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 143

Marriage Licenses column listing five Camden marriage license applications, Camden Courier-Post, March 13, 1956
News Articles

Marriage Licenses

Camden marriage licenses published March 13, 1956, including Margaret J. Land of 644 Ferry Avenue and Charles Williams of Philadelphia.

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Newspaper clipping headed "Hospital Cases" listing injured patients at Cooper and West Jersey hospitals, Camden Courier-Post, 1956.
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Hospital Cases

Cooper and West Jersey hospital cases reported in the Camden Courier-Post of February 15, 1956, including Christine Whye of 1017 Kaighns Avenue, treated for dog bites of the face.

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Mrs. Molly Zeitz obituary, Camden Courier-Post, February 15, 1956
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Mrs. Molly Zeitz

Obituary for Mrs. Molly Zeitz, of 1476 Bradley Avenue, Camden; services at a funeral home at 1401 Princess Avenue, burial in Crescent Burial Park.

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Camden Fire Alarms newspaper clipping, Camden Courier-Post, February 15 1956
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Camden Fire Alarms

Camden fire alarms from midnight Monday until midnight Tuesday, printed in the Camden Courier-Post on February 15, 1956: grass fires at 2nd and Beckett, 2709 Federal and 31st and Pleasant streets, rubbish at 1245 Mechanic Street and flooring at 322 Pine Street.

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News Articles

Boy, 3, Saved During Blaze by Baby Sitter

Bertha Reed, 18, of 928 North 21st Street carried three-year-old Michael Moran to safety when fire broke out at 1145 DuPont Street in Cramer Hill; Engines 9 and 11 and Truck 3 responded.

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Newspaper clipping: Dzick Frees 2 In Row Over Car Mishap, Camden Courier-Post, February 4, 1956
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Dzick Frees 2 In Row Over Car Mishap

Municipal Judge Benjamin Dzick discharged Nicholas Persiano and Anthony Mona after Persiano recanted his charges over a crash into the Dial Shoe Store window at 1152 Broadway; police had called the case a "quarrel among thieves."

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Hospital Cases roundup, Camden Courier-Post, February 3, 1956
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Hospital Cases

Cooper and West Jersey hospital cases reported in the Camden Courier-Post of February 3, 1956, including Rita Procacci of 1125 South 3rd Street, treated for burns of the right hand.

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Mrs. Fannie L. May Funeral Is Delayed — Camden Courier-Post, February 3, 1956
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Mrs. Fannie L. May Funeral Is Delayed

Funeral for Mrs. Fannie L. May of 1223 North 21st Street was delayed because her husband John was hospitalized from injuries in the automobile-train collision that killed her.

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Courier-Post clipping, Ex-Camden Man Gets 5-7 Years in Slaying, February 2, 1956
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Ex-Camden Man Gets 5-7 Years in Slaying

Isadore Birch, 29, of New York City, formerly of Kaighn Avenue, was sentenced by County Judge Rocco Palese to five to seven years in State Prison for manslaughter in the 1947 death of Zatch McGriff after a fight at 233 Kaighn Avenue.

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Newspaper clipping: George B. Smith obituary and death notice
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George B. Smith

George B. Smith, 81, of 515 Bailey Street, died January 31, 1956. He had lived 44 years in Camden and retired in 1945 as a maintenance foreman after 35 years with Warren Webster and Co., the Courier-Post reported on February 2, 1956.

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City Court Scene: Seven Violate Trucker Rule On Boulevard, Courier-Post, February 2, 1956
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Seven Violate Trucker Rule On Boulevard

Four truck drivers were fined in Camden Municipal Court for failing to keep right on Admiral Wilson Boulevard, three forfeited security, and two Camden men, one of 20th Street near Pierce Avenue, were fined for drunken driving.

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30 Minutes Rail Delay At River Rd. — Camden Courier-Post, February 2, 1956
News Articles

30 Minutes Rail Delay At River Rd.

Mrs. Fannie May of 1223 North 21st Street was critically injured when the couple's 1937 Packard skidded past a crossing watchman and collided with a Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train on River Avenue north of Federal Street; she died later that day in Cooper Hospital.

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