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 307

Courier-Post clipping, April 29, 1929: Gangster Shot as Racketeers Open War Here, with John Doris portrait and scene photo
News Articles

Gangster Shot as Racketeers Open War Here

John Doris, brother of the electrocuted Frank Doris, was arrested after Joseph Connors of Gloucester was shot in front of the American Restaurant, 506 Kaighn avenue, near Broadway; a police roundup netted 10 men held as material witnesses.

·7 min read
Shooting May End in Murder Charge - 1929-04-29
News Articles

Shooting May End in Murder Charge

Trenton Evening Times - April 29, 1929 Camden, N.J., April 29— John Doris , 24, was held today on the charge of shooting John O'Connor , 28, of Gloucester City. If O'Connor dies, the Prosecutor said Doris would be charged with murder.

·1 min read
Courier-Post clipping, "Pugilist Fined $100 as Night Prowler," March 23, 1929.
News Articles

Pugilist Fined $100 as Night Prowler

Amateur boxer Stanley Powelek, alias Powell, 21, of 1256 Whitman Avenue was given the choice of a $100 fine or four months in jail after Policeman John Wilkie arrested him for loitering in Whitman Park. Camden Courier-Post, March 23, 1929.

·2 min read
Trenton Times clipping: Police Visit Times, No Arrests Made
News Articles

Police Visit Times, No Arrests Made

Twenty-seven officers from 24 New Jersey police departments, in training at the New Jersey Police Academy at Wilburtha, toured the Trenton Times building as part of an educational program. The roster includes three Camden men.

·2 min read
Hurley Five Victor Over Radio Quintet - Camden Courier-Post, Fall 1929
News Articles

Hurley Five Victor Over Radio Quintet

A Fall 1929 Camden Courier-Post report on Ott Laxton's five field goals leading the Hurley Store five to a 24–19 exhibition win over the Radio Condenser quintet at Convention Hall.

·1 min read
Courier-Post clipping, December 21, 1928: Player-Piano Looting Lands Youths in Jail.
News Articles

Player-Piano Looting Lands Youths in Jail

Stanley Powell and Anthony Sarstick, both 20, were jailed for four months in December 1928 after pleading guilty to looting a player-piano in a pool room at Louis and Mt. Vernon streets.

·1 min read
Scene of Camden Bombing
News Articles

Jealousy Seen as Motive for Bombing Dairy

JEALOUSY SEEN AS MOTIVE FOR BOMBING DAIRY Police Seeking Mysterious Stranger in Terrific Downtown Blast MILK PLANT DAMAGED; NEARBY HOMES ROCKED Crudely Made Explosive Placed in Trench Beneath Steps With the owners and the police attributing jealously of business success as the only plausible motive for the bombing last night of the plant of the Sanitary Milk Dairies Company, at 311 Division Street , the search was started today for a tall, heavyset man, with mixed blue suit, as the bomber.

·6 min read
Crowd outside Sacred Heart Church at the funeral of Joseph "Mose" Flannery, Camden Evening Courier, September 22, 1928
News Articles

Scene at 'Mose' Flannery's Funeral Today

A Camden Evening Courier photograph of part of the crowd around Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Broadway and Ferry avenue, as six "pals" bore the body of murdered Eighth Ward political worker Joseph "Mose" Flannery into the church for a solemn high requiem mass.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping: Warrant Out for Slayer of Mose Flannery, Camden Evening Courier, September 22, 1928
News Articles

Warrant Out for Slayer of Mose Flannery

Captain John Golden, head of the Camden city detective bureau, announced that detectives knew who killed Eighth Ward political leader "Mose" Flannery and held warrants for his arrest, as 2500 mourners turned out for the solemn high requiem mass at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church.

·3 min read
Courier-Post clipping, September 21, 1928: Aged Man's Sanity Debated as Nephew Contests His Will
News Articles

Aged Man's Sanity Debated as Nephew Contests His Will

A nephew, John Donahue, contested the will of Nicholas Joseph Donahue, a former East Camden restaurant proprietor who had kept a restaurant on Federal Street near Twenty-fourth, before Judge Samuel M. Shay in the Camden County Orphans Court in September 1928, with executor Raymond Donges defending the will.

·6 min read