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Originally published in 1939
Some of this information may no longer be current and in that case is presented for historical interest only.
Edited by GET NJ, COPYRIGHT 2003
An old Quaker town and the Burlington County seat, MOUNT HOLLY (30 alt., 6,573 pop.) is named for a mountain that has everything except size. The holly-covered hill, a miniature Fuji cone, rises to an altitude of 183 feet from a level clearing in the northern part of the original 300acre tract upon which the town was built. Rancocas Creek flows from the flatlands east of the hill. The stream crosses Main Street, the principal thoroughfare, near the center of the city and then turns eastward to the Delaware River, 12 miles distant.
Mount Holly is the center of an important agricultural area. Roads lead to it from all directions, traversing rolling country where fine fruit orchards are bright with blossoms in late April and early May.
Broad, shaded streets give the impression of a slow-moving country town. In the town's center modern stores adjoin old houses erected by early Quakers. Many of the homes are square structures of two and three stories, built flush with patterned brick sidewalks as in Burlington and Bordentown. Architecturally they are notable for their simplicity of line and detail, and distinguished by their solid wooden shutters, heavy hardware and wrought-iron railings and fences. Paint is used sparingly. The whiff of wood smoke, present even on a hot summer day, indicates the type of stove used iii many of the old houses.
Along maple-lined High Street in the western part of the town live the wealthier citizens. Their houses, set in the midst of neatly clipped lawns and attractive gardens, shaded by fine trees, include typical examples of Victorian Gothic architecture as well as pretentious modern styles. In contrast to High Street is the collection of dilapidated dwellings and plain shacks on the southern edge of Mount Holly. This district is called Timbuctoo because, it is said, the first persons to live here were descendants of slaves from Timbuctoo.
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