Morgan Hall

Read the article: The Year 1848 - Camden, NJ

Prior to the opening of the Temple Theater, directly across the street at 415 Market Streets, Morgan's Hall was considered the fanciest public meeting place in Camden. In May of 1889, Walt Whitman celebrated his 70th birthday with a banquet at the Hall. Located at 418 Market Street, Morgan's Hall sat adjacent to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Nationally known dance instructor Harry Roselle taught dancing at Morgan's Hall for 35 years until his death in 1932. Walter Giffins, who lived in Pennsauken, was managing the premises in the mid-1930s. His wife Ernestine had been a dance instructor, and during the the 1930s dances were held there. A 1933 newspaper advertisement mentions The Owl's Studio as occupying the premises and hosting a dance, and I believe it is quite possible that the Giffins' succeeded Roselle in business.

Morgan's Hall was still in use as late as 1947. The building was razed in 1955 and a two story office building was erected in its place.