Built-in 1867, 312 Cooper Street exemplifies how Camden’s early urban growth resumed following the Civil War. The building’s first residents were the De la Cour family, an already well-established name in Camden. When the war began, the father, Joseph C. de la Cour, had already lived in the city as the owner of a drug and chemical store for thirty years. He later became a manufacturer of surgical equipment.
The family’s wartime story contains elements from the homefront as well as the frontlines. At the start of the war, their son, Joseph L. de la Cour, joined Camden's Zouave unit and was deployed to Virginia to guard railroads. While there, his brigade was visited by President Lincoln, who commented on their disciplined, soldierly appearance. Joseph returned from service after three months.
The name “Zouaves,” (zoo-ah-vs) is named after elite French Algerian units who became internationally romanticized for their bravery and unique attire, which included flowing pantaloons, a fez, and an embroidered waistcoat. There were Zouave units on both sides of the Civil War, and they were typically individuals who wanted to stand out visually and aspired to be brave. Over time, however, many of the regiments disbanded in an effort to standardize uniforms and avoid standing out on the battlefield.
Back at home, Joseph senior and his wife, Elizabeth, devoted their energy and resources to civic and charitable activities in the city. They joined their community in founding the Camden Home for Friendless Children, a charity organization that helped upwards of forty children who had lost their fathers during the war. Elizabeth sat on the Board of Managers, while Joseph worked as a treasurer. When he returned home from the war, Joseph L. was in charge of publishing and auditing.
The story of the de la Cour family demonstrates that efforts on the battlefield were only made possible by support back at home. While the more prominent families, like those on Cooper Street, oftentimes turned to philanthropy, others who worked in factories had their production turned towards war supplies to aid the front lines.
