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South Jersey's Historic Main Streets
 The low-key hustle and bustle of an old-fashioned Main
Street conjures up images of simpler times that seem in
short supply these days. Yet some of our nation's most
dramatic and significant historic moments took place on
these unassuming byways. Combining modern trends with their
rich heritage, South Jersey's Main Streets infuse their
communities with a sense of place and a sense of past.
The bronze dinosaur in the heart of
Historic
Haddonfield's Main Street might, at first glance,
seem a bit out of place. But the
Hadrosaurus foulkii is a reminder of how
far back Haddonfield's history dates. In 1858, only minutes
from where the sculpture stands, William Foulke discovered
the first almost complete dinosaur skeleton, turning the
world of paleontology on its ears. But pre-historic
dinosaurs aren't the only history on Main Street. In 1777,
while the Americans and the British were battling it out for
independence, a group of patriots gathered at the
Indian King Tavern and publicly declared New Jersey to
be an independent state and not a colony of the Crown. Open
for visitors, you just might see a colonial soldier
wandering around during some of the many historic pageants
and events. Or stop in to the
Haddonfield Historical Society with
collections of artifacts, historic records and collections
that could take days and days to explore.
Founded in the late 17th century, the history and Victorian
architecture of Mullica
Hill
is so significant that the entire town was named to the
National Register of Historic Places. The former Quaker
farming community is one of today's top spots for antique
hunters, with dozens of shops linings its quaint Main
Street.
Reflecting its rural heritage,
Salem's
Main Street hosts one of the largest summer farmers
markets in the area. But the community's history goes beyond
agriculture. Founded in 1675, the town is the region's
oldest English-speaking community and over the centuries,
its residents have made their mark. As one of the
southern-most stops on the Underground Railroad, Salem
offered refuge to escaped slaves seeking freedom. Although
the home of the Goodwin sisters is now a private residence,
it once was one of the most active stations on the
Underground Railroad.
Through their abolitionist activities, Abigail and her
sister Elizabeth, both Quakers, became friends with Harriet Tubman,
William Still and other well-known opponents of slavery. A
stroll through Salem's Main Street district reveals its
history through the range of architecture dating from a 17th
century Swedish log cabin reproduction to authentic 18th
century and 19th century churches, homes, courthouses and
landmarks. Changing exhibits at the
Salem County
Historical Society
trace the community's centuries-long history through photos,
artifacts and an amazing collection of early tools and
everyday items.
Woodbury
got its start in 1683 when Henry Wood, a Quaker from the
town of Bury, England settled down and called it home. The
Gloucester County seat, Woodbury's history is easily traced
through its architecture – Georgian, Second Empire,
Victorian, Beaux Arts – and the vast records and collections
of the
Gloucester County Historical Society. There's plenty for
shoppers too, with hometown merchants selling clothing, home
décor, and even homemade candies.
Hop the very convenient
River
LINE light rail train for an excursion to High Street in
Historic Burlington. The historic
Burlington Pharmacy first started dispensing medicines
in 1841, making it the oldest pharmacy in the state, but its
real impact is its importance as a center for anti-slavery
activity. Oral histories indicate that tunnels dug into the
Pharmacy's basement were hiding places for escaped slaves.
Nearby, the Quaker Friends Meeting House and
Burlington County Historical Society round out the
town's past.
When Thomas Farnsworth moved his family to a bluff
overlooking the Delaware River in 1682, he couldn't have
known that the town – that would later be known as
Bordentown -- would be home to a Who's Who of the
American Revolution. As hometown to Thomas Paine, Francis
Hopkinson, and Colonel Kirkbride, Bordentown was a hotbed of
revolutionary thought. Today, Bordentown blends the best of
the old and new. Centuries-old buildings have been restored
and the main street is lined with charming art galleries,
shops, and restaurants. The town's calendar of events is
packed with special activities and on the first Saturday of
the month June through November, check out "In the Footsteps
of Thomas Paine," a free walking tour that traces the life
of the patriot.
Although each of South Jersey's Main Streets reflects the
personality of its community, they all have a few things in
common. Rich in history, they're walkable, they're welcoming
and they offer a wide range of activities, architecture, and
attractions that weave together a dynamic past and an
exciting present.
Pictured: Indian King Tavern, Haddonfield
Courtesy South Jersey Tourism Corporation
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