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 300

Newspaper clipping "Bandit Gun Found", Camden Courier-Post, December 1, 1930
News Articles

Bandit Gun Found

A loaded double-barreled sawed-off shotgun was dug out of a sewer at Second and Federal streets; Detective Robert Ashenfelter tried to link it to guns stolen from the William Stein hardware store and to the holdup of Freeholder Leonard Brehm's saloon.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping: Battalion Chief Hurt Responding to Alarm, Camden Morning Post, November 29, 1930
News Articles

Battalion Chief Hurt Responding to Alarm

Camden Morning Post, November 29, 1930. Battalion fire chief Rollo R. Jones was cut on the knee when his car collided with a coal truck at Broadway and Atlantic Avenue while he was responding to a fire alarm.

·1 min read
Manager Is Shot in Second Holdup of Store in Week
News Articles

Manager Is Shot in Second Holdup of Store in Week

Store manager John Cullen was shot and near death after the second holdup of his American Store on Lansdowne Avenue in a week. Mounted Policeman Earl Wright arrested an armed suspect hours later at Third and Penn Streets.

·5 min read
Frank J. Tiedeken death notice, Camden Courier-Post, November 28, 1930
News Articles

Frank J. Tiedeken

Frank J. Tiedeken, 70, died at his home, 533 Birch Street. He is survived by his wife, Minnie C.

·1 min read
Final Tribute to Corporal Bucky Ward, Camden Courier-Post, November 28, 1930
News Articles

Final Tribute Is Paid Corporal 'Bucky' Ward

Corporal John W. "Bucky" Ward, Camden's war hero, was buried with full ceremony after his body was sent from Honolulu. Services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. Mary Wallace, 529 Birch Street.

·1 min read
Courier-Post clipping, Nov. 27, 1930: youth killed as three boys skip school to hunt in Pennsauken Township
News Articles

Youth Is Killed As Three 'Skip' School to Hunt

Theodore Jakucki, 14, of 1207 Whitman Avenue, was killed in Pennsauken Township when Meyer Albert, 16, of 1186 Kaighn Avenue, fired a shotgun at a rising quail during a hunting trip the boys took instead of going to school; Leon Grenkwicz, 15, was with them.

·3 min read
Camden Morning Post headline, Ten Buildings Ordered Down for Postoffice, November 21, 1930
News Articles

Ten Buildings Ordered Down for Postoffice

The contract to clear ten buildings, including the old Temple building, from the site of Camden's new $1,100,000 postoffice and Federal building at the northeast corner of Fourth and Market streets went to Fidelity Builders, Inc., of Philadelphia, lowest of 13 bidders at $2583.

·2 min read
News Articles

Wearshing Ready for Opening Night

By STEVE O'KEEFE, Morning Post Sports Editor Temple Hero Enlists With Lobley for Eastern League Fray With Kennett Square Huge Crowd is Expected Grover Wearshing , whose football feats and dazzling play on the basketball boards, form a glowing part of the athletic history of Camden High School and Temple University, has enlisted with the Camden Club in the Eastern League and will join the team when the inaugural skirmish with the Kennett Square (Pa.) quintet is staged at the Convention Hall annex tonight.

·3 min read
News Articles

Whiz Five to Clash with Peerless Foe

Industrial League Starts Pennant Scramble at Convention Hall Annex Tonight All the tension connected with advance preparations will subside at 8 o'clock tonight when two of the eight teams in the Camden County Industrial League start the race for the 1930 championship.

·2 min read
Clipping "Night Prowlers Rob 3 Places in Camden", Courier-Post, November 10, 1930.
News Articles

Night Prowlers Rob 3 Places in Camden

Thieves robbed William Thomas's restaurant at 1150 Mount Vernon Street, the home of William Ratener at 1325 Park Boulevard, and a gasoline station, and tried to rob a hardware store.

·1 min read