Camden Courier-Post
Evening Courier - September 17, 1934

 ORLANDO ASSUMES CHARGE OF VICE WAR
Prosecutor Directs Cleanup and Pushes Probe of Feitz Murder

 Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando today dropped all other duties and took personal charge of the drive to rid Camden city and county of vice.

Orlando announced he would concentrate his activities in the drive against crime and the solution of the murder of Detective William T. Feitz Jr., slain two weeks ago in a South Camden disorderly house.

“I hope to gather enough evidence to go before the grand jury within the next week or 10 days,” Orlando said. “The Feitz murder investigation is progressing and I hope to have sufficient facts before me soon that will enable is to apprehend the slayers.”

Weekend developments in the general drive against crime resulted in the raiding of at least 30 gambling houses, illicit saloons, and alcohol stills with police spurred to feverish activity by Mayor Roy R. Stewart’s probe of the department, which he said will end this week, unless new evidence develops to extend it.

Blair Release Sought

 Meanwhile, Edward V. Martino, council for Michael Tenerelli, alias Mickey Blair, former boxer, announced his intention of appearing before Judge Frank F. Neutze today to apply for a writ of habeas corpus to effect the release of Blair, held as the “key witness” in the Feitz slaying.

“Prosecutor Orlando had demanded $10,000 for the release of Blair,” Martino said. “That amount is ridiculously high. When I asked Orlando why his office required such excessive bail, he told me ‘I have to back up the police’”.

 Martino said he would demand the prosecutor show in court the reason for the “unreasonable demand”.

Lieutenant Walter Welch, new commander of the Second Police District, conducted an intensive cleanup of his bailiwick over Saturday and Sunday, raiding 25 alleged violators of liquor and gambling laws.

Aided by state alcohol agents, police raiders headed by Lieutenant George Frost uncovered two 50-gallon stills and a bullet-riddled target in two apparently abandoned houses at 531 and 533 South 2nd Street. An advance “tip-off” had caused operators of the stills to flee, police said.

Two alcohol “drops”, believed operated by the proprietors of the South 2nd Street houses, were visited but found empty.

Numbers Baron Nabbed

Marshall Howard, 33, of 1912 Derousse avenue, Delair, described by Prosecutor Orlando as a ‘big shot’ in the Pennsauken and Camden numbers racket, was arrested Saturday when he visited the court house to make inquiries concerning an unnamed woman under arrest as a numbers writer.

A short while later, at the request of Orlando, Lucille Barber, 35, of 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken township, and John Barnes, 26, of 7508 Pleasant avenue, Pennsauken township, both colored, were arrested as numbers writers.

It was reported at Pennsauken township police headquarters that the pair was wanted in connection with the case against Howard.

Both were held in $1000 bail for the grand jury.

Those who were held without bail as material witnesses in the Feitz case are Cornelius Murphy, 50, of 239 Sycamore Street, doorkeeper in the establishment; Edward Grapatin, 32, of 246 Kaighn Avenue; Joseph McKenna, 31, of 1404 Broadway; Katherine Lougheed, 32, of 626 Pine Street; Edna Butler, 33, colored, of 1122 South 2nd Street, and Joan Stein, 24, of Philadelphia. Six others were released in their own recognizance as material witnesses.

They are Sam Silverman, 34, of 325½ Kaighn Avenue; Edward Gorba, 20, who has supplied police with most of the information about Feitz’ death, and Gorba’s brother, Henry, 19, of 17 North 21st Street; Joseph McDonald, 20, of 1605 South 9th Street; Edith Miller, 28, colored, of 205 Sycamore Street, and George Martorano, 25, of 532 West Street.

Aided by Patrolmen William Marter and Carmin Fuscellaro Sr., Lieutenant Welch conducted a series of raids Saturday night and yesterday morning. The saloon of Mary Niewinski, at 400 Mechanic Street, was raided early yesterday and two customers arrested.

Lieutenant Welch Leads Raiders

Welch, who took over the duties Lieutenant Ralph Bakley when the latter was suspended by Mayor Stewart yesterday, declared he was seeking violators of the city’s Sunday closing ordinance, which states that places selling liquor must close “between the hours of 2:00 AM Sunday and 7:00 AM Monday.”

Nickelson Lehger, 49, of 311 Somerset Street, Gloucester and George Burkett, 38, of 340 Liberty Street, were arrested in Mrs. Niewinski's place. Welch said they were shooting craps on the bar. Mrs. Niewinski was released in $500 bail as proprietor and the men were released in $100 bail each as frequenters.

The three were arrested on Welch's second visit yesterday, he said. The first time he ordered Mrs. Niewinski to close her place, but on his second visit, he found the men gambling, he said.

Welch and his squad visited a house at 1903 South 6^th street, reputedly operated by William Tansky, 33. Tansky, charged with violating the closing ordinance, was released in $500 bail as proprietor, and Edward Krown, 65, of 1705 South 4th Street; Edward Judd, 41, of 721 Ferry Avenue; and William Sampey, of 729 North 10th Street, charged with being frequenters, were released in $100 bail.

Saloon Raided

A saloon operated by Helen Brass, 52, at 1067 Ferry Avenue, scene of an unsuccessful holdup attempt Friday, was next raided. Frank Dipeto, 42, of 829 Sylvan Street; Edward Podyezmek, 47, of 783 South 2nd street; Joseph Orbin, 53, of 963 Florence Street; and Angelo Rossi, 70, of 430 Emerald Street, were arrested and held as frequenters. Mrs. Brass was charged with violating the closing ordinance.

The establishment of Mitchell Lambert, 26, at 1427 South 9th Street was next visited. Lambert, held as proprietor was released in $500 bail. Florian Shepecarter, 36, of 2811 Yorkship Road; John Glenn, 35, of 52 Courtland Street; Paul Korzewszeski, 34, of 1041 Atlantic Avenue; and William Lanning, 37, of 1149 South 9th Street were all nabbed as frequenters.

At 1025 South 2nd Street, Welch and his men found four colored men and women, and Meg Mack, 38, colored, who was charged with being proprietor. The four gave their names as Alvin Mack, of the South 2nd Street address; Howard Elinor, 30, of 215 Chestnut Street; and Alice Wells and Emily Robinson, 28, of the same address. All were held for hearing today.

Welch declared he was unable to enter some of the places visited because he did not hold warrants. He said he would procure warrants today and return to several of the places. In the other instances where raids were made, Welch did not reveal the addresses or names.

Welch announced last night he is not seeking “personal notoriety” through his activities, but is merely doing his duty as a police officer. He declared “the lid has been clamped on the second District and will stay on.”

Mayor Stewart commended Welch's activities, and declared he will recommend suspension of liquor licenses in all the places where violations were uncovered.

Thirteen were arrested by a detail of state troopers from the Mt. Ephraim and Berlin barracks when a raid was staged on the home of Dominick Melchiore, 28, at Cedar Avenue, Blenheim.

Melchiore was charged with operating a gambling establishment. Arraigned before Justice of the peace Charles Jackson at Runnemede, he was fined $5 and costs. Charles Darpino, 26, a Camden man among those arrested, gave his address as 306 Chestnut Street. He and the 11 others were fined $3 each and costs.

The police raiders who uncovered the two stills and riddled target at 533 South 2nd Street also visited the home of Charles Auletto, 20 South 2nd street. Auletto, charged with selling illegal liquor, denied knowledge of the stills, but was held on $1000 bail for the grand jury by Police Judge J. Harry Switzer.

Two men were fined $25.00 each last night in Pennsauken township police court by Recorder George E. Yost on slot machine gambling charges.

Arthur Pipher, 25, of 2248 North 36th Street, Camden, was charged with placing slot machines in various stores for gambling purposes, and Edward Friedberg, operator of a medicine store at Park and Union Avenues, Pennsauken was charged with possession of a slot machine. Friedberg announced he would appeal his conviction.

It was testified that he offered merchandise as prizes in conjunction with operation of the device.

POLICE FORCE POLITICS BANNED COMMISSIONER KOBUS DECLARES
Calls for 100% Efficiency and Promises Square Deal for All in Talk to Commanders;
Stresses Fact Colsey is Chief

 “I want 100% efficient police department and not a political machine.”

 Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, new director of public safety, made that declaration yesterday afternoon at a joint police-press conference in her office at city hall before she was served with a writ restraining her from taking that office.

 Commissioner Kobus was the kindly mother talking to her “boys” for the most of the conference- but at times she became the stern parent-  with the birchrod in the cupboard- as she instructed the police heads to “divorce themselves from politics.”

 “For many years I have nursed in my heart a desire to see Camden with a 100% efficient police department”, the commissioner said. “Now that time is at hand.”

 “I have known all of you men for many years,” she told the assembled commanders, “and I don’t care what your respective political affiliations might be. You have a right to you opinions, but I want the police department to divorce itself from politics.

 . “You must know what is going on in your city and you must let me know. I must have 100 percent cooperation if I am to succeed in this new undertaking. 

“If you have any complaints, don’t go around and growl, undermining the department. Lay your cards on the table, I guarantee you a fair deal.

 “Chief Colsey is head of the police department and not in name only. You others in the rank you occupy are also commanders in fact and not in name. It is up to you.”

 The commissioner urged a closer co-operation between police and the press and concluded by saying she wanted her “family” to be honest-to-goodness policemen “because there is no room in the department for those who are not.”

 Attending the conference was Chief Arthur Colsey, Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, chief clerk of the bureau; Lieutenants George Frost, Ralph Bakley, Walter Welch, Samuel E. Johnson and George Ward.

Camden Courier-Post - August 30, 1935

Camden Courier-Post - August 31, 1935

ILLNESS CAUSES SHIFTS FOR POLICE OFFICIALS

 Temporary changes in the police department to offset the absence of Lieutenant George Frost, head of the First District, who is ill, and Lieutenant George Ward, of headquarters, who is away on police business, were announced yesterday by Chief Arthur Colsey. 

Sgt. John Potter, of the Third District, is made acting lieutenant and placed in charge of the First. Patrolman Louis Schmidt, of the Third, replaces Potter as acting sergeant.

Lieutenant Herbert Anderson, of the Fourth District, replaces Ward at headquarters, with Sgt. John Skolski acting as lieutenant in charge of the Fourth.

Sgt. Gustav Koerner, of the Second District, who has been working in plain clothes, Is to report in uniform.

Patrolman John Kowal, of the Second District, is shifted to the First district, with Patrolman William Schultz going from the First district to the Second district. 

POLICE OPEN DRIVE ON SPEED, PARKING
Campaign in City to Reduce Accidents, Frost Says; Man Fined

Camden Police yesterday began another drive against motorists who violate city traffic regulations. The campaign is an effort to reduce accidents.

Lieutenant George Frost, in charge of the traffic bureau, announced the drive would continue for several weeks. On man was arrested today and fined $10 in police court by Judge Lewis Liberman.

“I have instructed all motorcycle and traffic police to make a thorough check on double-parking, all day parkers, violators of one-way street signs and speeders,” Lieutenant Frost said today. “accidents have been occurring with increasing rapidity and we are going to do what we can to stop them.”

The police official said many office workers in the central section of the city drive their cars to work and park them on busy streets for an entire day. He also pointed out this was the practice on streets adjoining the factory districts and said the two-hour parking law would be strictly enforced hereafter.

John Ascola, 41, of 71 Market Street, Salem, was arrested by Patrolman Harry Kreher. Kreher said he chased the car driven by Ascola for more than a mile on Broadway.

Asked by Prosecutor John H. Reiners if he knew the speed limit in Camden, Ascola replied: “Yes, 10 miles an hour.” He admitted to “doing 15”. Kreher said it was nearer 50. Ascola paid the fine.

...continued...

World War II Draft Card

Camden Courier-Post - August 15, 1945

PUBLIC FILLS CITY CHURCHES FOR V PRAYERS
Victory Services to Be Held at Roosevelt Plaza This Afternoon
MANY FIRMS CLOSED TODAY, TOMORROW

Sharing the joy of a world again at peace, Camden awoke today after a night of jubilant celebration that a war of three years, eight months and seven days was ended.

In sober response to the magnitude of Victory Day thousands early today wended their way to churches to offer prayers of thanksgiving as the dawn of a new era broke over the land.

Mayor Brunner announced the city's planned celebration of Victory Day will be held today at 2.30 p. in. at Roosevelt plaza, and urged that citizens gather their to share in prayers and inspirational ceremonies.

Many Places Closed

All banks, federal, state, county and municipal offices were closed today.

No mail deliveries are scheduled and postal authorities here awaited orders from Washington on the question of resuming service tomorrow.

War industries abandoned work in compliance with President Truman's proclamation of a two-day holiday for all personnel except those required for maintenance and other essential jobs.

Many stores are also closed for the entire day

New York Shipyard officials announced the yard and offices will be closed today and tomorrow, and will reopen Friday morning at the usual time. Payday has been se for Friday, a spokesman said.

Radio Condenser Company will be closed today and will resume work at the regular hour tomorrow, a spokesman for that firm announced.

John Trumpy & Sons shipyard at· Gloucester will abandon work schedules today and tomorrow.

Big Plants on Holiday

RCA Victor Division of the Radio Corporation of America announced all offices and plants were closed today and will be closed tomorrow.

The Campbell Soup Company is closing its plants today and tomorrow. The company issued this statement:

'In order, to safeguard any loss of food, however, and to cooperate fully with farmers who grow tomatoes, the company announced arrangements have been made to receive any tomatoes delivered on the two days during the regular delivery hours.

"It is expected that the farmers will want to enjoy the celebration of Victory and will probably defer, as far as possible, the picking and delivery of the crop until Friday, when the, plants will reopen."

Saloons Closed Half Day

By decree of Governor Edge, taprooms and package stores were ordered to close at eight o'clock last night and remain closed until noon. ABC Commissioner Driscoll issued a statewide proclamation following the governor's declaration.

Last night's celebration broke spontaneously shortly after 7 o’c1ock, following announcement by the President that Japan had accepted the Potsdam declaration.

An anxious citizenry had waited since Friday morning, when first word of the. Jap surrender offer was announced. On Sunday there were false reports that Japan had capitulated and again yesterday conflicting announcements kept the public confused.

Tears of Joy and Sorrow

Already strained nerves broke with the world stirring news and not since Armistice Day closing War I was such wild celebration observed.

Amid tears and shouts of joy, men and women hugged each other and many wept. To thousands it meant their loved ones soon would be home. To many others it re opened wounds of memory and sorrow for the sons and husbands who would not be returning, ever.

Every locomotive whistle on the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines began blasting at once shortly after 7 p. m. This was followed by every factory whistle being tied down. Then followed shrieks of the air raid warden signals over the city fire houses

Signal for Jubilation

That was the call for real jubilation. Thousands poured into the streets within a few minutes. Hundreds of shouting children, waving flags and blowing horns, ran through the streets.

It seemed as though Broadway was the mecca for the shouting throngs. All the people seemed to surge to City Hall. Every motorist, bus and truck driver was blowing the horn of his vehicle. Thousands milled on the sidewalks, cheering, laughing, blowing horns.

Thousands more went into the churches to thank Almighty God for the greatest victory of all time. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed in the Catholic churches by the direction of Bishop Eustace. Prayers were offered for the repose of the heroic dead, who made the supreme sacrifice that the Allies should triumph over the Nazis and Japanese warlords

Church Bells Toll

The chimes of old St. Mary's church, Gloucester, and First Methodist in Camden tolled. They played sacred and patriotic selections. Special thanksgiving services were held in the First and the Parkside Methodist churches.

Although Camden streets were packed with noisy, boisterous throngs, Police Chief Frost reported no disorder after several tours of the city. He ordered all taprooms closed at 8 p. m. At the same hour Philadelphia clamped the lid down on the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Frost opened temporary head quarters in the City Hall basement. Every patrolman was called to duty. Auxiliary police organized during the early days of civilian defense augmented the local force. Thirty Military Police reported for duty to Frost. The Shore Patrol also sent 26 men from Eleventh and Winter streets police station, Philadelphia, to help keep order among jubilant servicemen.

City Hall Lights Aglow

For the first time since war was declared in 1941 the lights on the City Hall beamed. When they went on with the lights all over the world a great cheer went up from the thousands milling on Broadway between the Camden bridge plaza and Mickle Street.

A huge cross was formed by lights in windows facing Roosevelt Plaza. Windows were lighted from the eleventh to the sixteenth floors. The cross bar was formed from three windows on the fourteenth floor.

All main roads leading into Camden were clogged, with traffic heading for the City Hall and Broadway. Admiral Wilson Boulevard, Haddon Avenue, Kaighn Avenue, Market and Federal Streets were jammed with buses, trucks and automobiles with gaily singing and cheering crowds. All but the buses were headed for the Broadway parade.

Mayor Brunner announced that today was a holiday for all city employees, while Freeholder J. McCarthy, speaking for the freeholders, announced it was a holiday for all county employees, excepting those engaged in essential services.

"This is the hour of victory for which we have waited with patient hearts for three years," said Mayor Brunner. "The sacrifice and tears are over for most of us. Let us celebrate the end of bloodshed, and remember with an undying, gratitude those who gave their lives,

"It is now up to us to resolve that these men have not died in vain. As we fought the war, so let us fight to establish an America of full employment, a city, state and nation of the Four Freedoms which our late President Franklin D. Roosevelt left us as an heritage to light the way on the path of freedom for all peoples.

"Let us go forward in the faith that undying principles for the right and just is the best character builder that any American can possess. If, we are as, patient in peace as we were in war, we shall have much to offer to those homecoming men who fought our battle on foreign shores."

Lt. Col. Charles V. Dickinson, who left Camden with the New Jersey National Guard in 1940 and served as inspector general at Fort Sill, said last night that the agreement of Japan to surrender was great news for the general public but sad for those who lost their sons or loved ones as their loss can never be made up. Colonel Dickinson, who was former deputy director of public safety, participated in exercises last night marking the presentation of medals to war heroes in the City Commission chamber.

Flags were waved from cars.

Hirohito was hanged in effigy from the front of automobiles.