“Deltown” just didn’t have the right ring. Imagine Cherry Hill Township almost bearing a different name. This vibrant community in Camden County New Jersey is more than just a place on the map. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of history, community, and a touch of whimsy.
Let’s step back to the late 17th century. The Lenni-Lenape Native Americans first called this land home. Soon after, settlers from England, mostly Quaker followers of William Penn, arrived. They coexisted peacefully and established a small settlement named Colestown near what is now Kings Highway and Church Road.
Fast forward to February 25, 1844. The municipality was officially founded in Gloucester County as Delaware Township. Just two weeks later, it became part of Camden County.
But how did Delaware Township become Cherry Hill? The story involves Abraham Browning’s farm. His property was renovated into the Cherry Hill Inn. Developer Eugene Mori then cleverly branded various facilities with the name Cherry Hill. This included the Cherry Hill Inn, Cherry Hill Lodge hotels, Cherry Hill Apartments, and Cherry Hill Estates. The name’s popularity soared. When the time came to establish a post office, the United States Postal Service proposed the name Deltown. The citizens resisted and in 1961, Cherry Hill was chosen.
Today, Cherry Hill Township thrives with a population of approximately 77,930 residents. The township continues to grow at a rate of 0.79% annually.
Cherry Hill boasts an impressive education system. Nineteen schools operate here, including an early childhood center, twelve elementary schools, three middle schools, two traditional high schools, and an alternative high school. It is the 12th largest school district in New Jersey.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Cherry Hill offers an abundance of green spaces. There are 51 public parks, plus 3 parks managed by Camden County. Most parks feature playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, walking paths, and athletic fields. One notable park is Croft Farm. Originally built in 1752, it stands as a historic landmark.
Getting around Cherry Hill is easy. Public transportation is readily available. NJ Transit bus and rail lines serve the area. Cherry Hill also lies along the PATCO Speed-line. This provides rail service between South Jersey and Philadelphia.
Cherry Hill is a place where history and progress intertwine. From its humble beginnings as Colestown to its current status as a thriving township, Cherry Hill continues to evolve while preserving its unique identity. Remember the name Cherry Hill. It is a testament to the power of community.