CNBNews

What if I told you that there was a Time Machine in Gloucester City. And what if i told you that the only way to access it was to walk through a specific door. Well the secret is finally out. At 100 South Broadway just through the corner door lies the past. It's Circa 1987 and we're serving up all your morning and afternoon needs. The only catch is you can't stay long or you'll be stuck here forever. Lucky for you we have fresh grab and go foods and made to order drinks to get you out in record time. Just because we only specialize in take out doesn't mean you can't hang out at our outdoor dining area. For now, the portal hours are from 6am - 4pm. Owners Andy and Raven look forward to serving the community and getting to know each and every one of you.... Read more →

Corrections officer pleads guilty to prison beating over breakfast leftovers by Dana DiFilippo, New Jersey Monitor December 4, 2024 A state corrections officer has pleaded guilty to beating a man at a Woodbridge sex offender treatment facility — an attack his family described as “a gang-style assault” in a wrongful death lawsuit they later filed against the state. Giuseppe Mandara, 55, of Brick, pleaded guilty Tuesday to aggravated assault for attacking Darrell Smith, 50, who died of a stroke five days after the Aug. 23, 2019, incident in a housing unit at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center. The beating occurred after Smith took peanut butter, bananas, and sugar leftover from breakfast out of the kitchen where he worked, according to the family’s lawsuit and Mandara’s attorney, Stuart Alterman. CNBNews graphic file Mandara agreed to give up his job under a plea agreement, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 30, 2023)(CNBNews)--Station 97.3 ESPN recently listed the 25 restaurants in South Jersey that offer the most delicious breakfasts. Several are in our area and definitely worth the time and trip. Here are the restaurants close to us. Lamp Post on Little Gloucester Rd in Clementon. Sharky's on Somerdale Rd in Blackwood. Blair Mountain Biscuit on the Black Horse Pike in Blackwood. Chubby Chick's Cafe on Little Gloucester Rd in Blackwood. Meadows Dinner on the Black Horse Pike in Blackwood. The Eagle Diner on Blackwood-Clementon Rd in Pine Hill. Phily Diner on the Black Horse Pike in Runnemede. Bon Appetite! Read more →

Maryland Fishing Report – October 18 Marty Zupancic fished the lower Bay recently for bluefish on his jet ski and cradled one while taking a selfie. Photo by Marty Zupancic The middle of October is upon us and there are wonderful fishing opportunities throughout Maryland. The fall trout stocking program is underway and Chesapeake Bay anglers are enjoying good fishing for a variety of species. New state records were set recently for two southern species, a barracuda and a pompano dolphinfish, which decided to wander north. This infrequently happens towards the end of summer when southern species catch a ride on the northbound Gulfstream and wind up a lot farther north of their normal range. Scientists and anglers alike are observing some changes in fish species’ range as water temperatures are generally getting warmer. Forecast Summary: October 18 – October 24: The upcoming week should provide moderate temperatures with windy... Read more →

Editor's Note: Gary Marcucci, a former resident of Gloucester City and a graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of '61, wrote the following article. The period was in the 40s, 50s and 60s. The article was initially published in 2011. Martins Lake was a popular spot for swimming during that period. GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ -(September 11, 2011)(CNBNews)--I first hung out at VanStein’s, a little store near the corner of 7th and Market. The following is a list of the guys that I remember being there: Harry Wilson Corky McNutt Johnny Clifford Tony McGrath Jack Ahern Tim Downey Howard Dickson Joe McCullough Sam and Jim Chew Joe Heimerel Tommy Reed Jan Ferry Eddie Spolture John Rowan We used to play baseball at the lot right behind Hunter Street School. This is before Tee Ball and all other controlled sports. You got to play with guys three or four years older and... Read more →

Related: Chalie "The Clip" Closes His Shop After 54 Year Career GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (Gloucestercitynews.net)--Primo barber Chalie Huber, longtime owner Shapes 'N Forms, 110 S. Broadway, is currently undergoing chemotherapy in Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia for Leukemia. Needless to say, Chalie's business and livelihood will suffer greatly. His barber chair looks so empty without his faithful customers who call Chalie a "great guy" and "great barber". Friends have set up a GoFundMe account. For more information click here A big THANK YOU to those who have contributed. published Gloucestercitynews.net Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet Gloucester City High School is accepting nominations for their Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Requirements: Must have graduated at least 10 years ago; The individual must be successful in business, professional career, self employment, or exemplary in community-humanitarian service. A man we feel who meets all those requirements is James D. Nicholson, a long time resident of Gloucester City who lived in the 400 unit block of Walnut Avenue for decades. Jim died suddenly on February 22, 2019 at the age of 76. Jim was a modest man, who lived a life that mattered. Many of us who knew Jim were not aware of all his accomplishment until recently. " I like to think that my obituary is already being written in a lot of little obituaries. It's already out there. " ~Jim Nicholson Mr. Nicholson worked as an Obituary Writer for the Philadelphia... Read more →

MILFORD, Delaware (January 28, 2018)(CNBNewsnet)- William J. "Wibby" Yeager passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Bill Wibby Yeager early 1950's (CNBNews files) Nov. 29, 2017 at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital. He was 80 years-old. William was born in Philadelphia, Pa. son of the late William and Adele (Roland) Yeager. He resided in Philadelphia, later moving to Gloucester City, N.J. where he operated a auto parts store on King Street, across from Proprietors Park. He retired in Milford in 1996. "Wibby", as he was known to many, was a graduate of Gloucester City High School Class of 1955. After graduation he served in the U.S. Coast Guard receiving an honorable discharge in 1959 with the rank of Seaman Apprentice. He was a member of Local #14 Asbestos Worker's Union in Philadelphia. Wibby was an antique car enthusiast. He was a member of Delaware Street Rod Association and the Bay Country Region AACA in... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet As I have gotten older it seems that a day doesn’t go by that someone we know Cathy and Joe DiGiacomo passes away from one illness or another. I guess when you hit 72 you have to expect that; after all, we don’t live forever, do we. As someone said to me once it is the “Baby Boomers’ turn to take over the obituary column.” Just recently two long-time friends passed away within 24 hours of each other. Harry Blymer Jr., died Saturday, July 8 from a sudden heart attack, and Joe DiGiacomo died the following day after a three-month battle with esophagus cancer. Both Harry and Joe were Army veterans. Harry served in Germany and Joe in the NJ National Guard. Harry retired from Elevator Union Local 5 in Philadelphia. Harry was a longtime member of the Gloucester City American Legion Post 135... Read more →

CNBNewsnet Funeral services for Harry R. Walker Sr., age 78 of Brooklawn, who died on February 22, 2017, will be held on Monday, February 27 from 10 am to 12 noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Harry was raised in Gloucester City at the corner of 5th and Powell Streets across from the old milk house and the defunct Sand Bar. For many years he worked as a printer for Godshall Printers later Publishers Inc. in Gloucester City. Before he retired from the printing field he worked at the Philadelphia Bulletin newspaper in Philadelphia Pa. As a young man, Harry was known for his ability with a pool stick. "He could shoot pool, " said Bill Cleary who knew Harry for most of his life. " I remember watching him play pool in the pool room on Burlington Street (where the Sportsman AC is now)... Read more →

UPDATE: As of early afternoon Atlantic City Electric was reporting more than 14,000 customers were without electric. PSE&G was reporting more than 16,000 across its service area which stretches across more than half the state. The winds have been produced by a strong cold front sweeping across New Jersey. Utility officials blame the winds for the outages which began multiplying across the state before noon. There have been numerous reports of trees and utility poles brought down by the wind snapping electric lines. CNB photo credit Chris Rodriguez GLOUCESTER CITY N.J. (CNBNewsnet)—A heavy rain storm accompanied by gale force winds hit the South Jersey/Philadelphia region earlier today. The wind was so strong, it destroyed the Gloucester City High School score board. There have been no reports of anyone being injured. Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet GLOUCESTER CITY N.J. (January 31, 2016)(CNBNewsnet)— Former Gloucester City resident Jack Bowe, aka ‘Jersey Jack Bowe’, (photo) passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2016, at his home in St. Louis, Missouri. His brother Michael, said, "Jack loved the City of Gloucester City and the people in it". Mike is a DJ who has worked in the Philadelphia/South Jersey radio market for decades. “Growing up in the 50's he had plenty of friends. And he was very mischievous which resulted in him joining the United States Army in his late teens. In the early 60’s he was stationed for a while in Germany,” said Mike. “He returned to the United States and was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, near St Louis, Missouri. After being discharged, he settled there, married, raised a family and worked laying carpets in and around St. Louis.” “Jack, never forgot his... Read more →

Frank "Reds" Grandizio December 2006 Breakfast Club Former Gloucester City resident Frank G. Grandizio (Reds), died on January 18, 2015 after a long illness at the age of 75. Reds was born and raised in Gloucester City. He proudly served our country in the United States Army. He was a member of the Gloucester City Breakfast Club and the Ray Ford Old Timers. In his younger days, he was an avid hunter. He loved antique cars and enjoyed watching all the Philadelphia sports teams. Survived by his companion Barbara J. Thomas, his three children, his step-daughters Stephanie Bauer (Tim) and Jodie Aueber (Ron); his sisters Dolly Smith, Terry Taylor and Helen Turing; his sister-in-laws Gloria Grandizio (late John "Skip") and Dorothy Grandizio (late Louis) and his brother-in-law Joe Miller. Also survived by many grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday morning,... Read more →

FROM BIG GEEK DADDY--If you were a kid in the 50’s,60’s,70’s or early 80’s this is a salute to you from radio station 107.9 WSRZ in Sarasota, Florida. I grew up in the 70’s and early 80’s and have fond memories of many things that today would be considered unsafe for kids. The high dive at the local YMCA pool is just one example not to mention jumping the Big Wheel and my bike off make shift ramps without a helmet. Congratulations to all those who survived! TO RECEIVE THE VIDEO OF THE DAY SIGN UP HERE http://biggeekdad.com/ Read more →

UPDATED 2PM (December 10, 2014) UPDATED 8:30PM (December 10, 2014) By William E. Cleary Sr/CNBNews George F. Cleary Jr., a man with a strong Christian faith, a man who loved his family and George Cleary with his son Kevin helped his neighbors, and a man who kept his sense of humor even when facing death, died today (December 9, 2014) at the age of 72. Born and raised in Gloucester City, Mr. Cleary has most recently resided in Thorofare with his wife of 43 years Shirley Cleary (nee Hampton). George died from a combination of emphysema and lung cancer. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 28-years starting his career in 1964 as a letter carrier at the Haddonfield Post Office. He briefly left the post office in 1970 and took a truck driver’s job with Counties Construction Company in Philadelphia. He remained there until 1982, at which time... Read more →

CNB Archives Posted Tuesday, November 25, 2008 Gloucester Catholic High School registered a 20 to 13 victory Joe Murphy_and_friends over Gloucester High last Saturday afternoon to capture its second City Series victory since the games began back in 1948. It was the third win of the year for Coach Jim Hopkins boys while for the senior-laden Gloucester High eleven it was their third straight setback. Mike McNally and Carmen Palmiero received the annual Mustang awards as the outstanding players on their respective teams. McNally sparked the "Ramblers" first half attack while Palmiero was a constant star in the loser's game. First Quarter Gloucester kicked off to Catholic and the ball was returned from the 20 to the 23. Mike Angelastro made four yards and Miller fumbled but recovered for a two-yard gain. George Gibison picked up a first down on the 33. Gloucester was penalized five yards for delay and... Read more →

Uploaded on Nov 24, 2011 The video contains some snippets of plays from the first half of the game. Ben Boyer carried 42 times for 294 yards and scored four touchdowns to lead Gloucester City to a 34-14 victory over Gloucester Catholic yesterday in Gloucester City. Boyer finished the season with 1,841 rushing yards, 168 shy of the school-record 2,009 yards accumulated by Mike Blankenship in 2001. Boyer had touchdown runs of 28, 73, 3 and 8 yards for Gloucester City (5-5). With the victory, Gloucester City tied the all-time Thanksgiving Week series between the two schools at 18-18 (there has been one tie). Elliott McCummings had two touchdown runs of 6 and 80 yards for Gloucester Catholic (3-7). Score Lions 34 Rams 14 CNBNEWS VIDEO Related articles Gloucester City PD Arrest 2 on Narcotic Charges Gloucester's Justin Graves Rushes for 115 Yards as Lions Win 1st Round of the... Read more →

CNBNEWS ARCHIVES Friday, October 24, 2008 By Bill Yeager GLOUCESTER CITY NJ--You asked me about the Gloucester Diner and I have been thinking about it. I will tell you what I remember about the Gloucester Diner and the other places we would hang out back in the day. Photo:Although this is not the Gloucester Diner this is what it looked like in the 1950's There were originally two (2) Gloucester City Diners (I think). The first one was like an old trolley car or railroad car across from the Twin Bar between Market and Powell Streets. Kings Drug store was on Market Street across from the Twin Bar. A Merit Gas Station was on the south corner of Market and Broadway and the little dingy diner was next to the Merit station. I was only in there a few times because it was very dirty looking and the coffee tasted... Read more →

The Harry Vee Five--Johnny Barkham, drums - Rose Peregine, piano - Harry Verfaillie, saxaphone Joan Weber (Mrs. Joan Verfaillie), vocals - Fred Anzide, bass at Difigers in Gloucester City, New Jersey - New Years Eve, December 31, 1954 Johnny B. & and the Rock A Bops ROC-A-BOPS--Rose Peregine (piano), Johnny Barkham (drums), Fred Anzide (bass) Ray Knispel (trumpet), Stan Culver (trombone), Cullen Offer (tenor sax) The Rock A Bops evolved from an early 50’s group called “The Harry Vee Five”. The group, active from 1951 through late 1954, consisted of bandleader Harry Verfaillie on sax, Rose Perigine on piano, Johnny Barkham on drums, Fred Anzide on bass and Harry's wife, Joan Weber handling the vocal duties. Harry and Fred had been playing together since the 1940s and were both charter members of the Gloucester City, New Jersey-based Garden State String Band. Harry and Joan left the group to go on... Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (1954)--The 1954 Gloucester City Little League All-Stars will celebrate their 60th Anniversary this Friday at Vitales Restaurant with a luncheon. This is the only team in the 62-year history of the Gloucester City Little League to win the South Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland Region 4 Championships. They were two games from the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA when they were defeated by Millbury, NJ, who represented the North Jersey/ New York Region. The photo above was taken after Gloucester beat Glassboro in the summer of 1954 to win the South Jersey championship. Those pictured include (l. to r.): Gloucester City Coach Jim Wachter, and Coach Jim Stubbs, unknown, behind Stubbs is: Bart Rettew, Matt Mullin & Albie Brandt; the 8 in front of Ray Ford & Baile Hetherington (left to right) appear to be: Ed Hlopak, Reds Richards, Tom Ferry, Jake Miller, John Bartley, George... Read more →

By Daisy Daily CNBNews Gossip Columnist Gloucester City: The Gloucester City Breakfast Club was thrown a "curve" this past Saturday morning finding out when they arrived at the Dining Car Depot that their favorite restaurant was closed. The sign on the restaurant door read, "New Baby, will Re-Open on Tuesday, April 29". The organization has been meeting at the restaurant for over a year, the last Saturday of each month at 9 AM. Photo El Presidente Chalie Now this is where the story gets interesting. I have an inside source who works at the local eatery and he told me the restaurant was open. Flip Flap Jack said, (not his real name) "several of the elderly Geezers started a "Food Fight" at last month's meeting. When the owner saw them pull into the parking lot on Saturday, he told me "quick lock the door". As for the posted signs about... Read more →

William Romie Hampton, age 71, of Berlin, NJ, welcomed into Heaven peacefully from his home surrounded by family on May 28, 2014. Bill was best known as a generous, kind, and helpful man, whose tremendous presence of character leaves a lasting impression that cannot be forgotten. He dedicated his faith to the Lord, his love to his adoring family, and his help to anyone and everyone. Bill was an Alumni of Woodbury High, attended Glassboro State College, and was employed for many years as an Insurance Broker. He was a skilled cook at home, a talented photographer, and enjoyed the adventure of travelling to distant countries. His selfless nature led him to volunteer as a fireman, Babe Ruth coach, with the local library and hospital, and was an active member with the Medford Rotary and the Jaycees. Bill hung out in Gloucester City for many years as a teenager, and... Read more →

UPDATE: For six years Hank wrote a column for CNBNews "When East Meets West". He died in August 2012 at the age of 75 published July 2007 By Hank Miller Being so many miles away from Gloucester City on a rainy Sunday afternoon with the flu in Kitakyushu City, Japan with time to think of my past. I began thinking of when I was a boy in Gloucester and recalling the things that my good friend Eddie Williams had mentioned in one of his most recent letters from his home in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The things we enjoyed and did back then we can never forget; it was a time when people had time to enjoy and a time when few people had television sets. We enjoyed the donuts at Mosteig's bakery at Brown and Bergen streets, (where my mother worked for many years). Of church on Sunday mornings. Playing... Read more →

PUBLISHED JULY 27, 2007 By Jack "Bomber" Bennett Note: The author is a former resident of Gloucester City and a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School. Today, Jack resides in Florida PUB CRAWL – the act of one or more people drinking in a number of pubs in a single night, normally walking between them. Wikipedia As a kid growing up in Gloucester City in the 50's and 60's, it was always there beckoning to you. You never quite understood what it was, but you could feel it every time you walked down most any street in town. There was always this vibe in the air—a tingling sensation. You couldn't quite put you finger on it, but you knew it was there. Then, one day it suddenly hit you like a bottle of stale beer and you saw it—Gloucester had a tavern on nearly every corner. Some street corners had... Read more →

By Joe Rafferty GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (May 2007)--(The author is the superintendent of Mt. Ephraim Public Schools. A resident of Gloucester City, he is a former Gloucester City Public School teacher, a former assistant principal at Mary Ethel Costello School and a past Gloucester City councilman. For many years when someone would ask me where I was from I would tell them that I was from Gloucester City – "The Holy City". As the person would look at me trying to understand what I meant by "The Holy City" I would try to give them a reasonable explanation of why Gloucester City had this classification. Where did it come from, who first applied the label, when should it be used, what are the characteristics that come with the label and how come Gloucester City? Saint Mary Church, Gloucester City New jersey photo credit CNBNews The first time I heard the... Read more →

May 24, 2007 Dear Bill, GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (May 24, 2007)--When I saw the article on the WWB (Walt Whitman Bridge) it brought back many memories to me. If you don't mind I am going to share some with you. During the summers of 1955 and 1956 I spent many a long afternoon lying on the grass by the old swimming pool watching as the two side of the bridge came together. There was a regular group of guys who hung out down there. I will name as many as I can recall but am sure I will leave someone out. Jack Bakely, Jake Miller, Dick Fitzpatrick, Bobby Bevan, Joey Brandt, Albie Brandt, Billy Kimmey, John Mullen, Denny Stinsman, Geo Cleary, Frankie Herman, Joe and Hootie DiGiacamo, Gordie Thomas, Jimmy Fritz, Ken Keenan, Ken Keezer, Pete Pitzo and more. We use to play a game called "Pinch the Castle" if... Read more →

April 27, 2008 By Daisy Daily CNB Gossip Columnist GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (April 27,2008) --The Gloucester City Breakfast Club was thrown a "curve" this past Saturday morning finding out when they arrived that their favorite restaurant was closed. The sign on the door read, "New Baby, will Re-Open on Tuesday, April 29". The organization has been meeting at the restaurant for over a year, the last Saturday of each month at 9 AM. Photo El Presidente Chalie Now this is where the story gets interesting. I have an inside source who works at the local eatery and he told me the restaurant was open. Flip Flap Jack said, (not his real name) "several of the elderly Geezers started a "Food Fight" at last month's meeting. When the owner saw them pull into the parking lot on Saturday, he told me "quick lock the door". As for the posted signs about... Read more →

Posted here March 24, 2007 Commentary By Hank F. Miller Jr. CNBNEWS.NET (MARCH 24, 2007)--I came across this phrase in a book yesterday "FENDER SKIRTS". A term I haven't heard in a long time and thinkingabout "fender skirts" started me thinking about other words that quietly disappear from our language with hardly a notice. Like "curb feelers" and "steering knobs." Since I'd been thinking of cars, my mind naturally went that direction first. Any kids will probably have to find some elderly person over 50 to explain some of these terms to you. Remember "Continental kits?" They were rear bumper extenders and spare tire covers that were supposed to make any car as cool as a Lincoln Continental. When did we quit calling them "emergency brakes?" At some point "parking brake" became the proper term. But I miss the hint of drama that went with "emergency brake." Continental Mark IV... Read more →

By William E. Cleary Sr. CNBNews.net Gary Gross Sr., , of Marco island, Florida succumbed to cancer on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the age of 68. A former resident of Gloucester City and East Greenwich, Mr. Gross was the founder and owner of ECarol Insulators and a member of the Pipe Coverers Union Local 14, Philadelphia. An avid hunter and fisherman he belonged to the now defunct Gloucester City Rod and Gun Club, and the defunct Gloucester City AC Hawks. He also enjoyed playing golf. Born and raised in Gloucester City Gary’s nickname was “The Woo”. His brother Bill was asked how he got that name? “Gary along with Pete Pitzo were in a boat rowing across a lake somewhere. They were teenagers at the time. Gary says to Pete, “I’m going to ‘woo’ across the lake.” “Pitzo started calling him Woo, and the name stuck,” said Bill. “Gary... Read more →

+++++ (Posted on CNBNEWS.NET August 24, 2006) GROWING UP GLOUCESTER By Bart Rettew THE BEGINNING - 1946 (August 24, 2006)GLOUCESTER CITY NJ--The year was 1946 and WW-II was over. Many veterans were now returning home to resume their lives that were interrupted by the War. A group of young, local former high school athletes got together and started what was known as, and still is, the Gloucester City Memorial Athletic Association. The club was formally organized on Tuesday, June 18, 1946 at the Dixie Hotel at Burlington and Ridgeway streets in Gloucester as reported by Bill Flynn, the meeting chairman. The club was named in honor of the 42 local boys who gave their lives in WWII. Since most of them were athletes or were very interested in athletics, it would be a living tribute to them. The Charter was presented to club president, Ralph Bracken, on October 9, 1946... Read more →

submitted by Bill Hampton GLOUCESTER CITY NJ--from left to right, Billy Hampton, Marie Connoley, Trudy Bodenschatz, Tom Ferry and Ed Ferry. Location 8th and Division Streets. Check out the shorts the two Ferry boys are wearing? Sixty plus years ago if you were a kid your underwear could also be worn for your summer shorts. And nobody cared. Of course if your Dad or Grandpop tried to get away with running outside in their underwear, there was a good chance they would go to jail. Do you have a photo you like to share. Send it, along with a caption, to [email protected] For more memories go to Gloucester City History .....................................Breakfast Club .....................................GREAT PHOTOS .....................................Lions Alumni .....................................Rams Alumni Read more →

Bass Hill Drive-In Cinema (Photo credit: Wikipedia) By CNBNews Staff GLOUCESTER CITY NJ--On June 6, 1933—80 years ago—Richard Hollingshead opened the world’s first drive-in movie theater on Crescent Blvd., Camden City, in Camden County, N.J., a year after conducting a series of tests in the driveway of his home in Riverton, N.J. that led to a patent application in August 1932. The patent was awarded in May 1933 and Hollingshead was in business. The price of admission was 25 cents for the car and 25 cents per person. The first movie he showed was “Wives Beware” starring Adolphe Menjou, which one reviewer described as “An unpleasant little comedy.” Reviews notwithstanding, the idea caught on and by the late 1950s and early 1960s, there were about 4,000 drive-in theaters across the country. At their peak, drive-ins represented about 25 percent of the movie screens in the U.S. Today that’s down to... Read more →

ELATED CATEGORY GLOUCESTER CITY HISTORY BY CNBNews Staff Bill Tourtual, Butch Shaffer, and myself were talking A new look for Butch Shaffer photo credit Babe Tourtual recently about some of the characters we remembered growing up in Gloucester City, NJ back in the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Somehow the name of Albert "Monk" Schaffer, (no relation to Howard "Butch" Shaffer), came up in our conversation. Monk was a local hood who grew up in the 300 block of Morris Street. As a teenager he hung out at Augie's pool room (28 N. Burlington Street), Tuckers Corner (Cumberland and Atlantic Street) and the Pine House (200 block of N. Broadway). When he got older he could be found at the Sand Bar, 5th and Powell Streets, The Twin Bar, Broadway and Market Street, and The Crown Point Inn, Westville, to mention a few. My father-in-law, Tom Sarlo and I, bumped into... Read more →

Bill What a nice human interest article. It was especially interesting for me me since (1) Walt Butler and I developed the playing rules (everyone plays a quarter etc), I coached Orlando's (a few of my players were Stan Booth, Bob Weichman, Franny Hass, Jake Miller etc., Also both my sons (Tom & Scott) played in the league with other teams, and I later refereed high school and college basketball with Alan's dad Sam (Mester). Hal Merritt and Franny Powers two excellent high school basketball referees donated their time each weeks in working the games bro bono.. The league was a great diversion for the kids, the parents were tolerable as fans :-) and the kids were great to work with.. They reflected the Gloucester generation that possessed values that was an honorable bi-product of those families that endured WW2 and Korean Wars.. (Note: Korea will always be for war... Read more →

Low tide Delaware River (Photo credit: CNBNEWS.NET) In 1939, John Chamberlin began forming the Sea Scouts in Gloucester City. My father also took interest, by going to Mr. Chad Chesseman of Water Street. Mr. Cheeseman had previously built a river tow boat for my Dad, as a gift to my brother James. Without using works to describe a river row boat and one that should not be on the river compared to the boat pictured with two men in it and what appears to be a skiff, a man standing poling it along. A dangerous boat on the river I can say the boat with the two men in it is Chad Cheeseman river row boat. It is similar to ours only smaller. In 1940, John Chamberlin asked the man whom builds the memorial flower boats of the Sea Scout could row the memorial boat to med stream and release... Read more →

(cnbnews.net) Gloucester City Little League players circa 1952 or thereabout. We believe the photo taken at the Charles Street Stadium. First Row, kneeling-L.toR. unknown, Ed Hubbs, John Rowand, unknown, Bart Rettew, Jay Wolf, Dick Fitzpatrick, John Lang, Tom Reed, Matt Mullin, Jack Shepperd, Albie Brandt, Bob Blackburn, George Strobel, Chipper Miller, John McCaughy, Unknown, Howard Chester, Vince DiGiacomo, Unknown, Unknown. Second Row, Buddy Ross, Toby Frymire, Reds Richards, unknown, Butch Shaffer, Frank Zavekas, Jim Miller, Bob Fair, Pat Joy, Edmund Crosby, ? Krueger, Bill Gross, Bill Rettig,unknown, Ed Daly, Jim Kennedy, unknown, unknown, unknown. Third and Fourth Rows, Joe Battersby, Richard Dick, Pete Naughton, Bud Myers, unknown, unknown unknown unknown, Richie Devine, Jim Clements, unknown, unknown, Irv Brown, John Bartley, Frank Buchanan, ? Dunkle, Bert Rickens, Cuppy Kimmey, Knute Cogan, unknown, unknown, Wayne Welsh, Bill Allison, Bill Geitz, Stanley Shellcoff, Mike Shaw. Also in the mix is Stanley Booth, and... Read more →

Charles A. Pitzo (January 22, 1939 - January 9, 2012) Charles A. Pitzo “Charlie” on January 9, 2012, of Bellmawr. Age 72. Husband of Marie I. Lockwood. Father of Dawn Glassmire (Joe) of Bordentown, Renee Eaton (Andy) of Springfield and the late Thomas Pitzo. Brother of Jean Cirrinicione of Cape May, Rosemarie Jensen (Bill) of Woodbury Heights, Kathleen Collins (Art) of Deptford, Eleanore Talorico of Deptford and the late Joseph Pitzo, Frances Surovick and Peter Pitzo. Grandfather of Meagan Thomas (Chris), Brenden Glassmire (Kimberly), Kristen, Devon and Leo Glassmire, Eric and Austin Eaton. Great-grandfather of Brayden Glassmire. Charlie was an US Army veteran, a member of the Sons of Italy, Vita Nuova Lodge, American Legion Post 135, Tri-State Country Dancers in Bellmawr, 4-H Gun Club and the Apaloosa Association. He was the owner of Pitzo Dental Lab in Philadelphia for over thirty-five years and enjoyed working with stained glass and... Read more →

By John McCormick GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-A recent article written by Bomber Bennett titled “Down the Store” brought back so many memories about my parent's store on Morris Street. Bomber didn't mention our store in the text of his story, but it is shown on the map that was published with the article as #5. Gert’s has quite a history. The store was located next to our house at 215 Morris Street which is on the northeast corner of Morris and Willow Streets. The store was opened in the summer of 1948. I do not recall much about the opening since I was only 3 years old; however, my Mother, my Sister MaryAnn, and my Aunt Ruth Greene (my mother’s sister) do remember the early days. The store was a prefab from Sears that came in sections and was shipped from Camden to Gloucester City by railroad. My uncles Herb Greene... Read more →

submitted by John McCormick...click photo to enlarge The Gloucester City Colts 120 lb. team from 1956. The team was undefeated, untied and unscored upon. The identities as I remember are: Back Row (l. to r.) Coach McKinney, Coach McKeever, Rich Huff, Jim Bennett, Alan Mester, Dick Wright, Unknown, George Thorpe, Tom Early, Rich Devine, Rick Sherrer, Coach Houser, Unknown. Middle Row (l. to r.) Coach Mester, Jim Saxameyer, Unknown, Tom Baals, John McCormick, Skip Murphy, Woody Dooley, Jim DiCicco, Harry Ahern, Jack McKeever, Mike Flynn, Coach Hoover. Front Row (l. to r.) Mike McKinney, Unknown, Fran Janette, Bill Elenbark, Herb Houser, Jim Newcomb, Ray Sherry, Mike Clemens, Bill Hoover. Read more →

Gloucester City was originally named Fort Nassau. The fort, located along the Delaware River, was first settled by the Dutch in 1623. The settlement was an ideal port location along the shores of the river used for travel and transportation. The city became the county seat of old Gloucester County for over 100 years. Once the county vacated the city, it transformed to an industrial hub along the riverfront. The birth of industry caused the need for development of housing and businesses catering to local and visiting patrons. Gloucester evolved from a small fishing community to a bustling city, which was incorporated in 1868. Today, Gloucester City is a global port city along the banks of the Delaware River. The Gloucester City - Images of America Book will be available on October 31, 2011 in stores. You can purchase a copy at Carr’s Hardware, the Gloucester City Historical Society. The... Read more →

Bill, Msgr Lucitt (Big Ed) (inset) was the driving force behind the St. Mary's men’s Guild that was started probably by Msgr Brick during the depression. Both priests were similar in nature, great heart, passionate and when something went wrong they took no prisoners. Big Ed was my first basketball and football coach in grammar school. The men of the Guild made fishcakes on the first floor and delivered them and other food to the citizenship of Gloucester during those awful years of the depression.. During the war years, while I was in grammar school (St Marys), all the fellows were in the service and the men’s guild evolved into the junior guild. It also kept a lot of young guys out of trouble by giving them a place to hang out.. Not to mention that Big Ed also kept an eye on us and the building.. I still get... Read more →

(click the map to enlarge) by Jack "Bomber" Bennett GCHS Class of '66 GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (January 24, 2011)(CNBNews)Imagine today, asking your 10 or 11-year-old to run “downthestore” and pick up some groceries. Would you A. trust him or her with 20 bucks; B. worry that they might be kidnapped by gypsies on the way, or C. hope they could make the trip without passing out from fatigue. Today, a kid might have to go a couple of miles to find a store, and that’s if they could leave their video games long enough to do it. And I’m not talking about a Wa Wa or 7-Eleven. I’m talking about a place where you could buy real supplies like toilet paper, canned goods, vegetables, dairy products, bakery items, lunch, and butchered meats. Sounds like a lengthy trip to a huge box store would be the only answer these days. But,... Read more →

WHEN EAST MEETS WEST by Hank Miller My dearly beloved brother Joseph Edward Miller Sr. of Gloucester City, departed this earth on November 24 , 2010. With faith in God, as sure as there is sunshine that follows the summer rain, so to there will be happiness to ease both grief and pain. photo: Joe and his brother Hank, December 2008 Breakfast Club As sure as darkness of night gives way to light of day, the problems that preplex your mind with faith will fade away. As springtime follows winter, and earth is born anew, you'll find that you never walk alone if God is part of you. Rest in peace dear brother Joe . For you'll always be with us in our prayers our hearts and our minds forever. My brother Joe, he had a kind word for everybody and when you met him he always had a smile... Read more →

Joseph E. Miller Sr., On November 24, 2010. Age 72. Of Gloucester City. Loving Husband of 45 years to the late Gertrude “Trudy” (nee Shaffer). Loving father of Joe E. Jr. (Mary), Lisa M. Poe (Rob), Bill (Shawn) and John Miller. Best friends of Dawn and Jack Markiewicz and children. Loving grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 7. Dear brother of Hank Miller (Keiko), the late Rose Collins and Roni Arrera (Tom). Special “Grandpop Miller” of many neighborhood kids. Joe was a 1955 graduate of Gloucester High School. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the Tin Can Sailors. Joe retired from the Ironworkers Local 399. He was a “Geezer” in the Gloucester City Breakfast Club. Joe was an avid fan of Nascar and enjoyed his trips to the casinos. Relatives, friends and Ironworkers Local # 399 are kindly invited to attend his... Read more →

On June 4, 2010, Walter John Zdon, Sr., of Churchville, MD, formerly from Gloucester Heights, passed away peacefully at his home under hospice care with his loving wife Mady at his side. He was born May 12, 1940 in Camden, to the late Michael and Theresa Zdon. He was a devoted husband of 47 years to his wife Madeline. Loving father to his four children and their families: Walter J. Zdon, Jr. and Renee of Whiteford, MD; Thomas Zdon and Sherry Feehley of Aberdeen, MD; Julie Sturek and Frank of Springfield, VA; and Jeanne Carfine and Greg of Eldersburg, MD. He was the adored grandfather of Garrett and Jacob Zdon, Frank and Claire Sturek, Marley and Kendall Carfine, and Ronnie Feehley. He had many accomplishments to include 37 years of combined federal service to the US government. He spent 10 years in the active duty Army, almost 10 years in... Read more →

By Bill Cleary Gary “Woo Woo” Gross (the one with the spiked grey hair) is enjoying his retirement in sunny Florida. Gary and his wife Carol former residents of Gloucester City have been living in Naples for the last six years. Gary will celebrate his 65th birthday this coming April. On the left is his brother Bill Gross, also a former resident of Gloucester City. His greatest passion is golf. But recently he has joined the Happy Day Charade's Club. Can you believe “The Woo” , once the terror of Gloucester City, spending his afternoon with other seniors playing charades. The other photos (click to enlarge) shows Gary acting out the charade challenge "A famous frog on Sesame Street". Related articles by Zemanta Friday Night Dance at Pine Grove Fire Hall (gloucestercitynews.net) Gloucester City Police Chief Issues Statement on Pending Snow Storm (gloucestercitynews.net) Read more →

MEMORIES FROM THE PAST(CNBNews.net)--The Gloucester City Pond Gang poses for a photo taken in the 1950's at Martins Lake, Brown Street and Sparks Avenue. The "Rough & Ready" guys are (bottom) from left, Jungle Murphy, Pete Coppolla, Bob Grub, Beaver, Butch Shaffer, Jake Burkardt, Bill "Wibby" Yeager, Frank "Reds" Grandizio, Jim Clements, Stanley Schellcroft. Do you have a photo to share? Send it to [email protected] Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ-Bottom row L-R: Charles (Ozzie) Souder, Tilley Wiltsey, Jane Thilo, Ella Mackey, Henry Kowalski, Bill (Doc) Lonabaugh. Middle row L-R: Nora Peltz, Mary Ellen Clark, Ruth Souder, Roy Mackey, Walt Thilo, Lew Souder. Top Row L-R: John Lonabaugh, (McNutt twins?), Alex Lonabaugh, Cathy Peltz. The picture was taken on the front steps of the house located on the southeast corner of Atlantic Street and Ridgeway Street. The year is estimated to be 1939 or 1940. Related articles April 2011 CHEERS AND JEERS (gloucestercitynews.net) Read more →

By Bill Cleary Vincent James Coppola Jr., of Franklin Township, passed away suddenly on Sunday May 24. Jim, as he was known by his friends, was born and raised in Gloucester City. He was 66. PHOTO: Jim with a flounder he caught while fishing with his friend Bob Bevan Those of us who knew Jim will remember him for his smile and quick wit. He had a dry sense of humor and he loved to laugh. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was one of the original members of the defunct Gloucester City Rod and Gun Club. Jim is an original member of the Gloucester City Breakfast Club. He retired from the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union No. 19 in 2003 with 22 years of service. Jim was an avid boater and also loved fishing and hunting. In the 60’s Jim served in the New Jersey National Guard, 150th Armored... Read more →

50 for the 50th! The Gloucester City High School Class of 1958 celebrated its 50th Reunion the weekend of October 18-19, including a Saturday morning breakfast and tour of the “old” high school, Saturday evening open house, and a Sunday evening banquet at Indian Springs Country Club in Marlton. In addition, the members of the class commemorated their 50th, and their alma mater’s 100th, by contributing to two $1,000 scholarships awarded in June to Christopher Beck and Kristin Marchese, members of the GHS 100th graduating class. The Class of 1958 graduated with 99 members. Twenty-two classmates are deceased and were remembered at the banquet. Fifty of the remaining class members were present at the banquet. Special guests included 12th grade teachers- Sally Wagenhoffer Ruane (English) from Charlottesville, VA and Tom Brooks (Democracy). A commemorative program was given to each person present, and a 50th DVD will be shared with all... Read more →