Mickey
Blair

MICKEY BLAIR was a professional boxer from Camden NJ. Born Michael Tenerelli in 1908, he grew up on South 4th Street in Camden. The Tenerelli family, which included younger brother Frank and sisters Nettie and Mary, lived at 833 South 4th Street. At 839 South 4th Street lived the Scola family; their son, Vincent Scola, gained notoriety through his involvement in organized crime in the 1930s and 1940s. 

Standing 5'5" tall, Mickey Blair emerged out of Camden's very active 1920s boxing scene, fighting  as a super featherweight and as a lightweight. He apparently dominated South Jersey competition in his amateur days, and by 1926 had turned professional. Between that day and December 21, 1931, Mickey Blair compiled a known record of 25 wins, 11 losses, two draws, and 33 no decisions. He fought some of the better Philadelphia-South Jersey fighters of his day, including Roxie Allen, Eddie Chaney (both Camden products), Eddie Cool, Harry Blitman (who was managed by bootlegger Max "Boo-Boo" Hoff), and Tony Falco, who Blair split two decisions with. It also is worth noting that Mickey Blair's younger brother, who fought as Frankie Blair, also fought Falco. 

Mickey Blair also fought at least one fight after that, a 10 round bout in Camden in 1936 where he defeated Bob Wilson on points. By this time Mickey Blair was fighting as a welterweight, in the above mentioned fight, he weighed in two pounds over the limit.

Mickey Blair was often front page news for activities outside the ring in the 1930s up until his death in November of 1941. He was involved in several numerous scrapes with the law. Mickey Blair was acquitted, along with Thomas Bonalli and Charles Parisi, in February of 1933 of charges stemming from a May 1932 armed robbery in Atlantic City NJ. In July of 1933 he was charged with threatening to kill a Pennsauken man by bombing his house. Mickey Blair was at a Sycamore Street speakeasy as was Bonalli when Detective William T. Feitz was murdered, the first Camden police officer to be killed in the line of duty, on September 2, 1934. Held as a material witness, Blair later refused to testify, and was held in contempt of court as a result. 

Mickey Blair was back in Atlantic County on November 4, 1941 when he was shot to death at the Pleasure Bay Inn, a club that he operated. His murder remained front page news as late as the summer of 1942, even after America became involved in World War II after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Camden Courier-Post
July 31, 1926

Mickey Blair
Billy Moffo
Public Services Ball Park
Joe Spearing
Eddie Chaney
Temple Theater
Tommy Boylan
Rey Weigand
Kid Bevo
Tommy Lyons

Camden Courier-Post * August 7, 1926

Mickey Blair
Sammy Moffo
Frank H. Ryan
Joe Spearing
Eddie Chaney
Ray Weigand
Tommy Boylan
Jack Dundee
Ked Bevo
Joe Robinson
Dan Dean
Joe Valentine
Tommy Lyons

BOXER, SAYRS’ AIDE NABBED IN TIPSY ROW
Bertman Frees Both After Police Tell of Fuss at Brewer’s Cafe

Mickey Blair Camden pugilist, and  Thomas Schneider, secretary to Commissioner William D. Sayrs. Jr., started the New Year by getting drunk and becoming both abusive and pugnacious when ordered away from Horace Brewer’s restaurant on Market street, it was testified by three policemen in Police Court today. 

But Blair and Schneider as well as James Borini, who was arrested with them, won their freedom when Judge Bernard Bertman suspended sentence.

“There is no doubt but that you were all drunk” was Bertman's comment. ‘Surely, if you had been sober, this would never have happened. I know you are respectable men of the community and I regret to see you here. I will suspend sentence”.

According to the three policemen, however, the trio of defendants acted like anything but respectable men of the community yesterday morning when the New Year was little more than three hours old.

Patrolmen Frank Evans, Charles Bowen and August Fortune testified that Blair, Schneider and Borini had been ordered away from the restaurant by Brewer and that they had become abusive, threatening the policemen and calling them names.

Schneider insisted that he entered the argument only because Evans was “beating up Blair," but Evans and the other officers retorted that Blair had warned the policemen that they would be sorry if they arrested him and Schneider had boasted that “no cop can pinch me".

All were charged with being drunk and disorderly. Blair, whose real name is Michael Tenerelli, is 19 years old and lives at 833 South Fourth Street. Schneider gave his address as 414 Spruce Street. He is acting secretary to Commissioner Sayrs as a temporary appointee. Borini, 22 years old, gave his address as 324 Pine street.

Fans Jeer As Referee Smith Gives Draw Decision in 'Mickey' Blair-Joey Michaels Bout
BLAIR'S SKILL OFFSET MICHAELS KAYO PUNCH

...continued...
...continued...
...continued...
...continued...
...continued...

Camden Courier-Post * September 12, 1928

...continued...

Camden Courier-Post - October 15, 1931

BLAIR TO MEET CLARK IN PAULSBORO WINDUP

Paulsboro, Oct. 15.-Boxing will make its indoor appearance here on Thursday night, October 22, when six bouts will be staged at the Paulsboro Arena, which has been renovated to such an extent that it will seat 1200.

It was announced yesterday by Matchmaker Jack Fitzgerald that he has signed Mickey Blair, popular Camden lightweight, and Dick Clark, of Memphis, Tenn., to clash in the main event of six rounds.

Joe Lawson, of Camden, is scheduled to take on "Baby Face" Cramer, of Millville, in the six-round semifinal. Larry Jackson, hard-hitting Millville southpaw, is slated to meet Frankie Robertson, of Camden, in the main preliminary of four rounds.

Al Daley, of Camden, the most promising featherweight in South Jersey, faces Solly Blair, of Vineland, in the third four-rounder. Marty Moore, of  Woodbine, mingles with Buddy Pascoe, of Verga, in the second scrap of four rounds, while Mike Duca, of Paulsboro, and Kid Lee, of Millville, come together in the four-round opener.

BLAIR FACES CLARK IN PAULSBORO BOUT
Lightweights Feature Opening Indoor Card of Six Bouts Tonight

Paulsboro, Oct. 22.-Indoor boxing will make its debut here tonight at the Paulsboro Arena when Promoter Jack Fitzgerald presents a card of six all-star matches. The first bout is timed to start at 8.30 p. m.

 Mickey Blair, pride of South Camden, is down to oppose Dick Clark, of Memphis, Tenn., in the feature bout of six rounds. A semi-final, also of six sessions, and four four-rounders, round out the program.

Blair, who is again fighting in his old form, is favored to take the measure of the boxer from Dixie due to his vast experience in the fight game. He has trained hard for the fight, but may run into the unexpected in Clark who is reputed to be a good, fast puncher with a liking for infighting.

Clark has been fighting in this section for some time and has walked off with a number of important decisions in Millville and at seashore fight clubs. Blair, on the other hand, recently decided to stage a comeback after a long absence from the ring, and his host of followers feel that he is in better shape at present than at any time in his career.

Joe Lawson, another Camden mauler, is scheduled to battle "Baby Face" Cramer, of Millville, in the six-round semi-final. Cramer is rapidly forging to the front, while Lawson is a veteran of many tough encounters.

Larry Jackson, of Millville, and Frankie Robinson, of Camden, meet in the preliminary of four rounds. Al Daley, another Camdenite and one of the most promising featherweights in South Jersey, takes on Solly Blair, of Vineland, in a return four-rounder, the first bout having resulted in a draw.

Marty Moore, of Woodbine, and Buddy Pascoe, of Verga, mingle in the second bout of four rounds, while Mike Duca, of Paulsboro, and Kid Lee, of Millville, clash in the four­round opener.

Camden Courier-Post
June 1, 1932

Mickey Blair
Thomas Bonelli
Charles Parisi

Camden Courier-Post * June 10, 1932

Edward V. Martino - Mickey Blair - Thomas Bonelli
Charles Parisi - Chestnut Street - William Tenerelli

Camden Courier-Post
June 16, 1932

Camden Courier-Post * June 16, 1932

Camden Courier-Post * June 18, 1932

BOXER, SAYRS’ AIDE NABBED IN TIPSY ROW
Bertman Frees Both After Police Tell of Fuss at Brewer’s Cafe

Mickey Blair, Camden pugilist, and  Thomas Schneider. secretary to Commissioner William D. Sayrs. Jr., started the New Year by getting drunk and becoming both abusive and pugnacious when ordered away from Horace Brewer’s restaurant on Market street, it was testified by three policemen in Police Court today. 

But Blair and Schneider as well as James Borini. who was arrested with them, won their freedom when Judge Bernard Bertman suspended sentence.

“There is no doubt but that you were all drunk” was Bertman's comment. ‘Surely, if you had been sober, this would never have happened. I know you are respectable men of the community and I regret to see you here. I will suspend sentence”.

According to the three policemen, however, the trio of defendants acted like anything but respectable men of the community yesterday morning when the New Year was little more than three hours old.

Patrolmen Frank Evans, Charles Bowen and August Fortune testified that Blair, Schneider and Borini had been ordered away from the restaurant by Brewer and that they had become abusive, threatening the policemen and calling them names.

Schneider insisted that he entered the argument only because Evans was “beating up Blair," but Evans and the other officers retorted that Blair had warned the policemen that they would be sorry if they arrested him and Schneider had boasted that “no cop can pinch me".

All were charged with being drunk and disorderly. Blair, whose real name is Michael Tenerelli, is 19 years old and lives at 833 South 4th Street. Schneider gave his address as 414 Spruce Street. He is acting secretary to Commissioner Sayrs as a temporary appointee. Borini, 22 years old, gave his address as 324 Pine street.

MICKEY BLAIR TRIAL SCHEDULED MONDAY
'On ,Again-Off Again' Robbery Hearing With 2 Pals Much Delayed

The "on again-off again" trial of Mickey Blair, Camden prize fighter, and two companions on robbery indictments in Atlantic county, is listed to go on hearing Monday at Mays Landing.

That announcement was made by Prosecutor Louis A. Repetto at Atlantic City yesterday.

The two others indicted with Blair are Thomas Bonalli, 23, of 270 Walnut street, and Charles Parisi, 22, of 313 Pine street. Blair is 23 and lives at 833 South 4th Street. 

The trio was jointly indicted for taking $33.07 at the point of a gun from Mrs. Barbara Lehman and Benjamin Rubenstein last May 18 in a candy and cigar store at 1209 Arctic Avenue, Atlantic City. 

A faulty set of indictments August 3 caused indefinite postponement of the first trial of the three men until new true b1lls were returned. New indictments were presented August 12 and since that time the trial has been set down no less than a half-dozen times but has been postponed for various reasons.

MICKEY BLAIR FREE, ACCUSERS ARRESTED
Plaintiff in Robbery Held After Failure to Identify Suspects

Mays Landing, Feb. 6.--Mickey Blair, well-known boxer and two other Camden youths were acquitted by a jury in Atlantic County Criminal Court here today of participation in an Atlantic City cigar store holdup nine months ago.

The acquittal followed summary arrest of a state's witness on perjury charges at the direction of Judge William H. Smathers. The two youths acquitted with Blair are Thomas Bonalli, 23, of 270 Walnut street, and Charles Parisi, 22, of 313 Pine street. Blair's right name is Michael Tenerelli. He is 23 and lives at 833 South 4th Street. 

Faces Trial Here

Blair is facing trial in Camden county on a charge of threatening to kill Calvin Bell, 46, colored, of Pennsauken, by bombing his home. Blair pleaded not guilty to the indictment last July 7. The jury went out at 2.15 p. m. and reported at 2.43 p. m. 

Judge Smathers ordered the arrest of Benjamin Rubenstein, 28, when he failed to reaffirm identification of the il defendants as the three who robbed him. Atlantic City police say he is a "numbers" racketeer.

Detective Mortimer J. Hayes, of Atlantic City, testified Rubenstein identified the defendants in a "line-up" at headquarters. Later Judge Smathers held Rubenstein in $5000 bail for the grand jury. 

Rubenstein's failure to identify the prisoners was characterized by Assistant Robert N. McAllister as evidence of "the underworld's inftuence."

Charges Intimidation

"You have seen Rubenstein and another state's witness fall down in court here," McAllister told the jury 

continued page 11.

Camden Courier-Post
Evening Courier - September 10, 1934

...continued...

Camden Courier-Post * September 14, 1934

Camden Courier-Post * September 15, 1934

Camden Courier-Post
Evening Courier - September 17, 1934

 ORLANDO ASSUMES CHARGE OF VICE WAR
Prosecutor Directs Cleanup and Pushes Probe of Feitz Murder

 Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando today dropped all other duties and took personal charge of the drive to rid Camden city and county of vice.

Orlando announced he would concentrate his activities in the drive against crime and the solution of the murder of Detective William T. Feitz Jr., slain two weeks ago in a South Camden disorderly house.

“I hope to gather enough evidence to go before the grand jury within the next week or 10 days,” Orlando said. “The Feitz murder investigation is progressing and I hope to have sufficient facts before me soon that will enable is to apprehend the slayers.”

Weekend developments in the general drive against crime resulted in the raiding of at least 30 gambling houses, illicit saloons, and alcohol stills with police spurred to feverish activity by Mayor Roy R. Stewart’s probe of the department, which he said will end this week, unless new evidence develops to extend it.

Blair Release Sought

 Meanwhile, Edward V. Martino, council for Michael Tenerelli, alias Mickey Blair, former boxer, announced his intention of appearing before Judge Frank F. Neutze today to apply for a writ of habeas corpus to effect the release of Blair, held as the “key witness” in the Feitz slaying.

“Prosecutor Orlando had demanded $10,000 for the release of Blair,” Martino said. “That amount is ridiculously high. When I asked Orlando why his office required such excessive bail, he told me ‘I have to back up the police’”.

 Martino said he would demand the prosecutor show in court the reason for the “unreasonable demand”.

Lieutenant Walter Welch, new commander of the Second Police District, conducted an intensive cleanup of his bailiwick over Saturday and Sunday, raiding 25 alleged violators of liquor and gambling laws.

Aided by state alcohol agents, police raiders headed by Lieutenant George Frost uncovered two 50-gallon stills and a bullet-riddled target in two apparently abandoned houses at 531 and 533 South 2nd Street. An advance “tip-off” had caused operators of the stills to flee, police said.

Two alcohol “drops”, believed operated by the proprietors of the South 2nd Street houses, were visited but found empty.

Numbers Baron Nabbed

Marshall Howard, 33, of 1912 Derousse avenue, Delair, described by Prosecutor Orlando as a ‘big shot’ in the Pennsauken and Camden numbers racket, was arrested Saturday when he visited the court house to make inquiries concerning an unnamed woman under arrest as a numbers writer.

A short while later, at the request of Orlando, Lucille Barber, 35, of 8302 Park avenue, Pennsauken township, and John Barnes, 26, of 7508 Pleasant avenue, Pennsauken township, both colored, were arrested as numbers writers.

It was reported at Pennsauken township police headquarters that the pair was wanted in connection with the case against Howard.

Both were held in $1000 bail for the grand jury.

Those who were held without bail as material witnesses in the Feitz case are Cornelius Murphy, 50, of 239 Sycamore Street, doorkeeper in the establishment; Edward Grapatin, 32, of 246 Kaighn Avenue; Joseph McKenna, 31, of 1404 Broadway; Katherine Lougheed, 32, of 626 Pine Street; Edna Butler, 33, colored, of 1122 South 2nd Street, and Joan Stein, 24, of Philadelphia. Six others were released in their own recognizance as material witnesses.

They are Sam Silverman, 34, of 325½ Kaighn Avenue; Edward Gorba, 20, who has supplied police with most of the information about Feitz’ death, and Gorba’s brother, Henry, 19, of 17 North 21st Street; Joseph McDonald, 20, of 1605 South 9th Street; Edith Miller, 28, colored, of 205 Sycamore Street, and George Martorano, 25, of 532 West Street.

Aided by Patrolmen William Marter and Carmin Fuscellaro Sr., Lieutenant Welch conducted a series of raids Saturday night and yesterday morning. The saloon of Mary Niewinski, at 400 Mechanic Street, was raided early yesterday and two customers arrested.

Lieutenant Welch Leads Raiders

Welch, who took over the duties Lieutenant Ralph Bakley when the latter was suspended by Mayor Stewart yesterday, declared he was seeking violators of the city’s Sunday closing ordinance, which states that places selling liquor must close “between the hours of 2:00 AM Sunday and 7:00 AM Monday.”

Nickelson Lehger, 49, of 311 Somerset Street, Gloucester and George Burkett, 38, of 340 Liberty Street, were arrested in Mrs. Niewinski's place. Welch said they were shooting craps on the bar. Mrs. Niewinski was released in $500 bail as proprietor and the men were released in $100 bail each as frequenters.

The three were arrested on Welch's second visit yesterday, he said. The first time he ordered Mrs. Niewinski to close her place, but on his second visit, he found the men gambling, he said.

Welch and his squad visited a house at 1903 South 6^th street, reputedly operated by William Tansky, 33. Tansky, charged with violating the closing ordinance, was released in $500 bail as proprietor, and Edward Krown, 65, of 1705 South 4th Street; Edward Judd, 41, of 721 Ferry Avenue; and William Sampey, of 729 North 10th Street, charged with being frequenters, were released in $100 bail.

Saloon Raided

A saloon operated by Helen Brass, 52, at 1067 Ferry Avenue, scene of an unsuccessful holdup attempt Friday, was next raided. Frank Dipeto, 42, of 829 Sylvan Street; Edward Podyezmek, 47, of 783 South 2nd street; Joseph Orbin, 53, of 963 Florence Street; and Angelo Del Rossi, 70, of 430 Emerald Street, were arrested and held as frequenters. Mrs. Brass was charged with violating the closing ordinance.

The establishment of Mitchell Lambert, 26, at 1427 South 9th Street was next visited. Lambert, held as proprietor was released in $500 bail. Florian Shepecarter, 36, of 2811 Yorkship Road; John Glenn, 35, of 52 Courtland Street; Paul Korzewszeski, 34, of 1041 Atlantic Avenue; and William Lanning, 37, of 1149 South 9th Street were all nabbed as frequenters.

At 1025 South 2nd Street, Welch and his men found four colored men and women, and Meg Mack, 38, colored, who was charged with being proprietor. The four gave their names as Alvin Mack, of the South 2nd Street address; Howard Elinor, 30, of 215 Chestnut Street; and Alice Wells and Emily Robinson, 28, of the same address. All were held for hearing today.

Welch declared he was unable to enter some of the places visited because he did not hold warrants. He said he would procure warrants today and return to several of the places. In the other instances where raids were made, Welch did not reveal the addresses or names.

Welch announced last night he is not seeking “personal notoriety” through his activities, but is merely doing his duty as a police officer. He declared “the lid has been clamped on the second District and will stay on.”

Mayor Stewart commended Welch's activities, and declared he will recommend suspension of liquor licenses in all the places where violations were uncovered.

Thirteen were arrested by a detail of state troopers from the Mt. Ephraim and Berlin barracks when a raid was staged on the home of Dominick Melchiore, 28, at Cedar Avenue, Blenheim.

Melchiore was charged with operating a gambling establishment. Arraigned before Justice of the peace Charles Jackson at Runnemede, he was fined $5 and costs. Charles Darpino, 26, a Camden man among those arrested, gave his address as 306 Chestnut Street. He and the 11 others were fined $3 each and costs.

The police raiders who uncovered the two stills and riddled target at 533 South 2nd Street also visited the home of Charles Auletto, 20 South 2nd street. Auletto, charged with selling illegal liquor, denied knowledge of the stills, but was held on $1000 bail for the grand jury by Police Judge J. Harry Switzer.

Two men were fined $25.00 each last night in Pennsauken township police court by Recorder George E. Yost on slot machine gambling charges.

Arthur Pipher, 25, of 2248 North 36th Street, Camden, was charged with placing slot machines in various stores for gambling purposes, and Edward Friedberg, operator of a medicine store at Park and Union Avenues, Pennsauken was charged with possession of a slot machine. Friedberg announced he would appeal his conviction.

It was testified that he offered merchandise as prizes in conjunction with operation of the device.

Camden Courier-Post * October 12, 1934

Left: Thomas Cheeseman
Right: Vernon Jones

Joe Spearing
Jersey Joe Walcott - Roxie Allen
Frankie Blair - Mickey Blair
Tommy Ricco - Battling Mack
Lew Skymer - Jackie Hindle
Charlie Mack - Eddie Chaney
Young O'Connor - Frankie Rapp
Pee Wee Ross - Bobby Zimmerman
Nick Nichols - Joey Allen
Johnny Lucas - Joey Straiges
Jim Braddock - Sgt. Ray Smith
Walter "Walter West" Kennedy
Caesar Campana
Johnny Duca - Mickey Duca - Al White
George Chaney - Benny Bass - Kid Williams
Johnny Buff - Danny Kramer - Pete Williams
Shamus Maguire - Lew Jackson - Paddy Lyons
Johnny Attell - Billy Marino - Young Firpo
Young Palmer - Tommy Dundee
Tommy McCann
Harry Shaw - Tom Walters
All Ettore - Joey O'Donnell
Mike DeLeece - Young Lawrence
Charlie Harris - Bill McFarland
Dominick Lombardo
Daniel Gallasso
James McSparrin
Paul Daly

Camden Courier-Post
Evening Courier - August 6, 1942