Winslow Township is located in Camden County in southern New Jersey, about 15 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The township has a total area of almost 46 square miles and according to the latest census data has a population of about 39,000 residents.
Winslow Township was first formed in 1845 from portions of Waterford Township. It was named for Edward Winslow, who was one of the early settlers of Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. The township has a history dating back to the early 18th century when Quakers began settling in the area.
Today, Winslow Township contains a mix of suburban neighborhoods, farmland, wetlands, and the historic Hammonton Town, which serves as the township’s primary commercial district. While part of suburban Philadelphia now, Winslow Township still retains some of its small-town rural roots from earlier times.
Winslow Township
Winslow Township is located in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. The township had a total population of 39,499 as of the 2010 United States Census, making it the state’s 24th most populous municipality (https://kids.kiddle.co/Winslow_Township,_New_Jersey)
Winslow Township covers an area of 72.243 square miles, including the unincorporated communities of Cedar Brook, Elm, Sicklerville, Waterford Works and Williamstown. The township is the largest municipality in Camden County by total area. Blue Anchor is an unincorporated area along the border of Winslow and Waterford Townships, of which a tiny portion lies within Winslow Township.
As of the 2000 United States Census, The Township’s population increased by 78.7% from 22,102 in 1980 to 39,499 in 2000. This makes Winslow Township the fastest-growing municipality in the Delaware Valley and southern New Jersey from 1980 to 2000.
Cedar Brook
Cedar Brook is an unincorporated community located within Winslow Township in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. It is located approximately 5 miles southeast of Berlin.
The area was first settled in the early 18th century by Quakers who were attracted to the good soil and flowing streams in the area. Cedar Brook was originally known as Jacksonville and got its current name from Cedar Brook, a tributary of the Great Egg Harbor River that flows through the area.[1]
Today, Cedar Brook is largely a residential community, with some small businesses along County Route 561 which passes through the area. Housing styles include older colonial and Victorian homes as well as more modern suburban split-levels and ranches. The Cedar Brook Elementary School serves students in kindergarten through 6th grade.
Notable landmarks in Cedar Brook include the Brainerd Mission Cemetery, the Historic Lunn Log Cabin, and Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, known for its glassmaking studios and galleries.[2]
The 08096 ZIP code includes all of Cedar Brook as well as surrounding rural areas. According to the 2010 Census, the population of the ZIP code area was 14,707.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_Brook
[2] https://24timezones.com/mapa/usa/nj_camden/cedar_brook.php
Elm
Elm (39.749176° N, 74.949117° W) is an unincorporated community located within Winslow Township in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. The settlement is situated along County Route 561 (Elm Avenue).
According to the Elm, New Jersey ZIP Code – United States, Elm is assigned the ZIP Code 08037 by the United States Postal Service, although Where is Elm, New Jersey in America? notes that Elm is considered part of Sicklerville based on census and postal designations.
The area was originally settled by the English in the 17th century who were drawn by the fertile soil and abundance of timber. Elm served as an early place of worship in the region and was home to several mills powered by the nearby Great Branch Creek. Today Elm is largely characterized by suburban residential and commercial development. However, some local farms and historic homes dating back to the colonial era remain from Elm’s origins as a rural agricultural community.
Sicklerville
Sicklerville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place located within Winslow Township in Camden County, New Jersey.[1] The area that is now Sicklerville was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Native Americans. European settlers later established farms and settlements in the area in the 18th century.
The town of Sicklerville was founded in the early 20th century and named after the Sickler family, early settlers of the area. The settlement grew around a general store and lumberyard established by Charles Sickler. Over time, additional homes, businesses, churches, and infrastructure were built up around the commercial center.[1]
Today, Sicklerville is primarily a residential community, with housing developments and subdivisions built in the latter 20th century. However, some small businesses, stores, and services remain along the main street. The town has experienced significant population growth in recent decades as part of suburbanization in the Philadelphia metro area.[2]
Waterford Works
Waterford Works is an unincorporated community located within Waterford Township in Camden County, New Jersey. It is located near the intersection of County Route 561 (Jackson Road) and County Route 710 (Clementon Road) approximately 12 miles outside Philadelphia.
The community traces its history to 1688 when a sawmill was constructed along the eastern bank of the Little Timber Creek by Richard French. In 1773, Thomas Sparks established a water-powered mill along the creek which led to further development in the area over the next few decades. By the mid-19th century, Waterford Works was a thriving mill town with lumber yards, wheelwright shops, general stores, and over 100 homes.
The mills and lumber industry prospered in Waterford Works up until the early 20th century when changes in transportation and technology led to the mills’ decline. Today, Waterford Works retains its small-town character as an outlying suburban community within Winslow Township, with some original 18th and 19th century buildings still standing from its past as a mill town.
For more history and information see: [url]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterford_Works,_New_Jersey[/url]
Williamstown
Williamstown is an unincorporated community located within Monroe Township in Gloucester County, New Jersey 1. It was founded in the mid-18th century by Squankum tribal members who sold land to colonists. One of the earliest settlers was James Whitall, who built a glass factory in 1775 that produced glass for over 200 years. The community was originally known as Squankum, then later named Williamstown after Williams Glass Works founder William Coffin 1.
Today, Williamstown is home to just over 15,000 residents. The community has a rich history and many historic buildings along Main Street. Key landmarks include the Ireland House, the Whitall House, the First Baptist Church of Williamstown, and the Monroe Township Library 1. The downtown area offers small shops, restaurants, and other local businesses to explore.
Outdoor recreation can be found at Williamstown Lake Park and Michael Debbi Park. Annual community events include the Williamstown Fall Festival, the Fourth of July parade and fireworks, and holiday celebrations. Williamstown provides a close-knit, small town environment just a short drive from Philadelphia 2.
Blue Anchor
Blue Anchor is an unincorporated community located within Winslow Township in Camden County, New Jersey, United States (Kids.kiddle.co, 2023). Blue Anchor has a unique ZIP code of 08037, and is located in southern New Jersey near the Delaware River (Codigo-postal.co, 2023).
The history of Blue Anchor dates back to the early 1700s. The area was originally known as Anchor Creek or Old Anchor and it served as an anchorage for sailing vessels. The name Blue Anchor came from a historic inn called the Blue Anchor Tavern that was located near the shoreline. Shipbuilding was an early industry in Blue Anchor, and the town later became known for its production of glass in the 1800s (Kids.kiddle.co, 2023).
Today, Blue Anchor is a small residential community that also has some commercial development along Route 544. While no longer a hub for shipping or manufacturing, Blue Anchor retains some of its historic seaside charm. The area is popular for recreational activities like boating and fishing along the Delaware River.
Cedar Brook Park
Cedar Brook Park is a major park and recreation area located in Winslow Township. The park spans over 225 acres and contains a variety of amenities for residents and visitors.
Some of the notable features of Cedar Brook Park include an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through wooded areas and open fields. The course is popular with disc golfers of all skill levels. There are also over 5 miles of trails for hiking and biking that traverse through lush forests and meadows filled with native plants and wildlife.
For water recreation, Cedar Brook Park has a beautiful 5-acre lake where visitors can go boating, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. The lake is stocked with fish like largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, and trout. Pedal boats, kayaks, and fishing gear are available to rent during the warmer months.
The park also contains athletic fields and courts for baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, basketball, and more. There are multiple playgrounds scattered throughout the park for younger children. Picnic areas with pavilions and grills allow for hosting gatherings and parties.
Some other amenities at Cedar Brook Park include a fitness trail with stations for exercises, a rollerblading area, restroom facilities, and plenty of parking. The natural beauty and diversity of activities make Cedar Brook Park a popular place for recreation and events in Winslow Township.
Conclusion
Winslow Township is a vibrant community in Camden County, New Jersey consisting of several distinct towns and neighborhoods. Once a more rural area, it has seen significant suburban growth and development in recent decades. Key facts covered in this article include:
- Winslow Township has an area of about 59 square miles and a population around 40,000 as of the 2020 census.
- The main towns and communities within Winslow Township are Sicklerville, Cedar Brook, Elm, Waterford Works, Williamstown, and Blue Anchor.
- Cedar Brook Park is a large county park located in Winslow and features sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas.
- Winslow has seen rapid population growth since the 1970s as the Philadelphia metro area expanded.
- It has a diverse population and economy, with major employment sectors including retail, healthcare, and warehousing.
- Winslow Township provides residents with a balanced small town and suburban lifestyle within the larger Camden County region.
In summary, while once rural Winslow Township now faces suburbanization, it retains much of its original community character and natural spaces for residents to enjoy. This article provided an overview of Winslow’s key areas, history, and attributes that make it a popular community within commuting distance of Philadelphia.