The year was 1927 and the future had hardly ever looked brighter for the City of Camden. Times were prosperous, business and industry were booming, and the city was full of recently constructed public buildings, civic improvements, schools, the new Delaware River bridge and its new highway to the suburbs. The stock market crash of 1929 and the Depression that followed were in the unimagined future.
It was in these times that Camden prepare for its 100th anniversary, and in this spirit of optimism that the city fathers under the direction of Mayor Winfield S. Price commissioned the booklet whose text you will find below.
Read more about the first 100 years of Camden and more articles from the Centennial Mirror
By Commissioner Clay W. Reesman, Director of Parks and Public Property
CAMDEN has passed the stage where the promotion of park spaces and play grounds is listed as a luxury.
The city administration realizes that without health there can be no successful effort toward a maximum of happiness and prosperity.
Camden offers to all a growing system of breathing spots, which combine the elements of beauty with means for health, exercise and recreation.
As a city grows so must its parks system if modern progress is to be maintained. In every section of the city are evidences of the determination to provide citizens with those green oasis which break the monotony of pavements and buildings.
Playgrounds for children and wading pools are important features of the Camden Parks Department program. Not all are these conducted along the most modern lines, but, the City also takes an active part in the sports programs of the schools.
The children of today are our citizens of tomorrow.
The health of these future home makers is a vital element in the progress of our communities.
The manner in which Camden provides fresh air and recreation spots for these children has much to do with the high standard of health to be found here. This also has a mighty part in the low death rate among infants.
Thus do we see our diligent efforts justified and in these results do we find the constant spur to further efforts.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS PROVIDE HEALTH, AND THE CITY OF CAMDEN PROVIDES BOTH
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