Point Street

Point Street was originally laid out in 1804, running between William Cooper's house and ferry in what is now North Camden and Cooper Street. It was long known as Cooper's Point Road, with its current name derived from that designation. Following the riverbank, the road provided access to local sawmills, planing mills, and shipyards. However, it was frequently submerged during high tide and remained undeveloped until the riverbank was filled in or reinforced with bulkheads.

In 1855, Joseph W. Cooper built the Cooper mansion on land bordered by State Street, Point Street, York Street, and Front Street.

The Kensington & New Jersey Ferry Co., Inc. began operating its first boat, The Shackamaxon, on July 28, 1866, running from the head of Point Street in Camden to Shackamaxon Street in Philadelphia. In May 1880, the company was acquired by the Camden & Atlantic Railroad Company, which relocated ferry operations to new slips at the foot of Wood Street. The Shackamaxon was later sent to New York for service between the city and Ellis Island but was badly damaged in a storm on June 6, 1893.

During World War I, two young men from the 300 block of Point Street lost their lives in service: Private James Murtha was killed in action, while Private Philip C. Wendell died of pneumonia at Camp Meade, Maryland.

In modern times, Point Street runs from Cooper Street to Erie Street, west of Front Street. It passes beneath the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, eliminating the 400 and 500 blocks. The area that would have been the 700 block lies under former railroad tracks that once ran along Main Street.

For many years, the Mathis Shipyard and its successors were major employers in the neighborhood, producing yachts favored by presidents and millionaires. Johnny Moore's Tavern remained a local fixture into the 1970s, while a restaurant at 901 Point Street continued serving food until 2004.

John F. Rittenhouse established a store at 941 Point Street in the 1920s. After his passing, his widow managed the business until her retirement, at which point her son from a previous marriage, William "Woo-Woo" Rowan, took over. The store remained open into the 1970s and was a favorite spot for neighborhood children, offering candy, ice cream, and other treats.

The 1940 City Directory shows only five businesses on Point Street:

• 324 Point Street: Alf Goldenburg Real Estate
• 600 Point Street: Johnny Moore's Tavern
• 901 Point Street: Armind Damiani's Restaurant
• 941 Point Street: Mrs. Magdaline Rittenhouse Candy Store
• Northeast Corner of Point and Erie Streets: John H. Mathis Shipyard.