Camden People - John A. Burke

JOHN A. BURKE was born in 1875 in Pennsylvania. Known locally as "Johnny" he was a lifelong baseball fan, he was a close friend of Lena Blackburne, who played eight seasons in the major leagues, managed the White Sox for two seasons, and was a coach and scout for the Philadelphia Athletics for many years. He was quite involved in recruiting boys baseball teams to play in the numerous leagues in and around Camden. He was quite active with the Elks Lodge in Camden, along with Sergeant Ray Smith, and also was involved for some years with the Moose.

At the time of the 1920 census he was living with his wife Rene and mother-in-law Susan Travis at 117 Pearl Street. He later moved to 516 Gordon Terrace, near the New York Shipbuilding Corporation shipyard.

John A. Burke passed away on January 10, 1938. 63 at the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Rene Burke, and a daughter. John A. Burke was buried at New Camden Cemetery.

Camden Courier-Post - June 25, 1933

CAMDEN MEN BACK FROM WORLD'S FAIR
John A. Burke and Grandson Declare It is Greatest of Exhibitions

High praise and commendation for the worlds fair at Chicago was voiced by a Camden man and his grandson who have returned home after spending all last week at the exhibit.

'The sojourners to Chicago were John A. Burke, of 516 Gordon Terrace, a member of the Camden Lodge of Elks, and his grandson, Hobart M. Luther, 17, of 807 Morgan Street, a student at Camden High School.

"In my estimation," said Burke, "the worlds fair is the finest exhibition that I have ever seen. I have attended fairs all over the country and this one excels all others.

"I found much to marvel at in the science and transportation buildings. The crowds were tremendous and the railroads were doing a rushing business. There were comparatively few automobiles from other states, but .my grandson and I counted 580 taxicabs which passed one point in an hour on the way to the fair."

While in Chicago Burke and his grandson met Floyd Gibbons, the radio announcer, and paid their compliments to him on the success of the exhibition.