Frank S. Van Hart was born in 1875 in Pennsylvania but relocated to Camden during his youth. Renowned as an athlete from a young age, he gained widespread recognition as one of the finest second basemen in South Jersey. Playing for local teams like the Howards and the Camden Athletic Association, he shared the field with future major league stars such as William “Wid” Conroy and William “Kid” Gleason. Despite receiving numerous offers to join minor league professional teams, Van Hart opted to remain in his community, balancing his athletic pursuits with regular employment.
In addition to his prowess on the baseball diamond, Van Hart also played football for the Camden Athletic Association, competing alongside notable teammates like William and Samuel J.T. French, and the Bergen brothers, George and Martin. Many of his teammates went on to have successful legal careers, with William French ascending to a judgeship.
Transitioning from a position with a rope company in Philadelphia, Van Hart found employment in the office of the Esterbrook Pen Manufacturing Company in Camden. This role eventually led him to a sales position that required extensive travel throughout 29 states and Cuba. His dedication and competence culminated in his promotion to General Manager.
During the 1920 census, Van Hart resided with his wife Ida and son D. Spencer Van Hart at 851 Haddon Avenue, where he continued his managerial duties at the Esterbrook Pen Company. Subsequently, he became politically aligned with David Baird Sr. and assumed the role of acting mayor of Camden in 1922, succeeding Charles H. Ellis. Although he ran for mayor in 1923, he was defeated by Victor S. King. Notably, Van Hart was the final mayor to serve before the adoption of the commission system of government.
After his tenure as mayor, Van Hart returned to private business endeavors. By 1930, he had relocated to 910 Station Avenue in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, and later assumed the position of General Manager at the Camden Lime Company. Upon retiring in the fall of 1940, he moved to his summer residence in Pitman, New Jersey.
Tragically, Van Hart’s life was cut short by a sudden heart attack on January 11, 1941. He was laid to rest at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, where he rests alongside his wife Ida.
Related Photos
Related Articles
-
City Farm Gardens
This post is an excerpt from the Book History of Camden County in the Great War, published in 1917-1918 Another weapon to defeat the enemy was the establishment of City Farm Gardens in the country. They were urged by the Government and not only provided food for city residents, but abolished unsightly vacant lots. Mayor…
-
Frank S. Van Hart
Frank S. Van Hart was born in 1875 in Pennsylvania but relocated to Camden during his youth. Renowned as an athlete from a young age, he gained widespread recognition as one of the finest second basemen in South Jersey. Playing for local teams like the Howards and the Camden Athletic Association, he shared the field…
-
Victor King
Victor King, born in Pennsylvania in 1874, established his residence in Camden after 1911, where he purchased a home at 3197 Federal Street and ventured into business. Together with his wife Sarah, they raised six children –- daughters Ethel, Grace, and Marietta, and sons Edward, Earl, and Victor S. King. During this period, Victor also…
-
Samuel T. French, Sr.
Samuel Jones Tilden French Sr., born into the family of William Nelson and Mary Caroline Collins French on January 23, 1877, carried a significant historical legacy as a great-great-grandson of American naval Captain Micajah Smith. Captain Smith, known for his valor during the American Revolutionary War, notably captured the British freighter Venus in August 1778,…
-
Camden’s Mayors
1828 – 2024 Mayor Term Political Party Samuel Lanning 1828-1830 Gideon V. Stivers 1830-1838 Elias Kaighn 1838-1840 Lorenzo F. Fisler 1840-1844 John K. Cowperthwaite 1844-1845 Richard W. Howell (Declined) Charles Kaighn 1845-1846 Thomas B. Wood 1846-1848 Benjamin A. Hammell 1848-1849 Charles Sexton 1849-1851 Lorenzo F. Fisler 1851-1852 Charles D. Hineline 1852-1853 Lorenzo F. Fisler 1853-1855…
-
David Baird, Jr.
David Baird Jr. was born in Camden NJ on October 18, 1881. His father, David Baird Sr., was one of Camden’s leading citizens for well over 50 years, an important man both in the business and political life of Camden, Camden County, and South Jersey. David Baird Jr. attended the Raymond Academy at Camden and…
Leave a Reply