A History of Camelot (Olympus) Apartments - Where Every Day's A Holiday

At a meeting of the Evesham Township Committee on December 3, 1963, unanimous approval was given to a project calling for 96 garden apartments just off Route 73 at Baker Boulevard. This development would combine "open country surroundings with close proximity to shopping dining and entertainmet in an area that has become known as ‘the playground of the Delaware valley’". And with that, Camelot was born.

The 6 3/4 acre plot of land next to Marlton Hills sold for $56,000. Plans called for 6 2-story all brick buildings containing 1 and 2 bedroom units with 'ultra modern kitchens'. The outdoor recreation area would contain a swimming pool, a sundeck with lounging facilities and a clubhouse.

There were public protests at the Township Committee meeting, as many felt the development would be a financial burden on the town. Since each unit would be assessed at $1300 per year, each family would be paying $200 less than if single family homes were built.

The apartments were air conditioned with fully equipped kitchens, separate dining areas, spacious rooms which made for easy decorating, walk-in closets. All units had private terraces or balconies, ceramic tile baths with built-in Formica top and vanities.

Camelot advertisements frequently asked potential residents to imagine spending the holidays at Camelot. Yet the holiday advertisements did not line up with the calendar. The ad for Lincoln’s birthday appeared in multiple times in the summer, the New Years ad in May, St Patrick's Day in May,Valentines Day in April, and so on.

The complex officially opened on December 5, 1965, almost 2 years to the day of its approval, with 2 fully furnished samples. Immediate occupancy was available, though the first residents didn't move in until January 1966.

Camelot in 1995 with pool

While there was indeed a pool built, there is no trace of it today. It was filled in some time between 1995 and 2002.

Pool was filled in some time between 1995 and 2002

While there isn't much of a story to tell with Camelot, seeing as I had written about the surrounding neighborhoods, it was the last of the residences on this map to write about. If anyone remember when or why they filled in the pool, please let me know.