A Century of Legacy. Honoring the Past and Building the Future
A Century of Legacy. Honoring the Past and Building the Future
The Centennial Celebration
100 Years of Excellence, Resilience, and Community
A Century of Legacy and Pride
Lawnside stands as a historic pillar of American history—proudly recognized as one of the nation’s first independent, Black-owned communities. Founded on the bedrock of resilience, self-determination, and unity, our story is a testament to the vision of those who built a sanctuary here. For 100 years, we have honored the path of our ancestors while building a future that reflects our community's strength.
1926
1951
The Birth of the Borough
The Post-War Suburban Boom
On March 23, 1926, New Jersey Governor A. Harry Moore signed Assembly Bill 561, officially dissolving Centre Township and incorporating the Borough of Lawnside. One month later, on April 20, 1926, the residents cast their ballots in the first official special election at the public school on Warwick Road. This historic moment propelled Lawnside into the national spotlight, officially cementing its status as an independent, self-governing Black municipality. James Hemmings was elected as the borough's very first mayor.
By 1951, Lawnside’s historic character as a rural, agricultural haven began transforming into a thriving modern suburb. Following World War II—where many local residents secured vital defense industry jobs—the community entered a massive housing and population boom. Plans were set in motion during this exact era for the town's first major modern housing developments, such as Home Acres (which broke ground shortly after in 1954), allowing Black families to achieve independent homeownership during a time when federal redlining heavily restricted their choices elsewhere.
1976
2001
The Bicentennial Era and Cultural Transition
The Grand Opening of the Peter Mott House Museum
As America celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976, Lawnside was navigating a major cultural shift. For decades, the town had been a legendary stop on the "Chitlin’ Circuit," booming with iconic Black-owned entertainment spaces like the Hi-Hat Club, the Cotton Club, and the Tippin Inn (which began its decline around 1975/1976 following the passing of prominent owner James Toomer). With the hard-won victories of the Civil Rights movement opening up integrated venues across the country, 1976 marked a pivotal era where Lawnside began transitioning from an isolated entertainment safe-haven into a proud, politically organized suburban stronghold.
On October 13, 2001, under a brilliant autumn sky, the historic Peter Mott House was officially dedicated and opened to the public as an Underground Railroad museum. This capped a relentless 12-year community effort led by local historian Clarence Still and the Lawnside Historical Society to save the 1845 clapboard home of the free Black farmer from demolition. The opening established Lawnside as a premier national site for historical preservation and education.
2026
The Centennial Celebration
100 Years of Excellence, Resilience, and Community
The Borough of Lawnside marks its Centennial Anniversary. Celebrating 100 years of independent self-governance, the town honors its deep roots—stretching from its 1840 origins as "Free Haven" and "Snow Hill" to its status today as a beacon of African-American heritage, pride, and ongoing community progress in South Jersey
A Legacy of Sovereignty
We honor our roots as the first Black-owned town in South Jersey, a historic sanctuary of self-determination born from the spirit of the Underground Railroad. Our First Mayor and Council 1926
