The historic Swedesboro home known as Stratton Hall is owned JoAnn Laughlin, who will speak at the Mullica Hill library on Thursday, April 10, about a book she wrote on the hall’s history.
The Mullica Hill library will host local author JoAnn Laughlin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, to discuss her newly published book, “Stratton Hall: A House with a Name.”
The home, according to the library, was first built in 1794 by Doctor James Stratton in what is now Swedesboro. He was the father of Charles C. Stratton, the first governor of New Jersey under the state’s constitution of 1844. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today the farm is used by Laughlin as both a home and a farm where she raises sheep, chickens and ducks. She has owned the home for more than 40 years and her book documents its history.
“The original owner, of the house, Dr. James Stratton (1755 to 1812), was a dedicated medical
professional who served as a surgeon’s assistant during the Revolutionary War,” said the library’s Head of Adult Services, Andrew Brenza. “The legacy of Dr. James Stratton continued through his children, particularly his son, Charles Creighton Stratton (1796-1859). Charles became a lawyer and rose to prominence as a U.S. Congressman from New Jersey.”
Pictures from the home’s past are also included in Laughlin’s book, along with details about the lives of Stratton Hall’s previous owners. Though both time and its original owners have passed, the hall still retains many of its original features, including windows, doors, wood floors and plaster walls.
“Stratton Hall is more than just a building,” Brenza emphasized. “It’s a symbol of living history, culture, environmental hope and community engagement. The careful preservation of Stratton Hall allows current and future generations to connect with the past, providing a concrete link to the early years of American history and the hands who helped shape it.
“Its legacy is a testament to the enduring impact that a single structure can have on its community
and beyond, harvesting inspiration within future generations to appreciate and preserve the treasures of the past,” he added. “The dedication of Jo Ann Laughlin and all the caretakers that came before ensures that Stratton Hall will continue to be a source of inspiration and learning for many years to come.”
Registration is required for the library on the GCLS website.
“Stratton Hall’s significance extends beyond its architectural beauty and historical associations,” Brenza noted. “It serves as a symbol of the importance of preserving our historical and cultural heritage. Each
generation that has lived in or interacted with Stratton Hall has contributed to its rich array of stories, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of the Swedesboro community.”
