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 227

Newspaper clipping: boxing results from Pennsauken, September 2, 1936, including Tommy Ricco's fourth-round knockout of Midget Ambrose
News Articles

Ketchell Wins Decision Over Walcott

A Bridgewater Courier-News boxing roundup of September 2, 1936, reporting Billy Ketchell's decision over Joe Walcott at Pennsauken and Tommy Ricco's fourth-round knockout of Midget Ambrose.

·1 min read
Police Judge Holds Pair Wilkie Nabbed, Camden Courier-Post, August 31, 1936
News Articles

Police Judge Holds Pair Wilkie Nabbed

Camden Courier-Post, August 31, 1936: Police Judge Lewis Liberman sent a 14-year-old girl to the Detention Home and held her brother-in-law without bail for the grand jury after arrests made by Inspector John V. Wilkie in a North Third Street rooming house.

·1 min read
Press photograph of the renovated Liberty Theatre, Mt. Ephraim Avenue and Everett Street, 1936
News Articles

The Liberty Theatre

A press photograph of the newly renovated Liberty Theatre at Mt. Ephraim Avenue and Everett Street, under the management of Ellis and Rovner. Camden Courier-Post, August 31, 1936.

·1 min read
Renovated Theatre Enhanced in Beauty, Camden Courier-Post, August 31, 1936 (first crop)
News Articles

Renovated Theatre Enhanced in Beauty

The renovated Liberty Theatre at Mt. Ephraim Avenue and Everett Street, rebuilt inside its outer walls for co-owners A. M. Ellis and Louis Rovner to designs by David Supowitz, seated 750 patrons. Camden Courier-Post, August 31, 1936.

·2 min read
Courier-Post, August 31, 1936: Joe Auletto Fined After Craps Raid, with detectives Thomas Murphy and Clarence Arthur
News Articles

Joe Auletto Fined After Craps Raid

Joseph Auletto, 40, of 909 South Fourth Street paid a $25 fine after detectives raided a craps game in his poolroom; five others, including Joseph Bailey of 1354 Morton Street, received suspended sentences.

·1 min read
News Articles

Cigar Store Raided by 'Secret 6' Squad

Camden police Chief Arthur Colsey's "Secret Six" squad raided a cigar store at 217 Market Street, arresting Oscar Bendler of 310 Erie Street on gambling charges and seizing horse racing sheets and $114.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post story on a faked kidnaping and pay robbery, August 29, 1936
News Articles

Pay Theft Tale Faked, Radio Worker Admits

Anthony Carrozza, a 20-year-old RCA Manufacturing Company employe, admitted faking a kidnaping and robbery story after cashing 12 fellow workers' pay checks at the West Jersey Trust Company, Third and Market streets; Detectives Thomas Murphy and August Fortune recovered the money in Philadelphia.

·3 min read
Schlitz Old Milwaukee Beer advertisement by New Jersey Bottling Company, 522 Liberty Street, Camden Courier-Post, 1936
News Articles

New Jersey Bottling Company

Schlitz Old Milwaukee Beer advertisement placed by the New Jersey Bottling Company, 522 Liberty Street, Camden, in the Camden Courier-Post, August 27, 1936.

·1 min read
Courier-Post article, Von Nieda Opposes 'Parking Lot' Plan, August 22, 1936
News Articles

Von Nieda Opposes 'Parking Lot' Plan

Mayor Frederick von Nieda denied approving the Camden Housing Advisory Committee's recommendation to raze 20 blocks of houses for public parking in North and South Camden, and opposed razing the two veterans' homes at Broadway and Benson street.

·4 min read
Courier-Post clipping, Aug. 21, 1936: housing committee urges clearing 20 city blocks
News Articles

Elimination of 20 City Blocks Urged by Housing Committee

The Camden Housing Advisory Committee recommended that the city clear 20 blocks of sub-standard properties, 895 dwellings in two areas, to save on municipal service costs; Mayor Frederick von Nieda favored eliminating the areas but opposed spending city money without assurance of a return.

·4 min read