The armpit of the East Coast. So unfortunate when you see its prosperous history. The Victor corporation grew by leaps and bounds during the ‘teens and twenties manufacturing radios, Victrolas and phonograph records. They weathered the depression and the shellac shortages of WW2, a couple of union forced recording bans in the ‘40’s, only to introduce the non- breakable 45 rpm record in 1948 (the upgrade to the shellac 78). The 45 became the hallmark symbol of the upcoming rock and roll era- (think Elvis) and maintained its dominance until the 1990’s. RCA had a nearby pressing plant in Rockaway, NJ
I work in camden! I inspect restaurants there. Honestly there’s a lot of great people here who are trying to make an honest living and help make the community better. There’s been a lot of decay and decline but there’s a ton of spirit here to turn the city around
There needs to be a massive culture shift within city communities. All this thug life nonsense needs to be gotten rid of.... If not then this will never change. And I lived in Camden for a while, I still live right outside of city. So trust me, I'm talking from experience.
I've been renovating houses in Camden for years. Row houses, standalones, we started near the water front but have done a ton of row houses during the pandemic when they cost nothing, i'm here right now. When I was growing up we heard Hoboken was bad, Jersey city, Irvington, even downtown Montcair, Patterson, lake hopatcong was for hicks, allentown pa,Easton pa, the list goes on and on. I'm renting renovated apartments in Camden now and we are changing the city block by block. The next video in a few year is going to be someone saying it's "Gentrified" but everyone in the community is supportive and new businesses want to open and cops are receptive. I grew up here and I want to help
It’s never a one answer for everything and everyone. By beautifying, it may cause higher price. But leaving it alone, it will continue to deteriorate. I salute you in caring and doing something about it. And the same goes to those that support you
That's amazing... I live about 7 minutes away from Camden.. I will never get to see Your country or Europe... but it's amazing we can connect from all over the world.. He did a great job .. unlike some RUclipsrs just showing the slums and poverty for their own gain... Impoverished doesn't mean bad people or always dangerous..
I worked in Camden from 1975 until 1984. It was in pretty bad shape then. I worked in the retail oil business and delivered product and serviced heating systems. Some of our customers were dirt poor and couldn’t afford to keep their homes heated. I remember visiting an elderly woman on the outskirts of Camden who lived alone. She had very but kept her boiler looking brand new. Her oil tank had a leak and you couldn’t fill it past half. She had very little to eat and I remember bringing her a hamburger from McDonald’s, she was very thankful.
So much poverty around the world, one could hit the lotto for a billion, give it all away; the very next day people be asking for more. I retired to central America a few years back, a family in the community constantly asks for money/help. Walking around the area I was shocked to see they lived on more than an acre of property. "My aunt has allowed us to live here for years" commented the husband. Why don't you plant plantains/bananas, make use of mangoes to can and just buy bread to prepare food for your 3 kids,,,. My advice fell on death ears, 2 weeks ago he asked if I could give him some Burro bananas from my production. On a fraction of his property, I am producing plantains/Burro, squash, bell pepper,. I routinely give plantains/bananas to an elderly neighbor; I be dammed if I give this guy a penny. I even suggested he build a chicken coop and that I would provide him with starters,,,. 4 years and nada!
I was raised in Camden. I left when I joined the Marine Corps. When I was honorably discharged I joined a police department in Maryland. I simultaneously joined the Army. After some years I resigned and moved to Philly and became a police officer. In hindsight, growing up in Camden in the 70s and 80s wasn’t bad but now I realize my perception is based on the fact I was too BUSY to think about being in the streets. I was raised to avoid criminals and drug fiends. I was working as soon as I turned 15 years old, had hobbies and a core group of good friends as support. I’m 55 years old and I have the same old friends. I visit Camden often. I go to Donkey’s Place sometimes. My in-laws live just off River Road in Cramer Hill. I love Camden. It’s my hometown.
Just a word of encouragement from me in the UK. I enjoy the videos and it is my one consistent stop off point each week. I find your work informative. I like the stats. Yes entertaining at times. You document and capture societal trends. Whilst I watch the poverty and people down on their luck it is not through finding people's misfortune enjoyable. I do reflect however on my own good fortune and how any one of us might be a pay cheque away from another world. You offer great insight with empathy.
@@stephenoshaughnessy2279 Everyone who isn't a millionaire or billionaire is one paycheck away from living like this. That's how it is under capitalism.
@@AlanDavidDoane Socialism in the UK was an unmitigated disaster. Bankrupt, nationalised state industry. Colossal welfare dependency to tackle ''poverty''. High taxation leading to economic failure.
I remember in South Camden in the late 50's tomatoe trucks going down Broadway heading to Campbell Soup also saw the Kitty Hawk launched at the New York Shipyard, now 73 years old.🤠
Right, me, to...this shows nothing of Camden, especially when it keeps as far from the people as possible. I used to take the Broad Street subway from Philly just for the fun of it...
I too lived in Camden as a youngster, now 72. Went to Scared Heart school at Broadway and Ferry ave. Saw the Kitty Hawk launch. Hard to believe a city can fall as far as it has. I doubt it will ever return.
I remember your first Camden video. The building at 14:00 was the Carnegie Library. I now live 3 towns away from this dump and I still have no need or desire to visit Camden
When your manufacturing industries die so does your cities and towns. Those politicians and high paid executives who allowed this to happen should be ashamed of themselves but it's all about greed.
Cities like Camden pre-date the automobile. That's why you see that kind of housing density. People had no choice but to live near where they worked. After WWII, the federal government gave the states lots of money to build new highways. The US became a car based society. The new highways and the GI Bill set suburbanization in motion. The middle class moved out first, followed by the working class and then the businesses. The only people left were the old and people who lacked the skills to benefit from the new suburban society. Cities like Camden have been bouncing along the bottom ever since.
My husband and I watch your videos every day. We recently stumbled upon them. They are fantastic! They are well-researched and give us a feel for the breadth of our country without needing to make the long drives! Thanks for doing these.
I was born here at Cooper Hospital, worked at Campbell's for a few years. My father worked there for 49 years. The old neighborhood is just full of run down abandoned buildings with boarded up windows and the ones where the boards are loose or taken off are crack dens. Two of my childhood friends were murdered in Camden. Its a craphole. I made it out and now live in CT. Whenever my children complained about where they live or something wrong with our town, I sit them down and tell them how it is in places like Camden. I drove them through the old neighborhood about 15 years ago......they stopped complaining!
Well, Im from Connecticut and our cities are much like Camden. After the distilleries and factories closed down that place became a dump. Not to mention the crack epidemic. It's close to NY, so CT gets a lot of NY trash. The people are miserable. I left 2006 and don't ever want to go back. You and your family be safe.
"and the ones where the boards are loose or taken off are crack dens." You are aware who introduced "crack" into our communities right? Gary Webb lost his life behind that story/truth.
You are not wrong momma. From NYC ,been to many concerts there. Was the tweeter at one point. People need to stop making excuses and stop robbing. Go to work, get a job . Murder rate is super high bud. One of the worst in the US bro
Yep, thought that myself. Beautifully maintained, as are the big impressive churches, but no money for the homeless and the addicts, the roads and just generally.
Thank you. I'm surre the mayor leaves a good bit to line his own pockets. All the city taxes come from Campbells soup just to keep the mayor and city hall shining like gold.
Why should hard working American tax dollars be spent on cleaning up the city and maintaining it when the people living there insist on trashing the place .. if they want to live in a craphole then let them .. They sprayed the buildings with graffiti , vandalised them and chucked garbage all over the place ..
The politicians steal it, the police department is known for taking bribes and turning the other way and responding slowly towards drug sales. There’s over 60 active drug sets.
Camden has been corrupt since prohibition, just like every other place that was established 1850-1930’s. Everything was exclusion, a state of global being constructed to shape the mind into an inferior and superior complex.
At 1:24, we see Admiral Dewey's ship, the USS Olympia. She was the flagship for the US Asiatic Fleet during the Spanish-American War. Famously fought at the Battle of Manila Bay where Dewey spoke the immortal words, "You may fire when ready, Gridley." My entire family, including my mom and dad were born in Camden. My dad worked at Campbell Soup. We moved out in 1967 when I was 4 years old. The city was bad even then. I repoed many a car from there in the late-80s. Camden had and has the potential to be a bedroom community for Philly. The fact that it is a ruin is down to NJ politics and NJ politicians.
Where you saw the police cars with lights flashing is the Walter Rand Transportation Center. It is the junction of the PATCO, Riverline, and the bus system. Police cars flash their lights 24/7 due to the foot traffic in the area. Many students, professionals, and hospital staff use Walter Rand to come and go from Philly. It is the best guarded and safest spot on your whole tour. I wouldn't consider it safe, but it is heavily patrolled for what that's worth.
It could be much better. The train station in Trenton was better patrolled. If they didnt let the homeless and others hang out there itd be much better
Nice vid my dear ole Dad was born in Camden in 1925 when much of Camden was Italian and Polish. I went back once with him in 1980 to see his old neighborhood and it was pretty nasty by then.
Indeed. Gary, IN- East St. Louis, etc. to name only a few. The arm pit, if left uncared for is not the only part of the body that will stink. Other places are assholes, feet, and the crotch of the USA.
East Cleveland. I had an Uber driver told the horror stories of living there. She walks with a limb, because she was shot with a strait bullet. I never forgot her story. This was when I lived in Fayetteville NC. I'm from Harlem NYC. We don't come close to these other places. Even in the 1980s. One summer me and my family drove to D.C. We saw Baltimore through the highway. Harlem had it bad areas. But not compare to bmore. Even people from Harlem told me to stay out of Newark NJ. And a guy in Newark NJ told me to stay out of Camden. FIGURE THAT!
Looks like it has its bad areas and some that aren't as bad. Looks like a very old city. Seen places in California that were not great. Watts, Long Beach. LA , etc.
This video is not a professional documentary, and I don't say that to demean your actions. It is okay that it shows the blight that is Camden. However, there is nothing in this video that talks about what, if anything, the city is doing to bring Camden back. There is no talk of the current mayor and what he is doing to get the city back to a respectable nature. With an unemployment rate of 11.5%, I can see why there is so much blight. We always talk and show what's wrong, but hardly what's being done. If nothing is being done, then yes, could you and should speak about that. Several programs are currently running in the city, attempting to address some of the "what's wrong with Camden" issues. I know because I am working on that story.
My grandfather was raised on a farm, he used to deliver truck loads of tomatoes to the Campbells Soup Factory prior to him joing the Navy in WW2. When I was a teenager, I would ask my grandparents what they used to do for fun, they said they would go to Camden on the weekends, dance and have fun and that Camden used to be a really nice fun and safe city before and after WW2. Back in the 2005 I was a package car driver for one of the major delivery companies and I delivered in south Camden- its now a dilapidated run down city, high crime and during the summer of that year, there were many make shift memorials to people murdered on the sidewalks. One cool thing, the old cobblestone streets were still in existence by the port authority and by the old pallet/mulch factory at 3rd and Jefferson St (MAFCO plant) At the 14:57 in your video I noticed worn away asphalt and the old cobblestone road showing through at that intersection. Alot of history there, but now, its not safe if you dont belong there and its very depressing.
I grew up in Jersey and lived there until my 20s. There were a few areas we just didn't go to unless you had to. Camden and Alantic City are the top two.
I know, I hate going to Camden, but if you call anywhere in Camden Country your home, you have to go there for Jury Duty, get copies of any important documents, but on the flip side, if you have any critical medical emergencies, you will want to go there, because of Cooper Hosptial, for its one of two Level 1 Trauma Centers in South Jersey, the other being in AC.
@@meghanhause9435 AC is a level 2. Good trauma center, but nothing like level 1Cooper. Other Level 1s in Kersey are Newark and New Brunswick. But Cooper is the busiest by far
@@mutatedsilverunicorn honestly Atlantic City isn’t that bad. It’s gotten better since Stockton university moved in. The 90s and early 2000s were worse. At least felt worse. Everytime I’m in Atlantic City for an event or maybe night out, it feels pretty lively.
@@r5014 Driving with your windows down is not a smart thing. Every light you stop at with windows down they think you are buying... or at least thats the act. Roll um up.
Joe and Nicole, I want to thank you for every one of your videos. I have watched every single one. You have taken me to places I never will see. You have given me a different perspective on life! I also love the statistics they are very meaningful, and when we visit every town or city, it helps tremendously to understand each place. I go back and watch all the videos 2 or 3 times! From the bottom of my heart I thank you and please travel safely and take care of yourselves. Love from B.C. Canada 🇨🇦♥️
Same exact thing happened in Newark at the same exact time....I often wonder , and I'm guilty of this as well ...when are we as a species going to realize that we're just not that good for this planet......nah man... we really suck...!
No after the police killed that Puerto Rican. They went crazy and burned the city down. When the race riot went down they jus did a lil bit and beside the polish and blacks co mingled so they didn't destroy or burn their own neighborhoods. The PR tore CMD down when those cops didn't get found guilty. Honestly they didn't have any stores or real state in the city at that time so they didn't care. It's ironic they have most of the real estate now.
I grew up in Camden in the 60's. There was a walkway tunnel under the Ben Franklin bridge. There is a subway system under the city that would take you to center city Philadelphia. Now I wouldn't go to Camden unless I had full combat gear.
The walkway tunnel is still there. I always used it when I walked home from school (Pyne Poynt Middle School). That was over a decade ago though. Not sure how it's holding up now. I imagine there's probably tons of homeless and drug addicts taking shelter there these days, unless the city keeps them away.
The nice cars parked in front of crumbling structures 😉 wonder who owns those!! Once businesses skedaddle out of there, the towns tax base, like you've mentioned many times, becomes ghost and this is what you sadly get.
I'm a lifelong Camden resident, I ran a little league baseball program at Whitman Park in Camden, next time you are in town you should reach out to me, I would be the best guide you ever had....that goes for Atlantic City too! I'm the ultimate aficionado!
I lived there as a kid. It’s definitely improved in the last few years compared to how it was back in the early 2000’s. More people seem invested in cleaning up the city and renovating homes.
Thanks for driving around Camden so we don't have to. In the opening panorama I see the USS New Jersey off in the distance, maybe that would've been a more enjoyable way to spend your morning. Hope you find a more upbeat place to visit next time.
Joe, I’ve lived in NJ for 13 years and just got down to Camden last winter for a 5-part series of videos I did on all the stations of the interurban light rail system between Trenton and Camden, and I saw pretty much what you saw, the beautiful art deco city hall, closed up Chinese restaurants, flashing police cars outside their transit center … you saw more high people but what I noticed especially were how rough many of the main streets were. I feel if the State of New Jersey, one of the wealthiest in the country with the highest taxes, can step up and put local Camden people to work repaving the streets and sidewalks, it would help to motivate the private sector to reinvest in the city. The State could also fix up some of the beautiful old empty buildings that are just going to ruin. Cities like Camden and Gary, Indiana and many others don’t have the money. I’m not saying improving the infrastructure is the magic answer but that’s what I would do, no more fooling around.
What he’s saying is that they’ve never put any energy into the city, the schools have been subpar, the city has been in shambles pre and post fires in the 80’s, that where set ablaze by firemen. So a constant trashy environment is suppose to produce something shinning and so-called ‘productive” in this mad race of consumption???? Never, I don’t care if it’s Hollywood, if the same attention was given, which is none, it would mimic
All of this said, we still are behind the curve as a whole, because there’s segregation everywhere. Go out to New Mexico, Montana, Idaho and places like that, they’re becoming ghost states, forget towns, due to redlining in the reconstruction era, and upholding of racial inequalities. Its easy to let our programmed/very progressive racism show, or we unsubscribe from the rules of the past, and clean up our hearts and minds
@ now maybe. But Trenton had a HUGE plant that employed most of the city in the early and mid 20th century. THAT is where the huge cables for the Brooklyn Bridge were manufactured.Actually they were there in the 19th century as well. John Roebling is buried in Trenton as well where he had a huge estate. The Roebling museum , located in Trenton , is still there and open.
I worked in Camden from 1987 to 1993 - I used to get takeout from China Bowl! Can't believe it's still there. The building where the Diocese of Camden is located used to be I think called Princeton Bank - beautiful interior.
I know it is Camden where Dwight Braxton (light heavyweight champ) grew up but I got lost in Newark, NJ 44 years ago and even back then it was miserable. Fortunately I had more than 1/2 tank left, relying on Road McNally road atlas I finally found my way out. NJ has always been a demoNcrat camp.
Joe you are very bold traveling into the belly of the beast on foot. Years ago when I lived in Delaware we'd only go to Camden to see a concert on the waterfront. We saw both Boston and Styx there. Back then the waterfront was barely safe. I worked with a guy in the Philly Shipyard who lived in Camden and I never visited him. It was just too sketchy where he lived. It was nice seeing you cross the bridge back into Philly at the end of the video. You safety is important to us your subscribers. Thanks for refreshing my memories. Another good video. Enjoy your family visit and if you drop down into Delaware stop by the Capriotti's in Wilmington for a "Bobbie" sandwich. I believe the store in Wilmington is the original location and they have grown to 92 stores now.
In the 40s and 50s blacks from the south came to the Philadelphia region and Camden for factory work…when the factories closed down or moved the residents were left with nothing including and most importantly bank loans
Talking about bringing back memories! I now live in Costa Rica. Once upon a time, I lived in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I was a member of The New Jersey National Guard. And, attended Rutgers University-Camden tuition free for my graduate degree. Coming out in the evening after class, was like being in a combat zone. Drug dealers, robbers, hookers and criminals were everywhere. I often wore my uniform, just to get to my car safely!
Camden may look bad, but it's improved 1000% in the last 20 years. It's a city building it's way up. No more riots, poverty going down and all it needs is a couple of hiring businesses. The future looks bright.
I used to go through the transit center in Camden on the way to Philly. There were many people just hanging out outside. One time, one came and helped me with the ticket machine. Another time, a guy followed me into the bathroom and was menacing towards me. Another time, I walked quickly past the people hanging out. A guy got offended and followed me into the PATCO and let this be known. I think some people there have self-esteem problems (or something like that). I also remember there was a female police-woman there to keep order at the station. She was very friendly to the people there so maybe this was part of some kind of strategy. Yes, there is bad in Camden but that's not everything. And from what I understand it is not as bad as it was, although there are still many problems. There are in fact high quality restaurants in the city, and some neighborhoods are worse than others.
Those who still CARE about the Country feel very sad when seeing this scene, up to 80-90% of the Videos clips mass media show an undesirable. It is SAD that the rich have left the country to find a peaceful place to enjoy life, middle class families are now struggling to make ends meet and the remaining failures are now homeless drugs addicted…A RICH and POWERFUL COUNTRY a place that millions of people around the world dream of going to, a place of opportunity for those willing to seize the opportunity to advance…is no longer there. 😟 Thanks so much Joe and Nic. Good luck on the trip’s ☘️
Sad, scary, dirty town. My favorite part was the Parking Lot Guard Turkeys at Campbell Soup Headquarters! LOL Please be careful in your travels. Thanks for showing us this depressing area. It makes me feel good about where I live.
A century ago, Camden was a thriving manufacturing city. Over time, what caused its decline and also other city's decline was manufacturing being sent over seas. Same with Atlantic City which was once a premiere resort city. Once white wealth disappeared, urban decay began to take hold and now, currently, the casino industry has become a shadow government.
Love this tour and your style fella. American architecture is stunning (coming from a Brit). Such a difference a right or left turn can make … I can imagine how tense things would get later on during the day? Don’t really see a lot of people going for walks there! Bet even the trees could just up and move out 😮 Stay safe
Great job on the video and commentary. I know everyone has to be somewhere. But I’m sorry I’m just glad it ain’t me there. As anywhere else I know there’s good people there just stuck in the situation. And for others hey it’s home so there’s that. Just not my part of the country. And Joe you done a fair job on the other video of your visit there. And in my opinion extra fair on this one it is what it is!!!! Now on much better notes very informative video, love the stats and commentary as always plus not only have you taken me to places I wouldn’t have seen on my own, but I have learned more about architecture than I actually ever knew. You’re really good at it. And now instead of just seeing a big old building I now see some of the styles and influences I learned right here. LoL safe travels my friend, keep on videoing and I’ll keep watching
Got lost in Camden while working nearby in the early '80's, kinda scary then. Found a police officer and he escorted me back to the proper highway. Sad to see no real change. Stay safe and thanks a different type of away from the interstates.
I worked and drove from school to school as an outside contractor in Camden back in the early 2000s. I was intrigued and enjoyed cruising around. It was like exploring just like this video. But I was out of there by 2 PM when the junkies were waking up.
ill give you an A from bravery. I've been through that spot a few times and everyone i've ever met from around the area has told me "Dont even come to a complete stop at a red light... just go at night"
This is funny? Im from the Northeast and industry being gutted, and leaving our cites dumps isn't funny to me. I guess you've never been to Spartanburg? That place is a dump.
My grandmother first worked at the RCA and then at Campbell’s until it closed. That was her last job and she lived off that for years after. She left me the paper stock that they issued her while she was employed. It was worth quite a lot.
I lived in East Camden when I moved here from Michigan in 1984. Cool people in Camden. They treated me like family.❤ I never had any problem. I moved out in 1987. I still know people in South Camden,North Camden, Cramer Hill and Centerville. Never be afraid of people who look like you.🥰
Believe it or not, their are a few places in New Jersey that are way worse then Camden . Those places are Trenton, Irvington, Newark, East Orange and Paterson .
Camden is taking cues from Baltimore by rebuilding the waterfront and reviving the downtown area. The aquarium is excellent and businesses are starting to pop up as well as Cooper University Hospital being an anchor health facility. There’s also a noticeably greater police presence. It’s going to take time but gradually Camden will attract an affluent population due to the close proximity to Philadelphia which is becoming increasingly expensive to live.
I used to go to Camden a lot when I was a kid. I never had any problems but one time I overstayed until 7pm. I was able to get safely home but I'll never forget the crazy stuff I saw there.
I live about 25 minutes from Camden I grew up in this area my whole life and it's been that way since I was little and it's never going to get better. You got to watch downtown because of the courthouse the jail the Bus and Train Station that's where they all like to hang out. I believe a few years back Camden was ranked number one and held that spot for a while
Good vid as usual guys!! How about a top ten worst/dangerous town list? To make it fair, the compaired town would nedd yo be of similar size. This got me thinking, how about investing in some body armor? May be useful when visiting Pine Bluff or Gary. Heck, Nicole could bling some up and model it😂😂
The Camden Aquarium is pretty nice. Been there a few times when i lived in Pa. I would always buy a dirty water dog outside from the carts. Idk if it is even still there.
I live in Philadelphia, but my mom’s side is from Camden & Riverside. Aunt works at Campbells. Donkey’s Cheesesteaks is very good and there’s a growing vibrancy in Camden but yeah it’s very run down. Not as dangerous as Philly but still very poor. Lots of immigrants there nowadays.
Why is every Democrat city so bad?????
The armpit of the East Coast. So unfortunate when you see its prosperous history.
The Victor corporation grew by leaps and bounds during the ‘teens and twenties manufacturing radios, Victrolas and phonograph records. They weathered the depression and the shellac shortages of WW2, a couple of union forced recording bans in the ‘40’s, only to introduce the non- breakable 45 rpm record in 1948 (the upgrade to the shellac 78). The 45 became the hallmark symbol of the upcoming rock and roll era- (think Elvis) and maintained its dominance until the 1990’s. RCA had a nearby pressing plant in Rockaway, NJ
Because we have idiots who keep voting them in
Unlike the GOP deep south of opioid, unemployment, disappeared coal mining companies, and Klan ralllies?
Plenty of crappy republican cities. And nice democratic cities.
Stop watching fox news. They manipulate you.
I believe New JOISEY has the highest property tax.
I work in camden! I inspect restaurants there. Honestly there’s a lot of great people here who are trying to make an honest living and help make the community better. There’s been a lot of decay and decline but there’s a ton of spirit here to turn the city around
There needs to be a massive culture shift within city communities. All this thug life nonsense needs to be gotten rid of.... If not then this will never change. And I lived in Camden for a while, I still live right outside of city. So trust me, I'm talking from experience.
@@gimmethepinkelephant3685so how exactly do you change that im curious?
@@byranwitherspoon5369 a good start is massive spending on infrastructure and education. and massive cuts to military and bureaucracy.
@@cesarlulito well that’s definitely not happening any time soon
@@gimmethepinkelephant3685you're talking about corruption & fraud ( judicial and such) right ? I agree 100%
I've been renovating houses in Camden for years. Row houses, standalones, we started near the water front but have done a ton of row houses during the pandemic when they cost nothing, i'm here right now. When I was growing up we heard Hoboken was bad, Jersey city, Irvington, even downtown Montcair, Patterson, lake hopatcong was for hicks, allentown pa,Easton pa, the list goes on and on. I'm renting renovated apartments in Camden now and we are changing the city block by block. The next video in a few year is going to be someone saying it's "Gentrified" but everyone in the community is supportive and new businesses want to open and cops are receptive. I grew up here and I want to help
It’s never a one answer for everything and everyone. By beautifying, it may cause higher price. But leaving it alone, it will continue to deteriorate. I salute you in caring and doing something about it. And the same goes to those that support you
Creating another overpriced hellhole one city at a time. There's no place to just live comfortably as a normal human being.
@@KW-td1ik most will rent
It's a diamond in the rough but first most has to return to it's natural state. Most of those blocks of empty lots were once neighborhoods.
Doing good while earning good. The dream with a purpose!
Watch from Russia,thank you!I will never see places you show,that is why I deeply grateful for your job!Take care,Joe and Nicol!❤
That's amazing... I live about 7 minutes away from Camden.. I will never get to see Your country or Europe... but it's amazing we can connect from all over the world.. He did a great job .. unlike some RUclipsrs just showing the slums and poverty for their own gain... Impoverished doesn't mean bad people or always dangerous..
I worked in Camden from 1975 until 1984. It was in pretty bad shape then. I worked in the retail oil business and delivered product and serviced heating systems. Some of our customers were dirt poor and couldn’t afford to keep their homes heated. I remember visiting an elderly woman on the outskirts of Camden who lived alone. She had very but kept her boiler looking brand new. Her oil tank had a leak and you couldn’t fill it past half. She had very little to eat and I remember bringing her a hamburger from McDonald’s, she was very thankful.
So much poverty around the world, one could hit the lotto for a billion, give it all away; the very next day people be asking for more.
I retired to central America a few years back, a family in the community constantly asks for money/help. Walking around the area I was shocked to see they lived on more than an acre of property.
"My aunt has allowed us to live here for years" commented the husband. Why don't you plant plantains/bananas, make use of mangoes to can and just buy bread to prepare food for your 3 kids,,,.
My advice fell on death ears, 2 weeks ago he asked if I could give him some Burro bananas from my production. On a fraction of his property, I am producing plantains/Burro, squash, bell pepper,.
I routinely give plantains/bananas to an elderly neighbor; I be dammed if I give this guy a penny.
I even suggested he build a chicken coop and that I would provide him with starters,,,.
4 years and nada!
I was raised in Camden. I left when I joined the Marine Corps. When I was honorably discharged I joined a police department in Maryland. I simultaneously joined the Army. After some years I resigned and moved to Philly and became a police officer.
In hindsight, growing up in Camden in the 70s and 80s wasn’t bad but now I realize my perception is based on the fact I was too BUSY to think about being in the streets. I was raised to avoid criminals and drug fiends.
I was working as soon as I turned 15 years old, had hobbies and a core group of good friends as support. I’m 55 years old and I have the same old friends.
I visit Camden often. I go to Donkey’s Place sometimes. My in-laws live just off River Road in Cramer Hill.
I love Camden.
It’s my hometown.
That's not the original donkey steak. Had one recently....not even close to the 70's 😮
yep....something about your hometown, it will always be your hometown, no matter what.
Having grown up in Pennsauken, a certain demographic is what ruined Camden.
Thank you for your many years of service, Sir. 🙏
I used to play ice hockey at a rink on river road. If my memory is correct I think the little flyers practiced there. Twin rinks
I have always admired the way you show kindness in your comments even when the area is less than top notch.
100%.I just commented on that . I was on Federal street this morning.. Good Job showing both the good and the bad...
Just a word of encouragement from me in the UK. I enjoy the videos and it is my one consistent stop off point each week. I find your work informative. I like the stats. Yes entertaining at times. You document and capture societal trends. Whilst I watch the poverty and people down on their luck it is not through finding people's misfortune enjoyable. I do reflect however on my own good fortune and how any one of us might be a pay cheque away from another world. You offer great insight with empathy.
Thank you, Tony!
❤Thank you for sharing!
People one paycheck away from poverty doesn't accurately describe the conditions in Camden. You're just posting some cliche that has no relevancy.
@@stephenoshaughnessy2279 Everyone who isn't a millionaire or billionaire is one paycheck away from living like this. That's how it is under capitalism.
@@AlanDavidDoane Socialism in the UK was an unmitigated disaster.
Bankrupt, nationalised state industry.
Colossal welfare dependency to tackle ''poverty''.
High taxation leading to economic failure.
I remember in South Camden in the late 50's tomatoe trucks going down Broadway heading to Campbell Soup also saw the Kitty Hawk launched at the New York Shipyard, now 73 years old.🤠
Right, me, to...this shows nothing of Camden, especially when it keeps as far from the people as possible. I used to take the Broad Street subway from Philly just for the fun of it...
I too lived in Camden as a youngster, now 72. Went to Scared Heart school at Broadway and Ferry ave. Saw the Kitty Hawk launch. Hard to believe a city can fall as far as it has. I doubt it will ever return.
@@georgedickson7610 I to went to Sacred Heart class of 1965!
I worked on one of those tomato farms in central New Jersey that would send those truckloads of tomatoes to you
South Camden is gone across from NY ship and what is now Del Monte !!!!!
I remember your first Camden video. The building at 14:00 was the Carnegie Library. I now live 3 towns away from this dump and I still have no need or desire to visit Camden
When your manufacturing industries die so does your cities and towns. Those politicians and high paid executives who allowed this to happen should be ashamed of themselves but it's all about greed.
Perfectly said.
Cities like Camden pre-date the automobile. That's why you see that kind of housing density. People had no choice but to live near where they worked. After WWII, the federal government gave the states lots of money to build new highways. The US became a car based society. The new highways and the GI Bill set suburbanization in motion. The middle class moved out first, followed by the working class and then the businesses. The only people left were the old and people who lacked the skills to benefit from the new suburban society. Cities like Camden have been bouncing along the bottom ever since.
@gregpies1649 my thoughts also
The manufacting can leave doesnt mean you graffiti and throw trash everywhere
lets not make excuses for people that dont care about their living area.
My husband and I watch your videos every day. We recently stumbled upon them. They are fantastic! They are well-researched and give us a feel for the breadth of our country without needing to make the long drives! Thanks for doing these.
Thank you, Mary!
I was born here at Cooper Hospital, worked at Campbell's for a few years. My father worked there for 49 years. The old neighborhood is just full of run down abandoned buildings with boarded up windows and the ones where the boards are loose or taken off are crack dens. Two of my childhood friends were murdered in Camden. Its a craphole. I made it out and now live in CT. Whenever my children complained about where they live or something wrong with our town, I sit them down and tell them how it is in places like Camden. I drove them through the old neighborhood about 15 years ago......they stopped complaining!
Well, Im from Connecticut and our cities are much like Camden. After the distilleries and factories closed down that place became a dump. Not to mention the crack epidemic. It's close to NY, so CT gets a lot of NY trash. The people are miserable. I left 2006 and don't ever want to go back. You and your family be safe.
"and the ones where the boards are loose or taken off are crack dens."
You are aware who introduced "crack" into our communities right?
Gary Webb lost his life behind that story/truth.
You are not wrong momma. From NYC ,been to many concerts there. Was the tweeter at one point. People need to stop making excuses and stop robbing. Go to work, get a job
. Murder rate is super high bud. One of the worst in the US bro
Makes me grateful for where I live
Looks like the entire city budget goes to maintaining City Hall
Yep, thought that myself. Beautifully maintained, as are the big impressive churches, but no money for the homeless and the addicts, the roads and just generally.
Thank you. I'm surre the mayor leaves a good bit to line his own pockets. All the city taxes come from Campbells soup just to keep the mayor and city hall shining like gold.
Why should hard working American tax dollars be spent on cleaning up the city and maintaining it when the people living there insist on trashing the place .. if they want to live in a craphole then let them .. They sprayed the buildings with graffiti , vandalised them and chucked garbage all over the place ..
The politicians steal it, the police department is known for taking bribes and turning the other way and responding slowly towards drug sales. There’s over 60 active drug sets.
Camden has been corrupt since prohibition, just like every other place that was established 1850-1930’s. Everything was exclusion, a state of global being constructed to shape the mind into an inferior and superior complex.
At 1:24, we see Admiral Dewey's ship, the USS Olympia. She was the flagship for the US Asiatic Fleet during the Spanish-American War. Famously fought at the Battle of Manila Bay where Dewey spoke the immortal words, "You may fire when ready, Gridley."
My entire family, including my mom and dad were born in Camden. My dad worked at Campbell Soup. We moved out in 1967 when I was 4 years old. The city was bad even then. I repoed many a car from there in the late-80s. Camden had and has the potential to be a bedroom community for Philly. The fact that it is a ruin is down to NJ politics and NJ politicians.
My grandma was born and raised in Camden now, she won’t even think about going there
I worked EMS and did 911 and transport calls in Camden for a few years. You were in fairly safe areas in this video.
Every time you post, I'm excited!
Joes videos should officially be on The National Register they are so good! 😊
Agree!
Where you saw the police cars with lights flashing is the Walter Rand Transportation Center. It is the junction of the PATCO, Riverline, and the bus system. Police cars flash their lights 24/7 due to the foot traffic in the area. Many students, professionals, and hospital staff use Walter Rand to come and go from Philly. It is the best guarded and safest spot on your whole tour. I wouldn't consider it safe, but it is heavily patrolled for what that's worth.
It could be much better. The train station in Trenton was better patrolled. If they didnt let the homeless and others hang out there itd be much better
Rutgers bought all of downtown. It used to be sooo much worse.
Sad to see our Country like this safe travels guys🤠
Nice vid my dear ole Dad was born in Camden in 1925 when much of Camden was Italian and Polish. I went back once with him in 1980 to see his old neighborhood and it was pretty nasty by then.
A very interesting video! Some amazing buildings, and the cathedral is beautiful! The old photos are wonderful! Thank you, Joe and Nic.😊💖
Thank you, CL!! 👍😀❤️
the trouble is there are a lot of towns like camden in america.
Yup really a lot actually Sad
Indeed. Gary, IN- East St. Louis, etc. to name only a few. The arm pit, if left uncared for is not the only part of the body that will stink. Other places are assholes, feet, and the crotch of the USA.
East Cleveland. I had an Uber driver told the horror stories of living there. She walks with a limb, because she was shot with a strait bullet. I never forgot her story. This was when I lived in Fayetteville NC. I'm from Harlem NYC.
We don't come close to these other places. Even in the 1980s.
One summer me and my family drove to D.C. We saw Baltimore through the highway. Harlem had it bad areas. But not compare to bmore.
Even people from Harlem told me to stay out of Newark NJ. And a guy in Newark NJ told me to stay out of Camden. FIGURE THAT!
i said the same thing.....
Looks like it has its bad areas and some that aren't as bad. Looks like a very old city. Seen places in California that were not great. Watts, Long Beach. LA , etc.
This is sad. I was born there, and all of my grandparents lived there for their whole lives. It used to be a lovely little city.
My father worked there for years.....sad what it's become
Then the current residents moved in.
Family moved out in 1971 it was getting so bad then, and has gotten much worse.
Your vidios are a professional documentary, thanks so much.
Thank you!
This video is not a professional documentary, and I don't say that to demean your actions. It is okay that it shows the blight that is Camden. However, there is nothing in this video that talks about what, if anything, the city is doing to bring Camden back. There is no talk of the current mayor and what he is doing to get the city back to a respectable nature. With an unemployment rate of 11.5%, I can see why there is so much blight. We always talk and show what's wrong, but hardly what's being done. If nothing is being done, then yes, could you and should speak about that. Several programs are currently running in the city, attempting to address some of the "what's wrong with Camden" issues. I know because I am working on that story.
As ever thank you for taking us along with you. You have a great approach to life. Stay safe in your travels
My grandfather was raised on a farm, he used to deliver truck loads of tomatoes to the Campbells Soup Factory prior to him joing the Navy in WW2. When I was a teenager, I would ask my grandparents what they used to do for fun, they said they would go to Camden on the weekends, dance and have fun and that Camden used to be a really nice fun and safe city before and after WW2. Back in the 2005 I was a package car driver for one of the major delivery companies and I delivered in south Camden- its now a dilapidated run down city, high crime and during the summer of that year, there were many make shift memorials to people murdered on the sidewalks. One cool thing, the old cobblestone streets were still in existence by the port authority and by the old pallet/mulch factory at 3rd and Jefferson St (MAFCO plant) At the 14:57 in your video I noticed worn away asphalt and the old cobblestone road showing through at that intersection. Alot of history there, but now, its not safe if you dont belong there and its very depressing.
I grew up in Jersey and lived there until my 20s. There were a few areas we just didn't go to unless you had to. Camden and Alantic City are the top two.
Yes, Atlantic City, once you get off the boardwalk and away from the casinos, is shocking.
@jimmyday9536 exactly! It's like walking into a dystopian world. It has gotten worse since I left, according to friends. Not overly surprised.
I know, I hate going to Camden, but if you call anywhere in Camden Country your home, you have to go there for Jury Duty, get copies of any important documents, but on the flip side, if you have any critical medical emergencies, you will want to go there, because of Cooper Hosptial, for its one of two Level 1 Trauma Centers in South Jersey, the other being in AC.
@@meghanhause9435 AC is a level 2. Good trauma center, but nothing like level 1Cooper.
Other Level 1s in Kersey are Newark and New Brunswick. But Cooper is the busiest by far
@@mutatedsilverunicorn honestly Atlantic City isn’t that bad. It’s gotten better since Stockton university moved in. The 90s and early 2000s were worse. At least felt worse. Everytime I’m in Atlantic City for an event or maybe night out, it feels pretty lively.
NJ native here.... Even I avoid Camden. That said, believe it or not it's better than it used to be.
Trenton may actually be worse.
@@brucesmith9144 -- I agree !
@@TheRealJerseyJoe used to drive 33 to go over to see the Trenton Thunder. That was a sketchy drive through downtown areas.
@@brucesmith9144 -- Oh I hear you. Every time I get called for jury duty it's in downtown Trenton and dread it.
Democrat run since 1965
You're a brave man, Joe. There's no way I'd be wandering around there by myself!
Believe it or not, most people in Camden don't bother anyone if you're not involved in the wrong lifestyle.
@@Truckin2eat you only find trouble there if you go looking for it.
Exactly @@r5014
@@r5014
Driving with your windows down is not a smart thing. Every light you stop at with windows down they think you are buying... or at least thats the act. Roll um up.
Joe you missed one of the best cheesesteaks in the country in Camden - Donkey’s. I stop there whenever I’m heading down into Philly and it’s worth it.
Nice to see the old-timey produce stand (9:24), giving city folk access to some healthy fruits and vegetables.
Joe and Nicole, I want to thank you for every one of your videos. I have watched every single one. You have taken me to places I never will see. You have given me a different perspective on life! I also love the statistics they are very meaningful, and when we visit every town or city, it helps tremendously to understand each place. I go back and watch all the videos 2 or 3 times!
From the bottom of my heart I thank you and please travel safely and take care of yourselves. Love from B.C. Canada 🇨🇦♥️
True!❤
Wow, awesome!
Joe thank your lucky stars you made it out unharmed, stay safe my friend. love watching your channel
Thanks, Mark!!
Camden NJ went downhill, after the 1960s race riots.. Never rebounded!! Sad that's most of NJ cities, stay safe 😊😊
Same exact thing happened in Newark at the same exact time....I often wonder , and I'm guilty of this as well ...when are we as a species going to realize that we're just not that good for this planet......nah man... we really suck...!
Yup racial riots of the mid-60s
No after the police killed that Puerto Rican. They went crazy and burned the city down. When the race riot went down they jus did a lil bit and beside the polish and blacks co mingled so they didn't destroy or burn their own neighborhoods. The PR tore CMD down when those cops didn't get found guilty. Honestly they didn't have any stores or real state in the city at that time so they didn't care. It's ironic they have most of the real estate now.
I grew up in Camden in the 60's. There was a walkway tunnel under the Ben Franklin bridge. There is a subway system under the city that would take you to center city Philadelphia. Now I wouldn't go to Camden unless I had full combat gear.
The walkway tunnel is still there. I always used it when I walked home from school (Pyne Poynt Middle School). That was over a decade ago though. Not sure how it's holding up now. I imagine there's probably tons of homeless and drug addicts taking shelter there these days, unless the city keeps them away.
lived almost all my life within an hour of Camden, including 17 years in Philly and never went throuh Camden. thnx for the touir!!!!!!!
This History is priceless, most people ignore this part of America!
I lived on Fairview st. by the shipyard, we moved out that area in 1969 never looked back!🤠
Camden, surprised you made it out of there alive!!! Thanks for the video
It ain't that bad dude
You know its bad when my guy gotta start his video extra early in the morning just to avoid the creatures lol
They were still out there, though, even on an early Sunday morning! I had a couple uncomfortable encounters wandering the downtown.
The nice cars parked in front of crumbling structures 😉 wonder who owns those!! Once businesses skedaddle out of there, the towns tax base, like you've mentioned many times, becomes ghost and this is what you sadly get.
He basically got his info from Wikipedia and drove around with a camera.
@@RoseanneSeason7and yet, here you are! Well done 😂😂😂
@@RoseanneSeason7your point??
I'm a lifelong Camden resident, I ran a little league baseball program at Whitman Park in Camden, next time you are in town you should reach out to me, I would be the best guide you ever had....that goes for Atlantic City too! I'm the ultimate aficionado!
My uncle used to run a football league in Whitman Park in the 70s and 80s, at the athletic fields off Hallowell Ln
@kelly1827 was his name Frank?
You were very nice with your assessment. This place looks scarier than the very scary hometown my husband came from.
Fascinating upload. Watching from here in UK.
I lived there as a kid. It’s definitely improved in the last few years compared to how it was back in the early 2000’s. More people seem invested in cleaning up the city and renovating homes.
THANKS JOE AND NIC ❤
I attended a July 4th fireworks show with Gov. Whitman back in 2000. We had lots of security but driving through Camden put me on high alert.
You're a brave man.
Thanks for driving around Camden so we don't have to. In the opening panorama I see the USS New Jersey off in the distance, maybe that would've been a more enjoyable way to spend your morning. Hope you find a more upbeat place to visit next time.
Joe, I’ve lived in NJ for 13 years and just got down to Camden last winter for a 5-part series of videos I did on all the stations of the interurban light rail system between Trenton and Camden, and I saw pretty much what you saw, the beautiful art deco city hall, closed up Chinese restaurants, flashing police cars outside their transit center … you saw more high people but what I noticed especially were how rough many of the main streets were. I feel if the State of New Jersey, one of the wealthiest in the country with the highest taxes, can step up and put local Camden people to work repaving the streets and sidewalks, it would help to motivate the private sector to reinvest in the city. The State could also fix up some of the beautiful old empty buildings that are just going to ruin. Cities like Camden and Gary, Indiana and many others don’t have the money. I’m not saying improving the infrastructure is the magic answer but that’s what I would do, no more fooling around.
It’s all about ideas & management
Yes, it is a wealthy state. You would think they could do more.
@@annenyman678do what? What’s the point g of fixing inanimate objects when the animate objects will just destroy it?
What he’s saying is that they’ve never put any energy into the city, the schools have been subpar, the city has been in shambles pre and post fires in the 80’s, that where set ablaze by firemen. So a constant trashy environment is suppose to produce something shinning and so-called ‘productive” in this mad race of consumption???? Never, I don’t care if it’s Hollywood, if the same attention was given, which is none, it would mimic
All of this said, we still are behind the curve as a whole, because there’s segregation everywhere. Go out to New Mexico, Montana, Idaho and places like that, they’re becoming ghost states, forget towns, due to redlining in the reconstruction era, and upholding of racial inequalities. Its easy to let our programmed/very progressive racism show, or we unsubscribe from the rules of the past, and clean up our hearts and minds
Glad to see the filming location of Death Wish 3 hasn’t changed. 👍🏻FUYT
Thank you for the footage showing the beauty of our Cathedral at 4:39
It used to be a manufacturing hub in the 19th century. The cables that hold up the Brooklyn Bridge were manufactured in Camden.
I thought it was Roebling in Trenton ?
@@patgervasio7044 Roebling is not in Trenton, it is in Florence, NJ
@ now maybe. But Trenton had a HUGE plant that employed most of the city in the early and mid 20th century. THAT is where the huge cables for the Brooklyn Bridge were manufactured.Actually they were there in the 19th century as well. John Roebling is buried in Trenton as well where he had a huge estate. The Roebling museum , located in Trenton , is still there and open.
I worked in Camden from 1987 to 1993 - I used to get takeout from China Bowl! Can't believe it's still there. The building where the Diocese of Camden is located used to be I think called Princeton Bank - beautiful interior.
Sad to see for someone from NJ, but thank you for doing it!
I know it is Camden where Dwight Braxton (light heavyweight champ) grew up but I got lost in Newark, NJ 44 years ago and even back then it was miserable. Fortunately I had more than 1/2 tank left, relying on Road McNally road atlas I finally found my way out. NJ has always been a demoNcrat camp.
Joe you are very bold traveling into the belly of the beast on foot. Years ago when I lived in Delaware we'd only go to Camden to see a concert on the waterfront. We saw both Boston and Styx there. Back then the waterfront was barely safe. I worked with a guy in the Philly Shipyard who lived in Camden and I never visited him. It was just too sketchy where he lived. It was nice seeing you cross the bridge back into Philly at the end of the video. You safety is important to us your subscribers. Thanks for refreshing my memories. Another good video. Enjoy your family visit and if you drop down into Delaware stop by the Capriotti's in Wilmington for a "Bobbie" sandwich. I believe the store in Wilmington is the original location and they have grown to 92 stores now.
Thank you for the great comment, Larry.
In the 40s and 50s blacks from the south came to the Philadelphia region and Camden for factory work…when the factories closed down or moved the residents were left with nothing including and most importantly bank loans
Talking about bringing back memories! I now live in Costa Rica. Once upon a time, I lived in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I was a member of The New Jersey National Guard. And, attended Rutgers University-Camden tuition free for my graduate degree. Coming out in the evening after class, was like being in a combat zone. Drug dealers, robbers, hookers and criminals were everywhere. I often wore my uniform, just to get to my car safely!
More then o could take! Scary and too sad Joe. Safe travels!
Camden may look bad, but it's improved 1000% in the last 20 years. It's a city building it's way up. No more riots, poverty going down and all it needs is a couple of hiring businesses. The future looks bright.
@@us-unclesam6566 Honestly, I hope so. I’d take it over Philadelphia any day.
100%. The residents just have to take more pride in their community and keep it clean.
Thanks for sharing : ) I didn't know where it was, and across from Philly ? ENJOY and ALL the BEST ! Safe travels and Cheers : )
I used to go through the transit center in Camden on the way to Philly. There were many people just hanging out outside. One time, one came and helped me with the ticket machine. Another time, a guy followed me into the bathroom and was menacing towards me. Another time, I walked quickly past the people hanging out. A guy got offended and followed me into the PATCO and let this be known. I think some people there have self-esteem problems (or something like that). I also remember there was a female police-woman there to keep order at the station. She was very friendly to the people there so maybe this was part of some kind of strategy. Yes, there is bad in Camden but that's not everything. And from what I understand it is not as bad as it was, although there are still many problems. There are in fact high quality restaurants in the city, and some neighborhoods are worse than others.
Those who still CARE about the Country feel very sad when seeing this scene, up to 80-90% of the Videos clips mass media show an undesirable. It is SAD that the rich have left the country to find a peaceful place to enjoy life, middle class families are now struggling to make ends meet and the remaining failures are now homeless drugs addicted…A RICH and POWERFUL COUNTRY a place that millions of people around the world dream of going to, a place of opportunity for those willing to seize the opportunity to advance…is no longer there. 😟 Thanks so much Joe and Nic. Good luck on the trip’s ☘️
Sad, scary, dirty town. My favorite part was the Parking Lot Guard Turkeys at Campbell Soup Headquarters! LOL Please be careful in your travels. Thanks for showing us this depressing area. It makes me feel good about where I live.
Parking Lot Guard Turkeys...I love that!!!
Wonderful video. Helped me to get out of myself. I'm a new subscriber. Great voice. Thank you.
Thank you! I'm glad you're here.
My Pop worked at Camden Ship all his life. He was a pipe fitter and built ships and tugs
Interesting. It seemed like it was quite the place at one time.
@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip They made a lot of ships
@@josephcarino5829 They sure did.
Hi joe & nic ! ., im still following your great video's showing u.s. cities, here from the u.k. . Keep up the good work..👍😁
You didn’t even get into North Camden. What a treat
Not sure the last time you were there, but north Camden is actually one of the nicer parts now.
Camden’s industrial history is interesting stuff! And wow that city hall is impressive!
It was heartbreaking to see much of Camden. There were cops sitting on almost every street corner. The decay was sad
A century ago, Camden was a thriving manufacturing city. Over time, what caused its decline and also other city's decline was manufacturing being sent over seas. Same with Atlantic City which was once a premiere resort city. Once white wealth disappeared, urban decay began to take hold and now, currently, the casino industry has become a shadow government.
Love this tour and your style fella. American architecture is stunning (coming from a Brit). Such a difference a right or left turn can make … I can imagine how tense things would get later on during the day? Don’t really see a lot of people going for walks there! Bet even the trees could just up and move out 😮
Stay safe
Thank you, Steve!!
Great job on the video and commentary. I know everyone has to be somewhere. But I’m sorry I’m just glad it ain’t me there. As anywhere else I know there’s good people there just stuck in the situation. And for others hey it’s home so there’s that. Just not my part of the country. And Joe you done a fair job on the other video of your visit there. And in my opinion extra fair on this one it is what it is!!!! Now on much better notes very informative video, love the stats and commentary as always plus not only have you taken me to places I wouldn’t have seen on my own, but I have learned more about architecture than I actually ever knew. You’re really good at it. And now instead of just seeing a big old building I now see some of the styles and influences I learned right here. LoL safe travels my friend, keep on videoing and I’ll keep watching
Thank you for the great comment (as usual!).
Another outstanding video which I love include history of the city. Thank you.😊😊😊😊❤
14:05 “very beautiful once you can tell . . . but just lays in ruins now”
rhymed poetically yet somber 🎯
Got lost in Camden while working nearby in the early '80's, kinda scary then. Found a police officer and he escorted me back to the proper highway. Sad to see no real change. Stay safe and thanks a different type of away from the interstates.
Imagine taking a wrong turn and being three streets away from the White House and literally in the worst ghetto in America... I was freaking out 😱😱
I don't want to be preachy,but the last dayzzz are coming...not just here but the world in general..
I worked and drove from school to school as an outside contractor in Camden back in the early 2000s. I was intrigued and enjoyed cruising around. It was like exploring just like this video. But I was out of there by 2 PM when the junkies were waking up.
Loved the opening shot of the Philly skyline - have never seen it from that vantage point.
ill give you an A from bravery. I've been through that spot a few times and everyone i've ever met from around the area has told me "Dont even come to a complete stop at a red light... just go at night"
Thank you. Joe, you're brave to venture into the hood. So grateful we live on a little farm. 🙏
They'll be coming to see you eventually.
Being from south carolina it is actually crazy to see cities like this 😅
This is funny? Im from the Northeast and industry being gutted, and leaving our cites dumps isn't funny to me. I guess you've never been to Spartanburg? That place is a dump.
My grandmother first worked at the RCA and then at Campbell’s until it closed. That was her last job and she lived off that for years after. She left me the paper stock that they issued her while she was employed. It was worth quite a lot.
😂escaping the turkey noodle soup!!!😊❤❤
I lived in East Camden when I moved here from Michigan in 1984. Cool people in Camden. They treated me like family.❤
I never had any problem. I moved out in 1987. I still know people in South Camden,North Camden, Cramer Hill and Centerville.
Never be afraid of people who look like you.🥰
Believe it or not, their are a few places in New Jersey that are way worse then Camden . Those places are Trenton, Irvington, Newark, East Orange and Paterson .
I resent that lol 😆
Once great cities. Shame most of NJs cities are dogwater
You forgot Salem
@seanoreilly4623 .. Exactly i'm right up the road in Woodstown. Salem is a small but dangerous place.
Amen
Camden is taking cues from Baltimore by rebuilding the waterfront and reviving the downtown area. The aquarium is excellent and businesses are starting to pop up as well as Cooper University Hospital being an anchor health facility. There’s also a noticeably greater police presence. It’s going to take time but gradually Camden will attract an affluent population due to the close proximity to Philadelphia which is becoming increasingly expensive to live.
Thank you nic and Joe for showing the Camden New Jersey video be safe guys.
“Wealthy and prosperous”?… That is actually hard to believe after seeing it today… Thanks for the tour, Two thumbs up.😊
It's sad to see this city. We should stop sending out money around the world and help our cities in America.
That would be nice!
Help them selves we don’t owe them anything. Enforce the laws,clean up city government.
Or paying for military wars or needles
But what if the goal is to destroy American cities?
$$180 billion to Ukraine and counting. Biden just approved more $$
Another great video, thanks joe, say hello to Nicole! See you again soon!
Will do! :)
I was at that aquarium and retired ship two summers ago, there was some dr or Puerto Rican parade too
Another terrific and informative video Joe & Nic
...! GG
Thank you!!
Thank you very much for what you are doing!
I used to go to Camden a lot when I was a kid. I never had any problems but one time I overstayed until 7pm. I was able to get safely home but I'll never forget the crazy stuff I saw there.
I live about 25 minutes from Camden I grew up in this area my whole life and it's been that way since I was little and it's never going to get better. You got to watch downtown because of the courthouse the jail the Bus and Train Station that's where they all like to hang out. I believe a few years back Camden was ranked number one and held that spot for a while
Haha "Doesn't feel real safe here" @8:35. He was in the safest part of the city!
Good vid as usual guys!! How about a top ten worst/dangerous town list? To make it fair, the compaired town would nedd yo be of similar size.
This got me thinking, how about investing in some body armor? May be useful when visiting Pine Bluff or Gary. Heck, Nicole could bling some up and model it😂😂
Good ideas, all!
I've seen guys in bucket trucks replacing holed street lights wearing full body armor.
The Camden Aquarium is pretty nice. Been there a few times when i lived in Pa. I would always buy a dirty water dog outside from the carts. Idk if it is even still there.
I live in Philadelphia, but my mom’s side is from Camden & Riverside. Aunt works at Campbells. Donkey’s Cheesesteaks is very good and there’s a growing vibrancy in Camden but yeah it’s very run down. Not as dangerous as Philly but still very poor. Lots of immigrants there nowadays.