Morse Street

Morse Street in East Camden was named after Henry G. Morse, founder and president of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation. This company played a major role in Camden's industrial development, and its shipyard at Broadway and Morgan Boulevard led to the creation of Yorkship Village in the Fairview section — housing built specifically for shipyard workers.

Morse Street runs parallel to Marlton Avenue, stretching from Carman Street across Baird Boulevard to Rosemont Avenue in Pennsauken. For many years, it marked the northeastern boundary of Stockton Park. Residential development began east of Westminster Avenue in the 1920s, with additional homes constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. In the early 1950s, land along Morse Street was acquired for the construction of the Peter J. McGuire Gardens public housing project, located between Bank and Watson Streets.

However, by the 1980s, as the crack cocaine epidemic hit Camden, McGuire Gardens and the 200 block of Morse Street — nicknamed "The Alley" — became hotspots for drug activity. A multi-million dollar drug operation led by J. R. Rivera operated out of this area. The operation was part of a broader network of corruption that reached into the mayor's office and the police department. Following his conviction on drug and other charges, Rivera became a cooperating witness and provided evidence that ultimately led to the conviction of Camden Mayor Milton Milan.

In July 2004, in an effort to revitalize the neighborhood, Mayor Gwendolyn Faison announced the demolition of homes on "The Alley." Plans were put in place for new housing to be built by the St. Joseph's Carpenter Society, a local organization known for its successful redevelopment projects in East Camden.