I recently came into possession of a rare book from 1890 entitled: Historical and Industrial View of Camden. This book is a great time capsule documenting the once thriving City of Camden, but also features other important South Jersey towns, including Woodbury. I have transcribed it here (most of which was greatly aided by Phil Cohen's wonderful site:
http://www.dvrbs.com). It begins with a most enjoyable description of our city:
This delightful town is so well known, 'tis scarcely necessary to
comment on its many advantages. Passing through it on the cars prejudices one in
its favor immediately, for its neat, wide, shaded streets, and grassy lawns and
playing fountains about the artistic houses, harbor an inviting air, and bespeak
a thrifty enterprise of the five thousand inhabitants. It has six churches
(Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian), and private and public
schools, banks and opera house, gas and water, telegraphic, mail and express
communication—in fact, every city convenience. It is the county seat of
Gloucester County.
NEWTON'S HOTEL, MAHLON W. NEWTON,
Proprietor.
CONSIDERING the nearness to Philadelphia it is v
surprising what a remarkably good hotel Woodbury possesses. This hotel was
originally built prior to 1808; there was a stone in the original building
dating then. After passing through the hands of various proprietors it came
under the management of Mr. Newton about twelve years ago; when he took
possession it was in a very bad condition; it has been rebuilt at various times,
the greatest improvements having been added in 1885, when it was entirely
rebuilt. The building is three stories, built of brick, and in every way
furnished most handsomely, containing fifty sleeping rooms. It is heated
throughout with steam and lighted with gas. Electric bells have been introduced
into all rooms. All the modern conveniences are in operation. The cuisine is
under the management of a most competent chef.
Mr. Newton, the proprietor, is an ideal host, having
been in this line for many years. He has taken an active part in the development
of the city, being one of the prime movers in the Gas Company and President of
the Electric Light Company.
A fine bar is kept constantly supplied with the best
quality of liquors and ample stabling room adjoins the premises.
JOHN
SEEDS, GROCER AND MANUFACTURER OF RAG CARPET,
S. BROAD ST.
THERE are but few better or more favorably known
houses in this section than that of Mr. J. Seeds. This estimable gentleman
established business in this city about nine years ago, and has grown from
comparative smallness to a very large business. The premises occupied are about
20x70 feet in dimensions, with a weaving room in the rear. A full stock of
Groceries, Provisions, Crockery, etc. Tinware is carried, comprising all
qualities and kinds. Four looms are kept running in the weaving department. All
kinds of rag carpet are made to order. Mr. Seeds is a practical weaver
himself.
Mr. Seeds has been a life-long resident of this county.
He is an active member of the Iron Hall, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and the
Post G. A. R., having served four years in the 2d New Jersey Cavalry, and was
discharged with honor.
MRS.
S. MORRISON, CONFECTIONERY,
210 SOUTH BROAD STREET.
THERE are no
business houses in this section that have achieved a better reputation than
that of Mrs. S. Morrison. This lady opened business many years ago in Chester,
and about two years ago a branch store was opened here under the management of
her son, Mr. Robert Morrison. This gentleman by his great industry and energy
has built up an enormous trade here.
The premises are about 20x180 feet in
dimensions, with a large store and ice cream garden.
The parlor has a seating
capacity of about fifty persons. All kinds of Cakes and Confectionery are kept.
Particular attention is paid to serving patrons, weddings and balls.
The trade
of the house is extremely large, and includes some of the best families in the
city. Mr. Morrison, the manager, is thoroughly capable, having had many years
experience in this line.
H. B.
SIMMERMAN, GROCERIES,
29 COOPER ST.
THERE are
but few houses in this city that have sprung into popularity quicker than that
of Mr. H. B. Simmerman. This gentleman came to this city a year and a half ago
from Trenton and purchased this business; at first it was very small, but it has
constantly been increasing until now the trade is very large and steadily
increasing. The premises occupied are about 35 feet square and fitted in the
nicest and neatest manner. A very large stock is carried, comprising all kinds
of Fancy and Staple Groceries, Salt Meats, and Fresh Country Produce.
The
services of four capable salesmen are required and two teams are kept busy
delivering orders.
Mr.
Simmerman enjoys the closest relations with the importing and jobbing houses in
New York and Philadelphia, and is thus enabled to procure the best articles for
the least possible cost.
In
addition to the foregoing there are the following:
Chas. Walton, 21 S. Broad st., Coal and Lime.
John Redfield, Cooper st., Ice Cream.
The main section of Camden also includes Woodbury business mentions such as:
STANDARD WINDOW GLASS WORKS,
OFFICE 9-1/2 MARKET STREET,
CAMDEN.
THOUGH the manufacture of glass is generally supposed to be a
comparatively modern invention or discovery, the growth for the last few hundred
years or so, it is not so, but only a rediscovery, since the Dark Ages, of what
was known and practiced in almost prehistoric times. Paintings of the reign of
Osritasen I., at Beni-Hassan, representing glassblowers making a very large
vase, show conclusively that nearly 4,000 years ago—before the Hebrew exodus,
and before profane history commenced—the Egyptians were proficient in this art.
In the arts, the word "glass" originally applied to all shining bodies, is
limited to compounds of sand, potash or soda, and lime. Oxide of manganese,
litharge and red lead are also sometimes used.
In Camden, the firm
engaged in this industry is that of A. C. Lamar, of 9-1/2 Market street. This
well know house manufactures all kinds of glass, both for building and
ornamental purposes, including window, plate, colored, enameled, stained,
fluted, ribbed, hammered, embossed, and cathedral glass, and also looking-glass
plates, of the finer grades, this latter being a specialty. The quality is
always kept at the highest standard, in order to compete successfully with that
imported from France and Belgium. Bottles and glass hollow-ware of all sorts are
also made.
The factory is at Woodbury, a few miles from Camden, and
covers a site of several acres. The buildings comprise two large furnace-houses,
a flattening-house, with cutting-room attached, engine and boiler-house, a
pot-house, where the pots for melting are made, together with blacksmith-shop,
packing-house, warehouse and offices, and the necessary stables, out-buildings,
etc.
The tracks of the West Jersey Railroad run into the factory ground, by
which means all the shipments are made. The entire plant is of modern improved
construction, and complete in all details, with every requisite appliance for
turning out the best work. The number of men employed is 150. Sixteen tons of
glass are melted daily, and one hundred tons of coal and coke are consumed every
week, about forty weeks constitute the working year in this industry. The output
of manufactured glass per week amounts to about 160, 000 feet, averaging the
value of $5,000.
 |
| A.C. Lamar |
_______________
D. B. STRATTON, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS,
222 S. BROAD STREET,
WOODBURY
BY all odds the best and most favorably known establishment of this
character in this county the store of Mr. Stratton stands at the head. This
business was originally opened about ten years ago, and has from the inception
been most successful.
An ample storeroom is used. It is
finished in the most neat and attractive style.
Mr. Stratton is the agent in this section for the Estey Organs, the
acknowledged leader. These are manufactured in Brattleboro, Vermont. They are
gotten up in the best manner. The design of the cases is entirely original, neat
and tasty. They are possessed with a full and truly organ-like tone.
All kinds of Musical Instruments are also kept, including equipments for
string and brass bands.
Music is furnished for balls and parties at the shortest notice. A store
has been opened in Bridgeton, at No. 26 Laurel street.
Mr. Stratton is a native of Mullica Hill, this county. He is very
extensively known and an energetic and active business man. He is also agent for
Gloucester county, Salem and Cumberland counties, for the celebrated Dyer &
Hughes Organ, an instrument that is attaining widespread
popularity.
JOHN T. WATSON, CLOTHING & FURNISHING GOODS,
BROAD
AND COOPER STREETS, WOODBURY.
THE pioneer in the fine clothing trade
in this section is Mr. Watson. This gentleman came here about one year ago, with
the idea that a business of this character would pay here, and thus far he has
received every assurance of success.
The store occupied is about 20 x 75
feet in dimensions, and is fitted in the neatest and most convenient
manner.
A very heavy stock is carried, comprising all kinds of Men's
Wear, Hats, Caps, Neckwear, Hosiery and Underwear, and Clothing. In every
department the stock is most complete.
Particular attention is paid to
Youths' and Boys' Clothing.
Mr. Watson is a native of Philadelphia. He is
thoroughly acquainted with this line and fully alive to the demands of the
trade. He was formerly manager for Messrs. Goodman Bros., at 13th and Ridge
avenue, Philadelphia. He enjoys the closest relations with the manufacturers,
and is thus enabled to get his goods at the lowest market prices.
This delightful town is so well known, 'tis scarcely necessary to
comment on its many advantages. Passing through it on the cars prejudices one in
its favor immediately, for its neat, wide, shaded streets, and grassy lawns and
playing fountains about the artistic houses, harbor an inviting air, and bespeak
a thrifty enterprise of the five thousand inhabitants. It has six churches
(Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian), and private and public
schools, banks and opera house, gas and water, telegraphic, mail and express
communication—in fact, every city convenience. It is the county seat of
Gloucester County.
He went on to amend his early action by such acts as becoming the president of the Gloucester County Historical Society, the establishment of a room and vault for county historic records known as Room 202 in the Gloucester County Courthouse, and the purchase of the Hunter-Lawrence-Jessup house to serve as the Gloucester County Historical Society's museum. He also published many historic books on Woodbury and the surrounding area, such as "A brief account of Woodbury Creek Dam" in 1919. He had his home, the beautiful Georgian Revival at 510 Cooper St., Woodbury, built in 1914. It was designed by local architect Charles R. Peddle who was also responsible for 275 Cooper (Judge Starr home), the harmonious west wing addition to the City Hall building, the Gloucester County Building (across from Friendship Firehouse), the high school and many other early 20th century structures around town. It was originally named "Rugby Pines" but is now commonly referred to as the "Rowan House" as it was purchased by Rowan University in 2000 for the their president to live in. 
Before the establishment of the lake system, Woodbury's waterways were defined by the natural formation of the various runoffs from the main Woodbury Creek tributary of the Delware River, such as Hester's Branch (see Hopkins, 1877 map below.) In 1959 Trustees of the estate of the late Frank Stewart donated approximately 20 acres of undeveloped land along E. Red Bank Ave to the City. They also donated north from Hunter St. to the railroad bridge, a section of Hester's Branch, for a game refuge and bird sanctuary in 1962. This area beside natural growth was landscaped previously by a Conservancy group with white and red dogwoods, willows, oaks, maples, birches, hawthorns, hemlocks, Douglas fir, cedars, cypress, Franklina, white pine, Austrian pine, hollys, and other varieties of trees and shrubs. The Frank H. Stewart Memorial Lake and Park project was finished in 1964. Stewart was also responsible for the later care and replanting of the infamous Lover's Lane, near "Rugby Pines." This particular lane was popular with the local couples as it provided a romantic and shady place to step out. The image (see below) was reproduced often on postcards of the day.
