKING STAB VICTIM TO COOPER
Camden Courier-Post —
William McCloud, 27, colored of 209 Stevens street, was injured last night while taking an injured man to Cooper Hospital, when his automobile collided with a bus at Broadway and Stevens street.
According to Detectives John Kaighn, McCloud was taking his cousin, Harvey Oglesby, 28, colored, of 708 Silver street, to the hospital for treatment of a stab wound received in a fight at Second and Sycamore streets.
McCloud was released after 22 stitches closed cuts of the face and neck. Oglesby was admitted suffering a collapse of the lung. Police are searching for his assailant.
209 Stevens Street — William McCloud, 1933 — Camden Courier-Post, May 7, 1934. Broadway — Silver Street — John Kaighn.
Giacomo Visalli, of 239 Stevens street, has been granted a decree of divorce from his wife, Mrs. Letteria Visalli, of Egg Harbor, on grounds of infidelity. Fillipo Curruzio, of that city, was named corespondent. Of the five Visalli children, the custody of two was granted the father by Vice Chancellor Leaming and the custody of the remaining three to the mother. Visalli was represented by Jacob Furer.
Mrs. Visalli and Curruzio were each placed under $500 bail on statutory charges February 3, 1927. Action on the case has not yet been taken by the Atlantic county grand jury.
Antonio Rocco, a private detective of this city, testified that last fall he went to Curruzio’s home in Egg Harbor and found Mrs. Visalli there with four of her children and Curruzio hiding under the bed.
239 Stevens Street — Giacomo Visalli — Jacob L. Furer — Antonio Rocco — Filipo Currizio — Letteria Visalli — Camden Courier-Post, June 30, 1928.
Canio Lorusso Feted on His 73d Birthday
Camden Courier-Post —
The family of Canio Lorusso, widely known South Camden resident, gathered at his home at 319 Stevens street last night at a birthday party given in his honor.
Lorusso was 73 yesterday. He has resided in this country 50 years and had conducted a saloon business now operated by his son at the 241 Stevens street address for almost 50 years. He is the father-in-law of Detective Sergeant Clifford Del Rossi.
Among those attending the party were two sons, Joseph and William Lorusso; five daughters, Mrs. Catherine Abate, Mrs. Angeline Romano Mrs. Margaret Del Rossi, Mrs. Beatrice Dandrea, and Mrs. Carmela Trancanna; 28 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
241 Stevens Street — William Lorusso — Lorusso’s Cafe — Camden Courier-Post, May 24, 1946.
200 Block of Stevens Street — Occupants
201 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1897 | Margaret McDonnell |
| 1918–1919 | Giulio Cinelli |
| 1923 | Arthur "Gyp" Del Duca |
| 1947 | No Bar |
| 1905 | Jesse B. Hunsberger |
203 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1919–1920 | Harry Jones & Family |
| 1919–1920 | Harry & Alice Jones |
| 1919–1920 | Robert Jones |
205 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1899–1900s | Joseph Maxwell & Family |
| 1899–1900s | Joseph & Katherine Maxwell |
| 1899–1900s | Warren Maxwell |
| 1899–1900s | Harry Maxwell |
| 1899–1900s | Elsie Maxwell |
| 1899–1900s | Helen Maxwell |
| 1899–1900s | Frank Maxwell |
| 1919–1922 | Agnes Cimini |
| 1919–1932 | Anthony Cimini & Family |
| 1919–1932 | Anthony & Mary Cimini |
| 1919–1932 | Louis Cimini |
| 1919–1932 | Albert Cimini |
| 1919–1932 | Frances Cimini |
| 1919–1932 | Edward Cimini |
206 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1948 | Charles Davis |
209 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1930 | Mrs. Philomena Broccoli & Family |
| 1930 | Mrs. Philomena Broccoli |
| 1930 | Anthony Broccoli |
| 1930 | Stella Broccoli |
| 1930 | Mary Broccoli |
| 1930 | Anthony DiLorenzo (boarder) |
211 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1940 | Anthony J. Broccoli & Family |
| 1940 | Anthony J. & Catherine Dorothy Broccoli |
| 1940 | Joseph Broccoli |
213 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1930 | Biagio Mazzarella & Family |
| 1930 | Biagio & Mary Mazzarella |
| 1930 | Joseph Mazzarella |
| 1930 | Peter Mazzarella |
| 1930 | Yolanda Mazzarella |
220 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Everett Joslin & Family (policeman) |
| 1924 | Everett & Laura Joslin |
222 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1933 | John Rafferty |
228 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1915 | Amy Bamford |
230 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1879 | Benjamin Lytle |
| 1879 | Mrs. Mary Lytle |
232 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1922 | Antonio DiTalla |
235 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1948 | James Rose |
241 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1959 | Stevens Bar |
| 1964–1966 | Golden Goose Bar |
| 1924–1956 | Canio Larusso & Family |
| 1924–1956 | Canio & Marie Lorusso |
| 1924–1956 | Joseph Lorusso |
| 1924–1956 | Catherine Lorusso |
| 1924–1956 | Angeline Lorusso |
| 1924–1956 | Margaret Lorusso |
| 1924–1956 | Beatrice Lorusso |
| 1924–1956 | Carmela Lorusso |
| 1930s–1956 | William Lorusso |
Notice of Application: Lorusso's Cafe
Camden Courier-Post —
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
Take notice that William Lorusso, trading as Lorusso's Cafe, have applied to the Municipal Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control of Camden for a Plenary Retail Consumption License for premises situated at 241 Stevens St., Camden, N. J. Objections, if any, should be made immediately in writing to Clay W. Reeman, City Clerk of Camden.
(Signed) WILLIAM LORUSSO,
1518 Wildwood Avenue,
Camden, N. J. ($3.60)
300 Block of Stevens Street
302–304 Stevens Street — Egizi’s Cafe, 1935–1940 — Camden Courier-Post, April 2, 1939. Liberato Cerasoli — Tullio Egizi — Clifford Del Rossi — John D’Agostino — Leonard Carlucci — Ernest Larossa.
303 Stevens Street — October 1, 2005.
305 Stevens Street — Dr. Dowling Benjamin & Family — 1870s–1890s.
305 Stevens Street — Private First Class Bartholomew P. Tirro — World War II.
306 Stevens Street — October 31, 1939.
306 Stevens Street — Pasquale Carlucci (aka Patsy Carlo) — Pasquale & Lucille Carlucci — Camden Courier-Post, July 29, 1935 — Frank E. Breslin.
313 Stevens Street — Mrs. Elizabeth French, 1905 — Philadelphia Inquirer, February 22, 1905 — O. Glen Stackhouse & Fannie Barger.
Bakery Wagon Driver Faces Charge of Theft
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Judge Mariano yesterday held Anthony Stavoli, 30, a bakery wagon driver, of 314 Stevens Street, in $500 bail for a further hearing March 1 when his employer charged that Stavoli failed to turn in collections totaling $200.
Complaint against Stavoli was made by Mrs. Elizabeth Cettei, proprietor of a bakery at 320 Stevens Street. Her daughter, Mary, who keeps the shop’s books, said she checked with customers who showed receipts for bills which they paid Stavoli. Mariano said some of the customers should be in court for the further hearing.
302–304 Stevens Street — Lev’s Bar, 1959–1970 — Clarence Levister & Herman McCargo.
LEV’S BAR, INC. 963-9781
Newspaper advertisement — 1967
302-04 STEVENS STREET CAMDEN, N. J.
“The Place For All People” ”Coldest Beer In Town”
C. LEVISTER H. McCARGO PROPS.
DAYS—ANN NITES—HERMAN-CARRIE
Chat Among the Local Firemen
Camden Daily Courier —
News Among the Men Who Man the Fire Fighting Apparatus.
New Member Given Initiation
Fireman Joseph Logue.
It is the honest and genial physiog of Fireman Joe Logue that confronts the readers of the “Courier” in to-day’s issue and it is safe to say that of all the surprised men in the town that same man is he, for not the least knowledge of its appearance had Joseph. The sight of his Christmas tree on Christmas morning when he was a mere strip of a lad in old Ireland could not have amazed him more. But there it is and as it shows up in fine style, Joe will no doubt forbear from swatting the Fire Editor of the “Courier” over his second crop county Cavan cocoanut with a section of hose.
Joe Logue is about the tallest fireman in the department and as to his being as good, strong, steady and courageous a man as there is in the city’s service there is not the least doubt. Joe was born at Milltown, county Derry, Ireland, and is, therefore, an Ulsterman. He is within a few years of [?], but doesn’t look it, and from his rugged, robust form appears good for another half a century at least, for it’s nothing unusual for the men of Ulster to live even a dozen or twenty years beyond a hundred. He was appointed a fireman in 1894 and has done duty since at two houses, Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, at headquarters, and Engine Company No. 4, in North Camden. And that he has been ever brave and faithful in the discharge of his allotted work, Chief Elfreth, ex-Foreman [?] Peoples, Foreman Amidee Middleton, ex-Assistant Chief Ben Kellum and present Foreman Billy Patterson, of Engine Company No. 4, under all of whom he has served, can and will gladly testify to.
They tell a good many amusing jokes on Joe, but he takes them all with characteristic good nature and enjoys them as heartily as they do. Once, on Joe’s day off, No. 4’s hose cart went to a fire at Mathis’ shipyard, Cooper’s Point, with his helmet and uniform hanging on the guards. The hose cart got in such hot quarters that it was badly burned and Joe’s duds completely consumed.
When he heard of the fate of his official garments, Joe said: “Look at that, now! What a narrow escape I had. If I had been in that uniform I’d been burned to a crisp.”
Joe is a married man and has the happiest of homes. He is a brother of another good Ulster man, David Logue, the county jail turnkey. Both are active members of Star of Bethlehem Lodge, No. 12, American Protestant Association, and Diamond Purple Star Lodge, No. 104, Loyal Orange Legion.
In next week’s fire column will appear a picture of Dewey, the fire dog of Engine Company No. 4, the most sagacious canine in Camden, an interesting animal well worthy of a sketch. Dewey’s master and trainer is Fireman Logue and what he can do as a fire dog is something simply strenuous.
Former Fireman Wright Cox writes to be set right. It was Wright who rescued the two children at 306 Stevens street on last Saturday afternoon and had the fire under control when the firemen arrived. Credit had been given to his brother, George Cox, foreman of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, who resides on Stevens street above Third, but what’s the difference, Wright, isn’t the glory all in the family? Wright lives at 322 Stevens street, George at 334 and the fire was at 306. If Wright hadn’t been right on deck at the time, George would have, so more’s the power to them both. Wright was a good one when he was in the department and there is strong talk of his going back again.
Ladderman Budd Colkett, of Hook and Ladder Truck No. 1, it is said, is booked for an appointment on the police force when Mayor Ellis confers such favor. The above is not official, but is merely given as an item of chin music heard about the fire houses these days. If Budd does drop the ladder for the mace, he will not be the first fireman to change to the police force. Jeff Kay was another who tired of the at times protracted inactivity of a fireman’s life and longed for a change of scene and salary. The firemen, however, now get the same bunch of coin as the coppers do, $40 per fortnight, but they didn’t when Charles Jefferson Kay was one of the bravest at No. 4.
For a man of his years, John Renner, of Hose Company No. 2, in East Camden, is one of the youngest and sturdiest in the department. If you didn’t actually know his age you could no more guess it, with any greater degree of accuracy, than you could the seeds in a Georgia watermelon. John has been a soldier, a policeman, Constable, special officer and before being made a city fireman was a member of and at one time Chief of the Stockton Volunteers.
Driver Billy Hertlein, of Chemical Engine No. 1, is back at his post again, feeling fine and looking elegant. All the men were glad to see Billy on deck again, even his old team whinnying him a Happy New Year.
William Miller, of the Eighth ward, became a member of the crew of Chemical Engine No. 2, on Saturday evening, under harrowing circumstances. On Sunday evening he was put through the customary initiation at the fire house on Kaighn avenue above Sixth street. All the other men were down stairs about eight o’clock when some one struck box eleven. There is no such box on the fire alarm list, but William, who wasn’t wise, slid down the pole from the second floor just the same. Just as he landed on the rubber mat at the bottom of the pole, one of the men turned a hose on him, while several others bombarded him unmercilessly with boots, brooms, mops, etc. Poor William was a sight when they got through with him. He was drenched to the skin and covered with dirt. But when he discovered it was all a joke he took his medicine manfully and was duly installed in the new company as a “jolly good fellow.”
Property listing for 306 Stevens Street
Home Owners' Loan Corporation —
HOME OWNERS' LOAN CORPORATION
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
HOLC FORM PM 429-E REVISED 2-20-39
DATE 10/31/39
PM NO. NJ-E-911-PO
CONTRACT SALES BROKER: Leon E. Todd
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT BROKER: Camden, N. J.
DATE AVAILABLE:
MO. RENTAL $:
TYPE: 1 fam. br/frame
SIZE LOT: 16 x 100
NO. ROOMS: 9
TRANSP.: 3 blocks
NO. BED ROOMS: 6
WATER: yes
BATH: 1
GAS: yes
ELECT.: yes
SUN ROOM:
SEWER: yes
BKFST. RM.:
STREET: paved
SLEEPING PORCH:
GARAGE:
FIREPLACE:
SERV. QTRS.:
BATH:
HEAT: hot air
ANNUAL TAXES:
ROOF: tin & slag
ANNUAL GRD. RENT:
SALES PRICE $ 2100.00 "AS IS"
ADDRESS 306 Stevens St., Camden, N. J.
THIS LISTING SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF H.O.L.C.
Convict Cleared on Wife's Charge
Camden Courier-Post —
Patsy Carlo Already in Jail For Part in Fatal Fight; 6 No-Billed
Among the six persons against whom the April grand jury failed to find indictments, was Patsy Carlucci, former boxer known as Patsy Carlo, who was charged by his wife, Lucille, with assault and battery.
Carlucci, 24, of 306 Stevens street, was sentenced three weeks ago to serve from 18 months to three years in state prison in connection with the slaying of Frank E. Breslin in a brawl at Third and Federal streets, April 30.
Mrs. Fannie Bargo held in $500 bail
Philadelphia Inquirer —
** Mrs. Fannie Bargo, 38 years of age, was held in $500 bail by Recorder Stackhouse, in Camden, yesterday, charged with the larceny of about $200 worth of jewelry from the home of Mrs. Elizabeth French, 313 Steven street. The jewelry is alleged to have been taken while Mrs. Bargo was nursing Mrs. French through an illness.
Banquet to Orlando Planned by Club Here
Camden Morning Post —
Banquet to Orlando Planned by Club Here
BANQUET TO ORLANDO PLANNED BY CLUB HERE
At a meeting of the Third Ward Democratic Club, held last night at 311 Stevens street, it was decided a dinner would be given in honor of Samuel P. Orlando, Democratic leader and prominent Camden attorney. The dinner will be held at the Black Horse Farms, Mt. Ephraim, on Sunday afternoon. Activities for the coming campaign also were discussed.
311 Stevens Street — Third Ward Democratic Club, 1933 — Samuel P. Orlando — Camden Morning Post, October 11, 1933.
315 Stevens Street — John Hood, 1887 — Philadelphia Inquirer, June 1, 1887.
315 Stevens Street — Daniel Leach, 1904 — Philadelphia Inquirer, September 22, 1904.
315 Stevens Street — Henry Gill, 1917 — Camden Post-Telegram, March 8, 1917.
315 Stevens Street — Steward’s Mate First Class Ralph F. Adams — World War II.
316 Stevens Street — Frank Moore, 1904 — Philadelphia Inquirer, September 22, 1904 — Vine Street Ferry — Daniel Leach.
Canio Lorusso Feted on His 73d Birthday
Camden Courier-Post —
The family of Canio Lorusso, widely known South Camden resident, gathered at his home at 319 Stevens street last night at a birthday party given in his honor.
Lorusso was 73 yesterday. He has resided in this country 50 years and had conducted a saloon business now operated by his son at the 241 Stevens street address for almost 50 years. He is the father-in-law of Detective Sergeant Clifford Del Rossi.
Among those attending the party were two sons, Joseph and William Lorusso; five daughters, Mrs. Catherine Abate, Mrs. Angeline Romano Mrs. Margaret Del Rossi, Mrs. Beatrice Dandrea, and Mrs. Carmela Trancanna; 28 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Charles Larkin committed to the county jail
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Charles Larkin, colored, was committed to the county jail yesterday on the charge of attempting to assault Superintendent John Hood, of the Camden Horse Car Company.
Daniel Leach dies
Philadelphia Inquirer —
** Daniel Leach, aged 83 years, a veteran river pilot, died yesterday at his home, 315 Steven street, after three weeks illness.
Henry Gill Dies, Poor Lose Friend
Camden Post-Telegram —
Former Suburban Contractor Was Very Generous to His Neighbors on Stevens St.
At one time a prominent contractor in Merchantville, but living in retirement and seclusion for the last few years after he had amassed a small fortune, Henry Gill, aged 55 years, died yesterday at his home, 315 Stevens street.
Mr. Gill was somewhat of a philanthropist. He distributed charity among needy families in the city and was beloved for his kindly disposition and charitable deeds among the poor in the neighborhood of his Stevens street home.
He will be laid to rest to-morrow afternoon at Colestown Cemetery. Services will be held at and the remains may be viewed at the Schroeder-Kephart funeral apartments, Fourth and Arch streets.
Death Notice of Daniel E. Leach, Sr.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
LEACH.—On September 21, 1904, DANIEL E. LEACH, Sr., aged 83 years. Relatives and friends of family, employes of Vine St. Ferry, and members of Penna. R. R. Relief, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Saturday afternoon, September 24, at 2 o'clock, from the residence of his son-in-law, Frank Moore, 316 Stevens st., Camden, N. J. Remains can be viewed Friday evening, from 7 to 9 o'clock. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.
319 Stevens Street — D & K Construction Company — 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages Ad.
All Types Of Remodeling
Alterations - Repairs - Additions
Apartment Conversions
All Work Guaranteed & Insured
319 Stevens Camden . . WOodlawn 3-8137
320 Stevens Street — Amoroso’s Bakery — Vincenzo Amoroso, Salvatore Amoroso, Joseph Amoroso — 1904–1917.
320 Stevens Street — Renardo Canzanese, 1917 — Philadelphia Inquirer, March 16, 1917.
320 Stevens Street — Nicholas Cettei & Family, baker — Camden Courier-Post, June 17 & June 18, 1932. Third Ward Republican Club — Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.
Cabaret Singer Is Held on Bad Check Charge
Charged with obtaining money under false pretense and forging a friend’s signature on two checks a year ago, a Camden cabaret singer is in the county jail in default of $300 bail.
Inez Wiley, 25, of 321 Stevens Street, was arrested by Herbert Kayser and Walter Schock of Haddon Heights police on complaint of Mrs. Ora Curry, 837 Jackson Street, a former domestic in the household of Mrs. Willat Lippincott, Station Avenue, Haddon Heights.
Mrs. Curry testified before Police Recorder Joseph A. Patton, that while working for Mrs. Lippincott she became ill and was compelled to remain at her home for a number of weeks. During that time, she said, her friend, Inez Wiley, visited Mrs. Lippincott and without Mrs. Curry’s knowledge, requested financial assistance. On two occasions Mrs. Lippincott gave the woman checks to the order of Mrs. Curry to the amount of four and five dollars respectively.
These checks had been cashed by the woman and endorsed with Mrs. Curry’s forged signature, according to Mrs. Curry. Meeting Mrs. Lippincott after many months she learned the truth and caused the Wiley woman’s arrest.
Two lads arrested for rifling a trunk
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Two lads, Joseph Grillo and Joseph Besaco[?], were arrested yesterday on a charge of rifling the trunk of Renardo Cazenise[?], of 320 Steven street, of $100.
Baker Dies: Nicholas Cettei
Camden Courier-Post —
Baker Dies
NICHOLAS CETTEI
Proprietor of one of the largest Italian bakeries in the city at 320 Stevens street, who died from pneumonia. The funeral will be at 9 a. m. Monday.
Nicholas Cettei Dead; Baker Here 20 Years
Camden Courier-Post —
Nicholas Cettei, 44, of 320 Stevens street, well known in Republican circles in the Third Ward for a number of years, died yesterday at his home. He was a baker for 20 years.
He is survived by his widow, Elizabeth, and seven children, Mary, Camelia, Michael, Ralph, Joseph, Anna and Alphonse. He was a member of the Third Ward Republican Club.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a. m. Monday at the Cettei home, followed by high requiem mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 9.30 a. m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Death Notice of Nicholas Cettei
Camden Courier-Post —
CETTEI—On June 16, 1932, Nicholas Cettei, beloved husband of Elizabeth Cettei, age 44 years.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral, on Monday morning, at 9 o'clock, from his late residence, 320 Stevens St., Camden. High requiem mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, at 9.30 a. m. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday evening, after 7 o'clock.
322 Stevens Street — October 1, 2005. George Whitman’s first house (1871–1873). The building was condemned in July of 2005.
324 Stevens Street — Private Giuseppe Maccarone, 1917–1918 — World War I.
324 Stevens Street — March 1939.
327 Stevens Street — Morris J. Steelman, 1906.
The annual June Tea at the Camden Day Nursery, 327 Stevens street, with the members of the Board of Managers, as hostesses, will be held on Wednesday afternoon, June 8. Mrs. Henry B. Hanford, the president of the board, will receive with the officers.
Mrs. George Taylor and Mrs. Eleanor Baylie are joint chairmen of the refreshment committee and Miss Emma MacNichol has charge of the decorations.
327 Stevens Street — Camden Day Nursery, 1920s–2011 — Mrs. H.B. Hanford — Camden Courier-Post, June 4, 1932.
327 Stevens Street — Camden Day Nursery — Camden Courier-Post, October 7, 1954.
327 Stevens Street — Camden Day Nursery — 1965 Camden Fire Department Fire Prevention Program — Ladder Company 1.
334 Stevens Street — Dominick Detz, 1915–1916 — Philadelphia Inquirer, January 6, 1916.
336 Stevens Street — adjacent to 301 South 4th Street — October 1, 2005.
336 Stevens Street — Mrs. Lillian Robinson, 1941 — Camden Courier-Post, July 28, 1941.
300 Block of Stevens Street — Occupants
300 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1918–1919 | Frank Moles Saloon |
301 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1894 | Henry Colkett & Family |
| 1894 | Henry & Eliza Colkett |
| 1894 | Robert Colkett |
| 1924 | Carmin A. Fuscellaro Sr. Family |
| 1924 | Carmin & Anna Fuscellaro |
| 1924 | George A. Fuscellaro |
| 1924 | Nettie Fuscellaro |
302-304 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1940–1947 | Miraglia's Cafe |
| 1956 | R&M Cafe |
| 1959–1970 | Lev's Bar |
305 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1870s–1890s | Dr. Dowling Benjamin & Family |
| 1870s–1890s | Dr. Dowling & Sarah Benjamin |
| 1870s–1890s | Sarah Benjamin |
| 1870s–1890s | Ada Benjamin |
| 1870s–1890s | Helen Benjamin |
311 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1933 | Third Ward Democratic Club |
312 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1915 | Henry Gill |
313 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1905 | Mrs. Elizabeth French |
314 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1967 | Vacant |
| 1869 | Benjamin H. Connelly |
| 1930s | Albert A. Mungioli |
| 1938 | Anthony Stavoli |
315 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1887 | John Hood |
| 1904 | Daniel Leach |
| 1917 | Henry Gill |
| 1922–1924 | Drummond & Dietz Shoe Company |
| 1922–1924 | Anthony Dietz |
| 1922–1924 | James W. Drummond |
| — | Steward's Mate First Class Ralph F. Adams |
319 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1955 | D & K Construction Co. |
| 1924–1938 | Canio Larusso & Family |
| 1924–1938 | Canio & Marie Lorusso |
| 1924–1938 | William Lorusso |
| 1924–1938 | Joseph Lorusso |
| 1924–1938 | Catherine Lorusso |
| 1924–1938 | Angeline Lorusso |
| 1924–1938 | Margaret Lorusso |
| 1924–1938 | Beatrice Lorusso |
| 1924–1938 | Carmela Lorusso |
320 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1921–1943 | Nicholas Cettei & Family (baker) |
| 1921–1943 | Nicholas & Elizabeth Cettei |
| 1921–1943 | Mary Cettei |
| 1921–1943 | Carmella Cettei |
| 1921–1943 | Michael Cettei |
| 1921–1943 | Ralph Cettei |
| 1921–1943 | Joseph Cettei |
| 1921–1943 | Anna Cettei |
| 1921–1943 | Alphonse Cettei |
321 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1933 | Inez Wiley |
322 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1938 | Samuel Mignona |
327 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1880 | Rev. Jacob B. Graw & Family |
| 1965 | Camden Fire Department |
| 1906 | Morris J. Steelman |
| 1899–1900 | William Curliss |
| 1920s–2011 | Camden Day Nursery |
329 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1880s–1910s | Robert Outwater & Family |
| 1880s–1910s | Richard H. Outwater |
332 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1888 | Peter B. Carter |
| 1882 | William Gleason & Family |
| 1882 | William & Ellen Ivins Gleason |
| 1882 | William J. "Kid" Gleason |
| 1882 | Harry Gleason |
| 1882 | Walter Gleason |
| 1882 | Elizabeth Gleason |
| 1882 | Theodore Gleason |
| 1882 | Samuel Gleason |
| 1882 | John Gleason |
| 1882 | Marion Gleason |
| 1882 | Isaac Gleason |
334 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1915–1916 | Dominick Detz |
Camden Fire Alarms
Camden Courier-Post —
Midnight Saturday Until Midnight Sunday
12.25 a. m., 323 Stevens st., old rags on oil heater. 1.15 a. m., Wright ave. and Federal st., oil burner. 5.42 a. m., 219 N. 3rd st., rubbish in yard. 11.53 a. m., Point and Elm sts., false alarm. 1.11 p. m., 20th and Hayes ave., grass. 1.30 p. m., 34th and Remington ave., grass. 3.38 p. m., Delaware ave. and Elm st., part interior of barn. 6.08 p. m., 1069 Diamond st., possible careless smoker.
Property listing for 324 Stevens Street
Home Owners Loan Corporation —
HOME OWNERS LOAN CORPORATION
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
HOLC FORM PM 429-E - NEW YORK
APPROVED 3-10-38
DATE 3/20/39
PM NO. NJ E-842 PO
CONTRACT BROKER: Leon E. Todd, Inc., 2623 Westfield Ave., Camden, N. J.
DATE AVAILABLE:
MO. RENTAL $:
TYPE: 3 fam. br/&/fr
SIZE LOT: 16 1/2 x 100
NO. ROOMS: 8
TRANSP.: 3 blocks
NO. BED ROOMS: 5
WATER: yes
BATH: 1
GAS: yes
ELECT.: yes
SUN ROOM:
SEWER: yes
BKFST. RM.:
STREET: paved
FIREPLACE:
GARAGE:
HEAT:
SERVANTS QTRS.:
ROOF: tin & slag
ANNUAL TAXES:
SALES PRICE $ 2000.00 "as is"; 2500.00 "as repaired"
ADDRESS 324 Stevens St., Camden, N. J.
THIS LISTING SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF H.O.L.C.
Student Nurses View Day Nursery Routine
Camden Courier-Post —
The Camden Day Nursery is playing host today to 32 student nurses from West Jersey Hospital who are observing the program and treatment of the children.
It is the second visit of a student group to the Day Nursery. The visits are intended to provide the students with opportunity to observe the children in adjustment to various situations and coordinates their classroom child care studies.
The Day Nursery is at 327 Stevens st.
Camden at a Glance
Philadelphia Inquirer —
For injuries received when she was knocked down by the automobile of Ralph Shoemaker, of Bridgeton, last April, Miss Bertha Shafer was awarded $3000 damages by a jury before Circuit Court Judge Lloyd, in Camden yesterday. Miss Shafer, a seamstress, was crossing Broadway at Spruce street when she was struck and dragged sixty feet. It was alleged that she had been unable to work since and had been made a nervous wreck.
The Victor Talking Machine Company yesterday announced that it had planned to provide an insurance fund of $1000 for all employes who have been with the concern five years or more and $750 for those employed less than that time.
Camden's Excise Commission last night considered 234 retail and 47 wholesale liquor applications, most of which were granted. A few were held over because the applications had not been filed within ten days of the board's meeting. They will be taken up later.
When Camden's firemen responded to an alarm of fire at the home of Dominick Detz, 334 Steven street, yesterday, they were told to work quietly. On asking the reason they were informed that the excitement incident to the fire, which did little damage, had hastened the visit of the stork in Detz's home.
Mrs. Lillian Robinson
Camden Courier-Post —
Funeral services for Mrs. Lillian Robinson, 56, who died last Wednesday after a short illness, will be held at 1 p. m. Tuesday in her late home, 336 Stevens street.
Mrs. Robinson was the widow of Louis Robinson. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Marie Williams and Mrs. Florence Shorts, both of Camden; five sisters, Mrs. Louisa Carter and Mrs. Bertha Jefferson, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Henry Mountain, of Washington, D. C.; Mrs. Alice Powell and Mrs. Daniel Grayson, of Camden, and two brothers, Henry Pollard, of Virginia, and George G. Pollard, of Camden. Friends may view the body in the home after 7 this evening. Burial will be in Mt. Peace Cemetery, Lawnside.
Death Notice of Lillian B. Robinson
Camden Courier-Post —
ROBINSON—Lillian B. Robinson who died July 23, 1941, age 56 years.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services on Tuesday, July 29 at 1 o'clock from her late residence, 336 Stevens St., Camden. Interment Mt. Peace Cemetery, Lawnside, N. J. Friends may call Monday evening after 7 o'clock.
Intersection of South 4th and Stevens Streets
Southwest Corner — 301 South 4th Street is the corner building — October 1, 2005.
Southeast Corner — 402 Stevens Street is the corner building — October 1, 2005.
400 Block of Stevens Street
400 Stevens Street — John Quick, 1911 — Philadelphia Inquirer, August 11, 1911 — Cooper Hospital.
402 Stevens Street — October 1, 2005. In 1947 this building was known as the Todd Apartments.
402, 404, 408 & 414 Stevens Street — October 1, 2005.
405 Stevens Street — John Cassidy, 1905 — Camden Daily Courier, August 22, 1910.
414 Stevens Street — Tenny Hutchison & George Holl Hutchison, 1900s–1910s. Horse-drawn wagons were used in the early 1900s by Victor Talking Machine Company to haul Victrolas.
411 Stevens Street was the scene of a 1944 home robbery reported in The Evening Bulletin — a woman’s screams and her children’s cries drove off an intruder who had entered while her husband was hospitalized.
420 Stevens Street — James W. Hope Family — Camden Daily Telegram, March 21, 1893.
Camden Man Tries Suicide in Philadelphia
Herman Blizzard of 423 Stevens street attempted to commit suicide in Philadelphia yesterday by drinking poison, according to police. Blizzard was taken to a hospital and later arrested. He will be given a hearing today.
Camden Fire Alarms
Camden Courier-Post —
From Midnight Sunday to Midnight Monday
1.02 a. m., 423 Stevens st., part of interior and contents.
4.57 a. m., 421 Stevens st., part of floor.
2.05 p. m., 330 Benson st., part of interior and contents.
4.45 p. m., N. 3rd st., at Delaware River, rubbish.
14 Camden Firemen Overcome by Smoke
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Twelve-Hour Fight Follows Discovery of Smoldering Fire in Wall Paper Plant
Fourteen firemen were overcome by smoke, one of them being removed to Cooper Hospital, and about $20,000 in damage was done at a fire at the plant of the Frank G. Hitchner Wall Paper Manufacturing Company, Fifth and Mickle streets, Camden, yesterday. It was not until late yesterday afternoon, after twelve hours’ fighting, that the flames were subdued, although not at any time was there a burst of flame.
Captain Joseph Maxwell, of No. 1 Truck Company, was taken to the hospital. Fire Chief Peter B. Carter was hurt about the ankle in a slight fall. The other firemen were able to resume their work after being treated by Fire Surgeon Scheilinger.
It was some time before three o’clock in the morning that John Wilf[?]on, a watchman, saw the smoke issuing from the kiln. In this building thousands of feet of lumber to be converted into moulding is dried. It is placed on racks six inches apart, and it was because of this that the firemen could not reach the fire.
Pouring from the plant, the water ran into the cellars of nearby dwellings. Considerable damage was done at the home of Mrs. Sallie Gordon, at 215 South Fifth street, and John Orr, 441 Judson street. Others who suffered were Mrs. Mary Brooks, 217 South Fifth street; John Humphries, 445 Steven street, and L. J. Donavan, 434 Mickle street.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Dr. David Bentley yesterday filed his petition as a Republican candidate for coroner with County Clerk Patterson. He is the first to file such a petition this campaign.
Friends of Police Captain Stanley are arranging to go to New York Sunday morning to give him a royal greeting on his return from a three months’ trip abroad.
Caught between the top of a freight car and an overhead bridge at the Pennsylvania Railroad terminal, Camden, John Quick, 83 years old, of 400 Stevens street, was badly crushed yesterday. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital, where it was stated his condition is serious.
Fred J. Lickfeld Death Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
LICKFELD.—On June 21, 1907. FRED J., dearly beloved son of William and Emma J. Lickfeld (nee Gaebler), aged 19 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, from his parents’ residence, 425 Stevens st., Camden, N. J. Remains may be viewed on Monday evening. Interment at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.
Death Notice of Amos R. Dease
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DEASE.—Jan. 7, 1916, AMOS R., husband of Emma E. Dease, aged 73 years. Relatives and friends, also Trimble Lodge, No. 117, F. and A. M.; also all other lodges of which he was a member, are invited to attend funeral services, Tuesday, 2:30 P. M., at late residence, 437 Stevens st., Camden, N. J. Interment private, Evergreen Cemetery. Remains may be viewed Monday, after 7 P. M., Masonic services same evening.
3 in Assembly Race Plan Tour Tonight
Camden Courier-Post —
Lodge, Sheehan and Roye to Speak at Democratic Rallies
All three Democratic Assembly nominees—Henry Lodge, Bartholomew Sheehan and Harry Roye—will speak tonight at three Roosevelt rallies, one at Magnolia and the others in the First and Ninth wards, Camden. Announcement was made they also will endeavor to address other Roosevelt meetings tonight.
The other rallies tonight will include meetings in Ashland, Pennsauken and the Fourth, Twelfth and Thirteenth wards.
A Collingswood rally will be conducted this afternoon, at 3.30 o’clock, at 784 Haddon avenue, that borough.
Lodge will be the principal speaker at the Ashland rally, to be held at the hall of Ashland Fire Company, under sponsorship of the Ashland Democratic Club.
The other Ashland speakers will include Edward J. Kelleher, Camden county campaign manager; former Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott, Frank M. Lario, Grover Richman, Jr.; Samuel T. French, Jr.; William Brooks; Thomas M. Madden, of the Camden County Board of Elections, and Benjamin Dzick.
The Magnolia rally, sponsored by the Roosevelt Democratic Club, will be held at the fire hall there at Evesham avenue, west of Warwick road. The speakers will include Sheehan, Roye and Lodge; Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving, Guy Lee, Jr., nominee for Congress; Mayor-designate George E. Brunner, of Camden, state committeeman; Howard Callingham, Daniel West, Mildred Yemmans, Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Democratic state committeewoman; Oliver H. Bond. Kelleher, Prosecutor Samuel Iando [sic], Alice Pearl Harris and George Aaron.
Rally in First Ward
The First ward meeting will be at 325 State street, sponsored by the First Ward Democratic Club. The speakers include Lodge, Roye and Sheehan, City Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr.; Gene Mariano, Camden county Italian campaign chairman; Aaron, Samuel T. French, Sr.; Kelleher, Norman Heine, Frank Crawford and John Blandy.
Sheehan, Roye and Lodge also will address the Ninth Ward Democratic Club’s Roosevelt rally at Sixth and Berkley street. Also listed for addresses are Lee, Dr. Ernest Larossa, nominee for coroner; Aaron, Angelo De Persia, Blandy, and Kelleher.
Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving, Haddonfield postmaster, will address the Collingswood meeting this afternoon under auspices of the Collingswood Democratic Club. Other speakers also will be heard.
The Twelfth ward meeting will be that of the Twelfth Ward Democratic Club at 2822 Mitchell street. Among the speakers will be Kelleher, Allen Dolgin, Samuel Gelfand, Dr. Bowman, Carl Egerton, Foster Meekins and Ralph Acoo.
Fourth Ward Rally
The Fourth ward rally, to be conducted at 428 Stevens street by the Fourth Ward Democratic Club, will be addressed by Meyer Wessel, formerly of the Camden Board of Education; Benjamin Daick, Madden, Lario, Kelleher and De Persia.
The Pennsauken Colored Democratic Club is sponsoring a Roosevelt rally at 1838 North Forty-ninth street, Pennsauken, with Dr. Howard Primas, Grace Jones, Dr. Bowman, Milton Jones, Clarence Leigh, and Kelleher listed as the speakers.
The Thirteenth Ward Democratic Club will conduct another Roosevelt rally at Haddon and Kaighn avenues. The speakers tonight will include Isaac Eason, assistant prosecutor; Freeholder Andrew J. McMahon, Frank Suttill, Edward Fox, Leonard Savadove, Howard Callingham, Kelleher, Anthony Mitchell and Abe Greenberg.
A group of speakers will address two central-city rallies in the morning and afternoon, one at 11.45 o’clock and the other at 7.45 p. m. The speakers listed are Theodore French, John Donges, Clarence Dunkelberger, Grover Richman, Jr.; Joseph Moss, A. David Epstein, S. A. Levy, Harry Adams, Benton Childers and Victor Rocco.
John Quick crushed at the Pennsylvania Railroad terminal
Philadelphia Inquirer —
** Caught between the top of a freight car and an overhead bridge at the Pennsylvania Railroad terminal, Camden, John Quick, 23 years old, of 400 Stevens street, was badly crushed yesterday. He was taken to the Cooper Hospital, where it was stated his condition is serious.
Tells Story of a Bold Assault
Camden Daily Courier —
John Cassidy Asserts He Was Attacked While Walking on Steven Street
LOST THREE TEETH IN FRACAS
The police are investigating the story of John Cassidy, 23 years old, of 405 Stevens street, who declared he was attacked by an unknown man early yesterday morning and knocked unconscious.
Cassidy was walking out Federal street on his way home, early yesterday morning when the stranger stopped him and asked for five cents. On being refused the fellow apparently passed by. Instead he turned swiftly, after Cassidy had passed, and struck the pedestrain repeatly with a blunt instrument, felling him to the ground. Cassidy was found lying on the pavement. The ambulance was called and he was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital where it was found that three of his teeth had been knocked out, his cheek had been laid open to the bone and he had received a number of minor lacerations and contusions. A search of his pockets showed that he had not been robbed.
The injured man could not give any description of his assailant, as the scene of the holdup was very dark.
Dropped Chickens and Club
Camden Daily Telegram —
Last night at 12.45, Eddie Hope, who resides in the rear of 420 Stevens street, was aroused by hearing someone in his chicken coop. Mr. Hope fired three shots at the thief who dropped two dead chickens and a club with which he killed them.
Marriage Licenses
415 Stevens Street -- Louvenia James, 1949 -- Camden Courier-Post —
Marriage Licenses
Marriage Licenses
Camden
Ezio J. Fabruzi, 24, of 714 South Fourth street, and Rebecca A. Faulhaber, 19, of 1126 Sycamore street.
Felder L. Wilson, 26, of 695 Van Hook street, and Louvenia James, 23, of 415 Stevens street.
2 Jailed for Begging Money from Autoists
Charged with being drunk and disorderly, James Kelly, 34, of 324 Penn Street, and Charles Murphy, 59, of 423 Stevens Street, were each sentenced to 60 days in jail Saturday by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast.
They were arrested at Eleventh and Linden streets yesterday on complaint of motorists who said the men would wait until a red light flashed and then walk into the street and ask for money.
429 Stevens Street — Michael Mignona.
430 Stevens Street — Richard Perks, 1877 — Philadelphia Inquirer, April 4, 1877.
432–434 Stevens Street — West Jersey Homeopathic Dispensary & Hospital, 1888–1914 (southeast corner of Stevens & West Streets).
432–434 Stevens Street — Stanley Apartments, 1921 — Philadelphia Inquirer, August 28, 1921.
433 Stevens Street — Howard S. Shankin & Family — Howard & Emma Hill Shankin — Philadelphia Inquirer, May 2, 1911.
433 Stevens Street — George Cope, 1922 — Philadelphia Inquirer, June 4, 1922.
433 Stevens Street — Charles Brown & Family, 1956–1957 — Camden Courier-Post, January 26, 1957 — Dr. Louis C. Riegert — Austin Marks.
437 Stevens Street — Amos R. Dease & Family, 1896–1916 — Philadelphia Inquirer, August 27, 1908.
437 Stevens Street — Amos R. Dease & Family — Philadelphia Inquirer, January 10, 1916.
437 Stevens Street — Robert Butler & Family, 1951 — Camden Courier-Post, March 26, 1951 — Eighth Street Methodist Episcopal Church — Wilda R. Smith — Fannie L. Huff — Ry. Rev. D.M. Harmon.
439 Stevens Street — Mrs. Rita Brannock, 1938 — Camden Courier-Post, February 24, 1938. Walter Brannock — Frank H. Miller — William Sheehan — Newton Avenue — Trenton Avenue.
Motorist Cleared in Hit-Run Accident
Camden Courier-Post —
Driver Identified by Woman Victim Denies Being at Scene of Crash
Benjamin Mifflin, 594 Carman street, was found not guilty by a jury in the Camden County Criminal Court before Judge Clifford A. Baldwin yesterday, after he hinted the case against him was “to get money.” Mifflin was charged with assault and battery by automobile.
Mrs. Hazel E. King, of 441 Stevens street, testified that last September 23, Mifflin’s car struck and injured her in front of her home and then drove away as she was unloading some packages from her own car.
She identified Mifflin several days later. Several persons who saw the crash from a distance failed to identify him.
Mifflin denied the charge, saying he was not near the King home at the time of the accident. Asked by Prosecutor Patrick H. Harding on cross-examination: “Why do you think Mrs. King identified you?” Mifflin replied: “She may have had a malicious intent. She may have thought I had money.”
Mifflin formerly operated a Broadway shooting gallery. Detective William Robinson, who found Mifflin’s car after the accident, said there were no scratches on it, although Mrs. King testified the car tore off the door of her own car.
2 GAMBLING RAIDS ENRICH CITY BY $210
Camden Courier-Post —
One man was fined $50 and eight forfeited $160 securities when they failed to appear in Camden police court yesterday after raids on two alleged gambling establishments.
The only man who appeared for a hearing before Judge Pancoast was Tony Miller, 34, charged with being the properitor of horse race betting establishment at 112 North Second street. Six men arrested as material witnesses forfeited $10 each.
Securities of $50 each were forfeited by Joseph Connors, 32, of 869 North Twenty-first street, Philadelphia, and Max Aronson, 45, of 425 Stevens street, arrested in a raid at 338 Kaighn avenue. Lieut. Ralph Bakley said the place was a numbers writing headquarters.
Those who forfeited securities in the Second street raid gave their names as Thomas Telto, 42, of 1424 Federal street; Thomas Maner, 40, of 414 North Fourth street; Thomas Wright, 30, of 345 Penn street; William Brown, 39, of 115 North Third street; Clinton Krane, 43, of 145 State street, and Leonard Winner, 35, of 1021 Grant avenue, Collingswood.
Portrait of Lieutenant Cason
Camden Post-Telegram —
LIEUTENANT CASON.
Councilman-at-Large
Philadelphia Inquirer —
COUNCILMAN-AT-LARGE.—Richard Perks, Esq., a former member of Council, has been elected to the position of Councilman at-large to fill the place made vacant by the resignation of William D. Middleton.
Death Notice of Howard S. Shankin
Philadelphia Inquirer —
SHANKIN.—On May 1, 1911, HOWARD S., beloved husband of Ella Hill Shankin, aged 52 years. Relatives and friends of the family, also Enterprise Lodge, No. 12, A. O. U. W., and all other societies of which he was a member, are invited to attend funeral, on Thursday afternoon, May 4, at 2 o'clock, from his late residence, 433 Stevens st., Camden, N. J. Interment private, at Evergreen Cemetery. Remains may be viewed on Wednesday evening.
Brakeman Praised for Saving Child
Philadelphia Inquirer —
George Cope, of Camden, Risked Life to Rescue Little Girl, Say P. R. R. Officials
Mrs. Emma Hyland and Major G. Selby Named to County Election Boards
For risking his life to save little Mary Rickards from being killed by an engine at Paulsboro on April 27, George Cope, a Pennsylvania Railroad brakeman living at 433 Stevens street, Camden, has been officially commended by General Manager Frick and Division Superintendent H. H. Garrigues.
The child, 9 years old, started to cross the tracks in front of a car being drilled and on which Cope was riding. Seeing the girl's danger, Cope jumped from the car, ran ahead and pushed her from the tracks just as the car passed. In a letter to Mr. Frick the parents of the girl say: "Our hearts are full of gratitude to our Heavenly Father and to this gentleman for his bravery."
In his official letter of commendation to Cope, Superintendent Garrigues says: "The rescue of this small girl from being struck and probably fatally injured required very quick action—at the risk of your own life, which makes it one of unusual merit, and I am very much pleased to congratulate you on being equal to the occasion. For your action in this case you are highly commended and same will be made a matter of record."
Burns Fatal to Child, 4; Kin Critical
Camden Courier-Post —
One boy died and another remains in critical condition in Cooper Hospital today after they were rescued by firemen late Thursday from a flaming second floor apartment at 433 Stevens st.
Dr. Louis C. Riegert, county physician, said an autopsy will be performed today.
Walter Dease rescues a cat at the courthouse
Philadelphia Inquirer —
** While a large crowd looked on Walter Dease yesterday rescued a cat that had gotten on the coping near the top of the court house. The creature had been there several days.
Death Notice of Amos R. Dease
Philadelphia Inquirer —
DEASE.—Jan. 7, 1916, AMOS R., husband of Emma E. Dease, aged 73 years. Relatives and friends, also Trimble Lodge, No. 117, F. and A. M.; also all other lodges of which he was a member, are invited to attend funeral services, Tuesday, 2.30 P. M., at late residence, 437 Stevens st., Camden, N. J. Interment private, Evergreen Cemetery. Remains may be viewed Monday, after 7 P. M. Masonic services same evening.
Butlers host breakfast after sunrise service
Camden Courier-Post —
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Butler, of 437 Stevens street, were breakfast hosts after the union sunrise service at the Eighth Street Methodist Church. Guests included the Rt. Rev. and Mrs. D. M. Harmon. Bishop Harmon was the speaker at the service. Other guests were Mr. and Mrs. Manzy Taylor, of Lawnside; Miss Fannie L. Huff and Mrs. Wilda R. Smith.
Man Charges Wife With Kicking Him
Camden Courier-Post —
Wins Divorce Plea After Telling of Tryst With Camden Storekeeper
A man who charged his wife with intimacy with a Camden storekeeper yesterday won a recommendation for divorce at a hearing before Advisory Master William B. Knight in Chancery court.
The petitioner, Walter Brannock, of 461 Haddon avenue, accused his wife, Rita, of 439 Stevens street, of desertion. The original suit was brought by the wife, but she failed to appear in court to contest her husband's counter action.
Brannock told the court he was married March 31, 1935, and his wife became abusive, often kicking him. Finally, he charged, she deserted him.
On July 22, 1937, Brannock testified, he and Frank Miller, a private detective, went to the Stevens street house and found Mrs. Brannock and William Sheehan, storekeeper at Newton and Trenton avenues, occupying a room.
442 Stevens Street — Mrs. Mary Bryant, 1905 — Camden Daily Courier, March 21, 1905.
442 Stevens Street — Ernest Santone, 1940.
443 Stevens Street — William Potter & Family — Mrs. William R. Potter (mother) — Camden Courier-Post, June 5, 1945.
400 Block of Stevens Street — Occupants
400 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1911 | John Quick |
405 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1905 | John Cassidy |
409 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1910–1921 | Edward H. Shivers & Family |
| 1910–1921 | Edward H. & Linda Shivers |
| 1910–1921 | HowardShivers |
| 1910–1921 | Anna Shivers |
| 1910–1921 | Louise Shivers |
| 1910–1921 | Hillman Shivers |
| 1910–1921 | Linda W. Shivers |
| 1910–1921 | Jeita Shivers |
415 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1949 | Louvenia James |
| 1930 | Egidio Mignogna & Family |
| 1930 | Egidio & Ella Mignogna |
| 1930 | Michael Mignogna |
| 1930 | Earl Mignogna |
| 1930 | Elvira Mignogna |
| 1930 | Helen Mignogna |
| 1930 | Beatrice Mignogna |
| 1930 | Lucy Mignogna |
| 1930 | Carman Mignogna |
| 1930 | Yolanda Mignogna |
418 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1957 | Anna M. Bristol |
420 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1888–1893 | James W. Hope Family |
| 1888–1893 | James & Susan Hope |
| 1888–1893 | James W. Hope Jr. |
| 1888–1893 | Henry "Harry" Hope |
| 1888–1893 | Emma Hope |
| 1888–1893 | Eddie Hope |
| 1888–1893 | William Hope |
| 1888–1893 | Harriet Hope |
| 1888–1893 | Carrie Hope |
| 1924 | John Dalanni & Family |
| 1924 | John & Marie Dalanni |
| 1924 | Dominic Dalanni |
425 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1932 | Max Aronson |
| 1906–1907 | William Lickfeld |
| 1906–1907 | William & Emma Lickfeld |
| 1906–1907 | Fred Lickfeld |
| 1906–1907 | William E. Lickfeld |
428 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1912 | Paul J. Maggioncalda |
| 1882 | Edward J. Dodamead |
430 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1877 | Richard Perks |
| 1933 | Robert Powell |
| 1887 | Dr. A.E. Street |
433 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1911 | Howard S. Shankin & Family |
| 1911 | Howard & Emma Hill Shankin |
| 1956–1957 | Charles Brown & Family |
| 1956–1957 | Charles Brown & Viola Brown |
| 1956–1957 | Anthony McKenzie |
| 1956–1957 | Patricia McKenzie |
| 1956–1957 | Carlos Brown |
437 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1896–1916 | Amos R. Dease & Family |
| 1896–1916 | Amos R. & Emma E. Dease |
| 1896–1916 | Harry Dease |
| 1896–1916 | Walter Dease |
| 1896–1916 | William Dease |
| 1924 | William R. Cason & Family |
| 1924 | William & Margaret Cason |
| 1924 | Gladys Allen (step-daughter) |
| 1951 | Robert Butler & Family |
441 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1938 | Mrs. Hazel E. King |
442 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1890–1892 | Josiah S. Pedigree |
| 1905 | Mrs. Mary Bryant |
| 1940 | Ernest Santone |
| 1918–1920 | William R. Cason & Family |
| 1918–1920 | William & Margaret Cason |
| 1918–1920 | Gladys Allen (step-daughter) |
| 1918–1920 | Joseph Renard (father-in-law) |
| 1918–1920 | Mary Renard (mother-in-law) |
443 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1945 | William Potter & Family |
| 1945 | Mrs. William R. Potter (mother) |
447 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1893–1895 | Josiah S. Pedigree |
Cases Treated at Cooper Hospital
Camden Post-Telegram —
Falling from the roof of a boat house on Cooper river, Christopher Umberger, aged 34 years, of 256 Lawrence street, Philadelphia, sustained a fractured rib and lacerations of the scalp. He was treated at Cooper Hospital Other cases treated at the institution since late Saturday afternoon are as follows:
John T. Gordan, aged 36 years, of 647 Locust street; contusion of foot.
Frank Fains, aged 45 years, of 336 Chester street; puncture wound of thigh.
Paul J. Maggiencalda, aged 23 years, of 428 Stevens street; incised wound of hand.
Julia May, aged 38 years, of 623 Liberty street; splinter under nail of finger.
Third Suspect Seized in Holdup at Cemetery
Camden Courier-Post —
Chester Mignogna, 23, of 429 Stevens street, was arrested Saturday for complicity in a holdup of Jacob Mutzer, 62, of 417 Carteret street, on June 16. He will be arraigned in police court today.
Patrolman George Getley made the arrest on complaint of Detective Clifford Carr, investigating the case. Two others were arrested recently and held for grand jury action for the robbery. They are Michael Meloni, 22, of 312 South Fourth street, and Dominic Vizzone, 25, of 316 South Fifth street.
Mutzer said three men offered to give him a ride home late one night as he was standing at Broadway and Benson street. He said they took him to Evergreen Cemetery where they beat him and stole his watch and $60 in cash. Meloni was arrested first and Vizzone a few days later.
Tenement Owner Granted 10 Days For Cleaning Job
Camden Courier-Post —
By WILBUR MORSE JR.
The Philadelphia owner of a South Camden tenement has been given 10 days to clean up the conditions at 432 Stevens street.
Louis R. Cohen, 271 South Fifteenth street, Philadelphia, was summoned to a hearing Monday before Director of Public Affairs Rhone, to show cause why he should not be restrained from operating the rooming house.
Charges lodged against the management of the property by city health inspectors and the fire marshal were read to Rhone by Ventorino Francesconi, chief clerk of the health department.
The inspections, Francesconi said, showed the tenement consists of 23 apartments, comprised of 29 rooms, occupied by 38 adults and 22 children.
Fire hazards were said by inspectors to include improper lighting of stairways and hallways; hallways and stairways blocked; loose wood and litter scattered about the premises, and an inadequate number of exits.
“Health violations,” Francesconi reported, “were contained in the excessive number of persons occupying single, or two-room apartments; improper disposal of garbage; faulty plumbing and general unsanitary conditions.”
Cohen, in his defense, laid the blame for the conditions on his tenants.
“You can’t make people be clean, if they don’t want to,” he told Rhone.
Termed Deplorable
Deputy Director Garrity, who had accompanied Dr. David D. Helm and Francesconi, on a tour of inspection of the tenement, however, told Dr. Rhone that a single, elderly woman was responsible for the janitor service of the 23 apartments and that from a standpoint of “public welfare” more adequate management, supervision and janitorial service should be supplied. Garrity labelled the conditions as “deplorable and shocking.”
Dr. Helm added that inadequate number of garbage containers were supplied by Cohen. He reported that the yard in back of 432 Stevens had been filled with “more than a truckload of filth,” for which no containers had been provided.
“It’s the tenants’ fault,” reiterated Cohen. “They send their three and four-year-old youngsters out to dump the garbage and trash.”
Despite his protests that the health department’s objections “already have been met,” Cohen agreed to further improve conditions at the tenement within 10 days.
Dr. Rhone said he would order another inspection by health department aides within that time.
“The matter of any violation of fire regulations is between you and the fire marshal,” Rhone told Cohen.
An official report by Capt. Maurice O’Brien, acting fire marshal, to Dr. Helm had recommended a further inspection of the property by fire underwriters.
Mrs. Mary Bryant
Camden Daily Courier —
The funeral of Mrs. Mary Bryant, aged 67 years, of 442 Stevens street, took place this afternoon at 2 o'clock from her late residence. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.
500 Block of Stevens Street
514 Stevens Street — Edward Stokes King Jr.
516 Stevens Street — Camden NJ Devil’s Night Fires — October 30, 2008 — photos & story by Bob Bartosz. October 30, 2008 known by many cities as “Mischief Night” — in Camden New Jersey it is known for its “Devil’s Night.” Shortly after 7 p.m. calls were received for a dwelling fire at 516 Stevens Street. Firefighter Ray Otero, of Engine Company 8, found a small dog under a bed in one of the rear bedrooms. Firefighter Otero reunites dog and family.
522 Stevens Street — Rachel Hoffecker Collins & Family — Maurice B. Collins — Philadelphia Inquirer, July 13, 1904.
523 Stevens Street — Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran Church. Built in 1857, the design of this Gothic building on Stevens Street between Broadway and 5th in Camden is in the tradition of St. James the Less, built ten years earlier across the river in Philadelphia. The building now houses the New Visions Community Services of Camden.
525 Stevens Street — John Horsfall, 1884 — Camden Daily Courier, March 29, 1884.
526 to 536 Stevens Street — Photograph taken May 29, 2012.
533 Stevens Street — Dr. Aaron Howell — Camden Courier-Post Obituary, February 22, 1927.
Judge Baldwin postponed action of another case pending an official order from the Federal Reserve Board in Philadelphia.
This involved the will of Mrs. Annie Peiper, who before her death Nov. 17, 1941, resided at 3161 Alabama road. Her estate is valued at $8000. The will provides for monthly payments to be made for the care of a daughter, Emelie Peiper, who is residing at 533 Stevens street.
The residue of the estate was left to a sister, Mrs. Marie Kramer, of Wartenburg, Germany. Attorneys said because of the latter provision, the will has been termed “a blocked will” because of the war and a license must be obtained from the Federal Reserve before any of the funds of the estate can be disturbed.
Herbert Koehler, proctor of the estate, said he made application for the license but it has not been sent through by the Federal Reserve. Judge Baldwin postponed the case until Jan. 23.
Democratic Trustees Plan Summer Program
Camden Courier-Post —
Trustees of the Democratic Club of Camden County discussed summer plans last night at Democratic Headquarters, 538 Stevens Street.
Edward J. Borden, a trustee, was congratulated on his election as president of the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. Other members present were Samuel P. Orlando, president; Victor King, Patrick H. Harding, Harry L. Maloney and Sidney Kaplan.
Camden News Notes: Maurice Collins held
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN NEWS NOTES
Maurice Collins, arrested Monday night on a fugitive warrant issued by Magistrate Cunningham, of Philadelphia, charged with grand larceny by James Vandergrift, of Bridesburg, was held by the Recorder yesterday for requisition papers.
Death of John Horsfall
Camden Daily Courier —
John Horsfall, one of the oldest residents of this city, who has been known for years as a liveryman, was buried to-day from his late home, 525 Stevens street. For four years he has suffered from paralysis. Mr. Horsfall was eighty-two years old. His son, Theodore, was killed while fighting for his country during the rebellion. He leaves a daughter, the wife of James Lewis, of the Pennsylvania railroad.
Death Notice of Dr. Aaron Howell
Camden Courier-Post —
HOWELL—On Feb. 21, 1927, Dr. Aaron Howell, husband of Sara Braddock Howell. The relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services Thursday afternoon, Feb. 24, at 1 o'clock, at the Medford Baptist Church, Medford, N. J. Interment at Baptist Cemetery, Medford, N. J. Friends may call at his late residence, 533 Stevens St., Camden, Wednesday evening, 7 to 9.
538 Stevens Street — Photograph taken May 29, 2012.
544 Stevens Street — Frank J. Hineline, 1900s–1910s.
565 Stevens Street — Dr. J.S. Baer, 1910 — Philadelphia Inquirer, November 28, 1910.
565 Stevens Street — Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Building — moved into new building on Stevens Street above Broadway on May 17, 1924. Joseph N. Hettel was the architect — Photo taken Spring 2003.
For Rent
Camden Daily Telegram —
313 Line street, 6 rooms $10.00
821 Line street, 7 rooms 13.00
416 Arch street, 9 rooms 17.00
531 Bailey street, 7 rooms 14.00
514 Felton street, 5 rooms 8.50
206 York street, 9 rooms 16.00
124 Clay street, 4 rooms 6.00
1146 Cooper street, 6 rooms 9.00
431 Berkley street, 8 rooms 13.00
815 Federal street, 7 rooms 12.00
503 Trenton avenue, 7 rooms 13.00
434 Arch street, 4 rooms 8.00
569 Stevens street, 11 rooms 30.00
817 Cherry street, 5 rooms 8.00
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT CO., No. 325 Federal street, Camden.
Challenges to Debate — To the Editor
Camden Courier-Post —
After following your paper and “letters” faithfully for some time, in silence, I finally have the urge to submit my humble “two cents.”
Throughout all the recent months of this heated lend-lease, draft and war discussion I have yet to here an honest to John debate between two opposing speakers. Both sides make offers, pretend to accept and then never make good. Of course, there have been open discussions, but they don’t count!
When will the old debate of yes-teryear be revived? Or will they ever? Can it be that our “blow-off boys” of today are ignorant of the facts and therefore afraid to face each other? This appears to be the case! After all, any fool can read a convincing prepared statement in behalf of either side.
I feel this way about it. I am utterly and sincerely opposed to the present administration and its policies relative to domestic and foreign affairs—the war in particular! I believe I know what I’m talking about and am willing to be proven wrong if anyone can do it. I contend the present world crisis is a cocked and primed job and can prove it!
Does anybody want to take me on! Well, this is all in fun and if it doesn’t start a red-hot feud I’ll eat my shirt but I do believe American politics could stand a good verbal crossfire.. Oh boy, would a lot of dummies in Washington bite the dust!
Now, What do you think?
J. Paul E. Monahan
575 Stevens Street
Overcoat stolen from Dr. J. S. Baer's house
Philadelphia Inquirer —
While Dr. C. B. Sharp, of 504 Broadway, was visiting Dr. J. S. Baer, of 565 Steven street, a thief purloined his overcoat. The police have warned Camdenites to keep their front doors locked.
577 Stevens Street — Dr. Emma M. Richardson — Robert John Richardson (aka John Kopcinski) — Camden Courier-Post, June 25, 1929 — Samuel M. Shay.
579 Stevens Street — Arthur W. Claphan & Family, 1905–1943. Virginia-born in 1864, A.W. Claphan was one of Camden’s most successful Black businessmen from the 1910s through the 1930s.
579 Stevens Street — Arthur W. Claphan — Camden High School January 1928 Purple & Gold Yearbook.
581 Stevens Street — Dr. Emma M. Richardson, 1900s–1920s.
581 Stevens Street — Clarence Fuhrman — Fuhrman School of Music — Camden Courier-Post, February 26, 1938.
500 Block of Stevens Street — Occupants
522 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1904 | Rachel Hoffecker Collins & Family |
| 1904 | Maurice B. Collins |
531 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1938 | Edward J. Connell |
533 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1931–1932 | Emilie Peiper |
| 1879–1880 | Hugh Boyle & Family |
| 1879–1880 | Hugh & Mary Boyle |
| 1879–1880 | Ella Boyle |
| 1879–1880 | Catherine Boyle |
| 1927 | Dr. Aaron Howell |
540 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1938 | George Firth |
573 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1899–1906 | Mrs. Katherine Kelley & Family |
| 1899–1906 | Henry Kelly |
| 1899–1906 | Anson Kelley |
| 1899–1906 | William Kelley |
| 1899–1906 | Katherine Kelley |
| 1899–1906 | Louis Kelley |
| 1899–1906 | Florence Kelley |
| 1899–1906 | John Kelley |
| 1940–1943 | Edward R. Monahan & Family |
| 1940–1943 | Edward R. & Agnes G. Monahan |
| 1940–1943 | Mary A. Monahan |
| 1940–1943 | Edna M. Monahan |
| 1940–1943 | Paul E. Monahan |
579 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1905 | Mrs. Mary Hartman |
| 1905 | Arthur W. Claphan |
| 1905–1930s | Arthur & Isabel Claphan |
581 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1890–1891 | Woodrow C. Hughes & Family |
| — | Clarence Fuhrman |
| — | Fuhrman School of Music |
Claphan Pays $6,000 for Mrs. Hartman’s House
Camden Daily Courier —
The Well-Known Colored Caterer Moving Into the Place To-day.
MRS. DR. RICHARDSON SENT FOR A POLICEMAN
The Hartman residence, 579 Stevens street, has been sold to a colored man. This was positively stated by Mrs. Mary Hartman, owner and occupant of the house. The contract price is $6,000 and the bargain was sealed yesterday by Arthur W. Claphan, who purchased the house, paying a portion of the contract price.
When the Hartmans were completing their moving this morning one of the moving wagons stopped in front of the house of Emma Richardson. Mrs. Richardson told the men who jumped off the wagon to leave her premises and take the wagon with them.
Mrs. Hartman, who heard the remark, cried: “Men, stand your ground. I’ve been up against worse in this neighborhood!”
Mrs. Richardson then sent for a policeman, but when the cop reached the scene he kept at a safe distance so as to keep out of the wrangle. The men pulled the horse down to the Hartmans’ premises shortly after the cop came along and this ended the incident.
Mrs. Hartman stated that she is going to reside temporarily at 565 Washington street.
“I will not live in a house in row again,” said she, “as I got all I wanted of that style of living through this porch controversy.
Mrs. Claphan was at the house bright and early this morning.
“How do you like the house?” asked a scribe.
“Great!” was her happy response.
“Going to stay?”
“Well, I guess. Didn’t we pay for it?”
“Is your husband going to conduct his business here?”
“Yes, sir. We have some of the things in already.”
“Have you any children?”
“No.”
“Going to invite your relatives to come see you?”
“We always have. Got plenty of them and I know they’d like to see the new house.”
Mrs. Claphan said further: “We do nobody any harm and undoubtedly shall enjoy the full benefit of our purchase.”
“Are you contemplating a house-warming or porch party?”
“Well, you see we haven’t time yet to arrange for anything like that.”
Mrs. Hartman stated that when the report got out that she was going to sell her house to a colored man, a person came and offered her $7,000 for it. She refused, informing the reporter with real feminine delight that she was willing to sacrifice $1,000 for sweet revenge.
Mrs. Hartman’s card was played primarily to get square for a suit brought against her in the Court of Chancery to take down a porch post she had erected six inches over on the next door property. The case was decided against Mrs. Hartman in both Chancery and the Supreme Court, and is now in the Court of Errors and Appeals.
As a result of the controversy Mrs. Hartman has not been in good grace with other of her neighbors.
Her husband is Harry Hartman, engineer on the Amboy Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Mrs. Hartman intimates that some of the animosity towards her was because she did not in the strict sense of the word go to church and take to society.
Fuhrman School of Music
Camden Courier-Post —
Largest Conservatory of Music in the State of New Jersey—Established 1924
All Branches of Music
The center of musical education in South Jersey—where music is taught by professional musicians constantly active before the public.
Enroll at Any Time
FUHRMAN School of Music
CLARENCE FUHRMAN, Director
581 Stevens Street Bell 4672
FACULTY 34 ARTIST TEACHERS
“THE CENTER OF MUSICAL EDUCATION”
Stage Dancing Classes
Camden Courier-Post —
Every Monday and Thursday at 4.30 P. M.
Conducted by
The Casimiera Dance Studio
581 Stevens Street, Camden, N. J.
For information call Regent 7473
Camden Business Man Dead in Bath Room
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Jacob C. Ferris Found Lying Across a Gas Stove, Asphyxiated by the Deadly Fumes
Jacob C. Ferris, aged 47 years, a well-known Camden business man, was found dead in the bathroom at his home at 546 Steven [sic] street yesterday morning. When discovered the body was lying across a gas stove, the deadly fumes escaping from the tube, which had been disconnected from the stove. It is presumed Mr. Ferris, who had been ill for a year, was taken with a fainting spell and fell on the stove, resulting in the tube being torn from the stove. Coroner Kirk gave a certificate of death due to gas asphyxiation.
Mr. Ferris was a member of the Commercial Club, the Camden Lodge of Elks and until recently a member of the shoe manufacturing firm of Isaac Ferris, Jr., & Co. He is survived by a widow and three children.
A. W. Claphan Catering
Camden High School Purple & Gold —
Weddings and Social Gatherings Catered for and Supplied with Cakes, Creams, Ices, Fruits, Oysters, Salads, Croquettes, Sweetbreads, Flowers, China, Silver, Waiters, etc.
ESTABLISHED 1894
A. W. CLAPHAN
CATERING
579 STEVENS STREET
CAMDEN, N. J.
Bell Telephone 1860
A. W. Claphan, Caterer
undated
Weddings and Social Gatherings Catered for and Supplied with Cakes, Creams, Ices, Fruits, Oysters, Salads, Croquettes, Sweetbreads, Flowers, China, Silver, Waiters, Etc.
579 STEVENS STREET :: :: CAMDEN, N. J.
WARD OF WOMAN DOCTOR ASSUMES HER SURNAME
Camden Courier-Post —
John Kopcinski, 22, of 577 Stevens street, ward of Dr. Emma M. Richardson, was permitted yesterday to change his name to Robert John Richardson by Judge Shay in Common Pleas Court.
In his petition Kopcinski said he had been supported and educated by Dr. Richardson 18 years. He said he was at a disadvantage using his own name and it often is mispelled.
FUHRMAN School of Music
Camden Courier-Post —
Clarence Fuhrman, Director
Mr. Fuhrman has a National Reputation as Concert and Radio Star
Artist-Instructors
Instruction by carefully selected teachers on all instruments as well as Voice, Dancing, Dramatic Art and Radio Technique.
581 Stevens St. Cam. 4672 Open 9 A. M. to 9 P. M.
South 6th & Stevens Streets
Southwest Corner of South 6th & Stevens Streets — First Methodist Episcopal Church — 301 South 6th Street — Postcard based on 1890s photograph — Razed in 2005.
Northwest Corner of South 6th & Stevens Street — 227 South 6th Street — November 2004.
Broadway & Stevens Street
Stevens Street west of Broadway — 1909.
Northwest Corner of Broadway & Stevens Street — July 1942.
Northeast Corner of Broadway & Stevens Street — The Holl Block — 1890s–1942.
Northeast Corner of Broadway & Stevens Street — 1943–2004.
Grand Jury Vice Probe to Be Ordered by Lloyd; Stewart Quizzes Cops
Camden Evening Courier —
FEITZ MURDER, CITY GRAFTING TO FACE INQUIRY
Action Follows Parley With Orlando and Mayor on Conditions
MORE SUSPENSIONS OF POLICE INTIMATED
Mickey Blair Quizzed on Detective’s Killing; Stewart Warns, ‘Clean Up’
Questioned in Feitz Murder
Michael Tenerelli, 25, known in pugilistic circles as Mickey Blair, is shown above during a lull in the questioning by detectives investigating the murder of District Detective William Feitz. Tenerelli surrendered to police yesterday and on order of Prosecutor Orlando was held without bail on charges of being a material witness and with conspiracy in a robbery in connection with the holdup in progress in the South Camden alleged disorderly house at the time Feitz was shot.
Ward Reported on Way Out as Detective Chief
Reports around Camden police and detective headquarters today were to the effect that Lieutenant George Ward was on “his way out” as head of the Detective Bureau.
Dissatisfaction with the manner in which both police and detectives have handled the investigation so far into the Feitz murder will result in Mayor Stewart, director of public safety, ordering a change in detective chiefs today, it was authoritatively learned.
Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, commander of the First Police District, will succeed Lieutenant Ward as it was reported, the latter being sent back to that police precinct which he formerly commanded.
“A sweeping investigation of all phases of “crime” in Camden County, will be the first order given the new September Grand Jury today after it is sworn in at Camden Courthouse by Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd.
That was the decision reached by Justice Lloyd after three hours of separate conferences with Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, of Camden County, and Mayor Roy R. Stewart, director of public safety. During the conferences held in Justice Lloyd’s offices at City Hall-Courthouse, the murder of District Detective William T. Feitz, alleged graft and corruption in the Camden police department and protected vice were thoroughly discussed.
Today, Mayor Stewart, who has inaugurated his own personal investigation of existing conditions in the police department, continued to question and take statements from police officials, patrolmen and detectives. Twenty-three patrolmen and detectives were ordered before the mayor yesterday in addition to the 12 others who were indefinitely suspended by order of Police Chief Arthur Colsey.
Tenerelli Quizzed
Michael Tenerelli, 25, also known as Mickey Blair, former Camden lightweight boxer, was still being questioned at police headquarters in connection with the murder of Detective Feitz. Tenerelli who surrendered to police here yesterday after returning from New York, is booked as a material witness and on a charge of conspiracy in a robbery. Both charges were ordered placed against Tenerelli by Prosecutor Orlando who has assumed direct charge of the investigation. He is being held without bail.
Seven other men and women taken into custody by police after the shooting of Feitz in the alleged disorderly house operated by the late Mrs. Emma Heisler at 243 Sycamore street, were to have been arraigned in Camden Police Court today on orders of Prosecutor Orlando and then turned over to the county authorities. Bail, Prosecutor Orlando declared, would be “sufficiently high” to insure their later appearances when wanted.
However there were no appearances of material witnesses or others in the Feitz investigation before Judge J. Harry Switzer in Camden Police Court during its session today and it was unofficially reported that the prosecutor had changed his plans.
Police Chief Colsey warned all detectives and patrolmen in the department that further suspensions will follow justified complaints of vice anywhere in the city limits if it can be traced to police neglect.
Chief Colsey also admitted that the 12 patrolmen and detectives suspended yesterday on his orders, will receive no pay as long as their suspensions last.
In addition to Lieutenant Bakley, Sergeant Cornog and Acting Sergeant Leonard, the others suspended include Sergeant Walter Mattison of police headquarters; Sergeant John Garrity, District Detective Joseph H. Leonhardt who was with Feitz when he was shot; Patrolmen Leon Branch, George Weber, Thomas Cheeseman, Frank Wilmot, John Houston and Vernon Jones, all attached to the Second district station.
Interviews Police
Three of the suspended officers, Mayor Stewart revealed, were among those interrogated yesterday. They are Lieut. Ralph A. Bakley, commander of the Second Police District or Division “H” in which territory the alleged disorderly house existed where Feitz was fatally shot; Sergeant Richard Cornog and Acting [lines between the bottom of crop 15 and the top of crop 16 are not captured in the scanned crops]
Edwin Andrews, Winslow township; Joseph Dougherty, 140 Prospect avenue, Merchantville.
William Tomlinson, Glendale, Voorhees township; Edmund S. Stafford, 546 Stevens street; Harry Buffington, 123 East Clinton avenue, Oaklyn; Samuel A. Dobbins, 2599 Baird boulevard; Charles H. Thatcher, 129 Kendall boulevard, Oaklyn; Richard S. Thompson, East Zane avenue, Collingswood; Benjamin F. Stemmer, 420 Third Avenue, Haddon Heights; Horace J. Harvey, 721 Amherst avenue, Audubon; H. B. Cox, Evesham avenue, Voorhees township; Dr. Walter F. Wood, Collingswood; John W. Underwood, 801 Cumberland street, Gloucester; Clarence Alloway, Blackwood; Charles A. McWilliams, Blackwood; Louis G. Clark, Barrington; Albert J. Cline, 18 East Crystal Lake avenue, Westmont; Robert Bushbeck, First avenue, Pine Hill, Harry Burkhardt, Bell road, Mt. Ephraim; George T. Schuster, 223 Woodland terrace, Collingswood; Chesley L. Hutchins, 711 Market street, Gloucester and Otto Vierling, Evergreen avenue, Runnemede.
The order of Justice Lloyd for a wide grand jury probe of crime follows upon a decision he made 10 days ago to have the same body open an investigation into the “numbers” racket in Camden city and county. At that time he declared he did not believe any graft or corruption existed in the Camden police department in connection with the operation of the lottery game here.
Tenerelli was identified, Colsey said, as a frequenter of Mrs. Emma Heisler’s disorderly house at 243 Sycamore street, where Feitz was killed, and was booked as a material witness in the Feitz murder, and on a charge of “shaking down” Mrs. Heisler by force, prior to the murder.
Unlike Mrs. Heisler, who leaped to her death after 60 hours freedom in the detective bureau, Blair was slapped without bail into the “cold storage” or incommunicado cell in the bureau.
Blair, after surrendering to Colsey, was sent to the “downstairs” jail and kept there until about 4 p. m. yesterday. Then he was questioned for an hour and a half by Prosecutor Orlando and Colsey.
Blair denied all knowledge of the murder, Colsey said, after the grilling ceased, but added that two inmates of Mrs. Heisler’s house, whom he would not identify, named Blair as one of several men who had come several times to Mrs. Heisler’s place, attempted to extort money from her and, failing, had “held up the place” or a “shakedown.”
This coincided with the statement of Detective Sergeant Gus Koerner, on the day Feitz was killed, that the place had been held up several times, and Mrs. Heisler, because of the nature of her occupation, would not report the holdups.
Prosecutor Orlando, subsequently, had stated that Feitz met death in an attempt to block a “shake-down” holdup of the place.
Boxer Is Identified
Both the inmates of Mrs. Heisler’s place, held incommunicado, looked at Blair in the new detective bureau “lineup” room and identified him as a shakedown visitor, but said he was not in the house on the night of the murder, Colsey said.
The chief then was asked if he believes friends of Blair staged the fatal shake-down and killed Feitz, and replied:
“That’s what we want to know. We don’t know yet. But we are getting somewhere and will solve this case.”
The two inmates of the Heisler house were brought back to the lineup room a second time, took another look at Blair through the screen that made him a “high-lighted” figure and prevented him from seeing them and reaffirmed their previous statements, Colsey said.
Upon the suspension of the twelve members of the force and the installation of a new acting second district commander and new acting sergeants to relieve those suspended, Chief Colsey said he issued the following order to the entire department:
Calls for Cleanup
“All vice must be eliminated absolutely and entirely in Camden. This means all types of vice, including the numbers racket, gambling houses, disorderly houses, horse-race bookmaking speakeasies and everything else though it may not be specifically enumerated here.
“In the future if any complaint of vice comes in, and is proved to be justified, and is attributable to negligence on the part of any patrolmen of police officer [sic], immediate suspension of the negligent members of the force will follow without exception.”
Chief Colsey also said he will recommend that bail of $2000 be set in all numbers racket cases in future, and that all arrested be held for grand jury action, except in cases where innocent players are brought in.
‘Prompted by Facts’
In making public the suspensions of the policemen, Chief Colsey said his action was “prompted by facts” uncovered during the course of his investigation.
In announcing the taking over of the murder investigation, Prosecutor Orlando said:
“As a result of my conference with Justice Lloyd it has been decided that the prosecutor’s office from this time on will take charge of the murder investigation.
“In doing so, however, it does not mean that the city police will cease acting in the matter and will act with just as much zeal as is within their command in bringing about the apprehension of those responsible.
“This investigation has been taken over by this office by reason of the policy assumed in other murder investigations. Hereafter all murder investigations in Camden county will be under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office and at the same time through co-ordinated efforts of this office and the police department of the particular community where the murder takes place.
“As far as developments are concerned, there is nothing new in the case except the arrest of Mickey Blair, who was surrendered by his counsel and who is in the custody of the police until he is committed.”
Lieutenant Walter Welch in command of the Third Police District was assigned by Chief Colsey to replace Lieutenant Bakley and make the suspensions of all sergeants and patrolmen in that precinct effective immediately. Sergeant John Potter of the Third District was named an acting lieutenant to replace Lieutenant Welch as commander of that precinct.
Welch said he will instruct every policeman under his new command that he must work in harmony with earnest efforts to stamp out vice.
“If they do not do this,” Welch said, “I do not want them. They will be of no use to me. They know what to expect if they fail to cooperate. My efforts will be directed to maintaining order without vice in the Second district, just as I have done in the Third.”
Worshipped in a New House
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Methodists Hold Services in the Handsome First Church, Camden.
The first services in the new First Methodist Church, at Sixth and Stevens streets, Camden, were held yesterday. The church is a handsome stone edifice, and will be used by the congregation, which for many years worshipped in the Third Street Church, at Third street and Bridge avenue, recently purchased by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
The services were held in the lecture room, which was formally dedicated by the pastor, Rev. J. B. Graw, D. D. The main auditorium is not yet completed.
Rev. S. L. Baldwin, D. D., of New York city, preached in the morning, a platform meeting was held in the afternoon and the dedication service in the evening.
2700 Block of Stevens Street
2777 Stevens Street — Building permit issued May 1915 — Photo taken November 2011.
2779 Stevens Street — George M. Townsend, 1930s–1940 — Photo taken December 20, 1928.
2781 Stevens Street — Joseph Weber, 1927 — Margaretta Weber, 1927–1932 — Camden Courier-Post, June 9, 1932.
2781 Stevens Street — Howard L. Gick, 1930s–1968 — Photo taken December 20, 1928.
2783 Stevens Street — March 1940.
2787–2797 Stevens Street — Building permits issued May 1915 — Camden Daily Courier, May 22, 1915 — William H. Day — Amos K. Stauts.
2792 Stevens Street — Daniel F. Bourquin Jr. & Family, 1942–1947 — WWII Draft Card.
2796 Stevens Street — Allen Palmer, 1930s–1941.
2700 Block of Stevens Street — Occupants
2781 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1927 | Joseph Weber |
| 1927–1932 | Margaretta Weber |
2792 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1942–1947 | Daniel F. Bourquin Jr. & Family |
| 1942–1947 | Daniel F. & Lillian Bourquin |
| 1942–1947 | Lillian Bourquin |
| 1942–1947 | Ruth Bourquin |
| 1942–1947 | Charles Bourquin |
| 1942–1947 | Marion Bouquin |
| 1942–1947 | Elizabeth Bourquin |
| 1942–1947 | Elinor Bourquin |
Captain Townsend of Engine No. 3 Dies
Camden Courier-Post —
Services for Veteran Firefighter Will Be Held Thursday
Capt. George M. Townsend, 45, of Fire-Engine Company No. 3, Broadway and Emerald street, died Saturday. He had been ill from a heart condition seven months. Battalion Chief Rollo R. Jones, whose headquarters were at the same station, died last Wednesday and was buried Saturday.
Captain Townsend died at his home, 2779 Stevens street, after spending some time in West Jersey Hospital. In two years he would have been eligible for pension. He was a member of the Twelfth Ward Republican Club, the Holy Name Society and St. Joseph’s Men’s Club.
Captain Townsend is survived by his widow, Mrs. Helen Burns Townsend, a daughter, who is a nurse at the county institutions at Lakeland, a son, and a sister, Mrs. Walter Haines. Services in the home at 8.30 a. m. Thursday will be followed by High Mass at 10 o’clock in St. Joseph’s Church, Twenty-ninth street and Westfield avenue. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Sheriff's Sale: 2781 Stevens Street
Sheriff's sale notice —
SHERIFF'S SALE
BY VIRTUE OF A WRIT OF FIERI facias, to me directed, issued out of the Court of Chancery of New Jersey, will be sold at Public Vendue, on
FRIDAY, THE TWENTY-FOURTH DAY OF JUNE, 1932,
at 1 o'clock, Eastern Standard Time, (2 o'clock, Daylight Saving Time) in the afternoon of said day, at the Sheriff's Office in the Court House, in the City and County of Camden and State of New Jersey.
All the following tract or parcel of land and premises hereinafter particularly described, situate, lying and being in the City of Camden, in the County of Camden and State of New Jersey.
Beginning at a point in the northerly side of Stevens street at the distance of one hundred and sixty-one and ninety-nine one-hundredths (161.99) feet westwardly from Twenty-eighth street; said point being in the extended middle line of the party wall between premises Nos. 2781 and 2783 Stevens street; and runs thence westwardly along the northerly side of Stevens street, the distance of eighteen and four one-hundredths (18.04) feet in front or width to the extended middle line of the party wall between premises Nos. 2779 and 2781 Stevens street; and runs thence northwardly, between parallel lines of that width or frontage drawn at right angles to said Stevens street, the westerly one of which runs through the middle line of the party wall between premises Nos. 2779 and 2781 Stevens street and the same extended, the easterly one of which runs through the middle line of the party wall between premises Nos. 2781 and 2783 Stevens street, and thence extended, the distance of eighty-three feet in length or depth to the southerly side of a sixteen feet six inches wide driveway.
Being premises 2781 Stevens street.
Together with the use in common with others bordering thereon, of the said alley or driveway forever.
Being the same premises which Joseph Weber by deed bearing date the third day of June, 1927, and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Camden County in Book 661 of Deeds, Page 54 &c., granted unto the said Margaretta Weber, in fee simple.
Together with all and singular the buildings, woods, ways, waters, watercourses, rights, liberties, privileges, improvements, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever, thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining, and the reversions and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof.
The approximate amount of the decree sought to be satisfied by this sale is $4261.02.
Seized as the property of Mickle Investment Company, et als., taken in execution at the suit of Republic Building and Loan Association, and to be sold by
E. FRANK PINE,
Frank C. Propert, Sol'r. Sheriff.
Dated June 2, 1932. Ptrs. fee $51.08
Property listing for 2783 Stevens Street
Home Owners' Loan Corporation —
HOME OWNERS' LOAN CORPORATION
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
HOLC FORM PM 429-E REVISED 2-20-39
DATE 3/16/40
PM NO. NJ E 559 PO
CONTRACT SALES BROKER: Leon E. Todd, Inc.
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT BROKER: Camden, New Jersey
DATE AVAILABLE:
MO. RENTAL $:
TYPE: 1 fam. brick
SIZE LOT: 17.95 x 83
NO. ROOMS: 6
TRANSP.: 1 block
NO. BED ROOMS: 3
WATER: yes
BATH: 1
GAS: yes
ELECT.: yes
SUN ROOM: porch
SEWER: yes
BKFST. RM.:
STREET: paved
SLEEPING PORCH:
GARAGE:
FIREPLACE: artificial
SERV. QTRS.:
BATH:
HEAT: hot air
ANNUAL TAXES:
ROOF: slag
ANNUAL GRD. RENT:
SALES PRICE $ 3500.00
ADDRESS 2783 Stevens St., Camden, N.J.
THIS LISTING SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF H.O.L.C.
Inspector Day Grants Permits
Camden Daily Courier —
Permits for the erection of six two-story brick dwellings, 15 x 38 feet, seven rooms, bath and porch, to be located from 2787 to 2797 Stevens street, was granted to Contractor Amos K. Stauts by Building Inspector Day.
Draft registration card of Daniel Francis Bourquin, 2792 Stevens Street
World War II draft registration card — 1942
REGISTRATION CARD—(Men born on or after April 28, 1877 and on or before February 16, 1897)
SERIAL NUMBER U 644[?]
ORDER NUMBER
1. NAME (Print): Daniel Francis Bourquin
2. PLACE OF RESIDENCE (Print): 2792 Stevens St, Camden, N. J.
3. MAILING ADDRESS: same
4. TELEPHONE: none
5. AGE IN YEARS: 58
DATE OF BIRTH: May 20 1883
6. PLACE OF BIRTH: Camden, N. J.
7. NAME AND ADDRESS OF PERSON WHO WILL ALWAYS KNOW YOUR ADDRESS: Lillian Bourquin - same add.
8. EMPLOYER'S NAME AND ADDRESS: Pa. Railroad - Camden N. J.
9. PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT OR BUSINESS: same
I AFFIRM THAT I HAVE VERIFIED ABOVE ANSWERS AND THAT THEY ARE TRUE.
Daniel Francis Bourquin (signature of registrant)
D. S. S. Form 1 (Revised 4-1-42) 16-21630-2 (over)
2800 Block of Stevens Street
2818 Stevens Street — Ernest T. McLaughlin Sr. & Family, 1932–1933 — Camden Courier-Post, June 6, 1932.
Ernie, 7 Years Old But He Has Real Party
Camden Courier-Post —
Ernest McLaughlin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest T. McLaughlin, 2818 Stevens street, celebrated the seventh anniversary of his birth Saturday with a party for playmates.
His guests were John Albrecht, Peggy Shaw, Leonard Heintze, Betty Pontz, William Reed, Catherine Baldwin, Harvey Le Fever and Samuel Noecker.
M'Laughlin Family Gives Ernie a Party
Camden Courier-Post —
A birthday party for their 6-year-old son, Ernest, Jr., was tendered Saturday afternoon by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest I. McLaughlin, of 2818 Stevens street.
The guests included Albert Riggins, John Albrecht, Harvey La Fever, James Stewart, Claire Sholly, William Ebaugh, William Baldwin, Herman Volmer, Charles Burkquin, Samuel Noacre, Samuel Price, and the Misses Grace Foster, Catherine Baldwin, Betty Burkquin, Rita Volmer, Jeraldine Noacre, Anne Noacre, Clare Smith and Mrs. William H. Keim.
2824 Stevens Street — Daniel Francis Bourquin Jr. & Family, 1922–1940.
2826 Stevens Street — Verne D. & D. Ferne Phillips — Joyce Phillips — Barbara Phillips — Camden Courier-Post, March 17, 1962.
2842 Stevens Street — Mrs. Deborah Weygand — Mrs. Emily Duncan, 1939 — Camden Courier-Post, March 3, 1939.
Bill Suters, daughters Vivienne and Baby Thelma, Aunt Elsie, cousins Marilyn, Judy, Janice and Beverly.
— Vivienne Sommers, October 2012, regarding 3014 Stevens Street, about 1952.
2800 Block of Stevens Street — Occupants
2818 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1924 | William A. Lanning |
| 1929 | John C. Curley |
| 1932–1933 | Ernest T. McLaughlin Sr. & Family |
| 1947–1977 | Charles P. Ott |
2824 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1922–1940 | Daniel Francis Bourquin Jr. & Family |
| 1922–1940 | Daniel F. & Lillian Bourquin |
| 1922–1940 | Lillian Bourquin |
| 1922–1940 | Ruth Bourquin |
| 1922–1940 | Charles Bourquin |
| 1922–1940 | Marion Bouquin |
| 1922–1940 | Elizabeth Bourquin |
| 1922–1940 | Elinor Bourquin |
2826 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1953 | Ralph Troupe & Family |
| 1953 | James S. Troupe |
| 1962 | Verne D. Phillips & Family |
| 1962 | Verne D. & D. Ferne Phillips |
| 1962 | Joyce Phillips |
| 1962 | Barbara Phillips |
2844 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1942–1957 | J. Walter Trappe |
Newton-Troupe Marriage Announcement
Camden Courier-Post —
ANNOUNCEMENT has been made of the marriage of Miss Emily Jean Newton, daughter of Mrs. Gertrude Yost Newton, of 121 N. 26th st., to James Stewart Troupe, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Troupe, of 2826 Stevens st., in Rosedale Baptist Church on March 21. The Rev. John N. Garrabrandt Jr., pastor of Grace Baptist Church, officiated.
J. W. Trappe Resigns as City Aide
Camden Courier-Post —
Served 34 Years:
J. Walter Trappe, veteran Camden city deputy comptroller, submitted his resignation effective Dec. 31 to the city commission Thursday afternoon.
The resignation was accepted “with regrets” by the five commission members.
Trappe, who lives at 2844 Stevens st., became a city employe in the comptroller’s office as an audit clerk May 16, 1923 and on Oct. 1 of that year was named deputy comptroller.
Praised By Brunner
He has served under former comptroller Sydney P. McCord and under the present comptroller, Dr. Ethan A. Lang. Trappe’s present salary is $7500.
“We appreciate your services rendered over a period of 33 years,” Mayor Brunner told Trappe.
Speaking to the other commissioners, the mayor described Trappe as a “very loyal and ardent city employe” and added it was with “deep regret that we will lose the services of a very efficient employe.” The other four commissioners concurred in the mayor’s comments with City Commissioner Garrity commenting the retirement of Trappe also would be “a loss to the people of our city.”
Mrs. D. Ferne Phillips
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. D. Ferne Phillips, 62, of 2826 Stevens st., a former city department store saleslady, died Friday in Rancocas Valley Hospital, Levittown. Born in Kokomo, Ind., she lived in Camden 20 years and was a member of St. Paul's Independent Lutheran Church.
Surviving are her husband, Verne D.; her mother, Mrs. Alecta H. Bagwell of Kokomo; two daughters, Mrs. Joyce P. Delp of Levittown and Mrs. Barbara P. Neese of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a brother, Emmet Bagwell and two sisters, Miss Daisy Bagwell and Mrs. Ruth B. Phillips, all of Kokomo and five grand children.
Services will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Stevenson Funeral Home, 33 W. Maple ave., Merchantville. Burial will be in Crown Point Cemetery, Kokomo. The Mason E. Bradley Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Emily Duncan, 74, Dies After Accident
Camden Courier-Post —
Mrs. Emily Duncan, 74, died in West Jersey Hospital yesterday after a six weeks' illness superinduced by a fractured hip suffered in an accident.
Mrs. Duncan was born in Camden and in recent years made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Deborah Weygand, at 4842 Steven street. She is survived by another daughter, Miss Bessie Duncan, and a son, Marshall.
Funeral services will be held at the Weygand home Monday at 2 p. m. and will be conducted by Rev. Alfonso Dare, pastor of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery.
2900 Block of Stevens Street
2937 Stevens Street — Chief Arthur Colsey.
Chief Colsey Dies at 67 of Heart Attack
Camden Courier-Post —
Police Head Succumbs During Sleep While Suffering From Cold
MEMBER OF FORCE IN CAMDEN 27 YEARS
Chief of Police Arthur Colsey, veteran of 27 years in the department, died of a heart attack in his sleep at his home, 2937 Stevens street, last night. He was 67.
Apparently in good health except for a slight cold, Chief Colsey left his office in City Hall at noon yesterday, telling his assistants he was going home “to nurse the cold.”
Shortly after 5 p. m., Chief Colsey asked his son, Arthur, Jr., to take Mrs. Colsey on a shopping trip. When they returned two hours later, they found him dead on a couch. The son said his father told him he was going to take a nap before he went to a doctor’s office to receive treatment for the cold.
Chief Colsey was a Camden merchant before entering the police department. For years he was active in the Republican party. He was highly respected by all men in the department. The chief was quiet in manner and the excitement pertaining to strikes in the city a few years ago found him calm in the most delicate situations.
Born in Kidderminster, England, in December, 1872, he came to this country when 17. He was in the department store business with his brothers at Ninth and Market streets for years. He served in the old City Council from 1907 to 1911 from the Second ward. At that time he lived at Eighth and Linden streets.
Joined Force in 1912
Colsey was appointed a patrolman by former Mayor Charles H. Ellis on March 13, 1912, while Elisha A. Gravenor was chief. After several months as a street patrolman he was assigned to the First District patrol wagon. Then he was made a district detective. Next he was promoted to a full ranking detective under Detective Chief William Schregler.
After being appointed a detective he was assigned as a plainclothesman and secretary to Mayor Ellis. He served in this capacity seven years. In 1923 he was appointed chief clerk of the police department with the rank of captain.
In 1924 he was made chief of the vice squad, which made 380 raids for prohibition law violations. The squad also assisted the federal authorities in 180 more liquor raids and participated in 54 raids on disorderly houses and 38 gambling places.
In 1927 the City Commission abolished the rank of captain in the department and Colsey remained as chief clerk without the title. The rank of captain was restored to him by the City Commission in 1932 by motion of Commissioner David S. Rhone.
When former Chief John W. Golden retired on a pension on June 11, 1934, Colsey was named acting chief by Mayor Roy R. Stewart. He was named permanent chief on August 30, 1934, by Mayor Stewart. At the same time John H. Lennox was named permanent chief of the fire department.
During the absence of City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, director of public safety, Chief Colsey was acting director.
Colsey was one of the most popular men who served as chief, both in his department and in civic and political circles. After he was made a full ranking captain in 1932 a series of testimonial dinners were given by the East End Republican League, Twelfth Ward Republican Club and Eleventh Ward Republican Clubs. He was boomed for chief at each of the dinners. Another testimonial was given when he was acting chief by the Camden Police and Firemen’s Association.
In February, 1931, his appointment as chief was urged to succeed Chief Lewis H. Stehr but Golden was named.
While a resident of North Camden he served as president of the Second Ward Republican Club. He was president of the Twelfth Ward Republican Club in 1932.
Prominent Lodgeman
Chief Colsey was a thirty-second degree Mason, being a member of Trimble Lodge, No. 117, Free and Accepted Masons; Crescent Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and Camden Forest, No. 5, Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He also was a member Camden Lodge, No. 293, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Camden Lodge, No. 111, Loyal Order of Moose; Camden Aerie, No. 65, Fraternal Order of Eagles; Sons of St. George, Foresters of America, Improved Order of Red Men, Camden Local, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association; International Police Chiefs’ Association, New Jersey State Police Chiefs’ Association, Camden Police and Fire Association, and the Camden County Republican Association.
Coroner Ernest Larossa issued the death certificate due to a heart ailment.
The funeral will be held at 2 p. m., Wednesday with burial in Arlington Cemetery. Other arrangements have not been completed. The body will be on view from 7 to 9 p. m., Tuesday at the home.
The chief is survived by his widow, Lillie; a brother, Thomas Colsey, a merchant and ranking officer of the Loyal Order of Moose; and two grandchildren, Arthur Colsey, 3rd., and Lillian Colsey. The grandson, a student at Western Maryland College, was notified last night of his grandfather’s death and left immediately for Camden.
3000 Block of Stevens Street
3000 Block of Stevens Street east of Dudley Street — 1960s. On the playground of Francis X. McGraw Elementary School, facing northwest. The baseball field stretched from the edge of the playground to Stevens Street. East Camden Middle School was built over the baseball field in 1978. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Schreiner Washington.
3014 Stevens Street — William Suters & Family, 1949–1979 — photo about 1952.
3015 Stevens Street — Dominick & Helen Smarrito — Pat Smarrito — Annette Smarrito — 1955–1982.
3032 Stevens Street — Leone Television Service — 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages Ad.
LEONE
TELEVISION SERVICE
ON ALL MAKES
R.C.A. G.E. PHILCO
ADMIRAL - MOTOROLA - EMERSON
STROMBERG-CARLSON
24 HOUR SERVICE
WOodlawn 4-4621
3032 STEVENS ST CAMDEN, N. J.
3055 Stevens Street — Leonard Iannelli — Camden Courier-Post, January 17, 1964.
3000 Block of Stevens Street — Occupants
3009 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1927–1947 | Albert A. Davies & Family |
| 1927–1947 | Albert A. & Helen R. Davies |
| 1927–1947 | Albert O. Davies |
| 1927–1947 | William R. Davies |
3014 Stevens Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1930s | Ray Erb Family |
| 1980 | R. Andino |
3 Camden Men Enlist in U. S. Coast Artillery
Camden Courier-Post —
Three Camden men have been accepted at the United States army recruiting office, Fourth and Market streets, since June 1, for three-year enlistments in the coast artillery in Panama.
They are William R. Davies, 20, 3009 Stevens street; Walter W. Crim, 19, 1037 Princess avenue, and Joseph Newman, 19, 49 North Thirty-sixth street. Davies has two years of high school and Grim [sic] one. They are now at Fort Slocum, N. Y., and will sail for Panama June 18, Captain John J. Gorman, recruiting officer, said.
Death Notice of Leonard Iannelli, Sr.
Camden Courier-Post —
IANNELLI—On Jan. 14, 1964, Leonard Sr., beloved husband of Olga (nee Marzi) of 3055 Stevens st., Camden, beloved son of Rose Iannelli, 310 Berkley st., Camden, age 41 years. Relatives and friends of the family, also Knights of Columbus #3512, East Camden, also Fire Department Truck Co. #2 are invited to attend the funeral on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Falco Funeral Home, 6600 S. Browning rd., Pennsauken. Solemn requiem high Mass sung at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's R.C. Church, 29th and Federal sts., Camden. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill. Friends may call Friday evening after 7 o'clock. Parking on premises.
Clarence J. Eichel
Camden High School — 1932
3038 Stevens Street, Cramer Junior High School, Technical Course.
Here’s “Ike”—one of the fast disappearing Technicals, and one of the best friends you could ever hope to have. Many gloomy days have been dispersed by his infectious humor. Well, time marches on so,—“Au revoir, Ike, ne nous oubliez pas!”
Social Studies Club (3); Hi-Y (4); Usher (3); Open House (3).
3038 Stevens Street — Clarence J. Eichel, 1920s–1930s.
Is Zat So!
Camden Courier-Post —
Fair, charming and clever, Mrs. Rocco Palese is one of my “favorite girl friends”—this is rather an exclusive organization—to be found in South Jersey. When this charming matron proceeded to rebuke me with the chastening rod the other day, I was obedient to the command of Camden’s fair daughter.
“The great trouble with you,” opined Mrs. Palese, who was talking with Mrs. Florence Baker, Republican state committeewoman, who is also one of the “F. G. F.,” is that you don’t write enough about women.”
“Why you should have column after column about the fine women we have in Camden,” she added.
As I left the charming Mrs. Palese and the equally winsome Madame Baker it was my fortune to encounter one of the others who are ensconced in the Circle of “F. G. F.” She is Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, postmaster of Camden and for years the brave matron who carried aloft the banner of an unterrified but unwelcome Democracy.
Mrs. Hyland smiled in that manner so disarming, and in her own diplomatic way. My thoughts meanwhile ran back to a banquet that was held a few nights before, in which the winsome Mrs. Hyland administered one verbal spanking to that glutton for punishment who writes this potpourri.
Mrs. Hyland verifies sapient remarks made by that astute counselor, Samuel P. Orlando, to wit: “The great wonder in my mind has been that Mrs. Hyland could battle in politics the way she has and still retain her femininity to such a marked degree.”
Harmony Dwells in Democracy
The sentiments expressed so tersely but eloquently by the limb of the law named Orlando meets with my emphatic “aye.” Therefore, when Mrs. Hyland proceeded to chastise this scribe because the Mackay hinted that harmony does not dwell in Democracy’s tents, the lady appeared vocally ruffled as she proceeded to shoot Mackay at sunrise.
We acknowledged the lambasting, but still there lurked in our mind the same old seed of suspicion. We recalled when Harry Moore was inducted into office as the only Governor to thrice have held that exalted office. The inauguration tickets were not profuse in the Brunner-Kelleher camp, hence we wondered why.
At the same time we remembered an innocent remark that we had read in the column of our able colleague, the cheery sprite, known as Charlie Humes. It was to the effect “that I am not supposed to bring people up here now.”
As we trudged along the streets our minds burrowed in thought and our brains deeply immersed in imagination we pulled up near Broadway and Stevens street in front of the red brick building which the unrighteous now call “No Man’s Land” or more formally the Republican county headquarters.
We were startled out of our reverie by hearing a dulcet voice shouting: “My car is afire! My car is afire! I can’t put it out!”
Instantly we knew that voice. It was that of another of our “F. G. F.” in trouble, this time Mrs. Baker. Her gasoline chariot had come ablaze. She was in quandary terrific as to extinguishing the flames.
Squish! Squish! Out Goes Fire
Don’t tell me why woman loses her head in an emergency. Out of a store came a lady; racing with a can in her hand. She was Sadye Levinsky, one of the few women pharmacists in Camden county.
Miss Levinsky knew her stuff as she also knows Mrs. Baker. Sadye went at her job in calm matter-of-fact fashion that would have won the envy of any volunteer fireman who ever borrowed Fred Lynch’s rubber boots.
Squish! Squish! Squish! went the pump in the can. Out, pronto went the flames. Mrs. Baker was profuse in her thanks as Miss Levinsky waved the emergency treatment of the fiery chariot aside, it was all in the day’s work.
“Boy,” we were saluted. “I’ve just seen the best emotional thespian, that hasn’t made Hollywood. She’s a knockout, about the prettiest girl in this county.”
“Where is this paragon,” we queried, wanting to know something about such a lady myself.
“She is in court trying to get alimony from her husband, Dr. Eppelman,” said the barrister. We trudged over to the courthouse where we met a group who were discussing the Ethel Barrymore who had just asked her dentist husband be compelled to support her and a child.
“Phew,” said Walter Keown, who was hubby’s counsel, “what an actress, what an actress;” Now that was some tribute for we’ve seen Pete Keown in court and he can do a John Barrymore, too.
It was at that moment that a petite blonde; with a face that rivaled Helen of Troy’s and could launch a thousand ships from any dock in the world came around the corner. She was fetchingly dressed and surrounded by a flotilla of males; all members of her families.
She was Mrs. Eppleman, and that lawyer’s description of her glamour and charm was a prize bit of understatement. If she can act as good as she looks they better get Carole Lombard, Lucille Ball and some of those other gals an annuity right away, for they’ll be pushed off the map.
Hardly had we sauntered away from this beauty when we encountered Mrs. Pauline Caperoon, our best bet for the prize politician among all her sex in Camden County. Pauline was as energetic, as politic and loquacious as is characteristic and we had a talkfest about certain folk and their foibles that was enriched, by the strength of Mrs. Caperoon’s vocabulary, with an added trimming of a most conservative type from the writer.
After we had chatted with Pauline and learned plenty we should know we walked away again. Just in time to see Mayor Brunner and Mrs. Kobus hiking for a train to Trenton. Of course, we knew they were just running up to see the Governor, but nothing political. We subsided.
Thus, Mrs. Palese, we feel that we have covered the ground pretty well today in a single column, to bring to the attention of our readers something about women.
Building Boom in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The building boom has extended to Camden. A large number of houses are being removed in the neighborhood of the site for the new Kaighn’s avenue depot. Roberts & Kuhn, contractors, are tearing down twelve brick buildings at Locust and Mechanic streets, and two frame houses on Knight street, north of Kaighn’s avenue. At the northeast corner of Front and Chestnut streets they are building ten two-story brick dwellings and nine three-story on Stevens street, above Broadway. The German Catholic Church at St. John and Spruce streets is under contract. P. McDonald has the contract for the stone work. The Keystone Chemical Company are making four additions to their works on Viola street. George Hall is building two three-story houses at Nos. 501 and 503 Benson street.
James Cox has just begun six two-story brick houses on Cox street, below Second.
William Key, of Philadelphia, has commenced a brick stable two-stories in height, 18x40 feet at 509 Berkley street.
Charles Camduff will build on the Peacock estate at Berlin.
Frank Shaw will erect a hotel at Cramer’s Hill. The building will be located at the corner of Mt. Pleasant street and Cooper
Young G.O.P. to Dine County Party Chiefs
Camden Courier-Post —
County Republican leaders will be guests of the Young Republicans of Camden county at a dinner July 14 at the Lotus Restaurant, 517 Market street, celebrating completion of the Young Republicans’ membership drive. Plans for the dinner were made last night at a meeting in Republican Headquarters, Broadway and Stevens street.
Guests will include David Baird, Joshua C. Haines, chairman of the Camden County Republican Committee; Mrs. Isabella C. Reinert, vice chairman and nominee for Assembly; Walter S. Keown, former chairman; Mrs. Elizabeth C. Verga, former vice chairman; Representative Charles A. Wolverton, George R. Pelouze, nominee for sheriff; Albert S. Woodruff, nominee for state senate; and F. Stanley Bleakly and Frank M. Travaline, Jr., nominees for assembly. Raymond J. Jubanyik is chairman of the executive committee of the Young Republicans.
Orlando Raids 35 Gambling Haunts in Slot Machine Drive
Camden Evening Courier —
The second blow within 24 hours at the slot-machine “racket” in Camden was to be made this afternoon in the grand jury rooms in Camden County Court House.
[illegible] with evidence secured in [illegible]ay’s surprise raid, Assistant Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando was to ask the jury to inquire into the illegal operation of the machines in Camden saloons, cigar stores and cafes.
The grand jury convened at 1:30 p. m.
[illegible]teen of the “money” devices were seized, and as many proprietors of the places where they were found were summoned to appear before the jurors when county detectives and constables swooped down on 35 alleged gambling haunts.
A conference of Republican organization leaders was held this morning, at which the slot machine raids and the impending grand jury investigation were discussed. According to authentic reports, it was the opinion of the leaders that an intensive grand jury probe would be “bad politics.”
It was decided to bring pressure to bear upon Prosecutor Ethan P. Wescott to “call off” Assistant Prosecutor Orlando, who engineered the raids last night.
This afternoon, when the grand jury convened, both Wescott and Orlando went before the jury, in their closed session.
Orlando made it clear, in a statement, that he is not after “small fry” but intends to get the “higher-ups” in the slot machine “game” in Camden city and county.
“I am not going to give the proprietors of the slot machines time to exert their usual political pull, but I intend to have them before the grand jury immediately. I am going to find out, with the help and co-operation of the members of the jury, where they got their machines, how they arrive at their percentage and who is protecting them.
“I have been making a survey of Camden county, including the city, since I took office ten days ago,” he continued, “and I have considerable evidence. I believe that there are, conservatively, 500 slot machines in Camden county and that the income from each of them averages from $50 [illegible] a week. You can make your own multiplication. I believe nearly $[illegible],000 a week is split up, in various ways, from the slot machine racket in the city and county. That money, wherever it goes, is coming from many people who can ill afford to lose it. They need it to pay their butchers and grocers.”
Several Places ‘Tipped Off’
Although Orlando struck quickly, there were several places where the coming of his men had been “tipped off.” A few places, where the noise of machines had been heard for weeks by passersby were strangely silent last night when the county raiders got busy.
Orlando, co-operating with Prosecutor Wescott, will go before Judge Shay soon to ask for a court order to destroy all seized machines.
The raiders were led by Lawrence T. Doran, chief of county detectives. The party included County Detectives Wren, Smith, Cleary, Lyons and Cocherailly, and Constable Max Beals.
Five p. m. was set as the zero hour, and the raiders, two to an automobile, set out from the courthouse at 4:45 p. m. The raids were timed so as to be almost simultaneous.
The raiders walked into the suspected places. If no slot machine was in sight, they bought a cigar or a package of cigarettes and walked quietly out. If they saw a slot machine, they seized it.
Raiders Carried Subpenas
For the first time, the raiders carried subpenas, and where machines were seized, the proprietors were summoned to appear before the grand jury today.
They found no machines in saloons. Bartenders grinned at them when they went in, they reported. In several stores they were met with smiles, they said.
The places where machines were found were: 450 South Third street, store of D. Auletto, 200 Clinton street; Third and Mickle streets, Third and Stevens streets 106 South Second street, Eighth and Spruce streets, store of Earl Sanderson; 656 South Third street, store of Antonio Auduini; 530 South Third street, store of Frank Delgarzo; 452 South Third street, store of Peter Bernardo, and store of Betty Leopold, 215 Line street. In some places two machines were found. They ranged from penny to quarter affairs.
400 Friends Pay Homage To ‘Good Gray Poet’
Camden Courier-Post —
Men and Women From Many Sections Visit Walt Whitman’s Tomb and Old Mickle Street Home on His 114th Anniversary
“It’s just a little street where old friends meet”
That’s Mickle Street where Walt Whitman, the “Good Gray Poet,” once lived, and old friends came back here from near and far yesterday to mingle under the portals of the house in which he wrote his famous works, on the 114th anniversary of his birth.
Among them was Mrs. Augusta K. Dole, 71, of Metuchen, whose husband has been a sports writer on New York newspapers for 45 years.
“They call it a dingy street and some are ashamed to return and say they lived there,” Mrs. Dole said. And with a gesture of the hand she pointed out the homes of some of neighbors, who became famous.
Among them was Button; famous artist [architect]. Another was the grandmother of J. B. Van Sciver.
“I lived at 319 Mickle Street when I was a young lady,” she said. “I was one year old when we moved into the house right across the street from Whitman. I remember when he lived on Stevens Street before he moved to Mickle Street.
Knew Whitman Well
“We lived at the Mickle Street address about 15 or 16 or 20 years; I knew Whitman well. He always stopped and exchanged greetings with me. I frequently saw him on the ferryboats crossing the rivers.
“I want to take issue right here with those who have questioned his chastity. He was more like Christ than anyone else. I saw him admiring me as a young woman one day on a ferryboat.”
“Years later I read a description of myself in one of his works. I did not begin to read his work until 30 years ago. He wrote of the true things in life. He wrote of life as it is and as we see it. I am glad to come here today at the invitation of the committee,”
Mrs. Dole sat in the last chair in which the poet rested before his last illness. She was introduced to Dr. Alexander MacAlister, who was his personal physician in his last illness and who is a member of the Walt Whitman foundation.
Then she posed with an etching by Lewis Daniel, New York artist, at the Walt Whitman art gallery, 641 Market Street. It is one of 14 the young artist drew on “The Song of the Open Road.” Two lines taken from the book are sketched under the etching as follows:
“The earth is crude and incomprehensible at first— Nature is rude and incomprehensible at first.”
400 Visit Home
More than 400 guests visited the home of the poet during the day to be welcomed by members of the foundation. Mrs. Charles A. Wolverton, wife of Congressman Wolverton, was chairman of the reception committee.
Many of the guests visited the tomb of the poet in Harleigh Cemetery where the door is ajar at his request “that his spirit may come and go as I choose.’” But no flowers were placed there as he requested none.
Born on May 31, 1819, near Huntingdon, Long Island, he had a varied career as a writer, war correspondent and poet. During the Civil War he ministered the wounded of both the North and South at Washington. He spent the last 19 years of his life in Camden, where he died in 1892.
Under the bed in his second story front bed room today is a huge metal bathtub, which he designed for use in his invalid days. His library, horsehair furniture, his favorite rocking chair and a cane with which he knocked on the floor to call his housekeeper.
Some of his writings, manuscripts and other works are the property of Miss Ann Harned and Madge Barton Feurer. They are now at the New Jerseyanna Exhibition at the State House at Trenton.
New Painting Viewed
A new painting of Walt Whitman has been completed by Byron T. Connor, of 4320 Manor Avenue, Merchantville, and is now on display at the Hotel Walt Whitman. The painting was completed in three weeks, so as to be ready for the birthday ceremonies.
Later it will be moved from the hotel and placed either in the Whitman home or hung in the lobby of the Walt Whitman Theatre.
Miss Harned, daughter of the late Thomas B. Harned, one of Whitman’s literary executors; Joseph Praissman and Mrs. Martha Davis curator of the Whitman home, were members of the anniversary committee headed by Mrs. Wolverton.
With few exceptions, members of the Walt Whitman Foundation attended yesterday’s program, including Dr. Macalister, chairman; Dr. Cornelius Weygandt, vice chairman; Mrs. Juliet Lit Stern, Joseph M. Conover, Mrs. Helen Taft Manning, Mrs. Allen Drew Cook, Mrs. Nicholas Douty, Dr. Herbert Spencer Harned, J. Frederick Harned, Roy Helton, William T. Innes, Eldridge R. Johnson, William H. Ketler, Dr. Rufus M. Jones, former Mayor Victor King, Oscar Wolf, John Frederick Lewis, Jr., Dr. Bliss Perry, Harrison S. Morris, Agnes Repplier, former Mayor Winfield S. Price, Vernon Whitman Rich, Dr. J. Duncan Spaeth, Dr. Felix E. Schelling, Dr. Robert E. Spiller, Mrs. David Abeel Storer, Frederick Von Nieda and Ralph W. Wescott.
Among the visitors was former Assemblyman William H. Iszard, who is secretary of the committee, which acquired the home as a national shrine. Iszard sponsored legislation in the Assembly for its upkeep.
Elimination of 20 City Blocks Urged by Housing Committee
Camden Courier-Post —
Advisory Board Suggests Razing 895 Dwellings In 2 Areas, Classified as Sub-Standard; Mayor Favors Plan For Parking Spaces
Elimination of 20 blocks of what were characterized as sub-standard properties in Camden was recommended to the city yesterday by the Camden Housing Advisory Committee.
Although it was urged that the city clear out two large areas as an economy measure, no plan was suggested whereby the city could obtain money to finance the clearance project.
The two areas that would be affected if such a proposal were carried out are as follows:
Area A: Tenth street to Twelfth street, between Market and Linden streets, embracing Linden, Penn, Lawrence and Cooper streets between Tenth and Twelfth.
Area B: Line to Stevens streets, between Second and Third streets, embracing Stevens, Benson, Washington, Berkley, Senate, Clinton, Royden, Beckett and Line streets, between Second and Third.
Made by Burnison
The recommendation was made in the office of Mayor Frederick von Nieda, by James W. Burnison, head of the housing advisory committee. Burnison termed the two areas of ten blocks each definitely sub-standard and said that the city should consider them for condemnation proceedings to effect an appreciable saving to Camden of municipal service costs.
The recommendation was made on the basis of a survey completed by the State Housing Authority. Conditions in the 20 blocks were pictured as causing an annual total loss to the city of $156,791.04. In the two areas are 895 dwellings.
It was estimated in the state survey that the city’s annual operating costs in the first area, Area A, are $95,335.30. The annual income to the city in the same area was put at $27,061.63. The annual loss to the city was fixed by the survey as $68,273.67.
Operating costs in Area B were estimated at $106,178.88 per year with an income of $17,661.51. The loss was placed at $88,517.37.
The costs were said to embrace fire protection, police protection, education, relief and health expenditures. The income is from taxes and municipal liens.
Burnison said that by tearing out the affected areas, free parking districts could be established there, bringing considerable trade and money to the city. Operating costs would be eliminated, he pointed out, and tax rates would go down generally with the removal of a costly burden.
Joseph N. Hettel, also a member of the committee, pointed out that both areas would be ripe for use as industrial sites or for a new housing project. Hettel said that if a city housing authority were established, such an agency could obtain its own bonds and be established as an independent venture, divorced from the municipal government but perhaps subsidized by the federal government.
Mayor von Nieda, expressing himself in harmony with plans for eliminating sub-standard areas, declared that he was opposed to the city’s spending any money until the city could receive assurance that the income would be as much as the loss.
The committee also considered the project on which the government is spending $3,000,000 at Westfield Acres in the construction of a low-cost housing venture. George V. Walsh, Camden district manager of the PWA housing division, said the superstructure bid of Anthony P. Miller, of Atlantic City, had been accepted.
Jobs for 500 Men
The Miller contract figure was $2,489,000. The contract has not been awarded as yet. Walsh said that foundation work would be finished Sept. 10 and that superstructure work would start Sept. 15. Completion in one year is provided by contract.
Walsh said 500 men would be employed on the superstructure work and that 800 men would be given jobs at the peak of the work. The housing plan is for three-story apartments of three, four and five rooms each. There will be 598 apartments in all, with central heating and fireproof construction. The Westfield Acres project will cover 25 acres.
Mayor von Nieda criticized the estimates of the state survey group when he said that the figures given for relief and school costs were high. These are the city’s main operating expenses, he said, and they would go on though persons living in the two areas went elsewhere.
Abe Rosenfeld, a real estate man, and James V. Moran also attended the meeting.
Camden County Transfers
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Haddon twp, Lot 4, Section B, plan Westmont Annex—[?] O Henszer to Edward A Trego, $1.
Audubon, W cor Graisbury and Oakland—Hannah V Brown et al to Maud V Rieber, $4500.
Collingswood, N s Linwood, 160 ft W Dill—John S Waters to [?] Laveice, $1.
Audubon, Lot 28, Section 8, plan New Addition to Audubon—Audubon Heights Impt Co to Edward T Cunliffe, $500.
Camden, 340 Division—Antonio Mecca to Lorenzo Del Fico et al, $850.
Gloucester City, S W s Market, 581 ft D land Arthur Powell—Victor J Humbrecht Co to George W Dickensheets, $1200.
Camden, 826 S 2d—Charles W Austermuhl Co to Catherine Celie Polozruto et al, $1.
Camden, 522 N 5th—Charles V D Joline, special master, to Ira C Shurman, $2400.
Camden, S side Stevens, 20 ft S 26th—Hat Land Impt Co to William Stants, $1.
Camden, lots 35 to 39, block B, plan South Camden Land Co—Ralph W E Donges, special master, to Harry J Teitelman, $1225.
Gloucester Twp, lot 19, sec B, plan Glendora Villa—Seymour W Hunt et als to Harry W Mines, $100.
Waterford twp, lot 7, sec C, plan Fisher Garden Sites—William Lipkin to Martha Still, $25.
Oaklyn, N E side White Horse Pike, 50 ft N W Lakeview—Harry W Bealer to [?] Townsend, $1.
Collingswood, [?]2 and 64 Lincoln ave—Harry W Bealer to Herbert S S Corsen, $1.
Camden, 1449 Princess—Lewis F Holl to Jeannette Bryant, $3300.
Camden, S W side Kenwood, 200 ft W Pembroke—Edward C Haddon to Thomas J Croxton, et ux, $7000.
Camden, lots 26 and 28, sec G, plan Lawnton—Richard Chamberlain to Emil Schulke, $700.
Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All
Camden Courier-Post —
By BEN COURTER
Nearly two score years ago an earnest young man called together a handful of employees in a small store at Fifth and Pine streets.
“Boys, see that door?” he said to them.
“Well, if by any chance I should be called upon to resort to unscrupulous methods in the conduct of this business that door will be closed and this enterprise will end. Square dealing is to be the principle on which we will do business, square dealing to everybody.”
That young man was William Leonard Hurley, then but 27 years old and virile, visioning a great business which he purposed to develop. It was the pronouncement of what then was nothing less than an ideal, for it was in a period when there was a tendency to take advantage of the unsuspecting to sell inferior goods at exorbitant prices. Many operated under what was known in the trade as the “borax system,” which resulted in the public looking askance at installment buying for the home.
Based on that determination to cultivate public confidence in his own business, Hurley built slowly but securely, his small enterprise into “the big trustful store,” with branches in half a dozen cities.
It was a determination that made him a kindred spirit, in later years, with Theodore Roosevelt whose guest the Rough Rider was to become in the midst of a political campaign that stirred the country from coast to coast. It was the straight-forward characteristic that likewise prompted his subsequent activities in the interest of Camden, that was to be a factor in throwing off the provincial spirit and entering the civic stride so pronounced in the advent of the Camden bridge and the extension of Broadway. In both these he was a strenuous advocate of civic expansion, scientifically planned.
Hurley Not Born With a ‘Silver Spoon’
When Hurley was born in Chester county, Pa., 65 years ago, it was not with a “silver spoon in his mouth.” His father, William Hurley, was a railroad man, an honest, hard-working father, who, in times which were hard enough for the bread-winner, struggled to keep his family in the necessities of life.
The son, William, obtained the rudiments of education under great difficulties, for schools were scarce and far between in the sparse settlement where his boyhood was spent. It was a school of hard knocks, an environment that evidenced the difficult problem the poorer class had in obtaining the bare necessities of life. It was the experience of those early years that William L. Hurley never forgot, for afterward, when success had come, he never was deaf to an appeal from those “pulling hard against the stream.”
At the age of 12 he obtained his first job on a farm in his native Chester county. Farming in those days was hard, strenuous work, seemingly never ending labor to the boy, even then strong and possessing much of the splendid physique of later years.
“I worked from four in the morning until after dark,” Hurley once said, in a reminiscent way. “The farmer usually woke me in the morning by pounding his cane on the floor.
“My duties? Well, they included milking ten cows, feeding chickens and pigs, cleaning the horses, husking corn and doing odd chores. The farmer paid me $4 a month and board.
“In those days boys worked just as hard as grown folks. It was no cinch and when darkness came I couldn’t run fast enough to the farmhouse and to bed. I was dead tired and the bed brought supreme happiness to me. Sleeping was about the only fun I had.”
So the years went on with the hard work on the farm. The future held no great promise. The railroad was more alluring. Since his father was a railroader, young Hurley decided to try that field.
Railroading in 80’s No ‘Automatic’ Job
Back in the 80’s railroading was a far different proposition than it is now. There was none of the automatic brakes and couplings and numberless other inventions that have made it comparatively a safe job today. The old-fashioned coupling pin, for instance, was the abomination of the brakeman. What it did to Hurley he carried to his dying day in the loss of the end of one of his middle fingers.
Not only did he act as brakeman but also as fireman. As he stoked the pulsing engine he dreamed of the day when he might take the throttle. It seemed a wonderful career then, but fate had other things in store for him. He sensed it when he concluded to better his wage of $1.[?]0 a day and get “something on the side.” That was by selling sewing machines at night, often after he had worked hard on drilling freights or stoking the engine through the day.
But this selling of sewing machines impressed young Hurley that perhaps after all there was something else in life other than guiding a great locomotive over the rails. At any rate he concluded to try it out and this in 1888, the year of the “great Blizzard” in this section, he obtained a job with Edward Gately & Co. in Philadelphia as canvasser. It was not long before he had two assistants who acted as collectors, one of whom, Harry F. Jones, was to become his partner in the Atlantic City store many years later.
Gately was a wealthy man who had made his money mostly in the installment business, one who ever had an eye open for the promising young men in his organization. It was his custom to give them a chance and take them into partnership, opening stores in various cities. Young Hurley was one of these promising young men. In 1890 the business of Gately & Hurley was started. To be exact it was on February 1 of that year that a small store was opened, the corner store under old Wildey Hall at Fifth and Pine streets. It was there that he was inspired to tell his then small force of his square dealing policy.
Worked Long Hours to Make Store Success
Young Hurley worked like a Trojan. None in the ranks put in longer hours than he, sometimes 18 or 20 before he was willing to call it a day.
Not only did he direct his force in garnering business, but he went out on the street, often with rugs across his shoulders, to obtain patronage. Many recall the stalwart, earnest young man and his breezy manner which seldom failed to bring result.
Nor was Hurley, in the flush of subsequent success, averse to recalling those strenuous days, usually with a chuckle and remembrance of old timers who had stood staunch and strong with his organization through the intervening years.
Four years later the business had grown to such proportions that he concluded another location was needed. That was after all the stores under Wildey Hall had been occupied. In 1894 the Gately & Hurley store was opened at Broadway and Pine streets. It was then 33 by 90 feet.
When Hurley impressed Gately with the necessity for expanding and having a real store he prepared plans for a four-story structure. Camden then was filled with the “can’t be dones.” Toone & Hollinshed at Broadway and Kaighn avenue was the biggest place on that thoroughfare. Mrs. Varney’s place was on Kaighn avenue, the store of E. V. Story at Sycamore street, Hughes Brothers at Walnut street, Fuhrman Brothers at Chestnut and a few notion places here and there. But the Hurley enterprise seemed so outlandish that one day as George Leathwhite, then Camden’s leading plumber, was looking over the building operation a prominent business man of the period asked.
“Who is the damn fool building this place?”
Nor was he mollified in the least when informed it was “Bill” Hurley. It was regarded altogether a foolhardy undertaking, one that would spell certain disaster. It was pointed out there was nothing just like it on Broadway and that there was nothing to warrant such an outlay.
As a matter of fact that pessimistic note eventually reached Gately. He had some misgivings and Hurley’s four-story building was kept down to three. Just two months after the store had been finished it was necessary to find warehousing room by renting the old bakery of William Kairer at Line and West street. Incidentally, it may be of interest to recall it was Kairer the baker, who had been shot and killed by a burglar in 1893. Theodore Lambert was hanged in the old county jail for that murder.
In 1900 Hurley bought the Gately interests, giving him exclusive ownership, and the business continued to grow making more additions necessary. The old Field properties, two and a half story bricks, were bought, torn down and the store extended.
In 1903 a store was established at Wilkes-Barre with Daniel Loughran as Hurley’s partner. Three years later Henry J. Tobin was made his partner in another store at Trenton. Then in 1912 John J. Powell was commissioned to open the Hurley-Powell store at Wilmington. Harry F. Jones, Hurley’s collector in the very early days opened the Hurley-Jones store at Atlantic City in 1915. Five years later another Hurley store started business at Bridgeton. And in 1923 the home store was remodeled and in the meantime, old Turner Hall, where many a gay night was had by the old timers in masked balls and other festivities, was converted into a warehouse with other structures doing like service. Hurley has long since been recognized as one of South Jersey’s merchant princes.
Roosevelt Given Support in Bull Moose Campaign
Although he never consented to leave the helm of his great business enterprises, save later in life when he spent part of the winters at Hilton Head or occasionally went abroad, Mr. Hurley found time to take an active interest in the affairs of Camden. He did not seek political preferment but for more than 30 years he sought the best that might come with [blacked out]n progressive government. He ever desired to see Camden forge ahead in business in a civic way. Frequently he chafed over a tendency on the part of the political powers to let things drift along. He had no particular objection to the Republican organization as it was constituted under the late Senator David Baird, but he did believe with all possible sincerity that if the progressive spirit could be injected into it much would be accomplished, things that were left to very, very slow evolution.
It was therefore quite in keeping with that tendency that he aligned himself with the late Cooper B. Hatch in the late 90’s when the Committee of 100 was born with the Courier then under S. Conrad Ott as city editor being a potent factor in the victory. It was then that Hurley gave financial and moral aid to the movement with Hatch as the leader and with Lewis H. Moorman, [blacked out], C. Kramer and others many of whom have long since gone fostering the cause. [blacked out] its purpose perhaps although within a few years it had passed with the usual disintegration of independent movements.
When Colonel Roosevelt formed the Bull Moose party and became the Presidential candidate in 1912 with William H. Taft and Woodrow Wilson in the field, Mr. Hurley was an earnest active advocate of the Rough Rider. In fact he was one of the delegates to the Bull Moose convention that nominated Roosevelt.
In the midst of that truly hectic campaign when Wilson, Taft and Roosevelt visited Camden, Wilson’s meeting was enthusiastic enough to please any Democrat. Taft’s was a frost and hardly more than a fringe, mostly office holders greeted him, but Roosevelt’s was what the Colonel himself called a “rip snorter.”
Teddy Was Guest at Home of Hurley During Visit Here
Hurley was his host on that occasion, a hot summer night, itself suggestive of the extremely hot campaign. These meetings were held at the Third Regiment armory, no other building then being available. One may yet recall very vividly the entrance of the Colonel, Mr. Hurley and the Camden Bull Moose leaders. The great drill hall was literally jammed, with yelling enthusiasts even hanging from the top girders. Just as he arrived a terrific thunder storm broke loose, the reverberation, the vivid flashes lost in the roar of the crowd.
“Where’s your hat, Teddy?” someone yelled.
And the Colonel tossed his old black slouch hat in the ring while Hurley led the cheer that followed, a cheer that seemingly tested the strength of the expansive roof. Roosevelt had been a guest at the Hurley home at West Collingswood where the leaders, the rank and file of the Bull Moosers met him. It was one gala night and Mr. Hurley was in the zenith of his glory.
None was more disappointed when Colonel Roosevelt failed at the November election, for Mr. Hurley felt that the country needed the hero of San Juan Hill particularly at that time. He sincerely mourned the Colonel’s passing, but to the very last cherished his memory, regarding him as the Great American.
Backed Non-Partisan Move, Aided Opening of Broadway
As has been indicated, Mr. Hurley had no particular feeling against the Republican organization, but he was certain that Camden was on the threshold of big things and that there should be an awakening. There appeared to be no intention of getting out of the rut so far as the political powers were concerned and with the assurance of the bridge he regarded it necessary to be alive to the opportunities certain to come. There had been talk of certain outlets from the bridge which did not meet the situation in his judgment. For one thing, he was impressed with the extension of Broadway.
For more years than one might recall, Broadway had been Camden’s principal street. Many regarded it as the city’s most important business thoroughfare. Mr. Hurley early realized that to extend it to where the bridge plaza would eventually be located was a real civic essential, but the city administration did not consider the financial outlay that would be involved justified in the extension.
That was one of the factors that resulted in the Non-Partisan movement of 1922, of Mr. Hurley’s advocacy of its cause, of his financial and moral support. He was one of the leaders in the civic revolution that first brought the victory for commission form of government and later that ushered the Non-Partisan candidates into office.
It was the realization of a cherished dream when the new administration bought property that assured Broadway’s extension to the bridge plaza. It justified his prediction that it would be like giving a new blood stream to the city, for the Walt Whitman Hotel, the Wilson Building and others rapidly rising about Broadway and Cooper streets prove it beyond all doubt.
Camden Bridge Proposition Given Approval by Hurley
Mr. Hurley not only gave his every influence toward the Camden bridge proposition in the days when it was regarded more or less a joke, but he worked assiduously to crystalize [sic] sentiment so that the century-old dream would be a dream no longer. New Jersey did its part when Walter Edge was governor, but there was plenty of backing and filling on the part of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. There were many discouraging epochs, even after a joint commission had been created, but Mr. Hurley was among those who refused to give up hope. What was subsequently accomplished was due mainly to men of his faith, of his courage, of his energy.
After its completion the necessity for a second span was impressed upon him. Shortly after the Camden bridge was opened to the public he advocated another from Market street, Gloucester to Pattison avenue, Philadelphia. Since other sites have been suggested. A joint commission has been named to make preliminary surveys but has been at loggerheads over a proposal to build a span from Red Bank to League Island. Mr. Hurley regarded his suggestion as far more feasible and he supported it by arguments that were hard to answer.
Throughout his career Mr. Hurley had been an earnest advocate of co-operation among business interests of the city. For many years there was the Board of Trade rather an innocuous organization, usually attended by half a dozen men and voiceless so far as influence went. He concluded a rejuvenation was necessary, consented to act as president and speeded it up with the late Louis T. Derousse as secretary. Later Charles M. Curry held that position and until the present Chamber of Commerce was formed under a campaign directed by the American City Bureau. Mr. Hurley or his subordinates had given it every possible aid to make it a factor in the community.
Assessment Commissioner Was Only Political Post
Aside from his principal business, Mr. Hurley was associated for many years with the late William J. Lorigan in building homes. Their first extensive operation was the construction of two rows of dwellings in Princeton avenue. Others were constructed in various parts of Camden and the development of the district about Twenty-seventh and Federal streets was largely due to the firm. After the elder Lorigan’s death he was succeeded by his son, William H. Lorigan, who has been associated with Mr. Hurley.
While he sought no political honors, Mr. Hurley did once accept for a few years a position. It was during the Committee of 100 regime when he became a commissioner of assessment. He [?] served for many years as a delegate to the Atlantic Deeper Waterways Convention. He took a keen interest in that organization and in the work of actually having an inland waterway along the eastern seaboard. It is slowly developing with the possibility of becoming an actuality a few years hence, mainly through the effort of men of Mr. Hurley’s caliber.
When he came to Camden Mr. Hurley first resided on Stevens street, then at [?] Pine and from 1894 to 19[?]9 at 7[?]8 Broadway. In the latter year he bought the estate on White Horse pike at West Collingswood that had been used as a sanitarium. The building was virtually reconstructed, the grounds were laid out in beautiful shrubbery and there were already fine nut trees which made it a show place. He called it Dungarvan, after the county in Ireland where his father was born.
It was there at his palatial home, with the beautiful surroundings that Mr. Hurley delighted in acting the role of host, of gathering about him old friends and harking back to the times that were.
Unspoiled Good Will Befriended All in Need
Old friends cherish the memory of one outstanding characteristic of “Bill” Hurley. Increasing fortune never “spoiled” him. He remained democratic until the end, and those who had known him through the years called him “Bill” just as they had done in the days when he was forging ahead in spite of the “can’t-be-dones.”
Nor did he ever forget an old customer. It might be an old, old woman upon whom fortune had consistently refused to shine but who made her little purchases at his store. None was too lowly for him to give his personal attention under such circumstances. There was ever a real grip of the hand that spoke sincerity.
It was quite natural that he enjoyed hunting and fishing. For many years his summer home was at Sea Isle City, where his family went through the vacation period each year. There he never failed to go out to sea or to try his luck off the pier, usually with an old friend. Catching the piscatorial beauties, particularly a channel bass or a drum, was regarded with almost the same satisfaction as putting over a big business deal.
Over a dozen years ago he bought the island at Hilton Head, off the coast of South Carolina and 30 miles from Savannah. While he enjoyed all the comforts of civilization, the surroundings were kept in their primitive simplicity. Nothing delighted him more than taking an old friend along to the island estate and showing the guest the time of his life.
Men like Hurley do much that is unheralded to alleviate the suffering of the world. Creed or color meant nothing to him if aid were needed. What he gave in that respect no one knows. Those long associated with him declare it was sufficient to make happy a small army in adversity.
Aided Worthy Causes Regardless of Creeds
Charitable organizations, religious or otherwise, enjoyed his bounty. No one was aware of such aid unless it happened to be in a “campaign” to raise a specified sum. It was Hurley very often who started things going by way of a liberal contribution. It mattered not whether the cause was for Protestant, Catholic or Jew—just so it was worth while. When the vicious pogroms were sweeping Russia he was one of the most generous contributors to the Camden funds for the sufferers. In the flu epidemic of 1918 he was among the leaders who aided the stricken, who gave many a family a lift over rough places.
During the war he was active in every Liberty Loan drive, in every movement that aided ultimate victory. He was chairman of the Knights of Columbus drive, he was a potent factor in the United War Workers’ campaign, in the Red Cross and kindred movements. He took great interest in the boys who “went over there” for his own son, Jerome, was in the service.
Surely in glancing over Camden’s history in the past two-score years not an instance conducive to the city’s development may be cited without finding William L. Hurley’s name connected with it some way, some how. He was so much a part of its warp and woof that the civic fabric bears indelibly the impress of his personality.
Fire Truck-Auto Collision Breaks Store Windows
Camden Courier-Post —
Car Mounts Sidewalk After Crash at Broadway, Stevens
An automobile was driven onto the sidewalk and broke two windows of a store at Broadway and Stevens st. today after colliding with a fire engine returning from a false alarm.
Leonard Chasey, 19, of 1437 S. 9th st., was proceeding west on Stevens st., when his car was in collision with the truck of Engine Co. No. 2 proceeding north on Broadway. The engine was operated by Hoseman Carl Wirtz, 29, of 1421 Norris st.
The impact of the crash sent Chasey’s car onto the sidewalk on the southwest corner and broke the windows of Rolans Clothing Store.
Treated at Hospital
Chasey suffered minor bruises and was treated at Cooper Hospital. Riding with Wirtz on the engine at the time was Capt. George Boone. They were uninjured.
Joseph J. Shapiro, manager of the clothing store, estimated damage at $200. He said windows on the Stevens st. and Broadway sides of the store were broken.
Boone said the engine was returning to its station at 5th and Arch sts. at the time of the crash. He said a telephone operator had called the police and fire board in the electrical bureau, and reported a fire at 516 Pine st. He said that when they arrived at the scene there was no fire.
Fire in Gloucester
Boone said that while the firemen were en route to Pine st., another call was received at the electrical bureau stating that there had been a mistake and the fire was at 516 Powell st., Gloucester.
The Gloucester fire was in the home of Robert Lewis and had been caused by a defective oil burner. The fire was quickly extinguished by Gloucester firemen.
—Courier-Post Photo
ACCIDENT SCENE at Broadway and Stevens st., is shown shortly after the car above, operated by Leonard Chasey, 19, of 1437 S. 9th st., collided with a fire engine returning from a false alarm.
2 Runaway Horses Imperil Children
Camden Courier-Post —
Gallopers Stage Impromptu Race in South Camden Traffic
Scores of children on their way to school were endangered yesterday when two horses hitched to a bakery wagon ran away in South Camden streets, ignoring red traffic lights and shouts of pedestrians and motorists.
A horse hitched to a wagon of the Seven Brothers Bakery, 322 Pine street, broke loose from its wagon at Third and Berkley streets when it was frightened by a truck, according to Joseph Cirelli, Second and Washington streets, the wagon driver. The animal raced east in Berkley street to West street, where it collided with an automobile. Despite numerous cuts and bruises, the horse continued its dash eastward.
At the headquarters of Freihofer Bakery Company, Fifth and Berkley streets, where several bakery wagons were being loaded, the runaway animal frightened the horses of the company, and one bolted.
Both horses crossed Broadway, demoralizing traffic and sending scores of children running in all directions to escape the menace of flying hoofs and a careening wagon.
At the railroad tracks, the bakery wagon and one horse was [sic] captured.
The other horse turned north in Sixth street, pursued by Motorcycle Policeman William Thorn.
Thorn overtook the horse and brought it to a stop at Sixth and Stevens streets, opposite Cooper Hospital. The animal was taken to the city stables at Federal street and Admiral Wilson boulevard, where it was later claimed by the driver.