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!

Handcuffs Stock Photo
News Articles

Four Camden Men Are Among Those Who Get Paroles

Lesslie Orr, 'Polack Joe' Deven, Jackie Hindle and Walter Kennedy Freed Public Not Informed Four well-known Camden county men who had been in the state penitentiary at Trenton for at least one year are now at liberty on parole.

·2 min read
News Articles

Jury Reform Wins, Road Ripper Loses

Legislature Adopts Bill to Make Governor Boss of State Finances Trenton, June 22 — The Senate early today approved Senator Joseph G. Wolber's jury reform bill providing for appointment of jury commissioners by Supreme Court Justices.

·3 min read
News Articles

Sunday Beer, Bars Adopted by Assembly

Amendments to Temporary Law Passed in Early Morning Sent to Senate for Floor Battle Hours of Debate Center On Local Option Phase Of Measure Trenton, June 22 — Sunday sale after 1 p. m. and bars are permitted by a supplement to the temporary state beer law adopted by the Assembly early today.

·3 min read
News Articles

Boys Smash Desks In Camden School But Take Nothing

Suspects Believed to Have Resented Teachers Refusing Promotion Hiding in the H. B. Wilson School , Ninth and Florence streets , until a Parent-Teacher Association meeting was over and the school locked for the night, several boys turned vandals by forcing open desk drawers, breaking the glass in book cases, marring desks and strewing papers about.

·1 min read
Fred Klosterman - 1940-01-08
News Articles

Klosterman Boys Found Guilty In Numbers Case

Camden Brothers Released in Bail Awaiting Sentence They Are Big Shots,' Prosecutor Declares Both Defendants Deny Connection With Raided Saloon Joseph and Fred Klosterman were convicted in Camden Criminal Court yesterday of operating a numbers racket.

·3 min read
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News Articles

Block-Aid Funds, Used for Homeless

Dr. Stone Reveals $32,312 Has Been Spent to Help Evicted Families Funds raised in Camden's recent Block-Aid campaign are being used exclusively by Dr. A. L. Stone , city emergency relief director, to help in the housing of evicted families.

·2 min read
News Articles

Lindsay Stops Here on Hop to Boston

British Envoy Denies Any Plan to Confer with F. R. on Coast Sir Ronald Lindsay, British ambassador to the United States, denied while in Camden yesterday afternoon that he had any plan to confer with President Roosevelt at some point along the New England coast.

·2 min read
News Articles

2 Men Sent to Jail in Theft of Auto

Herbert Cox, 25, of 1247 Van Hook Street, and Charles Casale, 26, of 1351 Van Hook Street, were each sentenced to six months in jail for stealing an automobile from Mt. Ephraim Avenue.

·1 min read
News Articles

Wife Biffed by Husband Wins Decree for Divorce

Camden Courier-Post - June 21, 1933 A husband who celebrated St. Patrick's Day, 1932, by singing I'll Give You Something to Remember Me By and handing his wife a swift left to the chin, lost a divorce action yesterday.

·2 min read
Arguing over Paper - AI Image
News Articles

Mysterious Piece of Paper Enlivens Numbers Trial Here

Judge Shay Enjoys Verbal Tilt Between Gotshalk and Walter Keown, But it Fails to Enter Into Evidence A mysterious piece of paper yesterday precipitated a verbal battle between Assistant Prosecutor William C. Gotshalk and Defense Attorney Walter S. Keown upon opening of the trial of Joseph and Fred Klosterman on charges of number writing.

·3 min read