Introduction to Vineland, New Jersey
Vineland, New Jersey, in Cumberland county, is 33 miles S of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Vineland is situated on the Maurice River. The Atlantic Ocean is 38 miles away. Welch's Grape Juice was founded in Vineland. The city is home to the biggest farmer's cooperative situated on the East Coast. It has a large Hispanic population. Parts of Vineland have been designated as Urban Enterprise Zones.
Vineland History
In 1861 Charles Landis purchased a vast acreage in the area in order to establish a utopian city. Houses were constructed in 1862 and train service connected Vinland with New York City and Philadelphia. Landis forbid the sale of alcohol and required the new landowners to build a home on the land within a year of buying the property. He also required the residents to clear the wooded land and be involved in farming every year.
Landis thought the soil was excellent for growing grapes. He began advertising in order to entice Italian grape growers to the town. Thomas Bramwell Welch, the founder of Welch's Grape Juice bought the grapes grown in Vineland. The city was incorporated in 1880. Vinland was formerly a major supplier of poultry for the nation. Arthur Goldhaft founded Vineland Poultry Productions and developed the important fowl pox chicken vaccine which guards the world's chicken supply from the disease.
Vineland Attractions
Vineland is home to numerous noteworthy historic sites. Some of the structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, including Daniel R. Morrill House, Sacred Heart Church, Myron Kimball House, The site of Dr. Thomas B. Welsh Home and Factory, Coney's Tavern, and the Aubrey Louis Hanford House. Other Vineland and nearby attractions include:
- Kimball Glass Headquarters features interesting architecture
- Deptford Mall
- Garden State Discovery Museum
- Palace of Depression
- The Vineland Produce Auction is one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast
- Wheaton Village is a historic site which provides visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the notable glass blowing in southern New Jersey and to view the creation of glass art
- Bay-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra
- The Vineland Ice Arena features hockey tournaments and is home to the Vineland Patriots hockey team
Vineland Activities
Parvin State Park is a vast acreage enjoyed for fishing, hiking, camping and paddling. The nearby Union Lake is utilized by canoeing enthusiasts. Families have fun at the nearby Clementon Amusement Park.
Vineland Higher Education
The city is home to Cumberland County College. Rowan University and Stockton State College are nearby.
Vineland Transportation
Atlantic City International Airport is the major airport closest to the city.