Dividing Creek, New Jersey

Dividing Creek, New Jersey
Census-designated place
Dividing Creek Location in Cumberland County Show map of Cumberland County, New Jersey Dividing Creek Location in New Jersey Show map of New Jersey Dividing Creek Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 39°16′13″N75°06′04″W / 39.27028°N 75.10111°W / 39.27028; -75.10111
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Cumberland
Township	Downe
Area [1]
• Total	1.27 sq mi (3.29 km2)
• Land	1.22 sq mi (3.17 km2)
• Water	0.05 sq mi (0.13 km2)
Elevation	10 ft (3 m)
Population  (2020) [2]
• Total	345
• Density	282.09/sq mi (108.93/km2)
Time zone	UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Code	08315
Area code	856
FIPS code	34-17890 [3]
GNIS feature ID	875926 [4]

Dividing Creek is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) ^[5] located in Downe Township in Cumberland County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. ^[6]

Dividing Creek is located on County Route 553 9.7 miles (15.6 km) south-southwest of Millville ^[7] and is also the location of the southern terminus of County Route 555. Dividing Creek has a post office with ZIP Code 08315. ^{[8] [9]}

History

Dividing Creek, originally named "Half Way," boasts deep historical roots with many family names tracing back over 200 years. Its economy was historically driven by sawmills along its creeks, shipbuilding, and the oyster trade. Farming and the M.J. Dilks basket factory were also notable local industries.

From 1902 to 1922, the Bridgeton-Millville Traction Company maintained a sub-station on Main Street, supporting trolley services between Bridgeton and Bivalve. In 1855, a significant incident involved the ambush and robbery of John Lore, Sr., one of the township's most extensive landowners, highlighting that life in the rural community was not always tranquil. ^[10]

Community and Notable Structures

Despite its small population, Dividing Creek is known for its strong community spirit. Historically, Union Hall, located on Route 553 across from the elementary school, served as a central hub for community activities. Built in 1896 by the Good Intent Beneficial Society with assistance from the Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, the two-story white clapboard structure is potentially the oldest public building of its type in the region. It measures 48 feet long and 30 feet wide, features cedar siding, a ticket office in the entrance hall, and a stage. The bell tower above the front entrance still houses its original 300-pound, 24-inch diameter bell, cast in 1901 by the McCheny Bell Foundry of Baltimore, Maryland.

Union Hall was sold to the Dividing Creek Civic Club in 1964, which later became the Dividing Creek Historical Society. Since 2019, it has been owned by Downe Township. The Dividing Creek Historical Society actively seeks community involvement to preserve local history, particularly through the maintenance and use of Union Hall, which is listed on the Cumberland County Register of Historic Structures and Sites. ^[10]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
2020	345		—
2020 [2]

Dividing Creek first appeared as a census designated place in the 2020 U.S. Census. ^[11]

As of the 2020 United States census, the population of the area was 345. ^[2]

References

1. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
2. Census Data Explorer: Dividing Creek CDP, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed June 15, 2023.
3. Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed June 9, 2023.
4. "Dividing Creek". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
5. State of New Jersey Census Designated Places - BVP20 - Data as of January 1, 2020, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 25, 2022.
6. Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed June 9, 2016.
7. Cumberland County (PDF) (Map). New Jersey Department of Transportation . Retrieved July 27, 2013.
8. United States Postal Service (2012). "USPS - Look Up a ZIP Code" . Retrieved February 15, 2012.
9. "Postmaster Finder - Post Offices by ZIP Code". United States Postal Service. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
10. "Dividing Creek - SNJ Today". February 6, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2025.
11. "2020 Geography Changes". United States Census Bureau.