Description

In The Heart of The Pine Barrens, Pemberton Township and Pemberton Borough have been intricately linked throughout time. Both towns owe their beginnings to the grist and saw mill industries supported by the excellent natural resources of the area. They owe their longevity to the determination of the founding fathers and their descendants. As early as the 1820s, company towns had formed around the Pembertons' first mills and both communities were self-sufficient with stores, churches, schools and skilled craftsmen. When steam plants in larger communities replaced water-powered mills, the Pembertons turned to service industries. Grand hotels were marketed to the wealthy for the healing power of surrounding cedar water lakes and fresh pine air in the township. The borough shed its company town beginnings in lining the main street with shops and services. Blueberry and cranberry farming replaced pig iron smelting and the creeks and lakes wending through both towns were retired from wheel turning to become leisurely retreats.