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 127

The Lincoln Assassin Mystery - 1964-11-23
News Articles

The Lincoln Assassin Mystery

Stars and Stripes - November 23, 1964 TOPEKA, Kan. (UPI) - He shot and killed the assassin who shot the President. He was arrested. His sanity became a question. Jack Ruby ?

·4 min read
Newspaper obituary notice for Mrs. Nellie Thompson, 83, who resided at 400 N. 29th St.
News Articles

Mrs. Nellie Thompson

Obituary notice for Mrs. Nellie Thompson, 83, of 400 N. 29th St., with funeral services at the Waples Funeral Home and burial in Sunset Memorial Park, Pennsauken.

·1 min read
Obituary of Francesco Blasi, Camden Courier-Post, November 19, 1964
News Articles

Francesco Blasi

Obituary of Francesco Blasi, 71, of 454 Royden Street, a retired Camden County maintenance employee and World War I veteran, from the Camden Courier-Post of November 19, 1964.

·1 min read
House of Hazards by Fairview Girl Scouts - 1964-10-12
News Articles

House of Hazards by Fairview Girl Scouts

Camden Courier-Post - October 12, 1964 On Thursday evening, October 15th, Fairview Girl Scouts, their parents, friends and neighbors, will be treated to a unique production in the interests of fire prevention.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping "3 Firemen Grads Given Assignments," on three Camden firemen graduating from the Fire Training School.
News Articles

3 Firemen Grads Given Assignments

Three graduates of the Camden City Fire Training School received their company assignments in July 1964 — Truman Maples of 1024 North 35th Street, Ernest A. Fagan of 105 South 35th Street, and Spencer Smith 3d of 1523 Collings Road.

·1 min read
Courier-Post clipping, "Smiths Firemen To 3d Generation," about a third-generation Camden fireman, June 1964
News Articles

Smiths Firemen To 3d Generation

Spencer Haines Smith 3d, 22, was sworn into the Camden fire department in June 1964, following his father, Spencer H. Smith Jr., and grandfather, Spencer H. Smith Sr.; an uncle, Earl A. Smith, was also a city fireman.

·1 min read
Berul's House of Music retirement advertisement, Camden Courier-Post, May 19, 1964
News Articles

Berul's House of Music

Retirement advertisement for Berul's House of Music, 1206 Haddon Avenue, Camden, announcing the store was selling all its instruments at double discounts after forty years.

·1 min read
Harry N. Layer & Co., Guild Opticians advertisement, May 19, 1964
News Articles

Harry N. Layer & Co., Guild Opticians

A May 19, 1964 advertisement in which Harry N. Layer & Co., Guild Opticians, congratulates New Jersey on its tercentenary and announces three locations, including 517 Penn Street, Camden.

·1 min read
Clan Mfg. Co. advertisement for sanitary maintenance supplies, Camden Courier-Post, May 19, 1964
News Articles

Sanitary Maintenance Supplies

A Camden Courier-Post display advertisement of May 19, 1964 for Clan Mfg. Co., Inc., 310 Market Street, Camden: sanitary maintenance supplies and Super Suction wet-and-dry pick-up vacuum machines, "We Supply Everything But the Janitor."

·1 min read
News Articles

Bishop's Hospital Fund Oversubscribed $200,000

Camden Courier-Post - May 19, 1964 Ground for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital was broken September 7, 1947. More than 2,500 persons saw Bishop Eustace turn the first spadeful of earth at the site on Haddon Avenue near Euclid .

·4 min read
News Articles

McGuire, Hartmann Among The Early Organizers of Labor in City

A Camden Courier-Post retrospective on the origins of organized labor in Camden, centering on Peter J. McGuire and on the father-and-son cigarmakers Frank and Robert Hartmann, whose Third and Arch Streets factory housed the movement's earliest meetings. Robert Hartmann was elected first president of the Camden County Central Labor Union in 1908.

·7 min read