Burlington County History
Having relocated to Burlington County, NJ, Jim has become aware of its rich heritage.
Research initially focused on the Mt. Holly, Lumberton and Medford Railroad, but has since extended to a wide range of subjects, as seen below.
Seen at right is the sole remaining milepost of that railroad, now relocated to a nearby historic venue, which Jim restored in the summer of 2018. It denoted five miles to Mt. Holly, and one mile to Medford.
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This major research endeavor explores the history of a large natural resource in the area, and how it affected farmers, railroads, and development of the area. Research is ongoing.
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Wondering: Ely Hall
(Medford home of first President of Mt. Holly, Lumberton and Medford Railroad. Home built 1844.)
Dr. Ely’s Legacy: The Mount Holly, Lumberton and Medford Railroad (Full Web Version)
How and why the railroad was built, its impact on the region.
Modified version of “Dr. Ely’s Legacy”
published in Milepost, at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. October 2018, PDF.
An illustrated lecture on “Dr. Ely’s Legacy,” detailing the railroad’s history and impact, is available for presentation.
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Lumberton Nike Missile Base
This presentation was recorded in conjunction with the Lumberton Historical Society, as part of the Medford Leas Pathways program, and may be viewed here. This was one of some 250 bases in operation in the United States during the Cold War. Additional research resulted in a detailed article which was published in 2023 in SoJourn Magazine, published by Stockton University’s South Jersey Culture & History Center.
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A look back at garbage as a social and governmental problem, with special focus on Burlington County. Discusses current methods and challenges for the future.
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A bus tour of local farm houses and what happened to the farms.
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A brief look at several early hotels and the Mineral Springs Hotel, all on Lumberton’s Main Street.
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Charles Lindbergh and Emilio Carranza
Air pioneers, friends, and a New Jersey memorial to international brotherhood.
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Burlington County’s Sand to Philadelphia’s Water Plant: A Story of Plunder and Boodling
The story of how crooked politicians in Philadelphia made money off of sand from New Jersey to build a badly needed water plant.