IN THIS ISSUE: The Story of a Quilt (p. 2) A Visit from "Nipper" (p. 3) FROM LeConey's Gold Medal (p. 4) THE Before & After: Rt. 130 — the FRONT old Burlington Pike (p. 5) Membership News (p. 6) PORCH Historic House Plaques (p. 7) THE NEWSLETTER OF THE Visit us on the Web! (p. 7) HISTORICAL SOCIETY Motown in Mo'town (p. 8) OF MOORESTOWN View From the Porch Mark Knopfler, the great guitar player and Responsibility for the care of the Smith- record producer was once asked what exactly Cadbury Mansion falls primarily under the the job of producer entailed. “Some of the time watchful eyes of two trustees Lisa Hammell House Tours and you make important decisions and some of and Paul Canton. Lisa, a past board president, Gift Shop Hours: the time you go get the tea” he replied. That’s is responsible for the Museum contents. 2nd & 4th Sunday 1-3 PM not unlike what it means to be a Trustee of the We constantly leverage her experience as an Tuesdays 1-3 PM Historical Society. At times we are in meetings antique lover and dealer in the evaluation and deciding on the future of the organization and care of the treasured items in our collection. Research Library Hours: other times we are making sure that the trash Paul Canton is in charge of the building Tuesday 1-4 PM gets out to the curb on collection day. But one and grounds. If you have an iconic historic Second Sunday of each Month 1-3 PM thing I have learned over that last three years home, who better to entrust it to than Paul. is that if there was a list of the easiest jobs in Jill Weiss heads up our membership Address the organization being President would be committee as correspondent secretary. She has Historical Society of near the top. This is due to the tremendous instituted many novel approaches to reaching Moorestown group of people we have on our board and our audience, including business memberships. Smith-Cadbury Mansion the dedication they have to our mission. Each John Watson, joined our board two years ago 12 High St. Moorestown, NJ 08057 person on the board has a role for which and has been an integral part of our exhibits they either volunteered or had thrust upon team. His skill at restoring old photographs Phone them, and they all perform that role flawlessly, and just making things look better has been 856-235-0353 leaving the President with precious little to invaluable. Our exhibits and displays have do. So in this the final “View From the Porch” never looked better. Our newest member Liz Web Site for this season, I wanted to acknowledge the Rosenthal has taken on the important job of moorestownhistory.org outstanding job being done by our trustees. publicity and has made an immediate impact, E-mail Stephanie Herz runs the library and as demonstrated by the great turnout we have research arm of the organization. She has been had at our recent events. And speaking of our moorestownhistory@ events, Vice-President Mickey DiCamillo verizon.net the heart and soul of the Historical Society for years. Mary Berardi, who serves as second has done an amazing job in organizing Facebook Vice-President is also in charge of accessions and arranging programs, not only for our facebook.com/historical and is a significant contributor to our exhibits. membership meetings, but also in creating societyofmoorestown Cathy Hartley, who serves as our treasurer the Historical Society’s New Jersey History has done an excellent job in modernizing Speaker Series. As anyone who attended our our record keeping and has restructured Annual Meeting, can attest our programs are our investments for the maximum return. more popular and energetic than ever before. Published by Lynne Brill is our recording Secretary and a Last but not least I want to thank our The Historical Society key member of our fundraising committee. Student Trustee, Ben Gromacki for the great of Moorestown Another key member of the fundraising job he did for us this year. From staffing the committee is Julie Maravich. I would say Ghost Tours to arranging for the Madrigals too, that if you have a job, that most would to sing at our holiday party, Ben was someone think impossible, look to Julie to make the upon whom we could always count. most of it. She has built the annual “Ghost On behalf of the board I hope that all Tour” into a bonafide town treasure. Lisa of our members have a great summer! Knell is the editor or our newsletter. Being the “editor” of our newsletter bears a close Lenny Wagner, President JUNE 2016 resemblance to Knopfler’s “producer”. We send her material and she does everything else. Store at the corner of Main & Chester Avenues in The Hooton/ Moorestown, a daughter of the Emlen Brewery The Historical Society business in Philadelphia, the owner of Woodlawn of Moorestown Warrington Family Estate which was part of Mount Vernon purchased from a Custis Descendent, a wife of a silversmith in Officers Signature Quilt Lancaster, PA, and also a daughter of a Revolutionary President also known as The War Captain, the owner of a glassworks in Millville, Lenny Wagner New Jersey and also administrator for an evening 1st Vice-President school for African American men in 1832 and the Roberts Family Quilt Michael DiCamillo Institution for Poor Quaker Children in 1839, both In 2011, I had the privilege of making the in Philadelphia, a sister of the original owner of 2nd Vice-President acquaintance of the American Quilt Study Group. Bethlehem Steel, a teacher of a Quaker School Mary Berardi The Study Group had an interest in several quilts for Seneca Indians in New York State, the woman Treasurer belonging to the Historical Society of Moorestown. who established Moorestown Boarding School for Cathy Hartley At the Study Group’s request, these quilts were Girls, a sister of the founder of Swarthmore College Recording Secretary displayed in an exhibition in Cherry Hill hosted by and University of Maryland, an identical signature the American Quilt Study Group Seminar. It was Lynne Brill which can be found on the back of the face of the Corresponding Secretary an honor to spend an evening with these folks and Peter Stretch clock at the Smith Cadbury Mansion to benefit from their knowledge and expertise. in Moorestown, New Jersey, a wife of a minister Jill Weiss The Hooton/Warrington Family Signature Quilt of a Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and also aka Roberts Family Quilt became an object of head of Young Ladies Seminary in Lawrenceville, Trustees intrigue at the exhibition, due to the fact that a New Jersey, a woman Quaker minister, the Mary Berardi number of signatures were not legible. The Study Editor of “The Friend” Quaker newsletter. Lynne Brill Group members provided several suggestions. The quilt was made for Anna Warrington and Joseph Paul Canton Take close up photos of the signatures. The writing Hooton to commemorate their marriage. Sadly, Michael DiCamillo would become clear through the photographs. they had no children. The question as to how the Also, make a grid of the signatures exactly as they Lisa Hammell quilt arrived with the Roberts Family could possibly Cathy Hartley appear on the quilt. In this way, the relationships be answered by this explanation. Elizabeth West between the signers would become apparent. Hooton, sister of the groom, married Elisha Roberts. Stephanie Herz As I photographed the signature blocks, I developed Since Anna and Joseph Hooton had no children, it Lisa Knell the desire to get to know the signers. Many of the is likely that the quilt was given to Joseph’s sister Julie Maravich names were already familiar to me. I wondered, which Elizabeth West Hooton Roberts family, and the quilt Liz Rosenthal names were family members and which were friends. descended through the Roberts Family before it was Lenny Wagner I devised a chart to list the signer’s name, the donated to the Historical Society of Moorestown. John Watson content of the signer’s signature, the signer’s dates Research for this information came from a variety Jill Weiss and where they were from, the family members of of sources, including the internet, various reference Student Trustee: the signers and other pertinent information. There books, two university libraries, and two historical Ben Gromacki were 90 signatures in all. As a result, some very societies. Research for this quilt and its signers is fascinating information surfaced. Even though the ongoing. Since the Historical Society of Moorestown Trustee Emeritus Hooton/ Warrington Family were Quakers, not all often receives queries concerning various families and Nan Pillsbury the signers of the quilt were Quakers. The wedding the Hooton/Warrington Quilt in particular, the Society Newsletter Editor between Anna Warrington and Joseph Hooton took has decided to make this information available to the Lisa Knell place in Moorestown, New Jersey on May 25, 1843 public. A 15 page pamphlet containing the quilt grid Library but a number of the signers were from other of the 90 signatures, signer information chart, Stephanie Herz regions. Some blocks date as early as 1841 and color photos can be purchased through and others as late as 1844. Men, women, the Historical Society of Moorestown. and youths signed the quilt. There All proceeds of the pamphlet will were commemorative signatures by directly benefit the Historical grieving mothers for their children Society of Moorestown. The who did not survive childhood. pamphlet is meant to be an Many of the signers of this aid and a springboard quilt read like a Who’s for those interested Who of movers and in learning more shakers of the time. What W about the Moorestown a remarkable assemblage community and its of diverse luminaries! Some impact on the region. of the signer’s relationships of — Lisa Hammell note include: The builder of Matlack’s b 2 Graham Alexander, a local South singer-songwriter with experience on Broadway, was Jersey’s the featured speaker before Our friends in Cleveland, the home of along with blues dozens of people at the Annual “the heart of rock and roll”, owe the South legend Lead Belly Jersey area a great debt of gratitude. It turns both recorded their Motown Meeting of the Historical out that without Camden, New Jersey’s first albums for Victor. Society of Moorestown held contribution to the music industry that pulse (This is only a partial list of the company’s on April 7 at the Moorestown would’ve flat lined a long time ago. According artists, by the way.) Most people don’t realize Community House. to Victor Talking Machine Company CEO, that these monumental talents recorded in Graham Alexander, former Moorestown, Camden because as Mr. Alexander wittily Though only 26, Alexander, through New Jersey resident Eldridge Johnson and observed, Victor “got rid of their good a combination of financial savings, his business partner Emile Berliner gave musicians before they really got good.” luck, and pluck, has managed to birth to the modern record industry when acquire the Victor Talking they founded the company he now runs. Mr. Machine Company and its Alexander referred to these two pioneers associated record labels, all as the “Lennon and McCartney of the music of which had lain dormant industry” in a speech he delivered to the Historical Society of Moorestown on April 7th. for decades until just a few years ago, and which Camden native Mr. Alexander is well suited to his role as a music industry executive. With were operated in the City of his black sport jacket, gray company logo Camden by Victor founder shirt and boots, he looks the part. His bushy and Moorestown resident black hair and vocal inflections bring to mind Eldridge Johnson. Those Sir Paul McCartney. That’s not surprising. He labels include some very played Sir Paul in a Broadway production familiar names: Victor, of Rain prior to becoming an entrepreneur. Music aficionados like me salivate at the Victrola, Camden, His Master's Physical appearances aside, his intense thought of listening to the master recordings passion for what he does truly makes Mr. of these sessions; especially for the great Voice, Little Nipper, and Electrola. Alexander fit the multiple roles he plays as blues men who influenced the British Alexander is in the process of a business owner, historian and performer. Invasion. (It’s just a shame it took English reviving the labels and, in doing so, Mr. Alexander acquired the Victor name musicians to introduce Americans to our not only releasing his music and the during a brand auction he attended while music.) Unfortunately, many of Victor’s master recordings were lost in the 1960s. music of other promising acts, but living in New York City. Since he hailed from releasing or re-releasing as many as the South Jersey area he wanted to return. Due to an expansion of Camden’s docks an When the opportunity to purchase a piece of estimated 300,000 ended up at the bottom he is able to of the 10,000 master its rich musical legacy and bring it back with of the Delaware River. Thanks to the aid of recordings he has managed to track him presented itself, he did so. In addition RCA’s European affiliates* and donations down. Among the legendary singers to the Victor Talking Machine Company, from relatives of former Victor employees, the and musicians who at one time or he also acquired the rights to the Victrola, company is recovering some of these “lost” another recorded for one or more of recordings. (* RCA purchased Victor in 1929.) His Master’s Voice and Camden Records the Victor labels were Enrico Caruso, (Little Richard’s original label) brands. During his speech Mr. Alexander passed around a visual aid of a metal master Nat King Cole, Billie Holliday, The promotional film for Mr. Alexander’s Perry Como, Louis Armstrong, song “Games” opens with an aerial view from recording. Record companies used these silver an antique clip of one of the old Camden colored discs the size of a modern record until Fats Waller, Dinah Shore, Jimmie Victor buildings. The voice over describes 1948. The manufacturer would press them Rodgers, Rachmaninoff, Leonard “a treasure house of music” where one into vinyl to make a record. During its prime Bernstein, and Duke Ellington. “gets to see a record made.” Then a sound Victor produced approximately 800,000 vinyl records a day. Mr. Alexander archly explained Victor founder Johnson was engineer cues an orchestra. A black and an involved member of the white clip of the ensemble morphs into Mr. that it took “Mr. Edison’s company” a month Alexander’s 2015 band playing a soulful to a month-and-a-half to produce that many. Moorestown community, ballad. This is an excellent metaphor of how The highlight of the evening came when providing major funding for he is developing both the old and the new Mr. Alexander played an unreleased the Community House, and at the Victor Talking Machine Company. recording from the Victor archives. It featured supporting Moorestown’s activities It’s not entirely fair to call Camden “South my favorite classical composer, Sergei in other ways. Moorestown Jersey’s Motown”. The Victor Talking Machine Rachmaninoff, playing “The Flight of the residents have probably seen Company’s talent roster would’ve made Berry Bumblebee” unaccompanied on the piano. When it concluded, he told the Historical the numerous statues of the Gordy envious. Imagine having the likes iconic Little Nipper dog situated of Enrico Caruso, Billie Holliday and Big Bill Society of Moorestown that we were the Broonzy among the label’s artists. Now add to first people outside the company to hear about the town which serve to that list Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Louis it. Ironically, Rachmaninoff didn’t like the commemorate Johnson’s impact. Armstrong. Include Django Reinhart and recording. That’s why Victor never released — Liz Rosenthal Charlie Christian, two of the most influential it. “Still, you don’t hear music like that Jazz guitarists who ever lived. Woody Guthrie (continued on page 7) 3
Moorestown Olympic Gold Medalist (1924) Al LeConey BUSINESS team. He ran every distance up to and including the half-mile and even excelled CORNER in the pole vault. He won repeatedly and eventually held the county record in the 100 and 200-meter dashes and the pole vault. In 1918, he led the Moorestown BUSINESS team to a victory in the Penn Relays. MEMBERSHIPS After high school, LeConey entered Lafayette College and became one of the (NEW!) most successful athletes that school ever Local businesses play an produced. He excelled at both the 100 important role when they and 200 yard distances. In 1922, he set a support the preservation collegiate record for 100 yards in a meet at of Moorestown’s history. Harvard. His record of 9.7 seconds would We welcome and thank our stand until 1931. He won at all of the major inaugural business members! track meets of the time: the Knights of Columbus, Penn Relays, and the National BENEFACTOR AAU Championships. He was named All- Tait Co./Tait Roofing Inc. American and the “Fastest Man in the East” EVENT SPONSOR and briefly held the 100 yard world record. B.T. Edgar & Son Realtors In 1923, LeConey was working as an Remembering engineer in Philadelphia when Lawson Whitesell Construction Robertson approached him about coming LIBRARY SPONSOR out for the Olympic trials. Robertson was Roger Wilco Wine & Spirits— Al LeConey & the head track coach at UPenn and the Andrea & Elliot Arking coach for the American team preparing Moorestown’s for the Paris Olympics. LeConey had Armstrong Pediatric stopped running competitively after Dental, LLC college and had lost some of his speed, BUSINESS PARTNER only Gold Medal but with prodding from Robertson he began his quest for Olympic gold. McChesney Funeral Home As the excitement builds At the Olympic trials he discovered that Frank Batastini Orthodontics in the lead-up to this Summer’s Olympic he had not dusted off enough rust to qualify Games, it calls to mind Moorestown’s Hanamirian, Garibian for the individual team positions over his old own Olympic champion Al LeConey. It & Kranjac, P.C. rivals, Charlie Paddock and Jackson “Dutch” was 92 years ago that Moorestown held Schultz. His effort was, however, sufficient Richard DePasquale— its collective breath, awaiting the results to convince Coach Robertson that the great Moorestown Tailors of the 4x100 m final of the Games of the LeConey was rounding into form and he BAYADA Home Health Care VIII Olympiad, being contested in Paris decided that LeConey would be the perfect in 1924. Al LeConey of 274 Main Street Parkeon choice to anchor the 4x100 relay team. was running the anchor leg for the U.S. Leonberg Nursery team. The preliminary heats had gone LeConey’s teammates in Paris included well for the Americans but there was some Louis Clarke, Loren Murchinson, and high Your generous support helps concern that they had peaked too early, school phenom Frank Hussey. When the after they broke the world record in their final race began LeConey took his position to sustain the Society’s semi-final heat in a time of 41.2 seconds. next to his British rival Abrahamson, as commitment to preserving Murchinson took the first leg and gave the Moorestown’s heritage for Of even greater concern was that U.S. a slight lead. Louis Clarke took the next generations to come. awaiting them in the finals was the leg and handed the baton off to Hussey Again, thank you! powerful British team, anchored by Harold with about the same lead. LeConey later Abrahams. Movie buffs will remember recalled that it seemed to take forever for Additional business the 1924 Olympics and Abrahams as Hussey to reach the section of the track memberships are being the subjects of the 1984 Academy where the baton would be passed to him. always welcome. Award winning film “Chariots of Fire”. The fact was that it took only seconds as Please call The Historical Jeremiah Alfred LeConey was born the 18 year old had kept the slight U.S. lead Society at 856-235-0353 on March 11, 1901. At Moorestown High intact. Now it was up to LeConey, and as he for membership details. School, Al LeConey was the star of the track (continued on page 7) 4 “Before & After”
Burlington Pike Above Five Points Here is a photograph taken by Moorestown's William H. Roberts in our neighboring town of Cinnaminson, circa 1895. Roberts labeled this photo "Burlington Pike above Five Points". Burlington Pike is better known today as US Route 130. Well into the 1900s, Five Points remained the name of the intersection where Moorestown's Church Street intersects US 130. It was called Five Points because Branch Pike, which runs westward
“Before & After” “Before from Moorestown-Riverton Road, originally connected directly into the intersection. For anyone who's been there lately, the intersection is no longer that simple. Before 1860, Moorestown to the road and to each other, which is helpful. According and Cinnaminson were both part of old Chester Township. to the features of this map, the probable place for William But by an 1860 act of the New Jersey State Legislature, Roberts to have set up his camera has been marked with Cinnaminson was split off as a separate township. an added X above the property of Thomas Hunter. The original Cinnaminson of 1860 was much larger in Looking toward Westfield, the distant house on the area than that of today. It included territory that would left in the photo appears to be that of Isaac Lippincott later become the separate towns of Delran (1880), on that side of the pike, with the near group on the right Riverton (1893), Palmyra (1894), and Riverside (1895). in the photo a combination of the houses of Thomas When this photo was taken, Cinnaminson consisted mostly Hunter and William Evans, though with approximately of farmland, with several small crossroads villages with 20 years between map and photograph, some of the names such as Westfield, Parry, Wrightsville, and New Albany. names may have changed. In the bottom left of the photograph, near William Roberts' bicycle, there is an It's one thing to know that a lot has changed, but to see entrance, most likely to the property of Joseph Harris. this photo of what is now a built up heavily travelled six lane section of US 130 as this sleepy unpaved one lane dirt As a modern point of reference, the photo shows the part road with farms along its sides really drives that home. of the pike where today's Highland Avenue meets US 130. Historical aerial photographs show that the land — John Watson along this stretch of the Burlington Pike was still all farmland as late as 1940. The scenery only really changed with the coming of the gas stations and motels that appeared mostly after World War II. Below is a detail from a Hopkins map of the area published in 1877. The road labeled "Turnpike" is the Burlington Pike. We see Five Points at bottom left on the map. The map shows the positions of buildings relative
Cinnaminson and Chester Townships in 1876 (separated) [Detail, First Atlas of Burlington County, 1876]
Detail, "Part of Cinnaminson and Chester, Burlington County, New Jersey" [G. M. Hopkins Atlas of Philadelphia and Environs, published 1877] 5 MEMBERSHIP NEWS Are you good at As a non-‐profit organization run totally by dedicated volunteers, the Historical Society fundraising? If so, relies on the generosity of our members and donors to offer education programs, exhibits, and services that contribute to making the history of Moorestown tangible, relevant, and we need your help! meaningful. Through our work, we hope to foster an appreciation for history in general and our rich history in particular. And so we say THANK YOU to our renewing members who We are seeking continue to support our efforts. If you have not yet renewed, please use the form below or individuals with energy renew online at our new website: moorestownhistory.org/membership. and ideas to help us in An exciting benefit at the History Partner level ($100) is an engraved brick in our our fundraising efforts. Pathway to History. This is a great way to commemorate a special occasion or person! Interested? The Historical Society extends a warm welcome to our new members: Contact Jill Weiss via • Audrey Litto • Ann F. Christie • The Murphy Family • Elizabeth Rosenthal • Marlene Haresign email: [email protected] And a special thank you to our members who renewed at Donor Levels: • Ann Condon • Mary Moore • Barbara & John Watson • C DeWitt Peterson • Paul Schopp • Carolyn & Mark Nachmias • Edmund Moore & Barbara Rabinovich • Samuel Schlindwein • Mr & Mrs Randolf Binter • William Kingston • Linda & Louis Vizi • Albert Salmon • Dave Homer • Lee & Roy Shubert • Ann F Christie • Lynne & Robert Brill • Cheryl & Lenny Wagner • Elizabeth Rosenthal Jobs — big and • Marlise & Bob Bickel • Ann & Michael Ramage • Mary & Lou Berardi • Marlene Haresign • Toni small — that we & Gerald Lord • Virginia Sheppard • Eileen & Bill Archer • Dr & Mrs Stephen Garza • John Wilmot
• Thomas Wittmann • Alfred Driscoll • Constance Madara • Linda & Robert Kastner • William need help with: Shelley • Janis & Chris Sparacio • Lavonne Camp • Carol Talbot • Nancy Powers • Margo & Baird Activities/Events: Helps Foster • Trish & Bud Radey • Jeanne Alper-Mielich • Marie Quigley • Rhonda & Allen Nicholson • plan, organize and hold Edith & Milton McFalls • Janet Moore Society events. New members are always welcome! If you have a friend or neighbor who might be Docents: Museum and interested in supporting the Historical Society by joining us, they can become a member special exhibit guides. through our website at moorestownhistory.org or subscribe to our Exhibits: Helps create email list and receive membership information through the mail. interesting displays. Fund Raising: Helps Looking forward to cloudless days! plan and hold income- Jill Weiss, Membership Chair; [email protected] generating events. Museum: Helps with In May, Moorestown Friends School alumni (Class of ’61) and maintaining collection. Moorestown Historical Society Town Crier Bill Archer received the Oral History: Collects MFS Alumni Association Service Award winner in honor of his years of oral histories and extraordinarily loyal volunteer work on behalf of his class and the school. oversees written work. Photography: Attends events and take digital RENEWAL photos for our archives MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION and publicity. NEW BASIC MEMBERSHIP: Programs: Helps select Student ($10) Individual/Family ($35) programs and speakers, coordinates meetings. DONOR LEVELS: Publicity/News/Web: Stories From the Past Sponsor ($50) Visit our website, Helps get Society History Partner ($100) moorestownhistory.org information to the Library Sponsor ($250) for member benefits! members and public. Patron ($500) Benefactor ($1000) If you can help out, call the Society at 856-235- NAME(S): 0353 or email Jill Weiss [email protected]
ADDRESS:
DATE: PHONE #: EMAIL: Make check payable to: Historical Society of Moorestown Mail to: P.O. Box 477 Moorestown, NJ 08057 Or renew online at: moorestownhistory.org/membership 6
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS Museum tours and Gift shop: Every Tuesday JULY/AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 and the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month; Smith-Cadbury CLOSED for the summer 6 Smith-Cadbury re-opens 1 to 3 pm (except holidays) Library: Every 17 Mo'Town Ball Fundraiser Tuesday; 1 to 4 pm, and the 2nd Sunday of each month; 1 to 3 pm (except holidays)
(South Jersey's Motown; continued from page 3) (LeConey; continued from page 4) anymore,” Mr. Alexander observed. (For charged down the track with Abrahamson hot on those who are unfamiliar with the artist: heels he knew that the gold medal was within his imagine a Russian born Keith Emerson; reach and in a blink of an eye, he hit the tape and only a much better piano player.) heard the roar of the crowd. Their finishing time The Victor Talking Machine Company is was another world record 41 seconds flat, and it currently headquartered at The Vault ™ would remain the Olympic record until 1958. in Berlin, NJ. Its brochure describes it as After the conclusion of the Olympic Games, “a unique entertainment and educational the U.S. Track and Field team toured Europe experience venue.” In addition to housing early recordings of diverse artists ranging and competed in dual meets against many of the same teams. They faced the British team A heartfelt “Thank from Jimmy Rogers to Duke Ellington, it also contains historic recordings of one more time before a crowd of over 60,000 in You” to Trustee Paul Presidential speeches, military battles as London. Once again LeConey anchored the team Canton along with well as antique comedy performances. to victory over Abrahamson and his teammates. his Father, Paul, for Thanks to the innovations of its visionary The team would not return to the United carving out time in their founder, Eldridge Johnson, the company States until October but that did not dampen busy schedules during 2015 has quite a legacy. Under his leadership the enthusiastic reception Al received upon his to facilitate plaque building Victor revolutionized the music industry. return to Moorestown. A big celebration was held for the Historical Society It shared the original record patent in the front yard of the LeConey home on Main House Plaque Program. with Columbia. Johnson understood Street. Everyone in town turned out to welcome that records would become the home In 2016, the combined home the Olympic hero. The local newspaper at entertainment industry. He possessed the skills of Milt McFalls the time described the scene this way: “At once acumen to recognize Victor wasn’t selling a crowd began assembling. They came on foot, and Dave Schill have records: they were selling works of art. by trolley car, and by automobile — scores of come together to carry Hence the addition of liner notes, album them. Main Street, on both sides, being parked on the handcrafting of art and artist stories to the package. with cars while hundreds swept over the lawn”. these beautiful plaques. So what’s next for Victor? Mr. Alexander After his athletic career ended, Al LeConey Special mention goes said that they’re “not putting the went to work in the family insurance business and out to Dave Ramsey and company’s legacy behind glass.” His died suddenly on November 11, 1958. Each year Moorestown Hardware goal is to, “Make a viable company for today without trampling over its history.” he is remembered with the Al LeConey Memorial for supplying the wood. Because of that history, it’s wrong to Race, held as part of the Moorestown Invitational The Moorestown call Victor South Jersey’s Motown. It Track Meet, but as the town’s only Gold Medal Improvement Association would be more appropriate to call winner, at this time every four years, when his has taken an interest in Motown Michigan’s Victor. Eat your heart successors toe the line at the Olympic Track and this project and hopes of rock and roll out, Cleveland! Field events, he deserves some extra attention. to continue the plaque — Kevin Stephany — Lenny Wagner building tradition for the Historical Society of Moorestown. Many thanks Visit us on the web! to all the volunteers for their Take a look at our new website at skills and contributions. For moorestownhistory.org to see what’s happening at the Historical Society more information to apply for a plaque for your home Clicking on this photograph will take you and deed search, contact to the 1918 Stokes Seeds Catalogue for Large moorestownhistory@ Vegetable Growers. Learn about America’s verizon.net Most Profitable Tomato! Stokes’ Bonny Best! Also, do you have information about the — Lisa Hammell Bower’s Candy Company of Moorestown? If so, go to “New Acquisitions” and post a comment! 7 Historical Society of Non-Profit Moorestown Organization Smith-Cadbury Mansion U.S. Postage Paid 12 High Street, Box 477 Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 Moorestown, NJ 08057 Permit NO. 183
JUNE 2016
On Saturday night, September 17, 2016: Karla and James Varrell will be throwing open their historic, East Central Avenue home and hosting Moorestown’s most exciting gala of 2016 – the MO’TOWN Ball – a fundraiser for the highly anticipated “Pathway to History” at the Smith-Cadbury Mansion! With the help of an excellent live band, the musical theme will be based on the other “Motown,” the storied Detroit record label that provided our soundtrack to the 60s SAVE and 70s. Dance to the music we grew up with, enjoy a delicious dinner and open bar, and raise money to help get us THE that much closer to completing handicapped access to the History of Moorestown! And DATE! all of this for just $100 dollars a ticket! SEPTEMBER COMING SOON: Invitations to this 17th one-of-a-kind party – the MO’TOWN BALL – on Saturday night, September 17, 2016!