Joseph A. Varbalow, born in Russia on January 15, 1896, alongside his twin sister Anna, emigrated to America with his family in either 1897 or 1898, initially settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The family moved to Camden, New Jersey, around 1905 and became involved in various enterprises, including construction, realty, movie theaters, and a shoe business.
Varbalow’s academic achievements were notable. He graduated from Camden Manual Training & High School in 1913 and later from the University of Pennsylvania Law School with high honors in 1917. After clerking for Circuit Court Judge Frank B. Jess, he began practicing law in July 1919. His legal career progressed rapidly; he partnered with Ethan P. Wescott and was appointed assistant Camden County Prosecutor on April 3, 1923, when Wescott became County Prosecutor. He held this position until his resignation on September 8, 1928, succeeded by Samuel P. Orlando.
In May 1934, Varbalow was nominated to serve as a District Court judge in Camden, a position he held for several years before returning to private practice with offices at 636 Penn Street in Camden. He was also involved in various business and civic groups, including playing a significant role in the fundraising for the construction of the Walt Whitman Hotel at Broadway and Cooper Street.
Joseph Varbalow’s business ventures extended into the entertainment industry. He served as vice-president and secretary of the Victoria Amusement Company, operated by his brother Samuel Varbalow. This company, which evolved into the Savar theater chain, managed several theaters in South Jersey, including the Victoria Theatre in East Camden and the Auditorium (later the Rio) in Cramer Hill. The Varbalow family was instrumental in introducing “talking pictures” to South Jersey, with the Walt Whitman Theater being the first in the area to show these films.
As East Camden developed, the Varbalow family became one of the prominent Jewish families in the area. By 1930, they had moved to 2602 Baird Boulevard, residing there for many years. In 1959, Joseph A. Varbalow moved to 320 West Maple Avenue in Merchantville, NJ.
In the 1930s, Varbalow brought Firmin F. Michel, a 1930 graduate of the South Jersey Law School in Camden, into his law practice. Michel later became Camden’s City Solicitor in October 1936.
Joseph A. Varbalow, a long-time resident of Merchantville, passed away in March of 1969. He was survived by his wife Dorothy, who passed away in August of 1977. His legacy in Camden includes his contributions to the legal field, business ventures, and active participation in community and civic affairs.
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