One of the last banks to be organized in Camden, Third National Bank was organized in January of 1928. The new bank survived the depression, and remained in business as the Third National Bank & Trust Company until the 1970s, when it was merged into the United Jersey Bank. Unlike the other Camden banks that survived the Depression, Third National remained primarily a Camden institution.

BUSINESS MEN FORM THIRD NATIONAL BANK
Financial Institution Backed by East Camden Interests

Faith in the progress of East Camden is reflected in announcement of the organization of the Third National Bank and Trust company, the city’s newest banking institution, to be opened in April or May in a building at the northeast corner of Twenty-seventh Street and Westfield Avenue.  

Backed by 300 businessmen, most of them residents of East Camden, the new enterprise was fostered by William McCully, retired member of a large commercial firm, and Harold F. Stephenson, one of the city’s youngest business executives.

Stephenson and McCully, impelled by confidence in the future of the East End, started the movement four months ago. The application for authority to organize the company was approved yesterday by the Comptroller of Currency at Washington. 

The firm has initial capital of $200,000 and a surplus of $25.000. 

Included among directors are Joseph Carr and Raymond R. Donges, Camden attorneys; Ellis Parker, retired Merchantville banker; Dr. A. L. Sherk, East Camden physician; Louis Everly, coal and ice dealer, and Paul Richman, member of a local metal working and rioting firm. Other directors are  Newton Garwood, county official; Martin Hambrose, retired; Henry Lippincott, Marian McGee, Elias F. Mason and Carlton Evans, member of the firm of Bell & Evans.

Stephenson is 30. His business career started on his return from France with the A. E. F. He now is secretary and treasurer or the John Crawford Company, undertakers.  

The proposed bank building, now occupied by a real estate firm, will be renovated and connected with an adjoining building, which will house the vaults. Plans are complete and bids will be opened today. 

“The response of East Camden residents to our project has been very gratifying,” Stephenson said last night.  “There are 40,000 residents in this city east of the Cooper River and the number is increasing every day. East Camden no longer is a suburb, but an important part of a great city. A new bank is not a venture, but a necessity."  

The institution will be less than a block removed from the East End Bank and Trust Company, which was organized less than eight years ago and now ranks as one of the city’s flourish­ing institutions.  

Directors of the new bank will meet within the next few days to elect officials and management.

BRIDGEVIEW B. AND L. PAYS $23,700 SERIES

Checks totaling $23,700 were in the mail yesterday in payment of the maturing of the first series of shares by the Bridge View Building and Loan Association. One hundred eighteen shareholders share in the distribution.

The announcement was made by George Gideon, assistant secretary. The association, which was formed 13 years ago, meets in the Third National Bank and Trust Company, Twenty-seventh Street and Westfield Avenue. The second series will be opened June 1. 

James R. Sudler is president of the association. Other officers are Carlton M. Harris, vice president; William S. Abbott, secretary; Fred Weisbrod, treasurer, and Charles Boulton, solicitor.

Directors are Warren Parvin, Clarence Peters, Gideon, Harris, Abbott, Weisbrod, Boulton, Lewis Hager, Franke Lake, Sudler and Joseph Stutz.

27th Street side of Third National Bank, as seen from the East Camden Firehouse,  North 27th Street and Federal Street. The windows seen here have since been covered over.

Photograph was taken around 1952.

Left: Scattered glass and ripped blinds are evidence of first of two firebombings in Camden today. This bombing was at 333 Arch Street, Camden, home of several business. There were no injuries.
Right: Water and soot damage are evident at office of Puerto Rican Labor Department office at 333 Arch St., Camden, site of firebombing earlier today.

Soot marks the spot where firebomb struck the Third National Bank of New Jersey, in Camden today. The bombing was the second of two in the city within 16 minutes and three miles.

Sara Matthews - Ellen Egbert 
Harold Pike - Donald McGlensey
George Meriweather - Harry Scholz
Robert Harrison - Engine Company 9
Arch Street - 27th Street - Federal Street