Union Steam Engine Company first formed in 1749 and operated from a modest firehouse at the corner of Market Street and Broadway. That site is currently occupied by the Old Court House. The Salem Fire Museum is in the fire company’s second fire station, built in 1869, and served actively until 1992 when the Union Steam Engine Company No. 1 moved into a commodious engine house on Walnut Street.
The outside of the museum decorated for Christmas
The firehouse right by the old Boro hall
The front of the firehouse was altered in the early 1930’s to accommodate the 1935 Ahrens Fox pumper, which would not fit in the narrow arched truck door. In the mid-1970’s, a concrete foundation was poured to hold the weight of the 1978 Mack pumper. Size of modern fire apparatus was the motivating factor that drove the fire company out of this firehouse in 1992. The dignified old fire station sat vacant until 2002 when a group of volunteers began the restoration efforts. They were met with a staunch task of crumbling walls, no heat, no electric, no water, and very little money.
Since the project started, the volunteers have restored the front façade to its’ original 3-arched-door configuration, replaced the frieze, installed HVAC, replaced the electric and water service, and collected, organized, and displayed artifacts from over 200 years of fire service in Salem City and surrounding communities. You can view items like the 1847 John Agnew Columbian Hand Pumper, the ornate boiler exhaust from the 1878 Silsby Steamer, old helmets, uniforms, speaking trumpets, nozzles and the like.
The pumper at the museum
The side view of the pumper on the first floor
The antique equipment on the first floor of the museum
The first floor of the firehouse decorated for Christmas
The ‘irons’ at the fire house
The old and new SCBA equipment
People visiting the museum during the parade
The fire place going on a cold morning during the parade
Safety equipment for rescue at the museum
Equipment used on the fire truck
A full view of the firehouse museum first floor
The firehouse Christmas tree
A full view of the first floor of the museum decorated for Christmas
The firehouse door decorated with helmets
The second floor of the museum was set up for the office and operation base of the fire department. The displays are set up with fire operations in mind as well as where the fire fighters were living when on duty for their shifts.
The second floor of the museum
Fire department ‘Class A’ and fire department clothing
Fire department awards and memorabilia
Fire department artifacts
More fire department artifacts
The years of Chief’s hats
Years of emergency communication equipment
The operation desk at the firehouse
Desk operations and Chief’s horn
View from the second floor of the fire house
The second floor set up for a party for the firefighters and their families
The illumination equipment on the first floor
The full first floor of the museum
The Salem Fire Museum gives an interesting look of life in the fire service both at the turn of The last century and today. I just wish it were open more often for the public to see.
The Cohanzick Zoo is part of the Bridgeton Park system and can be found inside the parks grounds.
The main entrance to the zoo.
The zoo has an old fashioned feel with smaller rescue animals and equally not too large cages. The zoo is mostly comprised of smaller animals who were rescued from either being poached, illegally transported or had been used as pets, many of them being neglected and abused.
The sign that welcomes you to the park
Throughout the park amongst the cages of wildlife are strolling gardens and animal related statuary.
The pathways and gardens were still in bloom the afternoon that I was there and it is a nice way to spend do the afternoon.
The Elephant statuary at the entrance of the zoo
The status of how some animals found their home here
The first resident I finished was the Raccoon House, where it looked like the raccoon was taking a snooze. He really looked out of it when J passed the cage.
The Raccoon House
The Raccoon Crossing sign
This poor little guy was out like a light
The zoo is one of the smaller more localized ones that I have visited so you can see the whole zoo in about an hour. Then you can walk leisurely around the paths and revisit the exhibitions again. Some of the animals like the peacock family, just wonder around the park and do their thing.
This gorilla sculpture that greets you in the back part of the zoo
Following the walkway to the back pens where a lot of the small animal and bird displays were located
The next exhibition that I visited was the Sand Hill Crane and I read that the poor little guy had been injured. He seemed a bit more optimistic when I passed the cage. I think that the animals just want some attention.
The Sand Hill Crane display
The Crane was watching all of us as we passed his cage
The next small animal that I visited was the Fennec fox and the two that I saw were fast asleep on this warm afternoon. They must have had a busy morning.
The Fennec fox cage
The foxes that I saw that day were fast asleep
While I was walking around the back part of the zoo, there was a peacock family walking around the cages. The father peacock had two small birds with him and they just meandered amongst the cages.
The male Peacock walking around the zoo with his children. They were allowed to walk around on their own without being locked up. They looked like they were having an adventure as a family.
The Ring Tailed Lemur display
I visited the Ring- Tailed Lemur pens and these little monkeys looked like they were plotting an escape. They stayed in a bunch the whole time I watched them and they just stared.
The lemurs just stared back at me as I watched them
The back part of the museum was beautiful in the early fall
The tiger sculpture along the path at first freaked me out that he had gotten out and just looked at us. He looked real.
The Totem Pole Garden
The river running through the gardens in the Fall 2024
The leopard looked bored in his cage. He justly walked aimless around their cages. They are not being given enough space to move around.
The serval cage
The Serval also looked bored. It just walked in circles around the cage. I was not sure if he was bored or just confused.
The zoo is such a nice way to relax and enjoy a warm afternoon. The animals here are not shy but need to have more space to move around. I think we as humans visiting them amuse them more.
The History of the Cohanzick Zoo:
(from the zoo website)
The Cohanzick Zoo is privileged to hold the title of New Jersey’s first zoo, and to this day remains one of the only municipal-ran zoos in the state. It all began back in 1934 when the City of Bridgeton found itself in possession of a small herd of deer which the citizens thought should be exhibited. And thus… a zoo was created!
The Zoo is part of the Department of Recreation and Public Affairs. Located in Bridgeton’s city park, which spans over 1,100 acres, the zoo is home to over 100 different mammals, birds, and reptiles. Over 45 different species from all around the world are represented here.
The Zoo, originally named the “Bridgeton Zoo”, was later named the Cohanzick Zoo in 1972. “Cohanzick” coming from the band of Lenape Indians who resided in the area alongside the Cohansey River, which resulted in the band of the tribe being named the Cohanzick Indians. This river flows through and around the park, adding a unique water feature.
Up until about 1970 the Zoo was a fairly small operation, running more like a petting zoo than a modern zoological care facility. This change was facilitated by Jerry Alden, who became Director of Parks and Recreation for Bridgeton. Knowing a local with a love and talent for taming wildlife, Henry R. Ricci was offered the position of curator, which he happily accepted. His defining point for change was, “Close it up, or make it a zoological garden and educational center,”.
Between 1970 and 1973 big changes came to the small zoo. Part of this is thanks to a visit to the Governor’s office in Trenton by zoo resident, Maggie, a jaguar. Her visit was rewarded with a $25,000 gift to the Zoo from the state government, per Gov. Cahill. A sanitation program was put in place, proper care and diet programs were developed for the animals, and more natural habitats were built. Dr. Ernest Zirkle, a local veterinarian who up until then had cared for the animals as a public service, was made a formal member of the zoo staff. Another big change, was the formation of the Cohanzick Zoological Society. The Society, which still exists today, comprised of local volunteer citizens, has the mission of supporting the Zoo through driving public awareness and fundraising efforts.
Since then, the Zoo has been on an ever-evolving mission to better its experience for both its animals, and its visitors. Thanks to funding from both local government and public donations, the Zoo is able to provide free admission to visitors, maintain necessary renovations, and keep up appropriate care for the animals.
The Penns Grove Historical Society at 48 West Main Street
This was when the museum was decorated for Christmas in 2023
The Penns Grove Historical Society sign that welcomes you to the museum
The Mission Statement for the Historical Society of Penns Grove, Carneys Point and Oldmans:
The mission of the Society is to collect, study and conserve such historical materials as they relate to the towns and their inhabitants, especially of the early settlement. It shall preserve relics and property of the past, both real and personal as may be given, bequeathed, purchased, loaned or otherwise acquired by the Society. It shall be the Society’s responsibility to use the collection for the education, enjoyment and benefit of the general public.
After almost two years of trying to visit this small historical society, the trips aligned and J was able to visit the Penns Grove Historical Society and delightful and very engaging exhibitions. What was sad was that people missed this wonderful well thought out museum when visiting the area. The museum has so much charm and such interesting exhibitions to walk through.
Entering the museum and the sign for the main exhibition ‘The Clothes we Wore’
There were three exhibitions showing when I came to visit. One was “On the Waterfront” on the Penns Grove waterfront. This describes the shipping and fishing industry that the town had before the building of the factories and the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Each display case has different aspects of the industries.
The seafarer and shipping artifacts
This exhibit shows how much the Delaware Bay has changed over the last 100 years.
The pictures and description of the native coastline around the Delaware River
Pictures of the Fishing Industry that was once part of the fabric of the town
The next was the exhibition, “The Clothes We Wore” was an extensive look at the retail community of Downtown Penns Grove, NJ before the coming of the malls and changes of traffic patterns into town. It is also a look at the changes in the way we dress not just to go out but how we dress every day.
When you walk the exhibition you can see the array of stores from shoe stores to hats that people used to don until the mid 1960’s and the coming of ‘Flower Power’. Each store had its specialty and catered to a specific client. It is interesting how each stores had it own display of wares and its use in our wardrobes. It also shows a very vibrant downtown that is now part of its past.
Each store had its own display along with the advertising in a time when shopping was leisurely and we took time out to try things on. Pride in appearance was a big part of who we are as people.
Dresses and suits were once part of our everyday wardrobe
The Millinery shop where hats and gloves were part of the wardrobe
Shoes shined for work every day were part of the uniform
Accessories built the character of our wardrobe
More hats that showed the personality of the wearer
The different advertising for the various merchants that made up the downtown
A glimpse of the downtown in its heyday
The infant and children’s clothing was a bit more formal even at public school
We pampered babies even back then. Their wardrobes were always special
Poland’s Department Store downtown was the place to shops before malls took over
Gloves, hats and corsets were once part of a woman’s wardrobe
The stores that once catered to the well heeled and the every day customers when service was not a chore
Preparing for a formal occasion or for long distance travel
The back part of the exhibition with all the beautifully made clothing
The formal parlor display when entertaining guests was a ritual in good manners and social etiquette. This is where the mannequin of ‘Grandma’ stands guard over her guests. Things were more formal back then.
Grandma stands guard watching and engaging her guests
The last exhibition was entitled “It’s Elementary” on the town’s school system. The displays in the back of the museum discuss the modes of transportation before cars and highways became part of the fabric. The progression of the schools in Penns Grove were on display as well with class pictures, school trips, awards and pictures of the schools themselves before regionalization and building of new schools.
The history of the Penns Grove School system in the exhibition “It’s Elementary”
The history of early schools in Penns Grove
The corner stone of the Penns Grove School
A classic trip to Washington DC and Mount Vernon were part of the school traditions even in the 1920’s
The trolley system between Penns Grove and Pennsville all the way out to Salem, the County Seat were part of the way people travelled before cars became part of the fabric of our society.
The old trolley system
The main gallery of the museum
The museum has a lot to offer in such a small space . It packed with interesting information on a community that no longer exists but is part of its not so distant past. It shows how a community keeps progressing and writes its own future.
The museum is open once a week for touring on Sunday’s through Thanksgiving and then closes for the season reopening in March and April for visitors. I told them they could market the current exhibition as “Christmas Shopping in Penns Grove” and keep it open through December with a visit from a department store Santa. A nice twist to three excellent exhibitions.
The Greater Elmer Historical Society at 117 Broad Street
The History of The Greater Elmer Area Historical Society:
(from the museum website)
The Greater Elmer Area Historical Society was formed as a committee in 2008. It officially organized as a non-profit Historical Society in 2010.
Our Vision:
(from the museum website)
Serving the Elmer Borough, Pittsgrove Township and Upper Pittsgrove Township, The Greater Elmer Area Historical Society brings together the historical connection of he Borough and two Townships. Our vision is to use that connection to contribute to the understanding and appreciation of the history we share and to promote the cultural growth of our communities.
The entrance of The Great Emler Area Historical Society
Museum & Archives:
The GEAHS Museum & Archives opened in 2018 in the former St. Ann’s Church in Elmer, NJ. It is open to the public on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00am-2:00pm. Stop by and browse our collection of local history including books, photographs, signage, artifacts and much more. The Society meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30pm for guest speaker presentations, show and tell and society updates. The public is welcome to attend.
Some the events that the Society runs each year:
Historical Tours: The Curiosity House Tour is usually held in late November featuring houses and churches in the Elmer area. The homes are decorated seasonally and most have a rich historic background. The Historical Cemetery Tour is a guided tour held in late October highlighting the life stories of people buried in local cemeteries.
Elmer Harvest Day: Elmer Harvest Day is a community event that includes live music, crafters, antique car show, children’s activities, fire truck rides, petting zoo, food vendors, special offer from local businesses and lots of fun activities for visitors of all ages. Elmer Harvest Day is held on the first Saturday of October.
Elmer Harvest Day 2024: (I attended the event)
The tractors on display on Elmer Harvest Day October 5th, 2024
The streets were mobbed with residents and visitors on Elmer Harvest Day
The creativity of the crafts vendors
It was not even Halloween yet and here comes Christmas
These were some of the most unusual crafts at the festival. I loved the Mummy Bowl Fillers. Very clever!
I took a chance on a recent visit to Elmer, New Jersey to see if there Historical Society was open and I lucked out. On a beautiful early October day, they were sponsoring their annual Harvest Festival and the museum was open. What an interesting little museum. The collection reflects life in a small rural community and how it has grown in the modern time.
The outside of the museum on the day of the Harvest Festival
The museum is housed in an old Catholic Church
The building was built in 1894 as St. Ann’s Catholic Church that was organized in 1892. The church was built Adam Kandle at the cost of $1800. The cornerstone was donated by marble cutter Joseph Gibson. In November 2017, the former church building was donated to the Greater Elmer Area Historical Society to be used as their headquarters (Society pamphlet).
The shine to Saint Ann just outside the door
The inside gallery of the museum still has a feel of the church mixed with the modern era
The town progressed from a sleeping community of hunting and fishing for the Lenape to the coming of the Dutch, French, English and various waves of new immigration to the area.
The Early Settlement sign
The museum may be small but it packed with information on the history of Elmer, the local industries and farms, the Native American population and local population. Each section of the museum has a different theme to it.
The Native American artifacts
The Arrowhead collection at the museum
It seems that many of these artifacts were found in the local farm fields. The area had been a big settlement for the Lenape tribes, who probably found the same benefits as the settlers.
The Arrowhead Collection
The museum had an interesting collection of artifacts from local businesses from the area.
Artifacts from the Native Americans
With colonization, and the growth of agriculture ( which is still strong today), the business and manufacturing communities grew in the area and prospered even before the railroads came.
Early Industries of Elmer, NJ:
The growth of the area and the progress of a small town
The businesses of early Elmer included glass making, broom manufacturing and agriculture
The artifacts of the past of Elmer, NJ
The Registration Book of the Elmer Lake Hotel shows how the area changed to add leisure as work changed
Roles in the Home and Community:
The museum displays show a woman’s role in both the household and the community.
The roles of women were standardized
The roles of women in rural New Jersey were set in helping on the farm, tending to the house and raising young children until they were ready to work on the farm, cooking, cleaning and dong the domestic chores. With no electricity, what we deem as simple today was much work to the farm house wife. Domestic life and its attributes were noted in the display case,
Domestic items of the home
What needed to be done in the kitchen to feed the family
Canning and preserving foods for the winter
Ironing and taking care of clothing
Creating your own playthings, the Mercy Reeve doll. Store bought items were just too expensive for the average person or not available
The Wedding dress
The Hartz wedding dress
The was a nice display of items from the Elmer Fire and EMS departments on display as well. This shows the rich history of both departments.
The Elmer Fire and EMS department display
The museum also covered daily life in Elmer whether it be business or just general living. A rural community things continue to happen. Transportation continually changes from horses and buggies to railroads and then to cars. This has changed the landscape of the town.
Transportation into Elmer changed life forever
First by horse and buggies
Then by railroad
The daily life included trips into town to buy things for the homestead and visiting merchants and visiting with the doctor.
The Medical life in a rural community
The local dairy business was a big part of the economy
Visiting the creamery and how the dairy business was a big part of the community for work
The glassworks of the various businesses
Daily life in the town and the surrounding area in the beginning was a never ending wave of duties and chores. The household, farms and businesses had to run and everyone knew what needed to be done during the productive warmer months to survive the colder and hasher realities of the Winter. With time and progress each generation progressed to the modern era and this is still changing.
All parts of the everyday lives of people
Bonnet for picking potatoes
Not everything was all work and no play. There were dances, gatherings and socials and later on musical performances then the coming of radio and the movies. Children still had their games and to prepare children for domesticity of the future, there were toys related to the genders with girls playing with dolls and keeping dollhouses and boys with construction games and ready for life on the farm and factories.
The Cain family dollhouse was a cherished family item
The dollhouse with the historical marker
The museum shows the rich history of Elmer and the surrounding community and the spirit of a small town. There are many different displays in the museum to see and experience. Though the town has changed over the years, its progress continues.
Don’t miss their special events as well. I had a wonderful time walking around the downtown for the Harvest Festival. There are all sorts of special events and talks that the museum sponsors so please check out the website above.
Visiting a Museum: The Unique, Unusual, Obscure and Historical 