Cooper Library in Johnson Park

{{Infobox NRHP

| name = Cooper Library in Johnson Park

| nrhp_type =

| image = Cooper Library Camden NJ.JPG

| caption =

| location = 2nd and Cooper Streets, Camden, New Jersey

| coordinates = {{coord|39|56|53|N|75|7|31|W|display=inline,title}}

| locmapin = USA New Jersey Camden County#New Jersey#USA

| built = {{Start date|1916}}

| architect = Walter Karcher; Livingston Smith

| architecture = Classical Revival

| added = March 11, 1980

| area = {{convert|2.5|acre}}

| refnum = 80002473{{NRISref|2009a|refnum=80002473}}

| designated_other1_name = New Jersey Register of Historic Places

| designated_other1_abbr = NJRHP

| designated_other1_link = New Jersey Register of Historic Places

| designated_other1_date = October 26, 1979

| designated_other1_number = 901{{cite web |title=New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places – Camden County |url=https://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/1identify/nrsr_lists/CAMDEN.pdf#page=3 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - Historic Preservation Office |page=3 |date=September 29, 2022 |quote=listed as the Cooper Library in Johnson Park (Walt Whitman Poetry Center) }}

| designated_other1_num_position = bottom

| designated_other1_color = #ffc94b

}}

Cooper Library in Johnson Park is located in the Cooper Grant section of Camden, Camden County, New Jersey, United States. It was built in 1916 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 11, 1980, for its significance in architecture, art, education, and sculpture.{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=80002473}}|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Cooper Library in Johnson Park |publisher=National Park Service|first1=Gail |last1=Greenberg |date=June 1979 }} With {{NRHP url|id=80002473|photos=y|title=accompanying 5 photos}} It is part of Rutgers University–Camden.

History and description

The mosaic frieze entitled America Receiving the Gifts of Nations which adorns the front of the building was designed by D'Ascenzo Studios of Philadelphia.{{Cite web|url=http://johnson-park.camden.rutgers.edu/library.htm|title = Johnson Park Restoration}}

Johnson's park encompasses the Cooper Library, formally known as the Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center, and marks the site of the Cooper's Ferry company. Cooper's Ferry was licensed in 1688{{Cite web|url=http://www.camdencounty.com/enjoy-camden-county/history/|title=History|website=Camden County, NJ|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-31}} and helped in transporting products between Camden and Philadelphia. The area was a major point of transportation for the British and the Hessians during the American Revolutionary War, due to their capture of Philadelphia in September 1777.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Grl4AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA91|title=New Jersey Archives: Documents Relating to the Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey|last=Incorporated|first=A. M. S. Press|date=1903|publisher=A M S Press, Incorporated|isbn=9780404127442|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-13-02-0566|title=Founders Online: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 25 …|website=founders.archives.gov|language=en|access-date=2019-04-01}} Later it would serve as a terminal for stage coaches and a rail road terminal from 1834 to 1854 for the Camden and Amboy Railroad Company.{{Cite web|url=https://www.american-rails.com/camden-and-amboy-railroad.html|title=Camden and Amboy Railroad|website=American-Rails.com|access-date=2019-03-31}}

Construction of the library began in 1916 and was completed in April 1918. The park was donated in December 1921 by Eldridge R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, after whom it is named. A fountain and several bronze statues were added between 1923 and 1930.{{Cite web|url=https://johnson-park.camden.rutgers.edu/library.htm|title=Johnson Park Restoration|website=johnson-park.camden.rutgers.edu|access-date=2019-03-31}}

After its closure the Cooper Library became the Walt Whitman Cultural Arts Center, where theatrical performances were held. It was deeded to Rutgers University for a dollar and became known as the Center for Performing Arts in Camden.{{Cite web|url=https://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20101225_Walt_Whitman_Arts_Center_to_become_classroom-theater.html|title=Walt Whitman Arts Center to become classroom-theater|last=Matt|first=Katz|website=philly.com|date=25 December 2010 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-31}} Rutgers University–Camden converted the center into a classroom and has allowed performances to be held at the Gordon Theater instead. Currently the building serves as a Digital Studies Center and Writing and Design Lab.{{Cite web|url=https://news.camden.rutgers.edu/2019/01/digital-commons-connects-research-and-support-centers-under-one-roof/|title=Digital Commons Connects Research and Support Centers Under One Roof: Rutgers-Camden Campus News|website=news.camden.rutgers.edu|access-date=2019-04-30}}

{{Gallery

|File:Peter Pan statue on Johnson Cooper park.jpg|The Peter Pan statue by George Frampton, donated by Eldridge Johnson, is one of five in the world{{Cite web|url=https://johnson-park.camden.rutgers.edu/peter-pan.htm|title=Johnson Park Restoration|website=johnson-park.camden.rutgers.edu|access-date=2019-05-12}}

}}