The blueberry is the official state fruit of the state of New Jersey. It was first cultivated in Whitesbog. Whitesbog is a historical town in South Jersey, located in the Pine Barrens, that got its start in the 18th century when iron furnaces were a booming business. However, the industry's production had destructive effects on the Pinelands. But these same effects were great for growing cranberries, because it created an environment conducive to cranberry growing. At that time, almost 500 acres of land were purchased by James A. Fenwick, including the canal ponds that were used by Hanover Furnace. Fenwick then started growing cranberries. His efforts were very successful, and in the 1860's the cranberry boom began. Fenwick had a son in law by the name of Joseph White, who was also an up and coming cranberry farmer. White took control of Fenwick's cranberry operation upon Fenwick's death. Hence the name Whitesbog. Joseph then began to purchase properties that were adjacent to his now deceased father in law's farm, and used the land to grow cranberries. Joseph's eldest daughter, Elizabeth Coleman White, also had an interest in farming, so she helped her father, which began her career at Whitesbog in 1893. She was a young and enterprising woman who was also interested in the idea of growing blueberries, on the land in between the cranberry bogs.
Elizabeth Coleman White
Before Elizabeth White, there had been many attempts by other farmers to grow blueberries, but all were failures. Elizabeth White incorporated the help of Dr. Frederick V. Coville for his scientific background. This was a success, and by the year 1916, they produced a blueberry crop that they could sell. Besides the farmers, and the White family, the village of Whitesbog consisted of a post office, a general store, a paymaster's office, a schoolhouse, and cranberry processing facilities. The historic village of Whitesbog still stands to this day, and is a beautiful place to visit. They hold a blueberry festival annually.
Whitesbog is a very important part of New Jersey's history with the cranberry and blueberry culture of the United States. It is listed on both the state and National Registers of Historic Sites. The historic village is open 365 days a year, and consists of 25 historic buildings, hiking trails, streams, cranberry bogs, blueberry farm fields, a picnic grove, and the Elizabeth White gardens. If you ever find yourself in South Jersey, I hope you will visit this beautiful and historic place. info available at www.whitesbog.org
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