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!

Recently added — page 118

Newspaper clipping: 5 Juveniles Arrested in Plant Blaze
News Articles

5 Juveniles Arrested in Plant Blaze

Five North Camden boys aged 11 to 14 were arrested after a general-alarm fire at the vacant former John R. Evans Co. leather tanning plant at Second and Erie Streets in December 1971; the building's owner put his loss at $100,000 to $200,000, according to Fire Marshal Harold Pike.

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Camden Bank, Business Bldg. Targets of Two Firebombings — Camden Courier-Post, December 22, 1971
News Articles

Camden Bank, Business Bldg. Targets of Two Firebombings

Two firebombings struck Camden within 16 minutes of each other on December 22, 1971. The first was at 333 Arch Street, housing several businesses including the Puerto Rico Labor Department office. The second struck the Third National Bank of New Jersey at 27th and Federal Streets. Police impounded a red Volkswagen matching witness descriptions. There were no injuries.

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Newspaper clipping with the headline "Fireman Injured as Plant Burns" and the first columns of the story.
News Articles

Fireman Injured as Plant Burns

Camden Courier-Post, December 20, 1971: A Camden fireman was injured when his ladder ripped from its base at a general-alarm fire that destroyed the empty John R. Evans leather tanning plant in North Camden.

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Newspaper death notice for Alton W. Baker of 1148 Langham Avenue, Camden, who died November 26, 1971.
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Baker

Death notice for Alton W. Baker, 65, of 1148 Langham Avenue, Camden, who died November 26, 1971. He was employed at Campbell Soup for 43 years.

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Death notice for Margaret M. Eckel of 2719 Pierce Avenue, Camden, Courier-Post, November 29, 1971
News Articles

Eckel

Death notice for Margaret M. (nee Pepeta) Eckel, 68, wife of William H. Eckel of 2719 Pierce Avenue, Camden, with Mass at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church and interment at Calvary Cemetery.

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Death notice for Ida Acquesta, 1291 South Merrimac Road
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ACQUESTA

Death notice for Ida (nee Aceto) Acquesta, 68, wife of Benedetto Acquesta of 1291 South Merrimac Road, Camden, who died November 28, 1971.

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Clipping "Fire Death Of Woman Is Probed", Camden Courier-Post, November 29, 1971.
News Articles

Fire Death Of Woman Is Probed

Fire Marshal Harold Pike enlisted the Camden detective bureau to investigate the death of Mrs. Elizabeth McLeish, 37, found burned to death in her Woodland Avenue home in November 1971.

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Camden Courier-Post, November 29, 1971 — Obituary for Martha Bostic of 950 Jefferson Avenue
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Martha Bostic

Obituary of Martha Bostic, 89, of 950 Jefferson Avenue, who died November 27, 1971. She was a 46-year member of Bethel AME Church and the widow of Camden policeman Thomas H. Bostic.

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Obituary of Margaret E. Hepworth, 3062 Alabama Road — Camden Courier-Post, November 29, 1971
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Margaret E. Hepworth

Obituary of Margaret E. Hepworth, 80, of 3062 Alabama Road, Camden — wife of the late Thomas Hepworth. Camden Courier-Post, November 29, 1971.

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Camden Courier-Post article headlined "United Mission Rescue Corps," August 6, 1971, in three columns.
News Articles

United Mission Rescue Corps

A Camden Courier-Post report of August 6, 1971 on the United Mission Rescue Corps, founded by Camden resident Lewis T. Lewis in July 1969, which had raised more than $20,000 but spent only about 15 per cent of it on disaster victims, and which used $7,000 of an inheritance to buy an office building at 2411 Federal Street.

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Blaze Damages Werner Home — Camden Courier-Post, July 27, 1971
News Articles

Blaze Damages Werner Home

A fire, apparently started by a television set, swept the living room of the home of Francis Werner, an investigator in the Camden County prosecutor's office, at 822 North 30th Street. Battalion Chief John Giuliano said the blaze was reported at 8:15 a.m. and was under control within minutes.

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Two widows of Camden patrolmen slain in 1969 at Police Week ceremonies on Lits Plaza, Camden
News Articles

Two Widows of Camden Patrolmen

A Camden Courier-Post photograph from May 1971 shows the widows of patrolmen Charles W. Sutman and George E. Schultz Jr., slain in the line of duty in 1969, at Police Week ceremonies on Lits Plaza in Camden.

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