Properties of WS Travis, 27th near River Ave., Camden, N J, postmark 1908
If you collect old postcards, then you know that a real photo postcard (RPPC) can be among the most costly to buy because it often is literally one-of-a-kind. This card was postmarked at Camden, N.J. on Nov. 16, 1908 and mailed to Meadville, PA. (Two successive clicks on the photo will enlarge to maximum)
As indicated by the “X”, this is the home and store of East Camden Grocer William S. Travis, wife Flora, and daughters Bertha and Helen.
Flora Travis, writing to her aunt, Mrs. Joel Smith, explains in the message that it is a “…picture of our house,” and that marks indicate Will and Helen. “I was in store and not on it.”
The newspapers of his day chronicled much of Grocer Travis’ colorful life and a search of ancestry.com fills in more blanks.
The well-known resident of East Camden owned the aforementioned grocery at 27th and River Road at a time when a team of horses and wagon delivered the provisions. He later worked in the road contracting business.
The Cramer Hill entrepreneur belonged to several fraternal and civic organizations, ran for Camden City Council, and owed a winning racehorse named Helen Hill.
Society columns kept regular tabs on his visits to shore resorts and other travels, a wagon accident caused by a runaway horse, family milestones, and his purchase of a new Overland automobile. The papers took note of birthdays, illnesses, a health scare on a ferryboat, and of course, his 1921 obit.
WS Travis, lodge, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Jan 12, 1896, p31
WS Travis wants help wanted, Courier-Post, Jan 19, 1901, p4
WS Travis visits Wildwood, The Morning Post, Aug 10, 1908, p2
WS Travis visits Atlantic City, The Morning Post, Aug 19, 1908, p3
WS Travis, new wagon, The Morning Post, Sep 16, 1908, p3
WS Travis owed houses, The Morning Post, Mar 21, 1912
WS Travis, tire sale, The Morning Post, May 2, 1912, p2
WS Travis, lost watch charm, The Morning Post, May 7, 1912, p2
WS Travis, fire, Courier-Post, May 20, 1912
WS Travis, City Council, Courier-Post, Aug 24, 1912
WS Travis, City Council, Courier-Post, Sep 13, 1912
WS Travis’ daughter Helen engaged, Courier-Post, Dec 4, 1912
WS Travis gets new car, Courier-Post, Jul 21, 1914
WS Travis visits Wildwood, The Morning Post, Jul 6, 1915, p4
WS Travis obit, The Morning Post, Apr 18, 1921
WS Travis, Elks funeral, The Morning Post, Apr 18, 1921
WS Travis’ obit, The Morning Post, Apr 18, 1921, p2
WS Travis ancestry.com search results
Street View, 27th Near River Ave. Camden, N J Sep 2019
What would Grocer Will think of his neighborhood today? Click on the Google Maps link at right and you can “drive” around the block.
We thank frequent contributor Harlan Radford for providing the scan that inspired this waaaaay too detailed article about one Camden postcard – even one written during a late-night pandemic isolation induced burst of energy.
Want to see more RPPCs? Scroll down to our search feature in the left column and search the term RPPC. Looking for vintage images of Camden? Search for Camden.
Still the best authority on all topics regarding Camden
Teacher at Riverton School 1974-2019, author, amateur historian, Historical Society of Riverton Board Member 2007-2023, newsletter editor 2007-2023, website editor 2011-2023
View all posts by John McCormick
