Clare Street, a one-block thoroughfare in South Camden, New Jersey, runs south from 338 Pine Street to 335 Division Street. It holds a distinct place in the city’s history, reflecting both its urban development and changes in community identity over time.
Originally named Pine Avenue, this street underwent a name change to Clare Street between 1878 and the late 1880s or early 1890s. This period was marked by significant growth and development in Camden, as seen in many urban areas during the late 19th century.
The Camden City Directories from 1887-1888 and 1888-1889 present an interesting anomaly regarding Clare Street. The house number patterns listed during these years do not align with its actual location. It wasn’t until the 1890-1891 directories that the proper house numbers for Clare Street were recorded, indicating a period of adjustment and transition in the city’s urban landscape.
By 2010, Clare Street had experienced significant change. All the homes that once lined this street had disappeared, a common occurrence in many urban areas where redevelopment, decay, or other factors lead to the transformation of residential neighborhoods.
In a move to honor local heritage and figures, Clare Street was renamed Jesthroe Hunt Sr. Lane by the City of Camden. This renaming occurred to memorialize Jesthroe Hunt Sr., a former member of the Camden Fire Department, following his passing in 2005 and lived along the street at 340 Pine Street. Such renamings are often part of a city’s efforts to recognize and celebrate local figures who have made significant contributions to the community.
The story of Clare Street, from its origins as Pine Avenue to its renaming in honor of Jesthroe Hunt Sr., encapsulates aspects of Camden’s history, including its urban development, changing demographics, and the efforts to preserve the memory of influential community members.
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