In New York City, a small group of actors and entertainers, wishing to continue their social gatherings on Sundays, when New York's blue laws prevented the opening of public establishments, began to meet regularly as the "Jolly Corks," a name derived from a bar trick introduced by the group's organizer. While the meetings were held with regularity, apparently no form nor substance resulted, except for the adoption of a toast to members of the group not in attendance. Shortly before Christmas in 1867, only a few months after the fellows began to meet, one of their number died, leaving his wife and children destitute.

This event gave rise to the notion that, in addition to good fellowship, the Jolly Corks needed a more noble purpose in order to endure, and serving not only their own in need, but others as well, would be appropriate. Two months later, on February 16, 1868, with a statement of serious purpose, an impressive set of rituals, a symbol of strength and majesty and such other elaborate trappings that might be expected of a group of actors and musicians, the new fraternal order was launched.

The Elks are not mentioned in George Reeser Prowell's 1885 History of Camden County, New Jersey. At that time the Masons were very active in Camden, and there were many other fraternal organizations operating in the city, most notably the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Order of United American Mechanics. The Grand Army of the Republic, an organization consisting of Civil War Veterans, was also very active. Many of these organizations also had women's auxiliaries. In the days prior to television and movies, fraternal organizations were a major component of the social cloth of the city.

An Elks Lodge was founded in Camden in 1895. The first Exalted Ruler was Chief of Police John H. Foster. The Elks would soon become one of the most important fraternal groups within the city. This may well be in part to the location of their lodge, on the south-east corner of Broadway and Federal Street. The Broadway and Federal intersection was literally at the heart of Camden's downtown district. The Elks Lodge was diagonally across the street form the Camden County Courthouse. Soon it seemed that everybody who was anybody in law, business, politics, and other fields was a member of Camden Lodge 293. Other men who held the post of Exalted Ruler of Camden Lodge 293 included W. E. B. Miller, 1896 to 1897; Philip Burch, 1897 to 1898; D. Harry Condit, 1898 to 1899; H. L. Hartshorn, 1899 to 1900; Samuel A Kilpatrick, 1900 to 1901,  Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, 1901 to 1902, George D. Borton, 1902 to 1903; Maurice Rogers, 1904 to 1905; Alexander J. Milliette, 1906 to 1907, Francis Warren, 1907 to 1908; J. Harry Switzer, 1908 to 1909; E. Wilmer Collins, 1909 to 1910; Lewis H. Leigh, 1910 to 1911; James H. Long, 1911 to 1912; Morris Odell, 1912 to 1913; Marion Moriarty, 1913 to 1914; Allen Jarvis, 1914 to 1915; Albert Austermuhl, 1915 to 1916; William L. Sauerhoff, 1917 to 1918; Theodore T. Kausel, 1918 to 19i19; Garfield Pancoast, 1919 to 1920 ; Wlliam G. Ferat. 1920 to 1921; Harry Ellis, 1921 to 1922; W. Wallace Balcom, 1922 to 1923; Samuel A. Dobbins, 1923; D. Trueman Stackhouse, 1924 to 1925; former Mayor Frank S. Van Hart, 1925 to 1926; Edward J. Kelly, 1926 to 1927; Rud Preisandanz, Jr., 1927 to 1928; former Mayor Roy R. Stewart, 1928 to 1929; William H. Iszard, 1929 to 1930; William F. Lehman, 1930 to 1931, J. Harry Todd, 1931 to 1932, Harry Robinson 1932 to 1933.

The Camden Lodge of Elks dedicated their rebuilt home at Broadway and Federal Street on October 18, 1910. This building was adjacent to the Camden YMCA, which was built at a later date. The Elks  building was subsequently sold in the 1920s. 

On April 1, 1925 Ground was broken on by the Camden Lodge of Elks for its new home. The new Elks home was completed on Cooper Street, above Broadway, in May of 1926. A series of stores were built about 1926, one of which was occupied by Horn & Hardart for many, many years, on the site of the former Elks home at Broadway and Federal Street. 

The 1931 Camden City Directory shows an address of 201-215 North 7th Street. The 1940 Directory lists the lodge at 808 Market Street. Directories from 1943 and 1947 show the Elks at at 807 Cooper Street, the former home of Camden businessman Frederick Himmelein. The Elks remained at that location into the 1960s, when falling membership brought on by changes in American society and in part by conditions in Camden saw the organization leave the city. sometime after 1967. The hall was also made available to other organizations such as Camden Post 980, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

From the 1920s through the 1960s, the Elks campaign to aid crippled children was highly successful and widely supported throughout the city and county. Former professional boxer and newspaper columnist Sergeant Ray Smith was an integral part of this effort for many years. 

In the late 1990s the former Elks Lodge became the home of the LEAP Academy Charter School.  Razed and rebuilt again in the 1980s, the site of the original Elks Home is  the site of a strip of small shops, while the Cooper Street Elks Home still houses the LEAP Academy charter school in the late 2000s.

Philadelphia Inquirer
August 23, 1898

Camden Elks Lodge
Trinity Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Clarence A. Adams
First Presbyterian Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Rev. John W. Lyell
Rev. J.S. Heisler
Wynn Memorial Baptist Chapel
North Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. A.G. Lawson

Philadelphia Inquirer
August 23, 1898

Ferry Avenue
Byron Street
North 3rd Street
Camden Elks Lodge
Samuel Suders
Joseph Nowrey
John H. Jordan
Farr & Bailey
George S. West

John S. Smith - Marshall W. Taylor

Camden Lodge 293, 
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks

Camden Lodge No. 293, B. P. 0. E.

CAMDEN, N. J., April 13, 1906

January 3, 1928

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January 5, 1928

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Offering the pick of local talent under skillful direction in an ambitious revue, the annual Elks Frolic for 1928 will be presented Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in the Elks auditorium at Cooper and Seventh Streets.

"Hi-Hat” is the title of the new revue and the appearance of Elsa Dorn is a feature. The revue opens with an act programmed as “Hits and Bits”, in which Rud Preisendanz will act as master of ceremonies. From that point on, the revue makes its way through a series of dances, songs, spectacles and comedy skits until its conclusion.

William H. Iszard, chairman of the frolic committee, also becomes an actor in the performance. Others in the cast include the following. 

Benton Vansciver, Ronald Hollingsworth, Fred Peterson, Elmore Craft Jr., Dorothy McDonna, Bernice Hendrickson, Lillian Hill, Jeanette Smith, Dot McGuire, Dot Hemphill, Bill Geyer.

Catherine Hill, Lillian Starke, Irma Huff, Virginia Simms, Mary Hall, “Billie” Dryer, Anna Prayne, Margaret Printz. 

Justin McCarthy, Dorothy Ferat, Ed Brewer, Charles Wright, Fred Peterson, Dave Reese, Biel Davis, Bill Huff, Lillian Hill, Roland Hollingsworth, Ed Kelly, Al Durfer, Ed Preisendanz, Bert Poland, Curt Hitchner, Jack Sauerhoff, Perrin G. Somers Jr., Alberta O’Hara. 

Harry Todd, Pete McGuire, Bill Gravenstine, Paul Horompo, Frances Brabazon, Irma Huff, Ella Huff, Eleanor Townsend, Bernice Hendrickson, Lillian Hill, Jeanette Smith, Mary Hall, Anna Prayne, Margaret Printz, Marie Carmichael, Elmore Craft, Charles Wright, Joe Hill, Larry Callahan, Harry Glazer, William Ambright, Frank Garrison, Ralph Willey, Jr., William Leckfeld.

January 13, 1928

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NEW ELKS FROLIC IS INSTANT SUCCESS
Colorful Revue With Snappy Features Delights Big Audience

Colorful arid melodious, bearing the mark of skillful coaching and disclosing notable talent, the annual Elks’ Frolic was given its first performance last evening.

An appreciative audience applauded the various performers and their skits as the array of ‘Camden and South Jersey talent offered their musical or humorous wares from the stage of the Elks’ auditorium, at Seventh and Cooper Streets.

Open to the public, the revue, which hears the title of “Hi-Hat,” is to be presented again this evening and tomorrow evening, Not only does the large cast bear no hint of amateurishness in the performance, but through the frolic, the public is given an opportunity to see a number of men prominent in business and professional circles in Camden turn entertainers for the evening. William H. Iszard, former assemblyman, is a member of the cast of “Hi-Hat”. So is Rud Preisendanz, exalted ruler of the Camden Elks’ Lodge and prominent businessman.  

The opening act, ‘Hits and Bits,” gives opportunity to a group of clever singers and dancers. Prominent In this act is Preisendanz as ‘master of cere­monies.” The specialties introduce Justin McCarthy, Bill Guyer, Jannette Smith, Dorothy Ferat, Cliff Okerson, Charles Wright, Virginia Sims and Joe Hill. A dancing chorus composed of Dorothy McDonna, Bernice Hendrickson, Lillian Hill, Jannette Smith, Dot McGuire, Dot Hemphill, Catherine Hill, Lillian Starke, Francis Brahazon, Mary Hall, Bernice Hendrickson and Irma Huff, execute a series of timed dances. Miss Elsa Dorn has an important role in this and subsequent scenes.  

A blackface novelty Introduces Pete McGuire and Harry Toll in “The Transfer Men".

A juvenile diversion features Kathleen Lyle and Ruth Matthiessen. It is called  “We Moderns” and depicts a child’s idea of the modern flapper and her collegiate boyfriend.

A sketch dealing with one of the vital problems of the day entitled “Pre-War Scotch,” serves to introduce David Reese as a bellboy, Bill Huff and Bill Geyer are two salesmen, and Bill Davis as the proprietor of a rural hotel.

‘Modern Fairy Tales’ sung by Katherine Hill and Lillian Stark, tells the song story of fairy tales of the past compared to fairy tales of mod­ern times. The sketches are played by Lillian Hill and Justice McCarthy.  

Another playlet of the “collegiate” mode is called “The Elopers”. Special song numbers by Perrin G. Somers are interpolated in the act. 

“The Musica1 Tourists,” a parody on the popular songs of the day, coupled in such a manner that they tell the story of the purchase of a second-hand touring car, is one of the hits of the performance. In. this act are Ed Kelly, Al Durfer, Ed Preisendanz, Ben Hardy, Harry Todd, Bill Guyer and Jack Sauerhoff. 

The Elks’ “Madcap Dancing Ensemble” introduces a series of clever dances by Frances Brahazon, Alberta O'Hara and Virginia Sims. In this are acrobatic, ballet, waltz, clog, buck and eccentric dancing

The closing scene, beautifully mounted in costumes and scenery, has, has been given the title “Palate D’Or.’’ Prominent among the performers are Charles Murray, Bert Poland, Jack Sauerhoff, Ed Kelly, Bill Gravenstine, Elsa Dorn, Pete McGuire, Ed Preisendanz, Harry Todd, Al Durfer, Dave Reese, Dot McGuire, Dorothy McDonna, Irma Huff, Pail Horompf, Lillian Starke, and Rud Preisendanz. A mixed chorus of fifteen voices lends color to the scene. Am augmented orchestra was under the direction of Perrin G. Somers, director of the frolic.

The curtain rises promptly at 8:30. 

Camden Courier-Post - January 20, 1928

CAMDEN SHRINERS HOSTS AT SHOW AND DANCE

The Camden Shrine Club will entertain at a ladies night this evening in the Elks’ auditorium, Seventh and Cooper Streets.

The Chanters of Crescent Temple, Trenton, who appeared before the club last year, will be featured in an act including songs, jokes and musical novelties. Master James Morgan, son of Noble James G. Morgan, secretary of the Shrine Club patrol, will give several solo numbers.

Master Morgan is one of the g soloists of St. Marks Episcopal Church, Sixteenth and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia.

Dancing will follow the entertainment..

Camden Courier-Post - January 20, 1928

GOLD STAR MOTHERS TO ATTEND FOREIGN WAR VETERAN’S BALL

Gold Star Mothers will be the honor guests at the first annual military ball of the Camden Post, No. 980, Veterans of Foreign Wars, to be held on Friday evening, February 3, in the Elks ballroom, Seventh and Cooper Streets.

Elaborate plans for this ball are under the chairmanship of John S. Pennington.

Invitations have been issued for patrons and patronesses and the list will be announced early next week.

Gold Star Mothers to attend the affair are Mrs. C. Alberger, Mrs. Harriett Ablett, Mrs. Laura Brown. Mrs. A. Crangel, Mrs. A. Cassady, Mrs. R. Dilks, Mrs. Kate Geist, Mrs. M. Griffen, Mrs. Horace B. Keebler, Mrs. H. Kirk, Mrs. Ross Leahy, Mrs. M. A. Matson, Mrs. M. McGuckin, Mrs. Mary Martin, Mrs. M. Matthews, Mrs. Cooling Pond, Mrs. Oliver Powell*, Mrs. Mary Pennington, Mrs. C. Rolk, Mrs. E. Simons, Mrs. Mary Schucker, Mrs. Margaret Steigerwald, Mrs. Annie Taylor, Mrs. M. Osborn, Mrs. Mary Keegan, Mrs. Anna Kennedy, Mrs. T.C. Young and Mrs. Walters.

Assisting Mr. Pennington in planning this ball are John Rouh, James W. Connor, Charles Bozian, Robert MacMahon, Edward Watson, David Lukoff, Harry Laxton, Edward A. Stark, George Jones, William V. Long, Joseph Keefe, Charles Blank sad Marvel Passwater.

* Newspaper error- Mrs. Oliver Powell was actually Mrs. Oliver Purnell

Camden Courier-Post * January 28, 1928

Patrons, Patronesses Announced Today for First Military Ball

Patrons and patronesses for the first military ball of the Camden Post No. 980, Veterans of Foreign Wars, to be held on Friday evening February 3 in the Elks auditorium, Seventh and Cooper Streets., are announced today.

The following prominent men and women are listed: Mrs. J.W. Connor, Miss C.M. Day, Mrs. J.H. Forsyth, Mrs. H.J. Goodyear, Miss B. Graham, Mrs. R.E. Green, Mrs. E.F. Haines, Mrs. J. Hood Jr., Mrs. W. Hurley, Mrs. J. Jarrell, Mrs. T. Keefe, Mrs. J.F. Kobus, Mrs. L. Liberman, Mrs. F.L. Lloyd, Mrs. M.A. Logan, Mrs. T.P. McConaghy, Mrs. F.F. Neutze, Mrs. L.K. Marr, Mrs. J.A. Pennington, Mrs. M.E. Ramsey, Mrs. E. Truax, Mrs. S.M. Shay, Mrs. W.J. Staats, Mrs. B.G. Tarburton, Mrs. R.W. Waddell, Mrs. E. Watson, Mrs. E.P. Wescott, Mrs. C.A. Wolverton. 

David Baird Jr., William T. Boyle, Isaac Ferris, William Hurley, John Hood Jr., John Jarrell, Victor King, William J. Kraft, Thomas Keefe, Joseph F. Kobus, Hon. Edmund B. Leaming, Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, James H. Long, L.K. Marr, Dr. Thomas P. McConaghy, Hon. Frank F. Neutze, Samuel P. Orlando, Albert E. Simmons, Edwin Watson, Ethan P. Wescott.

Camden
Courier-Post

February 21, 1928

April 4, 1928

Camden Courier-Post
June 18, 1932

Harry G. Robinson
Rud Priesendanz Jr.
William L. Sauerhoff
James H. Long
D. Trueman Stackhouse
Albert Austermuhl
V. McLellan Fulton

Camden Lodge No. 293
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks

Camden Courier-Post * February 8, 1933

CAMDEN ELKS TO HONOR PAST EXALTED RULERS

Past exalted rulers will be honored  tonight by Camden Lodge of Elks with a dinner, ceremonial and entertainment. 

The program will be nation-wide. A dinner will be served at 6:00 PM, followed by a business session. Harry G. Robinson, present exalted ruler, will open the ceremonial and turn the lodge over to the past officers.

The past exalted rulers expected are Samuel Kilpatrick, who served in 1900 and 1921; Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, Alexander J. Milliette, J. Harry Switzer, James H. Long, Marian Moriarity, Allen Jarvis, Albert Austermuhl, William L. Sauerhoff, former Mayor Frank S. Van Hart, D. Trueman Stackhouse, Harry Ellis, William G. Ferat, Judge Garfield Pancoast, Rudolph Preisendanz, Jr., Theodore T. Kausel, Edward J. Kelley, Mayor Roy R. Stewart, William H. lszard, William S. Lehman and J. Harry Todd.

Camden Courier-Post * June 2, 1933

CAMDEN ELKS HOPE TO GET CONVENTION
Advisory Committee Will Present Formal Invitation for State Meet

The twenty-first annual reunion and the convention of the New Jersey State Elks Association will be held in Camden next June if efforts of the advisory board of' Camden Lodge of Elks are successful at the state meeting in Newark on June 15, 16 and 17.

Members of the advisory board for the local lodge, who are past exalted rulers of the Camden lodge, will present the invitation to hold the 1934 meeting in Camden, at the twentieth reunion and convention in Newark.

Members of the lodge have adopted a resolution confirming the action of the advisory board and plans were made to set the necessary machinery in motion to bring the 1934 convention to Camden. It was pointed out that Camden Elks have the largest home in the state.

Samuel Kilpatrick, the oldest past exalted ruler of the lodge, is head of the advisory board, and Harry G. Robinson, youngest past exalted ruler, is delegate to the state association, which is composed of past exalted rulers of all Elks lodges in New Jersey. 

Although the state association was formed in Camden, there has never been a reunion or convention of the association held here, it was pointed out.

The outstanding feature of each annual convention is the mammoth sessions, with thousands of Elks in line. It is estimated the parade would draw more than 50,000 persons to Camden, if the local lodge's invitation is accepted.

The Camden lodge is sending the band and patrol to Newark for the parade, which will start at 7 p. m. on June 17. Arrangements are being made to have the largest delegation in the parade represent Camden.

Past exalted rulers who comprise the advisory board, and the year they took office, follow: Samuel Kirkpatrick, 1900; Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, 1901; Alex J. Milliette, 1906; J. Harry Switzer, 1908; James H. Long, 1911; Marion Moriarty, 1913; Allen Jarvis, 1914; Albert Austermuhl, 1915; William L. Sauerhoff, 1917; Theodore T. Kausel, 1918; Garfield Pancoast, 1919; William G. Ferat, 1920; Harry Ellis, 1921; Samuel A. Dobbins, 1923; D. Trueman Stackhouse, 1924; Frank S. Van Hart, 1925; Edward J. Kelly, 1926; Rud Preisendanz, Jr., 1927; Roy R. Stewart, 1928; William H. lszard, 1929; William Lehman, 1930; J. Harry Todd, 1931, and Harry G. Robinson, 1932.

Deceased past exalted. rulers and the year they took office are: John H. Foster, 1895; W. E. B. Miller, 1896; Philip Burch, 1897; D. Harry Condit, 1898; H. L. Hartshorn, 1891; George D. Borton, 1902; Maurice Rogers, 1904; Francis Warren, 1907; E. Wilmer Collins, 1909; Lewis H. Leigh, 1910; Morris Odell, 1912, and W. Wallace Balcom, 1922. 

Camden Courier-Post * June 8, 1933

FLAG DAY SERVICE PLANNED BY ELKS
Elaborate Ceremonies Monday Night Will Be Open to Public

An elaborate Flag Day celebration to be open to the public and broadcast over the radio is planned by Camden Elks for Monday night.

Ceremonies will open at 7.30 p. m., in the lodge room, Seventh and Cooper Streets, with a musical program by the Elks Band, under direction of William H. Townsend. Presentation of the colors will be made by August F. Walters Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Corp. Raymond C. Thoirs Post, American Legion, and Matthews-Purnell Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The invocation will be made by the lodge chaplain, D. Truman Stackhouse. An altar service will be held by officers headed by James MacMillan, exalted ruler. An organ solo of "America" by Charles L. Bowen, solos by Charles T. Murray, Mrs. C. Richard Allen and Albert B. Poland, will feature the musical program.

The history of the flag will be given by George S. Dunkelberger, a senior member of the lodge and chairman of the Flag Day committee. The program will be broadcast over WCAM by courtesy of Rud Preisendanz Jr., past exalted ruler and lessee of the station.

Camden Courier-Post *- June 12, 1933

ELKS TO OBSERVE FLAG DAY TONIGHT
Uniformed Veterans to Join Lodge Members in Colorful Ceremonies

Arrangements are completed for the Flag Day celebration to be held tonight by the Camden Elks Lodge Lodge at Seventh and Cooper Streets.

The program will open at 7.30 p.m. Doors of the lodge room will be opened to the public at 7:15 p. m. The program will be broadcast over WCAM.

The Elks Band, led by William H. Townsend, will open the ceremonies. Presentation of the colors will be made by uniformed units of the August F. Walters Chapter, Disabled American Veterans; Corporal Raymond C. Thoirs Post, American Legion; Matthews-Purnell Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the lodge patrol.

D. T. Stackhouse, chaplain of the lodge, will make the invocation and an altar service will be held by James A. MacMillan, exalted ruler, and the other officers.

There will be musical selections by Charles L. Bowen, organist; Charles T. Murray, Albert B. Poland and Mrs. C. Richard Allen, vocalists.

George S. Dunkelberger, a senior member of the lodge, and chairman of the Flag Day committee, will give the history of the flag. A patriotic address will be given by Police Judge Garfield Pancoast, a past exalted ruler.

The radio program will be presented through courtesty of Rud Preisendanz Jr., past exalted ruler and lessee of the station. 

Camden Courier-Post * June 15, 1933

CAMDEN MAKES BID TODAY FOR MEETING OF ELKS IN 1934
Mayor Stewart to Present City's Claim at Convention in Newark
PARADE TO CLOSE EVENT

The 1934 convention of the New Jersey Elks Association will be sought for Camden today by more than 500 members of the Camden lodge who will attend the twentieth anniversary convention of the association in Newark.

The convention will close Saturday evening with a parade which is being planned as one of the most elaborate ever held in the order in New Jersey.

Camden's claims as next year's convention city will be presented by Mayor Roy R. Stewart, past, exalted ruler of the Camden lodge.

18 Rooms Engaged 

The Camden lodge has engaged 18 rooms in the Hotel Riviera as its headquarters. In the lobby has been placed a large banner proclaiming: "Brother Bill, we want you in Camden in 1934." Large tags bearing the same invitation are to be distributed to all the delegates. 

The convention will open tonight with a dinner and dance in, observance of the fiftieth anniversary of Newark lodge. The opening session will be at 1.30 p. m. tomorrow. At 7.30 p.m. there will be a banquet and dance for delegates and invited guests. 

The final meeting will be held at 11.30 a. m. Saturday when officers will be elected. J. Harry Todd, past exalted ruler of Camden lodge, is seeking the South Jersey vice-presidency. 

Parade Starts at 7 P.M. 

The parade will start at 7 p. m. Camden lodge, in the third division with Atlantic City, Trenton and Bridgeton, will be led by James MacMillan, exalted ruler, followed by 16 past exalted rulers. 

Camden lodge's band of 40 pieces, led by William Townsend, will precede the patrol of 30 members headed by Harry Rathbone. New uniforms have been provided for the patrol. A touring car completely covered with flowers and bearing the Elks' emblem in flowers, will be entered by the Camden post.

Bus Service Arranged 

Bus service has been planned for Saturday to carry members and friends of Camden lodge to the parade. According to William H. Iszard, past exalted ruler and chairman of the transportation, publicity and parades committees of Camden lodge, buses will leave the Elks Home, Seventh and Cooper Streets, at 10 a.m. and 3.30 p. m. Saturday, returning that night after the parade and grand ball which is to close the convention. 

Harry Robinson, past exalted ruler, is the Camden lodge delegate to the convention. Francis P. Boland, of Jersey City, is president of the association, which is composed of past exalted, rulers of all New Jersey lodges.

CHECKED AND DOUBLE CHECKED
by JIMINY

A member of the Camden Elks best known as "Van" was sitting in the clubhouse the other evening when he dropped his new straw hat on the floor .... Along came Howard Ledyard, who tips the scales at something like 200 pounds ... He was about to pick up the hat for Van, but the latter jokingly said, "Don't bother; step on it" " .. We hate to tell the rest ... Howard took him at his word ... And stepped on it .. Civil war ...  

CAMDEN MEN BACK FROM WORLD'S FAIR
John A. Burke and Grandson Declare It is Greatest of Exhibitions

High praise and commendation for the worlds fair at Chicago was voiced by a Camden man and his grandson who have returned home after spending all last week at the exhibit.

'The sojourners to Chicago were John A. Burke, of 516 Gordon Terrace, a member of the Camden Lodge of Elks, and his grandson, Hobart M. Luther, 17, of 807 Morgan Street, a student at Camden High School.

"In my estimation," said Burke, "the worlds fair is the finest exhibition that I have ever seen. I have attended fairs all over the country and this one excels all others.

"I found much to marvel at in the science and transportation buildings. The crowds were tremendous and the railroads were doing a rushing business. There were comparatively few automobiles from other states, but .my grandson and I counted 580 taxicabs which passed one point in an hour on the way to the fair."

While in Chicago Burke and his grandson met Floyd Gibbons, the radio announcer, and paid their compliments to him on the success of the exhibition.

Camden Courier-Post - September 18, 1933

Camden Courier-Post - February 20, 1936

Fourteen charter members of the Camden Lodge of Elks will be guests next Wednesday at special initiation ceremonies celebrating the fortieth year of the lodge charter. Carlton Rowand, exalted ruler, will preside at the event which will include a dinner and entertainment.

Thirty-five new members will be received into the lodge at ceremonies to be held at Hotel Walt Whitman. A floor show has been provided by Frank Palumbo, Philadelphia night club manager.

The lodge received its charter while holding sessions at 107 Market Street in a building on the site now occupied by the RCA Manufacturing Company. The group at that time numbered the greatest membership in New Jersey.

Among the charter members to be honored are Frank A. Ward, Charles C. Bowman, Dr. A. Haines Lippincott, Dr. J. F. Leavitt, Fred W. George, William M. Fithian, T. L. Bear, Everett Ackley, Fithian S. Simmons, Philip Wilson, Paul E. Quinn, John N. Kadel, William G. Maguire and Maurice Hertz. Membership in the lodge now is 700.

At a meeting last night in the lodge rooms, D. Trueman Stackhouse, Camden attorney, exhibited a series of motion picture films collected during a recent trip across the country. A plea to protect the lodge's two diminutive pigs Amos and Andy, which were destined for visits to homes of the members in a membership drive was made by Sergeant Ray Smith. The lodge members voted to accept the animals for dinner at the meeting next week.

Officers of the lodge who assisted at the meeting are Ernest E. Linder, Esteemed Leading Knight; William F. Huff, Esteemed Loyal Knight, and Lawrence B. White, Esteemed Lecturing Knight. 

Camden Courier-Post - September 19, 1933

NOTABLES TO VIEW BODY OF SCHILLER
Many Mourn Death of East Camden Politician Slain By Son

Hundreds or mourners from all walks of life are expected to pay their last respects tonight to Jacob Schiller, 72, Twelfth Ward political worker who was shot and killed by his son Saturday night.

The widely known politician's body will be on view at his home, 2420 Carman Street, this evening. Official and political personages of all stations- many of them helped up the ladder of success by the slain man, others befriended by him in smaller measure but equally grateful- will file before his bier.

Members of the Camden Lodge of Elks will conduct services at the Schiller home tonight. They will meet at the Elks Club, Seventh and Cooper streets, at 7.30 p.m. and proceed to East Camden in a body. James A. MacMillan, exalted ruler of the local lodge, will be in charge of the lodge services.

During his later years Schiller was often found in the Elks Club reminiscing with older members of those "grand old days" when he joined the late David Baird in a goodly number of political affrays. He generally played cards with his cronies at the club, although after the death of his wife' some months ago, he merely watched the games.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow at the Schiller home and will be private. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. 

August 23, 1935

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Camden Courier-Post * August 28, 1935

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Camden Courier-Post - February 19, 1936

 ELKS DISCUSS SEALS FOR CRIPPLED CHILDREN

Plans for the sale of Easter Seals campaign to aid crippled children were discussed yesterday at the meeting of the Krippled Kiddies Committee of Camden Lodge of Elks.

The committee comprises Sergeant Ray Smith, chairman; Dr. B. Franklin Buzby, Fred Caperoon, Charles Bowen, Miss Mary E. Finley, executive secretary, and Carlton W. Rowand, exalted ruler and ex-officio member.

The seals, soon to go on sale, picture a crippled boy sitting at the threshhold of the "Door of Opportunity," waiting for the public to open it wide to him through financial support of the movement.

Elks Add 130 Members to Rolls
At Record Initiation Tonight
Camden Lodge to Mark 40th Anniversary With Rally
PARADE AND SHOW BILLED FOR EVENT

Camden Courier-Post * January 10, 1938

More than 100 crippled children from this vicinity will be entertained at the seventh annual Sgt. Ray Smith's crippled children's day and birthday party, next Monday.

The party, an annual affair, is staged by the Elks' crippled childrens committee and the Sgt. Ray's birthday party committee.

The youngsters will meet at the Elks Home, 808 Market street, and will be taken to Clementon Park in buses where Theodore Gibbs, manager of the park will throw open the entire facilities of the park for the crippled children, staging a special show in the after­noon. A luncheon will be served at the park by the committee.

At four o'clock the youngsters will be taken to the Silver Lake Inn where a special amateur show will be staged on the lawn by the crippled children themselves. A sports entertainment will be staged by Otto O'Keefe, of the Veteran Boxers Association of Philadelphia, then dinner arranged by John E. Weber, proprietor of the Silver Lake Inn. During the dinner hour the youngsters, will be entertained, by talent from Philadelphia and nearby night clubs, with Otto O'Keefe presenting the acts.

After the children's party, a dinner will be served in honor of Sgt. Ray Smith, on his 46th birth­day.

Officers of the Crippled Childrens Committee headed by Smith include Homer H. Lotier, treasurer, and A. Lincoln Michener, secretary. Mrs. Florence A. Lovett is executive secretary.

The party committee is headed by Carlton W. Rowand and Charles W. Anderson. Surrogate Frank B. Hanna is the treasurer. 

Those who have been invited to attend are Mayor George E. Brunner, Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, Firmin Michel, Albert E. Burling, Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the Board of Education, George I. Shaw, Mary W. Kobus, director of Public Safety; Dr. Henry J. Schireson, Camden county freeholders Robert Worrell, Mrs. Alice Predmore, S. Norcross 3rd, members or Veterans of Foreign Wars of Camden County Council and many business men and civic leaders.

Ladies of the Elks' Auxiliary who will assist with the children throughout the day are: Mrs. Alice Heck, president; Mrs. Sarah Austermuhl, Mrs. Reba Crawford, Mrs. Emma Vandergrift, Mrs. Tillie Weber, Mrs. Helene Sauerhoff, Mrs. Anna Rose, Miss Emma Lee, Mrs. Sallie Moore, Mrs. Marion Holdcraft, Mrs. Etta Preisendanz, Mrs. Eva Poland, Mrs. Lena Jantzen, Mrs. May Talman and Mrs. Irene Berg.

Camden Courier-Post
July 3, 1941

Sergeant Ray Smith
Camden Elks Lodge No. 293

Camden Courier-Post
July 26, 1941

Ralph Vasso - Mrs. J.S. Gilmore
East Camden - Mrs. William Ackerman
Camden County Real Estate Board
R.M. Hollingshead Corporation
R.T.C. Shipbuilding Corporation
V.R. Berry & Company - Seth Borg
Harry Louie - Mrs. Rose Ross

Industrial Union
Marine & Shipbuilding Workers
Local No. 1
Camden Elks Lodge No. 293

 41st Annual Affair

The Crippled Children’s Committee of Camden Elks Lodge 293 will sponsor its 41st annual party for crippled children tomorrow.         

S.S. Norcross 3^rd, exalted ruler of the lodge, and Edward J. Griffith, president of the Crippled Children’s Committee, said the children will board buses at 10:30 AM at the Elks' home, 807 Cooper Street.

First stop will be Sergeant Ray Smith's home on Lake Renee, where the, children will have their annual picnic lunch. Following lunch they will ride horses from the Persian Acres Dude Ranch operated by County Detective Robert Di Persia.

Erial Fire Company will pick up the children for a ride to the Nike Missile Base in Erial, then onto Clementon Lake Park. Following dinner in the Chick Barn at Silver Lake Inn, the youngsters will return to the Elks' Home.

Among those helping Sgt. Ray celebrate his 72nd birthday at Silver Lake Inn later in the evening will be former Judge Samuel P. Orlando, Congressman John E. Hunt, Jersey Joe Walcott, Mayor Alfred Pierce and state Senator Frederick J. Scholz and recently appointed Prosecutor A. Donald Bigley.

Prominent Elks of Camden Lodge No. 293