Millville, founded in the 1700s, Vineland in the 1800s, took different paths. Glass industry is common to both.
On a very warm August evening, the air was pleasantly cool inside Merighi’s Rose Room for an informative presentation titled “Woven Together: Immigration & Community Histories of the Wild and Scenic Maurice River Watershed.” The event was hosted by the environmental organization CU Maurice River and featured presenters from the Millville Historical Society and the Vineland Historical Society.
Linda Jones, president of the Millville Historical Society, described the Maurice River’s connection to its early inhabitants, settlements, and industries. She discussed Millville’s founding and early growth and the industries that developed, along with the Irish and German immigrants it attracted. Jones shared historic photos of Millville’s long-gone industries, such as the Millville Manufacturing Company, and Whitall Tatum.
Naomi Ingraldi, secretary/treasurer of the Vineland Historical Society, described three Vineland industries—agriculture, poultry farming, and the glass industry—and how immigrants contributed to their growth. These are the people whose cultures, traditions, and contributions made Vineland a thriving community.
Presenters Naomi Ingraldi, left, and Linda Jones share a laugh before discussing the history of immigrant populations in Vineland and Millville.
Despite their close proximity, the founding and development of these two towns was vastly different. Both have weathered many changes over the years, but the past remains firmly embedded in the current Cumberland County towns.
The Millville Historical Society ( www.millhistsoc.org) is located at 200 E Main St, Millville, NJ 08332.
The Vineland Historical Society (www.discovervinelandhistory.org) is located at 108 S. 7th St, Vineland NJ 08360.
