Part 1: Early History of City of Gloucester City
Monday, February 11, 2019
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNewsnet)--The year 1964 was the 341st anniversary of the State of New Jersey (1664 to 1964). That year Gloucester City's Mayor and Council authorized a Tercentenary Celebration with a number of events planned to emphasized Gloucester City's rich history. In 1964 a 50-page booklet titled THE HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER CITY compiled by the Gloucester City Jaycees, with the help of the Gloucester City Historical Society was published and distributed to residents. The book contained historical photos and documents, that began with the early history of the different Indian tribes that lived in and around Gloucester City.
Sadly much of Gloucester City's early history, such as buildings and landmarks, has either been demolished or loss.
Over the next several days, CNBNews will be publishing some of those articles and photos for your perusal.
William E. Cleary Sr. /Editor
http://www.gloucestercitynews.net/clearysnotebook
Est. 2006
PREFACE
Gloucester City, originally a little fishing village whose natural resources and geographic situation were recognized early in the growth of our country, has developed into an outstanding industrial community.
The name Gloucester is borrowed from a Cathedral Town on the banks of the river Severn, in the west of England, whence emigrated some of the earliest settlers of West Jersey. The word itself is from the Celtic: “Glau Caer,” signifying “Handsome City.”
Shown on the map of New Jersey as a City of *18,000 inhabitants, Gloucester City is located in the southwestern section of the State, in the County of Camden. Her borders are washed by the tides of the Delaware River on the west, Newton Creek on the north, and Timber Creek on the south.
It is situated on slightly undulating ground, sufficiently elevated to insure good drainage, which is further assured by geological formation, a body of sand and gravel from 10 to 30 feet thick, resting on the stratum of clay. This with the broad and fast flowing river on the west, from which in summer prevailing cool breezes flow from the southwest.
Excellent water in abundance, good schools, many churches serving all faiths, fill religious opportunities, numerous Lodges, societies and service clubs, and also many industrial establishments point to Gloucester City as a desirable place to live.
Gloucester City is easy of access from the west by way of the Walt Whitman Bridge, the North South Freeway, Routes 295 and 130 pass through the eastern section, running north and south on which are located motels and restaurants.
Two branches of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines, with freight spurs serve all the large manufacturing plants in Gloucester City.
Gloucester City Police Force and Mayor John R. Jackson, 1890 (source The History of Gloucester City 1664-1964)
TO BE CONTINUED
*Gloucester City is a city in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 11,456, reflecting a decline of 28 from the 11,484 counted in the 2000 Census, which had, in turn, declined by 1,165 from the 12,649 counted in the 1990 Census. Wikipedia
RELATED: Gloucester City History