Sitley & Son was established by Arthur M. Sitley and his son, Frank Budd Sitley. Originally farmers, the Sitleys recognized a business opportunity in Camden and began selling grain, feed, and farm equipment. In 1886, they acquired the business of Elias Kaighn, located at 128 Kaighn Avenue.
In 1894, they expanded by constructing a grain elevator and warehouse on the south side of Chelton Avenue, between Fillmore Street and South 6th Street. Although the facility was destroyed by fire in 1905, it was quickly rebuilt. The Sitleys also operated a sister company, the Gloucester Grain and Dairy Feed Company, which maintained a warehouse and grain elevator in Gloucester City during the mid-1900s.
Over time, Arthur Sitley handed over management of the business to his son Frank. Arthur passed away on May 12, 1911, at the age of 76. Sadly, Frank Budd Sitley died just four years later, in 1915, from pneumonia at the age of 52. His wife, Ada Smith Sitley, along with their sons, took over the business and continued to run it successfully for more than four decades.
Tragedy struck again in 1920 when the Camden warehouse and grain elevator were once more destroyed by fire. The warehouse was rebuilt, but the grain elevator was not. As the business evolved, the Sitleys expanded into roofing supplies. However, in April 1930, another fire caused approximately $45,000 in damages.
Sitley & Son ultimately ceased operations in 1959, and by 1962, the building had been demolished.
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