den's Maple Shade History Website

Welcome!

Maple Shade Township-

In 1850 the market road which led from the village of Moorestown to the ferry across the Delaware River to Market Street, Philadelphia became the Moorestown & Camden Turnpike and was graveled and had two toll gate houses and stone mile markers. The stone mile markers remain today.

By 1860 a hamlet formed at the tollgate at Fellowship Road named "Stiles Corners." This was due to several Stiles family farms in the area as well as Benjamin Stiles Sr. living on the corner across from the toll gate house and having on his property a blacksmith shop.

After the Camden and Burlington County railroad opened its line from Camden to Mount Holly in 1867, they added 2 stations between the Moorestown and Merchantville stations. "Stiles Station" would be on land purchased from Nathan Perkins and Thomas Wilson in 1869 and "Wilson's Station" on land purchased from John Wilson in 1870. This was the beginning of Maple Shade and Lenola.

In 1874 the Pennsylvania Railroad renamed "Stiles station" to "Maple Shade station." Charles Shuster began the development of Maple Shade with the subdivision of the Benjamin J. Stiles farm in 1887. Then came the "Zane Tract" and the "Maple Shade Land and Improvement Company" land which ran along the north side of the railroad tracks. This tract had an artesian well.

Maple Shade in the late 1800s was a village of 21 scattered houses with the center being a block or so of houses and shops around the blacksmith shop now owned by Christian Frech. These were primarily German people related through Christian's wife Louisa Fahr Frech.

Trolley service began in 1901 down "Main Street" which further improved accessibility from Camden and ferries to Philadelphia. Real estate interest was gaining in living in New Jersey. The Edward Cutler Co. and Thomas Barlow of the Maple Heights Land Company took over most of the real estate dealings. In 1912 Barlow & Company was formed and many tracts of land were purchased for developments in Maple Shade and Lenola mostly for One Acre Farms.

In 1916 William Brown started the "Maple Shade Progress" newspaper which asked for progress in improvements to the town from Moorestown. This meant better roads, street lights and to be hooked up to the Moorestown water works. Moorestown with Lenola tried to separate in 1917 as "East Chester Township" but didn't get the votes needed. Lenola didn't have anything against Maple Shade but everyone wanted to be linked together with Moorestown to gain their improvements brought by their higher tax rateables.

In 1922 many houses would be built in Maple Shade. Barlow Built Bungalows were going to be built in the 100s chiefly in the Maple Heights section of Maple Shade. Chester Township only had one governing Township committee and met at the Moorestown Town Hall. Soon voters if increased in Maple Shade could vote and get whatever they wanted perhaps or at least show reason for needing the improvements. Moorestown wasn't interested in this and separated with Lenola in 1922 as "Moorestown Township."

Maple Shade was now the last remaining portion of Chester Township and voted to change its name to Maple Shade Township in 1945.

Maple Shade had a water works in 1925. A Municipal Building housing the Police and Fire Departments was built in 1927 replacing outdated ones. Also, in 1927 a sewer system was put into operation.

After WW2 another wave of housing developments were built, this time ranchers instead of bungalows. Maple Shade was an early suburban township as many of the neighboring townships were still farmland until the coming of Split-Level homes.

In the late 60s and early 70s many apartment complexes were built. Due to Malls and department stores in the area Main Street was on the decline as a shopping area and an Urban Renewal project razed the old Roxy Theatre etc... A new Post Office was built on Main Street and then later on a new Municipal Building and Police Station were built on Stiles Avenue using in part the old Warick Fashions Coat factory.

What really finished the Township off was the building of its own High School in 1972. Sometime in the end of the 1800s the Chesterford School, a one room schoolhouse built in 1811, was renamed the "Maple Shade School." Four schools later a high school is what the town needed to be complete. I first lived in Moorestown and my parents knew people in the Maple Shade Jaycees due to the fact that they had in the late 1950s gone to school at Moorestown's high school.

Maple Shade adopted in 1975 the Council Manager form of government.

The early industries of Maple Shade were the William Frech Wagon Works, the brickyards, lastly Graham Brick Co., and clothing manufacturing such as Brubakers and Warick Fashions.

Maple Shade until the early 1970s had almost a total white population (as did most early suburbs). Maple Shade beginning in the 1930s had many bars and at the peak over 20 liquor licenses. It always stood out for its organizations such as the Jaycees, Lions Club and VFW. A blue-collar township could offer the same amount of pride as a wealthy one due to importance on community.

Maple Shade's motto has been "Nice Town, Friendly People" which is pretty much true.

100 years ago- 1922-

Maple Shade was a part of Chester Township. It wanted to be connected to Moorestown's water works and have many improvements. If it got enough people (voters) it could gain more committeemen and more votes and get whatever it wanted.

Actually that is probably a result (cause and effect), but also if there were more homes then there was more the justifiable need for the improvements and tax revenue. Anyhow, Moorestown since trying to separate in 1917 wanted them "off their backs."

When do you think most of the Barlow bungalows were built? Before Moorestown separated in 1922? Around the time of the Ben. Franklin Bridge opening in 1926? Barlow & Company began in 1912 but incorporated in 1921 and in 1922 and 1923 most of the Barlow Built Bungalows (a sales phrase we first see in 1922) were built.

From the New Jersey Mirror newspaper, March 29, 1922-

A referendum election which has been called for April 25, at which time the voters of Moorestown, Lenola and Stanwick will decide whether they will secede from old Chester township and form "Moorestown township." If the voters decide in favor of secession, Maple Shade will be the only town left in Chester township. The legislature passed a law giving Moorestown, Lenola and Stanwick the right to call a referendum to decide on forming a new township.

The action of the legislature was greatly opposed by residents of Maple Shade, but they have not requested the right to participate in the impending election, because it appears that voters are somewhat divided on the proposed change. Thomas J.S. Barlow, one of the founders of Maple Shade, says that the town might have a hard struggle at first but must face the inevitable. The town is developing at a rapid pace. an evidence of which is the fact that more than 100 new houses will be erected in the town this year. Many persons feel certain that the town will become self-supporting quite rapidly.

From the Camden Post Telegram, Friday December 1, 1922-

Maple Shade-
Oscar Anderson, local contractor for Barlow and Company, Inc., has completed the erection of 74 houses here and has the contracts for 100 additional ones to be built in the spring.

Maple Shade Train Station updates-

I fell behind updating the train station page and am working on another book. Here is some info I have to add to the page later-

From the New Jersey Mirror newspaper- February 1, 1893, page 3

Railroad Notes-
Maple Shade, herefore a flag station, has been changed to a first class agency, with telegraph instrument and semaphone signal. H.E. Gilbert has been appointed agent.

From the Maple Shade Progress newspaper, May 4, 1917-

Isn't it about time that Maple Shade had a real railroad station? Surerly Harry Gilbert is entitled to something better after his many years of service there, to say nothing of the commuters.

From the New Jersey Mirror newspaper, May 1917-

Residents of Maple Shade have asked the Pennsylvania Railroad Company to give it the same train service that is afforded Merchantville and Moorestown and erect a new station.

From the New Jersey Mirror newspaper, July 7, 1920-

Moorestown- Maple Shade, near here, has just recieved its tenth promise from the Pennsylvania Railroad that the station will be rebuilt. The ? is about twenty times as large now as when the small shed that serves as a station was built.

From, I think, a Mount Holly newspaper-

Moorestown
The Pennsylvania railroad is planning to enlarge its station at Maple Shade which has remained the same size although the population has increased twenty fold.

From the Courier Post newspaper, October 17, 1921-

Enlarge Station At Maple Shade
Railroad Provides Room Needed for Increased Patronage
New Waiting Room On Eastern End

The Maple Shade Pennsylvania Railroad station is at last being enlarged to meet increased patronage. An addition is being placed on the eastern end of the station which will be used as a ladies' waiting room, while the agent, William Eisinger Jr., will enlarge his present quarters and occupy the present ladies' waiting room. A baggage room is to be built on the west end of the station, relieving the crowded condition of the men's waiting room. When completed the building will be about 75 feet in length. Two boarding cars with living quarters have been placed on the siding for the accommodation of the workmen.

From the Courier Post newspaper, August 24, 1938-

MAPLE SHADE ACTS TO RETAIN STATION
Merchants Oppose Pennsy Proposal to Make West Moorestown Sole Stop

Maple Shade, Aug. 23- Local merchants and civic organizations will oppose the proposal of the Pennsylvania Railroad to close the local station and place it under the jurisdiction of West Moorestown.

A public hearing on the railroad's application will be held in the State House, Trenton, Sept. 20, before the Public Utility Commissioners.

Merchants contend that when the Pennsylvania Railroad Company obtained the legal right-of-way through Maple Shade from N. E. Perkins, a clause was inserted in the agreement, stating that "an agent must always be maintained at Maple Shade station." A bitter fight will be waged, it is understood, to compel the railroad to live up to the agreement.

Recently the railroad was given permission to remove four trains from the local line.

The approval of the application by the Public Utility Commissioners will change the status of the Maple Shade station from an independent passenger, freight and baggage station, part-time, to a non-agency passenger, baggage and freight station, coming under the jurisdiction of West Moorestown.

Information (not an exact quote) from the Maple Shade Progress newspaper, 1959-

Maple Shade Depot Will Be Closed For Ticket Sales, Freight Business;
Tickets Available at Moorestown, Merchantville

By Earle W. Johnson Sr.

(Note from Dennis Weaver- Earle was a free lance writer for the Maple Shade Progress and had several articles on the railroad. He is wrong about all the "moved the station from Stiles Avenue and built the station at Forklanding Road in 1874" talk but correct on other items as he married the daughter of Harry Gilbert, the second station agent.)

Sunday November 1, 1959 the Maple Shade station will be closed for ticket sales and freight business. The building to the east known as the "Jumper House," which housed railroad equipment, is in the process of being demolished.

From the Courier Post newspaper, Sunday Nov. 25, 1990-

The station, which had three additions built on during the early 1900s, was essentially shut down in 1959 when the railroad pulled out its station agent, area train historian Frank Kozemple said. The station, however, was used as a passenger stop until 1969.

Last passenger service of the railroad-
(From Christopher T. Baer's research paper)

April 25, 1969
Last run of passenger service between Camden (12th & Federal) and Pemberton, N.J.; Nos. 987-988, Camden-Pemberton and Nos. 983-990, Camden-Moorestown. (A-sheet, ft)

There is other information on the type of train which took the last passenger service trip that day but I would have to probably get permission for some of the details to copy. (trains forum)

Here are some railroad information links-

April 25, 1969

All years ended

Last run of Penn Central commuter train 987

Nov. 1, 1959 Ticket sales stop at Maple Shade station

April 25, 1969 Last runs of passenger train service

Maple Shade train station museum article

First Maple Shade Police Headquarters

Notice- Lulu books known mistakes-

Burlington County old photos-

Courier Post photos

Really great photos Historical of area towns including Maple Shade.

Main Street Diner-

There was first a diner at the NW corner of Main St. and Forklanding Road as seen on a 1929 Sanborn map.
Then it appears to have been moved by 1944 and looks like the same diner in 1953 photos. There was another diner later on at the corner owned by George Madias.

Diner Pictures at OneDrive Cloud

New page! Margaret Brown subdivision-

Margaret Brown subdivision

Ida W. Sauselein subdivision-

Another subdivision, besides Margaret Brown's, made by a woman was the "Plan of Lots of Ida W. Sauselein."
I presume the "W" is for Wallace but no matter. The subdivision is about 5 acres and goes from the RR, along North Forklanding Rd. and I guess to the Post Office lot. It contains two streets, Theodore named for her father and Wallace for her mother's family (maiden name).

The above chart is from FamilySearch.org

2022 is the year of Maple Shade's 100th anniversary as a township.

Here are some big years-
1922 Moorestown with Lenola separates from Chester Twp. to become "Moorestown."
1922-23 Barlow Built Bungalows are built by the 100s chiefly in the Maple Heights section of town.
1925- Water plant
1926- Dedicated Maple Shade Post Office at 16 South Forklanding Rd.
1927- Municipal Building housing Police and Fire Depts built
1927- Sewer system

mapleshade.com WRONG history-

I hope they fix it. So wrong for so long! So many Mayors and Council did not fix it over the last 17 years or so.

The Little Red Schoolhouse in Maple Shade Paperback-

The next time you make an order on Amazon.com, you could add this book.
Emma Brooks' book

New Page- Chester Township, Burlington County-

Chester Township page

Spam and Spoofing advise and examples-

Just to educate people. Got some choice examples!
-Dennis
Spam and Spoofing folder at my Ondrive Cloud

Great article on Brooks/ McElwee family and last pandemic-

Brooks Story at my OneDrive

Turkey Farms

There were two turkey farms in Maple Shade. One was on Orchard Ave. owned by John and Therese Martin. (Swiss French) Another was on Kings Highway owned by the Martinovich family.

Across the street from the Martin's turkey farm on Orchard Ave. was Rudy Zillincar's farm where he sold eggs. He was known as "the egg man." He left the eggs out and you took them and paid by the honor system.

The Evan Martinovich turkey farm was on Kings Highway just west of Lenola Rd. aprox. where the Iron Hill Restaurant is now.

Here are some newspaper articles on the Martinovich turkey farm-
den's OneDrive cloud

Books for sale-

Dennis' books on Lulu

The Maple Shade books use a large font (for older eyes). I cannot see anyone buying the "Maple Shade Village" book and not being so happy for the things they will see and learn. It is all upped a level over what I have at my website.

The Moorestown book would probably be of more interest to Moorestowners or broader history lovers.

All profits I give to the Maple Shade Historical Society.

Website Announcements-

Someone bought a copy of each of the three books off Lulu on August 2, 2020. There was spelling errors and things changed and 6 additional pages added to the "Village book" soon after and I made it right on the 3 other copies sold besides this sale. If you are local I can exchange you with the corrected book at some point.
-Dennis Weaver

Progress of Maple Shade book mistake-

Theodore Cash Sauselein was elected as our first Township Committeeman from this district.

Arthur N. Cutler said that he was the first (his quote), but the truth is that he wasn't. In the 1907 Chronicle Directory of Moorestown with Maple Shade, Hartford, Evesboro, Fellowship, Mt. Laurel, Lenola it has Eugene Hill of Mecray Lane listed as a Township Committeeman Chester Township. (See Maple Shade Village book)

Lulu book known mistakes- Pre April 6, 2022
(On April 6, 2022 the books were updated/ revised.)-

Village book-

I should have taken a half a page or whole page explaining Chester Township. The books are meant to be a series in time but I still should have explained more.

Page 79-

Mary Myers was the sister of Christian Frech's wife Louisa and of Henry J. Fahr.

It should have said "Henry F. Fahr."

Page 83-

A brick store front addition was added to the "Myer's house" by builder Fred Fister for Amos Ferro, of Anna Avenue, who purchased the property. It was called the "Ferro Building."

I should have added that until recent years there was a small sign over a door that said "Ferro Building."

Page 122-

Henry B. Coles' mansion was at the southwest corner of Main Street and Coles Avenue, previously called Cooper Landing Road.

It should add the name- Cooperstown road, but luckily that name is mentioned on page 130

Pictures book-

John Bonamo of Bonamo's Meat Market, Mill Road and Sunset Avenue about 1955

It should say Mill Road and S. Forklanding Road. (across from the Mill Road Inn)

Roberts Memorial book-

Page 4-

and that I was a much younger man then he was, he would like for us to go out there some day and he would show me the exact place, then I might tell those yet younger then myself,

The two "then" should be "than."