South Jersey Culture & History Center at Stockton University

On March 9, 2014 the South Jersey Culture and History Center—along with Stockton’s ARHU and General Studies programs, and Kramer Hall, Stockton’s instructional site in Hammonton—traveled to the Kerri Brooke Catering Center to attend the 9^th Annual Lines on the Pines.  The event, which the SJCHC helped sponsor, brought an eclectic mix of South Jersey artists, authors, and artisans together to collectively celebrate that fascinating landscape we all know and love: the Pine Barrens.

Spirits at the SJCHC table were high as representatives mingled with the locals and contributors throughout the day.  Many were particularly fond of our bibliography of South Jersey Poetry, Sandy Shorts newsletter, and exhibition materials.  After several hours of disseminating (and acquiring) information, purchasing souvenirs, and watching all but one free pen leave our table, we were ready for dinner and the second portion of the day’s festivities.

South Jersey Historian Paul Schopp kicked things off with a poem, which segued into a mini celebration of Budd Wilson’s 80^th birthday.  “Bogman” Bill Smith then took us on an intriguing botanical journey as he described his “Adventures in Bog Construction.”  After, our ears were filled with the soothing country sounds of Devin Waddell and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, and the groovy jams of Bryant Still Hick’s new age jazz fusion to round out the evening.  But before dinner was over and all of the final raffle prizes were called out, our two musical acts for the evening combined talents and performed a song that blended rap and country, or what they referred to as “raptry.”  All in all, it was an incredibly fun and enlightening evening.

The SJCHC would like to thank everyone who attended, participated, and helped organize the 9^th Annual Lines on the Pines.  We would also like to thank Linda and Jim Stanton in particular for coordinating such a wonderful event.  We had a great time this year and look forward to next year, which marks the 10^th Anniversary of Line on the Pines.  Stay tuned, folks, because it’s going to be an event to remember!

If you find yourself on campus between now and March 10, be sure to stop by Stockton’s library and explore the current exhibition on display, “Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act through Music: A Display of African American Musicians from the Richard E. Bjork Library Collections.” Complete with a fascinating presentation of images, books, and CDs, the exhibit examines how African Americans used music as a form of nonviolent protest during the Civil Rights era. It also highlights a number of influential individuals and institutions that united African Americans on both the local and national scale. Don’t miss out–visit the library and check out this exhibition today!

Richard E. Bjork Library Home Page

South Jersey attracted a lot of attention from wealthy business owners during the 19th century, including Joseph Wharton, who purchased Batsto, and Maurice Raleigh, who invested in thousands of acres around Atsion. Among their number was a young Philadelphia lawyer named Charles K. Landis, who was involved in the development of Elwood and Hammonton before creating the town of Vineland.

On November 14 at 6 p.m., Patricia A. Martinelli will present “The Road from Hammonton to Vineland” at Kramer Hall, 30 Front Street, Hammonton. Martinelli, the administrator/curator of the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society, is the author of nine non-fiction books, many of which relate to regional history.

During her presentation, Martinelli will look at some of the reasons Landis decided to venture into real estate and the success of his investments.

“Landis was a very capable businessman, and a very complex personality,” she noted. “I think his journey from Hammonton to Vineland not only reflects his business interests but changes in his personal life, as well.”

For further information, call 856-691-1111 or e-mail vinelandhistory@gmail.com. In 2014, the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society will celebrate its 150th anniversary as the oldest local historical society in New Jersey.

The 2nd Annual Lines on the Pines for Kids is this weekend, October 13.

Please join us as we “Appreciate the Beauty and Cherish the NJ Pine Barrens.”

This will be an informative and fun day for children to learn about the natural beauties of the Jersey Pinelands.

Held at Stockton College’s Kramer Hall in Hammonton
Sunday – October 13, 2013 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

For more information visit: http://linesonthepines.org

SJCHC and the School of Arts and Humanities are proud sponsors of Lines on the Pines. This year’s gathering will be on March 10, 2013. For more info, look here.