The Cattel Tract

Cattell Tract Historic District
(added 1994 - Camden County - #94001103)
Also known as See Also:Centennial House
Roughly bounded by N. Chestnut Ave., Cove Rd., Rogers and Leslie Aves., Merchantville
(790 acres, 174 buildings)

Historic Significance: Event, Person, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Multiple
Architectural Style: Queen Anne, Late Gothic Revival, Second Empire
Historic Person: Cattell, Alexander G.
Significant Year: 1874, 1869
Area of Significance: Community Planning And Development, Architecture
Period of Significance: 1850-1874, 1875-1899, 1900-1924
Owner: Private , Federal
Historic Function: Domestic, Transportation
Historic Sub-function: Multiple Dwelling, Rail-Related, Secondary Structure, Single Dwelling
Current Function: Domestic
Current Sub-function: Multiple Dwelling, Secondary Structure, Single Dwelling
Alexander G. Cattell, United States Senator, commission merchant, and organizer of the Corn Exchange National Bank of Philadelphia, was the first developer of Merchantville. By 194, he along with the "founding fathers", real estate speculators, had acquired land which was to become the Borough of Merchantville. Cattell and his brother, Elijah G., eventually acquired 79 acres or one fifth of Merchantville's total area.

Not coincidentaaly, the first railroad was chartered for construction and operation between Pemberton and Mount Holly the same year. However, it took until 1866 for the Camden and Burlington Railroad to break ground. The Cattells and other land owners donated much of the land needed.

Between 1868 and the mid 1870's several Cattell lots were sold for $400 - $500. The first home, the Furber House, at 25 East Walnut Avenue was built in 1869. Contributing to the first building boom were the formation of the Cottage Building & Loan Association, magazines that promoted suburban living, and the opening of a summer boarding house.

By 1910 the Cattell Tract was substantially developed, its predominant architecture being Victorian. Today the majority of structures exhibit a high degree of architectural integrity and are in excellent condition.

The Centennial House (17-19 East Chestnut Avenue, Merchantville, NJ) Circa 1877

An impressive and massive double home in the Stick Style this is an excellent example of the genre. It was believed that the house was first built for the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876 but careful research has disproved this legend. George Crump, the owner, was vice-counsel to Great Britain and was known to have operated a hotel on the outskirts of the fairgrounds. The house may have been built partially from materials salvaged from buildings at the fair. Don't miss the Mansard towers with patterned gray and red slate. Also note the diagonal wood siding. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Centennial House is just one of 15 historic houses which can be seen on the Walking Tour of the Cattell Tract, a nationally registered historic district. Pick up a copy of the "Walking Tour" at Borough Hall, One West Maple Avenue, Merchantville or at the Community Center.

For more information about the Merchantville Historical Society, contact Maureen McLoone at 665-6271 or @ mrsmerch@aol.com.

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