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 195

Courier-Post photo of Stanley Geda being escorted out of the Detective Bureau, "Ex-Convict Nabbed After Gunplay," October 13, 1940.
News Articles

Ex-Convict Nabbed After Gunplay

Stanley Geda, 25, of 1273 Whitman Avenue, a suspected would-be hijacker of a numbers lottery banker, is escorted out of the Detective Bureau by Detective Joseph Mardino after a chase along Crescent Boulevard. Camden Courier-Post, October 31, 1940.

·1 min read
Courier-Post clipping, "Police Photo Aids in Holdup Arrest," October 29, 1940.
News Articles

Police Photo Aids in Holdup Arrest

Stanley Geda, 26, of 1273 Whitman Avenue, identified from a rogues gallery photograph as one of two men who robbed John Miller of $2046.49, was held without bail for the grand jury by Judge Gene R. Mariano. Camden Courier-Post, October 29, 1940.

·2 min read
Billiard Room Owner Held in Gaming Raid — Camden Courier-Post, October 15, 1940
News Articles

Billiard Room Owner Held in Gaming Raid

Frank Manfredi, proprietor of a billiard parlor at 1146 South Third Street and a former Camden prizefighter known as Freddie Mack, was fined $100 for operation of a gaming house after a dice-game raid.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post, June 15, 1940 — Boleslaw Glembocki obituary
News Articles

Boleslaw Glembocki

Obituary for Boleslaw Glembocki, 52, of 1508 South Tenth Street, a member of the Polish National Alliance and the Polish-American Citizens' Club, with requiem Mass at St. Joseph's Church.

·1 min read
Jumping onto a fire truck - AI Stock Photo
News Articles

Changes Announced in Fire Department

Truck Disbanded, Engine Company Created 13 Men Transferred Commissioner Mary W. Kobus yesterday announced a number of changes in the fire department, including the disbanding of Truck Company No. 4 ; creation of a new engine company No. 10 , and the transfer of 18 officers and men, 12 of them captains.

·2 min read
Mrs. Sophie Buechler of East Camden Dies
News Articles

Mrs. Sophie Buechler of East Camden Dies

Obituary of Mrs. Sophie Buechler, 74, of 1130 North 26th Street, who came from Germany, lived in East Camden from 1902 and was an aunt of Mrs. Pauline F. Caperoon, assistant to City Commissioner Mary W. Kobus.

·1 min read
Newspaper death notice headed "William Seibert" for a 56-year-old Grant Street resident, with funeral arrangements.
News Articles

William Seibert

Death notice for William Seibert, 56, of 653 Grant Street, a Railway Express Co. employee who died at West Jersey Hospital in May 1940.

·1 min read
Defends McBlain — letter to editor from Mrs. E. M. Fenton, 2407 Howell Street, April 24, 1940
News Articles

Defends McBlain

A letter to the editor from Mrs. E. M. Fenton of 2407 Howell Street defending her half-brother David McBlain, whom she maintained was wrongly convicted.

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Newspaper clipping, "Captain Townsend of Engine No. 3 Dies," Camden Courier-Post, April 8, 1940
News Articles

Captain Townsend of Engine No. 3 Dies

Camden Courier-Post, April 8, 1940. Capt. George M. Townsend, 45, of Fire-Engine Company No. 3 at Broadway and Emerald Street, died at his home on Stevens Street days after the death of Battalion Chief Rollo R. Jones of the same station.

·1 min read
Cops Seek Owners of Chance Boards, Camden Courier-Post, April 6, 1940.
News Articles

Cops Seek Owners of Chance Boards

Acting on Commissioner Mary W. Kobus' orders, Camden detectives seized 60,000 illegal punchboards in a raid on a three-story building on the south side of Viola Street and searched for their owners.

·2 min read
Courier-Post clipping, Hospital Cases
News Articles

Hospital Cases

Hospital cases from West Jersey and Cooper hospitals, Camden Courier-Post, April 6, 1940; among those treated, Charles Neff of 39 North Thirty-third Street and May Davis of 1146 Clover Street.

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Soldier from Camden to Take Plane Course, 1940
News Articles

Soldier from Camden to Take Plane Course

Frank Jackson of 128 North 24th Street, who enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in January 1940, was selected to take a six-month airplane mechanics course at Mineola, N.Y., one of 25 chosen from Mitchell Field.

·1 min read