Span of a Century: 1890s

State Street Methodist Episcopal Church was organized as a separate church in March of 1890.

The Central Trust Company commenced business on May 11, 1891. The bank was located at 324 Federal Street until April 1, 1892, and then at 323 Federal Street. The bank building at 4th & Federal Streets was opened on October 31, 1900. The first president was Abraham Anderson. Other principals included William L. Hurley, Killam Bennett, Volney G. Bennett, and George A. Munger. This bank merged with the Camden Safe Deposit & Trust Company in 1927.

Water for East Camden was first turned on by the Stockton Water Company in September of 1892. George Pfeiffer Jr., for whom Pfeiffer Street in East Camden was named, was the President of the Company. John T. Rodan was the superintendent for many years, beginning in 1902.

The first police patrol wagon was ordered by Camden in May of 1893.

The first big Charity Ball in Camden was held in the Temple Theatre on January 31, 1894. The orchestra seats were floored over for this occasion, which was an outstanding social event.

The second Charity Ball was held in the Temple Theatre on February 20, 1895, the proceeds being divided between the Camden Dispensary and the Women’s Park Association.

The cornerstone of the Armory on Haddon Avenue was laid by Governor Griggs on September 7, 1896. Its total cost was about $300,000. The contract for the building was awarded to George W. Roydhouse in April of 1896. The inaugural ball was held in the new armory on Friday, February 18, 1898. The ground upon which this building was erected was purchased from the estates of Sarah W. and Elizabeth B. Cooper (Peter L. and Peter V. Voorhees, Trustees) in June of 1894, for about $16,000, and presented to the State.

James M. Cassady, a prominent character in Camden, died at his home, 128 Federal Street. He was born in Philadelphia in 1821 and moved to Camden in 1837.

The project for removing Smith and Windmill Islands in the Delaware River, called for a depth of 26 feet at low water, and this was completed on January 10, 1898. The work of dredging was begun in 1891 by James A. Munday & Company, who afterwards failed and the work was continued and completed by the American Dredging Company.

Another blizzard visited Camden on February 11, 1899, with a snowfall of 19 inches. The thermometer registered six degrees below zero.