Milton Street

Byron Street, Burns Street, and Milton Street in North Camden have an intertwined history that traces back to the late 19th century. According to the 1890-1891 directory, only a few homes existed on Milton Street, indicating that development started at the ends of Byron Street and gradually filled in. Byron Street appears to have been the first to be developed, followed by Burns Street, with Milton Street being completed last. The addition of a 300 block and later a 500 block to Byron Street marks its expansion over time.

During the 1890s, North Camden was a hub of industrial activity, attracting numerous entrepreneurs and tradesmen. These new residents found employment in Camden's booming industries and benefited from convenient commutes via the Vine Street ferry and Shackamaxon ferries to Philadelphia. The neighborhood, often referred to as Poet's Row, featured brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets, with corner stores strategically placed for residents' convenience.

The vibrant Poet's Row neighborhood thrived for decades, but post-World War II economic shifts led to a decline in local employment opportunities. The decline culminated in a devastating fire on the night of August 24, 1972, which started in a recently-closed John R. Evans & Co factory and quickly spread, decimating Milton Street, Burns Street, and the north side of Byron Street. Only two homes, 241 and 243 Byron Street, survived the blaze. By dawn, Milton Street had been completely destroyed, marking a tragic end to a significant chapter in North Camden's history.