Riverton

by Meghan Shott | Apr 6, 2017
Riverton The community of Riverton was founded in 1851 by 10 Philadelphians looking for summer homes for their families while having easy access to the city. Architect Samuel Sloan was commissioned by the group to design the village on 120 acres of land to be purchased from Joseph Lippincott in the old township of Chester. The plan called for building a seawall and landscaping along the river, having a railroad station at the northern end of town and adding a pier for commerce and passengers.

A clause prohibited the building of any permanent structure on the riverbank and for more than 100 years, allowed activities such as concerts, fireworks, political speeches and boat watching on the grass to be enjoyed by all residents, according to Riverton’s website. These events were mostly moved to Memorial Park, which was opened in 1931 and dedicated to all servicemen and women of the US armed forces. At over 12 acres in size, the park includes picnic areas and a playground along with baseball and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts. The annual Children’s Flag Parade is also held here each 4th of July, a tradition which begun in 1897 by the Riverton Yacht Club. The Riverton Yacht Club was organized in 1865 and is the oldest Yacht Club on the Delaware River and one of the oldest in the country.

Originally parented by the township of Cinnaminson, an election was held to officially separate and become a borough in December 1893. Edward H. Ogden was Riverton’s first mayor and a four person borough council was elected and installed on January 1, 1894.

The Porch Club is a women’s club formed in 1890 and is one of the oldest in New Jersey. Named for its informal meeting place of members’ porches, the group was essential in making many social improvements in Riverton, including opening the first public Kindergarten in the county and forming a State Mother’s Circle, later becoming known as the NJ State Parent and Teacher Association (PTA).

The Riverton Council recently authorized the establishment of the Riverton Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. If you live in Riverton and are interested in serving on this committee, please contact Mayor Brown at jyd9168@verizon.net or Robert E. Smyth at bobsmythnj@aol.com.

The Police Department of Riverton’s mission is “to serve all the people who enter the Borough of Riverton with respect, fairness and compassion”, according to their website http://www.riverton-police.com/. You can keep up with the police blotter on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Riverton-Police-Department-NJ-589356464434832.

Riverton Country Club was founded in 1900 and is one of the earliest golf clubs in the country. It boasts a challenging 18-hole course along with a bowling alley, tennis, swimming, fine dining and banquet facilities.

Over the years a small business district has developed in the center of town which includes offices, shops, restaurants, a fitness center, a post office and a bank. The new River Line light-rail service also serves Riverton and transports riders to Camden and Philadelphia. Students living in Riverton attend kindergarten through 8th grade in the Riverton School System and then move on to Palmyra High School.

The Department of Public Works wants to inform residents that there is free mulch for them at the Public Works yard at the end of 3rd Street. Bring your shovels and containers and help yourself. The DPW is open Monday through Friday from 7am-3pm and on weekends from 7am-11am.

Upcoming Events
Riverton’s Third Annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, April 15 at 10am for children ages 3 to 10 at Riverton Memorial Park. Sponsored by Riverton Public Works and the Riverton Police Department and funded by Riverton Clean Communities, there will be fun, games, candy and prizes.

Save the date for Treasure Day, Riverton’s townwide yard sale on Saturday, May 13 from 8am-3pm with an optional rain date of May 20. There is a $10 nonrefundable fee to register which benefits Riverton 4th of July Committee efforts. Call Terri Laverty at 856-829-0989 for more information.

Keep your eyes on www.riverton4thofjuly.com for announcements on 2017 activities such as the Riverfront Cocktail Party, Concert in the Park, House Decorating Contest, Bill Oliver 5K & 1-Mile, Parade, National Anthem, Park Activities, Joe Zaneski Downhill Race, Pet Pageant and Raft Race.

Stay up to date with news and current events in Riverton by visiting their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RivertonNJ.

Riverton’s borough hall is located at 505A Howard Street in Riverton. For more information on the community, call 856-829-0120 or visit riverton-nj.com.

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Author: Meghan Shott

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