Alfred Cramer

Alfred Cramer was born in 1844 on a farm in Blackwood. He lived there until he was sixteen, at which poin the began working as a book salesman. This early sales experience would later prove to be a valuable foundation for his success in business.

In 1870, he married Priscilla Wright. Her father, John Wright, was the founder of Wrightsville, a village located in Stockton Township—now part of present-day East Camden. In the mid-1870s, Alfred entered the real estate business. He developed an innovative plan that allowed people to buy building lots through monthly installment payments. Using this method, he was able to acquire large parcels of land in both Cramer Hill and East Camden, eventually selling over 5,000 lots. By the late 1880s and early 1890s, he lived and worked on Westfield Avenue near Cooper Avenue in Stockton Township.

His younger brother, Joseph Cramer, later joined him in Camden. Joseph settled at 27th Street and Westfield Avenue and became deeply involved in the local real estate market and home construction, further expanding the family's influence in the area.

Alfred was also active in public service and politics. A Republican, he served for 16 years as a justice of the peace and held at least two terms on the Camden city council. In addition, he served as the local postmaster for 15 years, operating the "Cramer's Hill" post office from April 24, 1878, until December 12, 1893. After he resigned, Charles W. Scott took over the role and served until September 30, 1899. Following Scott's term, mail service for the area was handled directly by the city of Camden.

Alfred Cramer passed away at his home at 433 Penn Street on December 15, 1912. He was survived by his wife, Priscilla Wright Cramer, and was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Camden.

His legacy lived on in the city. The Eastside Elementary School, built in 1913 at South 28th and Mickle Streets, was renamed Alfred Cramer Junior High School in his honor. In 1957, it became known as Alfred Cramer Elementary School. Additionally, Cramer Street in East Camden was named after him. Most notably, the neighborhood of Cramer Hill continues to bear his name, ensuring that his contributions to the community are not forgotten.