People
Camden's Mayors
A chronological list of Camden's mayors from Samuel Lanning, elected in 1828, to Victor Carstarphen, in office since 2021, with each mayor's term and political party where recorded.
Tag
James W. Ayers
People
Thomas R. Allibone
THOMAS R. ALLIBONE was one of the original members of the Camden Fire Department, entering service on September 2, 1869 as an extra man with Engine Company 1 .
Streets
Arch Street
Arch Street ran from Delaware Avenue to North 5th Street between Federal and Market Streets in downtown Camden. Formerly known as Plum Street, it was home to Oetzel's Saloon, the Genova Cafe, the Collings Carriage Company, and the Camden Fire Department headquarters at 5th and Arch.
News Articles
Volunteer Firemen Worked 14 Years To Pay Off $5000 Debt on Engine
Third installment of Frank Sheridan's history of Camden fire fighting: how Weccacoe Hose Company kept meeting for 14 years after the paid department took over in 1869 to pay off a $5000 steam engine debt.
News Articles
Weccacoe Company Made Camden History As Leaders of Early Volunteer Fire Fighters
The second installment of Frank Sheridan's 1936 Courier-Post history of fire fighting in Camden traces the Weccacoe Fire Company, whose headquarters moved to the old City Hall lot on Federal Street, and the Mohawk, Independence and Shiffler volunteer companies.
News Articles
Camden Justly Proud of Splendid Fire Department
A Philadelphia Inquirer feature of November 7, 1909 recounts Camden's fire companies from the volunteer Perseverance Fire Company of 1810 to the paid department of 1869, and describes its chiefs, equipment and houses.
News Articles
Death of an Ex-Mayor of Camden
Ex-Mayor James W. Ayers, who was elected Mayor of Camden in 1877 and built up the city's Police Department, died at his home, No. 423 Arch Street, at the age of seventy-four.
News Articles
Over the River
Before Justices Cassady and Ayers, a seized boat and fishing net were ordered sold; Officers Gallagher, Barr, Franks and Streeper had made the capture, and Constable Streeper was thrown overboard in a later encounter.
News Articles
Over the River
A May 2, 1877 Philadelphia Inquirer column of Camden news, including a planned canal through the Delaware sandbar off Cooper's Point for ferry boats and the City Hall dispute before the Chancellor.
News Articles
The New Police Force
Philadelphia Inquirer - April 19, 1871 On Thursday, the newly-appointed police force of Camden will receive their stars and uniforms, and enter upon the discharge of their duties.
News Articles
Indigent and Disabled Firemen
Philadelphia Inquirer - March 2, 1869 A bill has been introduced into the New Jersey Legislature authorizing the establishment of a fund for the relief of indigent and disabled firemen in Camden, and their families, if in necessitous circumstances.
Historical Accounts
Inception of the First Paid Fire Department in the US
During the Civil War, Camden purchased its first steam fire apparatus on June 4, 1864 the Independence Fire Company No. 3 purchased an Amoskeag steamer for $3250. This apparatus was a third class, single pump style with serial #92.