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 328

Camden Post-Telegram clipping about Whitman Park Improvement Association meetings at 1175 Whitman Avenue, December 19, 1924.
News Articles

Meets in Club House

The Ladies' Auxiliary of the Whitman Park Improvement Association met at the club house at 1175 Whitman Avenue, and the association planned a New Year's Eve soiree with the Whitman Park Orchestra. Camden Post-Telegram, December 19, 1924.

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Post-Telegram clipping, Foreign Body From Eyes
News Articles

Foreign Body From Eyes

Windy days sent a score or more people to the West Jersey Homeopathic Hospital to have objects removed from their eyes, among them John Bertz of 1183 Sheridan Street and Arabello Cooper of 1062 Kaighn Avenue.

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Charged With Assault, Camden Post-Telegram, December 8, 1924: two men arrested, one of 941 Atlantic Avenue.
News Articles

Charged With Assault

Joseph Kowalski was charged with disorderly conduct and Joseph Gray of 941 Atlantic Avenue with assault and battery on Harold Albord; both were sent to City Hall for a hearing before Judge Cleary.

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Newspaper clipping, Downtown Way column: death notice for Mrs. Mary Bade, 2266 South Ninth street, Camden
News Articles

Downtown Way

A Downtown Way column notice of the death of Mrs. Mary Bade at her home, 2266 South Ninth street, widow of William Bade, with burial planned in New Camden cemetery.

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Three Firemen Hurt at Blaze in Camden, Trenton Evening Times, March 24, 1924
News Articles

Three Firemen Hurt at Blaze in Camden

A Trenton Evening Times report of March 24, 1924 on a fire at Camden's busiest corner that injured three firemen — Lawrence Mathews, Charles Watkins and George Hunt — when a ladder fell.

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Downtown Way column, Camden Daily Courier, March 2, 1924: a chimney fire, a funeral and a cake sale.
News Articles

Downtown Way

A local column reporting a chimney flue fire at 208 Taylor Avenue, the private funeral of Christopher Yeager of 1233 Jackson Street, and a homemade cake sale at St. John's Episcopal church.

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Newspaper clipping headlined "Hold Dance": the Germania Maennerchor of Lavonia dance at 1031 North Twenty-seventh street, November 9, 1923
News Articles

Hold Dance

A November 9, 1923 newspaper item reports a well-attended dance given by the Germania Maennerchor of Lavonia at their hall, 1031 North Twenty-seventh street.

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414 North 27th Street — Walter Hubbs, Camden Post-Telegraph, November 9, 1923
News Articles

East Camden Briefs

A column of East Camden notes for November 9, 1923: lodge and V.F.W. meetings at William Penn Hall and Red Men's Hall, and word that Mrs. William L. Adams of 414 North 27th Street was recovering from a serious illness.

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Car Thru Gates in Train's Path
News Articles

Car Thru Gates in Train's Path

A motorist crashed through the safety gates at the Morgan Boulevard crossing of the West Jersey & Seashore Railroad at 2 a.m., narrowly escaping a freight train before fleeing north on Broadway.

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East Camden Notes — Camden Post-Telegram, October 20, 1923
News Articles

East Camden Notes

James H. McDermott purchased one of the Lorigan-Hurley homes at 23 North Twenty-eighth Street.

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