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!

H. A. Randall and Bro. heating contractor advertisement, Camden Courier-Post, September 12, 1929
News Articles

H. A. Randall & Bro. — The Heart of a Home

Advertisement for H. A. Randall & Bro., heating contractor at 312 North 36th Street, promoting American Radiator heating equipment. Less than $75 a room to install; liberal allowance on old furnaces.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post, June 27, 1929 - Play to Be Given
News Articles

Play to Be Given

The Sodality of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, East Camden, staged a minstrel show in the parish's new school hall at 29th Street and Westfield Avenue on June 27, 1929, with music by the Black Cat Serenaders.

·1 min read
Doris Indictment Studied by Police - 1929-05-01
News Articles

Doris Indictment Studied by Police

Begins Probe of Flannery Case Records; May Press Connors Charge First Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese yesterday began to prepare his office to take John Doris to a quick trial for the murder of Joseph "Mose" Flannery .

·2 min read
News Articles

Gangster Shot As Racketeers Open War Here

Shooting of an alleged racketeer at Broadway and Kaighn avenue, near the threshold of one of South Jersey's notorious reputed gambling joints threw Camden police into renewed warfare on gangdom yesterday.

·7 min read
Shooting May End in Murder Charge - 1929-04-29
News Articles

Shooting May End in Murder Charge

Trenton Evening Times - April 29, 1929 Camden, N.J., April 29— John Doris , 24, was held today on the charge of shooting John O'Connor , 28, of Gloucester City. If O'Connor dies, the Prosecutor said Doris would be charged with murder.

·1 min read
Trenton Times clipping: Police Visit Times, No Arrests Made
News Articles

Police Visit Times, No Arrests Made

Twenty-seven officers from 24 New Jersey police departments, in training at the New Jersey Police Academy at Wilburtha, toured the Trenton Times building as part of an educational program. The roster includes three Camden men.

·2 min read
Hurley Five Victor Over Radio Quintet - Camden Courier-Post, Fall 1929
News Articles

Hurley Five Victor Over Radio Quintet

A Fall 1929 Camden Courier-Post report on Ott Laxton's five field goals leading the Hurley Store five to a 24–19 exhibition win over the Radio Condenser quintet at Convention Hall.

·1 min read
Scene of Camden Bombing
News Articles

Bomb Wrecks Division Street Dairy in Midnight Blast

JEALOUSY SEEN AS MOTIVE FOR BOMBING DAIRY Police Seeking Mysterious Stranger in Terrific Downtown Blast MILK PLANT DAMAGED; NEARBY HOMES ROCKED Crudely Made Explosive Placed in Trench Beneath Steps With the owners and the police attributing jealously of business success as the only plausible motive for the bombing last night of the plant of the Sanitary Milk Dairies Company, at 311 Division Street , the search was started today for a tall, heavyset man, with mixed blue suit, as the bomber.

·6 min read
Soft Voice Made Mose Like Teacher Of Sunday School newspaper clipping
News Articles

Soft Voice Made Mose Like Teacher Of Sunday School

A character sketch of Joseph "Mose" Flannery printed the day he was mortally wounded — a soft-voiced, neatly groomed slot machine operator who "would have passed for a Sunday school teacher or a bank teller," and a feared political worker in Camden's "bloody Eighth" ward who was arrested eight times at one municipal election without a single prosecution.

·2 min read