William Stanley Ablett Village

History

The story of Ablett Village goes back to the 1930s. When sites were being considered for Camden's first public housing project, an area in North Camden east of Second Street, near Pyne Point Park, was considered. Reluctance on the part of homeowners here and in other parts of Camden contributed to the decision to build the first site, Westfield Acres, on a mostly vacant site on Westfield Avenue in East Camden.

With the successful completion of Westfield Acres and the subsequent organization of the Housing Authority of the City of Camden in 1938, the decision was made to construct further housing projects. The next project constructed was the Clement T. Branch Village project in South Camden, specifically for African-American residents of the city, many of whom lived in the Centerville neighborhood in which it was built. In December of 1939, the Housing Authority received word that it would be allocated funds to build a third project, to be located at River Road and State Street in the Cramer Hill section of Camden.

This area was known as the Moro Phillips tract. Moro Phillips was a Polish immigrant who amassed a huge fortune as a chemical manufacturer and real estate investor in the 19th century. He also operated a chromite mine in Chester County PA. When he passed in April of 1886, his estate was valued at over $10,000,000.00, a huge amount in that time. In the early 1920s, the tract became the site of Camden's first airport, which was known as Moro Phillips Field. This site turned out to be less than satisfactory due to the numerous factory smokestacks in the area, and the field was abandoned as flight operations were shifted to Central Airport in Pennsauken in 1929.

Before There Was an Ablett Village — 1941 Aerial Photos

Three aerial views of the Moro Phillips Tract, the land bounded by the Cooper River, East State Street, and River Road. River Road bisects the pictures horizontally, East State Street vertically. Federal Street is visible in lower left hand corners. The Warren Webster Company plant, DuBell Lumber (Dimedio Lime) and other buildings are evident on Federal Street. The Harrison Avenue Dump, slated for conversion into a golf course, is visible north of East State Street at the mouth of the Cooper, and parts of North Camden including Pyne Point Park can be seen in the lower left aerial photo.

Dedication of William Stanley Ablett Village

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Dedication of the William Stanley Ablett Village A Government War Housing Project for War Workers River Road and State Street -- Camden, N. J. SUNDAY, JUNE 20th 2 p.m. Celebrate Without Losing Time from Essential War Work On to Victory! The Public is cordially invited to attend the dedication ceremonies at the Village Community Center Building at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 20th. Ceremony will be held outdoors if weather permits -- indoors if inclement. The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars will have charge of the Flag Raising and Dedication This Village Was Named for a Veteran of World War I Who Gave His Life for His Country Those who live here -- War Workers all -- will take increased devotion in their tasks of making those essentials needed to bring World War II to a successful and victorious conclusion. Make applications for dwellings to office at village. All applications must be on forms supplied by the Personnel Office of War Plants. (Exclusively for war workers who work in the City of Camden) Camden Housing Authority Under Authority Federal Public Housing Authority Frank J. Suttill, Chairman Horace R. Dixon, Executive Director Hon. Bartholomew A. Sheehan Samuel D. Shields Dr. Howard E. Primas, Vice-Chairman Wilbert F. Dobbins Sylvan G. Fletcher, Ex-Officio

The Village was dedicated on Sunday, June 20, 1943. The printed dedication broadside reads:

Dedication of the William Stanley Ablett Village — A Government War Housing Project for War Workers — River Road and State Street, Camden, N. J.

Sunday, June 20th, 2 p.m. (Celebrate Without Losing Time from Essential War Work.) On to Victory!

The Public is cordially invited to attend the dedication ceremonies at the Village Community Center Building at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 20th. Ceremony will be held outdoors if weather permits — indoors if inclement.

The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars will have charge of the Flag Raising and Dedication.

This Village Was Named for a Veteran of World War I Who Gave His Life for His Country.

Those who live here — War Workers all — will take increased devotion in their tasks of making those essentials needed to bring World War II to a successful and victorious conclusion.

Make applications for dwellings to office at village. All applications must be on forms supplied by the Personnel Office of War Plants. (Exclusively for war workers who work in the City of Camden.)

Camden Housing Authority — Frank J. Suttill, Chairman; Hon. Bartholomew A. Sheehan; Dr. Howard E. Primas, Vice-Chairman; Horace R. Dixon, Executive Director; Samuel D. Shields; Wilbert F. Dobbins; Sylvan G. Fletcher, Ex-Officio.

Management

As construction was finishing up, James H. O'Brien, who was serving as the Chief Air Raid Warden in Camden, was named to be the first manager. He filled this post until his sudden passing in March of 1944. Although residents and local veterans groups campaigned so that Allan T. Kline would be named manager, James J. Scarduzio, who operated a real estate business at 1809 Broadway in South Camden, was given the job.

Village Crier — October 1946

This came courtesy of Kayann Dunn Pfeiffer, who was the little girl mentioned as being injured on page 2. Click for the complete 12-page newspaper in PDF format.

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VILLAGE CRIER PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF THE RESIDENTS OF ABLETT VILLAGE Address all Communications to the Editor -- William S. Getz, Apartment 83 Ablett Village, Camden, N.J. Telephone -- Emerson 5-1022. VOL. 3 No. 11 OCTOBER 1946 NOTICE TO ANY ABLETT CHILD! Age 12 or under who did not secure a ticket to the HALLOWEEN PARTY may get one at Apartment No. 83. HIGHLIGHTS OF ABLETTS COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION FOR KIDDIES THE DATE -- [calendar for October 1946, Wednesday the 30th circled] WEDNESDAY NIGHT THE TIME THE PLACE ABLETT SOCIAL HALL SPECIAL PRIZE FOR THE YOUNGEST COSTUMED VILLAGE BABY -- STORY ON PAGE 12 FOR VILLAGE KIDDIES UP TO 12 YRS

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BAKERS OF #207 NARROWLY ESCAPE INJURY AS CAR IS WRECKED While driving in Lansdowne on Saturday night October 5, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Baker and nephew Jack Clark of #206 had a narrow escape from serious injury when their coupe was turned over and wrecked as the result of a collision with another car. According to Mrs. Baker the driver of the machine in collision with them made a sudden left turn which caused the accident. Mrs. Baker was the only one injured in their car, suffering a cut over one eye which necessitated several stitches. VILLAGE GIRL 11, SUFFERS SERIOUS ARM INJURY AT COMMUNITY HALL While standing in the entry way of the Project Community Hall waiting to see a motion picture show on Saturday afternoon, October 12, Kayann, 11 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Dunn #132, suffered a serious injury to her right arm. According to Kayann, she was standing near the entry double outer doors with a number of other children when some small boys scuffling near the doors, slammed them shut, causing the heavy plate glass to shatter, a piece of it striking her arm. The glass cut open a large gash in her forearm, severing the artery and tendons, causing profuse hemmorhage. Fortunately Richard Billett, Village Scoutmaster and John Fox, a member of the Troop were nearby at the time, promptly applied a tourniquet stopping the profuse bleeding. The little girl was taken to Cooper Hospital by Lester Blair #222 and George Hill #229. An operation was performed by Dr. Garrison to tie the severed tendons together. Physicians informed Kayann's parents that she will have to undergo many treatments to regain use of her arm. MR. & MRS. JAMES DUNN THANK THOSE WHO AIDED DAUGHTER The parents of Kayann Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. James Dunn #132 wish to take the occasion through the columns of the Crier, to extend their thanks to the members of the Village Boy Scout Troop and to Mr. Hill and Mr. Blair and others who aided Kayann after she had a serious arm injury at Community Hall recently. NEW TENANT We bid welcome to our new neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Pilarchick and daughter Dolores, age 2 who moved into #225. Mr. Pilarchick is a Veteran. ON TERMINAL LEAVE FROM ARMY Corporal William Shaner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Shaner of #93 arrived home recently on terminal leave after serving two and a half years in the Armed Forces. Corporal Shaner was on Okinawa for sixteen months previous to that -- he was stationed at San Antonio Texas. He arrived at San Francisco from the Pacific on September 27, 1946 on the Troopship "Sea Runner" after a delayed trip. KOSOWSKI-FIMIANO Announcement has been made of the marriage of Mr. Louis Kosowski and Nettie Fimiano daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Fimiano of #156 Ablett Village on Sept. 28, 1946 in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R.C. Church. Among the guests attending were Chief Petty Officer Theodore Kosowski and wife, also son Teddy, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kosowski and daughter Carol Ann of Hammonton, and Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeCicco, #215 Ablett Village. Mrs. DeCicco is a sister of the Groom. The newlyweds are at home in Paulsboro, where Mr. Kosowski is employed by Socony-Vacuum Oil Company Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeCicco and children Louis and Marie #215 motored to Trenton recently to visit friends.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH IS ELECTION DAY. POLLING PLACE TO BE LOCATED IN ABLETT VILLAGE Of great interest to voters of Ablett Village is the recent announcement by L. Wayne McCormick, Democratic member of the County Board of Elections, of the Board's decision to locate the voting district of the first precinct of the 11th Ward, right in Ablett Village. McCormick said that in response to numerous letters and requests from residents of the Village the Board has decided to use the Social Hall as the polling place for voters of the 1st District. The Polling place will be equiped with one of the new voting machines. Since the announcement, many residents have acclaimed the move by the County Board of Elections as a much needed convenience to the voting populace of Ablett Village. DANCING CLASS TO BEGIN NOVEMBER 12TH -- ENROLLMENTS OCTOBER 29th -- CONTACE MISS. HOWE. Miss Howe has set aside October 29th as being the day she is to enroll children for Dancing Classes, to begin November 12, 1946. Unless sufficient enroll, it will be impossible for Miss Howe to hold these classes. BRING THE CHILDREN OUT! [Advertisements: Gustav Roedel & Son, Funeral Directors, 804-06 N. 27th St. Camden, air conditioned funeral parlor, no extra charge for use of funeral chapel or pipe organ. -- Leon T. Elwell, Watchmaker & Jeweler, 2621 Westfield Ave., Bulova watches, keepsake diamonds, lay-away plan for Christmas giving. -- Diamond's Tailoring, 2215 River Ave., Telephone Emerson 5-1310, guaranteed dry cleaning and repairing, free call & delivery, neckties made to look like new 15 cents, hats factory cleaned & reblocked 75 cents.]

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CRIER EDITORIAL PAGE "ABOUT THE VILLAGE CRIER" The "Village Crier" is a publication edited and completely produced by, and for the Tenants of Ablett Village. It recognizes no particular group or political body and has absolutely no connection with the Camden or National Housing Authority. It does, however, try to co-operate with the Housing Authority in urging Tenant good will and obeyance by tenants of the rules laid down by the Housing Authority. All the paper, ink, stencils and labor in publishing the "Crier" comes from revenue produced by our advertisers. Your Editor works far into the night for several nights preceding publication. It's somewhat of a hobby with us, so we consider our labor well spent. The Crier wishes to take this occasion to thank the members of its Staff for their help in getting the news and especially to Mrs. Nita Parker of #271, our Village -- Also, the co-operation of the Project Housing Manager, Mr. Francis Hutzner. In closing we quote from our first issue which appeared September 1, 1943: "We have no axe to grind, no goal to achieve but that of Honestly recording and giving the news to you, our Neighbor." VILLAGE TENANTS GROUP ELECTS OFFICERS -- MANY VOICE RESENTMENT OVER REPAIR CHARGES The newly re-organized Ablett Village Tenants Association held its regular meeting of the Village Community Hall on Monday evening, October 21, 1946. Officers elected by the Group were Chairman, Albert Smith #8, Mrs. Katherine Mayors, Vice Chairman #185, William Gettz #83 Secretary and William Fisher #284 Treasurer. It was also decided to create the post of assistant secretary and Mrs. Marie Strang #224 was appointed to this Capacity. Many who attended the meeting voiced their resentment over repair charges, being made by replacement of broken light sockets, clothes line posts and plumbing work. Mrs. Katherine Mayors of the Kindergarden Committee reported that a teacher and equipment had been secured for the Village Hall, but the opening would be delayed pending approval by the proper Authorities. The regular prize drawing was held and had #137 been present they would have won $3.50 -- Better luck next time! "ABRAHAM LINCOLN SAID "GOD MUST HAVE LOVED THE COMMON PEOPLE, HE MADE SO MANY OF THEM" -- BUT THIS SPEAKER CALLS THEM "LEECHES"" At a recent meeting of the Camden County Real Estate Board in the Hotel Walt Whitman, one of the guest speakers Mr. Urban K. Wilde, of the National Home and Property Owners Foundation assailed Public Housing, Free School Lunches and Socialized Medicine. Said Mr. Wilde, "regarding the question of Public Housing," and we quote his words. "Another evidence of this dangerous trend is the Wagner-Taft Bill, which was initiated by the socialized housing thinkers at Washington. The Tenants of these Housing Projects are like leeches feeding off the parent body, which in this case are the private property owners who pay taxes for the support of these Projects." We sought the definition of Leech in the dictionary and quote it to our readers as follows -- "LEECH -- An aquatic worm furnished with a sucker formerly used in medicine for bleeding." Of course some allowance must be made for the Hon. Mr. Wilde, since he [Continued next page]

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VILLAGE CRIER EDITORIAL -- CONTINUED is obviously a mouth-piece for certain reactionaries like the McCormicks, DuPonts, Weirs, Close, Pews and Woods, and the rest of the crowd that years ago promised us a chicken in every pot -- instead we had an apple-stand on every corner. Perhaps Mr. Wilde and his employers do not realize that we people who are tenants in Public Housing Projects are the same as other Common people who live across the breadth of America. Be it Main Street of a small village or Broadway, New York, we're all Common people. Abraham Lincoln said "God must have loved the Common People, he made so many of them." Mr. Wilde calls them "LEECHES." According to the dictionary a leech is a blood sucking worm. Does Mr. Wilde know that most of the residents of Public Housing Projects are veterans of World War Two. Men who instead of sucking blood -- gave it. For years the reactionaries could have provided the low income families with decent low-cost housing. They were in office but what did they provide. Band-box hovels of two and three rooms, no sanitation, one toilet for six or eight families, places that bred crime, despair, dispair and juvenile delinquency. There is still too many of these hovels for low-income families to live in and the Wagner-Taft bill would eradicate many of them, -- providing decent Housing like Ablett Village for many more thousands of Common people that Lincoln said God Loved and Mr. Wilde said are "Leeches." Big Business says that Public Housing Projects are un-necessary. Let private interests build homes. We give you an example of homes that private interests are providing for Veterans. At Whitmarsh near Philadelphia on the former Stotesbury Estate. A large Project is going up. These homes are to sell at around $9,000. How many Veterans can afford that much money? Pick up any newspaper and observe the prices charged for homes. Could you afford one of them? We can't. Anyway, Mr. Wilde has called us a "Leech" and leeches are not entitled to a decent place to live in, but we do have one consolation, we're of the Common People, and Abraham Lincoln said "God must have loved the Common People, he made so many of them." [Advertisement: Wolf's Foods, "Your Neighborhood Store," State St. opposite Ablett Village -- notice about temporary grocery shortages.]

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(full-page advertisement) Ben's Cafe, 19th St and River Ave. "A place that appreciates your patranage." Tempting platters, tasty sandwiches, packaged liquors and wines, Camden and Scheidts beer direct from keg, ice cold premium bottled beer to take out. Ben Niewinski, proprieter.

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VILLAGE SPORT NEWS "CAMDEN BEES" OF ABLETT TIE "CAVALIERS" 6-6 SUNDAY OCTOBER 20, 1946 In a hard fought game, the Camden Bees team of Ablett's young men played a tie game with the visiting team "The Cavaliers" with a score of 6-6 on Sunday October 20, 1946. The "Bees" entered the second half on the losing end with the score 6-0, favor of the Visitors, but late in the third quarter on the Cavaliers 22 yard line Abletts witty quarterback Longfellow called a pass with Wagner to hurl the pigskin to the Bees right half back Schultz snaging it and tying the score. The Ablett boys played a good game but very few of them could get hep to the idea a tie was better than a loss. This sentiment was expressed to the Crier by Norm Longfellow, of the "Bees" CAMDEN BEES -- 0060 -- 6 CAMDEN CAVALIERS -- 0600 -- 6 TOUCHDOWNS -- CAVALIERS -- T. Costello; BEES -- W. Schultz The Bees' line up for the game was: L.E. McGann, L.T. Smith, L.G. Papaycik, C.G. Boehmer, R.G. V. Goost, R.T. DiCicco, R.E. DiCicco, R.H.B. W. Schultz, L.H.B. L. Bundie, F.B. F. Wagner Subs -- C. Banski, N. Longfellow, J. Milgrim, D. Boehmer and H. Fisher The village boys would appreciate more attendance at the Sunday Afternoon games. How about it Villagers? Lets go out and cheer our Ablett Boys! The boys really hold business-like meetings, the Editor attended one recently. President of the "Bees" is Bill Longfellow. Other officers are Norm (Peanuts) Longfellow, Secretary Frank Wagner, Srgt at Arms and Vice President Joe Papaycik. The Bees certainly appreciate the gift of eight jerseys from Wolf's Foods, one Jersey from Connies Gas Station, two from Fishors Ice Cream Store and four from Ben's Taproom. The Boys are in dire need of pants, shoes and other equipment and ask the support of the Village in buying tickets for affairs they run to obtain funds. Mr. and Mrs. Don E. Hughes #296 recently entertained Mr. and Mrs. Benj. Odell and daughter Lynn of New York. Mrs. Odell is the sister of Mr. Hughes. [Advertisement: Dalton's Pharmacy, N.W. Cor. 8th & State Sts., closed all day Sundays -- "We advertise in the Crier because we have many friends in Ablett Village, and wish to become acquainted with many more Village folk."]

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MANAGEMENT NOTES With the coming of Winter you are asked to notify the Management whenever all members of your family are going to be away from home for more than twenty-four hours. This is to insure protection of your Dwelling against any "freeze-up." Residents will be responsible for any damage due to water pipes freezing. In spite of good housekeeping, rodents or vermin sometimes appear. It is your responsibility to take steps to eliminate them. Management is anxious to do what it can to help you with this problem. Contact the Maintenance Department to learn the most effective methods and materials. Regular parking areas are provided for your use. If you should have to make some minor repairs or change a tire, be sure to remove all grease, wooden blocks, stones, bricks and other litter as soon as you are through. It is never permissible to park on the back lawns or in the driveway. There is no place like home if you have one. Every man's home is a place where he is entitled to rest and quiet. When you play your radio or for some reason have to make noise, think of your neighbors. If there is a "night shift worker" who happens to sleep next door, do what you can to get the children to play elsewhere. FOR SALE: Very nice high chair $3.00. Mrs. Fisher, Dwelling No. 284. [Advertisement: illustrated notice, "Pay rents on the day they are due." -- Radio Repair Service Center, 24th St & River Ave., "Radios Tubes Records Record Players Lamps," Motorola radio for car & home, repair service on all electrical appliances.]

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MANAGEMENT NOTES -- CONTINUED WHO PAYS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING -- ?? Public Housing is intended for low-income families who cannot afford to pay the rents charged by private enterprise. To bring rents in Public Housing within the means of low-income families a subsidy is provided under the U.S. Housing Act. Those subsidies are shared by the local Communities and the Federal Government. The cities share is in the form of tax exemption since this means no actual out-of-pocket payment by the Community. But always, the City receives more return from the Project than it would receive from the vacant land it was built on. In the long run the tenant pays the major cost. His share is in maintenance which costs less in Public Housing than it would if the Project were administered by Private enterprise. Won't you do your share to help cut down the cost of operation by co-operating with the maintenance Staff. ???? The Mananagement is pleased to Announce that through the efforts of Mr. Allen T. Kline the Local Veterans of Foreign Wars, will furnish three experienced Judges for the Juvenile Halloween Party on Wednesday, October 30, 1946. Please report all repair needs to the Management Office immediately, as most repairs should be done at once. Alterations of any kind cannot be allowed without consent of the Management. This includes putting up shelves, painting a room, erecting an aerial, repairing any mechanical parts of the Dwelling etc. We will consent to small alterations if they do not injure the Property or make it un-attractive. Make every effort to avoid property damage. Some of these are: Door frames marred by baby carriages, bicycles etc. Windows broken by children. Oven doors broken by standing on them or sitting on them. Refrigerator control devices broken by failure to defrost frequently. It is fair to charge for these damages. It is our effort to keep present rents at low level. [Advertisement: Atlantic Service Station, 18th St & River Ave., Tom Baker, Propr., Camden 4-10081 -- "We'll call for your car, prepare it for winter and deliver it back to you."]

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JUST ARRIVED Mr. and Mrs. James O'Brien #79 were proud parents on September 22, of a daughter Ilene Marie at West Jersey Hospital. Ilene weighed eight pound, thirteen ounces on arrival and has a brother Jimmy age four. Linda Ruth, wight six pound seven one quarter ounces is the new daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dawson #62. Little Linda was born October 12, in Cooper Hospital. We have news of the arrival of another little Linda who by big coincidence is a near neighbor of the Dawsons. Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Johnson #64 were parents on October 7, 1946 of a daughter Linda Joanne, weighing 6 lb 2oz at West Jersey hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson also have another daughter Judith, age 2 years. The family formerly resided at #225. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Meck of #269 were parents of their first born, a boy Joseph Walter, on September 11, 1946 at Cooper Hospital. The little fellow weighed five pound, nine and three quarter ounces at birth. Don E. Hughes #296 C.R.M. stationed in Washington D.C. is home on a thirty day leave after participating in the Atomic Bomb experiment at Bikini Atoll aboard the U.S.S. McKinley BIRTHDAYS Miss Doranna Parker #271 celebrated her 13th Birthday on Saturday October 20, 1946 in company of her many friends. Little Miss Barbara Ann Young, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Young, #100 celebrated her 5th Birthday Saturday, October 12, 1946. [Advertisements: Federal Washer Service, 2226 Federal St., phone Cam-4-0771, repairs to all makes of washers, sewing machines and vacuum cleaners, open evenings. -- Clover Shop, 2605 Westfield Ave., "The store for the smart shoppers," ladies & children's wearing apparel.]

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IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ABLETT RESIDENTS Due to the fact that the Ablett Social Hall is being used for voting on November 5th, there will be no Tenants Meeting Monday evening November 4. As the following Monday is Armistice Day, the next regular Tenant Meeting is deferred until Monday Nov. 18, at 8:30 P.M. BOY SCOUTS -- SCOUT NEWS OF TROOP NO. 26 With the aquisition of a new Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster our Troop is rapidly advancing to becoming one of the finest in the Camden Council. Dick Billet #260 has become Scoutmaster and Richard Dettry #275 Assistant Scoutmaster. Other duties had forced our previous Scoutmaster Mr. Gettz to relinquish this position although he will remain on the Troop Committee. We are sorry these other duties forced Mr. Gettz to give up the leadership of the Troop, but we feel confident that Mr. Billet and Mr. Dettry will advance the Troop to new heights of recogniztion. Mr. Carden, our Neighborhood Scout Commissioner has been helpful to us, and by his help the Troop has advanced to a position otherwise unobtainable. Because we have such men willing to give their time and energy to the futherance of the Troop, we have every reason to believe that the Troop has a promising future. Advancement in the Troop has been great. Since Mr. Billott and Mr. Dettry have been at their new Posts, Scout Advancement in rank has increased as never before. So great has been this advancement that the Troop has been recommended for a citation from the Boy Scouts as the model Troop of Camden Council. Mr. Jack Abbott, Chairman of the Troop Committee has been invited to the 25th Annual Dinner of Region No. 2, States of New York, November 8, 1946 at which time he will receive a plaque from the Boy Scouts of America in recognition of the Advancement of Troop #26. In line with our Outdoor Program the Troop went on an all-day hike Sunday October 20, 1946 to a wooded region four miles from Camden. The Scouts greatly enjoyed this trip and we plan to have many more like it. Mr. William Caubre #246 is the Troop outdoor man in charge of these activities. The Troop members attending this hike were: Scoutmaster Billett, Senior Patrol Leader Fox, Patrol Leader Brooks and Buchanan, Assistant Patrol Leader Payne, Scouts August, Billett, Haviland, Rittersbach, Slade, Swissler and Vitt. Second Class Tracking achievement was made by Scout Richard August. In furtherance of the Troop expansion Program all boys meeting the age requirement are invited to join. All prospective members are to contact Scoutmaster Billett. BY -- Patrol Leader Howard Brooks, 1st Class Scout, Apt #243 ABLETT TENANT HAS NOVEL IDEA TO PREVENT COAL SPILLING INTO HEATER ROOM Mr. Henry Shaner #93 has devised a clever idea to prevent coal from spilling through the small door from the coal box into the heater-room, a piece of wood approx. 12"x16½" and 2 small braces to hold each side in place set about a 45° angle with about 8 nails to hold it is all that is necessary. Anyone who is handy can install this gadget and a sample can be seen on display in the Management Office, or Mr. Shaner will install the device for any tenant for a very small fee. NO MOTION PICTURES TUESDAY NOV. 5th.

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WITCHES AND SPOOKS TO BE CHASED FROM VILLAGE WEDNESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 30TH, BY MIRTHMAKING ABLETT KITTIES -- SPECIAL PRIZE FOR YOUNGEST VILLAGE BABE IN COSTUME No Sir, there won't be any room for those legendary witches, goblins and spooks around those parts the night of October 30th. That's Wednesday night of this week, and it is expected that scores of our younger folk dressed as clowns, devils and what have you, will disperse any gloom created by any Witch or Goblin. A real entertaining affair is planned for Villagers, 12 and under. Prizes will be given in the following classifications. Funniest Costume $2.00 Prettiest Costume (ditto mark in original) $2.00 Most Original $2.00 A special prize will be awarded to the youngest Village Baby brought to the affair in costume by its Mother and when we say YOUNGEST, we mean just that, even ONE DAY OLD. Inside the Hall following a parade through the Village, prizes will be awarded, halloween games, nut scrambles, apples with 50 cent pieces inside will be given to the successful biter, plenty of cider, cakes, nuts and fruits will be given to every kiddie present. [Advertisements: Posnack's Hardwear, 960 N. 27th St., headquarters for complete line paints, Kemtone, housewares, electrical appliances, wide selection of toys for Christmas giving. -- Dr. Leonard T. Rosen, Optometrist, 2401 Federal St., "Seek professional advice not glasses at a price." -- Weaver Coal, E. Calvin Weaver, Jr., 2279-40th St., Merchantville, N.J., fresh mined coal direct from collieries, certified weight, phone Merchantville 8-2625-J.]

Every page of the Crier has now been fully transcribed -- click “View transcription” beneath any page image above to read it.

Named: Page 1: William S. Gettz, Page 2: Mr. & Mrs. John Baker, Jack Clark, Kayann Dunn, Mr. & Mrs. James Dunn, Lester Blair, George Hill, Dr. Garrison, Elmer Pilarchik, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Shanor, William Shanor, Louis Koslowski, Mattie Fimiano, Mr. & Mrs. Rocco Fimiano, Theodore Kosowski, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kosowski, Carol Ann Kosowski, Mr. & Mrs. Michael DiCicco, Louis DiCicco, Marie DiCicco, Page 3: L. Wayne McCormick, Leon T. Elwell, Dorothy Howe, Gustav Roedel, Diamond's Tailoring, Nathan Diamond, Irving Diamond, Joseph Diamond, Page 4: Albert Smith, Katherine Mayors, William Gettz, William Fisher, Marie Strang, Page 5: Wolf's Foods, Page 6: Ben's Cafe, Ben Niewinski, Page 7: Bill Longfellow, Norm "Peanuts" Longfellow, Frank Wagner, Joe Papaycik, Mr. & Mrs. Don Hughes, Dalton's Pharmacy, Page 9: Allen T. Kline, Tom Baker, Page 10: Mr. & Mrs. James O'Brien, Ilene Marie O'Brien, Jimmy O'Brien, Don E. Hughes, Mr. & Mrs. William Dawson, Linda Ruth Dawson, Doranna Parker, Mr. & Mrs. Hubert Johnson, Linda Jeanne Johnson, Judith Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Meck, Joseph Walter Meck, Mr. & Mrs. Edmund Young, Barbara Ann Young, Page 11: Dick Billett, Richard Dettry, Jack Abbott, Howard Brooks, Richard August, Henry Shaner, William Caubre, Page 12: Posnack's Hardware, Dr. Leonard T. Rosen, E. Calvin Weaver, and Weaver Coal.

Ablett Village — 1947

The 1947 Camden City Directory lists the occupants of Ablett Village. Those listings are recorded in the unit directory on the Ablett Village street page.

Memories of Ablett Village

My Uncle Roy and Aunt Hazel Walliser and my cousin Carol lived in Ablett Village. Carol is 3 years younger than me. Here are a couple of shots of Carol and Ablett Village.

— Bernie Rieck

Carol Walliser at Ablett Village. To see more of Bernie's photos visit Railroad Days in Camden and Childhood Memories of East Camden.

Fats Domino at Ablett Village

My friend Bobby Dorton who lived in Ablett Village with his grandmother came over to my house one night around 10 p.m. and knocked on the door and my mother answered and Bobby was begging her to let me out. He told her that there was music coming out of the recording studio which was across the street from the village. Well, she finally let me out and we went over there.

We climbed up and over fence to the windows to watch and hear Fats Domino play and sing Red Sails In The Sunset and on the piano was a bottle of Piel's Beer. A bus was parked there with the name Fats and Dominos were painted on it.

Take notice to the two windows in front of the street sign these are the windows that we watched through.

— Earl Crim

Recorded Publications Laboratories, across State Street from Ablett Village. Read more about Fats Domino in Camden.

59 Ablett Village

59 Ablett Village. I lived there when they had coal bins. The bin was located to the left of the steps in the rear of the dwelling. Take notice to the area that has been blocked and cemented over. This was an access hole to the outside coal bin.

— Earl Crim, August 2004

The Fritschie Family

The Fritschie family lived at 264 Ablett Village in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Fritschie family at 264 Ablett Village, 1960s–1970s. Includes Mary Fritschie, William "Bill" Fritschie, and Robert "Bob" Fritschie. William's bicycle registration, April 23, 1969.

Ablett Village Memories — As told by those who have lived and worked there

My name is Kevin Hackett. My father was Charles and mother Bertha. I lived there when I was 4 years old to 6 years old, that was about 1960. I remember they did away with the coal bins that where on each apartment at that time. I lived in #274. I also remember that we had electric meters in the kitchens that operated on quarters. There was also a rec center. The bigger kids would throw me up on the roof to retrieve balls.

— Kevin Hackett, December 2005

I played baseball as a 16 yr old for the Ablett Village AA. [circa 1950] I still have my uniform.

— Richard A. Sullivan, March 2004

My name is Henry S. Pease III (Ted). We lived there at 195 in late 50's to 60's when our house burned down in North Camden. Living there was good until my parents got on their feet and bought a house in Cramer Hill.

— Ted Pease, March 2005

I can still remember my parents saying at night when we lived in Ablett Village "It's time to bank the heater" which meant adding enough coal to hold the fire over until the next morning. I remember the coal trucks and the coal bins and if a family was running out of coal they used to borrow some from the neighbors until they received their delivery. Jim Bessing has mentioned about sifting the ashes for un-burnt coal. I used to do that as a chore as my father made a square box with wire mesh on the top and we used to dump the ashes on the form and moved them around. It was amazing how much good coal was found. Talking about finding coal, we used to walk the railroad tracks and pickup coal that fell off the rail cars. We also saved the ashes or cinders for the ice and snow for traction. Coal heat wasn't the best heat and there were many nights my mother, my dad, myself and my sister would be in the vicinity of the grate, grill, or as we called it the register.

— Earl Crim, August 2004 (see also Heating Your House with Coal)

I grew up in Cramer Hill in Ablett Village and Arthur Avenue. I hung out with Gary Wilson, Bob Willis, Charlie Hans, Frannie Cline, Joe Becker, Bill Smith (Smitty) just to mention a few. When I was underage, the bums on 26th and River Road would go to the bar and get us beer. We would drink it on the corner of 26th & River Road across from the Pavonia House bar, there was an old hose there, sometimes the cops would come, break all of our bottles and tell us to get lost. We would go swimming in the Delaware River near the old dump on State Street. Also we would play chicken on the trains between 27th Street and the State Street Bridge. Man was that dangerous. There was a store on the other side of the State Street Bridge right before Federal Street that sold penny candy, won't see that again. I wonder sometimes whatever happened to all the good people that I used to know, I am 52 now and moved out of The Hill when I was 20, 1972. Well maybe some of the old-timers will find this site.

— Jim, September 2005

I remember the Mister Softee trucks coming thru Ablett Village and the Good Humor truck too. We would have one or two of us go up in a tree, then we would wait for the truck, right under the tree. The people in the tree would get on the roof and ride around for awhile. Sometimes the driver would get pissed and chase us with a baseball bat. We would go to the dump on State Street and find all kind of stuff. Mostly we would scrap the copper wire that RCA would dump and make some good money. The Delaware River was one of our playgrounds too, we would build rafts and swim a lot. I am 53 now, I left the Hill when I was 25. I went to Vets, does anyone remember Mr. Goldberg? He was the Vice Principal there, and man were we a bunch of class clowns. Frannie Cline, me, and Joe Becker were always shootin' spit balls in class, one day I hit Mrs. Bilson right in the eye, got suspended for two weeks. Also we would go to Mikes Sub Shop to eat lunch or Berries. There was a Deli on the corner of 21st & River Road across from Frank the barber, can't remember the name though. Frank the Barber was out to cut all of our hair, but we would have nothing of it. Long hair, bell bottom jeans and square tip boots were the style. My friends were Bobby Budd, Frannie Cline, Tommy Hawk, and a lot more. Anyway I live in Seattle, far from there now and hope to get back that way someday.

— Jim, October 2005

My first recollection of a neighborhood was Ablett Village near RCA. I have some pictures from that time. Next, the family moved to Hayes Avenue and I lived there until I went into the service around '68. I remember the "yum yum" man and the clothes prop guy. I also remember the waffle guy that used to come to Ablett Village with his horse drawn "waffle cart". My brothers our friends had a great time growing up in Cramer Hill. We were in the Boy's Club and did all the sports activities that were offered.

— Tom Sviben, February 2002

My name is Charles Moy, and I am now 62 years old, but way back in the mid 50's and again in 60 and 61, I lived in the Cramer Hill section of Camden. Perhaps we have met long, long ago. I have sort of have an unusual nickname… Skeeter. Now in Cramer Hill there was another fellow, a tall thin red haired guy called Skeeter, that's not me. I am short— 5'2" tall and used to be thin LOL, and looked a lot younger than I was. In Cramer Hill, I lived at 28th and Polk (50's) and Ablett Village (60 and 61). I joined The Army in 61. In East Camden, I lived on Rosedale Avenue (next to Dudley Grange Park), 29th and Westfield, and East State Street.

Also in the 50's I attended the following schools in those areas: Washington, Dudley, Sharp, h.h. davis, Cramer Junior High School. I would have went to Woodrow Wilson, but had to quit school in '59 to go to work.

People who I knew or hung out with in those days… Cramer Hill— Al Marioni, Peanut Colsey, Dorothy Seidleman, Richard, Tommy, Helen Harris, Bobbi Rodgers. Went to the dances at Davis School and the Youth Center, upstairs where Federal and Westfield meet, between 26th and 27th Streets. In East Camden… Fred and Leonard Kalt, Nancy and Rita Shisler, Bill McKnight, Charlie and Jean Holliday, Bruce Marks, Jesse Wilbourne, John Porter, Joe McCool, Phil Batchelor. Played little league baseball with the East Camden Marauders, behind the Acres. Coach was a fireman named Phil Stinger. Also in the '50s, I lived in North Camden at 5th and Penn, and between 2nd & 3rd on Main Street. Remember in the summer, all those trucks filled with tomatoes lined up on Main Street overnight waiting to deliver to Campbell Soup the next morning? I used to go to the following luncheonettes— Spot, Grapevine, Sugar Bowl, M&H, Mars, and others. Just thought I would post to see if any of this jogs your memory. Feel free to reply if any of this sounds familiar. Take care,

— Charlie Moy…Skeeter, December 2003

My dad, Charlie McIntyre—Woodrow Wilson class of '54—is from Cramer Hill. He grew up in Ablett Village.

— Victoria Kline, March 2004

I also have fond memories of the neighborhood around and leading up to Pyne Poynt. What about those Donuts or Cinnamon Buns from the State Street Bakery. How about Wolfe's Market on State Street across from Ablett Village. Riding to school on either the 12-80 or the #9 or #15 bus— this was a rare treat and only came about when you had the pocket change to do so if not you walked.

If there is anyone out there that can add a few lines to this please do so. Friends like Joyce Dill, Bev Hartz, Annie Martin, Susan French, Millie Kurth, Joann Kavalich, just to name a few of the opposite sex.

— Earl Crim, September 2004

I spent my first 5 years (1945–1950) in Ablett Village. I remember playing with Johnny Hopkins as well as my cousins Raymond, Jimmy and Carole Leporati who also lived there as did my sister Andrea.

— Bob Leporati, August 2006

My name was Kayann Dunn when we lived in Ablett Village. My dad worked at Warren Webster's when he started work there. We moved up from Ocean City— that was 1942, I was seven years old. I went to Washington school then Northeast school, the all girl school and across the street was the all boy school then I went to Vets and Wilson High. They were the good old days. I remember Wolf's store when he started out in a trailer. I remember the clothes-prop man and the Fuller Brush horse and buggy. The waffle guy all those things back then, plus a lot more when I was eleven we had a five cent movie in the village and my arm went through the window. A boy scout saved my life— my arm was hanging off, so they wired my arm back up and said I would never use it but I do, thanks to Doctor Cooper. When I think back in time it really makes me sad, things are so different today. My dad name is on the address you have on here James J. Dunn address 132.

— Kayann, August 2007

WOW! What a walk down memory lane! My sister Judy, and I lived in 276 Ablett Village from 1943 until 1949. My god-parents, Joe and Esta Winokur, and their children Anise and Gary lived next door in 277 (Anise and I are close to this day). My parents, Max and Rose Friedman, along with the Winokurs, migrated from the Bronx to Camden when WWII broke out and worked at the New York Shipyard. My best friends were Ray Leparati, Joey DiAngeles, George "Buddy" Seward, Charlie "Scotty" McIntyre, Leroy "Sonny" Knight, Jack Devenny, and Jackie Billett. The Assistant Scout Master of Troop 26 mentioned in the 1947 Village Voice, Dick Dettrey, (unit 275) was in the Navy during the War…an Ensign, I think. He brought me several souvenirs from the Pacific, took me swimming at the public pool near Camden High, and even taught me to drive. I think he went on to become a church pastor. Nick Malessa also helped with the Scouts. I remember one week-long camping trip when all our food spoiled. A bunch of our parents showed up unexpectedly, discovered our food shortage, promptly went shopping, and we had one scruptious hot dog dinner that night. I also remember the horse-drawn milk wagon from Supplee-Sealtest, an old man who came through pulling a little red wagon and selling big, fat, soft pretzels with mustard which he dipped out of a big jar with a (probably not too clean) stick, and Phil Plasky, a huckster, who sold produce from the back of his truck. During the war we had an Ablett village volunteer police force; many of our Dads were on it. I remember one summer day when a bunch of us were cooling off under the hose when our Dads came home from the shipyard. We turned the hose on them and they didn't say a word, but, a few minutes later, all of them came out in their bathing suits and we had a real father and son water fight. What a blast!

Even though Ablett Village was built as a low-rent housing project, you couldn't ask to live among nicer people. I have very fond memories of living there. It seemed like all the people around us were always pitching in on one community project or another. Or just making a neighborhood waffle lunch for all us kids. It saddened me to read about the drug gang problems there now, but even that stark revelation can't take away my memories.

— Allan Friedman, October 2009

My name is Howard Conover. My family and I lived in Ablett Village in the mid to late 1960's. Our address was 245 Ablett Village and I remember going to Sunday School just up the street at the Center that was there.

We moved from there to 21 South 42nd Street which was on the other side of Rte 130 on the border of Pennsauken.

My wife and I presently now live in Delaware but when I go to visit my sister in Fairview. I sometimes go past the houses I use to live in Collingswood and on 42nd Street in Camden.

I have wanted to sometime drive past the address I use to live at in Ablett Village but some people have told me that it is not even safe to drive there and take a look at where I use to live.

I can remember us burning leaves under the blue-green slates on the back of our place at night.

— Howard J. Conover, November 2009

From 1955–1967 I lived at 305 Ablett Village with my mother (Evelyn Pomponio) and my older brother (Harold Funk). Our house was on the last row facing the Camden City Dump. As a result, we had rats living under our outside steps and large roaches that were impossible to eradicate no matter how clean you kept your home. Vietnam was the only place where I saw roaches as large. Putting the rats and roaches aside, I had a very happy childhood in the "Village". I played endless hours of baseball and basketball behind the AV Community Center. My friends include Bruce Leary, Cliff Leary, Mike Cox, Betty Agigian, Cathy Hearn, John O'Toole, Buddy Woods, Bobby Pierce, Ben Trykowski, George Clarke and Nancy Clarke. I left the Village in 1967 and enlisted in the Army, but the lessons I learned growing up on "the wrong side of the tracks" has benefited me my entire life.

— John Pomponio, October 2019 (see also A Memory of 305 Ablett Village)