Woodbine Marks Borough’s 125 Years, Baron deHirsch Bought 5,300 Acres

WOODBINE – Aug. 18 was Woodbine Borough Council’s regular meeting date, however, the gathering was anything but “regular.” Rather, it was a night of congratulations and nostalgia as the municipality began its commemoration activities for its quasquicentennial or 125th anniversary. 
Two important grants were received earlier in the day from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development. 
Grants for Aid
“The first is $2 million to the borough, equally divided between grants and loans, to help the Woodbine Municipal Utilities Authority upgrade its aging water system, said Mayor William Pikolycky.  
The second grant was for $37,400 to support the borough’s efforts in renovating and upgrading its community food pantry which is housed in the Woodbine Public Safety Building. 
This work includes installing additional heating and air-conditioning, replacing some windows and new paint.
“When I visited there and saw the rows of tables all with packages of food ready for distribution I fully realized how important this work is and how proud I am of our faith-based organizations that carry out this work and that we can assist them with this funding,” said Pikolycky.
Firehouse Revamped
The meeting was held in Woodbine’s Fire Department building (rather than the usual Borough Hall) which has a long history itself.
The Fire Department was refurbished with earlier grant money. Around the room, displayed as a backdrop were century-old photos of school classes long-graduated and firefighters in antique-looking vehicles. Eagle Scout candidate Colby Schalek, 15, and a third-generation firefighter opened proceedings with an explanation of his project which focuses on firefighting and the contributions those people make not only to the county but throughout the country.
“Many times people forget how dangerous firefighting is so I wanted my project to recognize all the lives that are saved by firefighters. I have gathered donations to erect a ‘Fallen Firefighters’ monument with a firefighter kneeling with an eagle on his shoulder, and we will dedicate the monument Aug. 27 at 10 a.m.,” said Schalek.
Pikolycky noted that Schalek’s father and brother are firefighters and Eagle Scouts, so “you have made a great start to filling these big shoes including your service as a junior firefighter.”
A Look to 1891
A proclamation was read that described how Woodbine got its start July 19, 1891, when Baron deHirsch purchased 5,300 acres from Dennis Township to resettle Russian Jews who were suffering in their homeland as a result of religious persecution and pogroms.
The original settlers were small in number, only one dozen, but Woodbine quickly became known as “the first self-governed Jewish community since Jerusalem.” The iconic Woodbine synagogue was constructed in 1893 and is known as the Sam Azeez Museum of Stockton University.
The tract of land where the municipality had its origins is named “Woodbine” to recall the “growth of the simple and sweet flower ‘woodbine’ but commonly called honeysuckle” per the proclamation. This area was chosen by Baron deHirsch because of the confluence of railroad lines, and the soil was well-regarded as extremely fertile and conducive to farming.
The borough quickly became known for its agricultural, educational resources – the so-called “Rutgers” tomato was first propagated in Woodbine – and for its close-knit, “Mayberry-like” character that did not discriminate by race or religion.
Freeholders Attend
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton and Freeholder E. Marie Hayes attended the meeting. Both agreed in remarks that Woodbine has a unique spirit and that they were proud to work with Pikolycky.
“He is known as relentless including or especially in Trenton, for his pursuit of any and all funding and support for Woodbine. He is always fighting for Woodbine,” stressed Thornton.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.