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!

New Orleans Times-Picayune clipping, Is in Vaudeville Now, about Johnny Dooley
News Articles

Is in Vaudeville Now

The passengers who made the first trip up the Mississippi river on the Creole may wonder what ever became of the young-looking chief steward. He is none other than Johnny Dooley of the team of Dooley and Rugel at the Orpheum.

·1 min read
Charm Presented to Deputy Chief, Camden Daily Courier, November 24, 1915
News Articles

Charm Presented to Deputy Chief

A Camden Daily Courier report of November 24, 1915 on a turkey supper given to the members of No. 4 Engine Company in honor of Deputy Fire Chief William Patterson. Charles Watkins Jr. was among those gathered.

·2 min read
WITH PISTOL ARRESTS TWO Camden Policeman Alone Captures Alleged Store-breakers At the point of a revolver, Policeman Andrews, in Camden early yeste...
News Articles

With Pistol Arrests Two

Camden Policeman Andrews, at the point of a revolver, arrested Michael and Thomas Egan of New Street for breaking into the store of Benjamin Stout at 1130 South Third Street.

·1 min read
James Elberson death notice, 1915
News Articles

James Elberson

James Elberson, a former lieutenant in the Camden Fire Department, died suddenly of heart disease at his home at 1016 North 24th Street. He had joined Engine Company No. 4 in 1893 and retired on pension in 1915.

·1 min read
Auto Fire Engine Skids Into Window - Philadelphia Inquirer clipping
News Articles

Auto Fire Engine Skids Into Window

Company No. 3's auto fire engine skidded at Broadway and Kaighn Avenue and crashed into a store window at Broadway and Locust Street; Engineer Daniel Smith and Stoker Arthur Wingate jumped to safety while Driver Michael Brown stuck to his post.

·1 min read
Watchman Accused — Philadelphia Inquirer, October 22, 1915
News Articles

Watchman Accused

J.J. Mortimer of 2623 Cramer Street and night watchman James H. Newman of 2740 Pleasant Avenue were arrested on charges of larceny from R.N. Hollingshead and Company in Camden.

·1 min read
Police Blame Tramps for Fires in Houses — Enterprise Hall, 2611-2617 Howell Street, Philadelphia Inquirer, October 18, 1915
News Articles

Police Blame Tramps for Fires in Houses

Camden police investigated two fires that threatened four vacant dwellings at 2611–2617 Howell Street — the former Enterprise Hall — believing tramps sheltering there had started them in October 1915.

·1 min read
Margaret Williams trolley mishap, Philadelphia Inquirer, October 18, 1915
News Articles

Margaret Williams

Mrs. Margaret Williams, aged 41, of 125 Birch Street, was so severely shaken up when trolley cars bumped at the Federal Street ferry that she was taken to Cooper Hospital.

·1 min read
Hannah Heisler found dead, 1915
News Articles

Hannah Heisler Found Dead

Miss Hannah Heisler, a 50-year resident of Camden who once operated a hotel at Ocean City, was found dead at 308 Carteret Street, the home she shared with her sister, Mrs. Mary F. Hutchinson.

·1 min read
Butchers Form Another Society - Camden Post-Telegram - 1915-10-01
News Articles

Butchers Form Another Society

Camden Post-Telegram - October 1, 1915 Butchers Form Another Society from the Camden Post-Telegram - October 1, 1915 Transcription BUTCHERS FORM ANOTHER SOCIETY Beneficial Association Becomes a Yearly After a Quarter Century.

·3 min read
Woman Hits Husband Hurling Stone At Dog - 1915-09-15 - 1
News Articles

Woman Hits Husband Hurling Stone at Dog

Man Sent to Hospital, Wife to Jail, When Aim of Latter at Howling Animal Fails The bad aim of Mrs. Ella Taylor, aged 25 years, of 3010 Pleasant street , East Camden, resulted in lots of trouble and incidentally sent her husband, William, aged 49 years, to Cooper Hospital , with a severely cut head.

·5 min read
Camden County Transfers, Philadelphia Inquirer, September 15 1915
News Articles

Camden County Transfers

Property transfer record for 416 Beckett Street — Harry L. Sanders to Ratcliffe Weitzman Co., $2,550. Philadelphia Inquirer, September 15, 1915.

·1 min read