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FIRMIN F. MICHEL was born in New Jersey around 1900. He married his wife, Gertrude, about 1927. At the time of the 1930 Census, Mr. and Mrs. Michel were renting at 518 Essex Street in Gloucester City NJ. At the time of the census, in April, he was finishing law school, and his wife was working as a bookkeeper at a printing company. After his 1930 graduation from the South Jersey Law School in Camden, Firmin Michel took a position with former assistant county prosecutor and future judge Joseph A. Varbalow, in Camden. On October 21, 1936 after the New Jersey State Supreme Court handed down its final and conclusive decision regarding the Camden municipal election of 1935, Firmin F. Michel was named City Solicitor of Camden, replacing E.G.C. Bleakly. A son, Firmin F. Michel Jr., was born in New Jersey on October 12, 1938. Firmin Michel died unexpectedly at home in early November, 1942. |
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Camden Courier-Post - October 14, 1931 |
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NEW ENTERPRISES Articles of incorporation filed in the office of County Clerk Charles F. Wise during the past week and , names of incorporators are: Esther Osgenel Company, 215 Federal Street, real estate, 100 shares of common Stock without nominal or par value; Firmin Michel, 514 Essex Street, Gloucester; Benjamin J. Dzick, 3910 Westfield Avenue; Anna Cohen, 212 South Twenty-seventh Street. |
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Camden Courier-Post - October 20, 1931 |
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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. First 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. |
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Camden Courier-Post - October 21, 1931 |
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SINCERITY
OF G.O.P. FLAYED BY FRENCH 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. |
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Camden Courier-Post - October 23, 1931 |
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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 and 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. |
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Camden Courier-Post - October 29, 1931 |
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DEMOCRATS
TO HOLD MEETINGS TONIGHT The campaign for 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. |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 20, 1933 |
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LLOYD CRITICIZES LOCALITIES FOR DIVERTING
MONEY Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd yesterday "laid down the law" to four Camden county municipalities at a hearing of the county's mandamus proceedings to compel payment of $426,952 in back taxes for the years 1930, 1931 and 1932. After stressing the importance of setting aside the portion owed the state and county out of every tax dollar collected, Justice Lloyd held the cases over until the September term of court "in the hope that these taxes will be paid." 'Out of Clear Sky' The four municipalities were represented by their respective borough, township or city clerks. The four and the amounts the county alleges are owed for state and county taxes are Pennsauken Township, $120,199.80; Gloucester City, $59,643.91; Lawnside Borough, $41,798, and Delaware Township, $31,958.03. Firmin Michel, township solicitor for Pennsauken, pointed out that since December 15 his township has paid up $24,877 of taxes due and was making arrangements to pay the balance when the county's suit was filed "out of a clear sky." After listening to a brief outline by George Rothermel, representing County Treasurer J. Wesley Sell, and counsel for the other municipalities, Justice Lloyd spoke. "I understand that there are some officials of the municipalities here today," said he, "and I want to say something to them and also to the municipal officials who are not here." Responsible as Trustees "I am not unmindful of the serious financial conditions of municipalities but these governing bodies are in a degree trustees of the moneys received. When they receive moneys in taxes and a portion of this tax should be set aside for the county, they should not apply this portion for other uses to run that municipality. "In some cases the municipalities have made a serious effort to pay their taxes but I want to stress the fact that these governing bodies can not use all of this money for general purposes. "When local governments take in $1 in taxes, the persons in charge should immediately deduct the amount due the state and county and put it in a separate fund. If that had been done, this situation would not have arisen. Word on 'Fancy Schools' "Now.
another word to those operating governments. The present occasion calls
for the close scrutiny of expenditures not only by municipal bodies but
by school boards. The public is fed up on extravagance. Instead of the
old fashioned "I'm not criticizing the school boards for what they did in the past, but they should try to amend in the future extravagance and waste. It is important, as you can see today by what is happening here, for drastic economy in local government. "I am going to hold these writs until the opening day of court in the hope that these taxes may be paid." |
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Camden Courier-Post - June 20, 1933 |
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Pennsauken Orders Tax Money Divided Segregation of the state's and county's share of Pennsauken taxes was ordered last night by the Township Committee meeting in an adjourned session. The taxes so collected and segregated will be turned over to County Treasurer J. Wesley Sell at convenient periods. Walter Jones was granted a retail beverage license for his establishment at 6300 Magnolia avenue. |
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Camden Courier-Post August 15, 1933 |
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Camden Courier-Post - August 29, 1935 |
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Albert
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Camden Courier-Post January 20, 1938 Richard
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Camden Courier-Post - February 5, 1938 |
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HARTMANN
URGES DIME ROUND TRIP TO PHILA. ON SPAN LINE A 10 cent round trip high-speed line fare between Camden and Eighth and Market streets, Philadelphia, and the establishment of a modern bus terminal in Roosevelt Plaza is favored by Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann: Hartmann said the low fare terminal would produce these results: The reduced train fare would increase high-speed line riding and save thousands of regular Camden and suburban riders between $20 and $30 yearly in transportation costs. Receipts from operation of the high-speed line would be increased and losses reduced. Bus operating companies using the proposed terminal would save additional thousands of dollars now paid in high bridge tolls and profits would be increased. Camden merchants would enjoy more prosperity through, increased sales and greater numbers of buyers. Commissioner Hartmann made his statement to a committee representing the Broadway Businessmen's Association at a conference in his office when the proposed bus terminal was discussed. The committee, headed by James V. Moran, vice president of the Hurley Stores, conferred with Hartmann to get his views on a proposed bus terminal. A movement to arouse interest in the terminal was recently inaugurated by businessmen. "I do not propose to be a part of any plan that will make the city of Camden a financial Santa Claus to resuscitate a $10,000,000 half-dead goldfish called the high-speed line," Hartmann told the committee. "While I favor erection of a bus terminal, if one is to be built in Roosevelt Plaza then I will insist that it be a structure comparable to the architecture of the $10,000,000 noble experiment we call the new City Hall. "Neither will I approve a terminal with pup tent shelters, hot dog stands and waiting sheds that will make the present beautiful plaza look like a shacktown neighborhood." Hartmann said a modern terminal would cost at least $400,000. He pointed out that the present new bridge loll booths at the bridge entrance were built at a cost of about $90,000. "If a modern bus terminal is decided upon”, Hartmann continued, "then Public Service, the Bridge Commission and all other bus operating companies should pay the costs of building the terminal and the city should receive some revenue for the land acquired for a terminal. "The fare, from Camden to. Eighth and Market streets should be five cents in each direction instead of the present 10 cent fare with free transfers. With such a fare rate regular riders will save from $20 to $30 annually. ''If P.R.T. and the Bridge Commissioners want to save the high-speed line they should agree to reduce the fare and, encourage more riding. A reduced fare and a modern bus terminal would cause people to flock into the terminal and the high-speed line service would be increased instead of curtailed. The commissioner said a passenger survey of the high-speed line will show that the majority of Camden and suburban riders travel as far as the Eighth street station in Philadelphia and usually walk the rest of the distance. Previous efforts to settle the question of establishing a bus terminal proved futile. Last May the Broadway Businessmen's Association went on record as favoring a terminal in the plaza at the City Hall. The question as to whether bus companies operating through Camden could be compelled to use the terminal in interstate operation has never been decided. At yesterday's conference Charles H. Heritage, president of the association, asked Hartmann if the city legal department had ever given an opinion. Hartmann said he will ask for an opinion from City Solicitor Firmin Michel. Others who attended the conference as members of the association's committee were Morris Futernick, Samuel Auerbach, Irving Levinsky and Simon Abramson. |
| Camden Courier-Post - February 8, 1938 |
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TEST
CASE PLANNED ON POLICE PENSIONS A test suit to clarify the law governing a two-percent assessment against the pension salary of James R. Clay, retired Camden police sergeant, will be brought by the City of Camden through Firmin Michel, city counsel. This was learned yesterday when counsel for Clay confirmed the report. Michel, after first ruling the money was illegally deducted for a period of several years, decided to oppose the writ of mandamus sought by Alex Schueneman, Jr., attorney for Clay. John J. Crean, assistant city solicitor, stated the legal department deemed it advisable to settle the matter in the Supreme Court in an effort to clarify the law. Crean spoke in the absence of Michel, who was not available for a statement. Under the act concerning pensions, four percent of salary is deducted and contributed to the police and firemen's pension fund. The two percent is in addition to the regular pension assessment. This amount is set aside for the pensions of widows of deceased pensioners. Schueneman contends that inasmuch as Clay has no immediate survivor to receive a pension he should receive his pension salary without the additional two percent assessment. "The point in question is debatable and the law is not entirely clear," said Crean." The city does not want to deprive any pensioner of his rightful amount. The law should be clarified by the court. The city legal department will oppose the writ of mandamus in the form of a test case. Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd issued the rule to show cause why a mandamus should not issue. The case will be heard later in the month by Supreme Court Justice Ralph W. E. Donges. |
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Vincent
Gallaher to Be Named County Solicitor Vincent J. Gallaher, of Collingswood, a Camden attorney and chairman of the Camden County Democratic Committee, will be elected county solicitor at tonight‘s regular meeting of the coalition-controlled Camden County Board of Freeholders. This was learned through two unimpeachable sources yesterday. Gallaher informed close friends he would be chosen for the post. Gallaher will be chosen despite claims of Walter S. Keown, present county solicitor, that he cannot he removed from the position. Reports last week that Keown had decided to resign without a fight to keep his job were declared by him to be false. He said yesterday he had no statement to offer. Further it was learned that Keown was sworn in as county solicitor by Deputy County Clerk Truax on January 7. It was the first time he had even taken the oath of office. Others Take Oath Truax also admitted a number of other county officials were sworn in last month. No record of the other officials previously taking the oath of office is on file in the county clerk's office. "As I understand the law the county solicitor does not have to take the oath of office," Truax said. "The act specifically sets forth that he shall be elected for a term of three years. Mr. Keown was elected county solicitor on January 1, 1937. "An act does require the county physician must be sworn in by the county clerk or deputy clerk. Dr. Edward B. Rogers, who was elected county physician, neglected to take the oath. It is understood that City Solicitor Firmin Michel recommended the appointment of Gallaher, who also is said to have the endorsement of Commissioner Mary W. Kobus, who successfully directed the coalition movement that wrested the control of the Board of Freeholders from the Republicans after an uninterrupted reign of 92 years. Michel with Isadore H. Hermann and Edward V. Martino, all affiliated with the Camden city legal department, are said to have looked up the law and reached the unanimous conclusion that Keown can be ousted from his job and that Gallaher’s appointment will withstand all tests in the courts. Other Jobs in Doubt Other present Republican jobholders may also be routed out of office at tonight's meeting of the freeholders, it was indicated. Apparently some who have held county jobs, many for long periods; anticipate the freeholders plan to replace them. Among several known to have taken oaths of office during the last month are Mrs. Grace Anthony Riggins, superintendent of the county juvenile detention home; William B. Macdonald, county court stenographer ; George R. Braunwarth, custodian of the Court House-City Hall; his assistant, Thomas B. Dickinson, Jr.; Jacob Price, county supervisor of roads; Martin J. McNulty, county purchasing agent, and Dr. Lee J. Hammett, secretary-treasurer of the Camden County Welfare Board. Ali members of the Camden County Park Commission have been sworn in. They include Leroy A. Goodwin, president; Dr. Frank O. Stem, treasurer; Horace L. Brewer, assistant treasurer; former Mayor Roy R. Stewart, William H. Dunn, of Collingswood; J. William Markeim, of Haddonfield and George Kleinheinz, of Camden. Royden S. Matlack, assistant county treasurer and assistant auditor to the board of freeholders was sworn in on January 13, for both positions. Truax did not attach any significance to the fact that the number of officials decided to take their oaths of office. Following the appointment of Dr. David S. Rhone as county physician, Dr. Rogers did not legally oppose the naming of his successor. Records of the county clerk's office show that Dr. Rhone was the first county physician to be sworn in and to sign the "book," as the official registry is called by attaches of the office. |
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City Bureaus Keep Costs Within Budget for 1937 All
departments of the city government were operated within the budget
appropriations "during 1937 and the city's saving, as a result, was
$40,000, Mayor George E. Brunner announced yesterday. The
Mayor expressed public thanks and commendation to his fellow
commissioners for "whole-hearted cooperation with me, as the city's
chief fiscal officer, in giving the taxpayers a break." The commission approved the form of a $302,000 bond issue to pay the Pennsylvania railroad and subsidiaries for the right of way in Seventh street, purchased but not paid for by a previous commission. The bonds will mature serially and will bear interest at 3% percent. An ordinance amending the 1924 ordinance on protection, regulation and control of trees, in city parks and streets was passed on final reading. Michel Explains Ordinance Commissioner Frederick von Nieda asked Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, Jr., to explain the new provisions, and Hartmann referred him to City Solicitor Firmin Michel, who explained: The 1924 ordinance vested powers to permit plantings or removals and to fix penalties in the "Department of Parks," which does not exist. The amendment vests these powers in the Bureau of Parks, the body which has control of trees and "other arboreal improvements." The amendment also substitutes for specific arbitrary penalties for violation, as provided in the original ordinance, the blanket city ordinance penalties of fines not to exceed $200 and imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both. "In my opinion the old penalties were not valid because they were not left to the discretion of the magistrate presiding," Michel said. "The city has the right to fix penalties, but must not attempt to take away the discretionary rights vested in magistrates." The vote was unanimous after this explanation. City Fund Increased Approval of two resolutions providing adjustments on taxes and other liens on two properties will give the city $1450 in cash. The commission approved acceptance of $1000 from Sylvan I. Seligman in settlement of unpaid taxes and liens, including the year 1937, on premises designated as the North side of Baird boulevard, Bridge boulevard and Maplewood street. The other resolution provided acceptance of $450 in settlement of municipal claims on a property at 331 Royden street. The adjustment was made with the Beckett Building & Loan Association. "In both these cases Mayor Brunner was successful in obtaining more money than was offered originally," Hartmann said. In the first settlement, Hartmann said, the original amount was doubled and in the latter instance the amount was increased to give the city $150 additional. He then commended the Mayor for his record of driving consistently good bargains in tax settlements. The election of three constables was approved. Hartmann nominated Peter Giardini, of 331 Beckett street, and Cyril J. Hughes, of 2262 South Eighth street. Commissioner Mary W. Kobus nominated Eugene Livingston, of 1025 Cooper street. All were elected for three year terms. Bonds posted by James P. Conaghy, of the Sixth ward, and Frank J. Suttill, of the Seventh ward, both elected constables two weeks ago, were approved. Title Sales Approved Sale of three tax title certificates on as many properties was approved. Margaret A. Powell purchased the certificate covering the property at 506 Broadway upon agreement to pay all municipal liens. Walter Dumbleton purchased certificates on property at 130 North Eleventh street and 2012 Arlington street, under a similar agreement. Seven properties were acquired by payment of $175 for assignment of deeds. A resolution authorized the payment of $75 to Edward Handlers and wife for deeds covering 1418, 1420 and 1422 South Fourth street; payment of $75 to Elvena Simpson, for properties at 136, 138 and 140 Stanley street, and $25 to the Juniper Investment Corporation, covering premise's at 1029 Segal street. The commission approved cancellation of taxes and liens on three properties acquired by foreclosure. A used car sales license for Walter
Viegel, 1169
Cooper
street, and transfer of the license of George R. Van Sciver from Twelfth and
State
streets to 2610 Federal
street, were approved. "Between billboards, used car lots and cars parked in our city streets the City of Camden looks swell," Hartmann said. He voted in favor of both licenses. |
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TAX TITLE
LIENS NET $112,311 IN MONTH Liquidation of tax title liens produced $112,311.70 for Camden's treasury during January, Mayor Brunner announced yesterday. The figure represents the greatest revenue from this source in any one month of the city's history, Brunner added. In addition, the mayor revealed that $8500 was received last month from rentals on delinquent properties on which he has been named receiver in his capacity of revenue and finance director. During all of 1937, receipts from municipally-owned liens totaled $482,562.68, while the 1936 total was $229,-027.99. Brunner lauded Isadora H. Hermann, chief counsel of the tax lien department, for results he has produced in capitalizing on tax sale certificates. Losses Reduced The mayor further pointed out that losses formerly sustained by the city in disposing of certificates are being reduced through refusal of the commission to accept original offers and appraisals. In this connection he cited two resolutions prepared for the meeting of the commissioners. One involves lots on the northwest corner of Baird and Maplewood avenues on which $1975.19 is due. A $500 offer was made for redemption. The commission in weekly caucus rejected the offer and set $1000 as the true market value of the land. The owner accepted the city's valuation and doubled his offer, Brunner said. Municipal claims on 331 Royden street amount to $707.69. A $300 offer was rejected when the commissioners fixed $450 as the value. The offer was increased to $450, Brunner disclosed. Thirty-one certificates were redeemed or assigned during January, and on only three of them did the city accept less than the face value of the liens, Brunner's announcement shows. The largest item settled last month involved the Bridge Garage at Sixth and Linden streets. After months of negotiations between City Solicitor Firmin Michel and the Federal receivership-trusteeship on the property, settlement was made for the full principal amount of the delinquency, $86,890.23, plus $2911.80 in interest. The city waived approximately $10,000 interest. The second largest account settled in January was the building formerly occupied by the South Camden Trust Company at 1800 Broadway. This was a compromise. In addition to waiving interest, the city reduced the principal from $11,824.31 to $10,000. The building had been idle for years. Interest and part of the principal was eliminated on two other certificates. The sum of $100 was accepted on a $982.93 claim on 415 Emerald street, and $400 to settle $3440.50 on 510 Elm street. Eleven certificates on land in the vicinity of Eighth street and Atlantic avenue were redeemed at full value, $3095.95 plus $117.98 interest. Other Redemptions Other January redemptions, all in full, follow:
219 Linden
street, $444.09 principal, $5.23 interest; 343 North Forty-first
street, $1316.44 and $10.87; 547 South
Sixth Street, $34.92 and
$52.20; 1125 North Eighteenth
street, $212.02 and $18.32; 1225 Hyde
Park, $349.37 and $30.02; north side Howell 1820 feet west of
Twenty-seventh, $166.37 and $11.65; north side
Howell 1860 feet west of The other two certificates were assigned, both for full claims. One, on 613 Walnut street, produced $350.43 plus $123.47 interest; the other, 1200 South Third street, $408.24 and $34.08 interest. The grand total of redemptions and assignments for the month is $108,-603.05 principal and $3708.65 interest. "Had these transactions been made under a contract, the cost to the city would have been $2325, or $75 each," Brunner said in a statement accompanying his announcement. Praises Hermann Bureau "As it is, they represent only part of the tremendous work of Mr. Hermann's department. Everything pertaining to liquidation of liens is done there. Deeds are acquired, searches are made, bills in foreclosure are filed, agreements to make monthly payments are drawn, resolutions are prepared, receiverships are obtained. "The activity of that department has contributed greatly to the improved condition of the City of Camden." Rentals from receiverships netted the city more than $100,000 last year, according to Louis Hoffman, clerk in charge of tax sales, whose department collects rents after Hermann obtains the receiverships in Chancery Court. "Receipts from those properties average between $8000 and $9000 each month," Hoffman said. "During much of last year it was $11,000, before the Bridge Garage and some other large accounts were redeemed.". |
| Camden Courier-Post - February 12, 1938 | ||||||
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| Camden Courier-Post - February 15, 1938 |
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LEGAL NOTICES IN CHANCERY OF NEW JERSEY To John B. Basham: By virtue of an order of the Court of Chancery of New Jersey, made on the day of the date hereof, in a cause wherein the Home Owners' Loan Corporation is complainant and John B. Basham. et ux, et als. are defendants, you are required to appear and answer the bill of said complainant on or before the 21st day of March, next, or the said bill will be taken as confessed against you. The said bill is filed to foreclose a certain mortgage given by you, John B. Basham and Minnie P. Basham. your wife, to Home Owners' Loan Corporation, dated March 23. 1934, on lands in the Township of Pennsauken, in the County of Camden and State of New Jersey; and you, John B. Basham. are made a defendant because you are one of the owners and one of the mortgagors in the bill of complaint mentioned, and further, at the sale of the aforesaid premises for a price less than the mortgage debt a judgment for the deficiency may be sought against you. FIRMIN MICHEL, Solicitor of Complainant, Dated, January 19. 1938. |
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Camden Courier-Post - February 25, 1938 |
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Frederick
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J. Hartmann Jr. - Clay
W. Reesman - Firmin
Michel Benjamin Shatz |
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Prosecutor FIRMIN MICHEL |
Camden
Courier-Post July 1, 1941 |
| MICHEL
CONFIRMED AS PROSECUTOR HERE Senate Finally Approves Choice Announced by Edison 2 Months Ago Trenton, June 30. - Firmin Michel, former Camden city solicitor, was confirmed tonight by the Senate as county prosecutor, succeeding Samuel P. Orlando. He was nominated two months ago by Governor Edison. District Judge Bartholomew A. Sheehan, of Camden, was confirmed as a member of the State Labor Mediation Board. Michel, widely known member of the South Jersey Bar, had the support of Mayor George E. Brunner, of Camden, and was favored by State Senator Alfred E. Driscoll, Republican majority leader and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Orlando has been serving as prosecutor by virtue of holding a position as special assistant attorney general. Opposition to Orlando's reappointment developed following suit he instituted for pay deducted under an economy program extending back several years. Salary of prosecutor is $7500. Driscoll, as the Senate representative of Camden county, blocked reappointment of Orlando in January and the position went over to the administration of Governor Edison when appointive powers of former Governor A. Harry Moore expired. Michel's name then was proposed by Slate Democratic Committeeman Vincent L. Gallaher and was endorsed by Driscoll. Michel lives at 313 South Sixth street and has law offices at 309 Market street. |
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| Camden Courier-Post * July 1, 1941 |
| CRIPPLED
CHILDREN TO ATTEND OUTING 100 Little Folks to Be Guests on Sgt. Ray Smith's Birthday More than 100 crippled children from this vicinity will be entertained at the seventh annual Sgt. Ray Smith's crippled children's day and birthday party, next Monday. The party, an annual affair, is staged by the Elks' crippled childrens committee and the Sgt. Ray's birthday party committee. The youngsters will meet at the Elks Home, 808 Market street, and will be taken to Clementon Park in buses where Theodore Gibbs, manager of the park will throw open the entire facilities of the park for the crippled children, staging a special show in the afternoon. A luncheon will be served at the park by the committee. At four o'clock the youngsters will be taken to the Silver Lake Inn where a special amateur show will be staged on the lawn by the crippled children themselves. A sports entertainment will be staged by Otto O'Keefe, of the Veteran Boxers Association of Philadelphia, then dinner arranged by John E. Weber, proprietor of the Silver Lake Inn. During the dinner hour the youngsters, will be entertained, by talent from Philadelphia and nearby night clubs, with Otto O'Keefe presenting the acts. After the children's party, a dinner will be served in honor of Sgt. Ray Smith, on his 46th birthday. Officers of the Crippled Childrens Committee headed by Smith include Homer H. Lotier, treasurer, and A. Lincoln Michener, secretary. Mrs. Florence A. Lovett is executive secretary. The party committee is headed by Carlton W. Rowand and Charles W. Anderson. Surrogate Frank B. Hanna is the treasurer. Those who have been invited to attend are Mayor George E. Brunner, Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, Prosecutor Samuel P. Orlando, Firmin Michel, Albert E. Burling, Albert Austermuhl, secretary of the Board of Education, George I. Shaw, Mary W. Kobus, director of Public Safety; Dr. Henry J. Schireson, Camden county freeholders Robert Worrell, Mrs. Alice Predmore, S. Norcross 3rd, members or Veterans of Foreign Wars of Camden County Council and many business men and civic leaders. Ladies of the Elks' Auxiliary who will assist with the children throughout the day are: Mrs. Alice Heck, president; Mrs. Sarah Austermuhl, Mrs. Reba Crawford, Mrs. Emma Vandergrift, Mrs. Tillie Weber, Mrs. Helene Sauerhoff, Mrs. Anna Rose, Miss Emma Lee, Mrs. Sallie Moore, Mrs. Marion Holdcraft, Mrs. Etta Preisendanz, Mrs. Eva Poland, Mrs. Lena Jantzen, Mrs. May Talman and Mrs. Irene Berg. |
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Camden
Courier-Post July 26, 1941 |
