USA > New Jersey > Camden County > Merchantville > History of Merchantville, Camden County, N.J > Part 3
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HISTORICAL.
William Longstreth published a pamphlet, "A Glance at Mer- chantville," in 1898, which attracted much attention.
MERCHANTVILLE CHICKEN FARM.
Possibly in the entire State of New Jersey, either in grounds, model houses and skill exercised, is there a handsomer result than that in the chicken farm of Harry Schmidt (assisted by his son, Leonard), right in our own town, on Centre street. Here can be seen magnificent specimens of first-class breeds of fowls, say, for instance, "Buff Cochins," "Wyandottes," "Black Minorcas," "Plymouth Rocks" and many others. After a personal inspection of all its details I can only say, "it must be seen to be appre- ciated."
OUTDOOR SPORTS.
Early in the eighties a number of our citizens played cricket in a field either adjacent to or within the race-track grounds. I don't think there were any officers, nor had it a distinctive title. It was usually called the "Cricket Club." Senator Cattell, Harri- son Robbins, George Crump, Thomas C. Knight and Henry A. Macomb were among the principals. This was succeeded by the "Athletic Club," on ground loaned by Senator Cattell at the west side of Prospect street, south from Maple avenue. This was reg- ularly officered. It started in 1888, and W. H. Dole was its first president. It existed until the Senator sold the ground for build- ing purposes; it then vacated it and removed to grounds diago- nally opposite. These two clubs thus formed the nucleus of our present handsomely equipped Merchantville Field Club, which is the favorite resort for lovers of outdoor sports-base ball. cricket, tennis, football, golf, etc. It controls six acres of ground, conve- niently laid out, with suitable buildings and grand stand, on Prospect street, south of Maple avenue. It was started
, with John B. Morton president. Frederick W. Kleinz holds that position at present. It has a membership of nearly 200, and is one of the most flourishing organizations of its kind in New Jersey.
In addition to its sports, attended by vast crowds of our best society, our wives and daughters, it gives during the winter sea- son (usually at Collins & Pancoast's Hall) a series of entertain- ments, whether of balls, hops or music. Particularly is what I might call an annual "oddity" where theatricals (home talent). local hits, songs, squibs, "takings off." in fact a conglomeration of comicalities and refined nonsense, draw the largest and the most thoroughly amused audiences.
* Owing to the inability of its officers to give me date of organization, I am forced to subscribe blanks.
THE MERCHANTVILLE GENTLEMEN'S CLUB
Occupies the entire second floor of the old Merchantville Hall. Its rooms are handsomely furnished with billiard tables and all the accessories of a club of this character. In fact, it is the resort of our best society. Ladies patronize it for the pleasure afforded in progressive euchre. It was founded April Ist, 1889, John H. Six- smith being its first president. Henry J. Stiles now occupies that position.
THE RACE TRACK.
Harrison Robbins originally opened the race track as the "Gen- tlemen's Driving Park" and ran it for some time. It fell into the hands of disreputable parties, making it a nuisance and a disgrace. It has been recently started under different auspices and is now known as the "West Jersey Country Club." The splendid recep- tion given it on Decoration Day, when our pretty little jewel, "Merchantville Girl," triumphed over all contestants, speaks well for its future. J. I. Chalfant is now its president.
LAYING PARK AVENUE IN STONE.
Work is already begun, under the personal supervision of the company's capable general superintendent, Mr. J. W. Craig. The public may look forward to its early and satisfactory con- struction. The contraet price is $12,900, which has been award- ed to the B. M. & J. F. Shanley Company, of Jersey City. There will also be an iron bridge across Pensauken Creek costing $2600 additional, Camden and Burlington counties each paying one half.
FIRES IN MERCHANTVILLE.
Since the very inception of our town there have been few fires, comparatively speaking, and none involving life or serious loss. Before the formation of our present admirable Fire Depart- ment may be mentioned the burning of the stables of David S. Stetson, Benjamin F. Sausser and Harrison Robbins.
Immediately preceding its formation was the burning of Dr. Bartine's stable and the destruction of many valuable books and public documents belonging to the late Senator Cattell, stored in a stable on the old Hanna property.
But, independent of these, while there were, of course, number- less small fires in and around our borough, yet they really nar- rowed themselves down to two of any importance, the McIntyre house and Oak Grove Inn.
The McIntyre house (Chestnut avenue and Centre street) (of supposed incendiary origin), broke out Sunday night (or, rather, Monday morning), about 12.20, June 24th, 1894. The interior was pretty well gutted. Our Fire Department was in service three hours. The damages were said to be about five thousand dollars.
The Oak Grove Inn fire started at 10 o'clock on the morning of September 5th. 1892. The Niagara Fire Company was in service four hours. The third and fourth stories and parts of the roof were practically consumed.
The insurance was $16,000 and the loss $6000. At one time was feared its total destruction. The perseverance, skill and en- ergy of our own firemen averted widespread disaster.
The Fire Departments of Stockton and Camden were rung np and dashed in just when our "boys" became the victors. The chief of the Camden Department was surprised and pleased with everything. Calling aside Gottlieb C. Mick, the chief of the Niagara Fire Company, he said:
"Chief. Niagara's boys have done handsomely; any error on your part would have resulted in its total destruction! Give your boys my compliments! Tell them I feel proud of them: that I sce in them the stuff that dignifies the name of firemen!"
UNITED STATES ARMY AND NAVY "BOYS."
MERCHANTVILLE'S CONTRIBUTION.
ARMY .- Company M. (Captain John A. Mather), Third Regi- ment, N. J. Vols., Colonel Benjamin A. Lee. Jay B. Wilson, Jr., Abram Morris Browning, Harry Kirby, Harold Browning, Howard Marsden and Frederick W. Kleinz, Jr. Enlisted April 27, 1898. Honorably discharged and disbanded at Athens, Ga., February 11, 1899.
The "boys" were principally instructed in coast defences at the Pompton Lakes, N. J. They bore themselves well throughout, and it was no discredit to them that they saw no actual war, for which they nobly enlisted.
NAVY .- Marine Corps -- John C. Megonegal, enlisted August 4. 1897. During our late war with Spain he was on the U. S. cruiser Columbia, guarding in Cuban waters. He is still in the U. S. Navy.
NAVY .- Landsmen Corps-Harry Mick (son of the late Louis Mick), enlisted June, 1895. Was carpenter's mate aboard the U. S. flagship New York. Was actively engaged in several bloody battles during our Spanish War. His officers spoke highly of his gallantry. He resigned the navy and immediately re-enlisted in Company E, Third Cavalry, Regular Army, where he still is. One of the "boys" that Merchantville feels proud of.
U. S. NAVY .- Lieut. Reynold T. Hall, (son of E. S. Hall,) was educated at our Centre Street Public School. He was appointed Assistant Engineer in the U. S. Navy in 1880; thus making a continuous service of nearly twenty years. Among his other services was the search for the "Jeannette" in the frozen Arctic Seas. He took a conspicuous part throughout our late War with Spain. Managed the engines of the "Petrel" at the bloody battle in front of Cavite, Phillipine Islands, May Ist, 1898,
where the "Petrel" ran in closer to the Spanish guns than any other of our fleet. He was also at the final attack and the surrender of Manilla, August 13th, 1898. He is now (September Ist, 1899,) at San Francisco in charge of the U. S. S. "Boston," just returned from Manilla. At home a Public Reception and handsome Sword await him at the hands of the people of Merchantville (taking place at Collins & Pancoast's Hall, October 5th).
OUR JUDGES.
SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY .- Hon. Charles G. Garrison (Democrat), was appointed by Governor Robert S. Green, February 1, 1898, for a term of seven years. He was re- appointed by Governer George T. Werts, in 1895, and is still serving. His judical abilities and career on the bench are too well known to make comment here necessary.
DISTRICT COURT OF CAMDEN COUNTY .- Ex-Judge Howard Carrow (Democrat). This noted criminal lawyer was appointed by Governor Leon Abbett, April 1, 1891, his term ex- piring in 1896.
Judge Charles V. D. Joline (Republican) was appointed by Governor Griggs, April 1, 1896, and still performs the functions of that office.
OUR COMMISSIONERS OF DEEDS .- Richard C. Schrei- ner, Edwin J. Spangler, Joseph Bayliss, Francis F. Eastlack, Charles Shinn. Robert B. Knight, John S. Matthews, George P. Bush and William Longstreth.
OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT .- James Wright, William Marsden (6 years), William Naylor (19 years), Daniel Carlin (9) years). William H. Linderman (6 years), Robert Graham (2 years). This means continuous service in each case.
FLAG THAT WAVED O'ER MORRO'S WALLS.
MERCHANTVILLE'S OLD GLORY.
This national emblem has a peculiar history. At the breaking up of "Union Camp," September Ist, 1862, the "boys" of the Corn Exchange Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, started for the front.
Senator Cattell, being the originator of this regiment, was pre- sented with its camp flag and pole, which he sent over to Mer- chantville, planting the flagstaff on his grounds, but religiously preserving the flag for holidays and special occasions.
General Grant, who was a warm personal friend of the Sen- ator, on a visit to Merchantville, in September, 1875, hoisted the flag himself, in the presence of many of our citizens.
Upon the death of the Senator (May, 1894) the flag came into the possession of our fellow-townsman. George W. Algor. The old flagstaff was purchased by William Longstreth and presented to the "Merchantville Field Club," and now adorns their grounds.
At the breaking out of our war with Spain a number of our citizens, among whom were George W. Algor, Walter H. East- lack and Marshall G. Stevens, conceived the idea of floating her over Morro Castle so soon as that fortress should come into our possession. With this end in view a public meeting of our citi- zens was called May 18th, 1898, in which all our ministers made eloquent remarks, Judges Charles G. Garrison and Howard Car- row taking leading parts. It was then decided that the flag should be borne personally to Washington and the request of our people be made known to the War Department. This was done May 24th. 1898, and. January Ist, 1899, when the morning sun rose over humbled Morro Castle, it was greeted by Merchant- ville's "Old Glory" floating defiantly from its ramparts. In Feb- ruary, 1899, the flag was returned to us with an autographic let- ter of thanks from the Secretary of War. It is now in the posses- sion of Mr. Algor.
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THE OLD CANNON IN FRONT OF PIDGEON'S.
This old cannon has a peculiar history, which, I understand, Society of Pennsylvania," at Twelfth and Spruce streets, Philadel- will be found in greater details in the archives of the "Historical phia.
A careful examination will show the following inscriptions near the touch-hole, "G. J. O. 3. 1. 2 .. " and on each of its trunnions "456." It was part of the armament of the British frigate "Au- gusta."
On September 23d, 1777, freighted with gold to pay the British army in this section, with the royal standard of St. George floating from her masthead, she sailed defiantly up the Delaware River. But when she stood abreast Fort Mifflin and particularly a little shore battery at Red Bank (near where the "National Park" now is), she met her doom at the bottom of the Delaware. Here she remained until 1875, when she was raised, one of our townsmen (the ex-Postmaster William Macfarlan) being present . Her hulk is still to be seen at Gloucester. After passing through several hands, the old cannon came into the possession of our produce dealer, Charles H. Pidgeon, and now adorns the front of his place.
As an evidence of its present sound condition a number of sa- lutes were fired from it July 4th, 1899, in front of our Niagara Fire Company's house.
CRIME IN MERCHANTVILLE.
I now approach a subject of great importance, not necessarily to our own people, but more particularly to new-comers. I make this statement in all the consciousness and all the solemnity of a sworn oath.
I have searched the records of the criminal courts at Camden, the "dockets" of every committing magistrate in our borough, and I fail to find a single instance of a heinous crime having ever been committed within the limits of Merchantville. Chicken steal- ing, petty burglaries and other minor offenses have, but even these have been committed by outside parties. I make this public statement because the fame and fair name of Merchantville have been tarnished, and many drawbacks to our prosperity have been caused by sensational newspapers in which matters of a criminal nature occurring miles outside of us have been continuously at- tributed to Merchantville.
Take as prominent subjects the Leconey and Mrs. Miller mur- ders. Now every resident of Merchantville knows that by the nearest route the former took place three miles and the latter one- and a half miles outside of our borough limits.
POINTS CONCERNING PRESENT MERCHANTVILLE.
Merchantville has a population of over 2500. It is situated on the Moorestown turnpike four miles northeast from Canden.
One takes either the Pennsylvania Railroad, via Market Street Ferry, Philadelphia (round trip, 20 cents, or monthly ticket $4, time, 25 minutes), or the trolley cars at the foot of Market street, Camden (round trip, 10 cents; time occupied, about forty min- utes). It stands on ground 100 feet above water mark at Camden. The soil is neither clay nor sand, but a happy combination of both, being sufficiently porous to absorb all dangerous moistures and noxious odors, consequently there is not a stagnant pond for miles around, thus insuring a total absence of malaria or kindred diseases.
The air is of the utmost purity, and, having no factories, we have no smoke. Its water, whether bubbling up in private wells or from a reservoir three miles away, from a series of artesian springs, is cold, sparkling and pure as crystal. Its streets run at right angles, are wide and shady, and the pavements throughout the town are handsomely paved with stone. Many of the houses are palatial in size and architectural beauty; but, in any case, they are substantially built of diverse pleasing designs, while particu- lar attention is given to the adornment of our grounds, lawns and gardens. It has four handsome churches, with flourishing Sab- batlı schools attached, besides a "Friends'" Meeting: an up-to- date public school, with experienced teachers, full supplies, large airy rooms and expansive playgrounds. In fact, in its teachers, its range of studies and supplies, it has no superior among the grammar schools of Philadelphia. It has, besides, two private schools and a commercial institute, where double-entry book- keeping is taught and reading lessons given in English, German, French. Spanish and Italian.
It has a first-class fire company, occupying its own house, fully equipped with fireplugs in every street: is well lighted with gas or
electricity, both in street lamps and in our houses. We have two drug stores, five experienced physicians, a dentist and a monthly nurse.
The Philadelphia and New York newspapers are served early in the morning, while the weeklies, monthly magazines and cur- rent literature generally are for sale at the newsman's store or stand at our railroad station. The Knickerbocker and the Wilson Ice Companies supply the town daily.
About thirty trains arrive and depart from our railroad station daily, and the trolley cars run every ten minutes. We have daily expresses, bringing and taking trunks, packages and furniture.
We have a town street sprinkler; also carts to collect all kinds of loose papers and rubbish generally. There is also a beautiful public hall, with walls splendidly frescoed, with a seating capacity of 400. with stage, scenery, footlights and other theatrical appli- ances, besides kitchen, retiring rooms and a smooth dancing floor.
We have an association to protect our merchants and business mien, a circulating library, various religious organizations, such as Guilds, Christian Endeavorers, Epworth Leagues and the Young People's Meetings.
Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Patriotic Sons of America and Order of Sparta are all well represented. So far as sporting and athletic matters are concerned. we have our Driving Park, our Field Club, with extensive grounds and conve- nient buildings.
We have a Gentlemen's Club (faithful to its name in every par- ticular), with billiard tables, sumptuously furnished smoking and reading rooms, which is situated in one of the most prominent positions in the town.
Of course, we have a government postoffice, with the free de- livery system going into effect January Ist, 1900, a weather bureau and a public telegraphic and telephone service. An old and relia- ble Building Association, which has lately issued its eighteenth series.
The municipal government consists of a Mayor, assisted by a Common Council. These gentlemen are all property owners, and, of course, residents of our town, so that, while every improve- ment to the general benefit of the town is adopted. yet their nat-
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ural self-interest prevents the borough from being extravagantly governed. In this connection we might add that we have a first- class police force and two committing magistrates.
We have a well-kept and old-established hotel with twenty rooms (the only hotel in our town), to which is attached livery stable and service. We have also a Board of Health, which care- fully takes care of the sanitary conditions of our town. A large boarding house gives ample accommodations to a large number of summer boarders. So far as provisions are concerned, there is not an article exposed in Philadelphia markets that cannot be found at our many local stores. The juiciest of "roasts," fresh and salted meats of every description, sweet country butter and eggs right from the farm, all manner of groceries, the very earliest of Southern and Jersey fruits and vegetables, fish just caught in our neighborhood, oysters, clams, flour and ham, and, in fact, everything befitting the table of an epicure, and all brought right to our doors.
Dry goods, notions, hardware, hay and feed are all well repre- sented. We have our bakers, with fresh bread and cakes; our ice cream parlors and eating saloons.
Independent of these we have a real estate exchange, shoe and gents' furnishing store, barber and hair-dressing parlors, an un- dertaker, an upholsterer, coal dealers, tobacconist, watchmaker, tailors, shoemakers, blacksmiths, tinsmiths and wheelwrights, nursery grounds, commissioner of deeds, notary public, harness and whips, bicycle depot, florist, laundries, dressmakers, milliner, stationery store, music teachers, paperhangers, poultry farm and others.
There is no lack of skillful mechanics and artisans in our town. We may say in a word every trade necessary to build, ornament or repair a house from roof to foundation is well represented, as the many handsome edifices in our town fully testify. Taking into consideration all these conveniences, all these attractions, the tax rate is not high; houses are rented at fair prices and real estate is offered at reasonable and inducing figures. As a class the men of Merchantville are law-abiding, intelligent and hospita- ble ; they are generally what is called "well-to-do in life," and in a few instances are wealthy.
They are an assemblage of good fellows and business men, pursuing their various vocations generally in Philadelphia, but whose good judgment has selected our town, simply from its general adaptation to all the conveniences of a luxurious or a modest home.
But the women of Merchantville! God bless them! Every one of them is an earth angel! Be she matron or maid, old or young, she is a physical beauty and a mental paragon!
Sufficient has been said to raise the thought in the mind of any intelligent man, "Now here is a place differing from many" pro- jected "towns, where (except on paper) there is only a railroad station and a few cottages, where everything is in prospective, where myself and family would be subjected to many wants and inconveniences, and the absence of churches, schools and the necessary benefits of social life. Where, in a word, one must "grow up with the town." That is the whole matter in a nutshell. Here you have an already established town, healthy, pure air, crystal water, streets broad and well shaded, stone pavements, well lighted, well governed, with every convenience befitting a wideawake, prosperous town, and where the people are hospitable and will gladly welcome all who seriously think of locating with them.
SOME SERIOUS AND WELL-MEANING ADVICE. To Every Party Who May Have in View the Buying of Ground or Locating in Merchantville.
We have a long-established Building and Loan Association, one whose operations have been so honorable and successful that it has lately issued its eighteenth series. It charges $I per month for each share (the series run out generally in eleven years). Money is exposed for sale at every meeting to the highest bidder. Full $200 is loaned on each share at the legal rate of interest. A mortgage taken as security. This mortgage may be paid off at any time or allowed to stand until the closing of the series (just as your own means or convenience may suggest).
Of course, it is much more satisfactory to buy the ground, get out plans and contract and have the house built under your own supervision on a purely cash basis. But this cannot be done in every case. You would be surprised were I to enumerate one-half of the houses in our town now free of debt which were built through the agency of this same liberal association.
You have two easy means of procuring a home. Assuming that you have sufficient cash ready to buy the ground, and a house is already built on the lot, then join the Building Association, tak- ing as many shares which producing $200 each as will enable the association to loan you the necessary amount. Or, if there is no house on the ground, get out plans, make the application for loan and have the building contract signed, hand it to the association, which will pay the builder as the work progresses, according to the terms of the contract. Of course, some necessary forms must be observed, such as the taking out the shares, applying for loan, awaiting the report of the Loan Committee and possibly a few other minor matters, will need your attention, but all these can be readily understood and followed.
But, before buying ground or renting, place the matter in the hands of a reliable and experienced real estate agent, of which we have several.
THE PARTING SHOT.
The Merchantville Building and Loan Association.
The aggregate amount of LOANS, given by the combined "Cottage Building Association," and the "Merchantville Building and Loan Association," approximates ($1,244,400) one million, two hundred and forty-four thousand, four hundred dollars. The exact figures would not vary $20,000 either way.
My readers must remember the books and papers of the "Cottage Building Association," have been destroyed ; hence the seemingly impossibility of quoting identical figures ; yet care- ful and conscientious calculations (based upon official state- ments) justify the figures as given.
The following facts, (taken from the sworn statement) of its operations for the fiscal year ending October 31st, 1898, are well worthy of perusal and reflection :-
Cash received during that period, $102,693.35
Loans given 51,850.00 Assets at that date, . 223,869.78
Building and Loan Associations, wherever spread over broad America are silent benefactors, giving encouragement and dignifying TOILERS with the proud title of OWNERS; owners of that sacred spot-HOME-the result of industrious LABOR and the husbanding of SMALL ECONOMIES.
Far may they spread, throwing out their giant arms laden with encouragement and practical assistance !
Among these honored many, may I not rightfully-yet modestly-claim that the "Merchantville Building and Loan Association," shall stand somewhere near the top?
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LOANED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK BY WM. LONGSTRETH.
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"OLD" MERCHANTVILLE HALL.
AN OLD-FASHIONED GHOST STORY. *
Samued Spicer (see page -) died at his home near the rear of the steam soap factory, on our pike near Coopers Creek bridge. An aged farmer (nearly eighty), still living on the outskirts of Merchantville, assures me that the following nonsensical story was believed in his childhood days by "almost everybody" in our neighborhood. His grandfather oftentimes related it (in this fashion) to many a wide-eyed and open-mouthed crowd of lis- teners.
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