About Us
The Magnolia Historical Society is comprised of citizens interested in preserving and protecting the history of our community. We are of all ages and backgrounds united in the belief that the past is important and needs to be preserved and passed on to the future generations. The Society meets on the first Monday of each month, in the Borough Hall, at 7:30 P.M. The Society occasionally presents special programs at our meetings. The Public and Prospective Members are always welcome.
Our History
The Historical Society of Magnolia was founded by Mrs. Helen Bradley. Beginning in 1990, a small group of citizens became involved and by 1991 the Society was chartered. During the early years, materials, artifacts, and photos were acquired. Membership grew and funds were raised for the future Train Station Park Construction Project. In 1995, the Society decided to embark on a major construction project to build a replica of the old Train Station which stood for many years at Evesham Avenue and West Atlantic Avenue. Land along the existing railroad was aquired with the support of Borough Council and construction began. Grants, funds, donation of money, materials, and labor all came together to make the project a reality. The support of the entire community was gratifying. Through all these efforts, the Train Station was finally completed and opened in the Fall of 2000. The Train Station Park was officially dedicated in the Fall of 2001.
Our Book - Images of America: Magnolia
Available through Arcadia Publishing
Book Description:
It was the sweet-smelling, flowering magnolia tree dominating the grounds near a rural railroad stop that transformed the South Jersey settlement of Greenland into the tiny borough of Magnolia. But while it may have been named for a tree, it was community spirit that inspired Magnolia’s official slogan, One Square Mile of Friendliness. Magnolia celebrates that spirit through an impressive collection of rare photographs. These include Dr. Leslie Lyon, who accepted chickens as payment for house calls during the Depression, the state police substation that protected the region from organized crime during Prohibition, and the home of Aunt Nell, who was always there to lend a hand to those in need. Also included are images of the borough’s early citizens; schools; churches; police, fire, and ambulance squads; businesses; and community activities.
Author Bio: Victoria A. James is a member of the Magnolia Historical Society and a third-generation Magnolia resident who still maintains strong ties to the borough. Cheryl L. Baisden is a former newspaper reporter and editor who has written more than 100 articles on New Jersey history, travel, and personalities. She is also the author of Camden, South Jersey Farming, and Seabrook Farms in the Images of America series.
It was the sweet-smelling, flowering magnolia tree dominating the grounds near a rural railroad stop that transformed the South Jersey settlement of Greenland into the tiny borough of Magnolia. But while it may have been named for a tree, it was community spirit that inspired Magnolia’s official slogan, One Square Mile of Friendliness. Magnolia celebrates that spirit through an impressive collection of rare photographs. These include Dr. Leslie Lyon, who accepted chickens as payment for house calls during the Depression, the state police substation that protected the region from organized crime during Prohibition, and the home of Aunt Nell, who was always there to lend a hand to those in need. Also included are images of the borough’s early citizens; schools; churches; police, fire, and ambulance squads; businesses; and community activities.
Author Bio: Victoria A. James is a member of the Magnolia Historical Society and a third-generation Magnolia resident who still maintains strong ties to the borough. Cheryl L. Baisden is a former newspaper reporter and editor who has written more than 100 articles on New Jersey history, travel, and personalities. She is also the author of Camden, South Jersey Farming, and Seabrook Farms in the Images of America series.