The Bridgeton Beacon

On December 8, 2021, the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce honored individuals and businesses who demonstrate a “Hometown Heart” through their work sustaining and strengthening others. 🪑 It should come as no surprise that Billy Sharp, owner of Tracy’s Corner , received one of the “Business Hero” Awards. Billy has owned a number of businesses in town, including Tracy’s Corner which he has owned a...

On December 8, 2021, the Bridgeton Area Chamber of Commerce honored individuals and businesses who demonstrate a “Hometown Heart” through their work sustaining and strengthening others. 🪑 It should come as no surprise that Billy Sharp, owner of Tracy’s Corner , received one of the “Business Hero” Awards.   Billy has owned a number of businesses in town, including Tracy’s Corner which he has...

Oberlin Smith was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on March. 22, 1840 to George R. and Salome (Kemp) Smith. Both his parents were natives of England, and his father was a leader in the early anti-slavery works of Salmon P. Chase and operated a link in the Pre-Civil War "underground railroad". Oberlin Smith's unusual first name likely reflected his parent's abolitionist sentiments, and to honor a friend of...

Harris was a graduate of the United States Military Academy, but instead of a career in the military, he chose to study law.  After the breakout of the American Civil War, he joined the Union Army and was assigned to the 1st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Soon after, he was promoted to Colonel and given command of the 11th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Harris and the regiment...

Meg continues the conversation with Kate Lairson. Learn more about Black Bird Local, a new farm to fork catering option for the discriminating South Jersey palette. Formerly the executive chef at the Red Eyed Crab in Port Norris, she has ventured into a fabulous new model that utilizes fresh local ingredients and personal touch.  From savory to pastry, this conversation has you covered. Join...

Kate Lairson joins the Bridgeton Beacon Podcast to discuss Black Bird Local, a new farm to fork catering option for the discriminating South Jersey palette. Formerly the executive chef at the Red Eyed Crab in Port Norris, she has ventured into a fabulous new model that utilizes fresh local ingredients and personal touch.  From savory to pastry, this conversation has you covered.  Join lo...

🧵 James Galanos  ([gulAn´Os]) was an American fashion designer, couturier and photographer. He was born 20 September 1924 in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Galanos graduated from Bridgeton High School in Bridgeton, New Jersey in 1942 and went to New York City intending to enroll at a school headed by Barbara Karinska, a Russian stage designer and costumer. When...

In this episode, Meg and Paul J. Ritter III discuss the history of the PJ Ritter Company and Cumberland Mutual in the context of why “embracing opportunity” has always been - and always will be - the key to turning a business into a thriving industry in Bridgeton. Topics include:  PJ Ritter Co. - Cumberland Mutual Insurance - Lester Brown - Owens Illinois - Sea Brook Brothers & Sons - Jer...

🧑🏼‍🌾 The Greater Bridgeton Amish Market came to Hopewell Township in June of 2012, and has been serving the community with a variety of Lancaster County, Amish Vendors.   The theme of "Meals & Memories, Made Here" comes from the quality merchandise being extended from Lancaster County PA to the rural countryside of Bridgeton NJ.   Families gather to shop and fill their t...

The 53rd annual Bridgeton Invitiational Baseball Tournament just wrapped up its Spring Classic last month at the iconic Alden Field. The legacy and impact of the BIBT is indispensable - not just to the history of Bridgeton - but also to the history of baseball. Dave Hitchner sat down for breakfast with Meg at the Golden Pigeon Diner for breakfast to discuss the history of this tournament. Dave has...

In this episode, Meg and local rehabber Austin Headrick test out the new Bridgeton Beacon podcast studio and brainstorm with friends about potential future guests.   What Austin didn’t share, is that he is exceedingly generous with his time and talents to anyone and everyone (who needs any kind of help) and for that – he’s a Bridgeton Beacon Topics include: Bridgeton NJ Canoe House | JD'...

Retired reporter and educator Dave Price describes his approach to teaching and communication and why he believes Bridgeton is filled with real-life "Batmans" and other Super Helping Heroes. Topics include: John Fuqua - Bridgeton High School - Bridgeton Evening News - Paul Hunsberger WSNJ Join local conversations with the "beacons' of Bridgeton, New Jersey at https://bridgetonbeacon.com YouTube: h...

John Fuqua 1996 graduate of Bridgeton High School. John has a Bachelors in English from William Patterson. As the founder of the Life Worth Living nonprofit, and an advocate for Stronger Families nonprofit, John is a genuine beacon of Bridgeton.  He  lives a life centered around purpose and community, and we're proud to feature him on the Bridgeton Beacon Podcast. Join local conversation...

Harvey Paul Johnson (June 22, 1919, Bridgeton, New Jersey – August 8, 1983) was an American football player and coach. He served two separate stints as the head coach for the Buffalo Bills, first in the American Football League and then in the National Football League. Johnson played as a linebacker for the New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference from 1946-49. In 1951 he played as...

Elias P. Seeley was named to serve as governor after Samuel L. Southard stepped down from office to take a seat in the United States Senate . Seeley represented Cumberland County in the New Jersey Legislative Council from 1829 through 1833. Seeley died on August 23, 1846, and was interred in Old Broad Street Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Named after Elias Petty, the brothe...

The Cohanzick Zoo opened its gates as New Jersey’s first zoo in 1934. Home to nearly 100 animals representing more than 45 different species from around the world, the zoo has been a regional destination attraction for generations. We are a small free zoo, situated on approximately 15 acres within the city of Bridgeton’s 1100 acre park, but we provide a home for some larger than life animals...

Meg sits down with Karen E. Barnett, Director of the Bridgeton Municipal Alliance - Youth to Youth group , since it's formation in 1991. Ms. Barnett describes the ingredients and recipes to create the menu of programs and platforms to help kids lead drug-free, bias-free, violence-free lives. Ms. Barnett shares how she draws on her mentors including her parents, Bridgeton legend De Edwin Hursey - a...

Bridgeton (formerly Bridge Town) 🌉 straddles the tidal Cohansey River and is located near the center of the Delaware Bay lowlands. It derives its name from the original movable bridge that offered the option of regular overland travel on the "King's Highway" across the Cohansey watershed region for the first time in 1716 . Bridgeton Historic District — which covers a quarter of the city — include...

For residents and visitors alike, the 1,100 acre Bridgeton City Park is its own destination; featuring everything from walking trails and picnic areas to playing fields, basketball courts, and a new 7,500 square foot Splash Park next to the Cohanzick Zoo, one of Cumberland County's most visited attractions. Proud of this treasure along the Cohansey River, the park contains an outdoor amphitheater...

June 1, 2013, Mayor Kelly cut the ribbon on this zero-depth water venue to mark the official start to the summer season in Bridgeton. The official opening of the splash pad marked a bold new addition to the City Park and it has proved to be one of the most popular features in Cumberland County along with the Cohanzick Zoo. Situated next to the zoo, visitors can spend the day cooling off at the Spl...

The Clean Communities Program was created in 1986 with funding from taxes levied on the sale of litter generating products. In 2002, the Clean Communities Fund was reauthorized. Twenty-one counties and five hundred fifty-nine municipalities are eligible to receive funding. Join local conversations with the "beacons' of Bridgeton, New Jersey at https://bridgetonbeacon.com YouTube: https://youtube.c...

Meg zooms with Deacon Arnaldo Santos , a former Bridgeton Detective turned youth-group leader. Join us on all the popular podcast apps, or right here at the BridgetonBeacon.com   For those who don't know.. The city of Bridgeton rests on the banks of the Cohansey River, in Cumberland County, NJ.  Join local conversations with the "beacons' of Bridgeton, New Jersey at https://bridgetonbeac...

Brison Manor (August 10, 1952) was an American football defensive end who played eight seasons in the National Football League for the Denver Broncos, from 1977–1984, before appearing in six games with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also in 1984. He played college football at the University of Arkansas. Join local conversations with the "beacons' of Bridgeton, New Jersey at https://bridgetonbeacon.com YouT...

Welcome friends and neighbors. Coming soon! On the first episode, of the first season of the Bridgeton Beacon, Meg welcomes Deacon Arnaldo Santos. Deacon Santos is a former Bridgeton detective, and a beacon in the community. You can subscribe to the Bridgeton Beacon on all the most popular podcast hosts.  Join local conversations with the "beacons' of Bridgeton, New Jersey at https://bridgeto...