Robert
A.
Turner

ROBERT A. TURNER was the son of Frederick Turner, who emigrated from England to Camden and founded a restaurant at 234 Federal Street, where he lived, in 1886. This restaurant came to be known as Turner's Oyster House, and was part of the Camden dining scene for over sixty years.

Frederick Turner moved his business to 210 Federal Street in 1890. Oysters were quite plentiful in Delaware Bay up until 1976 when a sea-borne disease ravaged the species. The oyster industry in that part of South Jersey has never recovered. Fred Turner passed during the 1890s and his son carried the business forward. In 1913 he renovated 201 Federal Street and the adjoining property at 212 Federal Street, converting both for use as a restaurant.

When the 1930 Census was taken, Robert Turner was running the restaurant, which now was at 212-214 Federal Street. Robert Turner was then 56 years old. Born in England, he married his wife, the former Mary Rogers, at the age of 20. Mr. and Mrs. Turner lived on premises with their daughter Helen Becker, then 36, and a grandson, Robert, 17 years of age. Robert Turner passed away on June 2, 1932.

The 1947 Camden City Directory shows Helen Becker operating a seafood restaurant at the address,.

Historical and Industrial Review of Camden, N.J. - 1890

TURNER'S RESTAURANT, 
210 FEDERAL STREET 

AMONG all the refreshment houses in Camden none is probably more favorably known than Fred Turner's Oyster and Chop House, established by him four years ago at 210 Federal street. It comprises a reception and reading room in front of 16x32 feet, and a dining room in the rear of 16x12 feet. Oysters are served in every style, and the bill of fare includes Chops, Steaks, Cutlets, Tea, Coffee, etc., prepared from the best in the markets, by competent and careful cooks. A specialty is made of Fried Oysters. 

The trade is very select, and employs, in addition to the personal services of the proprietor, those of several assistants. The dining-room will comfortably seat forty persons at one time, and the business hours are from 8 A. M. to 1 A. M. 

Mr. Turner is a native of England, and by trade a ship carpenter. He has been thirty years in America. .

Charles Dolan
William Delaney
Robert Turner
Turner's Oyster House
Federal Street
William E. Schultz
Garfield Pancoast

Camden Courier-Post
June 7, 1932

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Rev. R.E. Brestell
John Sinclair - William Aumont
Edward J. Connell - Steve O'Keefe