Sam Yellin was born on January 4th, 1905, in Camden, New Jersey, as the eldest of nine children. His parents, Louis and Sarah, owned a dry goods store in Camden. Due to his father’s frequent illnesses, Sam left school at the age of 12 to help support his family. He worked at Hurley’s furniture store in Camden for several years.
During his teenage years, Sam took up drumming and later became the manager of The Black Cat Serenaders, a small band that performed in the Camden area and on ocean liners traveling to Europe and the Caribbean. While performing in Camden, Sam met Claire Rhodeside, whom he later married on July 27, 1939. They spent their honeymoon traveling through Europe with the band.
After returning home, Sam and Claire decided to purchase the Stratford Diner, located at the corner of Princeton Avenue and White Horse Pike, later Summit Bank, and PNC Bank now stands. The diner became a warm and welcoming spot for local residents and travelers alike, especially during World War II. Sam’s generosity was well known, as he often supported patrons and neighbors who were serving in the Armed Forces and their families.
At that time, Stratford did not have an official police department, so Sam volunteered as a police officer. He later became Stratford’s first official police officer and eventually the Chief of Police. Sam was actively involved in various civic organizations and took a special interest in helping troubled youth. He worked closely with families to mediate conflicts and gained recognition from neighboring communities for his efforts. He was also an active member of the Police Chiefs’ Association.
Sam Yellin passed away on July 27, 1968. After his death, local residents organized a fundraising event, with the proceeds going to his widow, Claire Yellin, and to establish a scholarship fund. Shortly after, the town renamed the Warwick School to the “Samuel S. Yellin School.”
Over the years, many people have shared how profoundly Sam Yellin positively impacted their lives. Stratford is often compared to the fictional town of Mayberry, with Sam being likened to Sheriff Andy Taylor.
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