This site is a copy of Phil's old site at dvrbs.com. This site is not maintained.
For a modern experience, please check out: https://camdenhistory.com
DVRBS.COM - Historic Camden, NJ
Welcome to Camden History, unsurprisingly about Camden, New Jersey, a city steeped in history and brimming with stories that have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of America’s past. Situated on the banks of the Delaware River, Camden has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. From its indigenous Lenape inhabitants to the bustling industrial hub of the 19th and 20th centuries, and from its pivotal role in the Underground Railroad to its contributions to the birth of the recording industry, Camden has played a significant part in shaping the nation’s narrative.
Camden’s origins can be traced back to the early 17th century when European settlers first arrived in the region. Over time, it evolved from a quaint village into a thriving industrial center, earning it the nickname “The City Invincible” in the late 19th century. The city’s industries, including shipbuilding, manufacturing, and commerce, contributed to its growth and prosperity.
But Camden’s history is not just one of industry and commerce; it’s also a story of resilience, community, and cultural diversity. Throughout its past, the city has been home to waves of immigrants, each adding their unique traditions and flavors to the city’s vibrant cultural mosaic.
Join us on a journey through time as we explore the people, places, and events that have shaped Camden’s captivating history. From the waterfront to the neighborhoods, from famous figures to everyday citizens, we invite you to discover the hidden gems and untold tales that make Camden a city worth exploring and celebrating.
Whatever your interest, we invite you to join us, have a virtual coffee, and contribute your own insights.
Remnants of Camden’s history are all around you if you know where to look!
Commonly Accessed Links
Interesting People of Camden, New Jersey
A bioigraphical look at Camden, NJ
The Streets of Camden, NJ
A virtual walk down historical Camden, NJ including a history and photos of Camden streets!
Camden, NJ Fire Department
Complete roster of uniformed fire personnel from 1869-1994
Camden, NJ Fire Department
The Fires of Summer - June 2011 - July 2011
Camden County, NJ War Dead
1917 - present
Who Killed Margaret Day
An Unsolved Crime - Who Killed Margaret Day - May 1974
The Murder of Martin Baskow
Martin W. Baskow owned and operated the Nine-Thirty-Nine Bar at 939 Market Street in Camden N, until his murder on the morning of July 14, 1967 in his bar.
Alcohol
Bars
Bottlers
Architects and Builders
Banks
A History of Camden's Banks
American National Bank
Broadway Trust
Camden National Bank
Central Trust Company
East End Trust Company
First Camden National Bank & Trust
First National Bank
National State Bank
Parkside Trust
The Security Trust Building
3rd & Market Streets
Merchants Trust
Parkside Trust
South Camden Trust
Third National Bank & Trust
Bakeries
Boating and Sailing
Buildings
City Directories
More Camden, NJ Directories
Check out camdenhistory.com for more documents
1906 Camden Telephone Directory
The Delaware & Atlantic Telephone & Telegraph Company
1906 Camden City Directory
Complete
1910-1911 Camden City Directory
Incomplete
1912-1913 Camden City Directory
Partial
1918-1919 Camden City Directory
Complete
1927 Camden City Directory
Complete
1936 Camden, NJ Phone Directory
Complete
Clubs and Fraternities
A Look at the Rotary Club of Camden NJ
Ionic Lodge #94
Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey
Trimble Lodge #117
Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New Jersey
Camden Chapter No. 59, Sojourners Club
Camden Home for Friendless Children
Also known as the Camden Home for Children
West Jersey Orphanage
YMCA
Hunton Branch YMCA - South Camden YMCA
Mummers: The Camden Clowns
Young People's Socialist League
Dooley Athletic Association
United Spanish War Veterans
The Woman's Club of Camden, N.J.
1894-1919
Camden Lodge 293
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
Camden Lodge 111
Loyal Order of Moose
The Alpha Club
The Aquinas Club
The Camden Wheelmen and other Bicycling Clubs
The Century Wheelmen & the Stockton Wheelmen
The Carteret Club
Independent Order of Odd Fellows
Knights of the Golden Eagle
Camden Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles
Soroptimist Club
Theosophical Society
Victor Athletic Association
Thomas M.K. Lee Post No. 5, Grand Army of the Republic
William B. Hatch Post No. 37, Grand Army of the Republic
Hatch League No. 2, Loyal Ladies League
William P. Robeson Post No. 51, Grand Army of the Republic
Gen. John A. Logan Post No. 102, Grand Army of the Republic
Sixth Ward Republican Club
Tenth Ward Republican Organization Club
Twelfth Ward Republican Club
aka East End Republican Club
Memorial Post 274
Memorial Day in Camden and South Jersey - 1933
Thomas M.K. Lee Post No. 5
Grand Army of the Republic
William B. Hatch Post No. 37
Grand Army of the Republic
Hatch League No. 2
Loyal Ladies League
William P. Robeson Post No. 51
Grand Army of the Republic
Gen. John A. Logan Post No. 102
Grand Army of the Republic
Families
Music, Comedy, and Entertainment
Emma Janvier
Billy Hays & his Orchestra
Gaston Palmer, Jongleur
Frankie Richardson
aka Frank Richardson
Harry Kahn
Irish Billy Carroll
Bob Eberly
Art Lund
Savannah Churchill
Frank Virtue
Doles Dickens
The Four Blues
Eve Young - Karen Chandler
Emilie Longacre
Dick Todd
Julius Lande
Sholom Secunda - The Story of Bei Mir Bist du Schön
Johnny B. & the Rock A Bops
Harry F. Powers - The West Virginia Bluebeard
H.H. Holmes - The Devil in the White City
Religion
Churches
Religious History of Camden
From George Reeser Prowell's History of Camden County, New Jersey, Published 1886
Early History of the Catholic Church in South Jersey
First Baptist Church
Third Baptist Church
Seventh Baptist Church
The Broadway Baptist Church
Linden Baptist Church
North Baptist Church
Trinity Baptist Church
The Victor Talking Machine Recording Studio
Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church
Ukrainian Baptist Church
Wynn Memorial Baptist Chapel
Saint Joseph's Polish Church
Newsletters from World War II
St. Joseph's Pro Cathedral
The East Camden Parish
St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church
A Self-Guided Tour of Saint Joseph's Polish Church
The Church of Our Saviour
Church of the Sacred Heart
Parkside & Congregation Beth El
1950s-1960s
Trinity German Evangelical Lutheran Church
The First Presbyterian Church
Emanuel United Brethren Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Another St. Joseph's Church web-page
St. Peter's and St. Paul's German Catholic Church
Church of the Immaculate Conception
aka Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Church of the Immaculate Conception 50th Anniversary
November 12th, 13th, and 14th, 1905
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel & Fatima
Roman Catholic Church
Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church
aka Centenary-Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Roman Catholic Church, 1903-1953 - 50th Anniversary Book
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Roman Catholic Church School
1953 Kindergaten Class
Perpetual Rossary Shrine
Resurrection of Christ Church
Polish National Catholic Church
The Lichtenstein Shul
on Liberty Street. Also known as Congregation B'nai Abraham
Congregation Beth El
Moved to Cherry Hill - December 1967
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church
aka Fillmore Street Methodist Episcopal Church
Convent of the Dominican Sisters of the Perpetual Rosary
Church of the Holy Name
Talmud Torah School / Masonic Center
Congregation Beth El
Congregation Beth Israel
St. John's Episcopal Church
St. Wilfrid's Church
Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church
Bethany Methodist Episcopal Church
Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Broadway Methodist Episcopal Church
Eighth Street Methodist Episcopal Church
Fairview Methodist Episcopal Church
Fairview Village Methodist Church
Ferry Avenue Methodist Church
Kaighn Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church
Parkside Methodist Church
St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church
Scott Methodist Episcopal Church
State Street Methodist Episcopal Church
Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church
Third Street Methodist Episcopal Church
Union Methodist Episcopal Church
Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church
Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church
Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church
Union American Methodist Church
Memorial Methodist Protestant Church
The Second Baptist Church
Tabernacle Baptist Church
Hope Memorial Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Baptist Temple Church
Zion Church
Bethel Church
Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Second Presbyterian Church
The Third Presbyterian Church
Calvalry Presbyterian Church
The Presbyterian Mission
Camden Rescue Mission
The Centennial Celebration of Camden Methodism
The Home for the Aged and Infirm of the Methodist Episcopal Church
Schools
St. Joseph High School Alumni
St. Joseph High School - Class of 1968
Camden High School
Camden Manual Training & High School
Class of 1910 Class Day Graduation Exercises Program, June 14, 1910
Purple & Gold Yearbook
1919
Purple & Gold Yearbook
1923
Purple & Gold Yearbook
1926
Purple & Gold Yearbook
January 1928
Purple & Gold Yearbook
June 1929
Purple & Gold Yearbook
January 1930
Purple & Gold Yearbook
June 1930
Purple & Gold Yearbook
June 1931
Purple & Gold Yearbook
January 1932
Purple & Gold Yearbook
January 1937
Purple & Gold Yearbook
1942
Purple & Gold Yearbook
1953
Purple & Gold Yearbook
1955
Camden Manual Training & High School
The original Camden High School
Clara S. Burrough Jr. High School
aka Junior High School No. 1
Pyne Poynt Middle School
Cooper B. Hatch Middle School
Benjamin C. Beideman School
aka Abraham Lincoln School
C. A. Bergen School
James G. Blaine School
Henry L. Bonsall School
Broadway Elementary School
Octavius Catto Elementary School
James M. Cassady School
Central School & Central School Annex
The Cooper-Grant Schools
The Cooper School & Ulysses S. Grant School
Cramer Elementary School
Henry H. Davis Elementary School
Thomas H. Dudley Elementary School
Charles K. Evered School
Richard Fetters School
James A. Garfield School
George Genge School
George Washington School
Harrison School
Kaighn Public School
Liberty School
Lincoln School
aka Claudius W. Bradshaw School
Linden School
William McKinley School
John W. Mickle School & Mickle School Annex
Mount Vernon Street School
aka South Camden Alternative Middle School
Isaac S. Mulford School
Northeast School
aka North East School
Parkside Elementary School
William F. Powell Elementary School
John S. Read School
William Joyce Sewell School
Harry C. Sharp Elementary School
Jesse W. Starr School
E. A. Stevens School
Charles Sumner Elementary School
George Washington Elementary School
H. B. Wilson School
Sports
Baseball
The Camden Braves
North Camden Baseball Club
12th Ward Athletic Association
Garrett Cowls
Grandfather of baseball in Camden
Vincent Ariel Tydeman
Camden, NJ, Professional Baseball Player
Basketball
Boxing
Camden, NJ Boxing
Camden and the Fight Game
History of Boxing in Camden, NJ
Through 1955
Philly Boxing History
John DiSanto's site honoring Philadelphia and Camden Boxers
Veteran's Boxing Association
Ring #6 — 13th Annual Banquet
Frankie Conway as “Man of the Year” — 1961
Sunday Evening Courier — May 7, 1961
Football
Photo Gallery
Postcards
Photos of Camden Carousel
Camden NJ Water Tower
At the base of Elm Street, at the Delaware River.
The Sun Rises over Camden, November 2004
Photo by Craig Campbell.
Camden, NJ Arial
Cooper Street to State Street — 1952
The Sun Rises over Camden, November 2004
Photo by Craig Campbell