CAMDEN BARS - Brass Cafe

The BRASS CAFE, also known as the BRASS TAVERN, sat at the corner of Ferry Avenue and Charles Street, adjacent to a small cemetery for black Civil War veterans.

Jacob Hiesiger was the proprietor of the bar from at least 1918 through 1921. He had come to America from Alsace-Lorraine, then part of Germany in 1902. At the time of the 1920 census he lived over the bar with wife Mary and widowed daughter-in-law Rosalie.

Fabian Brass bought the bar in 1921. Emma M. Brass is listed as the owner in the City Directories for 1928 through 1928, The 1929 Directory states that the bar was known as the Ferry Avenue Cafe. Fabian Brass had passed by 1947, and his widow Helen Brass owned the bar, running it until her passing in December of 1951.

Son Charles and daughter-in-law Barbara Brass operated the establishment for many years. Charles Brass passed away in June of 1972 at the age of 71. Barbara Brass remained at the address as late as 1977. The building has been a private home since the 1980s.

Camden Courier-Post
Evening Courier - September 17, 1934

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.

Numbers Baron Nabbed

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.”

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 2^nd 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.