historical society
The Society is responsible for the archives of memorabilia documents, photos, and newspaper articles about our town.
Founded
1972
Mission
The Society is responsible for the archives of memorabilia documents, photos, and newspaper articles about our town.
In 2004, the Historical Society authored the book, Audubon, part of the Images of America series. The book highlights the history of our unique borough from its inclusion in the first area settlement plans written in the 1670s, through Audubon’s incorporation in 1905, and into the new millennium.
Meetings
See our Facebook page for information about future meetings.
Contact Information
Membership
See our Facebook page for information about participating in the Society! Volunteers always welcome.
There are currently two display cases that house select items in the new Walter E. Casebeer/Adele Casebeer Seidelman Historical Society room at the Senior Center. Renovations to the second floor of the Senior Center this year will lead to a small museum for Audubon’s History. The Historical Society also worked with students from AHS to scan hundreds of historic photos. Soon to come will also be a tour of interpretive historical signs. Connect with the Audubon Historical Society’s future while celebrating the past. If you have items, photos or documents that you would like to share or have an interest in Audubon’s past, please call Rich Magee at 856-547-0711.
A LOOK BACK AT AUDUBON HISTORY
The first parcel of land purchased in Audubon was by John Low in 1750.
The Borough of Audubon was incorporated in 1905, with an estimated population of 400 residents, and was led by Mayor Charles Schnitzler.
The seven original farms of Audubon were Beideman, Bettle, Marshall, Middleton, Nicholson, Sutvan, and Ward.
The very first school house was located on Cherry Street. The first fire house, the Defender Fire Company, was located at West Atlantic Ave and Oak Street, with ladder trucks pulled by horses.
Well before paved roads, Audubon had the dubious nickname “Mudubon”. Roads began to be paved in the early 1920s and a large celebration commemorated the paving of White Horse Pike in 1926.
First named the Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway, the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines had several stops in town including Orston Station at the corner of Atlantic and Chestnut, and Audubon Station at the corner of Atlantic and Merchant. Built in 1890, Audubon Station still stands today. Before Audubon and Orston stations were established, Linden Station (Opposite Cherry Street) served the area until about 1892.
A trolley service operated tracks parallel to the railroad from 1903 until 1935.
Many of Audubon’s streets are named for notable residents. For example, Nicholson Road was named for the early farming family, the Nicholson. Do you recognize these names and streets?
Robert Tweed, resident dairy farmer and co-founder of Suburban Dairies. Bought by Abbotts Dairies in 1939; its plant was on Oakland Avenue.
George Dowling one time Mayor who later served in the NJ State Assembly.
Dewey Parker, Veteran of three wars, police officer, and fire fighter.
Harry LeCato, housing developer and agent for Audubon Land Co.