Baird Boulevard, also known as Baird Avenue and a major thoroughfare in the Parkside neighborhood of Camden, was named in honor of David Baird Sr., a prominent businessman, political leader, and former U.S. Senator from Camden. It was constructed in the early 1900s as part of the Parkside development plan and is one of the three main roads in the area. Beginning at Kaighn Avenue, Baird Avenue runs diagonally in a northerly direction, intersecting with Park Avenue at Camden High School and Farnham Park. The road then crosses the Cooper River and Admiral Wilson Avenue, entering East Camden, where it continues straight across Marlton Avenue until it reaches its termination point at the intersection of Baird Avenue, Federal Street, and 27th Street, the heart of East Camden.
The street was originally named Baird Avenue when it was laid out in the early 1900s. Home construction on Baird Avenue began after 1906, and some lots in the 1500 block remained undeveloped until as late as 1924. The blocks in the Parkside area were referred to as Baird Avenue for many years. The East Camden side of the avenue, above the Cooper River, was laid out by 1924, and it was named Baird Avenue from the beginning. There were no homes on the East Camden blocks of Baird Avenue in 1924.
Baird Avenue was home to many of Camden’s most distinguished citizens from different backgrounds, including those in business, law, religion, and even organized crime.
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Edward J. Borden
EDWARD J. BORDEN SR. was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 12, 1888 to John and Beatrice Borden, both of whom were born in Canada. The elder Borden was a boilermaker by trade. The family moved to Illinois shortly after Edward Borden’s birth, residing there as early as 1890 and as late as July of 1899, when his sister Beatrice was born. The family soon relocated again, this time to Wilmington DE, where they resided at 1205 Elm Street.
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City Athletic Club Plans Refinancing
A Plan for refinancing of the City Athletic Club was approved by several hundred members who met Monday night in the building at Admiral Wilson and Baird boulevards.
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