Eddie Ferat

EDWARD CUMMINGS "EDDIE" FERAT was the son of Charles M. and Mary Ferat. He was born on July 19, 1880 in Camden NJ, where his father operated a candy store at 421 Federal Street. The Ferat family then lived at 26 Hudson Street. The family and the business later moved to 526 Federal Street.  

A fine athlete, Eddie Ferat was a vital member of the Camden Electrics in the National Basketball League, the world's first professional basketball league. Coached by William "Billy" Morgenweck, the Electrics won the NBL championship in 1903-04. When the NBL folded, Eddie Ferat continued his pro career with the East Liverpool PA team in the Central League and with Lynn MA in the New England League.

After his basketball career ended, Eddie Ferat worked at the Pennsylvania Sugar Refining Company in Philadelphia and for the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden. Around 1925 he took a job in the tax office at Camden's City Hall, where for many years he worked alongside former City Clerk Otto Braun. In his later years he lived at 63 South 29th Street in East Camden. His older brother, Charles M. Ferat Jr., also worked at City Hall, as a clerk in the Camden County District Court.

Eddie Ferat remained employed in the Tax Office at Camden City Hall until his death on May 7, 1950. He is buried at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden NJ.  

Front: C. Weaver,
J. Zimmerman, R. Cramer,
Eddie Ferat, W.A. Stewart
Rear: William "Billy" Morgenweck,
A.P. Cartwright, R.J. Kelly,
Charlie Newcomb,
A. Middleton, Albert Austermuhl

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Front: Eddie Ferat
Sitting: Bob Dippy,
Winnie Kinkaid,
John "Snake" Deal,
Billy Keenan, Howard Forest
Standing:
William "Billy" Morgenweck,
Charles Bossert,
Howard Middleton,
Charles Stevenson

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