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 378

Philadelphia Inquirer clipping, December 17, 1910: John H. Carmany Dead in Camden
News Articles

John H. Carmany Dead in Camden

Councilman John H. Carmany of Camden's Seventh ward died at his home, 772 Pine street, after a three weeks' illness with Bright's disease. Philadelphia Inquirer, December 17, 1910.

·2 min read
Mrs Abbott Dies in Her Husbands Arms
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Mrs. Abbott Dies in Her Husband's Arms

Wife of East Side Policeman Long Suffered With Tuberculosis; Was a Daughter of Ludwig Schuck Mrs. Margaret Abbott, wife of Policeman Robert T. Abbott , died this morning at 6 o'clock after several years illness with consumption, at her home, No. 49 North Twenty-sixth street .

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping: Paper Packing Force Gets More Recruits, Camden Post-Telegram, November 30, 1910
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Paper Packing Force Gets More Recruits

Boilermaker Crawford Smith had Policeman Ulie Andrews lock up a drunken namesake, Andy Smith, who put a brick through a front window of his home at 729 Carman Street; Recorder Stackhouse sentenced him to two months at the paper picking plant, and James Davis and James Carter got a month each. Camden Post-Telegram, November 30, 1910.

·1 min read
East Side Woman Hurt on Trolley
News Articles

East Side Woman Hurt on Trolley

Mrs. Charles Conner of 2407 Howell Street was injured while alighting from a trolley car at Twenty-fourth and Federal Streets, tripping over a suit case left standing in the aisle. Policemen Pedigree and Johnston carried her into a nearby restaurant.

·1 min read
East Side Woman Hurt on Trolley — Mrs. Charles Conner, 2407 Howell Street, Camden Post-Telegram, November 25, 1910
News Articles

East Side Woman Hurt on Trolley

Mrs. Charles Conner of 2407 Howell Street was painfully injured tripping over a suitcase while alighting from a trolley at 24th and Federal streets in November 1910.

·1 min read
Philadelphia Inquirer, November 24, 1910 — Harry Sandell injured
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Harry Sandell Injured at Shipyard

Tumbling down the hold of a vessel at a north Camden shipyard, Harry Sandell, aged 56 years, of 333 North Tenth street, dislocated his right shoulder and was injured about the head. He was taken to Co

·1 min read
Newspaper clipping about Harry Shaw reported missing, Philadelphia Inquirer, November 23, 1910
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Harry Shaw Missing

Harry Shaw, 63, of 1117 Locust Street, had been missing from home since November 12, having threatened that he would either get work or do away with himself.

·1 min read
More in the Net of Bar Committee, Philadelphia Inquirer, November 13, 1910
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More in the Net of Bar Committee

The Camden County Bar Association's special committee caused several more arrests in the 1910 election fraud investigation; John Stockton, Martin Carrigan and Joseph Sparks were held in $500 bail on a charge of urging a fraudulent vote.

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Refused to Work If Wife Got Cent, Camden Daily Courier, October 27, 1910
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Refused to Work If Wife Got Cent

Walter Edgerton, 60, was arrested in Philadelphia on a warrant charging wife desertion and held in Moyamensing Prison to await requisition papers; he reportedly had his pearl button plant shut down rather than support his wife.

·1 min read
Triplets' Mother Happy — Philadelphia Inquirer, October 19, 1910
News Articles

Triplets' Mother Happy

A 1910 Philadelphia Inquirer report on the Alpha Club raising $500 for Katie Macks, the Camden widow at 1702 Hale Street raising one-year-old triplets after her husband's death.

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Camden Post-Telegram clipping, Several Seeking License Transfers, 1910
News Articles

Several Seeking License Transfers

Five applications for transfers of retail liquor licenses, including George W. Fry's at 29 North Third Street, were listed for hearing before Camden's Excise Commission in October 1910.

·1 min read