Loser in Taproom Fight Halts Assault Charge

Camden Courier-Post - February 29, 1936

Harry Crothers, 45, of 705 Pearl Street, told Police Judge Lewis Liberman he was sitting peacefully in a taproom at Seventh and Birch Streets when John Albert Waite, of 318 Point Street, walked in.

“The next thing I knew he hit me on the nose,” Crothers testified. “I attempted to find out the reason for the unexpected attack and he hit me in the mouth.”

“Then I got angry and socked him four times.”

Waite appeared in court with a fractured nose, two discolored eyes and puffed lips.

Motorcycle Patrolman James Wilson, who was called to quell the disturbance, said Crothers was charged with assault and battery and Waite was a material witness.

“I was drunk—I don’t remember what happened,” Waite mumbled. “I want to withdraw the charge.” The court complied and they walked out arm-in-arm.