Hotel Ridgway
The West Jersey Hotel at Delaware Avenue and Market Street was built by the West Jersey Ferry Company in 1849. It was run by different parties through the ensuing years. Stephen Parsons operated the business from 1884 until his passing in 1890.
The name was changed to New Camden Hotel in 1909, and not long afterwards the name was again changed, this time to the Hotel Ridgway and passed to the management of the company operating the Ridgeway House at the foot of Market Street, Philadelphia. The porches and cupola which adorned the original structure were removed in December of 1911.
The Hotel Ridgway was still in business as late as October of 1953. The discontinuation of ferry service between Philadelphia and Camden doomed the old hotel, and it was demolished not long after it closed.
A Blaze in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
A Supposed Incendiary Fire Causes the Destruction of Considerable Property.
A disastrous fire broke out about midnight Saturday on George street, below Front, Camden, and for a while threatened to destroy several valuable properties in that vicinity. The fire originated in a stable in the rear of the West Jersey Hotel, its origin being unknown. The horses and wagons were gotten out in safety but the buildings and their contents were entirely consumed, and from here the flames communicated to the large three story warehouse of Taylor Bros., which was also destroyed. The aggregated loss will amount to $22,300.
D H. Lardman, whose property is in the rear of Market street, sustains a loss to building of $1000; insured for $700. His loss on stock will exceed $3500, insurance not known. Taylor Bros.’ losses will exceed $8000; insured for $2000. This building was the property of the West Jersey Ferry Company, and was not insured. George Campbell, livery keeper, sustained a loss of $2000, insured in the North American Insurance Company for $1500. This building was owned by Samuel Cooper, and was valued at $2000; no insurance. Mr. Vanderslice, expressman, estimates his losses at $2500, with no insurance. The Penn Slate Mantle Works lose $500, with no insurance. The walls were standing in a dangerous condition yesterday, and Chief Daniel S. [sic] Carter ordered them taken down. In complying with the order, three firemen named Barney Harvey, Benjamin Kellum and Amos Middleton were severely injured by portions of it falling upon them. The residents on Market street complain of the inadequate supply of water for such a business thoroughfare.
Hotel Ridgway, 1914
Hotel Ridgway, 1914. Top: southeast corner of Market Street & Delaware Avenue. Middle: northeast corner of Market Street & George Street.
Letter Regarding Sale of Hotel Ridgway
Freeman Bros. —
Freeman Bros.
Established 1882
Real Estate Bought & Sold. Money to Loan on Mortgage. Rents & Interest Collected. Notary Public. Commissioner of Deeds. Fire Insurance. Deeds, Mortgages & Wills Drawn.
314 Market Street
Edgar A Freeman, Clarence E Freeman
Both Phones
Camden, N.J. April 27, 1914.
Mr. William A. Moncure, Broad & Market Sts., Phila., Pa.
Dear Sir:-
As per conversation with our Mr. Clarence E. Freeman this morning, we consider $45,000. to be a fair price for the Ridgway Hotel Property situate at the Southeast corner of Delaware Ave. and Market St., having a frontage on Market St. of 93’ 6”, by a depth of 100’ along Delaware Ave. to George St.
Yours very truly, Freeman Bros.
Hotel Ridgway Postcard, c. 1918
While the airplane indicates that this postcard dates from around 1918, the drawing of the Hotel Ridgway is from before 1911. Note the cupola on the roof of the hotel.
Jitney Drivers Organize
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden jitney operators to the number of 150 met yesterday at the Hotel Ridgway and took initial steps toward forming an association for their mutual protection and benefit. Assemblyman Garfield Pancoast presided and addresses were made by Mayor Ellis and Dr. H. H. Gros, of the Camden Motor Club, who assured them that as long as they respected the law and traffic regulations they would have strong support in their efforts to better transit facilities. Following liberal discussion the meeting adjourned until next Friday, when a committee of five will present a tentative plan of organization and operation. On this committee are William Sauerhoff, Walter Bunting, Daniel Sullivan, Walter C. Davis and Philip Ganter.