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 124

Death notice for Helen Jaroszewski of 1266 Thurman Street, Camden Courier-Post, May 2, 1967.
News Articles

Jaroszewski

Death notice for Helen Jaroszewski of 1266 Thurman Street, wife of the late Stanley Sr. and mother of Joseph and Stanley, who died April 30, 1967; funeral from the Ciechanowski Funeral Home with a Requiem high Mass at St. Joseph's Church.

·1 min read
Death notice for Filomena Coccia of 55 S. Dudley St., Courier-Post, May 2, 1967
News Articles

Coccia

Death notice for Filomena Coccia (nee Altieri), 67, of 55 South Dudley Street, Camden, who died April 30, 1967; Requiem high Mass at St. Joseph Procathedral. Camden Courier-Post, May 2, 1967.

·1 min read
Newspaper obituary for John Toman, 66, of 520 Grant Street, Camden, with funeral and burial details.
News Articles

John Toman

John Toman, 66, of 520 Grant Street, a retired New York Shipbuilding Corporation employee, died in 1967.

·1 min read
Courier-Post front page and page 3 clipping, Fire Destroys Toy Shop, 2 South Camden Homes, March 8, 1967
News Articles

Fire Destroys Toy Shop, 2 South Camden Homes

A general-alarm fire raged for four hours on March 7, 1967, destroying the L-shaped building at 613 Broadway that housed Anthony Corradetti Sales Enterprises, a distributor of toys, novelties and household goods, along with two nearby residences on Line Street, before almost 100 firemen brought it under control.

·4 min read
Firemen climb ladder at Ray's Tavern fire, 5th and Mickle Streets
News Articles

4 Trapped in Blaze Saved by Firemen

A rash of overnight fires in Camden during a February 1967 snowstorm destroyed Ray's Tavern at 5th and Mickle Streets and damaged four buildings; police and firemen rescued four elderly residents, and Acting Battalion Chief Arthur Batten's crew answered the second call for aid after fighting two North Camden blazes.

·4 min read
Link Schools to Fire Board - 1967-02-03
News Articles

Link Schools to Fire Board

Camden Courier-Post - February 3, 1967 Direct Tie Could Be Life-Death Difference If firemen get to a school fire even one minute sooner, it could mean the difference between life and death.

·2 min read
Ryan Honored at Special Fete
News Articles

Ryan Honored at Special Fete

Camden Courier-Post - November 3, 1966 More than a score sportsmen from the Camden area attended a surprise 75th birthday party to Tom Ryan , retired sports editor of the Courier-Post, in Kenney's Camden last night.

·1 min read
Pulaski Day Parade, Camden, 1966 — representatives of Polish American Women's Club
News Articles

Pulaski Day Observed In Camden

A crowd estimated at nearly 3,000 witnessed Camden's Pulaski Day observance in October 1966, featuring 40 bands and floats depicting Polish history, followed by a Pontifical Mass celebrated in Whitman Park by Archbishop Celestine J. Damiano.

·2 min read
Newspaper clipping: Camden Fireman Cited by Buffs
News Articles

Camden Fireman Cited by Buffs

The Delaware Valley Fire Buffs Association gave Camden fire captain John Gryckiewicz a special citation and a $25 savings bond in September 1966 for his rescue of Mrs. Emily Burns from a burning North Camden bedroom, his second honor that year.

·1 min read
Wesley Faust, The Mercury, Pottstown, Pennsylvania, July 5, 1966
News Articles

Personals

A Mercury personals item noting that Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Faust of Zieglerville had returned from visiting their son at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois.

·1 min read
Notice of Application, Vasco's Cafe, 713 South Third Street, Camden Courier-Post, June 11, 1966
News Articles

Notice of Application

Vasco's Cafe, Inc. applies to the Camden ABC board for a plenary retail consumption liquor license at 713 South Third Street; officers include Armando and Kathryn Canzanese of 3217 Braxton Walk.

·1 min read
Obituary for Harry R. Smith, 406 North 40th Street, June 4, 1966
News Articles

Harry R. Smith

Obituary for Harry R. Smith, 59, of 406 North 40th Street, who died June 3, 1966 in Cooper Hospital after retiring from RCA Camden in 1959.

·1 min read