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.
Odds and Ends
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Cars began running yesterday over the new line on Fourth street, from Kaighn avenue to Line, to West streets.
Burglars early yesterday morning broke into the tailoring establishment of J. Hermann, 1120 Broadway, and stole some made up clothing.
The $50,000 subscription, for the erection of the Masonic Temple, has been raised, and the first call for the payment of ten per cent. has been made.
The first shovel full of earth for the foundation for the new Methodist Home, at Collingswood, was turned yesterday by Mrs. David Baird, wife of ex-Sheriff Baird. Addresses were made by Revs. Relyea, A. B. Richardson, George Stange, Wagg and Mr. James R. Carson and others.
Mayor Pratt last night held William Kemble in $500 bail on the charge of writing policy at the Baltic House, on Delaware avenue below Market street.
Henry George, the Single Tax advocate, has commenced suit against Lawyer John Woodhull for $500, for money which he claims from the Hutchinson legacy.
Photos of Temple Theater
The Temple Theatre, Camden's first modern theater, opened in 1892
The Temple Bar and Temple Theatre, 1955
Temple Theater, 1890s Photograph. The Temple Bar & Hotel can be seen just beyond the Temple Theater
TAR AND TARTAR played in Trenton NJ the following month. Ad from TRENTON TIMES October 12, 1892
Postcard of the Masonic Temple and Theater
Postcard of the Masonic Temple and Theater
Postcard of the Masonic Temple and Theater
Lady Managers of the Homoeopathic Hospital
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The lady managers of the Homoeopathic Hospital are busy disposing of tickets for the amateur theatricals that are to be given at the Temple Theatre on Thursday evening, January 17. The plays to be given are “A Loan of a Lover” and “Woodcock’s Little Game,” and the casts include Miss Walsh, Miss Sellers, Miss Champion, Miss Hollinshed, Mr. Oakford, Mr. Stratton, Mr. Fries and others.
Camden Turn-Verein Gymnastic Exhibition
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The second annual gymnastic exhibition of the Camden Turn-Verein was given last night at the Temple Theatre, under the direction of Professor F. A. Finkeldey.
The series of concerts given by the Pennsylvania Railroad Branch Y. M. C. A. was concluded last night. The concerts have proved very successful.
Frederick A. Finkeldey - Temple Theatre
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Elks will give a minstrel performance at the Temple Theatre this evening. A dress rehearsal was held last evening.
Camden Commercial College Postcard
Postcard advertising the Camden Commercial College
HOME OF THE
CAMDEN COMMERCIAL COLLEGE
415 MARKET ST. CAMDEN
A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Edgar.
Motherhood play
Camden Courier-Post —
Motherhood. Camden Courier-Post — January 7, 1928
WCAM Players Back Little Theater Idea
Camden Courier-Post —
Local Theatrical Company Improving Under Direction of George A. Oberst
WCAM Players Back Little Theater Idea
Camden Courier-Post —
Local Theatrical Company Improving Under Direction of George A. Oberst
Eclipsing their first success, “It Was Christmas,” broadcast over the Municipal Broadcasting Station on December 23, the WCAM Players were heard over the same station last Monday night in their second production, “Plain Jane.” Both of these plays were from the pen of David Bennett.
Although organized two months ago this organization under the personal direction of George A. Oberst, who has figured prominently in many productions in South Jersey, has progressed to such an extent that the players anticipate producing Shakespearean plays next season.
Spurred on and not discouraged by the failure of the late Camden Players Company that opened a two-weeks stand in the Temple Theatre last year, the WCAM Players intend to further the Little Theatre Movement in South Jersey, a movement that, to the opinion of Mr. Oberst, is fast waning and which requires constant encouragement and co-operation.
Disregarding the fact that The WCAM Player [sic] is mostly comprised of members of the Sacred Heart Players, another dramatic association, Mr. Oberst explained that by no means is his organization to be sectarian and any one desirious of joining should apply to him. His address is 1253 Princess avenue, Camden.
The next production to be broadcast as a near date will be “A Rustle of Spring,” a one-act drama suggested from the musical composition of the same name.
The officers of the Players are as follows:— George Oberst, director general; Frank Doyle, managing director; Leona Walace [sic], secretary, and Josephine Depater, treasurer.
Ten Buildings Ordered Down for Postoffice
Camden Morning Post —
Contract Awarded by U. S. for Clearing Site at Fourth and Market
ENDS LENGTHY DELAY ON CAMDEN STRUCTURE
Old Temple Theatre to Be Razed by Winning Bidder From Phila.
Camden’s new $1,100,000 postoffice and Federal building came nearer to realization yesterday with announcement of award of the contract to clear 10 buildings from the site at the northeast corner of Fourth and Market streets.
The successful bidder was the Fidelity Builders, Inc., of Philadelphia, the lowest of 13 bidders, who submitted a figure of $2583, according to the supervising architect of the Treasury Department at Washington.
Under the terms of the contract the buildings on the site must be razed within 90 days after the firm is given notice to proceed with the work. This notice is expected within a few days. A fence is to be built around the site while the buildings are being removed.
Meanwhile Treasury Department architects are proceeding with plans and specifications for the structure itself. As soon as the site is cleared and the plans prepared, bids for erection of the building will be sought by advertisement.
The site extends northward from Market street to Markley place and eastward from Fourth street to include the old Temple building.
Ten buildings to be razed, and their owners are, 401 and 403 Market street, John Stoer; 405 Market street, Louis Katz; 407 Market street, Bennie Gondolf; 409 Market street, City Commissioner T. Yorke Smith and John Rand; the Temple building, 411-413 Market street, owned by John H. Heaton Piano Company; 110 and 112 Fourth street, John Dick; 114 Fourth street, Alice M. Wesley, and 116 Fourth street, Louis Berkowitz.
The new building will have a space of 32,204 square feet and will be three or four stories high.
Dan McConnell's Scrapbook - Temple Theater
Camden Courier-Post —
