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OUR COMMUNITIES
GLASSBORO
Site of the historic 1967 meeting between President Lyndon Johnson and Soviet Premier Aleksei Kosygin, Glassboro is the midway point between New York City and Washington D.C., 18 miles southeast of Philadelphia and 50 miles northwest of Atlantic City. Although no formal agreements were reached at the Summit, the talks led to an improved Soviet American relationship and opened the door to communications between the two countries.
Glassboro's roots date back to 1779 when Soloman Stanger paid Jacob Gosling 700 pounds for 200 acres of ground. It was on this ground that he built Stanger Glass Works, establishing the town's role as the hub of the glass manufacturing industry.
In 1917, the State of New Jersey acquired land in the borough and opened the New Jersey State Normal School, eventually known as Glassboro State College. The school was renamed Rowan University in 1992 after receiving a $100 million grant from Henry and Betty Rowan, one of the largest ever bestowed on a public university.
PITMAN
Back in 1871, many churches stopped operating in the heat of summer. Religious zealots feared it would become breeding ground for the devil's work. A small group of Methodist ministers promoted the campground as a means of combining a country vacation with the discipline of faith. In 1880, 10,000 visitors were attracted to the camp. By the 1900's, trains were transporting 50 cars of campers each weekend. The area soon overgrew its boundaries, evolving into a permanent population.
Today, Pitman's 9,365 residents occupy a 2.3 square mile area. The borough has 13 churches, three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Pitman is located in Gloucester County, New Jersey, approximately 17 miles southeast of Philadelphia.
High school sports dominate this tiny town where the boys basketball team held the state champion title for two years running (1997 and 1998). The 2000 boys baseball and soccer teams were South Jersey Group 1 champions, both teams making it all the way to the state's final game before elimination. The girl's soccer team was 1998 Tri-County champs. Tracy Haines led the 2000 track team to 2nd in the state, Joe Molle won the 1998 New Jersey State 50 meter swim competition. Girl's Tennis team is the reigning South Jersey champion. With such success, the Philadelphia Eagles need to look no further than their own backyard for the next Donovan McNabb!
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
The Township of Washington was incorporated in 1836 during a meeting held at the Green Tree Tavern. The Tavern stood at the corner of Egg Harbor Road and Green Tree Road, directly across the street from where GCF's main office stands today. The population surged from 5800 residents in the 1960's to 41,500 by 1989, making it the fastest growing community in South Jersey. Today, nearly 25% of Gloucester County's residents call this 22.5 mile tract of land home. Shopping, restaurants and entertainment have sprung up to serve the rapidly growing residential base.
WILLIAMSTOWN
Founded in 1728 deep in Indian country, this town was originally named Squamkum, meaning "place of evil spirits", referring to the mosquitoes that dominated the region. The name was changed to Williamstown after founder Israel Williams in 1842 when they applied for their own post office. Prior to this, residents had to travel to Cross Keys to get their mail, which came in 3 times per week. Their only route was via the Main St. Turnpike, passing through a toll gate at the driveway of present Holly Glenn school.
The first town hall burnt down in 1862, along with several stores and homes. It was rebuilt for $4000 as a 2-story frame building that only housed the tax collector and a clerk. The upstairs was sometimes used as classrooms for the overcrowded school. Williamstown's first police department was started in 1925 by George Ormsby, who remained a one-man force for 21 years. Today's police force employs 80 officers plus administrative workers.
Entrepreneur Bill Simmermon had planned one corner of the town as an industrial park/aviation/entertainment area to be called Star Harbor Park. Geet's Diner and the service station across the street were the only ventures that materialized.
Once a thriving agricultural area, Williamstown today is built on its location. Along the main thorofare to the shore, midway between Philadelphia, PA and Atlantic City, NJ, the town is a frequent stopover for parents en route to the shore hearing the inevitable "Are we there yet? How much longer?".
