The village prior to 1850 contained only the buildings of the farm and tenant-houses of the Rudderow family. Soon after that time Alexander G. Cattell purchased theplot of ground containing the old house built by John Rudderow in 1804, which he tore down and erected on its site his residence. In 1856 Amos Rudderow, whoowned the farm, sold to Jacob Bunting, ten acres of land on tlie south side of the pike, for the purpose of laying it out into lots. He erected a house, now the property of Mr. Whickall, a spice merchant of Philadelphia. Soon after the Hon. A. G. and E. G. Cattell, John Loutz and David E. Stetson purchase*! twenty acres of land on the uorth side of the pike, where each erected a mansion. Iu 1858 the same persons bought seventy-five acres, the balance of the Amos Rudderow farm. About the same time A. G. and E. G.
The Oaks District
The Oaks Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. "The Oaks," located in Merchantville, New Jersey, is a planned neighborhood of upscale, early-twentieth century suburban houses envisioned by landscape architect George E. Rhedemeyer and developed by the Oaks Realty Company which he formed in 1910. Designed during the early years of the automobile age and for the most part, before the First World War, The Oaks became Merchantville's twentieth-century showcase and its gateway for vehicular traffic entering the Borough from Wellwood Avenue, later renamed Browning Road, and includes 320 W. Maple Ave., 101-201 (odd numbers) Browning Rd, 308-318 (even numbers) Volan St., and 1-3 Oak Terrace. The Oaks Historic District contains an assemblage of the period's revival styles, several representatives of which were designed by Arnold H. Moses, long-time Merchantville resident and the Borough's most prolific architect during the first quarter of the twentieth century. Because The Oaks contains a concentrated group of Merchantville's most fashionable residences associated with the automobile age of the Borough's developmental history, and the resources reflect the discrete plan laid out by Rhedemeyer and the architectural work of Moses, the district is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The period of significance begins with Rhedemeyer's acquisition of the land in 1909 and terminates around 1937 when the last of the initial homes in The Oaks was built. Photograph by Carol Benenson Perloff, 1996.
MHS Hosts Annual Meeting
If you have a personal treasure you have been yearning to know its historical significance and value, we have a venue for you. Join us for the Annual Meeting of the Merchantville Historical Society on Wednesday, October 9th, at 8:00 p.m., at the Community Center. Go to the Merchantville Historical Society Facebook page to indicate you are attending. Those guests wishing to bring an item for evaluation, should select the appropriate box. The first 35 people, registering a submission, will have their pieces placed in a viewing area. Mike Ivankovich, professional appraiser, will expound on each item to the audience. We are pleased to have The Woman’s Club of Merchantville co-hosting the event. Peruse your attic or storage areas; register your participation and come to our antiques style road show.
Glenwood Ave. Drainage History
As far back as 1924 there are published reports of drainage issues and flooding on Glenwood Avenue in Merchantville. In The Morning Post (Camden, New Jersey) on December 23, 1924 the borough highway committee was reported to be working with Delaware Township (Cherry Hill) on railroad drainage issues. In July of 1925 eleven residents filed a complaint with Council about the lack of a proper drainage in the thoroughfare, and in September of 1926 authorization of $1,250 for a storm sewer to drain "the lake that forms at Holly and Glenwood avenues."
From Shoes to Lamps
Merchantville Antiques and Salvage came across a photo of his grandfather's Shoe Repair Shop the other day. The picture, taken in 1928, shows shop owner Orlando Ricci posing in front of his storefront. Upon finding this treasure, Michael and Jaclyn Ricci remarked on how amazing it is to think that in a couple years their family will have lived here for 100 years. Truly, one of the most valuable characteristics of Merchantville life is the rich history of each generation owning a small business at 37 South Centre - from shoe repair shop to luncheonette to dress shop, and now their antiques and lamp repair shop.
Interactive Walking Tour
Merchantville is a treasure trove of a variety of well-preserved styles of residential architecture. A classic mix of 19th and early 20th century architecture and tree-lined streets with beautifully maintained gardens define the historic borough and its vital downtown. Less than one square mile, Merchantville is home to almost 3,800 residents. Quaint and intimate, Merchantville offers an unprecedented and authentic sense of community. This interactive walking tour adapts and combines the Merchantville Historical Society's individual district tours. They can be walked separately or together depending what you choose to explore during your time in Merchantville. Detailed descriptions of the houses in each tract are linked to in the directions below or can be obtained in person at Borough Hall, One West Maple Avenue.
Centennial Meeting
The day was August 11, 1919. A meeting was held In Merchantville by returning local doughboys to start a chapter of the newly formed Veterans group called the American Legion. 100 years later to the day we will return to spot where it all started. A very special post meeting that is open to the public as we reflect on those humble beginnings and pay tribute to our Post namesake, 19 year old resident Frederick W. Grigg. The meeting will be held upstairs in Council chambers as it was in the "old Borough Hall" 100 years ago. The meeting will begin at 12 noon. Following the meeting all are invited to raise a glass at Eclipse brewing to young Frederick and the rest of the doughboys who set into motion a century of service to our local Veterans. Join in on a singing of "Over There" as we proudly celebrate Merchantville Posts 100th Birthday! Hope you can join us.