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 138

Courier-Post clipping, December 19, 1957: City Court Scene, Judge Holds Engineer in Child Deaths (first crop).
News Articles

City Court Scene: Judge Holds Engineer in Child Deaths

Municipal Judge Marino held PRSL engineer John C. Gillon for the grand jury in December 1957 on a manslaughter charge in the deaths of John and Karen Wawrzyniak on the trestle at Mechanic and Louis streets, along with a motorist in a separate death.

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Courier-Post article, 'Two Suspects Held in Bail of $25,000 Each', Camden, December 19, 1957
News Articles

Two Suspects Held in Bail of $25,000 Each

William J. Porter, 26, and Howard James, 25, linked by Camden police with 10 burglaries in six weeks, were held in $25,000 bail each by Municipal Judge Marino. Among the jobs James admitted was a break-in at a grocery at 635 Carman Street.

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2 Men Given 6 Months on Theft Counts - newspaper clipping
News Articles

2 Men Given 6 Months on Theft Counts

Municipal Judge Marino gave six-month jail sentences to two men for theft of an automobile battery and $5 worth of gasoline; Sgt. Earl Wright said one was arrested taking the gas.

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Newspaper clipping: 3 Businesses, Homes Looted On Weekend, Camden Courier-Post, December 14, 1957
News Articles

3 Businesses, Homes Looted On Weekend

Burglars broke into three Camden businesses, including the 705 Bar on Chestnut Street and Paramount Billiards at 16 S. Broadway, and three Pennsauken homes over a December 1957 weekend, netting nearly $600; two men were held for breaking into Martini's Service Station at 4th and Main streets.

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Newspaper clipping: S. Camden Man Hurt By Hit-Run Driver
News Articles

S. Camden Man Hurt By Hit-Run Driver

Herman O'Neal, 41, of 139 Spruce Street was seriously injured on Kaighns Avenue near Locust Street by a hit-and-run driver; Det. Sgt. Joseph Hooven of the accident division described the car sought.

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Courier-Post clipping, December 12, 1957: Slate Hearing In Two Deaths On RR Trestle (first crop).
News Articles

Slate Hearing In Two Deaths On RR Trestle

The PRSL engineer whose train killed John and Karen Wawrzyniak on the trestle at Louis and Mechanic streets was released in his own recognizance in December 1957 after a clerical error postponed his hearing.

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Camden Courier-Post, December 12, 1957 - Polish Girl Scouts
News Articles

Polish Girl Scouts

A December 1957 Camden Courier-Post item about Girl Scout Troop 419 of St. Joseph's School, South Camden, which "adopted" an elderly woman at St. Mary's Home in Haddonfield as their "Grandmother" and threw her a birthday party.

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Boxing Show Slated to Aid Drop-A-Buck, Camden Courier-Post, December 11, 1957
News Articles

Boxing Show Slated to Aid Drop-A-Buck

More than 500 boys club and Little League members will be guests at an amateur boxing show at Convention Hall to benefit the Frank H. Ryan Drop-A-Buck Club, with sponsors solicited by a committee headed by Police Insp. Anthony Skolski.

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Obituary of Domenic F. Persiano, 31, of 526 Royden Street, Camden Courier-Post, December 10, 1957
News Articles

Domenic F. Persiano

Obituary of Domenic F. Persiano, 31, of 526 Royden Street, a Camden tailor and World War II veteran, from the Camden Courier-Post of December 10, 1957.

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Obituary of Orris W. Smith, 37, of 2818 Pierce Avenue, Camden, Courier-Post, December 10, 1957
News Articles

Orris W. Smith

Obituary of Orris W. Smith, 37, of 2818 Pierce Avenue, a layout man at Belmont Iron Works in Philadelphia for 17 years, a World War II Marine and past commander of VFW Post 518.

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Ransackers Tour Building on Market St., Camden Courier-Post, December 10, 1957
News Articles

Ransackers Tour Building on Market St.

Burglars took $30 to $40 in cash and 200 three-cent stamps after ransacking office and warehouse space of five firms in a building at 10th and Market Streets, entering by a ladder at the rear of 1011 Market Street.

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