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 221

Courier-Post clipping, "2 Girls, Youth Held in Probe of Fatal Card Game Holdup," January 24, 1938.
News Articles

2 Girls, Youth Held in Probe of Fatal Card Game Holdup

Luigi Tortu, 21, of 426 Line Street, and two girls, Pearl Wills of Delair and Evelyn Buffa of 810 Florence Street, were held by Camden city and county police after Angelos Malagas, a restaurant cook shot in the January 11, 1938 holdup of a card game at 725 Penn Street, died in Cooper Hospital 13 days later.

·4 min read
Charles Lynch newspaper clipping, Camden Courier-Post, January 24, 1938
News Articles

Acted as 'Lone Wolf,' Then Took on 'Model Boy' as Confederate

Charles Lynch, 17, of 748 Carman Street, a prep school student by day and burglar by night, confessed to City Detectives Clifford Carr and Clarence Arthur that he robbed 22 suburban homes in three months to pay for his schooling, first as a "lone wolf," later with a confederate.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post front-page clipping, January 22, 1938, headlined "Murder and Kidnaping In '75 Bared by Man Here", with a portrait photograph of John Roskze
News Articles

Murder and Kidnaping In '75 Bared by Man Here

John Roskze, a peanut peddler living at 295 Kaighn avenue and known in Camden as John Welch, told the Courier-Post of the 1875 murder of his mother and his own kidnaping on an Illinois farm, a secret he says he kept for 63 years.

·1 min read
South Camden Civic Association - Camden Courier-Post, January 22, 1938
News Articles

Civic Group Backs Alliance Aid Bill

A January 1938 Camden Courier-Post report on the South Camden Civic Association — a predominantly Polish-American group in Whitman Park — backing the Workers' Alliance relief bill.

·1 min read
Sons of Israel Society Plans Birthday Fete, Camden Courier-Post, January 21, 1938
News Articles

Sons of Israel Society Plans Birthday Fete

The Sons of Israel Society planned a dinner at the Camden Talmud Torah auditorium, 621 Kaighn Avenue, to mark its 42nd anniversary and the clearance of all liabilities on the Sons of Israel Synagogue.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post article, January 21, 1938, Lloyd Ends Term, Will Take Sea Trip
News Articles

Lloyd Ends Term, Will Take Sea Trip

Hundreds of lawyers, court attaches and private citizens visited the office of Supreme Court Justice Frank T. Lloyd yesterday to pay their respects to the jurist, whose retirement became effective at midnight.

·1 min read
Newspaper article 'Memorial to Honor Birthday of Branch', Camden Courier-Post, January 20, 1938
News Articles

Memorial to Honor Birthday of Branch

Memorial exercises honoring the birthday of Dr. Clement T. Branch, Camden's Negro civic leader who died in 1933, were set for the Union American M. E. Church on Chestnut Street, sponsored by the Citizens' Civil Liberties League of Camden City.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post advertisement, January 15, 1938, for George's Auto Service state inspection chauffeur service
News Articles

State Inspection Chauffeur Service

A January 15, 1938 Camden Courier-Post advertisement for George's Auto Service, 1111 Haddon Avenue, offering a chauffeur service for New Jersey state inspection.

·1 min read
Obituary of Mrs. Elizabeth G. Landon, 524 Woodland Avenue, Camden Courier-Post, January 15, 1938.
News Articles

Mrs. Elizabeth G. Landon

Mrs. Elizabeth G. Landon, 50, a lifelong Camden resident, died suddenly at her home at 524 Woodland Avenue. She was survived by her husband, Howard Landon, and a daughter, Henrietta; burial was to be in Evergreen Cemetery.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post, January 15, 1938 - Whitman Park Loop Will Open Tonight
News Articles

Whitman Park Loop Will Open Tonight

A January 1938 Camden Courier-Post report on the opening of the Whitman Park Basketball League, sponsored by the Polish-American Citizens' Club and playing at Bonsall School.

·1 min read