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.
Related Photos
Related Articles
-
Gloucester Group to Give Ball Here
Camden Courier-Post – February 12, 1938 Camden Officials to Attend Barbers’ and Beauticians’ Fete Monday More than 700 persons, including Camden city and county officials, will attend the first annual ball of the Beauticians and Barbers Association to be given Monday night at the Moose ballroom, 808 Market street, Camden. The group, a Gloucester City…
-
Keown May Quit Solicitor Post Clearing Path For Democrat
Camden Courier-Post – February 4, 1938 Coalition Majority Reported Agreed on Successor as County Legal Aide CAUCUS ACTS TO CUT $77,000 FROM BUDGET By W. OLIVER KINCANNON Walter S. Keown, of Haddon Township, is ready to resign as county counsel to make way for a Democratic successor: That was announced at a Democratic freeholders caucus…
-
NOTED RABBI SPEAKS IN CAMDEN TONIGHT
Camden Courier-Post – February 1, 1938 Jewish Community to Fete Dr. Goldstein, President of Palestine Fund Rabbi Israel Goldstein, of New York, president of the Jewish National Fund of America, will speak tonight at a mass meeting at the Hotel Walt Whitman, in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Jewish National Fund. Preceding the…
-
Democrats Arrange for ‘Maloney Day’
Camden Courier-Post – June 20, 1933 July 9 Set for Reception and Picnic to New Revenue Collector “Harry L. Maloney Day” will be celebrated by South Jersey Democrats, Sunday, July 9, when the newly-appointed collector of internal revenue will be guest of honor at a picnic at Silver Lake Park. State leaders of the party…
-
Democrats to Hold Meetings Tonight
Camden Courier-Post – October 29, 1931 Candidacy of Moore to be Expounded at Meetings in City and Suburbs The campaign foe A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and local Democratic candidates, will be carried into six wards of the city and in seven communities or the county tonight. All meetings and speakers are as follows: Second…
-
7 Democrats Rallies in County Tonight
Camden Courier-Post – October 23, 1931 Democratic speakers, urging suffrage in the interest of A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and the local Democratic ticket, will invade seven political clubs in the city and county tonight. County meetings, all at 8 p. m. and speakers are as follows:
Leave a Reply