Cherry Hill Is In Search Of Its` History

Cherry Hill Township Is In Search Of Its` History…And We Need YOUR Help!

This summer, Cherry Hill Township is hard at work collecting historic memorabilia from residents for the upcoming "Community Curators" exhibit opening this fall at the Croft Farmhouse. Now is your chance to share the one historic memento that says it all – old souvenirs, maps, pictures and more! We want to know your perspective on Cherry Hill`s growth from an agricultural community to a thriving suburb. After all, who better than to share the Township`s past but its residents?

Did you know that Delaware Township was once a farming community, known far and wide for the 134-acre Cherry Hill Farm? Civil War veteran Abraham M. Browning built his home on the site in 1875, taking the name "Cherry Hill Farm" from a deed that called the land "the Cherry Hill tract part of the Cherry Hill Farm." In 1954, the popular Cherry Hill Inn replaced the farm. Guests from all over the world stayed at this elegant 100-room hotel, renowned for its magical Starlight Ballroom.

Many locations in Cherry Hill have long and interesting histories – places like Croft Farm, our historic arts center, which was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Or, try to imagine the McDonald`s on Route 70 in Erlton as the site of the first town hall – check out the plaque next time you order a Big Mac! These and countless other places in Cherry Hill have histories worth remembering.

For the Community Curators exhibit, we are asking residents to contribute one or two items of historic value that capture the essence of Cherry Hill. Items can be permanently donated to the Township or loaned on a temporary basis. Since collection began, the Township has received a tremendous amount of feedback from interested residents. Examples of what we have collected thus far include red and white smiley face buttons stating "This is the place - Cherry Hill, NJ," a menu from the Latin Casino, and a program booklet from the Camden County Music Fair of 1961.

The events of the past pave the way for our future. Understanding and remembering them can make a place less of a ZIP code and more of a hometown. Properties are redeveloped for our changing needs, but sometimes the most interesting part is imagining our past – and dreaming about our future. Even if you do not have an item to share, we would still love to hear from you. Please take a moment to visit the Township`s web site at Cherry Hill-NJ and fill out our new "Community Curators" questionnaire. Your memories of Cherry Hill are invaluable and will help teach the community about its past.

All items may be dropped off at the Barclay Farmstead Museum, Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Township`s Recreation Office, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; or by appointment. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 14, 2001. All items will be added to the Township`s growing collection with a note of original ownership or returned upon request.

For more information, please contact Sandra Ragonese at 795-6225.

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Author: Susan Bass Levin The Cherry Hill Connection