The Vivacious HISTORIC Vincentown Village

Vincentown, New Jersey.

A small South Jersey town in Burlington County. The farming land, in the vicinity of Vincentown, has always been noted for its fertility. However, its history and people also make this quiet town famous! Of the friends I know that grew up here, they go above and beyond to help their fellow neighbors. It’s a town oozing with rustic charm and often looked over, here in South Jersey and it shouldn’t be!

Mill Road, Vincentown, NJ.

We’re starting out with the beginnings of Burlington County, Vincentown and of course a lovely tour of the entire rural city.

The bounds of Burlington County were first laid out in 1694 and thus settled by 1710. It’s the only county in New Jersey that stretches from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean. A length of about 50 miles.

An ancient Indian settlement was reportedly one mile west of Vincentown. Vincent-town is a village that was principally designed as one street with the Rancocas flowing through the town. It’s an unincorporated community within Southampton Township.

Rancocas Creek

Vincentown has been entered into the National Register of Historic Places. The name derived by its founding father of Vincent Leeds. He purchased most of the land in 1743, where the village was built. The town became known as “Vincent’s Town.”

The old Schoolhouse.

Our first stop is seeing the one-room William K. Haines schoolhouse. This lovely structure constructed in 1860. It was a private school run by the man mentioned above. The schoolhouse once sat on the Allen’s Oil property on Main Street and moved to its current home in the early 1980’s. It was dedicated to all the children of Southampton Township.

Next and just steps away, is Saw Mill Park. It’s a lovely little picnicking site overlooking the Rancocas Creek.

A picnic at the park!

Heavenly

Continue around the block to Mill Street where historic buildings line the strip. Here are a few of different styles…..if you know the history or any more information (as I could not find much) please leave a comment. I would love to know more (my readers would as well.)

The John B. Irick house. Holla!

The John B. Irick a well-executed beauty. Built in 1865. This is the home of one of Southampton’s most influential residents.

Captain Guy, Ay ay, Captain!

Capt. Guy Bryan House, Built 1862, 64 Mill Street, Vincentown, NJ. An Italianate-type house.
During the Civil War, Guy Bryan as served Captain of Companies I & K in the 5th Regiment of New Jersey Infantry Volunteers. He was a founding officer of the Vincentown Fire Company No. 1 in 1850 and cashier for the First National Bank of Vincentown after it formed in 1864.

A preserved farmstead road.

Hellllllo Brick baby!

c.1850
472 Red Lion Road, Vincentown, NJ (right down the street.)

Just wanted to show you how beautiful it is 🙂

Trinity Episcopal Church.

The Trinity Episcopal Church was built in 1871. It lies on the West Bank of the Rancocas Creek on Mill Street and is just absolutely adorable. A well-known woman in Philadelphia philanthropic history, Mary Irick Drexel, married here on November 18, 1891. Mary was born in Vincentown in 1868 and never forgot her roots. She married a millionaire. Ka-Ching! As you will see, further along in this article, a building she donated, to the people of Southampton Township.

Eagle Watch trail

A Winter’s Walk

Within a few hundred feet of this church, is Eagle Walk. A hiking trail created and maintained by the local Boy Scouts. It is located between 30 and 52 Mill Street for more specific directions. It’s a lovely trail lining the Rancocas Creek. Trees are labeled for educating pleasure and its truly a pleasant place to explore for any nature lover.

Historic Vincentown-Tabernacle Phone Company Building.

Across the street from the Trinity church and Boy Scout Trail, is the Vincentown-Tabernacle Building. The building suited many occupants over its years. It was Millinery Shop and later a tin shop. In 1906, the building was converted to the telephone company. It started out with only 30 subscribers. In 1930, The Bell Telephone Company purchased the company. It was the last remaining telephone company in all of South Jersey.

Mill Street Antiques.

West of the historic phone company site is the Mill Street Antique & Country Store. Location is 5 Mill Street. This little country store, will make any antique collector’s dream come true.

Where heading towards Main Street at this point and boy do I have MORE historical places and sites for your South Jersey exploring pleasure!

The Butterworth Residence.

At 38 Main Street is the Jerris Butterworth House. Constructed in 1860 and no, it is not the family who made the most delicious Butterworth Syrup. She is listed on the National Register of Historic places and is in prime condition.

First Baptist Church, Vincentown.

The First Baptist Church of Vincentown, 39 Main Street. The church was organized 1834. Between 1868 to 1870 the building at its current site was erected.

Historic Grange Hall.

The Vincentown Grange Hall, organized in the 1800′s and reorganized in 1907. it is still very active in the community. It occupies the building which was once the Quaker Meeting House in the community, dating back to 1813. It’s date listed in the building. She sits at 115 Main Street.

Yummy just being silly!

The Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library, 94 Main St, Southampton Township, NJ.

Sally Stretch Keen Library.

The Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library of Vincentown, New Jersey, was incorporated in 1898 to establish and maintain a free public library for the use and benefit of the residents of Southampton Township. (As per their website) As I noted earlier, about Mary Irick Drexel. She never forgot her hometown. She dedicated the library, in memory of her mother, Sally Stretch Keen.

On Tuesday, June 18, 1923, the dedication of the library took place, a real social event for the quiet village of Vincentown. On this occasion Mrs. Drexel formally presented the library to the town. Woohoo!

Old Firehouse, now Children’s Library.

With the growth in the population it was necessary to expand the library. In 1976, in an agreement with the Township Committee, the firehouse next door was converted into a Children’s Library. The library has served its community well for over 75 years.

There are many, many, more historical places to visit on Main Street. Yummy, doesn’t like to give it all away. However, here are some kooky and scenic sites on Main Street.

A quirky porch.. This is when you know you’re in Jersey, btw.

This historic home has quirky written all over it. About a block away from the library, the porch shown here is accommodating dining “guests” on the porch. Complete with table linen and chandelier.

Abandoned pasture.

A beautiful horse pasture on Main Street.

Old structure on Plum Street.

We’re heading around the corner to Plum Street to the Old Town Hall.

The Old Town Hall.

The Old Town Hall served its residences from 1884 to 1980! For decades, it was used for many purposes including theatrical delights. Also, roller skating parties were held here. It was a fun place where residences could come together and have a little fun in V-Town. Currently, it serves as the meeting place for the Southampton Township Historical Society.

Don’t know much about History… don’t know much Biology…

Around the corner is the gorgeous Southampton Township School District. Serving the community of Vincentown. I can’t find a date on her construction 😦

PPA headquarters.

Down the street on Pemberton Rd. the headquarters of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (please visit) and site of the Bishop-Irick House. The historic farmhouse built in 1753 and Louden barn built in 1932. It’s lies on over 12 acres of native gardens and plants. They are huge advocates on the Preservation of the NJ Pine Barrens. They offer a bookstore as well as educational displays.

Historic barn.

They are currently renovating the historic barn to hold special future events, such as weddings! This place is stunning and free!

Just a pretty sight in Vincentown.

The gorgeous Truss Bridge.

The one-lane bridge.

One of the truss bridges in Southampton Township.

There are many of these stone/metal bridges all around the lovely town. It’s unique to the township as I have not seen coordinating bridges designed the same. This is a one-lane bridge off of Hillards Bridge Road. It’s a Warren pony truss bridge. It lies over Rancocas Creek and is now eligible to be listed as a National Register of Historic Places.

Lawn jockey. I’m in love.

All of Vincetown is fun to explore. Most homes are historic and some I am unable to find out any information about. However, I liked this one because it has my favorite and fabled lawn jockey on the porch.

Red Lion Diner located on Red Lion Circle.

No tour of Vincentown would be complete…..if you didn’t stop here for dinner or a late lunch! Hello! It’s been a tough exploring day! The Red Lion Diner has been here for DECADES and serves as a focal point to the area. Always great food, friendly staff and excellent drinks.

Enjoy your visit to this vivacious and historical village. You WILL love it! Whether you are an outdoor buff or into checking out historic sites or antiques! You will never be bored. The friendly residents just give it more of its charm!

Until our next adventure, my friends! -The Yummygal