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 179

Page 25 of the St. Joseph's Golden Jubilee Year Book: an advertisement for Edward A. Quinlan above two columns of parish history, and an advertisement from A Friend below.
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Edward A. Quinlan

Page 25 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book: a "Compliments of" advertisement for Edward A. Quinlan, the continuation of "The Origin of St. Joseph's Parish," and the start of "The Story of St. Joseph's Parish, East Camden."

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Page 54 of the St. Joseph’s Golden Jubilee Year Book with ads for Arthur H. Holl and Sudler-Eichel funeral homes, Daly’s Grill and Karr Novelty Company
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Arthur H. Holl

A 1943 yearbook page of advertisements for the Arthur H. Holl funeral service at 1401 Princess Avenue, Camden, and Haddonfield, the Sudler-Eichel Funeral Home, Daly's Grill and the Karr Novelty Company. St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book, 1943.

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Three photographs of St. Joseph's Church: the May procession in 1915, the fire-damaged church, and the restored church in 1917.
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Pictures of St. Joseph's Church

Page 36 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book: three photographs of the church at 25th and Howell Streets showing the annual May procession in 1915, the church damaged by fire in October 1915, and the restored church on July 4, 1917, at the send-off for the boys.

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Compliments page from four Pepsi-Cola distributors: Walter J. Beer, Liberty Bottling, M & L Distributing and South Jersey Bottling.
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Walter J. Beer

A 1943 "Compliments of" page in the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book for four Camden Pepsi-Cola distributors: Walter J. Beer, Liberty Bottling Co., M & L Distributing Co. and South Jersey Bottling Co.

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Golden Jubilee Year Book page 66
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Gustav Roedel & Son

Page 66 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book: advertisements for Gustav Roedel & Son funeral directors at 804-06 North 27th Street, Ernest Holcher's Crescent Bottling Co. at 25th St. and River Rd., The Farm Beer Garden near Haddonfield, Joe's Chateau, David V. Murray's Murray's Inn, Gus Saccomanno's Gus' Barber Shop at 26th Street and River Road, Kooker's at 2614 River Avenue, and Bantle's hardware at 513 N. 6th St. and 2318 River Ave.

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Page 60 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Golden Jubilee Year Book: five advertisements, including John F. Meade and K. Beetar, Inc.
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John F. Meade

Page 60 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book: advertisements for John F. Meade, electrical contractor of Merchantville, Edward V. Martino, K. Beetar, Inc., S. Stefanski, hardwood floors at 1315 Haddon Avenue, and R. McAllister, coal and fuel oil at 7th and Linden Streets.

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Page 52 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Golden Jubilee Year Book: advertisements for Andrew Ebert's Sons, Clementon Lake Park, Joseph F. Bittner and Blake & Myrtetus.
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Andrew Ebert's Sons

Page 52 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book: advertisements for Andrew Ebert's Sons funeral directors at 851 Haddon Ave., Clementon Lake Park, Joseph F. Bittner plumbing and heating contractor at 134 N. Twenty-Seventh Street, and Blake & Myrtetus funeral directors at 1530 Collings Road, Fairview.

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Page 19 of the St. Joseph's Golden Jubilee Year Book: an Edward J. Borden real estate ad, parish history, and a Frank Quinn & Co. ad.
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Support Your Church and Buy a Home in East Camden

Page 19 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book: an advertisement for Edward J. Borden, real estate, insurance and mortgages, at 702 Market Street, a continued installment of "The Origin of St. Joseph's Parish," and an advertisement for Frank Quinn & Co., religious articles and church goods.

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Advertisement for Poor Little Homo's at the West Jersey Cafe, Third and Market Streets, from the 1943 St. Joseph's Golden Jubilee Year Book
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Poor Little Homo's

Page 18 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book: an advertisement for Poor Little Homo's, West Jersey Cafe, at Third and Market Streets, "where good friends meet."

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Page 17 of the St. Joseph's Golden Jubilee Year Book: advertisements for Paul R. Rilatt, funeral director, and Kenney's Cafe
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Paul R. Rilatt

Page 17 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book: advertisements for funeral director and embalmer Paul R. Rilatt at 521 State Street and Kenney's Cafe at 531-33 Market Street.

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Page 13 of the St. Joseph's Church Golden Jubilee Year Book, 1943: ads for U. S. Tire Service and Murphy Auto Body Works around a parish history column.
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U. S. Tire Service

Page 13 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book: advertisements for U. S. Tire Service at 920 Market Street and Murphy Auto Body Works at Twenty-Seventh St. and Sherman Ave., around an installment of the parish history telling of the West Jersey missions of the Reverend Theodore Schneider and "Father Farmer."

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Advertisement for I. F. Huntzinger Co., Inc., Printers, 111 Federal St., Camden, N. J.
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I. F. Huntzinger Co., Inc.

Page 80 of the 1943 St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Golden Jubilee Year Book, the last page: the advertisement of the book's printers, I. F. Huntzinger Co., Inc., at 111 Federal St., Camden.

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