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Maurice River Township (/ˈmɔːrɪs/[18]) is the easternmost township in Cumberland County, New Jersey, United States. It is part of the Vineland-Millville- Bridgeton Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area for statistical purposes. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 7,976,[8][9][10] reflecting an increase of 1,048 (+15.1%) from the 6,928 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 280 (+4.2%) from the 6,648 counted in the 1990 Census.[19]

Maurice River Township, New Jersey
Township
Township of Maurice River
East Point Light
Nickname:  MRT
Maurice River Township highlighted in Cumberland County. Inset map: Cumberland County highlighted in the State of New Jersey.
Census Bureau map of Maurice River Township, New Jersey
Maurice River Township Location in Cumberland County Show map of Cumberland County, New Jersey Maurice River Township Location in New Jersey Show map of New Jersey Maurice River Township Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 39.295626°N 74.928882°W / 39.295626; -74.928882[1][2]
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Cumberland
Formed	January 19, 1748
Incorporated	February 21, 1798
Named for	Maurice, Prince of Orange
Government [3]
• Type	Township
• Body	Township Committee
• Mayor	Ken Whildin (D, term ends December 31, 2022)[4][5]
• Municipal clerk	Denise Peterson[6]
Area [1]
• Total	95.90 sq mi (248.38 km2)
• Land	93.17 sq mi (241.30 km2)
• Water	2.73 sq mi (7.08 km2)  2.85%
• Rank	6th of 565 in state 1st of 14 in county[1]
Elevation [7]	39 ft (12 m)
Population  (2010 Census)[8][9][10]
• Total	7,976
• Estimate  (2019)[11]	5,949
• Rank	290th of 566 in state 4th of 14 in county[12]
• Density	85.7/sq mi (33.1/km2)
• Rank	550th of 566 in state 11th of 14 in county[12]
Time zone	UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Code	08327 – Leesburg[13]
Area code	856 exchange: 785[14]
FIPS code	3401144580[1][15][16]
GNIS feature ID	0882063[1][17]
Website	www.mauricerivertwp.org

Maurice River Township was first formed as a precinct on January 19, 1748, and was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey's initial group of 104 townships. Portions of the township were taken to form Millville on March 1, 1866.[20] The township derives its name from Maurice, Prince of Orange.[21][22]

It is a dry town where alcohol cannot legally be sold.[23][24]

History

Originally called Wahatquenak by the local Lenni Lenape Native Americans, the Maurice River is said to be named for a local legend, in which a Dutch ship on the river, the Prince Maurice, was sunk by the local Native Americans in 1657. The land was surveyed by John Worledge and Thomas Budd, and the community of Dorchester was laid out.[25] It was not until 1798 on that the township itself was established.[20]

Port Elizabeth was established as a port of delivery by an Act of Congress in 1789, and trade was done directly with the West Indies until the 1830s, when trading was done more with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New York City. Dorchester and Leesburg were known for shipbuilding industry, and the A.J. Meerwald (the State Ship of New Jersey) was built in the shipyards of Dorchester. The settlement of Heislerville and its surroundings were known for their oystering industry until around 1957, when a parasitic disease called MSX crippled the oyster population of the river. The oystering industry has not recovered since.[26]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Maurice River township had a total area of 95.90 square miles (248.38 km²), including 93.17 square miles (241.30 km²) of land and 2.73 square miles (7.08 km²) of water (2.85%).[1][2]

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Bennetts Mill,[27] Bricksboro, Cannon Range, Cumberland, Delmont, Dorchester, East Point, Fries Mill, Halberton, Hands Mill, Heislerville, Hesstown, Hoffmans Mill, Hunters Mill, Jones Mill, Leesburg, Manantico, Manumuskin, Menhaden, Moores Beach, Ormond, Port Elizabeth, Thompsons Beach, Wall Pond, and some portions of Belleplain and Milmay.[25][28] The township government is based in the community of Leesburg in the municipal complex. Maurice River Township is mostly rural in character and some of the land is covered by extensive forests of the Pine Barrens.

Maurice River Township borders the municipalities of Commercial Township, Millville and Vineland in Cumberland County; Buena Vista Township, Estell Manor and Weymouth Township in Atlantic County; and Dennis Township and Upper Township in Cape May County.[29][30]

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.		%±
1810	2,085		—
1820	2,411		15.6%
1830	2,724		13.0%
1840	2,143		−21.3%
1850	2,245		4.8%
1860	2,430		8.2%
1870	2,500	*	2.9%
1880	2,374		−5.0%
1890	2,279		−4.0%
1900	2,132		−6.5%
1910	2,124		−0.4%
1920	2,016		−5.1%
1930	2,319		15.0%
1940	2,261		−2.5%
1950	2,834		25.3%
1960	3,105		9.6%
1970	3,743		20.5%
1980	4,577		22.3%
1990	6,648		45.2%
2000	6,928		4.2%
2010	7,976		15.1%
2019 (est.)	5,949	[11][31][32]	−25.4%
Population sources:1810–2010[33][34] 1810–1920[35] 1840[36] 1850–1870[37] 1850[38] 1870[39] 1880–1890[40] 1890–1910[41] 1910–1930[42] 1930–1990[43] 2000[44][45] 2010[8][9][10] * = Lost territory in previous decade[20]

Census 2010

The 2010 United States census counted 7,976 people, 1,364 households, and 970 families in the township. The population density was 85.7 per square mile (33.1/km²). There were 1,506 housing units at an average density of 16.2 per square mile (6.3/km²). The racial makeup was 58.04% (4,629) White, 36.03% (2,874) Black or African American, 0.44% (35) Native American, 0.35% (28) Asian, 0.03% (2) Pacific Islander, 3.44% (274) from other races, and 1.68% (134) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.52% (919) of the population.[8]

Of the 1,364 households, 26.2% had children under the age of 18; 55.4% were married couples living together; 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present and 28.9% were non-families. Of all households, 22.7% were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.05.[8]

9.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 52.2% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 7.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.1 years. For every 100 females, the population had 343.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 415.1 males.[8]

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $69,419 (with a margin of error of +/− $9,253) and the median family income was $78,713 (+/− $7,665). Males had a median income of $54,893 (+/− $8,742) versus $33,712 (+/− $6,439) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $15,705 (+/− $1,946). About 9.5% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.8% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.[46]

Census 2000

As of the 2000 United States Census[15] there were 6,928 people, 1,332 households, and 1,012 families residing in the township. The population density was 74.2 inhabitants per square mile (28.6/km²). There were 1,461 housing units at an average density of 15.6 per square mile (6.0/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 98.63% White, 3.98% African American, 0.78% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 11.1% Pacific Islander, 9.43% from other races, and 2.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.15% of the population.[44][45]

There were 1,332 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.03.[44][45]

In the township the population was spread out, with 12.9% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 55.1% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 277.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 343.8 males.[44][45]

The median income for a household in the township was $43,182, and the median income for a family was $46,987. Males had a median income of $37,901 versus $27,928 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,141. About 6.4% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.[44][45]

Parks and recreation

In 1993, the Maurice River and its tributaries were designated as the Maurice National Scenic and Recreational River by the Congress.[47]

Acres of unspoiled forest and waterways allow residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. With an abundance of forests and marshlands, numerous state wildlife refuges in the area are frequented by locals for hunting, fishing, bird-watching, hiking and boating.[48]

The preservation of the unique ecosystem of the Maurice River watershed has become an important issue for some residents. One group, Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. was formed in 1979 to provide education and organize preservation efforts.[49]

Government

Local government

Maurice River Township is governed under the Township form of New Jersey municipal government, one of 141 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form, the second-most commonly used form of government in the state.[50] The governing body is comprised of a three-member Township Committee, whose members are elected directly by the voters at-large in partisan elections to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one seat coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle.[3][51] At an annual reorganization meeting, the Township Committee selects one of its members to serve as Mayor.

As of 2022^[update], members of the Maurice River Township Committee are Mayor Ken Whildin (D, term on committee and as mayor ends December 31, 2022), Deputy Mayor William Ashton (R, term as committee member ends 2024; term as deputy mayor ends 2022) and Joseph Sterling (R, 2023).[4][52][53][54][55][56]

Federal, state and county representation

Maurice River Township is located in the 2nd Congressional District[57] and is part of New Jersey's 1st state legislative district.[9][58][59]

For the 117th United States Congress, New Jersey's Second Congressional District is represented by Jeff Van Drew (R, Dennis Township).[60] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027)[61] and Bob Menendez (Harrison, term ends 2025).[62][63]

For the 2022–2023 session, the 1st Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Mike Testa (R, Vineland) and in the General Assembly by Antwan McClellan (R, Ocean City) and Erik K. Simonsen (R, Lower Township).[64]

Cumberland County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners comprised of seven members who are elected at large by the citizens of Cumberland County in partisan elections and serve staggered three-year terms in office, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle. Each Commissioner is assigned responsibility for one of the county's departments.[65] As of 2022^[update], members of the Cumberland County Board of County Commissioners (with party affiliation, residence and term-end year listed in parentheses) are Commissioner Director Darlene R. Barber (D, Upper Deerfield Township, term as commissioner and as director of the board ends December 31, 2022),[66] Deputy Commissioner Director Donna M. Pearson (D, Bridgeton, term as commissioner ends 2023, term as deputy commissioner director ends 2022),[67] Douglas A. Albrecht (R, Vineland, 2022),[68] George Castellini (D, Vineland, 2023)[69] Carol Musso (D, Deerfield Township, 2023),[70] Antonio Romero (R, Vineland, 2024)[71] and Joseph V. Sileo (R, Vineland, 2024).[72][65][73][74][75][76][77] The county's constitutional officers are Clerk Celeste Riley (D, Bridgeton, 2024),[78][79] Sheriff Robert A. Austino (D, Vineland, 2023)[80][81] and Surrogate Douglas M. Rainear (D, Upper Deerfield Township, 2023).[82][83][73]

State facilities

Two New Jersey Department of Corrections prisons, the Bayside State Prison and the Southern State Correctional Facility are located in the township.[84][85][86]

Politics

As of March 23, 2011, there were a total of 2,329 registered voters in Maurice River Township, of which 574 (24.6%) were registered as Democrats, 595 (25.5%) were registered as Republicans and 1,157 (49.7%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 3 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.[87]

In the 2012 presidential election, Republican Mitt Romney received 55.5% of the vote (810 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 42.9% (627 votes), and other candidates with 1.6% (23 votes), among the 1,482 ballots cast by the township's 2,394 registered voters (22 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 61.9%.[88][89] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 56.3% of the vote (906 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama, who received 39.9% (642 votes), with 1,610 ballots cast among the township's 2,355 registered voters, for a turnout of 68.4%.[90] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 57.7% of the vote (889 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry, who received 39.8% (614 votes), with 1,541 ballots cast among the township's 2,322 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 66.4.[91]

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 67.4% of the vote (621 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 30.3% (279 votes), and other candidates with 2.3% (21 votes), among the 952 ballots cast by the township's 2,225 registered voters (31 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 42.8%.[92][93] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 46.0% of the vote (533 ballots cast), ahead of both Democrat Jon Corzine with 40.3% (467 votes) and Independent Chris Daggett with 8.1% (94 votes), with 1,158 ballots cast among the township's 2,335 registered voters, yielding a 49.6% turnout.[94]

Education

The Maurice River Township School District serves public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade at Maurice River Township Elementary School. As of the 2018–19 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 406 students and 34.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.9:1.[95]

In the 2007–2008 school year, Maurice River Township Elementary School was one of three schools statewide to be designated as a "School to Watch" by the New Jersey Department of Education.[96] Despite this honor, it was one of several schools targeted for closure as part of a plan by the NJ Department of Education that would close and consolidate small school districts within a three-year period. Students at Maurice River Township Elementary School would have been bused to a larger regional school within Cumberland County. By May 2010, the plan had been shelved in the face of inadequate funding to implement the proposal.[97]

Students in ninth through twelfth grades for public school attend high school in Millville together with students from Commercial Township, Lawrence Township and Woodbine, as part of a sending/receiving relationship with the Millville Public Schools.[98][99][100][101] Students attend Memorial High School[102] for grades 9 and half of 10th with 701 students and Millville Senior High School[103] for grades 10–12 with 1,107 students.[104][105]

Students are also eligible to attend Cumberland County Technology Education Center in Vineland, serving students from the entire county in its full-time technical training programs, which are offered without charge to students who are county residents.[106]

Transportation

Roads and highways

Maurice River Township is located about a one-hour drive from both Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City.[48]

As of May 2010^[update], the township had a total of 111.55 miles (179.52 km) of roadways, of which 43.80 miles (70.49 km) were maintained by the municipality, 47.88 miles (77.06 km) by Cumberland County and 19.87 miles (31.98 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[107]

Major roads that pass through include Route 47,[108] Route 49[109] and Route 55[110] (a limited access road) and Route 347.[111] Also, County Routes 548, 550 and 552 all pass through.

Public transportation

NJ Transit offers service on the 313 route between Cape May and Philadelphia.[112][113]

Notable people

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Maurice River Township include:

• Merritt Gant (born 1971), former guitarist of heavy metal bands Overkill and Faith or Fear^{[citation needed]}
• Mike Lafferty (born 1975) Enduro motorcycle champion[114]
• Andy Lapihuska (1922–1996), MLB pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies[115]
• Thomas Lee (1780–1856), represented New Jersey at large in the United States House of Representatives from 1833 to 1837[116]

References

External links

• Maurice River Township website
• Cumberland County webpage for Maurice River Township
• Maurice River Township School
• School Performance Reports for the Maurice River Township School, New Jersey Department of Education
• School Data for the Maurice River Township School District, National Center for Education Statistics
• More on MSX disease

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