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 177

Newspaper clipping: VFW Post Accepts Son of Sgt. Smith, Camden Courier-Post, February 21, 1944
News Articles

VFW Post Accepts Son of Sgt. Smith

Pvt. Charles A. B. Smith, serving in England, was accepted as a member of East Camden Post, No. 705, VFW, at a meeting presided over by his father, post commander Sgt. Ray Smith; the post's next meeting was to be held in its newly purchased quarters at 2808 Federal Street.

·1 min read
Japs Plenty Tough, Camden Man Says — Camden Courier-Post, February 21, 1944
News Articles

Japs Plenty Tough, Camden Man Says

In a February 1944 letter to Camden County registrar Victor J. Scharte, Corp. Frank A. Duffy of Marine intelligence described the landing on Roi Island in the Kwajalein Atoll and enclosed Japanese paper money as souvenirs. Camden Courier-Post, February 21, 1944.

·1 min read
Services for Mrs. Roseanna Currie, 83, who died Sunday of a heart attack in her home at 219 North Third street, will be held at 2 p. m. Thursday in...
News Articles

Mrs. Roseanna Currie

Mrs. Roseanna Currie, 83, widow of Howard H. Currie, died of a heart attack at her home at 219 North Third Street. She was born in Camden and lived there all her life.

·1 min read
Chief Water Tender Arthur Carl Roscoe, U.S. Navy, 1332 Argus Road
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Roscoe Funeral Will Be Sunday

Obituary for Chief Water Tender Arthur Carl Roscoe, U.S. Navy, of 1332 Argus Road, killed when the USS St. Augustine collided with a merchant vessel off the Atlantic coast in January 1944.

·2 min read
Obituary notice for William J. Schroeder of 15 South Dudley Street, Courier-Post, January 1, 1944
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William J. Schroeder obituary

Funeral notice for William J. Schroeder of 15 South Dudley Street, formerly of Westmont, who died suddenly; services at the Foster Funeral Home in Collingswood. Camden Courier-Post, January 1, 1944.

·1 min read
St. Joseph's Church Keeps in Touch with Men and Women in Armed Forces; Four Sons Killed and Two Missing — Camden Courier-Post, 1944
News Articles

St. Joseph's Church Keeps in Touch with Men and Women in Armed Forces

A 1944 Camden Courier-Post feature by Frank Sheridan on St. Joseph's Church (the Polish parish at Tenth and Mechanic Streets), whose 1,154 mothers gave sons and daughters to the war — four killed, two missing, one a prisoner — among them Joseph Piotrowski, lost when the cruiser Helena was sunk at Kula Gulf.

·1 min read
Mrs. Anna E. McDermott obituary — Camden Courier-Post, October 7, 1943
News Articles

Mrs. Anna E. McDermott

Mrs. Anna E. McDermott, 80, wife of retired city fireman James H. McDermott of 23 North Twenty-eighth Street, died Tuesday after a long illness. Funeral at Harry Leonard Funeral Home; solemn requiem mass at St. Joseph's Church.

·1 min read
Camden Prisoner of Japanese Urges Dad to Keep on Ship Job — Camden Courier-Post, September 8, 1943
News Articles

Camden Prisoner of Japanese Urges Dad to Keep on Ship Job

Camden Courier-Post, September 8, 1943 — Lieut. Brunislaus S. Ulak, a South Camden Army officer held prisoner by the Japanese in the Philippines, sent his parents his first word in 17 months on two prison-camp postcards, urging his father to keep working hard at his shipyard job.

·1 min read
Service flag unfurled by St. Joseph's Church, Tenth and Mechanic Streets, Camden, August 31, 1943
News Articles

1150 Camden Poles In Service Honored

A service flag honoring 1,150 St. Joseph's Parish men and women in the armed forces was unfurled at Tenth and Mechanic Streets, where Mayor Brunner pinned gold stars on the mothers and a brother of parishioners killed or missing in World War II. Courier-Post, August 31, 1943.

·5 min read
Cropped newsprint portrait of Nicholas Haday, a smiling young man in a sailor's cap and uniform.
News Articles

Nicholas Haday

Portrait of Nicholas Haday, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Haday of 675 Ferry Avenue, stationed at the Great Lakes Training station and a graduate of Camden County Vocational School, from the Camden Courier-Post, August 3, 1943.

·1 min read