By Cindy Christy Fertsch
In 1955, Maryjane McAllister’s father announced to his family that they were moving from Atlantic City to “the country.” The country he was referring to was Linwood, New Jersey. At the time, however, his description wasn’t too far off. Their property, which backed up against Brighton Farm in the area that is now the park, was graced with roaming cows and wildlife.
Linwood, originally known as “Leedsville,” boasts a rich and fascinating history, which is documented in great detail at the Linwood Historical Society. The 150-year-old Historical Society building was once a one-room schoolhouse for local children. Today, it is filled with artifacts from the Linwood of the early 1900s. The space is filled with chalkboards, desks, generational mementos, and other treasures that tell the story of Linwood. A glass display showcases photos of Linwood veterans, including Maryjane’s father.
When Bellhaven Avenue School was built, the one-room schoolhouse became the Borough Hall until 1931, when Linwood became incorporated, and the building was transformed into City Hall. By 1965, when the new City Hall was established on New Road, the historic building changed faces again, this time becoming the Linwood Public Library.
The “country” that Maryjane’s father spoke of, where cows roamed freely, developed, and modernized over the decades, but regardless of the changes, Maryjane McAllister continued to call Linwood home. Growing up, she attended Linwood Public School District, where she later became a teacher. When Maryjane met her husband, Bob McAllister, they decided to stay put and raise their children in their hometown as well. Maryjane’s life and history are deeply rooted in Linwood, New Jersey. Following her retirement, Maryjane became a volunteer for the Linwood Historical Society to help preserve the history of the town she holds dear to her heart.
She tells the stories of trolleys rolling up and down Shore Road, children ice skating on Bargaintown Lake, and the trains that traveled down tracks where the bike path now is.
The popular cafe and ice cream shop, Jessie’s, was once Stuber’s General Store which served as the community bakery and grocery store. Adolf Stuber’s daughter, Elsie, eventually took it over in 1937 and ran the general store until the 1950s. The establishment was even a gas bump at one point as cars were becoming increasingly more popular.
A celebration is being planned for the 150-year building this August. Those interested are invited to stop in the Linwood Historical Society to take a peek back in time. The Historical Society, located at 16 W. Poplar Avenue, is open every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. To schedule a time outside of these hours, call 609-927-8293. For more information, visit www.linwoodnj.org.
