Leon E. Todd, Realtor

LEON EDGAR TODD—Substantial reasons for Camden's continuous growth and advancement in recent years, are furnished in the development of the real estate plans of Leon E. Todd, one of the city's most prominent realtors and builders in South Jersey, whose extensive general brokerage business and building interests have aroused State-wide attention.

A native of Camden, and always a careful observer of the many opportunities that have presented themselves for the city's expansion, since entering into business on his own account, he has put many of his very practical ideas into successful operation; and as a result, East Camden, his main field of endeavors, took on a new lease of life as far as real estate activity is concerned; and new residential sections were provided, and the increasing population has found pleasant new "Air-Lite" modern built homes. Mr. Todd from the beginning of his business activities has worked directly for and with the people, both in assisting to secure locations and their new homes, and in providing financial ways and means thereto. In the short space of a little over five years, his organization grew to a point of establishing a suburban branch office at No. 29 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield; both offices specializing in all the various departments of the usual insurance, mortgage, building and real estate business. And his organization today is looked upon as one of Camden's leading brokerage offices. His general interest, also, in all matters that pertain to the welfare of Camden is evidenced in his praiseworthy efforts to be of large service both in peace and in war. Of English ancestry for many generations, he is a son of J. Linwood Todd, a decorator and painter, who was born June 8, 1869, and of Ida May (Fox) Todd, who was born December 4, 1873.

Leon Edgar Todd was born November 22, 1893, at East Camden, and he attended the Garfield Grammar School and the Camden High School, where he graduated with the class of 1912. He then attended Pierce Business College, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduating with the class of 1914 and also class of 1915. Ambitious and with a desire to be independent, he worked his way along through school, by selling newspapers, morning and evening, and in employment of a local grocery company. Completing his school work, he was employed in the office of a commission house, later going on the road as a salesman. Later he became office manager and house secretary of the Camden Young Men's Christian Association, after  which he became associated with a Camden real estate firm. In March, 1918, he established his own real estate business, with his offices at his present address. His business outgrew its quarters in 1921, and he now has what is considered the most modern up-to-date real estate office in Camden, the building formerly being occupied by James K. Asay, who had been in the same business thirty years prior. Mr. Todd at once gave his attention to the development of East Camden territory, not only on a brokerage basis, but as a builder of new homes. He has just purchased thirty-three acres from the estate of Edward Dudley where plans are under way to construct five hundred houses, now being completed right in the heart of future Greater Camden.

Mr. Todd was one of the organizers, and is a member of the board of directors of the East End Trust Company, and he was also one of the organizers of five building and loan associations. He is secretary of the Ideal, Cooperative, Dudley and the Public Safety Building & Loan associations. Throughout the World War he was very active, and his offices were at the disposal of a local trust company as a branch during the loan drives.

Mr. Todd is a Republican in politics; and his fraternal affiliations are those of Camden Lodge, in Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Encampment; the Moose; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Foresters of America; Patriotic Order Sons of America; Lodge No. 293, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Shield of Honor; and Artisans. He is a member of the Riverton Country Club; Tavistock Country Club; Camden Club; Kiwanis Club; president, Camden Real Estate Board; member of the New Jersey Association of Real Estate Boards and the National Real Estate Association, and a member of the Camden Chamber of Cornmerce. He is a member of the board of trustees of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church at East Camden, and on the board of the Homeopathic Hospital.

Mr. Todd married, January 31, 1915, Helen M. Cliver, born October 2, 1893, daughter of George B. Cliver, stationary engineer, and former commodore of the Farragut Sportsmen's Association, and of Katharine (Tyson) Cliver; and they are the parents of: Harrison L., born April 2, 1916; and Leon E., Jr., born June 30, 1920; another son, Raymond Linwood, died during the influenza epidemic,

1927

These pages show the many varieties of beautiful "Air-Lite" and "Air-Wa" homes on the outskirts of Camden. These pictures tell there own story of attractiveness, coziness, and unique fittings. This locality is especially attractive having ideal living conditions, good transportation by bus, trolley, and auto.

CAMDEN FIRST- 1925

February 1, 2004

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Camden Courier-Post
July 5, 1926

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WOOLWORTH LEASES EAST CAMDEN SITE
^‘Five-and-Ten’ to Occupy Proposed Building at Twenty-Sixth St.

 F.W. Woolworth is invading East Camden with his “five and ten”. 

A 2O year lease was signed today, under the terms of which the merchant magnate will pay more than $150,000 rental for a store to be erected at the northwest corner of Twenty-Sixth and Federal Streets. The property, now occupied by an American Store and two other buildings, is owned by Leon E. Todd, East Camden real estate man, who negotiated the lease with representatives of the Woolworth concern, George C.B. Stout and Harold S. Armitage, of Philadelphia. 

Razing of the present structures will begin April 1, the present lease expiration March 31. Lackey & Hettel, architects, have been engaged to design the new “five-and-ten” building, a two-story structure of brick, steel and stone to cost $50,000.  

According to representatives of the Woolworth Company, the rental to be paid for the site is the highest ever contracted in any city for a site outside the central business area. 

“This transaction is concrete evidence of the value of East Camden realty,” Todd said today. “When a big national concern is willing to pay a record-breaking price for an East Camden lease it is proof of the remarkable standing of this section of the city.”  

The new Woolworth store is expected to be in operation late this year. 

Camden Courier-Post * June 8, 1933

BORDEN TO BE GUEST Of REALTY BOARD
Newly Elected President of Commission Will Be Honored at Dinner

Edward J. Borden will be guest of honor tonight of the Camden County Real Estate Board at a banquet in honor of his election as president of the New Jersey Real Estate Commission.

The banquet, to be held in the Camden Club, 315 Cooper street, will be attended by lawyers, real estate men and public officials from all sections of the state. The Real Estate Board, of which Borden was thrice president, is giving the dinner.

Among the guests who will attend are former U. S. Senator David Baird, Jr., Assemblyman Frank M. Travaline, Jr., Mayor Roy R. Stewart and other members of the Camden City Commission; Dr. Leon N. Neulen, city superintendent of schools, and Police Judge Garfield Pancoast.

The speakers include William S. Abbott, president of the Camden County Real Estate Board; Leon E. Todd, former president; Vincent P. Bradley, of Trenton, retiring president of the New Jersey Real Estate Commission; Carleton E. Adams, of Atlantic City, vice president of the New Jersey Association of Real Estate Boards; Samuel P. Orlando, former assistant prosecutor of Camden county, and C. Armel Nutter, general chairman of the banquet committee.

On the banquet program appears the gilded outline of a bee, typifying Borden's activities in the interests of real estate advancement in Camden county. Wayland P. Cramer is chairman of the program, committee. Chairmen of other committees follow: William A. Eppright, attendance; T. J., McCormick, entertainment; Carl R. Evered, door prizes, and Todd, speakers and guests.

George B. Robeson, former president of the Real Estate Board, Is toastmaster of the banquet, which will begin at 7:30 p. m.