Robert Lee “Bob” Lucas was the son of Alice and Leon “Donkey” Lucas. His father achieved recognition as a boxer in the 1928 Olympics, competing in the light-heavyweight division. In 1943, Leon Lucas purchased a bar located at 1223 Haddon Avenue from Mrs. Ada Mathews, the widow of Charles E. A. Mathews, a long-time bar owner in Camden. Under Leon’s ownership, the bar was renamed Donkey’s Place and gained local and, over time, national fame for its delicious cheesesteak sandwiches.
Since the bar was a family enterprise, Bob Lucas began tending bar as soon as he turned 21. After his father’s passing in 1971, he assumed responsibility for its operation and continued to work behind the bar until shortly before his own passing in July 2015. In addition to the original Donkey’s Place in Camden, Bob Lucas established a second branch in Medford and briefly operated a third location in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Although Bob Lucas relocated to Medford, his deep affection for Camden never diminished. He was cherished in Camden as much as his renowned sandwiches were beloved by patrons.
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Robert L. Lucas
Robert Lee “Bob” Lucas was the son of Alice and Leon “Donkey” Lucas. His father achieved recognition as a boxer in the 1928 Olympics, competing in the light-heavyweight division. In 1943, Leon Lucas purchased a bar located at 1223 Haddon Avenue from Mrs. Ada Mathews, the widow of Charles E. A. Mathews, a long-time bar…
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Donkey’s Place
1223 Haddon Avenue Donkey’s Place, at 1223 Haddon Avenue, does not appear as a bar in the 1918-1919 Camden City Directory. The building appears to have operated as a speakeasy during the Prohibition years, 1919 through 1933. A private club called the Parkside Athletic Association had space in the building, and an elaborate system of…
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Donkey’s Place is a Stubborn Survivor, and so is its Cheesesteak
Philadelphia Inquirer – July 11, 2004 By Rick Nichols, Inquirer Columnist It is a bit of Camden in amber now, Donkey’s Place is, or maybe a shrine – the dingy bar hung with photos of the founder, his dukes perpetually up; the grill steaming with steaks and onions; the back room still swathed in the…
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In Camden, A Neighborhood Bar with The Works
Philadelphia Inquirer – June 16, 1993 Cheers to Donkey’s Place, Still Kicking After 50 Years By Gwen Florio, Inquirer Staff Writer CAMDEN — It’s the classic neighborhood bar: all soothing dark wood and low, easy talk and the murmur of a ballgame from a discreet corner television. So it gives you a jolt to walk…
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