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!

Camden Courier-Post, January 16, 1928, City Engineer Clerk Is Again Discharged
News Articles

City Engineer Clerk Is Again Discharged

E. Allan Weinstein, chief clerk in the office of Thomas J. Daley, city engineer, received notice today from Frank B. Hanna, superintendent of streets, that he has been discharged.

·2 min read
Polish Flag Stock Photo
News Articles

Polish-American Club Re-Elects President

Camden Courier-Post - January 16, 1928 Vincent Raczykowski was elected for the third consecutive time as president of the Camden County Polish-American Republican Club at the annual meeting held in the clubhouse at Tenth and Liberty streets.

·1 min read
Mobster Stock Photo
News Articles

Murder Motive at G.O.P. Club Splits Sleuths

County Detectives Contend Philadelphia Gangster Was Slain in Quarrel Over Woman Police Claim Hold-up Attempt Caused Fight Deven Charged with Crime, Flannery and Taxi Driver Held Without Bail With city and county authorities definitely divided on the motive and circumstance if the Sixth Ward Republican Club slaying, Joseph "Polack Joe" Deven was arraigned in Camden police court today and held without bail on a murder charge.

·9 min read
Gangster-Shot-in-Melee-in-Sixth-Ward-011428
News Articles

Gangster Shot During Melee In Sixth Ward

Joseph Deven Held On Murder Charge After Death Boxer's Brother; 'Mose' Flannery and 4 others Held as Witnesses; Was Craps Game Says County Police Holdup Attempted City Cops Declare Victim of a shot fired in a melee, the exact cause of which remain undetermined, Joseph Cimini, 31 years old, was killed in the Sixth Ward Republican Club , 908 Broadway .

·10 min read
News Articles

Local Legion Post to Put on Fight Show

Sergeant Ray Smith Heads Committee In Charge of Arrangement for Jousts Not to be outdone by any local organization, Corporal Raymond C. Thoirs Post, of the American Legion, passed a resolution last night in favor of staging a monster boxing show at Convention Hall sometime next month.

·1 min read
Fumigation - AI Stock Photo
News Articles

Stone Discounts Fumigation Value

Health Head Says It Gives False Sense of Security Fumigation as a method of preventing disease was discounted by Dr. Arthur L. Stone , city health director, in talk yesterday before the Y's men's Club at the Hotel Walt Whitman .

·2 min read
News Articles

Fairview Legion Post Installs Officers

Camden Courier-Post - January 13, 1928 C. Richard Allen , commander and other new officers of Fairview Post No. 71, American Legion were installed last night in the Legion home, 1392 Collings Road .

·1 min read
Wharf Stock Photo
News Articles

Rotary Club Told of Industrial Drive

C. of C. Secretary Outlines Plan to Make Comprehensive Survey An industrial campaign for the purpose of inducing new business industries to locate in Camden will be part of the program of the Chamber of Commerce for this year, Loyal D. Odhner, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, told members of the Rotary Club at a luncheon today in the Hotel Walt Whitman .

·3 min read
News Articles

Polish Citizens Club to Change Name

At the January 1928 installation of officers, the Polish Citizens Club took steps to change its name to the Polish American Citizens Club, with Stanley Ciechanowski installed as president.

·1 min read
News Articles

City League Clubs Begin Second Half

Camden Courier-Post - January 10, 1928 Two Games at Convention Hall Tonight; Two New Clubs Join Circuit Second-half competition in the Reesman basketball league will begin tonight with a twin bill at Convention Hall .

·2 min read
News Articles

Frankie Rapp Favored to Eclipse Records of All Local Boxers

Critics Predict Great Ring Future for Former Camden Catholic High School Baseball and Basketball Star Has Scored 12 Knockouts in 17 Bouts By Tom Ryan Is Frankie Rapp , South Camden lightweight due to eclipse the performance of every scrapper who has ever been developed here?

·4 min read