USA > New Jersey > Camden County > History of the press in Camden County, New Jersey > Part 3
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40
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
James M. Scovel, and T. M. K. Lee, Jr., who were succeeded by a stock company composed of George W. Gilbert, John S. Lee and James Warrington. Eventually the paper came into the hands of Bon- sall & Carse and was moved to 139 Federal street, soon after which H. L. Bonsall retired from the firm to start the "Daily Post". The "New Repub- lic" was continued by George B. Carse & Co., with George M. Robeson, former Secretary of Navy, as the financial backer, and its office moved to No. 20 Market street. From the original eight page paper it finally dwindled by November 17, 1877, to a four page sheet measuring 101/2 X 14 in- ches. It was about this time that financial difficul- ties arose and for several months each issue was of a different size and printed from a different style of type. In 1878, Milton P. Peirce became the pub- lisher and proprietor. John H. Fort was the last owner of the "New Republic".
"The South Jersey Advertiser" was a weekly published by Joseph C. Nichols and Jacob C. May- hew. Its publication was begun in May, 1872, the office being located in the Test Building, north- west corner of Second and Federal streets. The publishers advertised that the paper had a circula- tion of 5000 copies weekly, but if so most of the copies must have been distributed free, for there was not a field for so large a circulation at that time. One of the distinctive features of its read- ing columns was a "History of the City of Cam-
41
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
den", modeled, if not entirely taken from Fisler's little history. Its life was, however, very short and in August, 1872, all of its materials and equipment were sold to the proprietors of the "New Repub- lic" .*
On January 1, 1880, C. E. Linch revived the "South Jersey Advertiser" as a seven column folio, devoted to general news. It was continued in Cam- den until November 15, 1885, when it became the property of Frank T. Coe, who moved it to Clem- enton, where it was published until removed to Lindenwold and issued as a six column quarto. It was independent in politics and while some atten- tion was given to local and county news it was con- tinued after its removal from Camden primarily as an advertising sheet, and can hardly be classed as a newspaper.
"The Evening Visitor" was a daily, published every afternoon, except Sunday, from 106 Market street, with the object of advancing interest in the pantographic method of teaching as carried on at the Philotechnic Institute. All the type setting and press work was done by the pupils of the Institute. This paper was a three column, four page sheet, measuring 91/4 X 111/2 inches. Its first issue, edited by Rudolphus Bingham was dated January I, 1874, and the publication was continued until No- vember, 1876. This was the fourth daily paper
* "The West Jersey Press," August 28, 1872.
42
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
published in Camden and when started was the only daily newspaper in the city.
"The Gloucester Reporter and Weekly" was first issued in 1873 as the "Gloucester City Report- er of Gloucester City". It was under the editor- ial charge of Benjamin M. Braker for several years and in 1885 was purchased by Sickler & Rose, who continued its publication in Camden and finally sold it to James M. Fitzgerald, of the "Evening Telegram". At one time, this paper had a wide influence and its views on state issues were fre- quently quoted.
In January, 1875, the "Camden Sunday Argus" made its initial appearance as a four page, seven column sheet. The editor, publisher and proprie- tor was John H. Fort and the office located on the third floor of 106 Market street. At the time this was the only Sunday paper published in the State outside of Newark. The paper seems to have made rapid strides from the start and with the twelfth number, dated Sunday, April 18, 1875, Fort said in an editorial that "the Sunday Argus has a larger circulation than all the city papers combined" and at the head of the editorial column he made the further statement that "the circulation of the SUN- DAY ARGUS is greater than that of any weekly published in the State of New Jersey". The edi- tor attempted to take an independent stand, but his leanings were all towards the Democratic party and the paper soon became fully identified with the
CAMDEN DAILY POST.
Vol.'4, Na. LIB.
CANDEN, N. 4, FRIDAY, February 14, 1879
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AN AWFUL LAITONION,
43
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
latter's cause. Notwithstanding the statements as to circulation above quoted, the paper was only published for about one year, when it was forced to discontinue for lack of support.
"The Daily Post" was first issued October 2, 1875, by Henry L. Bonsall, who was soon joined by his son, B. L. Bonsall, and the firm became H. L. Bonsall & Son. The original office was at 205 Market street, where the type was set, the printing being done at the "Camden Democrat" office. Af- ter the "New Republic" was sold out by General Carse the office of "The Post" was moved to 139 Federal street, where equipment was installed to do its own press work. In 1886, the Post Printing and Publishing Company, of which H. L. Bonsall was president, Joseph M. Engard, treasurer, and B. L. Bonsall, secretary, took over the plant and the paper was enlarged to an eight column folio. In October, 1887, the building at the northeast corner of Front and Federal streets was erected and the paper issued from that location. "The Post" was continued until 1899, when, by a con- solidation with the "Camden Daily Telegram", it was merged into the "Camden Post-Telegram".
Henry L. Bonsall came to Camden in 1840, when only six years old, and at the age of twelve entered the printing office of the "West Jersey Mail" and later that of the "Camden Democrat". About 1858, Mr. Bonsall moved to Philadelphia, where he edited "The American Mechanic" for Hineline
44
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
& Van Nortwick and later to Harrisburg where he managed the "Pennsylvania State Sentinel". Mr. Bonsall's next venture was the "United States Me- chanics' Own" which he moved to New York in June, 1860, and associated with him W. H. Sylvis and J. S. Cassin. This paper was devoted to Land Reform and to the interests of the laboring man and was continued until the out-break of the Civil War. As an army correspondent for several metro- politan papers he spent several years with the Northern troops and at the end of the war returned to Camden. Feeling that there was a field for another Republican paper, he established the "New Republic" with which he continued until shortly before the founding of "The Daily Post".
He was a bold and forceful writer and possessed an unbounded vigor and energy. Many of his best editorials he would compose and set the type at the same time, a faculty given to few editors.
Between the years 1871 and 1873 there sprung up all over the country a craze among the young men to become newspaper editors. This wave spread to such an extent that there was a National Amateur Press Association as well as an Eastern Amateur Association, each having a very respect- able sized membership. Camden had at one time seven papers published by amateur editors as follows :
Camden
" The instinctive desire for happiness is the cause of all action." Therefore. my faults result from the courseness of my nuterial temperament. VOL. L.D Cinnden, N. J., January 1, 1872. VOL. 1.9
TROUBLES OF A DRUMMER.
Accordingly, Rataplan stepped 'n+ of the counting-room, and
YOUTHS' MONTHLY.
"TARSEI BRANI E."
CAMDEN, N J., JANUARY, 1872
A CALM
pedigree-to she was, in fact, in thely -- not quite moderstanding walking "table nidescent" ofevery what a General contusion Mer- fly whis kies. The gentleman chant could be. My linther spalrij by the table, Bud Aunt E -- Juba." ale Pontonait, "had a con- to the plove, busily engage with mismo na File Major in the Lat .- her kanter, the latter began : serte Blues; bot I never thought "You are from L -- , J forsome ' he bought it, ami I know he told This was a ton some ten miles me Cupi's Hope pour tant
distant.)
CAMDEN
TRIBUNE.
" PERSEVER.İNCE."
No. 1.
CAMDEN, N. J. JANUARY, 1874.
TH BNOW HJYS SONG
PT HARPY HARIDHLIN
wholesale busnew bibe Tare an a
iwas intended From a Legaldie les
The United States Capitol.
kann bord Fire Crack, which sejen where liman unser Lights porst! D'e a four Grupiena ggen's much. The fall ut the Head Pull MENT Inan Dinmar. 137 miles from tatayes he fty In q3 his with g [ aties 1 .
45
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
"The Spy", of which Bartram L. Bonsall was editor and proprietor, made its first appearance on January 1, 1872, In the first issue the editor said, "It is hoped that it will not be expected to accom- plish great things, as it is an amateur publication- or, in other words, a paper run by a boy". It was originally a four page, two column paper, 53/4 X 83/4 inches, but with the second issue was changed to an eight page paper and its subscription price was twenty-five cents a year. The second year the paper was increased to three columns and the size of the sheet to 9 x 111/2 inches. During the first two years the following papers were absorbed by "The Spy": "American "Star", of Vineland; "Our Boys and Girls", of Sharon Hill, Pa .; "Boy's Rec- ord", of Philadelphia; and "Jersey Boy", of Cam- den.
"The Youth's Monthly" was started by John F. Harned and Chas. H. Felton in January, 1872. Its publication office was at 616 West street but the printing was done by Sinnickson Chew. The pa- per was neatly printed on a 101/2 x 814 sheet of four pages, three columns to a page, the first three being filled with reading matter and the last with advertisements. Its motto was "Perseverance". At the beginning of its second year the size of the sheet was enlarged to 12 x 91/2 inches. Felton sev- ered his connection with the paper in June, 1873, and after that it was continued by John F. Harned. In January, 1874, the name was changed to "Cam-
46
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
den Tribune" and its size enlarged to 161/2 X 11 1/4 inches, four pages of four columns each, and every issue was embellished with a wood cut of a prom- inent building or a character. It now had the ap- pearance of a permanent fixture in the newspaper world. However, in the issue of December, 1874, the editor and proprietor presented his "Adieu" with a brief history of the amateur press in Cam- den.
"The Camden Sunbeam", edited by Atlie A. Bingham and H. H. Spencer made its appearance in December, 1872 and continued until December, 1873. All of the printing was done in its own office located at the foot of Cooper street.
"The Star of the East" was the product of John K. R. Hewitt and George Young beginning in January, 1873 and continuing until June when it was consolidated with "The Youths' Monthly".
"The Jersey Boy" was published by Benjamin D. Coley, Jr., and Howard Ireland and lasted from January, 1873 until August of the year when it was absorbed by the "Spy" as above noted.
"The Meteor" was put out by Raymond Shill and Harry Anderson, but its life was a short one continuing only from April, 1873 until the follow- ing January. "The Camden Mirror" was issued by Markley and Read in April, 1873, lasting only a few months.
"The Gem", a two-column, four-page amateur
47
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
paper was published semi-monthly for several months at 509 Arch street by Lothario Traubel and Upton S. Jefferys who borrowed most of the type from Henry Curts, the old-time printer, whose plant was on Federal street below Fifth. It was printed on a small hand press. Horace L. Traubel, later one of Walt Whitman's literary executors, was a contributor to its columns.
"The Bee" was a daily, published about 1878, its office being on Second street below Federal. Little is known of this paper except that it devot- ed most of its energies to ferreting out items of personal activities, which were better left unpub- lished. Its career was, however, short-lived.
"The Saturday Evening Express" was started by D. W. Belisle, in 1879, as a weekly and was pub- lished every Saturday from No. 120 Federal street. The office was moved, in 1881, to No. 434 Federal street, where it remained during Belisle's editorship. It was purchased by Alexander Schles- singer in 1884 and issued from the office of "The Camden County Journal", then located at No. 514 Federal street and subsequently followed the latter in the various wanderings.
After Thomas C. Hamilton and Upton C. Jef- ferys had severed their connections with the "Cam- den Daily Telegram" in 1890 they purchased "The Saturday Evening Express" from Louis Hol- ler, who had the year before taken over the "Cam-
48
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
den County Journal" and its affiliated papers. The publication office was now moved to 211 Mar- ket street, and for years this newspaper was regu- larly served to its Camden readers, being edited in Camden, but printed in Philadelphia. Mr. Jef- ferys, in the course of a few months, surrendered his interest in the paper to become New Jersey editor of the "Philadelphia Inquirer". Its editor in 1894, was R. S. Keeler, while in 1895 T. C. Ham- ilton is again noted as the editor.
Of "The Camden Local News" little seems to be known, and so far no copy of it has been located. It made its appearance early in 1882 under the editorial care of H. E. Caulfield and had its office at 215 Federal street. In an advertisement which appeared in Ferris' Camden City Directory for 1882-83 was a cut of a tombstone on which was the following wording: "Here lies the Camden Local News-died April 1882-lack of nourish- ment-H. R. Caulfield, ex-publisher".
The "Camden County Courier" was started as a weekly by Charles H. Whitecar, at Haddonfield, about May, 1878, under the title "Haddonfield Courier", and moved to Camden in July, 1879. Whitecar, who was a practical printer and previ- ously connected with the Camden Daily Post, was run over by a railroad train in October, 1879 and after his death the paper was purchased by William Calhoun and Jacob C. Daubman, who changed the name to the "Camden County Cour-
CAMDEN COUNTY COURIER.
mta & Varbinhen You WARt.
CAMDEN DAILY COURIER.
POSTSCRIPT
---
-
CAMDEN DAILY COURIER FINAL LARGEST DAILY CIRCULATION DI THE UTY GF CAFDEN AND SOOTH JERLET.
BAN LIFTED UPON AUTO PARKING OM STREETS DF CITY
Leas City-Chion
NEW FEMININ SCORED BY STATE REPUBLICAN CLUB
Harding Confirms Hoover; SHOW BANGE BOUS Henry Wallace Appointed | Un SUPR TO MOVE
APPEALS TO FOLLOW DEATH SENTENCE OF JAMES AND SCHUCK
2 Stenth Sich, May
---.
Heh Death Home Irtp
PRECAUTION SIDERTO
---- M
-
4
-.- 4
LIDEN CANNERY LEAYES SSS.000
COURTED & TEARS SHE ASKS $10. 000
--
--
'SCRATCHES CAUSE 4 96PE PEDOLERS THIEF'S CAPTURE HELD FOR CALME
IT, SAYS SAYERS
49
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
ier". It was published by them every Saturday until September, 1880, when the paper was bought by F. F. Patterson, Sr.
Mr. Patterson was a journalist of the old school, having received his early training in a country newspaper office, the Woodbury "Constitution" and was thoroughly conversant with every stage in the publication and distribution of a newspaper. When only twenty-one he purchased the Bridge- ton "Chronicle". After a few years he sold the "Chronicle" and purchased the Trenton "True American", publishing it as a daily and weekly. In 1866, he removed to Newark and established the "Newark Evening Courier" which he success- fully conducted for eight years. His next venture was the Newark "Sunday Call". Severing his con- nections with the latter publication he became New Jersey editor for the "Philadelphia Press", which he relinquished to take control of the "Camden County Courier". Notwithstanding his newspaper activities, Mr. Patterson found time to acceptably fill several political offices, namely that of Engross- ing Clerk of the New Jersey Senate and Collector of the Port of Camden.
The "County Courier" was a nine column, four page paper, measuring twenty-seven and one-half inches by twenty-one and one-half inches. It was particularly a family paper and when weekly news- papers were recognized as a public necessity enjoy- ed a large measure of success, both for the skill ex-
50
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
ercised in the character of the reading matter and for its lucid and fearless editorials.
On June 2, 1882, F. F. Patterson, Sr., began the publication of the "Camden Daily Courier" in connection with the weekly just mentioned. The ownership was subsequently transferred to the Courier Publishing Company, of which, on Feb- ruary 1, 1883, F. F. Patterson, Sr., Thomas C. Hamilton, and John H. McMurray secured a con- trolling interest. Originally it consisted of four pages of six columns each and was gradually ex- panded to a seven column, six page sheet. In 1888, V. L. Cavanna, George A. Frey and associates purchased the Daily Courier and on June 1, 1892, changed it to an eight page form. It continued to be published at No. 132 Federal street until No- vember, 1899, when the present Courier Building, at the northwest corner of Third and Federal streets, was purchased and re-modeled. On De- cember 11, 1919, it was announced that the stock of the Courier Publishing Company had been sold to J. David Stern and Walter L. Tushingham. The former was at one time publisher of the "New Brunswick, [N. J.] Times" and came to Camden from Springfield, Illinois, where he had been pub- lishing the Springfield "News-Record". Mr. Tush- ingham had been business manager of the "Cour- ier" for a number of years. Politically the paper has always been a staunch advocate of the principles of the Republican party. Its influence in the com-
51
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
munity and State has been recognized by men of all parties. As a progressive and up-to-date newspaper the "Courier" has issued two special publications advertising the advantages of the city of Camden. The one issued in 1909 under the ti- tle "Greater Camden" consisted of 84 pages, 101/2 X 15 inches in size, of historical, industrial, and municipal data, interspersed with many illustra- tions, while the publication, dated June, 1917, un- der the title of "The Story of Camden, New Jer- sey", consisted of 82 pages, 9 x 12 inches in size, devoted to a "brief resume of the varied institu- tions and interests which have contributed towards making Camden, New Jersey, one of the most pro- gressive cities of the State, and one of the greatest industrial centers of the world".
"The Society News" was started in 1884 by Alt- man & Dunbar, but after two years' existence, was forced to suspend in February, 1886, at which time its publication office was at 764 Federal street. It was a bright little paper published in the interest of the various secret societies. In 1887, the paper was revived by John Neutze & Co., of 907 South Fourth street, but only survived for a short time. In 1888, Neutze began the publication of "The Wigwam", a semi-monthly paper devoted to news about the Improved Order of Red Men, The publication was continued until 1890.
"The Camden County Journal", a German weekly, was started by Alexander Schlessinger in
52
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
March, 1883, to meet the want which began to be felt by the large German population for a paper printed in their own language. It was at first lo- cated at No. 514 Federal street. In 1889, Louis Holler became proprietor and editor. Under Hol- ler the paper wielded considerable influence among the Germans of the city and its editor was rewarded with several appointments at the hands of the Republican Party, whose doctrines he ad- vocated. In 1913, Holler decided to go West and the paper was sold to Otto Erdlen, who has since continued its publication. It is an eight page seven column sheet, 1734 x 233/8 inches in size.
"The New Jersey Coast Pilot" was founded by Theo. F. Rose, its first issue being dated Saturday, March 4, 1882, and was published continuously under Rose and later under George M. Wallace until 1887.
Shortly after Rose retired from the "New Jersey Coast Pilot" he established the "Atlantic Coast Pi- lot", the first issue of which appeared in December, 1887. In the announcement of the publication, Rose stated that the paper "was published for the development and advancement of the numerous resources of the Atlantic Seashore Region, espe- cially of New Jersey". In January, 1888, its title was changed to "Atlantic Coast Guide". It was a weekly and was issued every Saturday until the year 1903, when the daily papers from New York
THE CAMDEN ECHO
.-
Popla' Soorten
CAMDEN, N ), SATURDAY, MAY | TOOS
We Have the Confidence of Our Customers ROGERS'
PORE DRUSS CAREFUL COMPOUNDING POLITE ATTENTION PECHIIY
HIINE, SBOAND AND MAINSTS, Elm Street Meat Market
305 ELM STREET HIGH CRODE BUTTERINE
> CENTR 4 TEAG, FFENT I COPY
VIL THE X. NEMHER 13
NEW YORK ASSIMALT PASSES UTILITIES BILE
"YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO .ITATER,' BUT YOU CAN'T MAKE HIM DRIVE -
SAN FRANCISCO S GRUFT 83
STATE NEWS FOM PRESS EINER'S wie schort bringen !
bat a Vigu Yes we Bocartes
PHILADELPH114 KEITH'S
MEET YOUR FRIENDS CRYSTAL LOMET
"A Square Deal for One and All."
CAMDEN ARGUS -AND EAST SIDE PRESS
CAMDEN, N. J., SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, NHT.
A BREEZY BUDGET
DE LOCAL NEWS;
Ipa d' rode wayper af Lahim.
l'zupie sbos Selistacilos With
Many Events of Interest dit.
Celui gemen) of Paper and
of Public Attalns
Twewith words.
....
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FETTHER IMPININE MENTS ARE ILNU LOVIL MPLAIFD
O EASINOS FER M WREAIEK CARDIN
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101. A1. NUMBER ..
QUIET CAMPAIGN COMES TO A CLOSE
EAST SIDE PRESS CHANGES ITS NAME
East Side Pross
EAST SIDE PRESS.
FIFTY CENTS A YEAR -
QUALITY GROCERY
53
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
and Philadelphia came into this field and limited the opportunities of a weekly paper.
In 1883, two other attempts were made to start newspapers in Camden but in neither case was the publication of long duration. The "Sunday Globe", edited by T. C. Hamilton and published by A. J. Milliette, was projected as an indepen- dent paper, but survived only a few issues. The "Morning Journal, in which Judge Charles T. Reed was interested, lasted only a few weeks dur- ing the month of November.
In 1884, Alfred A. Holt began the publication of the "Camden Echo", a weekly paper devoted primarily to local church news and to the cause of temperance. Its paid circulation was very small, but, on account of its being distributed "gratis" throughout the city, wielded some influence, partic- ularly in its antagonism to certain political meth- ods then in vogue. On the death of its editor and publisher in July, 1909, the paper was abandoned. Its influence had however, been much curtailed during the latter years of its existence.
"The Evening Telegram" was first issued Feb- ruary 24, 1886, by James M. Fitzgerald and Al- vah M. Smith in the interest of the Democratic Party. In September, Smith retired from the pa- per, which was then continued for a short time by Fitzgerald, when John H. Fort, having acquired a controlling interest, changed the title to "The Daily Telegram".
54
HISTORY OF THE PRESS
The paper was taken over in 1888 by the Tele- gram Publishing Company, with John H. Fort, as president, Upton S. Jefferys, as secretary and treas- urer, and Thomas C. Hamilton as business man- ager. During the Fort regime it was Democratic in its politics, but under the new company it be- came independent. During the next few years numerous changes in control, business management and editorial policies took place and as a conse- quence, its policies were vacillating and its influ- ence in the community very small. In September, 1894, however, the paper was purchased by a syn- dicate composed of several Republican Party leaders, who organized the Camden Daily Tele- gram Company, and placed F. F. Patterson, Jr. in charge. One of the first moves of the new manager was to discard much of the old equipment and in- stall modern methods and mechanical equipment. This was the first newspaper in Camden to be equipped with typesetting machines.
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