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 311

Courier-Post clipping, "Pretzel Baker Robbed of Flour Worth $150," April 2, 1928.
News Articles

Pretzel Baker Robbed of Flour Worth $150

Thieves entered the American Pretzel Company bakery at 1358 Whitman Avenue through a skylight and stole 15 bags of flour; would-be intruders also tried the American Lunch House on Broadway. Camden Courier-Post, April 2, 1928.

·1 min read
Camden Courier-Post, April 2, 1928 - Man and Wife Saved by Passing Firemen
News Articles

Man and Wife Saved by Passing Firemen

Trapped over a blazing butcher shop on Kaighn Avenue, a man and wife were carried down a ladder by Engine Company 9 firemen returning from one of four serious fires that called out every piece of apparatus in Camden.

·4 min read
Policeman's Wife Taken in Apartment, Camden Courier-Post, March 25, 1928
News Articles

Policeman's Wife Taken in Apartment

Mrs. Anna McTaggart, wife of Camden policeman John McTaggart of 1710 Broadway, and Louis Lafferty were arrested together in a Philadelphia apartment and held in $500 bail each on charges of misconduct brought by the officer, who had already filed for divorce.

·1 min read
Narrowest-House-1928
News Articles

Six-Foot Wide House Here Declared World's Narrowest

Two-Story Brick Dwelling at 754 Federal Street Takes Palm Long Accorded 10-Foot Residence in Amsterdam London may boast of its House of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, Paris may point with justifiable pride to the Louvre; Washington may have its White House and Philadelphia the Betsy Ross House , but residents of Camden believe that all of the houses in all the cities of the earth, this city, alone, can claim the narrowest house.

·2 min read
Dope Peddling - AI Stock Photo
News Articles

Colanduno Guilty of Dope Peddling

Jury Out Less Than Hour; 'Babe Paradise' Up Next Week Convicted by a Criminal Court jury of conspiracy and the possession and sale of narcotics, Joseph Colanduno, 29 years old, 431 Walnut Street , said by police to be a member of a powerful dope ring in Camden, will be sentenced by Judge Shay tomorrow morning.

·2 min read
Newspaper letter to the editor of The Evening Courier, signed J. T. L., answering questions about the Erie Street fire, the Segal Street fence and fire tower doors (full clipping)
News Articles

Letter to the Editor of The Evening Courier

A letter signed J. T. L. answers questions raised after the Erie Street fire about the fence at the end of Segal Street, locked fire tower doors and the fire department's right of entry. Camden Courier-Post, February 29, 1928.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping "Man Hurt in Auto Crash", Camden Courier-Post, February 29, 1928
News Articles

Man Hurt in Auto Crash

A February 1928 Camden Courier-Post report that ten passengers in a Camden-Gibbsboro bus were thrown from their seats and coupe driver Stephen Jaross was severely injured in a collision at Third and Market Streets; bus driver Harry Holloway was released on his own recognizance.

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping "Man Hurt as Bus Crushes Coupe" with a photo of a wrecked coupe, Camden Courier-Post, February 29, 1928
News Articles

Man Hurt as Bus Crushes Coupe

A February 1928 Camden Courier-Post news photograph of a coupe driven by Stephen Jaross of 934 Thirty-third Street after it collided with a Camden-Gibbsboro bus at Third and Market Streets; Jaross was severely injured and ten bus passengers were thrown from their seats.

·1 min read
News Articles

Bank Embezzler Jokes When Taken to County Prison

Garrett Waives Reading of Indictment for $19000 Systematic Thefts; His Wife Remains Loyal, Discrediting His Confession Laughing at photographers who tried to snap a picture as he covered his face with his hat and joking with the officers who accompanied him, Burd S. Garrett, for seven years a teller employed by the East End Trust Company was taken from the West Jersey Hospital this morning at 11:15 to the County Courthouse.

·2 min read