Camden, New Jersey

Camden History

Historical archives documenting the people, streets, and stories of Camden, New Jersey.

Welcome to Camden History, unsurprisingly about Camden, New Jersey, a city steeped in history and brimming with stories that have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of America's past. Situated on the banks of the Delaware River, Camden has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. From its indigenous Lenape inhabitants to the bustling industrial hub of the 19th and 20th centuries, and from its pivotal role in the Underground Railroad to its contributions to the birth of the recording industry, Camden has played a significant part in shaping the nation's narrative.

Camden's origins can be traced back to the early 17th century when European settlers first arrived in the region. Over time, it evolved from a quaint village into a thriving industrial center, earning it the nickname "The City Invincible" in the late 19th century. The city's industries, including shipbuilding, manufacturing, and commerce, contributed to its growth and prosperity.

But Camden's history is not just one of industry and commerce; it's also a story of resilience, community, and cultural diversity. Throughout its past, the city has been home to waves of immigrants, each adding their unique traditions and flavors to the city's vibrant cultural mosaic.

Join us on a journey through time as we explore the people, places, and events that have shaped Camden's captivating history. From the waterfront to the neighborhoods, from famous figures to everyday citizens, we invite you to discover the hidden gems and untold tales that make Camden a city worth exploring and celebrating.

Remnants of Camden's history are all around you if you know where to look!

People

George Schatz

George Schatz (1903–1987) was a Camden entrepreneur who founded George's Auto Service in 1924 and grew it into one of South Jersey's largest and most modern automobile service businesses. He lived at 29 South 38th Street in East Camden from 1936.

·12 min read
People

Frank Guetherman

Frank Guetherman joined the Camden Police Department on March 1, 1928 and rose to sergeant. He also boxed professionally under the ring name Tip Gorman during the 1920s, competing as a welterweight in the Camden and Philadelphia area.

·14 min read
Charles E. Gibson, Camden Fire Department
People

Charles E. Gibson

Charles E. Gibson (1947–2003) was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on September 5, 1973, when he was living at 219 North 38th Street in East Camden. He retired on January 1, 1999, having spent his last 20 years with Ladder Company 1.

·3 min read
Robert Hartmann, 16 North 23rd Street
People

Robert Hartmann

Robert Hartmann (1876–1967), son of cigar manufacturer Frank J. Hartmann Sr., grew up in Camden's labor movement and was elected the first president of the Camden County Central Labor Union when it was formed in 1908. The 1920 Census found him and his family at 16 North 23rd Street in East Camden.

·3 min read
Edward Kasper, U.S. Army
People

Edward Kasper

Private Edward Kasper, born Edward Kasperowicz to Vincent and Estella Kasperowicz of Camden's Polish St. Joseph Parish, served as a radio operator with Company I, 324th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Division. He was killed in action in France on October 27, 1944, at the age of 24, and is buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Gloucester Township, NJ.

·2 min read
Benjamin W. Dyl, Collingswood High School yearbook photo
People

Benjamin W. Dyl

Technical Sergeant Benjamin William Dyl of Woodlynne, New Jersey, who grew up at 1524 Mount Ephraim Avenue in Camden's Polish community, served with the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Wounded and captured while leading a patrol in January 1945, he died in a German prisoner of war camp on February 5, 1945, after only ten months in the service.

·3 min read
Staff Sergeant Roman Drapinski in uniform
People

Roman Drapinski

Staff Sergeant Roman Drapinski of 1468 South 10th Street, Camden, served with the 53rd Armored Engineer Battalion, 12th Armored Division, U.S. Army. Born in the United States in 1918 and raised and educated in Poland, he returned to Camden in 1938 and was killed on July 18, 1943 by a premature dynamite explosion while instructing soldiers at Camp Campbell.

·2 min read
Private First Class Louis Bontkowski, U.S. Army
People

Louis Bontkowski

Private First Class Louis Bontkowski of 1191 Liberty Street, Camden, NJ served with Company A, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, joined the division in April 1944 in time for the D-Day landings, and died of wounds on September 13, 1944. He is buried at St. Joseph Cemetery, Gloucester Township, NJ.

·2 min read
Portrait of Stephen V. Koscianski
People

Stephen V. Koscianski

Technician 5th Class Stephen V. Koscianski of 966 Bulson Street, Camden, served with the 31st Signal Construction Company. Born in Philadelphia in 1907 to Polish immigrant parents, he ran an auto salvage and used car business beside the family home before his induction in October 1942, and was lost on November 27, 1943 when the troopship HMT Rohna was sunk in the Mediterranean.

·4 min read
Portrait of Gustave Dziengowski
People

Gustave Dziengowski

Private Gustave Dziengowski of 1476 Louis Street, Camden, served with the 469th Flying Training Squadron, U.S. Army Air Forces. A Camden High School athlete who worked twelve years for Public Service before his induction in April 1942, he was killed on January 6, 1943 when his B-24D broke up and crashed near White City, Kansas.

·3 min read
Policemen Retire on Pension Fund
People

George B. Johnson

George B. Johnson served as a Camden policeman for more than twenty years, patrolling the North and South Rosedale sections without making a single arrest. Appointed in 1899, promoted to sergeant in 1914 and pensioned in 1920, he made his home at 220 North 37th Street from 1900 until at least 1940.

·1 min read
Herman John King, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Florida
People

Herman John King

Fireman First Class Herman John King of 208 North 37th Street, Camden, served aboard the USS Cyclops and was lost at sea on June 14, 1918 when the collier disappeared with all 306 crew and passengers.

·2 min read