Bits of SJ: Moorestown

Moorestown was settled by Europeans in the 1700s. The name of the township changed a number of times as the township grew. Then, a stagecoach travelled King's Highway. Today, you can still see some of the old buildings, and this weekend you can celebrate at Moorestown Day 2002.

There are land grants that show transfers from King Charles II and his brother James to friends and other notables in Moorestown, but the town did not see much inhabitation by Europeans until the 1700s. Much of its history parallels other communities in South Jersey where the Quakers took a large role in its development.

Through the years, Moorestown was called by several names. The eastern part was known as Chestertown, sister to Chester, England. The western part was called Rodmantown after large landowners. It grew from one end to the other rather then spreading outward from one point. It eventually became a village and was called Chester.

It carried this name into the 19th century when it changed again to Moore’s Town or Moorfield. Thomas Moore owned a tavern near Main and Union Streets that was very successful and sat pretty much as a landmark. It just made sense to modernize the town’s name, so it was changed to Moorestown, and the government opened a post office in 1802 in the village of Moorestown. The official incorporation came much later, in 1922.

A notable resident of Moorestown was Dr. John Hinchman Stokes. Dr. Stokes believed in the value of inoculation at a time when many did not. To show his conviction, he vaccinated his own young daughter against smallpox and laid her next to a smallpox patient. His faith in the practice won over skeptics in the community as well as the county.

The influence of the early Quaker settlers can still be seen in Moorestown. The library is the result of the first library laid out by the Friends organization in 1853. The Moorestown Friends’ School gave way to many bright minds.

Before the railroad in 1866, the stagecoach would travel Kings Highway, stopping at the old Coles Hotel where visitors and residents would gather for entertainment and friendship. The hotel was razed in 1926 taking with it a century of memories.

Moorestown has remained a quaint community with many properties still standing from the 18th and 19th centuries. It has managed to move gracefully into the 21st century, preserving its past and accommodating the present.

On Saturday, June 1 from 8:30am-3pm, Moorestown is holding Moorestown Day 2002. This long-standing tradition in Moorestown features an eight kilometer race throughout Moorestown, a sidewalk sale with over 100 vendors, and a full day of food and entertainment.

Other 2002 events include the following:

Candle Light Night on Friday, November 1, from 7pm `til 9pm. This magical evening finds the Main Street business district stores aglow with the warm light of candles and hospitality.

Historic Showcase at Tallman House (c 1757) during the month of October. The Historical Society of Moorestown presents this month-long Historic Showcase. Tours, lectures, & reenactments are planned as well as a gift shop and an eatery in the Tallman House. Saved from demolition, this 1757 Quaker farmhouse will be for sale as a residence, complete with modern amenities.

Autumn in Moorestown Festival. On October 12, Moorestown’s historic Main Street will be closed to traffic from 10am-4pm. The town’s 8th annual fall festival will feature Juried fine arts and crafts, scarecrow making, a corvette and classic car show, entertainment and lots of food.

For more information about Moorestown, visit their website at www.moorestown.com.

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Author: Vickie VanAntwerp/Editor