Mullica Hill, New Jersey

Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Census-designated place
Friends Meetinghouse
Location of Mullica Hill in Gloucester County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Gloucester County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
Mullica Hill Location in Gloucester County Show map of Gloucester County, New Jersey Mullica Hill Location in New Jersey Show map of New Jersey Mullica Hill Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 39°43′34″N75°13′08″W / 39.725999°N 75.21882°W / 39.725999; -75.21882
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Gloucester
Township	Harrison
Founded	1701
Area [1]
• Total	3.77 sq mi (9.77 km2)
• Land	3.75 sq mi (9.71 km2)
• Water	0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2)  0.63%
Elevation [2]	30 ft (9 m)
Population  (2020) [3]
• Total	4,698
• Density	1,252.80/sq mi (483.71/km2)
Time zone	UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Code	08062 [4]
Area code	856
FIPS code	34-49440 [5] [6] [7]
GNIS feature ID	2389522 [8]

Mullica Hill is a census-designated place (CDP) ^[9] and unincorporated community within Harrison Township, Gloucester County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. ^{[10] [11]} As of the 2020 United States census, the CDP's population was 4,698, an increase of 716 (+18.0%) from the 3,982 counted at the 2010 U.S. census, ^[12] which in turn reflected an increase of 2,324 (+140.2%) from the 1,658 enumerated at the 2000 census. ^[13]

History

William Mullica House

Mullica Hill's refurbished old town hall

Spicerville ^[14] was the name of a community on the south bank of Raccoon Creek, named after prominent landowner Jacob Spicer. Mullica Hill originally referred to the settlement on the north bank of Raccoon Creek, named after the sons of Eric Pålsson Mullica, an early Swedish settler (with Finnish ancestry), whose sons William, Eric, Olag, and John Mullica began purchasing land here in 1704. Eventually, both communities became known as just Mullica Hill as the original name of Eric's grandfather's house in Central Finland: "Mullikkamäki" ( mullikka meaning bull calf and mäki meaning hill). Some of Mullica Hill's historic buildings were built following the Civil War, notably the town hall that still stands today. The period of industrial and agricultural growth during and after the Civil War is commemorated by a reenactment every fall. ^[15]

The area was hit by a strong EF3 tornado on September 1, 2021, with winds of up to 150 miles per hour (240 km/h), produced by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, with multiple homes and farms destroyed. ^{[16] [17] [18]}

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Mullica Hill had a total area of 3.626 square miles (9.392 km²), including 3.603 square miles (9.333 km²) of land and 0.023 square miles (0.059 km²) of water (0.63%). ^{[5] [19]}

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1990	1,117		—
2000	1,658		48.4%
2010	3,982		140.2%
2020	4,698		18.0%
Population sources: 2000 [13] 2010 [12] 2020 [3]

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 3,982 people, 1,456 households, and 1,104 families in the CDP. The population density was 1,105.1 per square mile (426.7/km²). There were 1,502 housing units at an average density of 416.8 per square mile (160.9/km²). The racial makeup was 92.87% (3,698) White, 3.84% (153) Black or African American, 0.08% (3) Native American, 1.33% (53) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 0.45% (18) from other races, and 1.43% (57) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.16% (126) of the population. ^[12]

Of the 1,456 households, 38.0% had children under the age of 18; 62.5% were married couples living together; 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 24.2% were non-families. Of all households, 20.9% were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.19. ^[12]

26.1% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 33.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 90.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 86.9 males. ^[12]

2000 census

As of the 2000 U.S. census ^[6] there were 1,658 people, 697 households, and 432 families living in the CDP. The population density was 533.5/km² (1,382.0/mi²). There were 737 housing units at an average density of 237.1/km² (614.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.07% White, 6.88% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.84% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.05% of the population. ^[13]

There were 697 households, out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.8% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.9% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 3.09. ^[13]

The population was spread out, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.3 males. ^[13]

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,628, and the median income for a family was $62,321. Males had a median income of $48,295 versus $35,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,503. About 6.4% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 20.7% of those age 65 or over. ^[13]

Historic district

Mullica Hill Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
New Jersey Register of Historic Places
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Location	East Avenue, Woodstown Road, Church, High, Main, Mill, New and Union streets
Area	68 acres (28 ha)
Architectural style	Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Federal
NRHP reference No.	91000483 [20]
NJRHP No.	1389 [21]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	April 25, 1991
Designated NJRHP	March 6, 1991

Mullica Hill Historic District is a 68-acre (28 ha) national historic district along East Avenue, Woodstown Road, Church, High, Main, Mill, New and Union streets in the community. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 25, 1991 for its significance in architecture, commerce, industry, community development, and exploration/settlement. The district includes 136 contributing buildings. ^[22]

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church was built in 1852, with a bell tower added in 1879. ^[22] It has been documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey. ^[23]

Education

Further information: Clearview Regional High School District and Harrison Township School District

Mullica Hill hosts Harrison Township Elementary School which serves students in grades K - 3 and Pleasant Valley School (grades 4 - 6) as part of the Harrison Township School District. Public school students from Mullica Hill also attend Clearview Regional Middle School (grades 7 & 8), and Clearview Regional High School (grades 9-12) of the Clearview Regional High School District. All are located in Mullica Hill.

Friends School Mullica Hill is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational day school, serving students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, and providing private music lessons. The current school was originally established in 1969, but is part of a local Quaker tradition in the area extending back over 300 years. ^[24]

Guardian Angels Regional School is a K–8 school that operates under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden. ^[25] Its PreK-3 campus is in Gibbstown while its 4-8 campus is in Paulsboro. ^[26]

Transportation

New Jersey Transit bus service between Mullica Hill and Philadelphia is available on the 410 route. ^[27]

New Jersey Route 45, New Jersey Route 77 and U.S. Route 322 are the main highways serving Mullica Hill. While Route 45 and Route 77 still pass through downtown, in January 2012 a new alignment of US 322 opened which bypasses the downtown area. ^[28]

Notable people

See also: Category:People from Harrison Township, New Jersey

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Mullica Hill include:

• Jay Accorsi (born 1963), college football coach at Rowan University. ^[29]
• John Brancy (born 1988), operatic baritone. ^[30]
• Jeff Datz (born 1959), professional baseball scout and a former Major League Baseball player and coach. ^[31]
• Wilbur Evans (1905-1987), actor and singer who performed on the radio, in opera, on Broadway, in films, and in early live television. ^[32]
• Samuel Gibbs French (1818-1910), Confederate Major General during the Civil War. ^[33]
• George W. F. Gaunt (1865–1918), President of the New Jersey State Senate ^[34]
• Big Daddy Graham (1953–2021), comedian, writer, actor, recording artist and sports radio personality on 94 WIP-FM. ^[35]
• John W. Hazelton (1814-1878), represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district from 1871-1875. ^[36]
• Dan Klecko, (born 1981) former NFL defensive tackle and fullback. ^[37]
• Gregg Murphy, sports journalist who has been a broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies. ^[38]
• Nathan T. Stratton (1813-1887), represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1851 to 1855. ^[39]
• Al Szolack (born 1950), retired basketball player best known for his time spent on the Washington Generals, the traveling exhibition team best known for their spectacular losing streak in exhibition games against the Harlem Globetrotters. ^[40]
• Michelle Tumolo (born 1991), women's lacrosse coach and former player who is the Head Coach of the Army Black Knights women's lacrosse team. ^[41]

References

1. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
2. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Mullica Hill Census Designated Place, Geographic Names Information System. Accessed November 10, 2012.
3. Census Data Explorer: Mullica Hill CDP, New Jersey, United States Census Bureau. Accessed June 15, 2023.
4. Look Up a ZIP Code for Mullica Hill, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed November 10, 2012.
5. Gazetteer of New Jersey Places, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 21, 2016.
6. U.S. Census website, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
7. Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed June 9, 2023.
8. "Mullica Hill Census Designated Place". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
9. State of New Jersey Census Designated Places - BVP20 - Data as of January 1, 2020, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 27, 2022.
10. New Jersey: 2010 - Population and Housing Unit Counts - 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH-2-32), United States Census Bureau, August 2012. Accessed November 10, 2012.
11. Locality Search, State of New Jersey. Accessed April 19, 2015.
12. DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Mullica Hill CDP, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today , United States Census Bureau. Accessed November 10, 2012.
13. DP-1 - Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 from the Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Mullica Hill CDP, New Jersey Archived 2020-02-12 at archive.today , United States Census Bureau. Accessed November 10, 2012.
14. "Mullica Hill". Geographic Names Information System . United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Variant name: Spicerville
15. Werner, Charles Jolly. Eric Mullica and his descendants: A Swedish pioneer in New Jersey, C.J. Werner, New Gretna, New Jersey: 1930.
16. 20210901's Storm Reports (20210901 1200 UTC - 20210902 1159 UTC), National Weather Service, September 1, 2021. Accessed January 21, 2022. "2221 1 ENE Mullica Hill Gloucester NJ 3974 7520 Significant Damage In The Mullica Hill Area Including Several Homes Damaged And Trees Down On Cedar Road. Time Estimated From Radar. (PHI)"
17. "Catastrophic Tornado Rips Apart Homes in Mullica Hill, NJ", WCAU, September 1, 2021. Accessed January 21, 2022. "A confirmed EF-3 tornado ripped several homes apart in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, as remnants of Ida slammed the entire region on Wednesday, with debris from destroyed homes traveling miles. The tornado, which had peak winds of 150 mph, destroyed at least nine homes, with some leveled to their foundations, along Josephine and Marvin lanes early Wednesday evening."
18. Quinn, Amy Z. "When the town nobody’s heard of is on the nation’s lips | Letter from your editor", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, September 4, 2021. Accessed January 21, 2022. "I’m writing, as always, from Mullica Hill, a Gloucester County community most folks hadn’t heard of this time last week. It’s been a strange, scary few days, as our little town about 20 miles south of Philadelphia became the dateline for national and international news stories about the EF-3 tornado that plowed through homes, flattened trees and tipped over two 80-foot corn silos."
19. US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
20. "National Register Information System – (#91000483)". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
21. New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places – Gloucester County, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - Historic Preservation Office, updated December 22, 2021. Accessed January 21, 2022.
22. Westfield, Margaret; Richardson, Herbert A. (September 1989). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Mullica Hill Historic District". National Park Service. With accompanying 32 photos
23. "St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 51 North Main Street, Mullica Hill, Gloucester County, NJ". Historic American Buildings Survey. NJ-889.
24. History, Friends School Mullica Hill. Accessed November 11, 2012.
25. Schools, South Jersey Catholic Schools. Accessed February 21, 2023.
26. Contact Information, Guardian Angels Regional School. Accessed February 22, 2023.
27. Gloucester County Bus / Rail Connections, New Jersey Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 26, 2010. Accessed November 11, 2012.
28. "Long-Sought Route 322 Bypass Gets Grand Opening In Gloucester County, NJ", KYW-TV, January 11, 2012. Accessed December 1, 2012.
29. Jay Accorsi, Rowan University. Accessed November 10, 2012. "Accorsi resides in Mullica Hill, NJ with his wife Nancy and daughters, Gabrielle and Rachel and son, Jack."
30. Shyrock, Bob. "A Rare Talent", South Jersey Life, August 21, 2007. Accessed October 21, 2018. "Defying considerable odds, John Brancy has posted some rather impressive numbers. For example, in one competition in Miami, the classical baritone from Clearview Regional High School was one of six $10,000 winners.... So it's little wonder the Mullica Hill resident heads to the elite Juilliard School in Manhattan on scholarship in a few weeks to pursue a musical career he hopes will culminate on the worldwide opera stage."
31. Carchidi, Sam. "Family again witnesses history; 33 years after the Vet's opener, the Datzes were at the christening of Citizens Bank Park.", The Philadelphia Inquirer , April 4, 2004. Accessed September 5, 2021, via Newspapers.com. "Jeff Datz was a lifelong Phillies fan when he grew up in Mullica Hill in Gloucester County."
32. Staff. "Wilbur Evans Is Dead; A Singer on Broadway", The New York Times , June 3, 1987. Accessed March 29, 2016. "Wilbur Evans, a singer and actor who starred opposite Mary Martin in the London production of South Pacific, died Sunday at his home in Mullica Hill, N.J."
33. Historical Sites, Gloucester County, New Jersey. "The General French House 136 South Broad Street, Woodbury Built ca. 1766, this house gained fame during the Civil War because it was owned by a General in the Confederate Army. General Samuel Gibbs French, though born in Mullica Hill, chose to fight on the side of the Confederacy."
34. "Ex-State Senator G. W. F. Gaunt". The New York Times . Vol. LXVIII, no. 22159. New York, N.Y. September 25, 1918. p. 13 – via Internet Archive.
35. Tornoe, Rob. "Longtime WIP host Big Daddy Graham dies at 68", The Philadelphia Inquirer , September 9, 2021. Accessed September 10, 2021. "He eventually settled in Mullica Hill, N.J., where he and his wife, Debbie, raised two daughters — Keely and Ava."
36. John Wright Hazelton, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed August 16, 2007.
37. Bowen, Les. "Eagles - Klecko hopes to make Eagles as a fullback", The Philadelphia Inquirer , March 18, 2008. Accessed January 21, 2022. "Dan Klecko and his wife Lori, a Port Richmond native whom he met at Temple, recently bought a house in Mullica Hill, N.J."
38. Phillies Broadcasters, Philadelphia Phillies. Accessed August 8, 2019. "Gregg lives in Mullica Hill, N.J., and has three children: one daughter, Quinn, and two sons, Matthew and Colin."
39. Nathan Taylor Stratton. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress . Accessed August 25, 2007.
40. Williams, Victoria. "Under Control", Gloucester County Times , January 15, 2009. Accessed March 29, 2016. "Big Al, wife Carol, and their daughters, Karolena, 18, and Olivia, 11, reside in Mullica Hill."
41. Michelle Tumolo, Syracuse Orange. Accessed September 5, 2021. "High School: Clearview Regional; Hometown: Mullica Hill, N.J."