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West Street

Streets of Camden, NJ
Page Contents

West Street

WEST STREET in South Camden runs from 428 Mickle Street south to Line Street, between South 4th and South 5th Streets. West Street was not on the original Camden map, which dates back to the 1700s. The street first appeared in the 1850 Camden City Directory, and was most likely laid out in the 1830s or 1840s.

Phil Cohen

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100 Block of West Street

100 Block of West Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1863–1905.

120 West Street

120 West Street — 100 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1905Ella McPherson — died of tuberculosis, December 1905
1905Ella McPherson

122 West Street

122 West Street — 100 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1878–1879 Jacob W. Kellum

124 West Street

124 West Street — 100 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1863–1899 John Coates & Family — John & Rebecca Coates; John W. Coates; Lewis C. Coates; Frances Coates (married Dr. Onan B. Gross)
1863–1899John & Rebecca Coates
1863–1899John W. Coates
1863–1899Lewis C. Coates
1863–1899Frances Coates

License Changes In Camden.

Philadelphia Inquirer —

License Changes In Camden. - Philadelphia Inquirer, July 14, 1894 License Changes In Camden. - Philadelphia Inquirer, July 14, 1894

The Camden City Excise Board last night passed a resolution that all licenses which remained unpaid for on Monday should be revoked. Retail licenses were granted Henry Felden, 634 North Sixth street; Samuel Fenner, 625 Ferry avenue, and William F. Sands, Haddon avenue and Line street. The applications of John Ross, West and Clinton streets and Herman Meier, 825 Market street, which had been refused at a previous meeting, were reconsidered and granted. Gustav Schwoeri was granted a wholesale license at 707 Chestnut street. William Brown’s license at 400 Jasper street was transferred to James P. Croker.

OVER IN CAMDEN

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Philadelphia Inquirer, March 1, 1899 — John W. Coates obituary

John W. Coates, son of John Coates, of West and Mickel streets, died suddenly Monday evening in the back yard of his brother-in-law, Dr. O. B. Gross, at Seventh and Market streets. County Physician Jones gave a certificate of death from pneumonia. Deceased was a veteran of the Civil War.

Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1906 Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1906 Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1906 Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1906 Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1906 Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1906 Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1906 Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1906 Three Firemen Met Death in Camden Blaze - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 1906

Trapped in Fire at the Old Sixth Regiment Armory They Perished in Flames

NINE OTHER PERSONS RECEIVED INJURIES

Three firemen were killed and nine persons injured at a fire last night which destroyed the old armory building at Bridge avenue, West and Mickle streets, Camden, causing a loss estimated at $50,000.

The dead firemen are: GEORGE SHIELDS, 525 Kaighn avenue, member of the Kaighn avenue chemical company. WILLIAM HILLMAN, 229 Beckett street, of the Kaighn avenue chemical company. WILLIAM JOBES, 57[?] Line street, member of Engine Company No. 2.

The Injured

The injured, all of whom will recover, are: Josiah Sage, 917 South Eighth street, Kaighn avenue company, cut head and face; Seth Monnell, 744 Mt. Vernon street, Kaighn avenue company, scalp wounds; George Quinn, 516 Line street, Kaighn avenue company, cut face; Martin Carrigan, 516 Clinton street, Engine Company No. 1, lacerated face and hands; J. W. Simpson, 551 Cedar street, Engine Company No. 2, lacerations of scalp and face; James Elberson, 628 North Fourth street, Engine Company No. 4, contused wounds of the legs; William Elberson, 231 Taylor avenue, Engine Company No. 2, injured about the back; Charles Worthington, 1017 Penn street, Engine Company No. 3, internally injured; Harry Dease, a citizen, cut about the face.

The six o’clock whistles were blowing when smoke was seen issuing from the northeast corner of the building. A moment later two boys ran out of a door, one of whom notified Policeman Isaac Toy that the structure was on fire. The officers immediately turned in an alarm. In rapid succession other alarms were given, until the entire department was on the scene.

One of the first companies to arrive was the Kaighn avenue truck. As the men drove up to the scene great tongues of flame were fast eating their way through the yellow pine timbers of which the interior was constructed. The main doors at the entrance on Mickle street were burst open and the firemen entered amid a perfect shower of sparks and falling debris. In this party were the three ill-fated firemen, Dease, and Firemen Harry Haines, Joseph Ernest, George Quinn, Seth Mounell and Joseph Gail.

After great difficulty the men worked their way into the blazing building about twenty feet. Dense volumes of smoke almost suffocated them and several dropped to the floor.

Dash for the Doors

While the firemen were waiting for the water a false ceiling thirty feet above them and composed of floor boards began cracking and bending. A shout of warning was given by Dease, and he and his companions made a dash for the doors. It was impossible to see a foot before them, and all blindly groped their way to the open doors but Jobes, Shields and Hillman. That they did not come out of the building was not known for several minutes later. Then reports were circulated that they had been taken to nearby houses, but these were found to be false. Their companions then tried to work their way back to their assistance, but by this time the interior was a seething furnace.

Subsequently, when the blaze had been somewhat subdued, firemen and policemen instituted a search for the missing men. Where the latter had been there was a great pile of blackened timbers and twisted iron. After vigorous efforts this was removed.

Finding the Bodies

First there came to light Shield’s helmet, and a few feet distant his body and those of Hillman and Jobes, scorched and blackened almost beyond recognition, were found. It was then learned how they had met their deaths. Instead of going toward the open doorway they had evidently become bewildered and, turning, ran into a toilet room to which there was no outlet. There they were quickly cut off from their comrades and, becoming unconscious from the smoke, all three dropped to the floor, where death overtook them.

The bodies were carried out and taken to the Morgue.

In the meantime every portion of the structure became a mass of flames. Fed by the pine, great tongues of fire sprang into the air, across Mickle and West streets, where the dwellings were badly scorched. The families residing in these in several instances became panic-stricken and began removing their household effects. Men, women and children ran excitedly about. It is owing to the excellent work of the firemen that these structures were not destroyed.

Spectacular Blaze

Chief Elfieth quickly concluded there was no hope of saving the armory and he directed a dozen lines of hose toward the dwellings, many of which became so hot that the streams of water fairly sizzled.

The fire was a spectacular one, lighting up the heavens for miles around. Thousands of persons crowded the thoroughfares leading to the blaze, but excellent order was preserved under the direction of Acting Chief of Police Schregler, who quickly had the streets roped off and guarded by the officers.

There was considerable danger at first from falling electric wires, which spluttered among the firemen and ofttimes amidst the onlookers. These wires also fell across the Pennsylvania Railroad Company’s tracks on Bridge avenue and suburban trains were stalled for over an hour. At one time the flames approached so near the passenger coaches that they had to be taken back into the yard.

Stubborn Blaze

For three hours the firemen fought the flames before they got them under control and it was not until an early hour this morning that they left the smouldering ruins.

The building was occupied by several concerns, including the Camden Bowling Alleys Company; whose loss amounted to $6000; F. G. Hitchener, wall paper; loss $1000; Sperry & Hutchinson, household articles, loss $2000; William Morgenweck, lumber, loss $500, and M. W. Taylor, theatrical scenery, loss $500.

The houses badly scorched and their occupants follow; 102 West street, John Sharwood; 104, vacant; 106, John Ackerman; Lewis Certain; 110, Richard Carpenter; 112, and 114. Daniel Mehlin; 120, Mrs. Ida Paul; 122, Mrs. Farley; 124, John Campbell; 126, Harry Chase. 416 Mickle street, John Widden; 418, Nelson Hart; 420, H.-W. Wilson; 422, Jules Bosch; 424, Gardner Corson; 426, Mrs. Borquin.

The stable immediately adjoining on the west side of the armory, and belonging to C. M. Alcott, was flooded with water. At this place there were forty horses, all of which were rescued.

Formerly a Market

The destroyed building was erected in 1873, by a number of well-known Camden men, as the Farmers’ and Merchants’ Market. From the first it was not a success, and subsequently became known as the Camden Opera House. After a more or less successful season the promoters of this scheme closed the doors. In 1886 the building was purchased by the State as an armory for the old Sixth Regiment, N. G. N. J. For ten years Camden’s citizen soldiers drilled and gave balls and receptions in the building. When the regiment moved to the new armory on Haddon avenue the old structure was cut up into several rooms and had been used by many different concerns. Recently it was purchased by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to make way for the elevated railroad. All the tenants had been ordered to vacate.

The origin of the fire is unknown. Incendiarism is hinted at and Mayor Ellis declared he will detail the detectives on the case to-day to make a rigid investigation.

Speaking of the matter, he said it is very peculiar that most of Camden’s fires occur about the time the firemen are at their meals. This has been the case in most every blaze if [sic] any importance in the city. The Mayor also highly commended the excellent work of the men in preventing a spread of the flames.

200 Block of West Street

200 Block of West Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1924.

200 West Street

200 West Street — 200 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924Mary Dischert — boardinghouse
1924Mary Dischert

300 Block of West Street

300 Block of West Street — Occupants

City directory and census records, 1924–1947. 2006 street photographs.

312 West Street

312 West Street — 300 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930William Worrick & Family — porter at Sig Schoenagle's store; William & Dora Worrick; Joseph Worrick; Dora Clara Worrick

313 West Street

313 West Street — 300 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910s–1920s Byron P. Cobb

314 West Street

314 West Street — 300 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1935Joseph A. Hinch Sr. — died September 1935
1935Joseph A. Hinch Sr

316 West Street

316 West Street — 300 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930Margaret Sloan
1930Census Image
1937William Bunker — died August 31, 1937 after being scalded at Campbell Soup
1937William Bunker

318 West Street

318 West Street — 300 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930Census Image
1939–1940William Worrick & Family — porter at Sig Schoenagle's store; William & Dora Worrick; Joseph Worrick; Dora Clara Worrick
1947Ellis J. Worrell

320 West Street

320 West Street — 300 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930Benjamin Young
1930Census Image

322 West Street

322 West Street — 300 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930–1934Albert Forsyth — died March 29, 1934
1930–1934Albert Forsyth
1930Census Image

Photos — 300 Block of West Street

Byron P. Cobb Sr. — 313 West Street

Byron P. Cobb Sr., resident of 313 West Street in the 1910s–1920s.

312 West Street, July 3, 2006 314 West Street, July 3, 2006 316 West Street, July 3, 2006 318 West Street, July 3, 2006 320 West Street, July 3, 2006 322 West Street, July 3, 2006 312–322 West Street, July 3, 2006

300 Block of West Street. Photographs taken July 3, 2006.

1930 Census — 316 West Street

1930 Census images, 316–322 West Street.

316 | 93 | 113 | [?] Margaret | Head | R

1930 Census — 318 West Street

1930 Census images, 316–322 West Street.

318 | 92 | 111 | Rudolph, John | Head | O
— | — | — | Dora | Wife-H
— | — | — | Joan [?] | Daughter
— | — | 112 | Medici, Dominick | Head | R
— | — | — | Kathryn | Wife-H

1930 Census — 320 West Street

1930 Census images, 316–322 West Street.

320 | 91 | 110 | Young, Benjamin H. | Head | O
— | — | — | Sarah | Wife-H
— | — | — | Cottrell, John | Son-in-law
— | — | — | Young, Helen | Daughter

1930 Census — 322 West Street

1930 Census images, 316–322 West Street.

322 | 90 | 109 | [?], Phoebe | Head | O
— | — | — | Forsyth, Albert | Son-in-law
— | — | — | Carrie | Daughter
— | — | — | Morgan, John | Son-in-law
— | — | — | May | Daughter

Intersection of Benson Street & West Street

Northeast corner of Benson Street and West Street, July 3, 2006 Looking south from Benson Street on West Street, July 3, 2006

Intersection of Benson Street and West Street. July 3, 2006.

400 Block of West Street

400 Block of West Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1864–2012. The 433–455 range was demolished and rebuilt in 1997–1999 with substandard construction; most units were vacant and abandoned by 2005.

408 West Street

408 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1955P. Lombardo, painting contractor1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages Ad

410 West Street

410 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1913John Palfrey; O. Glen Stackhouse
1913John Palfrey

412 West Street

412 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1885Walter C. Fish — carpenter
1938William Good — died May 24, 1938
1938William Good

414 West Street

414 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914J. Wesley Chambers & Family (engineer)
1914J. Wesley & Anna Chambers

420 West Street

420 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1930 Caesar Persiani & Family (butcher)
1930Caesar & Alma Persiani
1930Anna Persiani
1930Mildred Persiani
1930 Dominick J. Persiani
1930Barbara Persiani
1930John Persiani
1938 Katarina Pologruto
19291938

425 West Street

425 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1865–1870s Logan Alcott & Family — Logan & Elizabeth Alcott; William Alcott; Emeline Alcott; Daniel Alcott; Mary Alcott; Nicholas Alcott; Charles Alcott (moved to 435 South 5th Street in 1871)
1865–1870sLogan and Elizabeth Alcott
1865–1870s William Alcottt
1865–1870sEmeline Alcott
1865–1870sDaniel Alcott
1865–1870sMary Alcott
1865–1870sNicholas Alcott
1865–1870s Charles Alcott

426 West Street

426 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1920s–1947Querino Colaiacovo & Family — Querino & Anna Colaiacovo; Mary Colaiacovo; Lucy Colaiacovo; Alphonso Colaiacovo

428 West Street

428 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1918Sarah Cubbage

430 West Street

430 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1908Salvation Army Hall
1919Acorn Broom Company — William L. Gardner1919 Camden High School Yearbook

433 West Street

433 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1943William Joyner
1966Mary Nelson
2012Desiree Hernandez

434 West Street

434 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1864Logan Alcott & Family — moved to 425 West Street in 1865

435 West Street

435 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1892 John W. Cheeseman
2005Vacant, Abandoned

436 West Street

436 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1941Michael Delecce

437 West Street

437 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1950–1979Robert Johnson & Family — Robert & Queen Esther Johnson; Bernadette Johnson
1979Abandoned, Razed
2005Vacant, Abandoned

439 West Street

439 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1908Allen Johnson
2012Michell Johnson

441 West Street

441 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1915Claude Arthur; O. Glen Stackhouse; Walter Boyer; Fannie Boyer
2012Daniel Crespo

443 West Street

443 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1900Rudderow & Derrick — Sanitary Plumbers
1913–1915 Clarence Arthur & Family
1913–1915Clarence & Lillian Arthur
2005Vacant, Abandoned

445 West Street

445 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1940Jesse M. Jones & Family
1940Jesse M. & Mabel Jones
2005Vacant, Abandoned

447 West Street

447 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
2005Vacant, Abandoned

449 West Street

449 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012Perry Jenkins Jr

451 West Street

451 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
2005Vacant, Abandoned

453 West Street

453 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
2005Vacant, Abandoned

455 West Street

455 West Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
2005Vacant, Abandoned

Rear of 429 Henry Street

Rear of 429 Henry Street — 400 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1865–1928Shemely Family — Lydia Shemeley (widow of Michael); Charles Shemely; Hannah Shemely; Mary Shemely
400 Block of West Street, July 3, 2006

400 Block of West Street, looking south from Benson Street. July 3, 2006.

Camden at a Glance

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden at a Glance - Philadelphia Inquirer, December 20, 1913

Accused by his wife of assault and battery, John Palfrey, of 410 West street, was held under $300 bail by Recorder Stackhouse yesterday.

Ill for four years with an internal ailment, Mrs. Margaret Stanton, wife of John Stanton, a Pennsylvania Railroad engineer, died yesterday at her home, 70½ New street. She is survived by four children. Her funeral takes place Tuesday morning.

Sustaining contusions of the side and face in a fall from his wagon, Alfred Trusty, aged 27 years, of 1722 Van Buren street, was treated at Cooper Hospital.

408 West Street — 1955 Yellow Pages

P. Lombardo, 408 West Street — 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages

P. Lombardo, 408 West Street. New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages, 1955.

LOMBARDO P
PAINTING CONTRACTOR
COLOR MATCHING
Interior - Exterior
408 West St Camden......EMerson 5-7355

Bent on Murder

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Bent on Murder - Philadelphia Inquirer, October 4, 1898 Bent on Murder - Philadelphia Inquirer, October 4, 1898 Bent on Murder - Philadelphia Inquirer, October 4, 1898 Bent on Murder - Philadelphia Inquirer, October 4, 1898

William Eagan, a well-known base ball player, who played second base for the Pittsburg team early in the season, tried to murder his mother [sic] in Camden yesterday. He also intended to kill himself. He was thwarted in his murderous design by the police and locked up.

Eagan entered the barber shop of Charles Riceman, on Federal street, above Second, yesterday morning, and paid Riceman 50 cents that he had borrowed. He was intoxicated and showed a 38-calibre revolver. Pointing the muzzle of the weapon at his temple, he said: “I’m going home to kill my wife and then blow my brains out. I am now clear of debt and ready to do the job.”

A local newspaper man who was getting shaved telephoned to police headquarters and an officer was sent to Mrs. Eagan’s home, at 442 West street, to prevent a possible tragedy. Eagan reached the house ahead of the policeman and began to search for his wife with the revolver in his hand.

He saw his wife entering the shed, and, taking hasty aim, fired at her. The bullet missed her head by about a foot and buried itself in the woodwork of the shed.

Mrs. Eagan turned and fled for her life, pursued into the yard by her husband, who fired another shot. Again his aim was bad and the bullet went wide of the mark.

Policeman William Schregler, who lives on the opposite side of the street, was attracted by the shooting and, getting out of bed, hurried, half dressed, to the scene. Mrs. Eagan had by this time sought safety in the house of Mrs. Mathilda J. Bray, her next-door neighbor.

Seeing that his wife had escaped, Eagan turned and pointed the revolver point-blank at Policeman Schregler’s breast. Before he could pull the trigger the weapon was knocked from his hand by Policeman Pedricks, who arrived on the scene in the nick of time.

Eagan was overpowered by the two officers, with whom he fought ferociously. He was sent to the City Hall, where he is locked up charged with assault and battery, with attempt to kill. He expressed regrets at not accomplishing his object and said he purchased the revolver yesterday solely for the purpose of killing his wife and himself.

On Friday last Eagan was arrested and sentenced to ten days by Recorder Nowrey for molesting his wife. On Saturday his fine was paid by a friend, and he was released from custody. He was also arrested last week for breaking the furniture in his wife’s house, but was released upon promise not to annoy her.

Eagan’s troubles are all due to drink. He formerly played second base with the Philadelphia and St. Louis teams, and for three seasons was with the Syracuse Club. He has been on a debauch since his release by the Pittsburg Club in the forepart of the season.

Recorder Nowrey last evening committed Eagan, in default of $1500 bail.

Dell 'Assunta Women Install New Officers

Camden Courier-Post —

Miss Mary Colaiacovo — Heads Auxiliary, Camden Courier-Post February 18, 1938

Miss Mary Colaiacovo was installed last night as president of the Auxiliary of Nan'a S. S. Dell'Assunta.

Others installed at the headquarters, 833 South Fourth Street, were Mary Fattore, vice president; Mary Piccini, treasurer; Angelina Lauria, financial secretary; Miss Julia Marra, assistant secretary; Rose Colaiacovo, assistant recording secretary; Mrs. Anna Di Persia, censor.

Trustees are Mary Palermo, Susie Ruggierio, Cora Calabrese, Mrs. E. Owens and Mary Tomasetti.

Richard A. Troncone installed the officers. Querino Colaiacovo, president of the men's lodge, father of the auxiliary president and founder of the auxiliary, was one of the speakers. Joseph Cristalli, secretary, of the men's lodge was another speaker. Mrs. Lucy Gimelli was in charge of refreshments. Dancing followed the installation.

Sarah Cubbage — fishbone in throat

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Sarah Cubbage fishbone item, Philadelphia Inquirer April 15, 1918

With a fishbone in her throat, Sarah Cubbage, 35 years old, of 428 West street, was taken to the Cooper Hospital yesterday, where the bone was removed with great difficulty.

Rummage Sale at 430 West St

Camden Daily Courier —

Salvation Army Rummage Sale at 430 West Street, Camden Daily Courier April 9, 1908 Acorn Broom Company at 430 West Street — 1919 Camden High School Yearbook

Rummage Sale at 430 West St. The Best Lot of Clothes for Men, Women & Children ever offered at a Rummage Sale. Furniture of all kinds, 3 Organs, Old Books. Store Open Every Day, and Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Nights until 9 o’clock. Camden Daily Courier, April 9, 1908.

Acorn Broom Company, William L. Gardner. 1919 Camden High School Yearbook.

Rear of 429 Henry Street

Rear of 429 Henry Street, view from West Street Rear of 429 Henry Street, view from West Street

Rear of 429 Henry Street as seen from West Street. The Shemely family lived here from 1865 to 1928. Lydia’s son Charles Shemely and his family lived there from 1865 until his death in 1896. Then his wife Hannah Shemely lived there until her death in 1917. Then her daughter Mary lived at this address until her death in 1944.

Intersection of Washington Street & West Street

Intersection of Washington Street and West Street, July 3, 2006

Intersection of Washington Street and West Street. July 3, 2006.

433 to 455 West Street — an Urban Atrocity

Homegrown scam artists running under the guise of “activism” got money from somewhere… probably the taxpayers, to build new houses on West Street in 1999. Shoddy workmanship resulted in most of these houses being declared unfit for human habitation. They stand as a monument to… NEVER HANDING TAXPAYER MONEY OVER TO ANYONE JUST BECAUSE THEY MAKE A LOT OF NOISE, BECAUSE IT’S OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY THAT YOU ARE HANDING OVER AND GETTING PISSED AWAY.

453 West Street, October 22, 2005

453 and 455 West Street, built 1997–1999 with substandard construction. Photographs taken October 22 and September 21, 2005.

453 West St. - rear window-open-BU-drugs and prostitution-across from BPUM-daycare----JRR 10-24-05------------------------
-----------------------------------------

453 West Street, October 22, 2005

453 and 455 West Street, built 1997–1999 with substandard construction. Photographs taken October 22 and September 21, 2005.

455 West Street, September 21, 2005

453 and 455 West Street, built 1997–1999 with substandard construction. Photographs taken October 22 and September 21, 2005.

455 WEST ST. OPEN - BU-
ACROSS FROM BPUM DAYCARE-ASAP

JRR 09-21-05

Camden must repay U.S. for failed housing projects

Philadelphia Inquirer —

By Claudia Vargas, Inquirer Staff Writer

Just when they thought they had addressed all of this fiscal year's financial woes, Camden officials have to hand over $290,000 to the federal government for five failed affordable-housing projects from the 1990s.

The money was to have gone toward overtime pay for members of the Police and Fire Departments, which recently experienced massive layoffs.

It was the only place where there was any “wiggle room,” said Glynn Jones, the city’s finance director.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has demanded a refund of its grant money for years, and on April 6 the city received an ultimatum. If it doesn’t pay by May 6, it will face a penalty.

“I don’t even want to know what it is,” Jones said.

The police and fire cuts will bail out a defunct Camden nonprofit agency that spent $2.5 million to develop a 28-unit affordable-housing complex in Lanning Square. The project was never completed, and the group, Lanning Square West Neighborhood Corp. — at the time led by Mangaliso Davis and Roy Jones — eventually went bankrupt, city officials said.

Normally, the city would have gone after Davis and Jones to get the grant money back, Glynn Jones said.

“I’m not sure what steps were taken in the past to address this,” he said.

Efforts to reach Davis and Roy Jones were unsuccessful.

The other projects that received HUD funds between the late 1990s and early 2000s but failed to create promised affordable housing were Liberty Park, Brightstar Housing, and a city effort to transfer privately held tax-delinquent properties to nonprofits for redevelopment.

Since the city was the direct grantee, it is responsible for returning the money, a HUD official said.

Camden wants to stay in good standing with federal housing officials, so city authorities decided to pay the money and be done with the matter.

“We’re coming in and fixing 15-year problems,” Jones said of the city’s frustration in having to pay debts mostly incurred by others.

A planned $289,682 repayment, to come equally from Police and Fire Department funds, includes $193,000 Camden owes for the Lanning Square failure, city officials said.

In 1998, the Lanning Square West Neighborhood Corp. received a $50,000 federal grant to start developing 28 townhouses between Washington and Berkley Streets and West and Fourth Streets.

Within a year, the group had acquired all of the parcels it needed and 100 percent of the financing through grants and a $1.5 million loan from Sun National Bank. Yet by 2002, only 40 percent of the project had been completed, according to HUD’s 2002 annual report.

In the late 1990s, Roy Jones told The Inquirer that city politics were jeopardizing multimillion-dollar grant applications needed to complete the project.

A few of the townhouses were sold, but residents found serious problems with the structures. In 2007, the Camden Redevelopment Agency agreed to purchase the townhouses that were unoccupied. It also vowed to help those who had bought homes sell them to the city, said former agency director John Kromer.

“The construction problems were serious enough that we couldn’t fix them,” Kromer said Wednesday. The plan was to raze everything and use the land for the city’s Lanning Square Redevelopment Project.

The city’s 2008 plan for Lanning Square designated most of the Berkley Street development as “to be acquired” and in a residential zone.

Jones did not know what the city’s current plan was for that development. City spokesman Robert Corrales did not return multiple phone calls seeking comment.

Poolroom Wrecked by Benson St. Blaze

Camden Courier-Post —

Poolroom Wrecked by Benson St. Blaze — William Joyner, Camden Courier-Post April 12, 1943

Flames early yesterday wrecked the interior of the poolroom of William Joyner at 303 Benson street. The fire was discovered at 2 a. m. in the rear of the second floor of the building. All other rooms in the structure are unoccupied. Firemen fought the flames for an hour before they were brought under control. It is believed the fire started from one of two oil burner heaters in the room. The flames spread to adjoining properties but were checked before material damage was done. Joyner, who lives at 433 West street, was unable to estimate his loss.

Hospital Cases

Camden Courier-Post —

Hospital Cases - Camden Courier-Post, July 26, 1941

WEST JERSEY

Anna Amber, 52, of 960 Ferry avenue, splinter in finger.

Ernestine Herman, 9, of 710 Van Hook street, dog bite of foot.

Alvesta Taylor, 40, Mt. Holly, cut of hand.

Alfred Corbett, 18, King avenue, Pennsauken, crushed finger.

George Stowe, 71, Chestnut avenue, Woodlynne, fractured thumb.

Robert Button, 17, of 1500 Louis street, cut wrist.

Ellsworth Fussel, 28, of 1055 South Second street, deep cut of arm.

Rose Marie Biederman, 9, Green avenue, Mt. Ephraim, infection of head.

COOPER

Stella Smith, 14, of 1448 Haddon avenue, cut of finger.

Robert Carrier, 16, of 833 Lawrence street, sprained arm.

Joseph Castillano, 36, of 1253 South Merrimac road, sprained hand.

Audrey Edwards, 12, of 916 South Ninth street, sprained wrist.

Josephine Rossi, 37, of 102 Pearl street, contusion of chest.

Michael De Delecce, 47, of 12 Hudson street, contusion of ribs.

Melvin Reed, 10, of 436 West street, contusion of scalp.

Florence Fidler, 7, of 315 North Front street, foot injury.

John Iacovino, 14, of 417 Royden street, dog bite of ankle.

Police Arrest Nine In West Street Card Game Raid

Camden Courier-Post —

Police Arrest Nine In West Street Card Game Raid, Camden Courier-Post November 11, 1950 West Street card game raid photograph, 1950

Nine men were arrested early today when police raided a house at 437 West street and discovered a poker game in progress. Robert Johnson, 46, occupant of the West street house, is in city jail in default of $500 bail, charged with “allowing disorderly persons to congregate on the premises.” Charged as disorderly persons, and also held in default of $25 bail were Pfc. Albert Sharp, 24, Camp Lee, Va.; James Wise, 25, of 835 South Fifth street, and Frank Peterson, 24, of 207 Line street.

Able to secure their release by posting $25 bail on disorderly conduct charges were Willie Watson, 28, of 423 Washington street; William Thomas, 49, of 418 Stevens street; Thomas Merrill, 21, of 619 South Fifth street; Frank Hoch, 38, of 1106 Cooper street and Clarence Douglas, 44, of 1183 Penn street.

The raid was conducted by Sgt. Harry Brown and Patrolmen Anthony DiMaggio, James Large and Charles Trostle. Police confiscated five decks of cards, $41 in cash and 15 pairs of dice, 12 pairs of which they said were “loaded.”

Robert Johnson

Camden Courier-Post —

Robert Johnson obituary, Camden Courier-Post May 21, 1967

Services for Robert Johnson, 59, of 437 West Street, will be Monday at 8 p.m. in Macedonia AME Church, 3rd and Spruce Streets, where friends may call after 6 p.m. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Pennsauken, under direction of the Carl Miller Funeral Home. Mr. Johnson, who died Wednesday in Rancocas Valley Hospital, Willingboro, is survived by his wife, Queen Esther, and a daughter, Bernadette, at home.

Allen Johnson Shot at 439 West Street

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Allen Johnson shooting item, Philadelphia Inquirer February 27, 1908

Fifteen-year-old Allen Johnson, of 439 West street, was accidentally shot in the left wrist yesterday afternoon by a companion while they were toying with a revolver. The bullet was extracted, and the injury dressed at the Homeopathic Hospital.

Misdemeanor Charge — 441 West Street

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Claude Arthur misdemeanor item, Philadelphia Inquirer May 22, 1915

On charges of misdemeanor Mrs. Fannie Boyer, aged 15 years of 15S South Ninth street and Claude Arthur, aged 25 years of 441 West street were each held under $500 bail by Recorder Stackhouse. The complaint was made by the woman’s husband, Walter Boyer. All the parties are colored.

443 West Street — Rudderow & Derrick, 1900

Rudderow & Derrick, Sanitary Plumbers, 443 West Street, 1900

Rudderow & Derrick, Sanitary Plumbers, 443 West Street. 1900 city directory.

HOT WATER HEATING

RUDDEROW & DERRICK,
Sanitary Plumbers,
No. 443 WEST STREET.

445 West Street — Jesse M. Jones

Jesse M. Jones — 445 West Street

Jesse M. Jones, resident of 445 West Street (1940).

500 Block of West Street

500 Block of West Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1872–1973. Includes the H. Edwin Schade Company complex at 516–522 West Street (1932–1955).

512 West Street

512 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1892–1897 John W. Cheeseman
1947Lucky Athletic Club — James Tarassco, proprietor; billiards
1947Lucky Athletic Club

514 West Street

514 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Attaway Williams
1953 Herman Jordan

516 West Street

516 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Roosevelt Revels

516–522 West Street

516–522 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕ Source ↕
1932–1955H. Edwin Schade Company — garage and auto body; 2001 Vacant & Abandoned; 2012 Gone1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone
2001Vacant & Abandoned
2012Gone

518 West Street

518 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1901–1904Mrs. Sarah C. Tomlin Clark & Family — widow of Elisha B. Clark; Winfield H. Clark; Alvin R. Clark; George R. Clark; Charles E. Clark; Josephine G. Clark
1901–1904Winfield H. Clark
1901–1904Alvin R. Clark
1901–1904George R. Clark
1901–1904Charles E. Clark
1901–1904Josephine G. Clark
1923Joseph Hand
1926–1928Schaeffer's Welding Brazing & Cutting Works — John Schaeffer

519 West Street

519 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947House of Ruttenberg — warehouse
1947House of Ruttenberg

520 West Street

520 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1891–1910Maltier F. Brown — fish dealer
1917J.N. Barber Baking Company — Jesse N. Barber

520-522 West Street

520-522 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
2012GONE

522 West Street

522 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1911Maltier F. Brown — oyster saloon
1912Russell T. Grear — bakery

524 West Street

524 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947–1967 Union of Brotherly Love, Camp Walt Whitman No. 1
1970RJ Lounge

526 West Street

526 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1872 William Carter
1910Lewis Merkle & Family — Lewis & Elizabeth Merkle; Catherine Merkle; Irene Merkle; Lewis Merkle Jr.

527 West Street

527 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1917–1941Edward F. Coughlin & Family
1917–1941Edward F. & Ida V. Coughlin
1917–1941Francis Coughlin
1917–1941James Coughlin
1917–1941John Coughlin
1943Franklin A. Dyer

528 West Street

528 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914Jeremiah Biddle & Family — Civil War veteran; Jeremiah & Mary Robinson Biddle
1914Jeremiah & Mary Robinson Biddle
1920–1933Isaac V. Robinson — Camden Horse Railway Co.; Frank T. Robinson; Junior Order of United American Mechanics
1921–1934Mrs. Anna Kleinheinz Thorn & Family — Charles W. Kleinheinz; William E. Thorn; Anna Thorn; died May 20, 1934
1950John Moffa — Camden Police Department
1973Lawrence H. O'Bryant & Family
1973Lawrence H. & Katie O'Bryant
1973John O'Bryant
1973Lawrence O'Bryant
1973Harold O'Bryant
1973Benjamin O'Bryant
1973George O'Bryant
1973Lillian O'Bryant Tunnell
1973Margaret O'Bryant Poole
1973Katie O'Bryant Scanes

530 West Street

530 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1909–1922Horace E. Lane & Family
1909–1922Horace E. & Adelaide Lane
1923–1960sFausto A. Michilli & Family
1923–1960sFausto & Giovanna Michilli
1923–1960sErnesta Michilli
1923–1960sGloria Michillio
1923–1960sAlbert Michilli

531 West Street

531 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1897–1900 John Holland

532 West Street

532 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910Dr. Marcus K. Mines & Family — Marcus & Katherine Mines; Emma Mines
1910Marcus & Katherimne Mines
1910Emma Mines

534 West Street

534 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910James Strother & Family — James & Mary Strother; Alberta Strother; Virginia Strother
1914–1915 Sidney G. West; Rosantonia LaMarra; Victor S. King; Newton B.T. Roney; Arthur J. Podmore — Kaighns Point Land Association

537 West Street

537 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1897–1900 Henry Washington Buchanan — printer, Civil War veteran

545 West Street

545 West Street — 500 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
2006Vacant & Abandoned

514 West Street — Herman Jordan

Herman Jordan, 514 West Street — Camden Courier-Post July 6, 1953

A bottle of “moonshine” Sunday brought $200 fines for Herman Jordan, 41, of 514 West st., and John Duffy, 43, of 419 Berkley st.

Detective Edward Shapiro testified Jordan had the bottle at Berkley and West sts. Jordan was booked on a charge of possessing untaxed alcohol.

Shapiro said Jordan told them the bottle was furnished by Duffy who had sent a third man to actually buy the alcohol. Duffy told Dzick today that Jordan was mistaken. Duffy said he had not seen Jordan for three days before his arrest.

Camden Courier-Post, July 6, 1953. In the late 1940s or early 1950s the houses at 514 and 516 West Street were razed and a garage was built by the H. Edwin Schade Company.

H. Edwin Schade Company — 516–522 West Street

514–516 West Street, H. Edwin Schade Company garage, July 1, 2001 516–522 West Street — H. Edwin Schade Company, 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages 520 West Street — H. Edwin Schade Company, 1955 NJB Yellow Pages 516–522 West Street, H. Edwin Schade Company — 2001 Vacant and Abandoned 516–522 West Street, view from Henry Street, July 1, 2001 520–522 West Street, view from Henry Street, July 1, 2001

516–522 West Street: the H. Edwin Schade Company, garage and auto body, 1932–1955. The original building was 520–522 West Street; 516 and 518 West were acquired, razed, and a new building was built after 1947. 2001 Vacant and Abandoned. 2012 Gone. 1955 New Jersey Bell Telephone Yellow Pages ads. Photographs July 1, 2001.

Mrs. Sarah Clark — 518 West Street

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Mrs. Sarah Clark robbery item, Philadelphia Inquirer November 7, 1903 518 West Street — 1928 city directory

Mrs. Sarah Clark, of 518 West street, reported to the Camden police last night that a man representing himself to be a railroad employe had taken $10 from a bureau drawer at her house. He engaged board, and after eating dinner went up stairs to take a nap. Later he left the house. Philadelphia Inquirer, November 7, 1903.

518 West Street. Joseph Hand, 1923. Philadelphia Inquirer, August 4, 1923. Also shown: 1928 city directory.

524–526 West Street

524–526 West Street — El Cacique Lounge, March 16, 2003

524–526 West Street. El Cacique Lounge (2011–2015, closed). Photograph taken March 16, 2003. Formerly: Union of Brotherly Love, Camp Walt Whitman No. 1 (1947–1967); RJ Lounge (1970).

Photos — 525–533 West Street

525, 527, 531 & 533 West Street, December 11, 2011 525 & 527 West Street, December 11, 2011 527 West Street — Edward F. Coughlin, December 11, 2011

525, 527, 531, and 533 West Street. December 11, 2011.

527 West Street — Edward F. Coughlin

527 West Street — Edward F. Coughlin & Family, July 1941

527 West Street. Edward F. Coughlin & Family, 1917–1941. July 1941.

COUGHLIN—On June 28, 1941, Edward F., beloved husband of Ida V. Coughlin (nee Cranmer), of 527 West St., Camden, aged 57 years.

Relatives and friends of the family, also employes of P. R. R., Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, Local No. 867 and Camden Aerie No. 065 [?], F. O. E., are invited to attend the funeral on Wednesday morning, at 9 o'clock, from the funeral home of Frank J. Leonard, 1451 Broadway, Camden. High Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 10 a. m. Friends may call Tuesday evening.

Intersection of Evans Street & West Street

Evans Street and West Street intersection, 2004

Intersection of Evans Street and West Street. Photographs March 14, 2004 and December 11, 2011.

Evans Street and West Street, March 14, 2004 Looking east on Evans Street from West Street, March 14, 2004 Looking east on Evans Street from West Street, March 14, 2004 Looking east from West Street toward Evans Street, December 11, 2011

Intersection of Evans Street and West Street. Photographs March 14, 2004 and December 11, 2011.

500 Block of West Street — 526–545

526-1/2, 528 & 530 West Street, December 11, 2011

526–1/2, 528, and 530 West Street. December 11, 2011.

Jeremiah Biddle — 528 West Street

Camden Daily Courier —

Jeremiah Biddle death notice, Camden Daily Courier February 27, 1914

BIDDLE—On Feb. 26th, 1914, Jeremiah, husband of Mary Biddle (nee Robinson), aged 77 years. The relatives and friends of the family, also G. A. R. Post of East Side, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, from his late residence, 528 West St., Camden. Interment at Arlington Cemetery. Remains may be viewed on Saturday evening from 7 to 9. Please omit flowers.

Charles Kleinheinz Falls Dead in Store

Camden Courier-Post —

Charles Kleinheinz Falls Dead in Store, Camden Courier-Post December 8, 1931

Charles W. Kleinheinz, 71, of 528 West street, for many years a resident of Camden and a cousin of George Kleinheinz, Jury commissioner, fell dead of a heart attack last night in the store of Thomas Alleby, 921 Broadway.

He was taken to West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital in an ambulance, but physicians said death had been instantaneous. He is survived by two married daughters. Funeral arrangements have not been completed.

Isaac V. Robinson Funeral Held Today

Camden Courier-Post —

Isaac V. Robinson funeral, Camden Courier-Post May 30, 1933

Funeral services were held yesterday at the Schroeder chapel, Broadway and Royden street, for Isaac V. Robinson, 82, of 528 West street, a lifelong resident of South Camden, who died suddenly Thursday.

Mr. Robinson died a week after opening a newsstand on Federal street above Fifth. A retired insurance agent, he told friends he was “tired of doing nothing.”

Mr. Robinson was one of the first to drive a horse car on the old Camden Horse Railway Co. line in 1871. The route was on Federal street to Fourth, and down Fourth to Kaighn avenue. He was a car operator several years, giving that work up to enter the insurance business, in which he remained for 50 years.

Mr. Robinson is survived by a son, Frank T. Robinson of Chews, a past county councilor of the Junior O. U. A. M. He was a member of various fraternal organizations, including Star of Union Council, Junior O. U. A. M., which he joined 58 years ago, after having been proposed for membership by his son.

Mrs. Anna M. Thorn

Camden Courier-Post —

Mrs. Anna M. Thorn obituary, Camden Courier-Post May 22, 1934

Funeral services for Mrs. Anna M. Thorn, daughter of George Kleinheinz, a member of the Camden County Park Commission, who died Sunday after several weeks’ illness, will be held at 1 p. m. Thursday at her late home at 528 West street. Burial will be private at Arlington Cemetery. She is survived by a son and daughter, William and Anna. Mrs. Thorn was a member of Broadway M. E. Church.

O’Bryant — 528 West Street

Camden Courier-Post —

O'Bryant death notice, Camden Courier-Post July 5, 1973

O’BRYANT—Lawrence H. Sr. of 528 West St., Camden. Died July 3, 1973. Age 76 years. Survived by wife Katie, five sons, John, Lawrence, Harold, Benjamin and George. Three daughters, Mrs. Lillian Tunnell, Mrs. Margaret Poole, Mrs. Katie Scanes. Thirty grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, three sisters, Mrs. Viola Wilson, Mrs. Ethel Gardner and Mrs. Sadie Sheffield. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services on Sunday, 8 p.m. in the Carl Miller Funeral Home, 831 Van Hook Street, Camden where friends may call after 6 p.m. Interment Evergreen Cemetery.

Man Beaten, Robbed On S. Camden Street

Camden Courier-Post —

Man Beaten, Robbed On S. Camden Street - Camden Courier-Post, September 26, 1964

Wallace Florence, 40, of 825 Fern st., was attacked last night and robbed of $90 on a South Camden street.

Det. John Opfer said Florence reported he was leaving a house at 528 West st. when he was assaulted. He described his attacker as a tall Negro. He was treated at Cooper Hospital for face injuries.

Fausto Michilli

Camden Courier-Post —

Fausto Michilli obituary, Camden Courier-Post September 1, 1961

Fausto Michilli, 73, of 530 West st., retired owner of Ogden Auto Body Repairs, was dead on arrival Thursday at Cooper Hospital after being stricken at his home. Born in Italy, he was a resident of Camden 45 years.

Surviving are his wife, Giovanna; two daughters, Mrs. Ernesta Watts of Delaware Township, and Gloria, at home; a son, Albert of Moorestown; four brothers, Jesse of Niagara Falls, N.Y., and three in Italy; two sisters, Mrs. Victoria Gemmi of Newark and one in Italy, and two grandchildren.

Friends will meet Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in the Falco Funeral Home, 1018 S. 4th st. Solemn high requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 4th and Division sts. There will be a viewing Monday night in the funeral home. Burial will be in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

Photos — 531–534 West Street

531 West Street, December 11, 2011 531 & 533 West Street, December 11, 2011 533 West Street, December 11, 2011 534 West Street — James Strother family, December 11, 2011

531, 533, and 534 West Street. December 11, 2011.

Camden County Transfers — 534 West Street

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Camden County Transfers — 534 West Street, Philadelphia Inquirer November 11, 1914

Camden County Transfers: CAMDEN—534 West—Sidney G West to Rosantonia LaMarra, $2500. Philadelphia Inquirer, November 11, 1914. Also: Victor S. King, Newton B.T. Roney, and Arthur J. Podmore—Kaighns Point Land Association.

545 West Street — 2006

545 West Street, November 17, 2006

545 West Street. Vacant and Abandoned, 2006. Photographs taken November 17, 2006.

545 WEST ST REAR SIDE AT
ROOF LEANING IN-NUS REPAIR
OR DEMOLISH IMMEDIATELY
JRR 11-17-06

545 West Street, November 17, 2006

545 West Street. Vacant and Abandoned, 2006. Photographs taken November 17, 2006.

545 WEST ST REAR SIDE AT
ROOF LEANING IN-NUS REPAIR
OR DEMOLIS IMMEDIATELY
JRR 11-17-06

Intersection of Clinton Street & West Street

Looking south on West Street toward Clinton Street, December 11, 2011

Looking south on West Street towards the intersection of Clinton Street and West Street. December 11, 2011.

600 Block of West Street

1906 Sanborn Map — 600 Block of West Street

1906 Sanborn Map, upper end of the 600 Block of West Street.

600 Block of West Street — Occupants

City directory records, 1880–2017. 1906 Sanborn map documents the upper end of the block.

600 West Street

600 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Nicholas Longino

602 West Street

602 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Luigi Iannatone

603 West Street (aka 440 Royden Street)

603 West Street (aka 440 Royden Street) — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1910Mrs. Mary Jane 'Jennie' Bunting Sharp; Margaret Sharp; Jennie Sharp

605 West Street

605 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1922 Joseph Sparks (Camden Police Department)
1922Joseph & Mary Emma Sparks
2017Gone

606 West Street

606 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
c.1918 Private Wilson D. George — World War I
2007Vacant & Abandoned

607 West Street

607 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1938Robert Stanley Sleeper & Family
1938Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Sleeper
1938Florence Mary Sleeeper
1942Howard Toy — died July 8, 1942; Lemuel Toy — died August 19, 1942
1942Howard Toy
1942Lemuel Toy
1943John Iapalucci
1947John Iapalucci
1948 William Earl Toy
2017Gone

608 West Street

608 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Camillo P. Daziani

609 West Street

609 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
2017Gone

610 West Street

610 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1880–1882 Samuel M. Subers & Family
1880–1882Samuel M. & Christine Voll Subers
1880–1882William Subers
2007Vacant & Abandoned
2017Gone

613 West Street

613 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
2017Vacant

614 West Street

614 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1958–1966John DiSibio & Family — John & Maria DiSibio

616 West Street

616 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1880s John F. Harned
1940Maria DiVencenzo — died October 2, 1940
1940Maria DiVencenzo

618 West Street

618 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1912Bertie Harry — died of tuberculosis, January 1912
1912Bertie Harry
1920–1924 Martin Carrigan & Family
1920–1924Martin & Anna Carrigan

619 Stevens Street / 619 West Street

619 Stevens Street / 619 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1899–1904Edward H. Shivers & Family — Edward H. & Linda Shivers; Howard Shivers; Anna Shivers; Louise Shivers; Hillman Shivers; Linda W. Shivers; Jeita Shivers
1904–1917 Samuel B.F. Alcott & Family
1914–1915Michael H. Lindsey & Family — Michael H. & Martha Lindsey; Fannie Lindsey; Edward Lindsey; Harry Lindsey

619 West Street

619 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1914–1915Michael H. Lindsey & Family
1914–1915Michael H. & Martha Lindsey
1914–1915Fannie Lindsey
1914–1915Edward Lindsey
1914–1915Harry Lindsey
2012Genesis Muhummad

620 West Street

620 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1904Alfred C. Shaffer & Family
1904Alfred & Clara Shaffer
1923–1930sWilliam H. Lucas & Family
1923–1930sWilliam H. & Laura Lucas
1923–1930sWilliam H. Lucas Jr.

621 West Street

621 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1917–1927George Sharpley & Family
1917–1927George & Christine Sharpley
1917–1927Catherine Sharpley Jones (daughter)
1917–1927Harry Jones (son-in-law)
1917–1927Alice Sharpley Dunn (Daughter)
1917–1927James Dunn (son-in-law)
1917–1927Walter Sharpley (son)
1917–1927Ida Sharpley (daughter)
1929Joseph Fanelli
1931Adolph Chietto
1943Dominick Tenaglia
2012Gone

623 West Street

623 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1925John Ummarino — abandoned June 1925; fire January 27, 1928
1924–1925John Ummarino
1947Peter Ferranti — dry goods
1947Peter Ferranti
2012Gone

625 West Street

625 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Guido Latini

626 West Street

626 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Joseph C. Marini

627 West Street

627 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Basilio Fazio

629 West Street

629 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1947Norman C. Casper
1953Lewis English

631 West Street

631 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1924–1977Luigi DiLaurentis & Family
1924–1977Luigi & Elisa DiLaurentis
1924–1977Nicholas DiLaurentis
1924–1977Mary DiLaurentis
1924–1977Rose DiLaurentis
1924–1977Dominick DiLaurentis
1924–1977Eva DiLaurentis

633 West Street

633 West Street — 600 Block of West Street — Occupants
Year ↕ Name ↕
1933James A. Carroll — died November 4, 1935
1933James A. Carroll
1947Dilwyn Hoover

Births — 607 West Street

Camden Courier-Post —

WEST JERSEY

William, to Mr. and Mrs. William Griffin, of 237 South Thirty-fifth street.

Florence Mary, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stanley Sleeper, of 607 West street.

Fred, to Mr. and Mrs. Labena Arcangeli of 1713 South Fourth street.

AT HOME

Charles Clifford, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clifford Shockley, of 812 Mt. Vernon street.

Margaret, to Mr. and Mrs. John T. Carbone, of 518 Roberts street.

Private Wilson D. George — 606 West Street

Private Wilson D. George — World War I

Private Wilson D. George, World War I. c.1918, 606 West Street.

608 West Street

608 West Street, September 11, 2007

608 West Street. 1947: Camillo P. Daziani. Photograph taken September 11, 2007.

608 WEST ST OPEN NUS BU
AOWD UNTIL R OR D JRR
09-11-07

Mrs. Maria DiSibio — 614 West Street

Camden Courier-Post —

Mrs. Maria DiSibio obituary, Camden Courier-Post December 27, 1958

MRS. MARIA DI SIBIO

Mrs. Maria DiSibio, 76, of 614 West st., died Thursday in her home. A native of Italy, she was a Camden resident 38 years. Mrs. DiSibio was a former Campbell Soup Co. employe. She was a member of the St. Gabriel, St. Lucy, Sacred Heart and S. Francesco Saverio Cabrini Societies of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and the Union of Brotherly Love of Camden. Surviving is her husband, John.

Requiem high Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10 a. m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Friends will meet at 9 a. m. at the Troncone Funeral Home, 819 S. 4th st., where they may call Sunday night. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Delaware Township.

John DiSibio obituary, Camden Courier-Post January 19, 1966

JOHN DI SIBIO

Requiem high Mass for John DiSibio, 86, of 614 West Street, will be celebrated Friday at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 4th and Division Streets. Friends will meet at o'clock in the Troncone Funeral Home, 819 S. 4th Street, where they may call tomorrow night. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill.

Mr. DiSibio, who died Monday in Cooper Hospital, leaves no immediate survivors.

John DiSibio death notice, Camden Courier-Post January 20, 1966

DI SIBIO—On Jan. 17, 1966, John, husband of the late Maria of 614 West St., Camden, N.J., age 87 years. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral on Friday at 8 a.m. from the Troncone Funeral Home, 819 S. 4th St., Camden. Requiem high Mass will be sung at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R.C. Church, 4th and Division Sts. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill. Friends may call Thursday evening.

616 West Street — John F. Harned

John F. Harned — 616 West Street, 1880s

John F. Harned, resident of 616 West Street in the 1880s.

618 West Street

618 West Street, 2012 Martin Carrigan — 618 West Street, 1920–1924

Martin Carrigan & Family, 618 West Street, 1920–1924. 618 West Street, 2012.

Camden Man Dies

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Michael H. Lindsey obituary, Philadelphia Inquirer April 28, 1915

A victim of pneumonia, Michael H. Lindsey, aged 68 years, of 619 West street, Camden, died in Cooper Hospital yesterday. He had been ill but four days. He had been engaged in the painting business for many years, was a former president of the Camden Fishing Club and an ardent angler. He was also well known as a volunteer fireman. He is survived by a widow, two sons and two daughters.

Clara Heston Craig Shaffer — 620 West Street

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Clara Heston Craig Shaffer death notice, Philadelphia Inquirer September 22, 1904 620 West Street — Camden High School Purple & Gold Yearbook, January 1930 620 West Street, 2012

SHAFFER—On September 20, 1904. CLARA HESTON CRAIG. beloved wife of Alfred C Shaffer, aged 50 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Sunday, September 25 at 1 o’clock, from her late residence. 620 West st., Camden. Services at the Emanuel Baptist Church, at 2 o’clock. Interment private at Harleigh Cemetery. Philadelphia Inquirer, September 22, 1904.

620 West Street. William H. Lucas & Family, 1923–1930s. Camden High School Purple & Gold Yearbook, January 1930. 2012.

621 to 603 West Street — 1949 and 2017

621 to 603 West Street as seen from 626 West Street, 1949 621 to 603 West Street, 2017

621 to 603 West Street as seen from across the street (626 West Street), 1949. The baby is Emil Aceto of 441 Line Street. Photo courtesy of Lynne Gondolf Gill. At left, 621 West Street is gone; at right, 609, 607, and 605 West Street are gone. The house with the “big triangle” is 613. 2017.

623 West Street — Fire, January 27, 1928

623 West Street — fire January 27, 1928

623 West Street. 1924–1925 John Ummarino; abandoned June 1925; fire January 27, 1928. 1947: Peter Ferranti, dry goods. 2012: Gone.

Night Fire Bares Menace Of Second Empty House

A fire at 623 West street has brought to the attention of city officials another long-untenanted house considered a public nuisance because of health and fire menaces.

The latest [?] discovered "house of terror" at the northwest corner of West and Beckett streets. It has not been occupied since June, 1925. The last occupant was John Ummarin[o] [?]. The place, which has a store front, has fallen to ruin and has given shelter from time to time to tramps and other undesirables.

The other deserted house, which has been termed a "rendezvous of thieves, a haven for spooners, and a general nightmare," is the former mansion of the late Augustus Reeve, [illegible] manufacturer at Third and State streets. It has been ordered razed or repaired by Commissioner David S. Rhone, director of public safety.

Fire broke out in the West street property at 8.10 o'clock last night. It was confined to the cellar because of quick response by firemen in answering an alarm sent by Mrs. Laura Lucas, 620 West street.

Mrs. Lucas saw smoke issuing from the cellar and phoned fire headquarters. The blaze is believed to have started when someone tossed a lighted cigarette or match into a pile of old Christmas trees and other rubbish cluttering up the doorless cellarway of the property.

Residents of the neighborhood said today that the deserted house had been used by tramps and by mischievous boys, and was a health and fire menace. All windows are broken, there are no cellar doors, fixtures and piping have been removed, the heater has been dismantled, and plaster and paper have been ripped from the walls.

Intersection of Beckett Street & West Street

Intersection of Beckett Street and West Street, December 26, 2004

Intersection of Beckett Street and West Street. December 26, 2004.

600 Block of West Street — 625–633

Lewis English Fined $10 on Assault Complaint

Camden Courier-Post —

Lewis English Fined $10 on Assault Complaint - Camden Courier-Post, October 26, 1953

Lewis English, 629 West st., was fined $10 on an assault and battery complaint of Shirley Bill, 2105 S. 9th st. The Bill woman charged English slapped her Saturday night when he accosted her on the street.

631 West Street — Luigi DiLaurentis & Family

631 West Street — Luigi DiLaurentis family, Camden Courier-Post December 13, 1932

Fire Hero and Sister He Saved

—Courier-Post Photo

"Well, sis, how do you like your big brother now?" That's what Nicholas Delaurentz, 5, of 631 West street, said to his sister, Mary, 16 months old, after he saved her from fire in their home yesterday. Children and their mother, Mrs. Elisa Delaurentz, were led to safety by firemen after Nicholas carried Mary from the burning living room.

BOY SAVES SISTER WHEN HOME BURNS

Carries Infant to Mother Whose Screams Bring Rescuers

A boy, 5, probably saved the life of his 16-months-old sister when fire damaged their home at 631 West street, yesterday.

The children, Nicholas and Mary Delaurentz, were playing in the first floor front room when the blaze broke out shortly before 10 a. m.

Screaming, Nicholas tugged and pulled his little sister half-way up the stairs to the second floor, where their mother, Mrs. Elisa Delaurentz, was making beds.

Mrs. Delaurentz snatched the infant from Nicholas' arms. Believing they were trapped by flames which had started eating their way toward the stairs, Mrs. Delaurentz and the children went to a second story front window and called for help.

A passerby heard them and telephoned an alarm from the store of Joseph Di Maro, West and Royden streets.

Mrs. Delaurentz still was at the window when firemen from Engine Company No. 1, Fourth and Pine streets, arrived. Capt. Harry Wagner and Hoseman Joseph Gentlesh [sic] and Charles Conway, dashed into the house. Two of them carried the children while the other led Mrs. Delaurentz to safety.

Mrs. Delaurentz was taken to the home of Mrs. Jennie Ferri, 627 West street. She had become separated from the children in the confusion and thinking they still were in the burning house, she collapsed.

Mrs. Delaurentz's husband, Louis, was at Cooper Hospital at the time of the fire getting medicine. He suffered a sun-stroke several years ago and has not been well since. He is unemployed.

Three other children, Rose, 10; Eva, 8, and Dominick, 7, were in school.

Firemen said the blaze, which caused about $300 damage, probably was started by a smouldering cigarette stump or by the children. Nicholas denied that he and his little sister were playing with matches.

Intersection of Line Street & West Street

Intersection of Line Street and West Street, December 26, 2004

Intersection of Line Street and West Street. December 26, 2004.

Funeral on Friday for Fireman Toy

Camden Courier-Post —

Funeral on Friday for Fireman Toy - Camden Courier-Post, April 27, 1948

Fellow Members of City Department Will Act as Pallbearers

Funeral services for William Earl Toy, veteran Camden fireman who died Sunday of injuries received when the vehicle he was driving and a bus collided Saturday, will be held at 2 p. m. Friday at the residence, 607 West street.

Members of the Camden Fire Department will act as pallbearers and attend the viewing and funeral in a body. The pallbearers will be Deputy Chief William Herring, Captains Harry Wagner and Frank Oberman and Hosemen Morris Odell, Ervin Brennan and Christopher Moll.

Toy is survived by his widow, Margaret C., nee Voll, and a son William, Jr., a member of the Army Air Force stationed in Colorado, who is on his way home for the funeral.

He is survived also by his father, Lemuel, 86, who lived with his son and who was admitted to the hospital yesterday, suffering a heart ailment. His condition today was described as fair. He is unaware of his son’s death.

Toy, 45 and a member of the department 17 years, was at the wheel of Acting Chief William Van Pfefferle’s car when it collided with a west-bound Public Service bus at Sixteenth and Federal streets. Pfefferle escaped with severe cuts and bruises but Toy suffered fractures of the thigh, arm and wrist and internal injuries, the latter proving fatal. Both men were taken to Cooper Hospital, where Pfefferle’s condition today was described as good.

6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers

Camden Morning Post —

6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers - Camden Morning Post, December 12, 1930 6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers - Camden Morning Post, December 12, 1930 6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers - Camden Morning Post, December 12, 1930 6 Men Are Nabbed as Number Writers - Camden Morning Post, December 12, 1930

Arrests Lead to Belief Shore Racketeers Are Working Here

Arrest of six alleged number writers here yesterday has spread the belief that Atlantic City racketeers have established “branch offices” on downtown street corners. Four of the accused all of whom were caught by members of the traffic squad, will be given hearings this morning. The other two were sentenced to 60 days each in the Camden county jail, when unable to pay fines of $50 imposed by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast yesterday.

All of the men were arrested while soliciting “business.”

‘Pick Up’ Man Nabbed

One of the six men arrested is believed to be the “pickup man” for the syndicate. He was in an automobile bearing Atlantic county tags and his pockets were filled with number slips and cash, according to the police.

Henry Davis, 36, of 208 Walnut street, and Alonzo Singleton, 20, of 256 Chestnut street, were arrested by Sergeant Jeff Kay and Motorcycle Policeman Thomas Kauffman at Second and Kaighn avenue. One man was standing on the northwest corner and the other on the southwest corner, soliciting business, the police testified. Davis and Singleton pleaded guilty and went to jail for 60 days.

LeRoy Keeler, 20, of 1617 Arctic avenue, Atlantic City, and David Watson, 29, of Second and Mt. Vernon streets, Camden, were arrested at Broadway and Mickle street by Motorcycle Policeman Charles Smith and William Moll. They were held for hearings this morning.

Wesley Edgehill, 35, of 1623½ Arctic avenue, Atlantic City, alleged by the police to be the “pickup man” for the Atlantic City barons, was arrested by Smith and Moll at West and Mickle streets. Edgehill was driving an automobile bearing Atlantic county tags. He had “hundreds of numbers slips and plenty of cash” in his pockets when arrested, according to the police. He also will be given a hearing this morning.

Wilbert William, 20, of 1010 Walnut street, was the sixth man arrested. He was caught selling numbers at Mt. Ephraim and Kaighn avenues, according to Kauffman and Kay. He will face Judge Pancoast today.

No Drive Ordered

Questioned regarding whether the traffic squad was making a drive against numbers game operators in Camden, Police Capt. Charles T. Humes, inspector of traffic, said no orders had been issued for a drive on operators. The motorcycle policemen were only acting in line of regular duty, he said.

Major Charles V. H. Dickinson, deputy director of public safety, stated yesterday that the arrests were not part of a concerted drive against the number “barons.” He said:

“There is no particular drive under way. The first I knew of the matter was when I read of the arrests in the Courier-Post. I questioned one of the men and he stated that he saw the writers selling slips and picked them up. There have been no orders issued except that I will not tolerate any form of gambling and want the city kept clean of it.”

Odds and Ends

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Odds and Ends - Philadelphia Inquirer, June 19, 1891

Cars began running yesterday over the new line on Fourth street, from Kaighn avenue to Line, to West streets.

Burglars early yesterday morning broke into the tailoring establishment of J. Hermann, 1120 Broadway, and stole some made up clothing.

The $50,000 subscription, for the erection of the Masonic Temple, has been raised, and the first call for the payment of ten per cent. has been made.

The first shovel full of earth for the foundation for the new Methodist Home, at Collingswood, was turned yesterday by Mrs. David Baird, wife of ex-Sheriff Baird. Addresses were made by Revs. Relyea, A. B. Richardson, George Stange, Wagg and Mr. James R. Carson and others.

Mayor Pratt last night held William Kemble in $500 bail on the charge of writing policy at the Baltic House, on Delaware avenue below Market street.

Henry George, the Single Tax advocate, has commenced suit against Lawyer John Woodhull for $500, for money which he claims from the Hutchinson legacy.

Over in Camden

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Over in Camden - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 18, 1895 Over in Camden - Philadelphia Inquirer, March 18, 1895

Mayor Westcott has been indorsed for renomination by the Liberty Park Republican Club.

The body of Captain George Deitz, of [?]60 Mount Vernon street, who fell overboard from his scow and was drowned, was recovered in Cooper’s Creek yesterday.

Dennings Clark, who fractured his skull and had his eye punched out by a fall in front of a saloon at West and Clinton streets, has recovered sufficiently to leave the Cooper Hospital.

William H. Still, colored, who shot his wife four times at their home, near Snow Hill, several weeks ago, can get out of the Camden County Jail on $500 bail pending trial. Judge Vroom fixed the amount of bail yesterday, as Mrs. Still is out of danger.

Fires yesterday caused $200 damage at Albert Fleet’s residence, [?]00 North Ninth street, and a loss of $25 at the home of Samuel Harring, [?]19 North Front street, while at Mrs. Boyson’s house, Point and Elm streets, a hundred pigeons were burned to death.

Samuel Harmon, a colored sneak thief, made the mistake of attempting to strip a clothes line in Policeman Schregler’s back yard while the officer was at home eating his dinner. Harmon will regret his mistake during the thirty days he is to spend in the county jail.

Favorable reports were presented yesterday at the third annual meeting of the Woman’s Baptist Union in the North Baptist Church, and these officers were elected: President, Mrs. J. M. Hare; vice-presidents, Mrs. Joseph Cramer, Mrs. John W. Lyell; corresponding secretary, Mrs. S. M. Sampson; treasurer, Mrs. S. O. Hugg.

New Jersey

Philadelphia Inquirer —

New Jersey - Philadelphia Inquirer, September 23, 1884

Jottings From the State Across the Delaware.

Lizzie Furman was committed to the county jail by Mayor Bradshaw, in default of $100 bail, for trial, charged with stealing a watch, the property of Edward S. Andrews, of No. 105 South Fifth street, Camden.

James Gleason, residing at West street and Bridge avenue, a boss driller in the Pennsylvania Railroad Company’s yard, was seriously injured yesterday afternoon by being thrown from a car, caused by the snapping of a brake chain. His head was badly cut. He was taken home and medical aid summoned.

The Gloucester county Republicans have made the following nominations: State Senator—Stacy Pancoast. Assembly—Job S. Haines. For sheriff Daniel J. Packer is supposed to have received the majority.

The commissioners appointed to assess damages by City Council for the opening of Washington street, east of the West Jersey Railroad, met at the City Hall yesterday and decided to recommend the payment of $2500 to Messrs. Roberts & Cohn, through whose property the street will be cut.

Jacob Nelviss, of Paulsboro, was held in $500 bail last evening by Mayor Moss for trial at court charged with cutting William Pull.

David Payton, colored, was held in $100 bail yesterday by Justice Price charged with assaulting the six-year-old son of Caroline Francis.

Business in the Camden District Court was very brisk yesterday, the principal business being landlord and tenant cases. The following warrants of removal were ordered: Hotchkiss vs. Ellis, Dismant vs. Miller, Pancost vs. Porter, Read vs. Shankland, Numbers vs. Simmons, Numbers vs. Hill, Maires vs. Mellow. The case of Shuck vs. Scott was adjourned until September 29. In debt cases judgment for the plaintiff was awarded as follows: Thurler et al. & Co. vs. Cox, $21; Hollinshead vs. Johnson, $25; Rogers vs. Belding, $69.50. The cases of Johnson & Holt vs. Johnson and O’Neil vs. Pine & Callingham were adjourned until the 27th instant; that of Wright vs. Gilmore until September 26. A non-suit was entered in Shull, Wireback & Co. vs. Orcutt, and the case of Lochead vs. the Prudential Insurance Company of America was held under advisement.

Forest fires are still raging in Atlantic county.

Fifty hands have been temporarily laid off at Starr’s Iron Works.

George Rose and Truman B. Woods, arrested on Sunday for disturbing the peace at Front and Birch streets by holding religious meetings, were arraigned before the mayor yesterday and afterwards released.

A fire at Burlington yesterday destroyed Pfeiffer’s stocking factory. Loss, $20,000; covered by insurance.

Over the River

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Over the River - Philadelphia Inquirer, November 1, 1877

Camden Courts.—In the Camden Quarter Sessions yesterday William Campbell, James Reading, George Farrington and Chas. Peoples, who were put on trial on Tuesday for the larceny of vegetables, were found not guilty. Philip Sing was put on trial on a charge of the larceny of a lot of jewelry, the property of Mrs. Mary Seidel, and was convicted. Several persons were arraigned charged with inciting to riot and for riotous assault and battery at a colored meeting in the Seventh Ward last summer. Their names are John Simpson, Allen Wood, William Jacobs, James Johnson, Franklin Brown and David Perry.

Coroner’ Inquests [sic].—Last evening Coroner Roberts commenced an inquest on the body of Mrs. Eliza Yates, aged twenty-two years, who was found dead in bed about ten o’clock that morning at her residence in the rear of No. 315 Division street, South Camden. Deceased leaves two children. The inquest was continued until this evening. At the same time he also held a a [sic] view on the body of a child one month old, belonging to a Mrs. Mortimer, in East Camden.

Public Hall.—The Farmers and Butchers’ Market Company, of Camden, commenced yesterday the work of converting a portion of their building on Bridge avenue, West and Mickle streets, into a public hall. They will occupy 64 feet in width of the centre of the building by 110 feet in length for that purpose. The hall will be used for public meetings, concerts, entertainments, &c.

Committed.—Justice Souders yesterday committed C. Hughes and Edward Gummery to the county jail for drunken and disorderly conduct. Justice Henry committed Norman Simmons for a similar offense. Justice Bundick committed James Galgar on the charge of appropriating to his own use moneys belonging to another person.

To Be Defended.—It is authoritatively stated that the general counsel of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for New Jersey has been directed to defend the Longstreet suit, and to insist that the lease is valid and binding in all respects.

Nominated.—The Democratic Convention of the Second Assembly District of Camden county reconvened on Tuesday evening and nominated Josiah S. Matlack, of Camden, as their candidate for the Legislature.

The Poor Birds.—The Game law in New Jersey is off on and after to-day. Shooting will be very lively. Partridge, quail and squirrel, with the live bait fishing, will make things lively for weeks to come.

Haddon Township.—The number of births, marriages and deaths in Haddon township during the past year was as follows: Marriages, 29; births, 68; deaths, 33.

Military Election.—On Wednesday evening Charles S. Bernard, Esq., was elected to the position of captain of Company D, Sixth Regiment, N. G., S. N. J.

Merchantville.—The newly organized Governor McClellan Club intends holding a Democratic meeting on Friday evening next.

Fireman Toy Dead From Auto Crash

Camden Courier-Post —

Fireman Toy Dead From Auto Crash - Camden Courier-Post, April 24, 1948 Fireman Toy Dead From Auto Crash - Camden Courier-Post, April 24, 1948

Pfefferle’s Condition Reported Good; Bus Driver to Face New Charges

William Earl Toy, veteran Camden fireman, succumbed yesterday to injuries received in the line of duty Saturday while driving to a fire at Berwick and Boyd streets.

Toy, 45 and a member of the department 17 years, was at the wheel of Acting Chief William Van Pfefferle’s car when it collided with a west-bound Public Service bus at Sixteenth and Federal streets.

Pfefferle escaped with severe cuts and bruises but Toy suffered fractures of the thigh, arm and wrist and internal injuries, the latter proving fatal. Both men were taken to Cooper hospital, where Pfefferle’s condition today was described as good.

Driver to Be Arraigned Again.

The driver of the bus, Norman Davidson, of 3738 Frosthoffer avenue, Pennsauken, previously released on $500 bail to await outcome of Toy’s injuries, will be arraigned before Police Judge Cohen Wednesday on a charge of death by auto.

Davidson escaped injury but three passengers in the bus bound from Merchantville to the Camden ferries were hurt slightly. Two of them were children. The three were treated for cuts and bruises at the Cooper and released.

They are Miss Katherine Durborrow, 28, of 2928 High street; Greta Gaskill, 12, of 3311 Highland avenue, and Elaine Miller, 8, of 6211 Magnolia avenue, Pennsauken.

Toy and his wife, Margaret C., lived at 607 West street. He recently returned to duty after being out with a broken ankle, caused when he was struck by a car; she just recovered from a broken collar bone received in a fall. Their only son, William, Jr., is stationed in Colorado, with the Army Air Corps. He is on his way home for the funeral.

Meanwhile, yesterday, unaware of his son’s death, Toy’s father, Lemuel Toy, 86, of the same address, was admitted to the hospital suffering from a heart ailment. His condition was termed as fair.

Toy was employed by the J. B. VanSciver Company before entering the fire department. He was a member of the Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Association and as a young man played baseball in South Camden. He was third baseman with the old Towers club.

Wife’s Brother in Bureau

Mrs. Toy is the sister of John K. Voll, veteran member of the city fire department now attached to Engine Company No. 1.

Nineteen persons, several of them children, were forced to flee from nine row houses in the 2100 block on Berwick street when they became smokefilled and were threatened by flames which started in the store-dwelling at 2150. Two infants were carried to the street. Toy was driving Pfefferle, acting deputy chief at headquarters, Fifth and Arch streets, to this fire when the fatal crash occured [sic].

Fire Chief Lennox blamed the fire on a careless smoker who, he said, dropped a lighted cigarette on an overstuffed chair on the second floor of the store-dwelling. The store proprietor said only a maid who had gone off duty at 1 p. m., had been in the room.

Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All

Camden Courier-Post —

Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928 Hurley Based Success in Life and in Business on Square Deal to All - Camden Courier-Post, April 23, 1928

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.

2 Runaway Horses Imperil Children

Camden Courier-Post —

2 Runaway Horses Imperil Children - Camden Courier-Post, May 17, 1934 2 Runaway Horses Imperil Children - Camden Courier-Post, May 17, 1934

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.

West Street Boy Injured

Camden Courier-Post —

West Street Boy Injured - Camden Courier-Post, November 16, 1931

Albert Mickilli, 12, of 530 West street, was cut on the face and hands last night when struck by an automobile as he darted from behind a parked car at Newton avenue near Pine street. The driver, Wilfred P. Jarvis, 21, of 706 Carman street, took the boy to Cooper Hospital. Jarvis was released in his own recognizance.

Detectives Find Stolen Articles

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Detectives Find Stolen Articles - Philadelphia Inquirer, October 12, 1905 Detectives Find Stolen Articles - Philadelphia Inquirer, October 12, 1905

Loot Alleged to Have Been Lifted by Railroad Porters Recovered in Camden

Another Arrest in Connection With Rifling of Suit Cases and Packages at Camden Terminal

Thousands of dollars worth of jewelry was located in Camden yesterday by County Detectives Smith and Cherry, when they searched the homes of John Cohee and Andrew Shafer, porters of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, who are alleged to have robbed packages and dress suit cases at the terminal in Camden. Cohee was arrested Tuesday night in Philadelphia while entering a pawn shop. Shafer was taken in custody yesterday. The latter was locked up at the county jail charged by County Detective Smith with larceny. The complaint was made before Justice Schmitz.

Searched Shafer’s Home

Yesterday morning the detectives visited the home of Shafer, at 410 South Second street. They made a thorough search and according to the officers they located about $1500 worth of jewelry, furs and trinkets of various kinds. These articles were scattered all about the house, under carpets, beds, in pans and closets. The whole lot was taken to the office of Prosecutor Lloyd to await identification, with that already recovered from the home of Cohee at 543 West street. In the latter house the articles found are valued approximately at $3000.

According to Detective Smith a confession was made by Cohee at the Central Station in Philadelphia, in which he implicates several other persons. The thefts have been going on for the past two years. During that time scores of complaints have been received at the railroad offices because of missing articles.

How It Was Done

Owing to the method of the alleged thieves it was difficult to detect those responsible. From what Cohee is alleged to have said the dress suit cases and packages were carefully opened and whatever struck the fancy of the men extracted. The cases would then be closed and sent to their owners. Nothing would be found amiss until the packages or cases were received and even then the owners could not account for the disappearance of their property.

Already the railroad company has paid out nearly $5000 to satisfy claims for missing property belonging to patrons of the road.

Court Stars of Yesteryear Plan to Turn Out for Dinner

Camden Courier-Post —

Court Stars of Yesteryear Plan to Turn Out for Dinner - Camden Courier-Post, April 8, 1942 Court Stars of Yesteryear Plan to Turn Out for Dinner - Camden Courier-Post, April 8, 1942

Eddie Ferat, Winnie Kinkaid, Bob Dippy and Howard Thomas, Members of Old Camden Electrics, Plan to Attend All Sports Banquet

By FITZ

On a chill March night back in 1902, a driving rain beat against the old Sixth Regiment Armory at West and Mickle streets. Inside a crowd of 1200 persons were cheering 10 husky gladiators.

It was that night that Camden won the National Basketball League championship by defeating New York, 47-34. Sports critics said the Camden team which captured that championship was one of the greatest basketball teams in the history of the game.

Four members of that team will attend the All Sports dinner which will be held at Neil Deighan’s at the Airport Circle, next Tuesday night.

The team was the Camden Electrics. It was organized by the late “Billy” Morgenweck, who also organized the first basketball league in the United States, and the Camden team ranked the best tossers of the 90’s.

Before every game and between halves Morgenweck would give his team members a pep talk and they would receive electric shocks from a battery machine Morgenweck had in the dressing room. The machine accompanied the team on its playing trips. That was how the team got the name of the Camden Electrics.

Four Still Living

The team members who brought that championship to Camden included, “Snake” Deal, Eddie Ferat, forwards; Bill Keenan, center; Charlie Bossert and “Winnie” Kinkaid, guards; and Howard Thomas, all-around substitute. Keenan and Bossert have passed on but the other four will mingle with about 400 other athletes who will also attend the event.

Morgenweck managed other great Camden teams in the 1900’s and some of his stars included Robert “Bob” Dippy, A. L. “Budge” Middleton and Howard Thomas. Morgenweck also loved to enthuse over the doings of Randolph Cramer, Ray Wynne, Tommy Peterson, Leon Goff, Al Gettie, George Tyler, who were among the “boys” who played for him in the old Camden YMCA when the playing floor was lined off and the forwards did all the scoring.

The late Dr. Bossert, who for many years was beach surgeon at Atlantic City, was one of the first men in basketball to develop the “scoring guard” idea under the tutelage of Morgenweck. In those days, the guards devoted all their time to covering the forwards, but when Morgenweck developed the “guards up” play, the idea revolutionized the game. Bossert was a wonder in going up the floor and scoring on center plays.

New York Also Had Stars

The old aggregation played in the Sixth Regiment Armory which figured in a tragic fire some years ago. Such popular figures as “Al” Wendelken and Bob Abadie played with the brilliant New York aggregation while “Sandy” Shields, “Reddy” Barber and John Penino were other stars in the circuit.

With the development of basketball in the New England states and in the old Central League in western Pennsylvania, Morgenweck retired from the basketball picture about 1904, but got back into harness again as coach of the Camden Alpha team in the Eastern League. Ormond “Army” Fitzgerald, Walter McCallion, Charles “Jesse” James, Frank Eames, Howard Thomas, Howard “Kidder” Bourquin and Howard “Bud” Henry were among the players on the team at that time. He gave up the game after several strenuous seasons and was succeeded by the late Ward Snyder, who was responsible for the introduction of Jackie Adams, Jimmy Brown and Eddie Dolin to Camden fans in Alpha uniforms.

Wanted in Camden for Auto Theft

Philadelphia Inquirer —

Wanted in Camden for Auto Theft - Philadelphia Inquirer, August 4, 1923

Arrested at Cape May Court House on a charge of attempted robbery, George Hickman, 19, 462 Royden street, and Joseph Hand, 16, 518 West street, are wanted in Camden for the theft of an automobile and a camping outfit from the garage of John H. Ohrens, 1393 Baird avenue. The boys had the car in their possession when they were taken into custody by Sergeant Tighe, of the State police. Camden authorities yesterday lodged a detainer against the two prisoners.

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