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 255

Numbers Runner - AI Stock Photo
News Articles

Numbers Writer Sent to Jail for 60 Days

Camden Courier-Post - June 20, 1933 Chester Lewandowski, 27, of 1000 Atlantic Avenue , was sentenced to 60 days in the county jail by Judge Samuel M. Shay after he pleaded non vult in Criminal court to possession of numbers lottery slips.

·1 min read
Garden - AI Stock Photo
News Articles

Hatch Estate Drives Jobless From Gardens

Gives Them 24 Hours to Get Out; City Offers Aid to Victims Sixteen unemployed gardeners have been given 24 hours' notice by the city to vacate their plots on the Hatch estate, planted under supervision of the Camden City Emergency Relief Administration, it was revealed last night.

·3 min read
News Articles

Shipyard Employee Dies While at Work

John F. Magonagle, 72, of 927 Woodland Avenue, suffered a fatal heart attack while at work at the New York Shipyard. Coroner Arthur H. Holl issued the death certificate.

·1 min read
News Articles

L.M. Pruyn

Social note: Mr. and Mrs. L.M. Pruyn and Mrs. Clara Gravenstein of 430 Carteret Street opened their Pitman cottage for the summer.

·1 min read
Lottery and Gambling - Stock Photo
News Articles

'Numbers' Slips Just Ain't They're Only Timetables!

Porter, Held for Papers Found in Possession, Convinces Jury 'Evidence' Is Only Data on 'Choo-Choo'; Change Is 'Tip' Believe it or not, but slips such as those used by numbers lottery players and patrons are really not numbers slips at all — they are train schedules!

·2 min read
News Articles

Walkathon Ends; Prize Ball Tonight

Joe Welsh and Helen Stevens Win $1000; Set Record for East Joe Welsh, of Camden, and Helen Stevens, of Philadelphia, last night won the Walkathon contest which has been in progress at Central Airport for 3175 continuous hours, setting up a new record for the East.

·2 min read
Politics - Elephant and Donkey - Stock Photo
News Articles

Democrats Arrange for 'Maloney Day'

"Harry L. Maloney Day" will be celebrated by South Jersey Democrats, Sunday, July 9, when the newly-appointed collector of internal revenue will be guest of honor at a picnic at Silver Lake Park.

·2 min read
News Articles

East Camden Man Held on Shooting Charges

Clifford Jackson, 24, of 412 North 29th Street, was held for a hearing by Police Judge Pancoast on charges of shooting Pauline Dickson, 22, of the same address, in the leg during an argument.

·1 min read
Smith-Austermuhl Co. advertisement, Bonding Employes Creates Efficiency, Camden Courier-Post, June 19, 1933
News Articles

Bonding Employes Creates Efficiency

A Camden Courier-Post advertisement of June 19, 1933 for the Smith-Austermuhl Co., N.W. corner of Market and Fifth Streets, urging that every major employee be bonded: "Better to have Insurance and not need it than to need it and not have it."

·1 min read
News Articles

195 Get Diplomas at Catholic High

Largest Class in History Is Graduated as 2000 Gather for Tribute Diplomas were awarded to 195 graduates of Camden Catholic High School at annual commencement exercises held yesterday in Convention Hall , where nearly 2000 persons gathered to pay tribute.

·2 min read
News Articles

Pancoast Proves 3.2 Beer Did Not Make Man Tipsy

Police Judge Pancoast is firmly convinced that 3.2 beer is not intoxicating. He emphatically expressed himself so to George Shuts, 34, of 410 Birch Street, Saturday when Shuts, who was charged with drunkenness, said he had been drinking beer.

·1 min read
Fire Alarm - AI Stock Photo
News Articles

A False Alarm of Long Ago

Spectacular Run of Firemen and Steeds in '79 When First Alarm System Was Given Try-out By BEN COURTER THERE were two alarms of fire Saturday evening, one at Fourth and Hamilton streets at 8:29 o'clock, and another at the West Jersey Ferry , an hour later.

·5 min read