Clockwise from top left: Evesham's first Municipal Building 1967-1998, Evesham's first modern Post Office 1957-1977, Two Guys store at Marlton Circle 1973-1980, Marlton Nike Missile Base 1955-1963, Evesham Police in 1962, Marlton Traffic Circle before Route 73 was cut through in 1973.
Background of Evesham Township, New Jersey
Evesham N.J.was officially established in 1688, covering present day Mount Laurel, Medford and part of Hainsport, Lumberton and Shamong. The first settlement in Evesham was made by William and Elizabeth Evans between 1680 and 1690. Evesham was wilderness at this time and Indians were the Evans' neighbors. The only way of travel was on foot or horseback. The Evans' had to dig a cave to live in for there was no facilities for homebuilding. This cave-dewelling was near Mount Laurel. Evesham was named after Evesham in England located along the Avon River. The N.J. township's early settlers came from this area and liked the name so much they used it here. By 1871 the above townships became seperate entities and Evesham took its present borders.
The Village of Marlton was established in 1758, although then known as Evesham. The name Marlton, named for the fertilizer marl that was mined at several sites to the north and west of Marlton beginning in 1806, came into use in 1845. Marl is a natural mix of green clay and shell that became popular for use as a fertilizer and was used into the mid-twentieth century. Marlton was the center of trade for the farms that surrounded the village. Evesham's Post Office was established in 1808 at what was to become Marlton. For awhile there was a second Post Office in the village of Evesboro, that coverd the Northern half of Evesham. The Evesham Post Office was officially renamed Marlton Post Office in 1845 with the renaming of the Village. Marlton continues today as Evesham's Post Office. While the names Evesham and Marlton are usually interchanged the actual Village of Marlton is actually several blocks in the area of Main Street and Maple Avenue, the area surrounding this is Evesham.
With the advent of the automobile in the twentieth century, Marlton shifted from a commerce center to a more residential nature.
Source:
J.D. Scotts 1876 Illustrated Atlas of Burlington County
A History of Evesham Township, Maurice Horner
George DeChurch Passes Away at 85
George DeChurch, a legend in Evesham Township, N.J., passed away suddenly on Aug. 19, 2011 at age 85. Mr. DeChurch, shown at left in a photo from a 1971 Township publication, was actively involved during Evesham's early growth in the 1960's and 70's - serving as Mayor, Councilman, Director of Public Safety and Health, and on the Zoning and Planning Boards. He played a part in alot of subjects covered here at this Site. Mr. DeChurch became Director of Public Works in 1972, retiring in 1993.
Evesham educator Frances DeMasi passes away at age 88.
Frances DeMasi, a teacher and administrator with Evesham Schools for 33 years, passed away on December 29, 2011 at the age of 88. DeMasi, shown at left in a 1970 photo, began teaching sixth grade in 1958 at Evans School. Before this she was a nun and taught at Catholic schools. She was promoted to Elementary Supervisor in 1968, a position she held until she retired in December, 1990. After her retirement she spent time volunteering in Evesham schools. In 1993 the Evesham School District honored her by naming a school campus after her - Francis S. DeMasi Middle and Elemantary Schools on Evesboro-Medford Road.
I have recently completed writing and compiling Evesham Township, a book to be added to Arcada Publishing's Images of America series of pictorial local histories. Using photographs and written history, the 127 page book will cover Evesham from its early years to to its transformation into the community it is today.
The cover, shown at left, will feature a photograph showing workers picking peaches in one of the Byron Roberts Farm orchards.
The work is now going through Arcadia's production process. The publication date has been set as mid October, 2012.
Outline of the Images of America: Evesham Township book:
Chapter One: Early Years
Early Marlton businesses and homes, railroad, mills and marl mining.
Chapter Two: Churches
Cropwell Friends, Marlton Baptist, Marlton Methodist, Pine Grove Chapel, Wiley, St. Joan of Arc and St. Issac Jogues.
Chapter Three: Farms
Evesham Farm scenes and houses.
Chapter Four: Schools
One-room school houses, Marlton School, schools in Evesham and who they were named in honor of, Cherokee High School.
Chapter Five: Community Services
Marlton Fire Company, First Aid Squad, Evesham Police, gas company, water company, Municipal Utilities Authority, Town Hall, Municipal buildings, Evesham Library, Post Office.
Chapter Six: Growth Years
Residential developments, commericial growth, GSCH, Hedges Diesel, airports, Marlton Circle, Marlton Nike Base.
The book and each chapter will have an introduction with additional facts that turned up during research.
