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Viola Street

Camden Street
Page Contents

Introduction

Viola Street runs west from Ancona Street, across Broadway to the railroad tracks and Interstate 676. Viola Street does not appear in the listing of streets in the 1872 City Directory, but does appear in the 1878 edition.

Prior to the building of the interstate highway, Viola Street continued to a point at Ferry Avenue and South 7th Street, on the site of the present-day Antioch Baptist Church. A map from 1914 indicates that Viola Street extended another one-half block east to South 3rd Street; this does not appear to have ever been the case, as South 3rd Street never extended below Atlantic Avenue. A lumber yard that operated on Viola west of Ancona Street did carry an address of 200 Viola Street in the late 1940s, but was gone by 1955. Martella’s Motor Freight operated there in 1955 and in 1956, but had moved to 854 Chelton Avenue by the fall of 1959.

Advertisement

Catharine A. Croker Death Notice

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Catharine A. Croker Death Notice - Philadelphia Inquirer, December 10, 1912

CROKER.—8th Inst. CATHARINE A., wife of James P. Croker, aged 45. Relatives and friends invited to funeral, Wed., 8 A. M., husband’s residence, [?][?][?] Viola st., Camden, N. J. High mass at Church of the Sacred Heart, 9 A. M. Interment St. Mary’s, Gloucester.

Sends Trio to Jail

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Foot of Viola Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1915

“You have caused enough trouble in this world and it is a wonder you don’t behave yourself,” said Recorder Stackhouse in the Camden Police Court yesterday, addressing Mrs. Frances Wienefski, a member of the boathouse colony at the foot of Viola street. She had been arrested by Policeman Gondolf with Joseph Wachiski and Stanley Rubinski, who were fighting over her. She has been in the Police Court at various times since. Recorder Stackhouse sent the trio to jail for twenty days.

200 Block of Viola Street

200 Viola Street — Martella's Motor Freight, 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone ad

200 Viola Street — Martella’s Motor Freight. 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone advertisement.

MARTELLA'S MOTOR FREIGHT
DAILY SERVICE TO
PHILADELPHIA - NEW YORK - CONNECTICUT - MASSACHUSETTS
BALTIMORE - WASHINGTON
"AND ALL NORTH JERSEY POINTS"
(ALL CARGO INSURED)
WOodlawn 4-0756
200 VIOLA ST
CAMDEN, N. J.

200 Block of Viola Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1947–1956.

200 Viola Street

200 Viola Street — 200 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1947Caruso Lumber Company
1947S. Raymond Caruso, president
1947Eleanor Caruso, secretary
1955–1956Martella's Motor Freight1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Ad

300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants

City directory records and New Jersey Bell Telephone listings, 1915–1980.

331 Viola Street

331 Viola Street — 300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1924–1947No ListingNo listing in directory
1969Keystone Cylinder Gas Corporation
1980Cooney Fire Protection

332 Viola Street

332 Viola Street — 300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Built in 1915
1920Vincenzo Strattoni
1924–1932Dominic Flacco & Family
1924–1932Dominic & Rose Flacco
1924–1932Clara Flacco
1924–1932John Flacco
1924–1932Albert Flacco
1924–1932Mary Flacco
1924–1932Gabriel Flacco
1947Attilio DiPatri
1969No telephone listed
1980L. Gentry

334 Viola Street

334 Viola Street — 300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Built in 1915
1929Nicholas DiPatri
1929–1929Nicholas DiPatri
1947Vincent Mammocio
1969No telephone listed
1980No telephone listed

336 Viola Street

336 Viola Street — 300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Built in 1915
1924Thomas Zenich
1929Anthony Francisco
1947–1951Canzano Collaretti & Family (Theresa Collaretti Stanton, daughter; William E. Stanton, son-in-law)
1947–1951Theresa Collaretti Stanton (daughter)
1969E.C. Shinault
1980A.R. Dixon

338 Viola Street

338 Viola Street — 300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Built in 1915
1924Pasquale DiGiacomo
1929Conzano Circolo
1947Neil D. Sparano
1969R.H. Borden
1980No telephone listed

340 Viola Street

340 Viola Street — 300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Built in 1915
1924–1947Jerome Dabunda
1969C. D'Abundo
1980M.W. Causey

342 Viola Street

342 Viola Street — 300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Built in 1915
1924–1929Antonio DiMaio
1947John DiMaio
1969No telephone listed
1980No telephone listed

344 Viola Street

344 Viola Street — 300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Built in 1915
1924Annibale Aganeppa
1929Annibale Agananne
1947Harry Arangio
1969L.H. Christy
1969L. Rodriguez

346 Viola Street

346 Viola Street — 300 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Built in 1915
1924Cornello Gracco
1929Pasquale DiGiacomo
1947Anthony DiMaio
1969–1980William F. Lees

Camden Has Building Boom

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden Has Building Boom - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 26, 1915

Camden had a healthy young building boom yesterday when Inspector Day issued permits for the erection of thirty-eight dwellings. Eleven are to be located from 3[?]2 to 346 Viola street; eleven from 1901 to 1921 South Fourth street; eight from [?]31 to 345 Winslow street. These are to be constructed for the Guarantee Realty Company William Sangtinette was granted a permit to build five dwellings on Thirty-second street, while the Mockett Construction Company was also given the right to erect three properties from 1717 to 1721 Florence street.

Blames Chauffeur for Death of Ten

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Blames Chauffeur for Death of Ten - Philadelphia Inquirer, August 24, 1920 Blames Chauffeur for Death of Ten - Philadelphia Inquirer, August 24, 1920 Blames Chauffeur for Death of Ten - Philadelphia Inquirer, August 24, 1920 Blames Chauffeur for Death of Ten - Philadelphia Inquirer, August 24, 1920 Blames Chauffeur for Death of Ten - Philadelphia Inquirer, August 24, 1920

Driver of Auto-bus Failed to Heed Signal at “Death Crossing”—Three Mothers and Babies Are Among Victims.

Inquiry Begun by Officials

Responsibility for the accident which resulted in the death of ten persons and the injury of five others in Camden Sunday night when a motor ‘bus was struck by a Pennsylvania Railroad electric express, was placed yesterday on Vincenzo Strattoni, driver of the ‘bus, by Coroner David Bentley, of Camden.

A rigid investigation of the accident has been ordered by Mayor Ellis, of Camden. Council will be asked to probe the grade-crossing situation in Camden and to take steps to prevent further accidents. Measures also will be taken to curb recklessness on the part of “jitney” ‘bus drivers.

Identification of the bodies of the victims, many of which were mangled almost beyond recognition, was not made until late yesterday afternoon. A constant stream of anxious persons arrived at the Morgue, at Fifth and Federal streets, and one by one the bodies were picked out.

The complete list of the fifteen passengers of the motorbus are as follows:

THE DEAD

VINCENZO STRATTONI, 30 years old, 332 Viola street, Camden.

PERCY D. GUNN, 35 years old, 1555 Minnesota road, Fairview.

MRS. ELIZABETH M. HYATT, 28 years old, 2760 Constitution road, Fairview.

QUENTIN HYATT, ten months old, Mrs. Hyatt’s son.

MRS. HAZEL DALTON, 26 years old, 1069 Collings road, Fairview.

EILEEN DALTON, eighteen months old, daughter of Mrs. Dalton.

WILLIAM A. STREEKER, 28 years old, 2561 Kansas road, Fairview.

MRS. ALICE STREEKER, 29 years old, his wife.

DOROTHY STREEKER, 3 years old, their daughter.

KENNETH STAFFORD, fourteen months old, Fairview.

THE INJURED

ROBERT STAFFORD, 20 years old, 25[?]4 Constitution road, Fairview; fractured skull.

MARGARET STAFFORD, 27 years old, his wife; fractured nose and cuts of the head.

JAMES DALTON, 26 years old, husband of Mrs. Dalton and father of Eileen; fractured skull.

JOHN MYERS, 24 years old, Fairview; cuts of the head and had right arm amputated.

NEIL HEROLD, 17 years old, 1417 Collings road, Fairview; cuts.

After an examination of William Osborne, engineer of the electric train, and Tony Verne, the watchman at the crossing, Superintendent A. G. Mitchell, of the Pennsylvania Railroad, also placed the blame on Strattoni, who was killed. It was admitted, however, that the safety gates at the crossing were out of commission since August 19.

Verne insisted that he waved his lantern and shouted to the driver of the bus. Strattoni is said to have replied: “I can make it all right. Go to hell, you!” and started the machine across the tracks into the path of the train.

The wreck, which occurred at 8.30 o’clock Sunday night, is said to be the worst in the history of the New Jersey grade crossings. All the passengers of the bus were either killed or injured seriously, with the exception of Neil Herold, who escaped with slight cuts.

Two of the victims at the Cooper Hospital are expected to die.

The bodies of William A. Strecker [sic], his wife and daughter were the last to be identified. Alfred Bath, of 3076 Sumter road, Fairview, a brother-in-law of Streeker, broke down and wept when he found them in the morgue.

Bath said the Streekers had attended services in the Blockley Baptist Church, Fifty-third and Wyalusing streets, to hear a pastor whom they had known when they lived in Asbury Park, N. J. With Miss Violet Ettinger, of Hamilton Square, near Trenton, they crossed on the ferry. Miss Ettinger bade them good night and the Streekers entered the bus.

The bodies of Mrs. Hyatt and her son were identified by her mother, Mrs. Ida Wadsworth, who lived with her at Fairview. She said that Mrs. Hyatt and her son had been visiting friends in Wilmington. When they did not return, Mrs. Wadsworth became worried and, hearing of the tragedy, hurried to the morgue.

“It’s my daughter, my poor little girl,” she sobbed when she saw the silent form on the marble slab. Half fainting she was led to a nearby stone and there found the baby, Quentin, who she was able to identify only by its clothing.

Mrs. Hyatt was the wife of Theodore M. Hyatt, who is chief yeoman on the battleship Idaho, now stationed with the Pacific fleet. Hyatt never saw his son, as the child was born after he joined the fleet.

The Dalton family were involved in the crash as the result of a trip to Broad Street Station here, accompanying relatives who had spent the weekend with them.

They were identified by neighbors, who noticing the milk bottles and papers on their front, suspected that they were among the victims. Inquiring at the Cooper Hospital they found Dalton, who is suffering from a fractured skull; later Mrs. Dalton and Eileen were discovered at the Morgue.

Coroner Bentley, after the investigation was completed, said:

“The accident was the fault of the bus driver, according to all the witnesses we have examined. The watchman at the crossing swung his light and called to Strattoni, but he failed to heed the warning and drove in front of the express. It is a bad crossing and drivers of vehicles should be extremely careful when crossing there.”

The Coroner also said that no inquest would be held in the present case.

“In fact, there hasn’t been an inquest held in Camden for nearly fifteen years. The Board of Freeholders will not appropriate the money to pay for an inquest. I hope this case will stir them up a bit. The responsibility in a case like this should be decided by a jury.”

Mayor Ellis said that he had communicated with the railroad several weeks ago when a similar accident had occurred and asked it to take measures for the public’s safety. The reply was that such precautions had been taken, and that gates were being erected, the Mayor said.

“I have requested Council to take up the matter of grade crossings at the Thursday meeting, and in the meantime I am having a rigid investigation instituted by Chief of Police Gravenor. If I find that bus-drivers are endangering the lives of their passengers, arrests will be made to check their recklessness.”

Games Wanted

Camden Courier-Post —

Games Wanted - Camden Courier-Post, June 3, 1932

Chelton A. C. is anxious to arrange home games for Tuesdays and Thursdays and away games for Saturdays and Sundays with teams such as Almonesson, Glendora, Barrington and other clubs of similar calibre. Roland Bradford, 1818 South Sixth street.

Danica A. C. wishes to schedule games with second class teams in South Jersey. George Suleta, 1815 Salem street, Camden.

Tenth Ward Republican Club, a first class team, playing home on Wednesdays and away over the weekend, is anxious to arrange games with clubs in South Jersey. The club is fully uniformed. Ray Dolan, Tenth Ward Republican Club, Fifth and Pearl streets.

Mohawk is anxious to book tilts either at home or away with second class uniformed teams in Camden and South Jersey. Perry Stubbs, 416 Hunter street, Gloucester.

Sterling A. C. desires to arrange home and away games with 14-16-year-old clubs in this locality. Albert Flacco, 332 Viola street.

Walt Whitman, of the Camden Minor League, wishes to arrange away games for Saturday and Sunday with first class taems [sic] in South Jersey. Ed Scheflen, Camden 8557.

Haddonfield of the Lower Camden County League desires to arrange an away game Sunday with any first-class club in South Jersey offering a fair guarantee. Hubert Connell, 628 Elm street, Camden. Call C2431-R. after 9 p. m.

‘POYNTERS’ SEEK TILTS

The Pyne Poynt A. A., of the Reesman Twilight League, is anxious to obtain games for Saturdays and Sundays either at home or away. For games call Ed Myers, 1881-W.

SHAMROCKS SIGN ONE

The Shamrock club of the Camden Amateur League added Joseph McDermott to its roster last night, while at the same time turned in the release for George Perks.

William E. Stanton

Trenton Evening Times —

William E. Stanton — Trenton Evening Times, April 1, 1949 William E. Stanton, continued

The funeral of William E. Stanton, 23, who died Monday in Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia, from injuries received in an automobile accident, will be held tomorrow at 8 a.m. from the Mocca Funeral Home, 819 South 14th Street, Camden. Requiem high mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Camden, at 9, with interment in Camden. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Theresa Collaretti of 336 Viola Street, Camden; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Stanton of 48 Jersey Street, Trenton; four brothers, Thomas J. Jr., James, Vincent and Gerald of Trenton, and a sister, Miss Gertrude Stanton of Trenton. Stanton served with the Army in Europe in the last war. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Marriage Licenses

Camden Courier-Post —

Marriage Licenses - Camden Courier-Post, September 15, 1951

Camden

Harry L. Archie Jr., 32, of 2816 Saunders street, and Augusta S. Dickinson, 21, of 1020 Penn street.

William F. McKittrick, 31, of 3177 Rosedale avenue, and Catherine Lane, 24, of 603 Berkley street.

William D. Singleton, 24, of 408 Haddon avenue, and Irene Skipper, 19, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

William L. Cline, 27, of 47 East Kings Highway, Audubon, and Teresa C. Stanton, 24, of 336 Viola street.

400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants

City directory records and New Jersey Bell Telephone listings, 1902–1980.

410 Viola Street

410 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Louis Tacone
1929–1947Noah Yacona
1969No telephone listed
1980No telephone listed

411 Viola Street

411 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1921–1940Joseph Martella & Family (grocer)
1921–1940Joseph & Mary Martella
1921–1940Nicholas Martella
1921–1940Floyd Martella
1921–1940Lena Martella
1921–1940George Martella
1921–1940Eleanor Martella
1947Rosalie's Luncheonette
1947–1969Antonio Cianci
1980C.W. Borman

412 Viola Street

412 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1911Daniel Burns
1917 Hugh Greenan & Family
1917Hugh & Anna Greenan
1924Michael Shuler
1929Michael Shula
1947Canzano DiLucca
1969Nicholas T. Cericola
1969Roy Gentry
2011Gifts From The Heart

413 Viola Street

413 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Joseph DiCamillo (shoemaker)
1929–1947Anthony Malesich
1969–1980T. Malesich
— Sergeant Angelo DiCamillo

414 Viola Street

414 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1921Michael Czulak
1924–1947Adam Drapczuk
1969–1980Miss F.L. Gozzi

415 Viola Street

415 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1924–1947John Perkolski
1969C. Weitzel1969 No telephone listed

416 Viola Street

416 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Frank Gadren
1947Mrs. Agatha R. Gadren
1965–1977Mike Nicosia
1980C.A. Burkey

417 Viola Street

417 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1921Enrico DiCrescenzo
1924–1929Joseph W. Keller
1947–1969Carmen Abate
1980No telephone listed

418 Viola Street

418 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Joseph Ralairsz
1947Stanley Barsewicz
1950Bruno J. Rolewicz
1969No telephone listed
1980M. Powell

419 Viola Street

419 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924John P. Murray
1929Thomas Coccio
1947Garfield Sparano
1969S.J. Barisewicz
1980M. Pagan
1980D. Robinson

420 Viola Street

420 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Joseph Palace
1947Julio Palazzisa
1968–1969Vincent P. Abate & Family (Vincent P. & Pauline U. Abate, Thomas Priola, Vincent, Leonard, Nicholas, Thomas, Elaine Abate)
1968–1969Vincent P. & Pauline U. Abate
1968–1969Thomas Priola
1968–1969Vincent Abate
1968–1969Leonard Abate
1968–1969Nicholas Abate
1968–1969Thomas Abate
1968–1969Elaine Abate
1980D. Robinson

421 Viola Street

421 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1947Angelo DelRossi
1969No telephone listed
1980No telephone listed

422 Viola Street

422 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1924No Listing1924 No listing in directory
1929–1930 John Shuler & Family
1929–1930John & Anna Shuler
1929–1930 John E. Shuler
1929–1930Walter Shuler
1929–1930Violet Shuler
1929–1930Stella Shuler
1929–1930Mary Shuler
1929–1930John Shuler
1933 Stanley Markiewicz
1947Frank Markiewicz
1969No telephone listed
1980P.L. Holmes

423 Viola Street

423 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Ernest O. Braun
1947Anthony J. Rapp
1969–1980A.J. Rapczynski

424 Viola Street

424 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1980William Ramick & Family
1924–1980William & Antonia Ramick
1924–1980Stanley Ramick
1924–1980Anthony Ramick
1924–1980Frances Ramick
1924–1980Rosie Ramick
1924–1980Walter Ramick
—Walter E. Ramick Sr. & Family (Walter E. & Avis, Walter E. Jr., Caroline Ramick)

425 Viola Street

425 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Michael Zaleski
1929Michael Zabeski
1940Matthew Sobieski
1969S.C. Sobieski
1980No telephone listed

426 Viola Street

426 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Alcide Mamoico
1928 James Morris
1929Vacant
1947John Camitta
1969No telephone listed
1980A. Iwanuk

427 Viola Street

427 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1947John Derpich
1969Mrs. Mary Derpich
1980J.T. Ratliff

428 Viola Street

428 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Consana Chericola
1929Vacant
1947Peter L. Hornbach
1969–1980J. Piekarski

429 Viola Street

429 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Vacant
1929Joseph Evoskevich
1947Anthony Evans
1953–1970 Casper J. Martelli & Family (Casper J. & Betty Hanselman Martelli, Casper Jr., Joseph, Nancy, Mary Ellen Martelli; Camden Fire Department)
1980No telephone listed

430 Viola Street

430 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Peter B. Reirson
1947Dominic F. Marziani
1969No telephone listed
1980No telephone listed

431 Viola Street

431 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Anthony Beals
1929–1930 Thomas Mills
1947John J. Trano
1969A.S. Zelazny
1980No telephone listed

432 Viola Street

432 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914Mrs. Mary Mackin
1924Anthony Smargiassi
1929Vacant
1947No return
1969–1980W.M. Miller

433 Viola Street

433 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Thomas Mahney
1929–1947Ralph Roccia
1969–1980M. Bogdan

434 Viola Street

434 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1911Arnold Pascoe
1918William Briederbach
1924–1929Gustino LaRocco
1947Dominic Marchionne
1969No telephone listed
1980No telephone listed

435 Viola Street

435 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Charles Johnson
1929Thomas Cucola
1947Thomas D. Cericola
1969H. Cericola
1980P.M. Domeraski

436 Viola Street

436 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1947Kasimierz Stukowski
1969No telephone listed
1980J.C. Pliszczak

437 Viola Street

437 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Victor J. Scharle (real estate)
1929Victor J. Scharle
1943–1947Peter J. Kisawczyk
1969–1980Mrs. Helen Pipito

438 Viola Street

438 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Louis Terzino
1947Alex Recchinti
1969John Locantore
1980L. Mosley

439 Viola Street

439 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1902John Pugh & Family
1902John & Elizabeth Pugh
1924–1929Harry H. Hall (painter)
1924–1929Harry H. Hall
1947Ermenagdio Baiocchi
1969Joseph H. Pezzato
1980E.L. Russ

440 Viola Street

440 Viola Street — 400 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Anton Gardanik
1947Mrs. Helen Gardner
1969V. Anselmo
1980O. Saballos

This block’s clippings follow on this page: Sixteen Dwellings on Viola Street (400 block, 1908), Louis Cavallo Marries (411 Viola, 1929), Twice Tried Suicide (412 Viola, 1911), Slayer Is Given Long Prison Term (414 Viola, 1921), and Casper J. Martelli (429 Viola, 1953–1970).

(Sixteen Dwellings on Viola Street)

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Sixteen Dwellings on Viola Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, November 24, 1908

Drs. J. H. Donges and Grant E. Kirk yesterday began the erection of sixteen dwellings on Viola street, near Broadway.

Camden News Notes

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden News Notes — Philadelphia Inquirer, August 7, 1909

Threatened with tetanus from an injury received in the celebration of Independence Day, Humphrey Lynch, aged 32 years, of 410 Viola street, is undergoing treatment at the Camden Homeopathic Hospital. The palm of his right hand was badly torn by the premature explosion of a cannon cracker, and of late he has been experiencing symptoms of the dreaded lockjaw.

The body of Leon Accete, of 548 Spruce street, Camden, who was drowned in Cooper Creek on Wednesday by falling from a barge, was recovered last evening. Coroner Wingender gave a certificate of accidental death.

Knocked down by a falling plank at the Public Service car barn, James Maloney, aged 42 years, of 933 Fern street, sustained a broken ankle.

Benjamin Derndinger, for many years engaged in the blacksmithing business, died yesterday at the home of his son, Stephen Derndinger, 1809 River avenue, in his 83d year. He was a native of Germany.

Death yesterday came to George Westcoat, aged 75 years, of 108 Broadway, following an operation in Cooper Hospital,

Louis Cavallo Marries Miss Jennie Maroccia

Camden Courier-Post —

Louis Cavallo Marries Miss Jennie Maroccia - Camden Courier-Post, June 27, 1929

More than 1500 guests attended a reception following the wedding last night of Miss Jennie Maroccia, 822 South Third street, and Louis Cavallo, 314 Kaighn avenue, which was held at the Sons of Italy Hall, Fourth and Spruce streets. The ceremony was performed in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Fourth and Division streets, by Rev. John Prosseda.

The bride and groom cut a five-foot wedding cake. The hall was gayly decorated. William Troncone led the grand march. Guests from New York, Atlantic City and Hammonton and representatives of virtually every Italian organization in Camden attended both the wedding and reception.

Richard Troncone. 336 Spruce street, was best man. Rocco Palese and Nicholas Martella, 411 Viola street, were second and third best men. Miss Rose Marini was maid of honor. The ushers were Daisy Pucci, Mary Doria, Lilian Geordano [sic] and Grace Merocra. After a few weeks Mr. and Mrs. Cavallo will reside at 1204 South Third street.

Sergeant Angelo DiCamillo

Sergeant Angelo DiCamillo — 413 Viola Street

Sergeant Angelo DiCamillo — 413 Viola Street.

Twice Tried Suicide

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Twice Tried Suicide — Philadelphia Inquirer, April 10, 1911

Appropriate Services Held in the Various Churches

As a result, it is said, of a quarrel, Daniel Burns, 33 years old, of 412 Viola street, Camden, made two attempts to end his life early yesterday morning by inhaling gas. He nearly succeeded in his second effort, it requiring some quick work on the part of physicians at the Cooper Hospital to save his life.

Burns, after the quarrel, went to his room, locked the door, filled up the cracks and crevices and turned on the gas. Then he lay on the bed calmly awaiting death. The door was broken in by the members of his family and the gas turned off. No sooner was he left alone than he again shut the door and tried the same trick. This time he was unconscious when found in the gas-filled room. Then he was hustled to the hospital.

Here and There in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Here and There in Camden - Philadelphia Inquirer, October 12, 1917

“Food Control and the President’s Plea for Beer” was the subject of Rev. H. J. Vosburgh’s address at North Baptist Church last night.

The funeral of Mrs. Anna Greenan, wife of Hugh Greenan, who died Thursday took place yesterday from her home at 412 Viola street, interment being made at Harleigh.

Rev. Trela D. Collins, pastor of Linden Baptist Church, was the speaker at the service held yesterday afternoon at Forest Hill Park, under the direction of the Y. M. C. A.

Slayer Is Given Long Prison Term

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Slayer Is Given Long Prison Term — Philadelphia Inquirer, July 6, 1921

Killed Victim in Fight at Christening Party in Camden

Pleading non vult to a charge of causing the death of Peter Lukasiewicz at a christening party in Camden on August 22 of last year, Michael Czulak was yesterday sentenced by Justice Katzenbach in Camden to spend from ten to thirty years at hard labor in the State Prison. The slain man was 38 years old and lived at 3159 Edgemont street. Czulak was 38 years old and resided at 414 Viola street.

The killing occurred at 1911 Fillmore street during a free-for-all fight in which shots were fired and knives drawn. When the excitement subsided Lukasiewicz was dead on the floor and Czulak was standing over him with a bloody knife in his hand.

Counsel for the prisoner contended that Czulak merely used the knife to defend himself and that he was never certain that he had struck the fatal blow.

“I feel sure that a verdict of murder in the second degree would have been rendered had this case been tried by a jury,” said Justice Katzenbach. “Drunkenness is no excuse for a crime, but it sometimes has an important bearing in the matter of sentence. I am treating this issue in the sense of manslaughter.”

Marriage Licenses

Camden Courier-Post —

Marriage Licenses - Camden Courier-Post, August 12, 1950

AT CAMDEN

Bruno J. Rolewicz, 37, of 418 Viola street, and Catherine Sparano, 30, of 581 Viola street.

James N. Batcher, 27, of 631 Jersey avenue, Gloucester, and Joyce I. Scragg, 23, of 1126 Collings road.

Robert E. Vohringer, 23, of 28 North Thirtieth street, and Bertha M. Selah, 21, of 332 North Second street.

Vincent P. Abate & Family

Vincent P. Abate & Family — 420 Viola Street, 1968

Vincent P. & Pauline U. Abate and family — 420 Viola Street, 1968–1969. Camden Courier-Post, March 26, 1968.

ABATE

On March 23, 1968, Pauline U. (nee Priola) wife of Vincent of 420 Viola St., Camden, N.J., age 45 years. Also survived by five sons, Thomas Priola of Louisiana, Vincent, Len, Nick, and Thomas, all at home; one daughter, Elaine at home; mother, Mrs. Mary Priola; one sister, Mrs. Frances Smith of Philadelphia; three brothers, John, Nicholas, and Mitchell of Louisiana. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral on Thursday at 8 a.m. from the Troncone Funeral Home, 819 S. 4th St., Camden, N.J. Requiem high Mass will be sung at 9:30 a.m. in The Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Broadway and Ferry Avenue, Camden. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday evening after 7 p.m.

Casper J. Martelli

Casper J. Martelli & Family — 429 Viola Street

Casper J. Martelli & family — 429 Viola Street, 1953–1970. Camden Fire Department. Left: Casper J. Martelli & Betty Martelli, with sons Casper Jr. & Joseph.

Mother Buried With Her Daughter In Her Arms

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Mother Buried With Her Daughter In Her Arms — Philadelphia Inquirer, March 4, 1914

With her six-month-old daughter, Mary, in her arms, Mrs. Mary F. Mackin, of 432 Viola street, Camden, was laid away yesterday. Hundreds of persons viewed the bodies of mother and child who were claimed by death within a few hours of one another. The baby passed away last Thursday, a victim of pneumonia, and Mrs. Mackin died soon after from the same treacherous malady. Rev. William Grun [sic], pastor of the Trinity M. E. Church, officiated, and interment was made in the New Camden Cemetery.

When the baby was taken ill Mrs. Mackin was caring for her day and night and she contracted the same disease. The death of the little one was a factor in the passing of the grief-stricken mother.

Bad Fall From Battleship

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Bad Fall From Battleship — Philadelphia Inquirer, January 26, 1911

A fall of thirty feet from a battleship at the New York Shipbuilding plant, Camden, is likely to prive [sic] fatal to Arnold Pascoe, 22 years old, of 434 Viola street. At the Cooper Hospital it was found he had a fractured skull, a compound fracture of an arm and internal injuries.

Here and There in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Here and There in Camden — Philadelphia Inquirer, March 23, 1918

Burned about the eyes by hot metal, William Briederback, aged 24 years, of 434 Viola street, was treated at Cooper Hospital. He works at the New York shipyard.

Partly overcome by gasoline fumes while making repairs under an automobile, William Rovner, aged 18 years, of 1117 Broadway, was revived at Cooper Hospital.

On a charge of complicity in the theft of lead pipe from the plant of the Correy Company, James Diverto, aged 37 years, of Moorestown, was held under $300 bail by Recorder Stackhouse. He has a wife and six small children.

436 Viola Street, 2011

436 Viola Street — photo taken 2011

436 Viola Street, 2011. 1924–1947: Kasimierz Stukowski.

Private First Class Stephen A. Pipito

Private First Class Stephen A. Pipito — 437 Viola Street

Private First Class Stephen A. Pipito — 437 Viola Street.

Staff Sergeant John E. Shuler

Staff Sergeant John E. Shuler — 422 Viola Street

Staff Sergeant John E. Shuler — 422 Viola Street.

Reception at 439 Viola Street

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Reception at 439 Viola Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, February 16, 1902

Mrs. Elizabeth Pugh, of 439 Viola street, Camden, tendered a reception to Mrs. Benjamin E. Mellor, Mrs. Thomas Harmon, of Camden, and Mrs. Mary Bakie, of Cincinnati, Friday night, the occasion being the reunion of sisters who had not seen each other for twenty five years.

Camden Citizen Has Disappeared

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden Citizen Has Disappeared — Philadelphia Inquirer, October 19, 1902 Camden Citizen Has Disappeared, continued Camden Citizen Has Disappeared, continued

John Pugh, Well-Known Resident, Left Home in the Early Morning and Cannot Be Found

John Pugh.

John Pugh, aged 65 years, of 439 Viola street, Camden, a prominent man and father-in-law of Benjamin E. Mellor, former president of City Council, mysteriously disappeared from his home early yesterday morning. His relatives fear that harm has come to him, as the efforts of the police to find him have been without avail.

At the time Mr. Pugh disappeared he was scantily attired and wore his slippers. He was heard moving about his room at half-past four o’clock, and in answer to inquiries said his head troubled him.

Mr. Pugh is about five feet four inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds.

John Pugh's Body Found in Creek

Philadelphia Inquirer —

John Pugh's Body Found in Creek — Philadelphia Inquirer, October 20, 1902

Camden Man Tied a Paving Stone to His Neck and Leaped Into the Stream

GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J., Oct. 19.—The mysterious disappearance of John Pugh, aged 65 years, from his home at 439 Viola street, early yesterday morning was solved this afternoon, when Joseph Lamory and William Gordon, two boatmen, found his body in Newton Creek near the bridge which spans that stream between Camden and Gloucester City. It was believed by the friends of Mr. Pugh that he had ended his life, as he had been ailing for some time past, so Gordon and Lamory started early this morning to grapple for the body. After grappling for several hours between South Camden and Gloucester, they rowed to the mouth of the creek, where they found the corpse an hour later.

Around the neck was a clothes line with a paving block fastened to it. There is no doubt that Pugh tied the rope and stone to his neck in order to make sure of ending his life. It is the general opinion that Pugh jumped from the bridge near where he was found after tying the rope about his neck.

The body was identified by Benjamin E. Mellor, his son-in-law. Coroner Litchfield was notified, and, after viewing the body, issued a certificate of suicide while temporarily deranged. The body was removed to Mr. Pugh’s late home, in Camden.

Broadway & Viola Street

Southeast corner — 1900 Broadway, Church of Our Savior Southwest corner — 1901 to 1911 Broadway, photo taken June 25, 2011 Northwest corner — 1845 Broadway, photo taken June 25, 2011 Northeast corner — 1844 Broadway, photo taken June 25, 2011 Northeast corner — 1844 Broadway

Southeast Corner — 1900 Broadway
1888–1990s: The Church of Our Savior. 2009–: Camden Shipyard & Maritime Museum.

Southwest Corner — 1901 to 1911 Broadway
Photo taken June 25, 2011.

Northwest Corner — 1845 Broadway
1947: Neptune Food Market (Frank Kopec). Photo taken June 25, 2011.

Northeast Corner — 1844 Broadway
1920s–1947: Kut Price Patent Medicines Pharmacy (Philip Zonies). Photo taken June 25, 2011.

Held on Riot Charge

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Held on Riot Charge - Philadelphia Inquirer, August 5, 1902

Chester Gandy, Walter Bunting and Ernest Schuesse were arrested late last night in Camden charged with inciting to riot and were held in bail for a hearing. The men are alleged to have been participants in a disturbance created at an Indian show holding forth at Broadway and Viola street.

Fillmore Street & Viola Street

Southeast corner — 1900 Fillmore Street, TV Tavern

Southeast Corner — 1900 Fillmore Street
1933–1940: Foma Senchuck. 1947: William Zawojski. 1954–1966: Television Cafe. 1967: T.V. Bar (V.M.K. Corporation). 1970–1981: T&V Bar. 1983–1984: TEV Bar. 1988–1990: T&V Bar. 1995: TV Tavern. Closed late 1990s.

500 Block of Viola Street — Occupants

City directory records and New Jersey Bell Telephone listings, 1924–1983.

559 Viola Street

559 Viola Street — 500 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1947Phillip Frank
1969Mrs. T. Frank
1980J. Frank Merry

561 Viola Street

561 Viola Street — 500 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1929Patrick McGinnis
1947Luco Melchiore
1950Catherine Sparano
1969No telephone listed
1980B. Johnson
1983 John Gibson

563 Viola Street

563 Viola Street — 500 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1969Adam Markiewicz
1980B. Jackson

564 Viola Street

564 Viola Street — 500 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1912–1913 James P. Croker

565 Viola Street

565 Viola Street — 500 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1969Andrew Kirliuk
1980No telephone listed

567 Viola Street

567 Viola Street — 500 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1947John G. Landenberger
1969Peter Gotchel
1980H. Benson

On this block: Marriage Licenses (418 & 561 Viola, 1950) and John Gibson (561 Viola, 1983).

John Gibson

John Gibson — 561 Viola Street, 1983

John Gibson — 561 Viola Street, 1983.

Here and There in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Here and There in Camden — Philadelphia Inquirer, May 29, 1917

Charged with breaking a bottle over the head of Rosetta Johnson because she became too friendly with the defendant’s “gentleman friend,” Viola Wolfer was committed to jail by Justice Schmitz. Rosetta was treated at Cooper Hospital.

The funeral of John F. Stanton, a Pennsylvania Railroad engineer, took place yesterday at his home at 707 New street, mass being celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Evidencing their patriotism, German-Americans in South Camden yesterday had a flag raising at Fourth and Viola streets. An address was made by William Sangtinette.

At a patriotic meeting to be held at the Catholic Lyceum tonight an address will be made by Rev. Edward Duff, chaplain of the Battleship Newark. Mayor Ellis will preside.

Arrest Committee Aiding Prisoners

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Arrest Committee Aiding Prisoners — Philadelphia Inquirer, August 23, 1920 Arrest Committee Aiding Prisoners, continued

14 Camden Poles Seek Release of Fellow Countrymen Admitted to Be Bolshevists

To enter a protest against the arrest of two of their countrymen who were locked up on a charge of inciting to riot, fourteen Poles, sons of Poland, walked into police headquarters in Camden yesterday afternoon and were also placed under arrest.

Policeman Frank Clements arrested Joseph Sukufonitz, 29 years old, and Michael Sukufonitz, 40 years old, brothers, of 535 Viola street, Camden, on charges of inciting to riot. The policeman said the two men had interfered with a street meeting at Sixth and Viola streets in such a manner that it looked as though there would be a riot. It was while the officer was explaining the object of the arrests that the fourteen men came marching into the police room.

As the spokesman started to explain the object of the meeting, declaring that the speakers were representing the Bolsheviki adherents in Russia, Policeman Clements locked the door and said: “Lock these men up, too. They were at the meeting and were disorderly.”

Policeman Anthony Meilock was sent for to act as interpretor [sic]. He learned that the speakers at the meeting were pleading for the people to join the Bolsheviki and told them if they did so they “would not have to work.” The interpreter said:

“The wives of several of these men heard the speakers and said to their husbands, “Why don’t you join the Bolsheviki and you won’t have to work?” That made them angry, he said, and they entered a protest against any further speechmaking. The men were then released on security and the police were instructed to locate the speakers at the meeting and summon them to appear in the police court today.” (Click image for complete article PDF.)

Note: The Inquirer got the Sukufonitz brothers’ Viola Street address wrong and most likely misspelled their surname.

South 6th Street & Viola Street

Northeast corner — 1836 South 6th Street, photo taken July 30, 2011 Looking east on Viola Street from South 6th Street, May 13, 1951

Northeast Corner — 1836 South 6th Street
Photo taken July 30, 2011.

Looking east on Viola Street from 6th Street, May 13, 1951. This picture is taken on 6th Street at 1839, the corner being Viola. On the left is the store (1839 South 6th Street) and across the street is 1836 South 6th Street (the factory is/was 620 Viola Street). This picture was taken May 13, 1951 for the May Day Procession at the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. The tall woman is Dorothy Gotchel; from left to right: Janis Gotchel, Marie Ekes, Patsy Gotchel, and Marie DiBenedetto. — Darbeau Douglas, October 2009.

Louis Cavallo Marries Miss Jennie Maroccia

Camden Courier-Post —

Louis Cavallo Marries Miss Jennie Maroccia - Camden Courier-Post, June 27, 1929

More than 1500 guests attended a reception following the wedding last night of Miss Jennie Maroccia, 822 South Third street, and Louis Cavallo, 314 Kaighn avenue, which was held at the Sons of Italy Hall, Fourth and Spruce streets. The ceremony was performed in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Fourth and Division streets, by Rev. John Prosseda.

The bride and groom cut a five-foot wedding cake. The hall was gayly decorated. William Troncone led the grand march. Guests from New York, Atlantic City and Hammonton and representatives of virtually every Italian organization in Camden attended both the wedding and reception.

Richard Troncone, 336 Spruce street, was best man. Rocco Palese and Nicholas Martella, 411 Viola street, were second and third best men. Miss Rose Marini was maid of honor. The ushers were Daisy Pucci, Mary Doria, Lilian Geordano and Grace Merocra. After a few weeks Mr. and Mrs. Cavallo will reside at 1204 South Third street.

Dozen Battles Draw 1000 as Victory March Pays Serenade

Camden Courier-Post —

Dozen Battles Draw 1000 as Victory March Pays Serenade - Camden Courier-Post, May 17, 1934 Dozen Battles Draw 1000 as Victory March Pays Serenade - Camden Courier-Post, May 17, 1934, part 2 Dozen Battles Draw 1000 as Victory March Pays Serenade - Camden Courier-Post, May 17, 1934, part 3 Dozen Battles Draw 1000 as Victory March Pays Serenade - Camden Courier-Post, May 17, 1934, part 4 Dozen Battles Draw 1000 as Victory March Pays Serenade - Camden Courier-Post, May 17, 1934, part 5 Dozen Battles Draw 1000 as Victory March Pays Serenade - Camden Courier-Post, May 17, 1934, part 6

Youth Cut in Chest by Bullet; Bystander Cut on Head

POLITICAL LEADERS PUT TO QUIZ BY DETECTIVES

At least one person was shot and many were hurt in a street battle last night that was the aftermath of a bitter political contest at the primary election between rival Republicans [sic] factions in the Eighth ward.

When nearly a score of police arrived in response to a riot call from Sixth and Viola streets a crowd of 1000 excited residents of the ward had gathered there and a dozen or more individual combats were in progress.

Bullet Hits Boy

Nicholas Sustich, 15, of 1804 Hale street, was treated at Cooper hospital for a flesh wound of the chest, which police said was caused by a ricocheting bullet.

Joseph Samenick, 1005 South Sixth street, was treated at the West Jersey Homeopathic hospital for cuts on the forehead. He claimed to be an innocent bystander.

Others were treated for minor injuries by local or family physicians, having been taken away from the scene of the riot by friends before the arrival of the police.

Detectives investigated a report that Isaac D. Shute, former city detective and former county committeeman from the Eighth Ward, had been shot in the leg. According to Detective George Zietz, he learned from a member of Shute’s family that he had received treatment by a physician for cuts of the right hand resulting from a fall.

After questioning a score of persons at detective headquarters last night, including leaders of each of the rival Republican factions, John Hess, 34, of 1825 South Sixth street, was arrested on the charge of illegal possession of firearms and held in $1000 bail for a hearing in police court this morning.

Parade Starts Melee

According to Zeitz, the melee started when a parade led by Nicholas Scarduzio, of 1863 South Fourth street, a former summer policeman, stopped in front of the saloon of William Tansky, Jr., 1903 South Sixth street, two doors below Viola street.

Tansky was unsuccesful [sic] candidate for the post of county committeeman in the Tuesday primaries. He was reputed to be backed by the Woodruff-Verga faction.

The parade was in celebration of the victory of Dr. Orris W. Saunders, who won the Republican nomination for freeholder, defeating Walter Sekula, the incumbent, of Edmund A. Walsh, who defeated Tansky, and of Maime F. Piraine, re-elected county committeewoman over Theresa Malony Di Lello. The successful candidates were of the Baird-Baker faction.

Walsh and Miss Piraine were in the parade, according to Zeitz. The celebration of victory had started the night before and centered largely throughout the day in the saloon of Celie Ellis, across the street from that of Tansky.

More than 100 persons were in the procession, which was led by an improvised band of accordians [sic], fifes, drums and bugles.

When it stopped in front of the Tansky place, according to the police, Benjamin Tansky, 30, a brother of the proprietor, came to the door of the saloon and objected to the political jibes that were hurled by the parading factionalists.

Bloody Free-For-All

When the paraders remained, the police said, hot words were exchanged, a dozen or more others who were in the Tansky place came out, and the battle started.

Eye-witnesses described it later as a bloody free-for-all in which fists and “billies” were used. The riot call was sent to police at 7.30.

Motorcycle policemen converged to the scene and a squad of detectives arrived led by Zietz and including Leon Branch, Fiore Troncone and Richard Donnelly. Many of the combatants fled, but hundreds remained as police and detectives strove to locate the injured, most of whom had been removed.

Scarduzio Beaten Badly

They learned that Scarduzio had been badly beaten on the head and that two shots had been fired in the melee.

According to Zietz, Hess admitted at detective headquarters that he had fired the shots from a revolver which he had procured from back of the Tansky bar, and that he had aimed the shots at the pavement for the purpose of “scaring” the parade crowd away.

Benjamin Tansky told police that when he remonstrated with the rival political group about 15 of them attacked him. They knocked him down, he said, and poked him in the eye with a pole. He exhibited a black eye to substantiate his story.

Zietz said he found a loaded revolver, with two shells fired, in a radio cabinet in the living room behind Tansky’s barroom.

Cops Seek Owners of Chance Boards

Camden Courier-Post —

Cops Seek Owners of Chance Boards - Camden Courier-Post, April 6, 1940

60,000 Pieces of Illegal Paraphernalia Taken to City Hall

Camden police were searching last night for the owners of 60,000 illegal punchboards seized in a raid late Thursday night at a South Camden three-story building.

Acting on Commissioner Mary W. Kobus’ orders, Detectives Thomas Murphy and Clifford Carr were trying to uncover evidence which would lead to the arrest of the punchboard owners on charges of possessing illegal gambling devices. Commissioner Kobus directed that charges be placed against the proprietors when located.

Seizure of the boards was made by Carr, Murphy and Patrolman Marshall Thompson when they entered a building situated on the south side of Viola street, east of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines tracks.

Last night the paraphernalia was being transferred from the building to a room on the fifth floor of the City Hall in city-owned trucks by city employees. The boards were valued at between $10,000 and $15,000.

The Viola street property is listed on city records as belonging to the Goodwin Company, Inc., with a notation that all tax bills are to be sent to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

The seizure was made on the first floor of the building, which was vacant on the second floor and housed a dress shop on the third. The raid followed orders by the commissioner for police to watch any transfer of the business from Philadelphia to this city following police raids last month in Philadelphia.

600 Block of Viola Street

620 Viola Street — photograph taken May 13, 1951

620 Viola Street — Pearl Garment Company (1947). Photograph taken May 13, 1951.

600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants

City directory records and New Jersey Bell Telephone listings, 1891–1969.

620 Viola Street

620 Viola Street — 600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1924No Listing1924 No listing in directory
1929No Listing1929 No listing in directory
1947Pearl Garment Company
1969No telephone listed

630 Viola Street

630 Viola Street — 600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1924No Listing1924 No listing in directory
1929Monarch Chair Company
1947No Listing1947 No listing in directory
1969No Listing1969 No listing in directory

632 Viola Street

632 Viola Street — 600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1916Wilson Crosswell
1924Albert Hassenteufel
1929Vacant
1947No Listing1947 No listing in directory
1969No Listing1969 No listing in directory

634 Viola Street

634 Viola Street — 600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1912–1913James Eastlack & Family
1912–1913James & Elizabeth Eastlack
1924Michael Biehl
1929Vacant
1947No Listing1947 No listing in directory
1969No Listing1969 No listing in directory

636 Viola Street

636 Viola Street — 600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1891–1912James Eastlack & Family
1891–1912James & Elizabeth Eastlack
1924–1925Louis Quinton
1929Vacant
1947No Listing1947 No listing in directory
1969No Listing1969 No listing in directory

647 Viola Street

647 Viola Street — 600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1915Anthony Zaneskie & Family
1915Anthony & Drany Zaneskie
1924Pasquale Galluco
1929Vacant
1947Ebenezer Pierce
1969No Listing1969 No listing in directory

649 Viola Street

649 Viola Street — 600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1924Dominick Kawzak
1929No Listing1929 No listing in directory
1947Anthony Sochanski
1961–1962James Nean
1969No Listing1969 No listing in directory

Southeast Corner (Broadway end)

Southeast Corner (Broadway end) — 600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924R.H. Comey Camden Company
1929Licorice Park
1947No listing in directory
1969No listing in directory

698 Viola Street

698 Viola Street — 600 Block of Viola Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1898George Kauffman & Family
1898George & Louis Lauffman
1898Mary Kauffman
1910–1916Louis Allison & Family
1910–1916Louis & Mary Carr Allison
1910–1916Sarrah Carr (sister-in-law)
1916Louis & Mary Allison
1918–1924Paul E. Deuter (real estate, notary public)
1918–1924Paul E. Deuter
1919Jefferson Athletic Association
1924George I. Frank
1929Harold Deuter (real estate)
1929Harold Deuter
1943–1947Theodore Horodecki (shoe repair)
1943–1947Theodore Horodecki

On this block: Arrested as Fugitive (632 Viola, 1916), Born With 2 Heads, 3 Arms (647 Viola, 1915), Guilty Plea in Dice Game Killing (649 Viola, 1962), Child Neglected, Injured by Fire (698 Viola, 1898) and Louis Allison Dies in Camden (698 Viola, 1916).

Arrested as Fugitive

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Arrested as Fugitive — Philadelphia Inquirer, March 20, 1916

Declared to have been a fugitive for the past seven weeks, Wilson Cresswell, aged 34, of 632 Viola street, was locked up by Detective Fitzsimmons in Camden yesterday. He was held pending his removal to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he is wanted for wife desertion.

Born With 2 Heads, 3 Arms

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Born With 2 Heads, 3 Arms — Philadelphia Inquirer, November 9, 1915

Camden Child With Limb Extending From Neck Dies

When Coroner Bushey, of Camden, was called upon to investigate a case involving the death of a new-born female infant at the home of Mrs. Drany Zaneskie, of 647 Viola street, Camden, he found the infant had two heads and three arms. Both heads were perfectly formed, although one was somewhat larger than the other. Each had a distinct neck. The third arm grew out of the neck on the right side. Death was due to natural causes. Mrs. Zaneskie is 25 years old and the mother of two normal children. Her husband, Anthony Zaneskie, 27 years old, is an Austrian employed at a shipyard.

Guilty Plea Entered in Dice Game Killing

Camden Courier-Post —

Guilty Plea Entered in Dice Game Killing — Camden Courier-Post, April 24, 1962

A Camden man pleaded guilty before County Judge Goldman Monday to murdering a male companion during an argument last May 6.

The plea was entered by James Walker, 29, listed at 554 S. 6th st. Walker, who is charged with the fatal shooting of Herbert L. Abbott, 33, of 1243 S. 3rd st., will be sentenced May 17. At the time of Walker’s surrender to Camden detectives last May, police said Abbott, an unemployed bartender, was shot to death following an argument during a dice game in the home of Mrs. Etta Patton, 31, then listed at 211 Line st.

In another case, Vito Belfiore, 37, listed at 272 Walnut st., pleaded guilty to a charge of obstruction of justice.

According to Assistant Prosecutor James G. Aiken, Belfiore aided Charles Negri and James Lenahan shortly after their escape from Leesburg Prison Nov. 11, 1961.

Lenahan, 33, formerly of the 1700 block Broadway and Negri, 35, formerly of Gloucester, pleaded guilty March 2 to armed robbery of the Westville bank last Dec. 4. On that day Belfiore pleaded guilty to a Federal charge of receiving stolen property stemming from the $26,000 bank holdup.

According to Philadelphia Police Capt. Clarence Ferguson, Lenahan and Negri are awaiting trial in connection with the murder of Romeo Mercantini, formerly of Camden. He was shot to death in Philadelphia the day after the holdup in an argument with Negri over division of the loot, police said.

Belfiore, lodged in Camden County jail, will be sentenced May 17.

James Nean, 24, listed at 649 Viola st., pleaded guilty to a charge of atrocious assault and battery. He is charged with assaulting Plt. [sic] Ralph Ferrari, 25, after the officer had stopped him at Erie and Segal sts., for a motor vehicle violation last July 10.

Child Neglected, Injured by Fire

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Child Neglected, Injured by Fire — Philadelphia Inquirer, September 11, 1898

Mary Kauffman, 2 years old, of Viola street and Ferry avenue, was admitted to the Cooper Hospital yesterday, suffering from burns received from a bon fire. Neighbors contend that the child is neglected by its parents and has to depend upon the charity of others for something to eat. The case was recently investigated by the Overseer of the Poor, and the father, who is a baker, promised to make better provision for his children. The mother left home some time ago.

Louis Allison Dies in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Louis Allison Dies in Camden — Philadelphia Inquirer, October 18, 1916

An attack of pneumonia proved fatal to Louis Allison, grand architect of the New Jersey lodge of the Independent Order of Mechanics and the owner of one of the largest newspaper routes in Camden, at his home, 698 Viola street, early yesterday. Mr. Allison was 52 years old and is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary Allison. For years he was a passenger conductor on the Atlantic City Railroad, retiring about seven years ago. Beside the Mechanics, he was identified with the Loyal Order of Moose and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. His funeral will take place Saturday.

698 Viola Street — Paul E. Deuter, 1919

698 Viola Street — Paul E. Deuter, 1919 Jefferson Athletic Association Banquet Program

698 Viola Street — Paul E. Deuter (real estate, notary public), 1918–1924. 1919 Jefferson Athletic Association Banquet Program. 1929: Harold Deuter (real estate).

PAUL E. DEUTER
NOTARY PUBLIC
Real Estate and Insurance
FINE CIGARS AND TOBACCO
CANDY AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES
698 Viola Street

Railroad Avenue & Viola Street

1924–1929: Licorice Park — A ballfield on land owned by the MacAndrows & Forbes Co.

1947: No listing.

Mayor, City Aides To Confer Monday On Weed Removal

Camden Courier-Post —

Mayor Brunner announced today he will call a conference Monday to coordinate city departments in the movement to remove unsightly grass and weeds in the city.

Attending the conference Brunner said will be Director of Public Works Abbott, his deputy, James Swanson; J. James Hainsworth, superintendent of the city asphalt plant; Director of Parks and Public Property Gotshalk; S. Raymond Dobbs, acting chief of the bureau of city property and John Salvatore, who is in charge of workers in the city property bureau.

“The purpose of the conference,” Brunner said “is to coordinate the work of the various city departments In the projects being conducted to clear the city of high grass and weeds.

“There is equipment in the park system that could be used to advantage in cutting down the grass and weeds. Working together, the various city departments will be in a position clear away weeds and grass on city-owned property.”

Grass Around Hydrants

Meanwhile, department of public works workers today started to remove grass and weeds from around fire hydrants, utility poles and traffic standards.

The weed removal crew today went to work on Federal, Cooper and Market streets in the central part of the city, and in the vicinity of the Camden Civic Center.

Swanson said that on Monday, the crew will complete Market street to Twelfth Street, and Arch Street, and then concentrate in the North Camden area.

“After that section is completed” Swanson said, “The crew will go down Broadway, working the South Camden and then the Parkside and Whitman Park areas.”

Leaves E. Camden to Last

“We are leaving the East Camden section to last, because the New Jersey Water Company owns most of the fire hydrants in that area, and they have been requested to remove the grass and weeds from their hydrants.”

Swanson said he was looking forward to being able to utilize men and equipment from the other city departments in the program.

“If all the departments pledge their full cooperation” Swanson added, “we should be able to beat the weed problem within a week.”

Abbott points out that since the campaign was started, workers from his department have uncovered and destroyed a large number of marijuana plants that were growing wild on lots in the city.

One of the largest tracts of marijuana plants was uncovered on a lot owned by the city, which was converted into a playground at Chelton Avenue and Arlington Street. More than 200 plants were found on the lot.

Violators Face Fines

Workers today destroyed more than 100 marijuana plants on a vacant lot on Viola Street, between Master and Van Buren Streets.

Property owners were cautioned by Abbott that unless they remove unsightly weeds and grass from their property they would be hauled into police court.

Abbott said flagrant violators would be subject to fines ranging up to $200.

Warning notices have been sent to more than 300 property owners where inspectors from Abbott’s department found grass and weeds to be growing wild. “The majority of property owners in the city,” Abbott said, “are cooperating in the campaign. We plan however, to be tough with owners who refuse to remove grass and weeds from their property after being warned by our inspectors.”

Marijuana Plants Found in City Weed Campaign

Camden Courier-Post —

Marijuana Plants Found in City Weed Campaign - Camden Courier-Post, July 22, 1950

MARIJUANA PLANTS have been found by city inspectors who are conducting a campaign to rid the city of unsightly grass and weeds. Wherever found, the plants are destroyed by spraying with a plant killer. F. James Hainsworth, superintendent of the city asphalt plant, is shown pointing out the plants to a group of women living in the neighborhood of a city-owned lot at Chelton Avenue and Arlington Street. Anthony Mona is spraying the plants, and Director of Public Works Abbott is at Hainsworth’s left. The women are Mrs. Antoinette Daniluk, Mrs. Rose Mitchell and Mrs. Isabella Simms.

Southwest Corner — Viola Street & Railroad Avenue

Southwest Corner — 1929: Acme Metal & Junk Company.

698 Viola Street — Louis Allison & Family

1910–1916: Louis Allison & Family (Louis & Mary Carr Allison, Sarrah Carr). See also: Thomas J. Cunningham.

Street Ends Sought for City

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Street Ends Sought for City - Philadelphia Inquirer, February 4, 1912

Further action was taken yesterday by City Solicitor Bleakly toward acquiring street ends, now occupied by corporations or individuals. He recently won for the city in connection with the Jefferson street wharf against an electric company. In the suits begun yesterday in the Supreme Court the ends of Jackson, Vanhook, Jasper, Emerald, Viola and Winslow are sought. This is all in the same locality as Jefferson street and takes in the river front south of Line Ditch.

Four Firemen Are Trapped in Collapse of Brick Wall

Camden Evening Courier —

Flames Sweep Warehouse in South Camden

Fire Fighters are Rescued From Beneath Heaps of Hot Bricks

Burning Tires Send Up Clouds of Dense Smoke

Bantivoglio Junk Yard Destroyed — Loss Runs Into Thousands

Four firemen were buried under a falling brick wall, two of them believed to have been seriously hurt, and thousands of dollars worth of property was destroyed in a spectacular fire at the two story brick warehouse of Bantivoglio & Son, junk dealers, 252 Division Street, at 9:00 o’clock this morning.

The injured firemen attached to Engine Company No. 7, all of whom were taken to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital, were:

Captain Watkin, 45 years old, 927 North Front street. Four fractured ribs and a punctured lung. He may die.

Nicholas Romaine, 43 years old, hoseman, 1271 Chase Street, lacerations of scalp and possible fracture of right ankle.

Louis Quinton, 25 years old, hoseman, 626 Viola Street, probable fracture of right shoulder.

Lester Anderson, 24 years old, hoseman, 1917 Niagara Road; lacerations of scalp and forehead and fractured left wrist.

None of the four were able to walk when they were lifted from where they had been struck down by the falling bricks. They were carried to the police ambulance and hurried at once to the hospital.

Residents of the neighborhood sat that a flash and a roar, as of an explosion, was their first warning of a blaze. The burned building has a frontage of 75 feet on Division Street. In a yard behind it there was a shed piled high with baled paper and three piled of used automobile tires. These caught fire and sent up black smoke that was visible for miles.

Smoke Hampers Firemen

A huge crowd of spectators already had gathered to watch the fire in this thickly populated section when the firemen arrived. The flames were threatening surrounding buildings, and the smoke was so dense that the men had difficulty finding their way out in the vicinity of the burning structure.

Captain Watkin and the three other fire fighters started along a driveway beside the building with a length of hose which they intended to use on the blazing sheds in the rear. They were passing a window when there was a muffled roar and a blast of dense smoke blinded and confused them. By shouts to one another they heard that their number was still intact. The blast of black smoke had been caused by the collapse of a loft and the falling of several bales of paper.

100,000 Tires Burn

More than 100,000 used automobile tires were destroyed in the blaze. The flames jumped a hundred feet into the air at one stage. Commissioner Hitchner watched the firemen at work from the roof of a nearby garage.

When the blaze had been extinguished Mr. Hitchner left to visit the injured firemen in the hospital. He commended the four men on their bravery and wished them a speedy recovery. Quinton is driver for Battalion Chief Wade.

The flames threatened to spread to the large garage of Louis Vananeri, on Spruce Street, directly in the rear of the junk yard. Firemen mounted the roof of this building and drove the flames back.

Today’s blaze was the fourth that had visited the warehouse this year. The fire today is believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion.

Carter Directs Rescue

The quarter were stooping to take up their hose line again when there was a crack like the report of a pistol, followed by a terrific roar.

Fire Chief Carter, personally directing his men, was about 50 feet away, and saw the four men buried as the bricks thudded down from the crumbling wall.

“Come on boys, there are four men under here,” the chief yelled, and soon a score of hands were tearing frantically at the heaps of hot brick.

Bus Delays Ambulance

The police ambulance in which the injured men were placed was delayed for five minutes on its way to the hospital by the refusal of a Public Service bus driver to give it the right of way. According to Policeman Howard Fisher, the busman was arrested. The police say he will be prosecuted to the full extent of the ordinance in such cases. The ambulance was forced to remain behind the bus for a block and a half, according to the reports.

The pillar of smoke sent up by the blazing warehouse, sheds and 50-foot high piles of auto tires, drew thousands of spectators from all directions. Three alarms were turned in to the fire department in rapid succession. The police were called upon at once to establish lines for keeping back the crowd.

Bales of paper stored in the main building, as well as in the shed behind, absorbed tons of water poured into the place by the firemen’s hose, and the added weight snapped off fire-weakened floor beams like burning matches. The falling timbers and masses of packed paper added to the danger and difficulty of the firemen’s task.

Only by a long and stubborn fight were the firemen able to prevent a conflagration among surrounding buildings.

The big warehouse became a red hot furnace. The heat was so intense a half-hour after the fire was discovered that telephone and electric light poles on the other side of Division Street were ignited. “Trouble crews” from the telephone and electric companies were rushed to the place to guard their wires against falling and injuring persons below.

Loss Placed at $50,000

It was roughly estimated that the damage to the junk sheds and warehouse would reach $50,000.

Mrs. Leona Brown, who had just moved today into the house at 264 Division Street, just east of the burned plant, was driven from her new home by the dense clouds of smoke from a blazing of automobile tires that towered above the west wall of her two-story dwelling.

She was unable to return for any of her belongings when the flames began to eat their way through the west wall of her house.

The fire was the second within a month in the junk yard, which is closely surrounded by frame residences, a frame negro church and other buildings on all sides.

Romaine Seriously Hurt

Hoseman Romaine was reported by surgeons at the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital as the most seriously hurt of the firemen caught by the falling wall. He was cut above the head, badly bruised about the back, and one of his ankles is believed to have been fractured.

Captain Watkin suffered several fractured ribs.

Hoseman Anderson was cut and burned about the face and his right wrist.

Hoseman Quinton suffered burns, cuts and bruises, and it is believed that one of his shoulders was fractured.

Camden Fire Alarms

Camden Courier-Post —

Camden Fire Alarms - Camden Courier-Post, March 26, 1957

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.

5.38 p. m., 4th and Viola sts., auto.

My name is Renee Clyman Ramick. My father was Maurice Clyman. He was an insurance agent in partnership with Norman Wessel. My grandfather, Benjamin Clyman, had the hat store on Broadway and Washington Street. I am married to Walter E. Ramick, Jr. He and his father and mother, Walter and Avis Ramick, and his sister Caroline lived at 424 Viola Street in the mostly Polish and Italian section. I guess you just can’t take the Camden out of the girl.

Renee Clyman Ramick
August 22, 2012

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