Have you ever heard of a town named after a Quaker girl? Right here in Haddon Township, nestled close to Philadelphia, you can discover the story of Elizabeth Haddon, a young woman who sailed across the ocean to oversee her father’s landholdings in the early 18th century. It’s not just a story of land and inheritance, it’s a story of romance and courage, as she bravely built a new life in the colonies and found love with a Quaker missionary named John Estaugh.
Haddon Township, named for Elizabeth Haddon, boasts a rich history that stretches back to the earliest European settlers in the area. This township, which was incorporated in 1865, was once a thriving community of farms and bustling businesses. While it was originally a part of Newton Township, it eventually gave birth to several of its neighboring towns, like Haddonfield, Collingswood, and Audubon.
Today, Haddon Township remains peaceful and largely residential, making it a great place to live and raise a family. But before it was a quiet suburban neighborhood, it played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad. It was in this township, in a historic tavern called the Indian King Tavern, that New Jersey’s legislature met in 1777. Even more fascinating, it was a safe haven for runaway slaves who were escaping to freedom.
Haddon Township still holds onto its past. It’s not just the historical buildings that remind you of the past. There are many historical sites, like the Newton Union Schoolhouse, built in 1821, which offer a glimpse into the township’s days as a thriving agricultural powerhouse. This one-room schoolhouse, also known as The Champion School, echoes with the voices of children who once learned their letters and recited their multiplication tables.
Haddon Township has a lot to offer. It’s more than just a place with a rich past. It offers a delightful downtown area called Westmont. Here you’ll find a collection of shops and restaurants but also a thriving theatre company in a beautifully restored theatre, Ritz Theatre. This vaudeville theatre was built in 1927 and its Colonial Revival style has enchanted residents and visitors alike.
As you walk through this charming township, you can sense the spirit of Elizabeth Haddon, the young woman who dared to build a life in a new land and whose legacy continues to inspire today.