History of Pitman Grove

History of Pitman Grove. . , A group of Methodist ministers searching for a summer camp meeting location established Pitman Grove in June 1871. The New Jersey Camp Meeting Association purchased land from the Jessup family for that purpose. They found this site "convenient and desirable", with chestnut and oak trees for shade and the railroad nearby for easy access. , , The Association built an auditorium in the center of the Grove. A circular street surrounded the auditorium. Twelve streets spread out from the circle like spokes on a wheel. This wheel design allowed all avenues access to the central preaching area. The first Pitman Grove Camp Meeting was held in August 1871. Since there was no town at the time, the first attendees stayed in tents. There were 600 tents during the first meeting. , , The Pitman Grove Camp Meeting grew each year, leading to more development. By 1890, the area had become well established and included nicely graveled walks, a large store, a post office, restaurants, a barbershop, a butcher shop an ice cream parlor, and almost 400 dwellings. The early homes were simple but soon cottages began to reflect the Victorian architectural style of that time, which had beautiful gingerbread latticework. , , In the early 1900's, many residents felt the community had grown large enough to be its own town and petitioned for it. On May 24, 1905, Governor Edward C. Stokes signed the bill authorizing the incorporation of Pitman Borough. The word "Grove" had been inextricably dropped. , , Pitman Grove was entered into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on July 20, 1976 and in the National Register of Historic Places on August 19, 1977.