Dr. Arthur
L.
Stone

DR. ARTHUR L. STONE served as City Health Director from 1923 until his death in 1945. Succeeding Dr. Henry H. Davis, he served under Mayors Victor King, Winfield Scott Price, Roy R. Stewart, Frederick von Nieda, and Gorge Brunner. Dr. Arthur Stone pressed an immunization program which all but eliminated diphtheria from the City of Camden. Before that had been accomplished, one of Camden's leading citizens, Commissioner William D. Sayrs, came down with the disease in late January of 1928, which eventually forced his resignation. 

In January of 1933 Dr. Stone was asked to serve as the City of Camden's director of relief ["relief" being the term then used for what we call "welfare" - PMC]. He resigned from that position after clashing with Wayland P. Cramer, director of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration in August of 1933.

In 1936 Dr. Stone was living at 2838 Berkley Street. Dr. Stone died in 1945. He was succeeded by Dr. David Helm Jr. as health director for the city. Mrs. Olive D. Stone was still residing at the home on Berkley Street when the 1947 Camden City Directory was compiled. Mrs. Stone was living at 210 East Maple Avenue when the 1959 New Jersey Bell Telephone Directory was published. 

Camden Courier-Post - January 5, 1928

Not 1928’s First Born After All

Fond Parent Seek Honors For City’s First 1928 Baby
Who is Camden’s first 1928 baby?

A contest which nearly every employee of the city health department is earnestly watching has been started in the bureau of vital statistics in city hall.

 Up to the present time the honor had been bestowed on the daughter of Lara and Russell Stackhouse, a young East Camden couple. Their child, which is the first in the family, will be named Doris Ruth Stackhouse. The baby was born at 2:00 o’clock on New Year’s morning at their home, 1015 North Nineteenth Street.

The contest which is being waged started this morning with a letter to Dr. A. L. Stone, health director, from Mrs. Charles Dean, 19 Fogarty Avenue. In the communication she said the health department had been wrong in naming James Patrick Sullivan, 1008 Division Street, the first baby. She said that her son was born at 5:30 AM thereby making the child Camden’s first 1928 baby.

Dr. Stone had scarcely read the letter and was about to announce the change when the report of the Stackhouse baby was handed to him.

“This is beyond me,” said the health director. “I will now pronounce this child as Camden’s official first 1928 baby.”

He explained, however, that his decision was subject to change if he received reports of any children born earlier.

January 11, 1928

Camden Courier-Post - January 13, 1928

STONE DISCOUNTS FUMIGATION VALUE
Camden Health Head Says It Gives False Sense Of Security

Fumigation as a method of preventing disease was discounted by Dr. Arthur L. Stone, city health director, in talk yesterday before the Y’s men’s Club at the Hotel Walt Whitman.

 “It gives a false sense of security,” he declared. “It kills only the germs upon the surface. As a matter of fact diseases are carried by individuals, and spread by contact of persons.

 “Modern public health does not depend upon safeguard of the environment, but upon safeguard of the individual. It does little good to choose methods for fumigation, when the dis­ease may be spread by some individual who carries the bacteria.”

Dr. Stone took as his subject “Secrets of Health.”  He pointed vaccination as the only certain way to immunize persons against disease. Smallpox and typhoid fever now are controlled by antitoxins, and diphtheria is well on the way to control. He said that a serum for scarlet fever soon may be discovered.

As a result of his vaccination activities here Dr. Stone predicted that the city will soon have “army of immune children.” More than 10,000 children have been vaccinated against diphtheria, and there will be more as soon as parents learn to lose their fear of the treatment, he said.

Prevention of infantile disease has cut the country’s death rate more than any other source, he declared. Much of the decrease can be ascribed to pre-natal educational work among mothers.

He asserted that playgrounds play an important part in brain development as well as muscular development. Brain development parallels development of the muscular tissues and a sound body is necessary for sound thinking, be stated, reverting to an old maxim.

Although 80 percent of children are born healthy by the time they reach their majority, 10 percent of them are defective in some way, according to the health officer. Inability of humans to take care of themselves was given as the reason.

Prior to Dr. Stone’s talk, the club distributed prizes won in a recent bowling tournament. First prize went to Jim Burroughs; second prize, to Winfield S. Wilson; third, Horace Sherman, and fourth, Robert McCay.

It was announced that the club’s bowling team will compete with the Woodbury Kiwanis Club team in that city tonight. On January 3rd the Y’s Men’s team will bowl the Woodbury Y’s Men’s Club team.

Camden Courier-Post - June 1, 1933

Cramer Asks Stone To Quit Relief Job; Dodges Questioning
Slams Door on Reporter; City Director Sees State Chief
After Request to Resign Post He 'Never-Formally Accepted'  

Wayland P. Cramer, director of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration, last night continued to be secretive regarding his request for the resignation of Dr. Arthur L. Stone, director of relief in the city.  

Dr. Stone yesterday admitted he was asked to quit the post to which "drafted" by Cramer four months ago. He said he is uncertain whether to comply and promised to issue a statement later.

Cramer adopted an evasive course when a reporter repeatedly sought to learn the reason for this latest turn of events in the relief bureau. He attempted to play "hide-and-seek" throughout the day.

Numerous telephone calls drew almost the same response, that "Mr. Cramer is not in his office."

During part of the day he was seen at his desk.

When a reporter sought an interview Cramer was surprised and insisted "I have nothing at all to say" and slammed the door of his private office. At that time Dr. Stone was in Cramer's office.

'Run Around' Continues

Rumor that Dr. Stone was asked to resign spread yesterday morning. Throughout the day and last night a "run-around" ensued. The only definite comment came from Dr. Stone.

"Yes," Dr. Stone said, "it's true I have been asked to resign but I am undecided what I shall do. Other than that, I have nothing to say right now, but I shall have a statement to make later."

Called on the telephone at noon at the Camden Club, where he was at lunch, he declined to make a statement.

Never Accepted?

Doubt was expressed in some quarters that Dr. Stone could be requested to resign from a position which he had never formally accepted.

On January 14, last, it was announced by Cramer that he had "drafted" Dr. Stone into the job of relief director, but there never was a formal acceptance by Dr. Stone.

Cramer then said, "There isn't a better man in the city for, that position, and the best is none too good."

Dr. Stone then stated: "The news that I have been appointed city relief director is a surprise to me. I have been consulted about it, but I am not exactly clear as to how I can handle it with my present work. I'd rather not say much about it until I can look into the situation further."

The report, circulated in city hall to the effect that Cramer has been dissatisfied with the manner in which emergency relief affairs have been administered in the city. There is a question whether Cramer has the right to demand the resignation of Dr. Stone or whether the authority does not rest solely with John Colt, state relief director, who succeeded Chester Barnard.

Stone See's Colt

Last night Dr. Stone said he had conferred with the state director.

"I have talked over the matter with the state director."

"I have talked over the matter with Mr. Colt. I have not decided what to do, but will make a statement after I study the situation further." 

Several attempts to contact Cramer by telephone at his home failed. Between 6 and 7 p. m. a reporter was informed "Mr. Cramer has not arrived home yet."

At 7.30 o'clock it was made known that the director "will be out for the evening." 

Camden Courier-Post - June 2, 1933

STONE QUITS RELIEF JOB IN MYSTERY CLASH
JOBLESS UNION DEMANDS All FACTS PUBLIC
City Director Refuses to Discuss Battle With Cramer
REPORTERS FORBIDDEN TO ATTEND MEETINGS
County Chief Continues Secrecy, Refers Queries to State Head'  

Dr. Arthur L. Stone last night resigned as Camden city director of the Emergency Relief Administration.

His decision to quit came as a climax of a clash with Wayland P. Cramer, Camden county relief director which has stirred the city for the past two days.

Cramer, who "drafted" Dr. Stone for the municipal post last January 14, continued to mantle in mystery the reason behind his request' for 'the resignation. He referred inquiries to John Colt, of Princeton, who is state director of the relief administration.

While speculation over the reason for the rift between Dr. Stone and Director Cramer was spreading throughout the city the county administration was denounced at a meeting held in Convention Hall annex.

All Facts Demanded

Frank J. Manning, president of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, made a public demand "for all the facts” behind Cramer's request for the city health bureau chief's resignation.

Dr. Stone announced his resignation after Director Cramer had added to his long series of refusals to inquiring newspapermen. Asked for a statement Dr. Stone said: "I have no statement. I have sent my resignation to Mr. Colt, through Mr. Cramer. That's all there is to it."

In response to an inquiry regarding the reason for Cramer's action in asking him to quit, Dr. Stone said: "I feel it is better for the service not to say anything about the mat­ter at the present time,"

Prior to the conversation with the city physician Director Cramer was asked by a reporter if he had learned whether Dr. Stone had resigned .

"I'm awfully sorry but I can't say anything about the matter. Director Colt has instructed me to say nothing. I'm going to follow his instructions.

"I'm not trying to be nasty about this situation. When the director gives me an order I have to obey it. Any information you desire must be obtained from Director Colt."

Press Ban Adopted

A. Lincoln Wood, Jr., secretary to Cramer, answered telephone calls for the county director yesterday. He denied that Cramer was in his office and announced the administration's new policy, that from now on the press would be excluded from personal or telephone interviews with the county relief director.

"I've had my orders," said Wood, "and they are that Mr. Cramer will grant no interviews to newspapermen If you aren't satisfied with that arrangement, you had better call Mr. Colt, the state relief director.

"How will the public receive news of the activities in the relief administration?" Wood was asked.

"Written statements will be sent all newspapers," said Wood.

"Will newspapermen be permitted to ask questions after the statements are received?" Wood was asked.

"No," was the answer.

A week ago Wood and Cramer criticized the Courier-Post Newspapers for the stand they had taken in printing the statement of a forestry recruit who had left Camp Dix, in protest against living conditions there. Cramer intimated that the recruit's statement should not have been published before the relief authorities were consulted.

Called by telephone at Princeton, Colt, the state relief director, declared that he had Cramer's request for Dr. Stone's resignation under consideration, but denied rumors he already had ordered an investigation.

"In due time," said Colt, "I shall have a statement to make. Until then, I have the matter under consideration and have nothing to say."

Later, a typewritten statement by Cramer was handed newspapermen by Captain Albert S. Howard, deputy county relief director. When asked to elaborate, Capt. Howard would not comment.

The statement follows:

"The Camden county director of the Emergency Relief Administration, of the State of New Jersey, Wayland P. Cramer, states that the situation connected with the recent publicity concerning the city of Camden's municipal directorship has been referred to John Colt, state director of the Emergency Relief Administration, and all information in this matter will be released through the state director."

Ask for Shakeup

In attacking the relief bureau before the unemployed union meeting Manning demanded a "shakeup" of the whole crowd from top to bottom." He suggested a protest parade be held July 4.

"It is about time we had someone in the relief organization besides army officers and others who know nothing about the administration of relief," he declared. "What we need is people who are versed in social service work.

"It is about time the unemployed slackers wake up to the manner in which relief is being administered. Let's band ourselves together in a mammoth parade on July 4 and demand a shake-up of the whole crowd from top to bottom.

"I read this week," he continued, "about Cramer's request that Dr. Stone resign. It is the right of the  unemployed and the general public to know all that is behind this request. If Dr. Stone is incompetent or if there is something more serious behind it, let’s have all the information to which we- the public- are entitled. In making this demand, I am not defending Dr. Stone or any other official."

Termed as 'Politics'

Circumstances surrounding the request for resignation of Dr. Stone were characterized as "politics" by Clarence E. Moulette, executive secretary of the Unemployed Union.

"It looks to me," Moulette said, "as though the politicians are trying to ease one of their henchmen into Dr. Stone's job as relief director. They thought it policy to oust him because he is giving too many babies too much relief. Dr. Stone probably has been the best man in that job, but he hasn't done as much as we expected he would do. It appears to me as though he would like to have accomplished more for the unemployed but couldn't.

"Let's find out why they want to dismiss Dr. Stone. As long as Cramer is head of the relief organization in Camden county, there isn't much hope for the unemployed."

A motion was then presented and adopted that the Unemployed Union demanding that the reason for the Dr. Stone resignation request be made public.

Charges that Ralph Baccellieri, a Berlin relief official, was using his relief office to depress wages in his mill were submitted at the meeting from unemployed representatives of the town.

"Our Berlin representatives," said Manning, "charge that Baccellieri is paying the workers in his factory such low wages that they have to apply to the emergency relief for food. What a fine situation that is. Here is a man, the joint owner of a sweatshop, who is trading on his relief office so that he can employ people at starvation wages.

"A copy of a letter," continued Manning, "was sent Cramer and John Colt, state relief director, pointing to the situation in Berlin. And what do you think I received today from Mr. Cramer? Well, he thanked me for the information. Like hell he thanked me.

"Another thing that Mr. Cramer thanked me for in his letter was the information about how the Lawnside relief director played politics at the polls at the recent primary. There he was at the polls despite the statement of Mr. Cramer prior to the primaries that any relief official involved in politics would be dismissed from the administration."

Manning stated that the Unemployed union produced affidavits to prove his assertion concerning the Lawnside relief situation.   

Camden Courier-Post - June 3, 1933

Stone Ousted for Humanness; 'Gave Too Much Milk, to Poor Children,' Jobless Union Hears
Cramer Refuses Detailed Statement, But Intimates Ex-Director of Relief
'Let His Heart Run Away With His Head'

Editorial: '-But the Greatest of These Is Charity'" appears on page 10.

Dr. Arthur L. Stone resigned as director of emergency relief in this city because of opposition to his humanness.

This was the inference drawn from both the city health bureau chief and Wayland P. Cramer, director of the Camden County Emergency Relief Administration, who requested Dr. Stone to quit.

According to Cramer a municipal relief director "must not let his heart rule his head."

Dr. Stone, who is credited directly with having brought about extensive reduction in the infantile mortality rate of this; city, said:

"It is true that I took the human side, in the administration of city relief. So far as I know no charges have been made."

May Name Logan

Appointment of a successor to Dr. Stone was a topic of gossip about the city and county buildings yesterday. It was rumored that William W. Logan at presently serving as manager in the county relief office, will be named as city director. Another report linked the name of William J. Strandwitz, who formerly was county director. A successor will be named by John Colt, of Princeton, who is state emergency relief administrator.

Dr. Stone's comment regarding "the human side of city relief administration," followed an expression by Clarence Moullette, executive secretary of the Unemployed Union of New Jersey, to the effect that the city physician's ouster probably was motivated "because Dr. Stone was giving too much milk to babies,"

Further attempt to draw from Director Cramer his reason for requesting Dr. Stone to resign disclosed no specific charge, After first declining to comment Cramer did express his opinion as to the qualifications necessary for the city relief directorship.

"Primarily,'" said Cramer, "he must have executive and administrative ability. He must have a good heart, but mustn't let his heart rule his head,"    

Pressed further far a statement concerning what Dr. Stone lacked "in the administration of relief, Cramer said:

Thought Stone Best Man

"It is not only my aim," he said, "to be considerate of all people receiving relief, but to be considerate of those within my organization. That is the reason I am not talking about details incident to Dr. Stone's resignation. I drafted him into the Relief office, because I thought he was the best man for the job. Affairs were in fine shape in the city administrative office when he took it over.

"'However, this is a matter for John Colt to discuss. He is my superior”.

Cramer admitted that he has someone in the offing whose appointment to the city relief directorship he will recommend to Colt.

It would be unfair for me," said Cramer, "to mention the name of the man I have in mind, before Mr. Colt had asked for my recommendation".

Dr. Stone said that he was "just as well satisfied" to be relieved of the city relief directorship which carries no salary.

"There was no salary to the job," said Dr. Stone, "and it meant many long hours of work in addition to the duties of the health department. I enjoyed building up the relief organization most for the human side of it. I sent in my resignation to become effective immediately. I tried to do a human job.

"When I went to Cramer's office this week," continued Dr. Stone, "he did not specifically tell me what the matter was. He told me only that he was not satisfied with the way things were going in my department."

Director Colt called today on the telephone at Princeton, said that he had not received Dr. Stone’s letter of resignation. If he accepts the resignation, Colt stated that he will immediately appoint a successor to Dr. Stone on the recommendation of Cramer. 

Camden Courier-Post - June 3,1933 

 '-BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS CHARITY!'

"He let his heart rule 'his head!"

That is the astonishing reason given by County Relief Director Wayland Cramer for demanding the resignation of Dr. Arthur L. Stone as city relief director.

If this is the only reason Cramer has to offer-

THEN DOCTOR STONE SHOULD BE REINSTATED IMMEDIATELY!

Furthermore, State Relief Administrator John Colt should make a prompt and thorough investigation into the entire conduct of the Camden County Relief office.

* * * * * *

"He let his heart rule his head!"

Fancy that as a "reason" for asking a man to resign from work which consists of the relief of human needs and suffering!

To this newspaper, the fact. that Doctor Stone -DID let his heart rule his head is THE VERY BEST QUALIFICATION HE POSSESSES FOR THAT JOB.

It was because the Courier-Post knew he was that kind of a man that Doctor Stone was asked, years ago, to be one of the three directors of the Courier-Post Relief.

Better that two undeserving be given more than their share than that one deserving family be deprived of the bare essentials of life.

Simply because we are afraid to let our hearts rule our heads!

The worst crime of relief administration throughout the land during, the depression has been the constant fear of conservative die-hards that "the heart" might sway doling out of the only too scanty pittances which are given our needy and destitute.

This nation needed MORE HEART in offi­ial life.

That's why Hoover was defeated and Roosevelt elected!

* * * * * *

Entirely aside from the issue of mercy and charity, a thorough inquiry in due in fairness to Doctor Stone himself:

This man has been the city's health director for about 12 years. He enjoys the esteem of our people and the respect of associates in his profession.

If Director Cramer has no other charges to bring, he should say so at once. He should . clear up any doubt as to whether something is being held back, since this whole affair has been shrouded in unwarranted mystery.

Nor should Cramer deceive himself that he or anyone else possesses the right to make, a secret out of the public business Of unemployed relief administration.          

The public is entitled to know what is going on at all times- what methods are used- the salaries paid relief agents- and the kind of relief given.

That is public business and this newspaper will fight to keep the public informed concerning it.

* * * * * *

In any event, the situation calls for an immediate probe by State relief officials. Director Colt is said to be planning a trip here. He cannot arrive too soon.

Doctor Stone, to be sure, may be glad to be relieved of the heavy burdens of his post as city relief director.

Especially, since HE RECEIVES NO SALARY FOR THE WORK!     

In fact, Dr. Stone is the only official we. know of connected with the Relief Administration who is not on the payroll.

The mystery of his dismissal invites the question whether it took place to make way for a new political PAID JOB?

Is more politics to be played with human misery?

To dismiss a relief administrator because he "had a heart" is an insult not only to the unemployed, who need aid largely through no fault of their own, but also to the taxpayers who are contributing that aid.

Have we forgotten that "the greatest of these is charity?" 

Camden Courier-Post - June 4, 1933

Head of Pyne Poynt Garden Group Says Relief Job Needs "More Heart"

Demand that Dr. Arthur L. Stone be retained as Camden city director of emergency relief was made by Walter S. Agin, president of the Pyne Poynt Garden Club, at a meeting of the Cox Garden Club at Twenty-first Street and Harrison Avenue.

"The city gardeners ask John Colt, state director of relief, to refuse to accept the resignation of Dr. Stone," Agin said. "They feel that a great heart like that of Abraham Lincoln in 1861 is the thing most needed today. The city of Camden and the unemployed as well as the relief administration have use for a man with a heart and a head. After all, it is not what we do for ourselves that make us great, but what we do for the other fellow. We believe there is something more than the excuse that 'he let his heart rule his head' for the demand of County Director Wayland P. Cramer for Dr. Stone's resignation and for that reason we ask that Dr. Stone be retained on the job."

More than 20,000 tomato, pepper and cabbage plants were given to the city gardeners by Daniel Deacon, Twenty-seventh street and Pierce Avenue and more tomato plants will arrive today from the Campbell Soup Company firms at Mt. Holly for distribution to the various gardens throughout the city. The Kaighn Avenue Plumbing Supply Company donated 300 feet of water pipe to the Pyne Poynt Club, while 2 tons of fertilizer were given the gardeners by the Walters Company, of Philadelphia.

John Emery, president, of the Cox Club, announced his organization has 137 gardens underway on the old Cox farm on Harrison Avenue. 

Camden Courier-Post - June 5, 1933