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 357

Newspaper clipping headlined Street Improvements Started, Philadelphia Inquirer, June 17, 1915
News Articles

Street Improvements Started

Street Commissioner Sayers began work on improving nearly a score of Camden streets, starting with Spruce Street from Broadway to Sixth Street, with Trenton Avenue from Newton Avenue to Line Street to be repaved next. Philadelphia Inquirer, June 17, 1915.

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Woman Held as Scold
News Articles

Woman Held as Scold

Mrs. Alice Snell, 40, of 535 South Fourth Street was committed to jail in default of $500 bail in June 1915 after neighbours testified she was a common scold and general nuisance.

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Twenty Glass Workers Strike, Philadelphia Inquirer, June 17, 1915
News Articles

Twenty Glass Workers Strike

Twenty men struck the American Art Glass Company at Front and Kaighn Avenue over contract prices; police were called to head off trouble with strikebreakers.

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Philadelphia Inquirer item, June 16, 1915: Benjamin F. Powell of 1073 Morton Street crushed under a falling roof
News Articles

While Standing with a Team

Benjamin F. Powell, 33, of 1073 Morton Street had a leg badly crushed when a roof fell on him near a building under construction at the head of Line Street, but he refused to go to a hospital.

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Held for Strike Riot — Joseph Copvinski, 1053 Diamond Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, June 16, 1915
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Held for Strike Riot

Joseph Copvinski of 1053 Diamond Street and Frank Notevis of Mount Vernon Street were held in $1,000 bail each on charges arising from labor troubles at the Keystone Leather Company.

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Grandparents to Care for Child Vice Chancellor Backes, in Camden, yesterday gave a decree placing two-year-old Robert Kennedy in custody of his gra...
News Articles

Grandparents to Care for Child

Vice Chancellor Backes placed two-year-old Robert Kennedy in the custody of his grandparents at 1129 South Third Street, Camden, after his father Walter Kennedy instituted habeas corpus proceedings.

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Philadelphia Inquirer clipping identifying Stanislaus Schmick of 1046 Everett Street, 1915
News Articles

Railroad Victim Identified

The man killed by a West Jersey and Seashore Railroad electric train at Seventh Street and Kaighn Avenue was identified as Stanislaus Schmick, 42, of 1046 Everett Street. Philadelphia Inquirer, June 12, 1915.

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William Boots injured in a fall, Philadelphia Inquirer, June 12, 1915
News Articles

William Boots Injured

William Boots, 55, of 325 North Front Street fractured two ribs in a fall while closing his shutters and was taken to Cooper Hospital.

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Caught Stealing Flowers — Tony Levindoski, Diamond Street — Philadelphia Inquirer, June 8, 1915
News Articles

Caught Stealing Flowers

Tony Levindoski, 26, of 1069 Diamond Street, was fined $5 by Recorder Stackhouse for stealing flowers from a garden at Parkside.

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Camden at a Glance column item on Albert Swindell's Palace Hotel rampage, Philadelphia Inquirer, June 7, 1915
News Articles

Camden at a Glance

Albert Swindell, 28, of 1002 Lawrence Street, was arrested on a malicious mischief charge after he was refused a drink at the Palace Hotel, Broadway and Chestnut Streets, and broke glasses and a $75 fancy window.

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