Temple Theater

Introduction

Camden's first real theater was the Temple Theater, which opened as a Masonic building in 1892. Before the opening of the Temple, Camden playgoers needed to cross the Delaware River by ferry to see first-class theatrical performances.

Leading artists of the age appeared on the Camden stage, headlined by Julia Marlowe, Fred Frear, Annie Myers, and Mrs. John Drew, Sidney Drew, McKee Rankin, Isadore Rush, J.K. Emmett, Annie Pixley, Charles B. Hanford, and many more. Julia Marlowe and her Shakespearian repertoire filled the house eight consecutive nights in 1893, while Harrigan's Irish comedy and vaudeville also packed the theater. Another local favorite of the 1890s remained Uncle Tom's Cabin, particularly since during one series of shows, promoters ran at intermission a three round boxing match between the Australian champion and Battling Joe Choynski.

The Temple Theater also served as the home of Camden's Masonic community until 1913, when their new Temple was built at 31 North 4th Street. The building later was the home of the Camden Commercial College, and was open for business as a movie house as late as January of 1928.

Camden Lodge. No. 293 of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks was instituted January 24, 1895, with a membership including judges, lawyers, physicians, merchants, manufacturers, artisans and city and county officials. The organization meeting was held on the third floor of the Temple Theater.

Labor unions in Camden also occasionally used the Temple for large meetings.

The Temple Theater was razed to make way for the United States Post Office and Court House that presently sits at the corner of North 4th and Market Street.