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!

Camden police pinball raid, Patrolmen Kaighn, Morgan, Wright, Wilkie
News Articles

Cops Score High on This Slot Machine

Camden police, including Patrolmen John Kaighn, Oliver Morgan, Earl Wright and John V. Wilkie, seized a pin-ball slot machine in a raid on a store at 1806 Broadway.

·1 min read
Wilkie Exonerated of Strike Assault
News Articles

Wilkie Exonerated of Strike Assault

Assault charges against Police Inspector John V. Wilkie, stemming from the July 1936 RCA strike riot, were dismissed after the complainant failed to appear for the eleventh time. Patrolman Earl Wright had made the original arrest.

·4 min read
Bed Sheet Rips to Fail Attempt at Suicide — Camden Courier-Post, August 10, 1936
News Articles

Bed Sheet Rips to Fail Attempt at Suicide

John Williams, 82, of 860 North 28th Street, allegedly attempted suicide in August 1936 by tying a bed sheet about his neck and dropping from a second-story window. The sheet ripped and he fell to the ground, and was treated at Cooper Hospital.

·1 min read
Planning-Camden-Own-Your-Own-Home-Show
News Articles

Planning Camden 'Own Your Own Home' Show

Seated, left to right: Leon E. Todd , general chairman of the show committee, past president of the Camden County Real Estate Board, which is sponsoring the effort, and past president of the New Jersey Association of Real Estate Boards, and George B. Underwood, assistant state director of the Federal Housing Administration; standing, left to right: J. Clifford Vaughn, FHA director for Camden county and associated with the Camden County Better Housing Committee, and C. Armel Nutter, president of the real estate board.

·1 min read
Mrs. Carrie R. Bean
News Articles

Mrs. Carrie R. Bean

Mrs. Carrie R. Bean, first president of the Camden County Council of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and junior vice president of the Department of New Jersey, honored at a banquet in August 1936.

·1 min read
4 Holdup Suspects Denied Bail, Camden Courier-Post, August 1, 1936
News Articles

4 Holdup Suspects Are Denied Bail

A Camden Courier-Post report of August 1, 1936: four men, three of them brothers, were held without bail by Police Judge Lewis Liberman for a holdup that began at Jefferson and Arlington streets.

·2 min read
Trenton Evening Times article, July 21, 1936, Camden Strikers Held for Disorder
News Articles

Camden Strikers Held for Disorder

Judge Frank F. Neutze today turned over to the Grand Jury 26 cases involving riot charges growing out of RCA strike disorders last week. He demanded an aggregate of $135,000 bail for the release of the men.

·1 min read
Ketchell-Walcott Even
News Articles

Ketchell-Walcott Even in Camden Mitt Tilt

Bridgewater Courier-News - July 15, 1936 Camden - Billy Ketchell, 181, Millville, and Jersey Joe Walcott , 180, Merchantville, battled to a 10-round draw in the windup bout of a boxing show here last night.

·1 min read
Allen Beats Toomey
News Articles

Allen Beats Toomey

By FRANK KOPESKY South Jersey fight fans still are at odds over the superiority of their "Jersey Joe" Walcott , the Merchantville "Brown Bomber," and the veteran Billy Ketchell, of Millville, tangled at the Pennsauken Open Air Arena last night and engaged in a 10-round draw.

·5 min read