Roberts Street
ROBERTS STREET is a narrow street that runs north from Pine Street north across Royden and Clinton Streets before ending at Clarion Alley. It was named by and for Joseph E. Roberts, a successful builder and real estate developer, who was responsible for creating the street and building houses on and near it.
Joseph E. Roberts was a successful dry goods merchant from Salem County. The 1870 Census shows him living in Upper Penn’s Neck Township in Salem County. He moved to Camden shortly afterwards. The Roberts family first appear in Camden City Directories in 1872. Apparently under the direction of Joseph E. Roberts, with Jacob and brother Frank also being involved, the family engaged in real estate and homebuilding in Camden. By 1872 a street, known to this day as Roberts Street, which had not existed when the 1870 Camden City Directory was published, had been laid out. By 1874 the Roberts family owned 58 houses in what was then Camden’s Fourth Ward. Joseph E. Roberts built over 250 houses on his own, then went into partnership with E.N. Cohn. By 1886 they had built an additional 450 homes.
Looking South on Roberts Street
Looking South on Roberts Street from Clarion Street. Photo taken February 14, 2012.
500 Block of Roberts Street
500 Block of Roberts Street — Occupants
City directory records and newspaper clippings, 1878–2014.
511 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Mrs. Jessie Pippett & Family (widow of Cpl. Charles H. Pippett Sr.) |
512 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Peter Celucci |
513 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1886 | George Harris |
| 1947 | Horace Shone |
514 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1881 | Edward H. Mead |
| 1947–1967 | Mrs. Bertha Clark |
515 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | George Cook |
516 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Albert Boggs |
517 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1896 | James Farley |
| 1947 | Mrs. Virginia M. West |
| 1967 | Sigmund Golembski & Family (Paul, Marlene, Frances, Edward Golembski) |
| 1967+ | Private First Class Paul Joseph Golembski |
518 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1895 | Charles C. Schultze & Family |
| 1895 | Charles C. & Louise Schultze |
| 1895 | Charles Weston Schultze |
| 1938–1940 | John T. Carbone & Family |
| 1938–1940 | John T. & Rose Street |
| 1938–1940 | William Carbone |
| 1938–1940 | Joseph A. Carbone |
| 1938–1940 | Margaret Carbone |
| 1947 | Raymond Hiers |
523 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1886 | George Harris |
539 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1900 | John H. Hunter & Family |
| 1900 | Albert S. Macbride & Family |
| 1905 | Charles C. Burrough & Family (carpenter) |
| 1917 | Albert Smith |
| 1947 | Louis Cimmi |
540 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1910 | Frederick Apgar & Family (streetcar conductor) |
| 1910 | Frederick & Hannah Apgar |
| 1910 | William F. Apgar |
| 1947 | Anna M. Hughes |
541 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1893–1894 | Albert C. Jones & Family (Camden Fire Dept.) |
| 1900–1901 | John F. Crawford & Family (boilermaker) |
| 1900–1901 | John Crawford |
| 1900–1901 | John & Catherine Croft Crawford |
| 1900–1901 | John Crawford Jr. |
| 1900–1901 | Rosanna Sinkhower |
| 1902 | John E. Lehman & Family |
| 1902 | John E. & Mary E. Pohn Lehman |
| 1902 | Carl Fred Lehman |
| 1947 | Alfred Rogers |
542 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1900 | Benjamin B. Hunter & Family (railroad dispatcher) |
| 1910 | W. Eugene Wild & Family (streetcar conductor) |
| 1910 | W. Eugene & Bertha Wild |
| 1910 | Laura M. Wild |
| 1947 | Joseph Marchegiano |
543 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1899 | Allen K. Sheppard & Family |
| 1899 | Allen K. & Emma S. Sheppard |
| 1900 | John H. MacDonald & Family (clerk, P.R.R.) |
| 1900 | John & Johnanna MacDonald |
| 1900 | May MacDonald |
| 1900 | Irma MacDonald |
| 1900 | Sadie MacDonald |
| 1943–1950s | Theodosia Hunt Conaghy (matron, Camden County jail) |
| 1958–1965 | Eli E. Conaghy Sr. |
544 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1878 | Charles A. Todd |
| 1900 | Frank Schneider & Family (barber) |
| 1910 | John B. Goodwin & Family (motorman) |
| 1947 | Walter Rudomin |
545 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1879 | Charles A. Todd |
| 1900 | George W. Marsh & Family (signalman, R.R.) |
| 1900 | George W. & Mary Marsh |
| 1900 | Marie L. Marsh |
| 1912 | Webster C. Davis & Family |
| 1947 | Mrs. Hannah Cummings |
546 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1894 | James M. Berry & Family |
| 1894 | James & Sarah M. Hickman Berry |
| 1900 | Charles Kirkbride & Family |
| 1900 | Charles & Mary Kirkbride |
| 1900 | Charles E. Kirkbride |
| 1900 | Ada M. Kirkbride |
| 1900 | Martha Kirkbride |
| 1909–1910 | Ernest O. Parker & Family (brakeman) |
| 1947 | Wilferd J. Wilkinson |
547 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1900 | Patrick Kenneff & Family (day laborer) |
| 1900 | Patrick & Julia Kenneff |
| 1900 | Mary Kenneff |
| 1900 | John Kenneff |
| 1900 | Eugene Kenneff |
| 1900 | Julia Kenneff |
| 1947 | Morris Allen |
549 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1906 | Ulysses Grant Andrews & Family (Harry Dudley Andrews) |
| 1920 | Mrs. Carrie Daniels |
| 1947 | Mrs. Elizabeth Gerhard |
551 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1900–1901 | Samuel B. Easton & Family (one-time manager of Camden Baseball Club) |
| 1901–1900 | Samuel & Ada Easton |
| 1901–1900 | Alfred R. Paetz & Earl L. Paetz |
| 1915 | David Bakley |
| 1947 | Mrs. Katie Abrams |
| 2014 | Abandoned |
553 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1897–1898 | John C. Huhn Jr. & Family |
| 1897–1898 | John C. & Mary E. Huhn |
| 1897–1898 | Elizabeth Huhn |
| 1897–1898 | John C. Huhn Sr. |
| 1897–1898 | Harry Huhn |
| 1900 | John Sauder & Family (teamster) |
| 1900 | John & Florence Sauder |
| 1902 | Mrs. Millie Carr & Family |
| 1902 | Mrs. Emma Clark |
| 1947 | William C. Butler & Family |
| 1947 | William C. & Constance E. Butler |
555 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1900 | Samuel S. Jones & Family |
| 1900 | Samuel S. & Mary P. Clement Jones |
| 1900 | Lillie Johnson |
| 1947 | John B. Richardson |
511 Roberts Street
YOUNG MAN, of 20, wants situation in office, reference. 511 Roberts street, Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer — May 19, 1895
FOR SALE—One of the best milk routes and depots in Camden. Apply 511 Roberts street, Camden.
Philadelphia Inquirer — May 20, 1897
Run Down by a Bicyclist
James Farley, a young bicyclist, living at 517 Roberts street, Camden, ran down Harry Parker, a son of Letter Carrier Charles Parker, at Sixth and Royden streets, last night. It was at first thought that Parker’s injuries were serious and while he was being removed to his home at 511 South Sixth street, the police took Farley into custody, but released him on learning that Parker was not badly hurt. Farley’s side was badly bruised.
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 19, 1896
Private First Class Paul Joseph Golembski, 517 Roberts Street.
518 Roberts Street
SCHULTZE—On the 28th inst., Charles Weston, son of Charles C. and Louisa Schultze, aged 6 months. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Tuesday, 30th inst., at 2 o’clock, from his parents’ residence, 518 Roberts street, Camden. Interment at New Camden Cemetery.
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 29 & 30, 1895
Births — 518 Roberts Street
BIRTHS / WEST JERSEY. William, to Mr. and Mrs. William Griffin, of 237 South Thirty-fifth street. Florence Mary, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stanley Sleeper, of 607 West street. Fred, to Mr. and Mrs. Labena Arcangeli of 1713 South Fourth street. AT HOME. Charles Clifford, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clifford Shockley, of 812 Mt. Vernon street. Margaret, to Mr. and Mrs. John T. Carbone, of 518 Roberts street.
Camden Courier-Post — February 17, 1938
New Jersey Real Estate — 539–41 Roberts Street
NEW JERSEY / 531 BERKELEY STREET, 10 ROOMS AND bath, $3200; 539-41 Roberts street, 6 rooms and bath, $1150; 1138 Marion street, 4 rooms and enclosed shed, $1000. These properties are dirt cheap. Anyone wishing to purchase apply to CHAS. S. NEWKIRK & CO., 615 Broadway, Camden.
Philadelphia Inquirer — July 18, 1896
539 Roberts Street
HUNTER—On February 21, 1900, Mary L., youngest child of John H. and Jennie M. Hunter, aged 14 months. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Saturday, 24th inst., at 1 o’clock from her parents’ residence, 539 Roberts street Camden. Interment private.
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 23 & 24, 1900
Fourth of July Injuries — 539 Roberts Street
There was the usual crop of wounded Fourth of July celebrators treated at the Cooper Hospital, Camden, yesterday. The victims included the following: Thomas Daly, aged 9 years, of 800 Linden street, left hand injured by blank cartridge. Bruce Richardson, aged 27 years, 250 Division street, powder burns of the right hand. George Saltzlever, aged 3 years, 454 Newton avenue, pistol wound of left leg. Ethel Burroughs, aged 7 years, 539 Roberts street, powder burns of hands. Ernest Sylvester, aged 7 years, of Burlington, powder burns of hands and arms. George Hellings, aged 12 years, of 934 South Ninth street, powder burns of fingers.
Philadelphia Inquirer — July 5, 1905
543 Roberts Street
SHEPPARD.—Suddenly, on May 15, 1899, Allen K. Sheppard, husband of Emma S. Sheppard, aged 44 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services, on Thursday, May 18, at 1 o’clock, at his late residence, 543 Roberts street, Camden, N. J. Interment private.
Philadelphia Inquirer — May 17, 1899
Eli E. Conaghy Sr., 543 Roberts Street, 1958–1965.
545 Roberts Street
Stricken with a heart attack shortly after returning home from a moving picture show, Mrs. Margaret Davis, aged 31 years, wife of Webster C. Davis, of 545 Roberts street, died yesterday.
Philadelphia Inquirer — February 17, 1912
546 Roberts Street
BERRY.—On November 25, 1894, of paralysis, Sarah M., wife of James M. Berry and daughter of the late Adam and Margaret Hickman, in the 70th year of her age. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Wednesday afternoon, at 2 o’clock, from her late residence, 546 Roberts street, Camden, N.J. Services at Broadway M.E. Church, at 3 o’clock. Interment private at Camden Cemetery.
Philadelphia Inquirer — November 28, 1894
546 Roberts Street
Supposed to have been fatally hurt when her skull was fractured by a fall, 2-year-old Mary Parker, of 546 Roberts street, amazed Cooper Hospital doctors by her remarkable recovery and yesterday she was able to be taken home by her parents.
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 21, 1909
Woman Hit by Auto Severely Hurt
Run down on Kaighn avenue near Fourth street, Camden, by an auto driven by Edward R. Goss, an electrical engineer, of 122 South Ninth street, Philadelphia, Mrs. Carrie Daniels, 56 years old, of 549 Roberts street, is in a serious condition in the Homeopathic Hospital. Goss took Mrs. Daniels to the hospital and then surrendered to the police. After investigation the autoist was held under $500 bail to await the outcome of the injuries. Mrs. Daniels told the police she did not see the machine because of a passing trolley.
Philadelphia Inquirer — May 23, 1920
551 Roberts Street — Samuel B. Easton
Samuel Easton, at one time manager of the Camden, N. J., baseball team, died on Tuesday night of consumption, aged 37 years. He was born in South Africa, where his father was then stationed at an English army barracks.
Denver Post — September 17, 1901
EASTON.—On September 10, 1901, Samuel B., son of Thomas and the late Susan Easton, aged 37 years. Funeral services on Saturday morning September 14, at 11 o’clock, at his late residence, 531 Roberts street, Camden, N.J. Interment private, at Evergreen Cemetery. Remains can be seen on Friday evening, from 7 to 9 o’clock.
Philadelphia Inquirer — September 14, 1901
553 Roberts Street
HUHN.—On April 8, 1897, John Huhn, in his 65th year. The relatives and friends of the family, also Chosen Friends Lodge, No. 29, I.O.O.F., are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Sunday, at 2 o’clock, from the residence of his son, Mr. John C. Huhn, 553 Roberts street, Camden, N.J. Interment at Old Camden Cemetery.
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 11, 1897
Death Strikes Three In Camden
Death quickly summoned three in Camden yesterday. Robert Clark, 60 years old, of Kensington, was found dead in bed at the home of his sister, Mrs. Robert Taylor, 910 North Twenty-sixth street. Mrs. Lulian Birkmire, 33 years old, of 412 Federal street, was seized with a fainting spell and died shortly after the arrival of a physician. Mrs. Emma Clark, 80 years old, died suddenly at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Millie Carr, 553 Roberts street. Coroner Bentley gave certificates of death due to heart disease in each instance.
Philadelphia Inquirer — March 12, 1913
555 Roberts Street
JONES.—On June 1, 1902, Samuel S., beloved husband of Mary P. Jones (nee Clement), aged 40 years. Funeral on Thursday, June 5, at 3 o’clock, from 555 Roberts street, Camden, N.J. Remains can be viewed Wednesday evening, June 4, from 8 to 10 o’clock. Members of Metornora Tribe, No. 71, I.O.R.M.; Lincoln Council, No. 1, Jr. O.U.A.M.; Court Maine, No. 94, F.O.M.; Ninth Ward Republican Club and the employes of Furbush Machine Shop invited. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery.
Philadelphia Inquirer — June 4 & 5, 1902
Intersection of Roberts Street and Royden Street
Intersection of Roberts Street and Royden Street as seen from Clinton Street. Photo taken February 14, 2012.
600 Block of Roberts Street
600 Block of Roberts Street — Occupants
City directory records and newspaper clippings, 1883–1972.
605 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1890–1892 | Albert C. Jones & Family (Camden Fire Dept.) |
| 1940–1972 | Donald Pearson & Family |
| 1940–1972 | Donald & Mary DiSibio Pearson |
| 1940–1972 | Margaret Pearson Tash |
| 1940–1972 | Barbara Pearson Priest |
607 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | George Winkels |
608 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1904 | Mrs. Goodman |
| 1947 | Mrs. Emma D. Kell |
609 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | Albert Jester |
610 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1908–1911 | John F. McKenna & Family (saloonkeeper) |
| 1930 | George Getley & Family (policeman) |
| 1930 | Mrs. Laura Zane Getley (mother) |
| 1947 | Thomas Baker |
612 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1947 | John Doyle |
614 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1883–1892 | Edward H. Mead |
| 1899 | Christian Frebe & Family |
| 1901 | Louis Houbois & Family |
| 1901 | Louis & Annie Houbois |
| 1901 | Emma Houbois |
| 1906 | Mrs. Bridget Dunn |
| 1947 | Frank E. Maddon |
616 Roberts Street
| Year ↕ | Name ↕ |
|---|---|
| 1892 | Rev. Charles A. Smith |
| 1904 | Mrs. Maud Gardner |
| 1912 | Eugene Caffrey |
| 1947 | Edward Caskill |
Camden’s Gallant Fire Fighters
Men Who Risk Their Lives in Battle with Flames
Camden, since the recent increase in the Fire Department, has one of the best equipped and most efficient corps of fire fighters of any city of its size in the country. The officials are all veterans in the service and they take pride in the department and in the city’s small annual fire loss.
Benjamin L. Kellum, second assistant chief engineer in charge of the East Side district, entered the service in Camden in the spring of 1874. He was driver of the hook and ladder truck for several years and was made foreman of the company in 1890. He was promoted to be assistant chief engineer in February last.
Foreman Amedee S. Middleton entered the department April 1, 1877. He was a call man for four years and two months and was then made a regular, filling the position of stoker. In 1884 he was promoted to ladderman and from that to tillerman. He was made foreman of Engine Company No. 4 June 2, 1890, and was made foreman of Hook and Ladder Company No. 3 when the East Side firemen went on duty on March 1 last.
Albert C. Jones entered the service as stoker of Engine Company No. 2 in 1890. He served in that capacity until his promotion on March 1 last to be foreman of Hose Company No. 2.
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 9, 1900
Pearson — 605 Roberts Street
On Jan. 24, 1972, Donald, beloved husband of Mary (nee DiSibio) of 605 Roberts St., Camden, N.J. Age 59 years. Also surviving are 2 daughters Mrs. Margaret Tash of Wenonah, Mrs. Barbara Priest of Camden, 1 sister, Mrs. Eleanor Morse of Camden and 6 grandchildren. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral Thursday morning at 8 a.m. in the Bocco Funeral Home, 4th and Walnut Sts., Camden, N.J. Mass of the Resurrection and Communion, 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Camden. Entombment Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, Cherry Hill. Friends may call Wednesday evening after 7.
Camden Courier-Post — January 25, 1972
608 Roberts Street
Norman Simmons, Jr., Camden’s official dog catcher, and Charles Cook, his assistant, met with more trouble yesterday when they attempted to capture the dog of Mrs. Goodman, of 608 Roberts street. Mrs. Goodman went before Justice Schmitz and caused the arrest of both men, charging them with assault and battery. Both were held in their own recognizance.
Philadelphia Inquirer — July 13, 1904
614 Roberts Street
FREBE.—On January 5, 1899, Christian, husband of Catherine Frebe, aged 74 years and 5 months. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, on Friday, January 6, at 2 o’clock, from his late residence, rear of 614 Roberts street, Camden. Interment private.
Philadelphia Inquirer — January 6, 1899
HOUBOIS—On April 23, 1901, Emma beloved infant daughter of Louis and Annie Houbois, aged 2 months. Funeral services on Thursday April 25, at 2 o’clock from 614 Roberts street Camden N.J. Interment Evergreen Cemetery.
Philadelphia Inquirer — April 23, 1901
Mrs. Bridget Dunn, of 614 Roberts street, in trying to save a grandchild from falling out of a window, yesterday, plunged headlong to the street, sustaining severe lacerations of the scalp.
Philadelphia Inquirer — August 13, 1906
616 Roberts Street
Robbed Near a Cemetery. Joseph Burk was committed to the county jail in default of $800 bail by Recorder Stackhouse in Camden yesterday, charged with holding up and robbing Mrs. Maud Gardner, of 616 Roberts street, of $4, as she was passing the old Camden Cemetery.
Philadelphia Inquirer — September 11, 1904
Conscience Forces Confession
“I want to give myself up; I can’t eat or sleep,” said a mild-mannered young man to Sergeant Tatem, at the Camden police headquarters, yesterday. On being questioned he said he was Eugene Caffrey, 21 years old, of 616 Roberts street. While visiting the home of a friend, Harry Virtue, 134 North, Thirty-sixth street, on September 23, he had purloined a quantity of jewelry. Caffrey was so overwrought that he sobbed aloud. He was later held in $300 bail by Recorder Stackhouse.
Philadelphia Inquirer — October 4, 1912
Intersection of Pine Street and Roberts Street
Looking North on Roberts Street from Pine Street. Photo taken March 14, 2012.