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!

Newspaper article, Unraveling the Camden Mystery
News Articles

Unraveling the Camden Mystery

"Beyond all question the murderer of these little boys is now in jail and the public's anxiety can now be allayed," said Prosecutor Frank T. Lloyd last night in making the first important statement concerning the tragedy of last week, when John Coffin and W. Price Jennings, two Camden lads, were murdered in an uncultivated field near Haddon Heights.

·3 min read
Paul A Woodward as shown in the Philadelphia Inquirer. 1902-10-09.
News Articles

Camden's Mystery Is Still Unsolved

It is now generally believed that the Camden county authorities have succeeded in establishing a clear case against young Paul Woodward, who is in the county jail, charged with the crime of taking away the lives of little John Coffin and Price Jennings.

·3 min read
Newspaper article with photographs, Woman Involved in Camden Mystery
News Articles

Woman Involved in Camden Mystery

While mystery apparently as absolute as ever still obscures the motive and the criminal in the case of John Houseman Coffin and W. Price Jennings, the unfortunate Camden lads whose trip to the country at Haddon Heights last Wednesday resulted so tragically, it is surmised from hints dropped now and again the matter may soon be cleared.

·4 min read
Newspaper article with photograph, Two Camden Boys Are Still Among Missing
News Articles

Two Camden Boys Are Still Among Missing

Nothing has yet been learned as to the whereabouts of John H. Coffin, the eleven-year-old son of William Coffin, division agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, fourteen years old, son of Joseph Jennings, leader of the Third Regiment Band, the two Camden boys who disappeared on Wednesday when they left, it is presumed, for the Trenton fair.

·1 min read
Newspaper article, Two Camden Boys Have Disappeared
News Articles

Two Camden Boys Have Disappeared

John Coffin, 11 years old, son of William Coffin, division freight agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Price Jennings, 14 years, son of Leader Joseph Jennings, of the Third Regiment Band, are missing from their homes and the Camden police have been asked to locate them.

·1 min read
Found Body at Foot of Stairs — 1049 Diamond Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, September 29, 1902
News Articles

Found Body at Foot of Stairs

Coroner Litchfield investigated the death of Frank Taianoski, a Polish miner found at the foot of the stairs at 1049 Diamond Street, as five Hungarian men were held on suspicion.

·2 min read
Human Bones Found on Camden Meadows newspaper clipping
News Articles

Human Bones Found on Camden Meadows

Human bones found on the meadows near Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue were traced by Detective Hart and Captain of Police Stanley to a medical student who had left them in a building.

·1 min read
Four Tossed from an Automobile - Philadelphia Inquirer - 1902-09-06
News Articles

Four Tossed from an Automobile

Camden Letter Carrier's Machine Ran Away and Its Occupants Were Cut and Bruised Harry Reir, a well known Camden letter carrier, with his wife, a small son and a sister, was thrown from an automobile at Delaware avenue and Market street , Camden, last night and all were more or less cut and bruised.

·1 min read
Camden Notes newspaper clipping
News Articles

Camden Notes

A column of Camden briefs for September 6, 1902, opening with Captain Arthur Stanley's appointment as aide-de-camp to State Commander Hann of the New Jersey G.A.R.

·2 min read
Camden Police Raid Alleged Speak-Easy newspaper clipping
News Articles

Camden Police Raid Alleged Speak-Easy

Captain Stanley and a squad raided an alleged speak-easy at the foot of Jackson Street, capturing Patrick Holden and two others; several hundred onlookers gathered and most of the inmates escaped.

·1 min read
Newspaper article, Held for Morrison's Death
News Articles

Held for Morrison's Death

James Bland has been held responsible for the murder of John Morrison at the Camden primaries of Monday night by a coroner's jury.

·1 min read
She Dared Men to Touch the “Pants” newspaper clipping, page 1
News Articles

She Dared Men to Touch the "Pants"

Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15, 1902 — page 1 Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15, 1902 Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15, 1902 — page 2 Philadelphia Inquirer, July 15, 1902 — page 2 Camden Woman Planted a Pole, Decorated It With Pair Trousers and Flourished a Revolver Flourishing a revolver and exclaiming, "I'll kill the first man who touches those pants; this is fair warning to everybody, for I mean what I say!" Mrs. Louisa Traubel, of 807 Broadway, Camden, yesterday held up work on the addition being erected to the Gately and Hurley Company's department store at Broadway and Spruce streets.

·2 min read