C. Lawrence
Gregorio

From
South Jersey: A History 1624-1924

C. LAWRENCE GREGORIO—A country whose Sons stand high on the lists of those who have achieved every line of human endeavor, frequently leading them all, is not only a land of genius, but a land where burns an unquenchable thirst for education. It is written on every page of her history that Italian parents are ready to make almost any sacrifice so that their Sons may have schooling and a chance to make good in time. From this motherland, with her rich endowment, came John Carl Gregorio and Laura Costino, when they were young. They met in America and here were married. C. Lawrence Gregorio is their son, born in Philadelphia on June 6, 1899, moving, when about three years old, to Camden.

His first school days were spent in St. Michael’s Parochial School, from which he passed to St. Joseph’s College. He secured his degree, LL.B. from Temple University, graduating in 1920. While studying law, he worked with the Victor Talking Machine Company. He began his professional career in the office of James Mercer Davis, where he remained for two years, until he had passed his bar examinations. In 1921, he moved into the offices of Liberman and Rubenstein, where he has been practicing ever since. Mr. Gregorio is a member of the New Jersey State and the Camden County Bar associations, solicitor for the Compatriot Building and Loan Association, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Victory Trust Company.

C. Lawrence Gregorio is a Democrat and under Prosecutor of Pleas Wescott, he is serving as assistant prosecuting attorney. Though he entered the Students’ Army Training Corps, he did not get into active service overseas. He was very active at hoe in the Liberty and Victory Loan drives, and was also a member of the winning team, composed entirely of Italians, and led by Mr. Di Paolo, president of the Victory Trust Company, which made the new Camden Community Hotel possible by obtaining subscriptions to the amount of $53,000. He also did efficient service for the Red Cross.

Mr. Gregorio is a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and belongs to the Camden Council of the Knights of Columbus. He is also connected with the National Order of the Sons of Italy, Lodge Dante Alighieri. .

Old Doc Hyghcock Nabbed with Ancient Sedan, Gun

 “Doctor” Reyouque E.H.H. Hyghcock, whose underground “House of Terror” at 415 Liberty Street brought him much publicity and a prison cell two years ago, was arrested today in Collingswood. He was charged with having a loaded revolver in his possession and driving a motorcar without a license.

When the “doctor” was taken into custody he wore a high hat, a ministers frock coat and a pair of hip boots.  He was driving a box-car sedan of the vintage of  1861*. Collingswood police said the “Doc” told them he was a tourist on a tour but wasn’t going any place in particular.

“Doc” was seen at 2:00 this morning by Earl Wilson, a motorcycle policeman. When Wilson saw the “seagoing hack” approaching at the high speed of 8 miles an hour- the best the sedan could do- he rubbed his eyes in amazement. The motor car chugged then stopped. “Doc” attired in his high hat and hip boots, stepped from behind the wheel. Smith came closer to investigate.

“The mummers’ parade was over last Monday,” the policeman said, “what did you represent?”

Shows Gold Tooth

“Doc” smiled and showed his two rows of golden teeth, which glittered under the rays of a nearby arc light.

“I’m touring but I’m not going any place in particular,” “Doc” said. “I’m having a little trouble with the radiator.”

“Is that why you are wearing hip boots?” the policeman asked.

“Sure is,” “Doc” replied.

“Why are you wearing a high hat?”

“To keep my head from getting cold,” “Doc” answered.

The policeman looked into the “boxcar sedan” and found a loaded revolver. “Doc” said he carried the weapon for protection. Ten minutes later he was telling the desk sergeant at the Collingswood police station his name and address and other pertinent facts about himself.

Today he was arraigned before Recorder Bialy and at the suggestion of Assistant Prosecutor Gregorio, he was held without bail on the charge of carrying concealed deadly weapons. He was taken to the county jail pending an investigation by the county authorities.

Two years ago “Doc” had the limelight of publicity streamed upon him when police discovered the “voo doo doctor” had a number of underground rooms beneath his house and in his back yard. The yard was dug up by firemen and the rooms destroyed. Hyghcock, police said, was the head of a voodoo cult and the underground rooms, each measuring about five feet square were used in the ritual ceremonies. Hyghcock was arrested but was later released when the rooms were destroyed..

Camden Courier-Post - January 31, 1928

February 10, 1928

Andrew Wojtkowiak
William Michalak
C. Lawrence Gregorio
Judge Samuel M. Shay

Camden Courier-Post - April 23, 1928

Camden Courier-Post - October 20, 1931

DEMOCRATS TO STAGE MEETINGS TONIGHT

Six meetings, three in the city and three in the county, will be conducted by Democrats tonight in the interest of A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and local candidates on the Democratic ticket.

The meetings are:

Tenth Ward Democratic Club, Camden, 822 North Eighth Street, Firmin Michel Frank Connors, speakers.

Woodrow Wilson, Democratic Club, Atlantic and Louis Streets, Thomas Madden, speaker.

LFirst Ward Democratic Club, 315 North Second Street; former Assis­tant Prosecutor C. Lawrence Gregorio, and David Visor, speakers.

Haddon Heights A. Harry Moore Club, Station Avenue; Ralph Wescott, Haddonfield freeholder candidate, speaking.

A. Harry Moore Colored Club of Delaware Township; former Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Varbalow and Rev. Robert A. Jackson, speakers.

Bellmawr Democratic C1ub, At home of Harry L. Maloney, Democratic State Committeeman; Leon H. Rose and John Delaney, speakers.

Camden Courier-Post - October 21, 1931

SINCERITY OF G.O.P. FLAYED BY FRENCH
Former Bridge Official in Speech Asks Baird Seven Questions

Directing questions at David Baird, Republican candidate for governor, Samuel T. French, former president of the New Jersey Bridge and Tunnel Commission, last night attacked the sincerity of Baird's campaign speeches.

French addressed more than 200 voters at the headquarters, of the Woodrow Wilson Democratic Club, Atlantic and Louis Streets, in appealing for suffrage in the interest of A. Harry Moore, Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

"In a campaign speech at. Plainfield on October 17," French said, "Baird pledged himself to quick relief of the tax burden. In view of past events, I do not know what has come over Mr. Baird; I do not know what has changed his heart. He was a director of Public Service and the controlling power of the legislature when the legislature passed a bill, which relieved the Public Service of keeping the roadways and street surfaces in good condition between the rails on eighteen inches of either side. This resulted in a saving of millions of dollars to Public Service and put the bill in the hands of the taxpayers. Yet, Mr. Baird says conditions must be changed by a change of the taxation system. Is that the way to change taxation- by increasing it for the citizens and lowering it for the corporations?

Asks Seven Questions

"If Camden County is where Mr. Baird derived inspiration for his Plainfield speech, I ask him to publicly answer these questions:

"First, what was the idea of buying the ground upon a portion of which is erected the county court house and city hall, when the city owned a plot of land much better lo­cated on which it would have been unnecessary to destroy property, which was paying into the city treasury annually approximately $70,000 in taxes?

"Secondly, why was it necessary to buy that whole tract of land and destroy all the tax producing property when the city only had use for less than 25 percent of it?

"Thirdly, from whom did the city purchase a large portion of this tract? Why was it necessary to build a city hall at the particular time? What was the total cost of the city hall and court house annex? And, of utmost importance, why was the contract price paid in full on or about December 1, 1930, when the work was only about 80 percent completed?

"Fourth, did Senator Baird approve of all the acts of the City Commission and the Board of Freeholders in the city's and county's activities in the purchase of all the land and the erection of the building?

"Fifth, if Mr. Baird's answer is 'yes,' to that question, then I ask him why were former Mayor Price and Commissioner T. Yorke Smith, dropped from the Republican ticket in the municipal election? If Mr. Baird's answer is 'no,' then I ask him why were not the entire five commissioners dropped from the Republican ticket at the last municipal election, instead of making Price and Smith the goats?

“Sixth, I ask Mr. Baird if he offered objection to the selection of the site or the expenditures in connection with the enterprise?

"Seventh. I ask the Republican candidate for governor, believing as he says he does in his Plainfield speech that the spending orgy must stop: What would have been the saving to the taxpayers of Camden city and county if the new city hall had been erected at the Civic Centre instead of its present location?"

Praises Moore's Record.

French lauded the record of A. Harry Moore, the Democratic candidate for governor, and charged the Republican state administration with "wanton expenditure and gross extravagance of the first water."

"Property will be led to the point of confiscation if the Republicans are allowed to continue their orgy of spending." French concluded, "and the only remedy in election of Moore with a Democratic legislature to support him."

Thomas Madden also spoke at the meeting.  

Democratic rallies were also  held last night in three wards of the city and in Ashland.

C. Lawrence Gregorio, former assistant prosecutor, and David L. Visor spoke at the First Ward Democratic Club, 315 North Second Street;  Firmin Michel and Frank Connors at the Tenth Ward A. Harry Moore Club, 822 North Eighth Street; Albert Melnik, Gene Mariano and John Crean, at the Ninth Ward Democratic Club, 543 Washington Street, and Isaac Eason, former assistant attorney general of the United States at the A. Harry Moore Club of Ashland, Burnt Mill Road. 

Camden Courier-Post - October 23, 1931

7 DEMOCRATS RALLIES IN COUNTY TONIGHT

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 ar.d county tonight.

County meetings, all at 8 p. m. and speakers are as follows:

First Ward Democratic Club, Gloucester, Mercer and Burlington streets, E. George Aaron, Firman Michel and Marie V. Kelly.

Pennsauken Colored A. Harry Moore Club, Magnolia and Scovel avenues, Merchantville, Dr. Clement T. Branch, Eugene Aumaitre and Albert Melnik.

Lindenwold A. Harry Moore Club, Garden Lake fire hall, C. Lawrence Gregorio, Leon Rose, Joseph Varbalow and Mrs. Florence Melnik.

Glendora A. Harry Moore Club, fire hall, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving, Gene Mariano, Samuel P. Orlando and John Crean.

Somerdale Democratic Club, fire hall, Mrs. Emma E. Hyland, Edward L. Canning, Thomas Madden and John Delaney.

Fifth Ward Democratic Club. Fifth and Pine Streets, Samuel T. French, Rev. Robert A. Jackson, David L. Visor and Sabba Verdiglione .

Eighth Ward Democratic Club, 509 Ferry Avenue, Isaac Eason, Francis Homan, Charles Degnan and Judge Frank F. Neutze.

Camden Courier-Post - October 29, 1931

DEMOCRATS TO HOLD MEETINGS TONIGHT
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 Ward Democratic Club, 841 Market Sktreet; Eugene Aumetre, John Crean, Vincent Gallagher, Leon H. Rose and Charles Woods. 

Fourth Ward A. Harry Moore Club, 455 Berkley Street; Samuel T. French, Victor King, Thomas Madden, Leon H. Rose, Gene Mariano, Samuel P. Orlando and Rev. Robert H. Jackson.

Sixth Ward Democratic Club, Fourth and Walnut Street; Frank Connor, Albert Melnik and Thomas Madden.

Tenth Ward Democratic Club, Fifth and Vine Streets; Boyd Morrison, Joseph E. Nowrey, Charles Degnan and David L. Visor.

Seventh Ward A. Harry Moore Club, Seventh Street and Kaighn Avenue; Dr. Leroy Baxter, of Jersey City; Isaac Eason, Dr. Clement Branch, Rev. Robert H. Jackson, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving and Frank Suttill.

Eleventh Ward Democratic Club, 927 North Twenty-seventh street; Boyd Morrison, Firmin Michel, Victor King, Mrs. Bertha Shippen Irving.

Gloucester City Democratic Club, 308 Monmouth street; Boyd Morrison, Gene Mariano, Joseph Varbalow.

Magnolia A. Harry Moore Club, Evesham and Gloucester avenues; Firmin Michel, Edward L. Canning, John Delaney, Marie V. Kelley and Francis Homan.

Lindenwold Colored Voters' Club, Blackstone Hall, Lindenwold, Eugene Aumetre, William Williams and Oliver Bond.

Somerdale Club, Whelen home, Somerdale road and Oggs Avenue; Marie V. Kelly, David L. Visor and Mrs. Emma E. Hyland.

Somerdale Democratic Club, Leone Hall, Warwick Road and Helena Avenue; Samuel P. Orlando, Aaron Heine, Lawrence Gregorio and E. George Aaron.

East Haddonfield Democrat Club, Crescent and Berlin Road; Edward L. Canning, Albert Melnik and Judge Frank F. Neutze.

East Haddonfield Improvement Association, Batesville, Delaware Township; Ralph Wescott, Judge Frank F. Neutze and Mrs. Florence Melnik.

More than five speakers from North Jersey will appear at as many meetings as possible.

Camden Courier-Post - October 31, 1931

MOORE RALLIES TONIGHT IN 3 WARDS, ASHLAND 

Rallies in the interest of A. Harry Moore, gubernatorial candidate, and local candidates on the Democratic ticket will be conducted tonight in Ashland and in three wards of the city.

The meetings and speakers are as follows;

Sixth Ward Democratic Club, Fourth and Walnut Streets; E. George Aaron, Samuel P. Orlando, Boyd E. Morrison, Charles Degnan and Sabba Verdiglione.

Third Ward A. Harry Moore Club, Third and Benson Streets: Samuel T. French, Orlando, Edward L. Canning, C. Lawrence Gregorio, Frank Homan and Anthon Ruffo, of Trenton.

Eleventh Ward A. Harry Moore Club, 927 North Twenty-seventh street: Aaron, Canning, Isaac Eason, Marie V. Kelly and Judge Frank F. Neutze.

Ashland Democratic Club, home of Ida May Heidrick, Burnt Mill road and Second Avenue: Thomas Madden, Leon H. Rose and Eugene Mariano,

'BLACKIE' BATTINO GETS 3 TO 5 YEARS
Sentenced by Judge Shay After Pleading Guilty to Holdup Charge

Pleading guilty in criminal court to holding up two South Camden men last February, and to a gun toting charge Louis "Blackie" Battino, 23, of 805 South Fifth street, was sentenced to three to five years in state prison by Judge Samuel M. Shay yesterday.

Bottino, who was captured in a New York "love nest" on a fugitive warrant after he jumped a $5000 bail bond here, was first arrested by Detective Thomas Cheeseman on the night of the holdup. He was identified by Marvin Johnson, of 926 South Ninth Street, and Louis Puggsley, of 312 Benson Street, who said the man stuck a revolver in a car in which they were seated and robbed them of $28.

County Detective Fiore Troncone and New York detectives surprised Bottino in an apartment at Ninth Avenue and Fifty-fourth Street, New York, with a woman. Patsy Costagno, 23, of 2412 South Watts Street, Philadelphia, an alleged accomplice of Bottino, was sentenced April 19, 1932, to serve 13 years in jail on three indictments for participation in the crime and carrying concealed deadly weapons.

C. Lawrence Gregorio, counsel for Battino, pleaded for another chance for his client, pointing out the youth of the prisoner. Judge Shay, however, remained unmoved and imposed sentence.

Camden Courier-Post - June 26, 1933

FREDA BROWN ASKS FOR MAINTENANCE
Wife of Druggist Suing for Divorce Petitions Advisory Master 

Mrs. Freda Brown, wife of Joseph E. Brown, druggist at Third and Market Streets, who is suing her for divorce, appeared before William J. Kraft, advisory master in chancery, yesterday and asked for maintenance for herself and their two children"

The hearing was adjourned until July 10 to give Brown's attorneys an opportunity to prove his claim that Mrs. Brown is employed in Philadelphia at $18 a week.

Brown has entered suit charging his wife with infidelity and naming Dr. Alexander Ellis, 37, of 513 Broadway, as co-respondent. However, suit is not actually on file yet as Brown's lawyers stated they have been unable to serve papers on Mrs. Brown.

Isaac Eason, attorney for Mrs. Brown appeared yesterday with a bill for maintenance. It set forth that, the Browns were married at Elkton, November 23, 1923, and that Brown deserted his wife. In the petition, Brown is accused of getting his wife out of their home by a pretext and then refusing to allow her to re-enter. Eason stated he knew nothing about a divorce suit;. as no papers have been served on Mrs. Brown.

C. Lawrence Gregorio and Grover C. Richman, counsel for Brown, stated that Mrs. Brown does not need maintenance as she has a job. Kraft asked if they could submit proof of this today, whereupon Richman asked for the adjournment, saying he could obtain such testimony by July 10.

 Mrs. Brown's address was given as 541 South Forty-seventh Street, Philadelphia. Their children, Gerald 8, and Dolores, 6, are in custody of their father.

Camden Courier-Post - August 16, 1933

FIVE WOMEN FAINT AS COURT JAILS MEN
Turmoil Caused as Judge Acts to End Vandalism in County

A court room crowded to the doors was thrown into a turmoil of excitement yesterday when five women became hysterical upon hearing Judge Samuel M. Shay impose prison terms on three men who pleaded guilty to vandalism in special session of criminal court.

Completely losing control of themselves, the women threw their pocketbooks, hats and gloves across the court room. Screaming at the top of their lungs, they were joined in the bedlam by small children they had brought to court with them.

All five women fainted and were carried from the court room by attendants. When they were revived they continued the disturbance In anterooms and corridors. The names of the women were not obtained by officials.

The jail sentences were meted out by Judge Shay as the opening shot in his campaign to stamp out vandalism in Camden county. The three men and their sentences are Elmer Baxendale, 32, of 1647 Forty-ninth Street, Pennsauken, two to three years in state prison; Thomas Henry, 32, of 1211 Bergen Avenue, 18 months, and John Schwab, 31, of 1739 Lexington Avenue, Pennsauken, 18 months.

Judge Shay sounded a warning that he will show no mercy to convicted vandals, who may, in the future, expect a sentence of 10 years.

The jurist was angered when information that one of the three defendants had pleaded not guilty, instead of guilty, as the judge had understood, and ordered him to trial immediately with the promise of 10 years if found guilty. After a conference with, counsel, the defendant, Schwab, let the guilty plea stand.

Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin told the court Baxendale had admitted the theft of plumbing and other fixtures from 13 houses in the vicinity of Forty-fourth street and Pleasant avenue, Pennsauken, and Forty-ninth street and Westfield Avenue, Pennsauken. Henry admitted to 10 robberies and Schwab to two, he added.

"The kind of stuff you fellows have been doing strikes at the very foundation of organized government said the court: "We can lock our automobiles and jewelry, but owners of unoccupied houses are at the mercy of men like you. I am not going to tolerate it."

He then pronounced sentence and the women, rising in their seats, began screaming. When some semblance of order was restored, C. Lawrence Gregorio, an attorney, addressed Judge Shay, saying: 

"You must have misunderstood my client, Schwab, he pleaded not guilty."

"All right," said the court, making no effort to hide its anger at the whole procedure, "if he does, we'll put him on trial now, right this minute. Prosecutor, go ahead and proceed with your case.             ,

"But I'm going to tell you this, Mr. Gregorio. If your client is found guilty, I'm going to sentence him to ten years in the state prison. Go ahead and put him on tria1." Gregorio, after conferring with Schwab, said the prisoner was satisfied to let the original sentence stand and he would plead guilty.

"You can broadcast to the city and county," the court then said, "that I have a way to break up this vandalism. I'm going to sentence convicted vandals to 10 years."

Camden Courier-Post - September 18, 1933

Camden Courier-Post * February 15, 1938

RACKET IN CLEANERS LAID TO PRISONER
Police Charge He Got One on Credit, Sold and Then Reclaimed It

One of the strangest gyp rackets discovered in Camden in recent years—a vacuum cleaner sales scheme—was believed broken up yesterday with arraignment of Leonard Hauser, 218 North Eighth street, before Police Judge Mariano. Hauser was arrested at his home by 
Patrolman John Ferry after an investigation by Frank Thompson, representative of a nationally-known vacuum cleaner company with offices at Sixth and Cooper streets.

Ferry testified Hauser paid $10 down on a cleaner for a certain trial period. Then, Ferry said, he represented himself as a salesman for the company and sold it to Mrs. Mary Kirby, 552 Bailey street, for $25, plus her old cleaner for a trade in.

Later, the cleaner mysteriously broke down. Hauser called and said he would take it back, Ferry testified, and bring a new one. He took the cleaner, said Ferry, but never was seen at the Kirby home again.

"If he had taken the broom," remarked City Prosecutor Cohen, "would you call it a clean sweep?"

Mariano said he had information that Hauser was "working a real racket and that a number of other North Camden residents had been similarly defrauded."

C. Lawrence Gregorio, defense counsel, waived a hearing and the suspect was held in $2000 bail for the Grand Jury.

Detective Edwin Mills said after the hearing that Hauser did not restrict his activities to vacuum cleaners.

William Shaw, of 1474 Broadway, i dentified Hauser, according to Mills, as the man who collected $5 from him for an electric toy which was to have been Shaw's little son's Christmas present.- The toy never arrived, Mills said Shaw told him.

Mrs. Emily C. Hedley, of Berlin, and Mrs. Howard Brown, of Williamstown, also identified Hauser as the "vacuum cleaner salesman" who duped them, Mills declared..