Before the housing boom transformed Egg Harbor Township into the growing suburban community it is today, the area was known for its rich agricultural heritage. Farms stretched across the landscape, providing fresh produce and supporting local families for generations.
One notable example was the farm owned and operated by Thomas Dix on Steelmanville Road. Dix began farming the property in the 1940s and continued the operation for many years, becoming a familiar figure in the township’s agricultural community. A historic photograph captures Tom Dix inspecting a thriving lettuce crop, one of the farm’s most successful products.
The lettuce grown on the Dix farm was trucked to numerous wholesale and retail businesses throughout the region. During a time when farming played a central role in the local economy, crops such as lettuce helped supply markets, grocery stores and restaurants with fresh produce. Farmers like Dix worked long hours to cultivate, harvest and distribute their crops, contributing significantly to the area’s prosperity.
The image serves as a reminder of a very different Egg Harbor Township. Long before residential developments and busy commercial corridors became common, farmland dominated much of the township’s landscape. Agriculture was not only a way of life but also an important economic driver that connected local growers with consumers across South Jersey and beyond.
Today, many residents may not realize the extent of Egg Harbor Township’s farming history. Historic photographs and local records help preserve these memories, offering a glimpse into the people and industries that helped shape the community. The story of Thomas Dix and his Steelmanville Road farm reflects the dedication and hard work of the township’s farming families, whose contributions laid the foundation for future growth.
Information for this article was obtained from Journey Through Time in Egg Harbor Township, NJ by June Sheridan and Lynn Wood.
Special thanks to Lynn Wood for helping preserve and share the township’s rich history.
