Central Trust Company - Camden, NJ
N 39° 56.664 W 075° 07.356
18S E 489526 N 4421593
Once an awe-inspiring marvel in a new up and coming city, reminiscent of Greek and Roman architecture, this building is now dilapidated, worn and accentuated by the homeless. Drive slow and look closely less you miss this dulled jewel.
Waymark Code: WM6M9J
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 06/20/2009
Views: 2
There are no traces or evidence of what entity once used this amazing building. So awash with detail and grandeur is this former sire, it simply goes unrecognized and out of place in this time. There are many buildings similar to this one, while left alone to stand and not meet the wrecking ball or bulldozer, have gone uncared for and show signs of decay and weathering. Such is the folly of men.
There are about 25 NRHP sites similar to this building all within a block or two. Camden once was an amazing place. Although it has undergone a revitalization this last decade or two and the blight has been removed, its cultural heritage has been saved; this building is part of the history of this once great and mighty town, fixed to reposition itself again as a leader amongst cities. Added to the register in 2005, it was undoubtedly saved just in the nick of time as everything around this, except for the NRHP sites on this block have all been razed and leveled.
"The Central Trust Company organized on April 9, 1891 at Read's Hall, a building which later housed the Camden Daily Courier newspaper. After receiving its charter on May 8, the Central Trust 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 Central Trust Company bank building at 4th & Federal Streets was opened on October 31, 1900. The first president was Abraham Anderson, R.F. Bancroft the first vice-president, and Charles C. Pine the first treasurer. Thomas Nekervis was made secretary-treasurer on April 14, 1892. Montreville Shinn was made assistant Secretary-Treasurer on June 16, 1908, and C. Chester Craig was made trust officer on December 17, 1900." SOURCE
Above the front door are two dates, once is 1891, the incorporation date and 1899, the erection date of the building.