South Main Street in Medford

The mining of Marl was a huge business in Burlington County, especially in Medford. Marl, also known as greensand, was mined for use as a fertilizer in the 1800’s and into the early 1900’s. It contained high amounts of potash, lime, iron, and other minerals. Farmers used it to increase their crop yields.

Medford, Vincentown, Pemberton, and Marlton (the town was named after the Marl deposits) all had marl pits. Medford’s deposits were located on the north side of the township near Lumberton, on what is now Reeves Station Road.

Most mining operations were serviced by railroad. The Medford operation was serviced by the Mount Holly, Lumberton and Medford Railroad (see attached map, note Reeves)

Various companies operated the mine from about 1872 into the 1950’s. At that time commercial fertilizers took over.

The photographs include New Jersey Mirror advertisements from the 1870’s, workers at the Zeolite Chemical Company in the 1950’s, and exterior of the abandoned buildings from the 1960’s.

Thanks to Jim Alexander who recently published a well researched article in the latest SoJourn Magazine published by the South Jersey Culture and History Center located at Stockton University.

The Lucky 7 Restaurant opened its pors in April of 1952. The original 7 people that it was named after are Albert Wardwell, Ruth Wardwell, Judith Wardwell, Albert Wardwell Jr., Arthur Wardwell, Myrtle Wardwell, and Edwin Wardwell.