Haddon Heights was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 2, 1904, from portions of the now-defunct Centre Township and parts of Haddon Township.[22] The borough was named for Elizabeth Haddon, an early settler of the area.[23] Haddon Heights is a dry town where alcohol cannot be sold.[24][25] A November 2024 non-binding referendum asking voters to allow liquor sales at restaurants and bars in the borough passed by a 2–1 margin; the borough council would have to approve an ordinance allowing for the sale of liquor licenses.[26][27]
New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Haddon Heights as the 98th best place to live in New Jersey in its 2008 rankings of the "Best Places To Live" in New Jersey,[28] and the borough has also been listed among its "Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia" by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.[29] In 2011, New Jersey Monthly named Haddon Heights the second best town to live in Southern New Jersey, after Moorestown Township.[30]
History
The land that was to become Haddon Heights was settled in 1699 by John Hinchman. In 1713, John Siddon built a farmhouse near Hinchman's property. John Thorn Glover dammed King's Run and constructed a mill race and fulling mill on this property before 1776. Jacob Hinchman built a frame dwelling no later than 1720 that was later enlarged by American Revolutionary War hero Col. Joseph Ellis. It is currently referred to as the Col. Joseph Ellis House. New Jersey governor Joseph Bloomfield later purchased this property.[31]
In 1890, Benjamin A. Lippincott constructed a passenger station in the center of his land for the Atlantic City Railroad. Then Lippincott, with Charles Hillman, filed a grid street plan with Camden County to develop a community. They named it Haddon Heights because of its proximity to Haddonfield and its high elevation. Large houses were built in Colonial Revival, Queen Anne or Foursquare style that appealed to prosperous middle-class families moving from the cities. In 1904, Haddon Heights was incorporated as a borough and Lippincott was elected mayor. A small downtown grew near the railroad and the White Horse Pike and eight churches and a synagogue were built. An area of old Centre Township, known as Fairfield Estates, voted in 1926 to become part of Haddon Heights. This land was developed for more single-family housing through the 1940s and 1950s. Even though rail passenger service was suspended in July 1965, Haddon Heights remains a typical turn-of-the-twentieth-century railroad suburb with tree-shaded streets and comfortable homes.[32]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.57 square miles (4.07 km2), including 1.57 square miles (4.06 km2) of land and 0.01 square miles (0.01 km2) of water (0.32%).[1][2]
This section needs to be updated. The reason given is: More information about demographics is available from the 2020 Census report. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(August 2021)
Of the 2,997 households, 29.4% had children under the age of 18; 55.6% were married couples living together; 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present and 32.5% were non-families. Of all households, 28.4% were made up of individuals and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.10.[19]
22.9% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 30.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.6 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 87.9 males.[19]
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $82,663 (with a margin of error of +/− $9,335) and the median family income was $101,943 (+/− $5,362). Males had a median income of $75,785 (+/− $5,098) versus $58,912 (+/− $4,731) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $40,913 (+/− $3,618). No families and 1.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.[43]
2000 census
As of the 2000 United States census[16] there were 7,547 people, 3,039 households, and 2,039 families residing in the borough. The population density was 4,855.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,874.7/km2). There were 3,136 housing units at an average density of 2,017.6 per square mile (779.0/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 97.97% White, 0.40% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population.[41][42]
There were 3,039 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.09.[41][42]
In the borough the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.[41][42]
The median income for a household in the borough was $58,424, and the median income for a family was $73,460. Males had a median income of $51,572 versus $35,208 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $28,198. About 1.0% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.[41][42]
Arts and culture
The Haddon Heights Public Library provides residents access to more than 46,000 volumes in the fiction, mystery, teen, children's, non-fiction and biography collections as well as periodicals, DVDs, Audio CDs, reference materials, online databases, e-content, and museum passes.[44] Dating back to 1902, there was a Haddon Heights Library Association.[45] The current library building was constructed in 1965.[32]
Government
Local government
Haddon Heights is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey.[46] The governing body is comprised of a mayor and a borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council has six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.[6] The borough form of government used by Haddon Heights is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body, with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.[47][48]
The reorganization meeting of the governing body is held on the first Saturday in January. At this meeting, the newly elected council members take the oath of office and a council president, who serves as acting mayor when the mayor is absent, is elected by the council. Appointments for the coming year are announced by the mayor and confirmed by the council when required by law.[49]
As of 2023[update], the mayor of Haddon Heights is Democrat Zachary Houck, whose term of office ends December 31, 2023. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Christopher Morgan (D, 2024), Trisha D. Egbert (D, 2023), Tom Ottoson (D, 2025), Matthew Pagan (D, 2025), Regina M. Philipps (D, 2023) and Kate Russo (D, 2024).[3][50][51][52][53][54]
At the January 2022 reorganization meeting Scott Schreiber was appointed to fill the seat expiring in December 2022 that had been vacated by Asiyah Kurtz.[55]
In March 2016, the borough council selected Vincent Ceroli from three candidates nominated by the Republican municipal committee to fill the seat expiring in December 2016 that had been held by Earl R. Miller Jr. until he resigned from office.[56][57]
Federal, state and county representation
Haddon Heights is located in the 1st Congressional District[58] and is part of New Jersey's 5th state legislative district.[59][60][61]
Camden County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of seven members chosen at-large in partisan elections for three-year terms on a staggered basis by the residents of the county, with either two or three seats up for election each year as part of the November general election. At a reorganization meeting held in January after each election, the newly constituted Board of Commissioners selects one member to serve as Director and another as Deputy Director, each serving a one-year term in that role.[67] As of 2025[update], Camden County's Commissioners are:
Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. (D, Collingswood, 2026),[68]
Commissioner Deputy Director Edward T. McDonnell (D, Pennsauken Township, 2025),[69]
Virginia Ruiz Betteridge (D, Runnemede, 2025),[70]
Almar Dyer (D, Pennsauken Township, 2027),[71]
Melinda Kane (D, Cherry Hill, 2027),[72]
Jeffrey L. Nash (D, Winslow Township, 2027),[73] and
Jonathan L. Young Sr. (D, Berlin Township, 2026).[74][67][75][76][77]
As of March 2011, there were a total of 5,754 registered voters in Haddon Heights, of which 2,137 (37.1%) were registered as Democrats, 1,310 (22.8%) were registered as Republicans and 2,300 (40.0%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 7 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.[85]
In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 54.8% of the vote (2,352 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 44.0% (1,891 votes), and other candidates with 1.2% (51 votes), among the 4,326 ballots cast by the borough's 6,019 registered voters (32 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 71.9%.[86][87] In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 55.8% of the vote (2,548 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain, who received around 41.4% (1,893 votes), with 4,568 ballots cast among the borough's 5,586 registered voters, for a turnout of 81.8%.[88] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 53.2% of the vote (2,411 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush, who received around 45.1% (2,045 votes), with 4,534 ballots cast among the borough's 5,562 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 81.5.[89]
In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 65.2% of the vote (1,821 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 33.2% (928 votes), and other candidates with 1.5% (43 votes), among the 2,859 ballots cast by the borough's 6,010 registered voters (67 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 47.6%.[90][91] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 47.4% of the vote (1,450 ballots cast), ahead of both Democrat Jon Corzine with 43.7% (1,338 votes) and Independent Chris Daggett with 6.4% (195 votes), with 3,059 ballots cast among the borough's 5,680 registered voters, yielding a 53.9% turnout.[92]
Baptist Regional School is a private, co-educational K–12 college-preparatory school governed by a board of directors in association with Haddon Heights Baptist Church (GARBC). The school offers an integrated curriculum with a conservative Christian worldview.[106]
Transportation
Roads and highways
As of May 2010[update], the borough had a total of 30.82 miles (49.60 km) of roadways, of which 22.06 miles (35.50 km) were maintained by the municipality, 6.52 miles (10.49 km) by Camden County and 2.24 miles (3.60 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[107]
Edward Clyde Benfold (1931–1952), United States Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class who was killed in action and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor[117]
Bessie Mecklem Hackenberger (1876–1942), one of the earliest American-born saxophone soloists and an active participant and trustee in the Haddon Heights Woman's Club[123]
George A. Palmer (1895–1981), Protestant clergyman who was pastor at Haddon Heights Baptist Church and started the long-running Morning Cheer radio broadcast in 1932 from his home in Haddon Heights[133]
^Jennings, Rob. "N.J. may lose one of its last 'dry towns' if voters agree to allow liquor licenses", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, November 2, 2024. Accessed November 3, 2024. "Haddon Heights in Camden County has a ballot question Tuesday on permitting retail consumption licenses. It is a nonbinding referendum, meaning that approval would not necessarily result in any change in policy. The borough council has the final say."
^McFadden, Alyce. "After Banning Booze for 120 Years, a Town Prepares to Open the Tap", The New York Times, November 22, 2024. Accessed November 25, 2024. "For all of its 120-year history, Haddon Heights has been a dry town. But this month, its residents voted to change that. By a nearly two-to-one margin, voters passed a ballot initiative on Election Day to allow restaurants and bars to serve alcohol, joining the growing ranks of formerly dry counties and towns across the country that have abandoned such restrictions."
^Governing Body Information, Borough of Haddon Heights. Accessed August 4, 2022. "Since it became a Borough, Haddon Heights has been governed by a Mayor and six (6) Council members who are chosen through partisan elections held in November annually. The Mayor is the chief executive officer and the six Council members handle legislative functions.... The Reorganization Meeting of the governing body is held on the first Saturday in January. At this meeting, the newly elected Council members take the oath of office and a Council President, who serves as Acting Mayor when the Mayor is absent, is elected by the Council."
^Borough Council Reorgaization Meeting Minutes for January 6, 2022, Borough of Haddon Heights. Accessed August 4, 2022. "Resolution 2021:01- Resolution Fulfilling the Vacancy on Council Pursuant to NJS 40A:16-4 Municipal Vacancy Law: Motion nominating Scott Schreiber to fill the vacancy was made by Councilwoman Egbert, seconded by Councilman Morgan. Under a roll call vote, all members voted yes."
^Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Governing Body Meeting MinutesArchived August 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Haddon Heights. Accessed June 26, 2016. "Resolution 2016:73 – Resolution Filling Vacancy on Council: Councilwoman Griffith made a motion to nominate Vincent Ceroli to fill the vacancy on Council, Councilwoman Valvardi seconded the motion. A motion to adopt Resolution 2016:73 was made by Councilwoman Griffith, seconded by Councilwoman Valvardi. Under a roll call vote, all members voted in favor with the exception of Councilman DiRenzo who abstained."
^Tuesday, February 16, 2016 Governing Body Meeting MinutesArchived August 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Haddon Heights. Accessed June 26, 2016. "Albert Olizi said that the Republican Municipal Committee is required to submit three names for Council's consideration to fill the vacancy on Council created with the resignation of Councilman Miller."
^Full Biography, Congressman Donald Norcross. Accessed January 3, 2019. "Donald and his wife Andrea live in Camden City and are the proud parents of three grown children and grandparents of two."
^Haddon Heights Public Schools Bylaw 0110 - Identification, Haddon Heights School District. Accessed May 15, 2020. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-K through twelve in the Haddon Heights School District. Composition: The Haddon Heights School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of the Borough of Haddon Heights."
^Biography of Robert E. AndrewsArchived April 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, accessed April 29, 2007. "The Andrews family lives in Haddon Heights. He does not keep an apartment in Washington, D.C. but instead commutes each day by train to be closer to his family and constituents."
^PO3 Edward Clyde Benfold, Military Hall of Honor. Accessed December 13, 2014. "He grew up in Haddon Heights, NJ, and graduated from Audubon High School in Audubon, NJ."
^"Erwin Bergdoll, 74; Draft Case Principal", Courier-Post, March 22, 1965. Accessed August 14, 2024, via Newspapers.com. "Erwin Bergdoll, who with his brother. Grover, was a principal in this country's most prominent World War I draft dodging case, died yesterday in Cooper Hospital. Bergdoll, 74,, of 304 7th ave., Haddon Heights, had lived a relatively quiet life in recent years, although a law suit instituted against him this year by his son, Erwin R. Jr., still is pending."
^Roeder, ida Mae. "Haddon Hts. Woman Finds Career In Writing Books for Children", Courier-Post, April 4, 1956. Accessed December 3, 2024, via Newspapers.com. "A young Haddon Heights author will see her third book launched this week and then buckle down to a contract for two more. Miss Mary Chalmers, of 1644 Oak ave., working under contract to Harper & Bro., is not only an author but her own illustrator as well."
^Adelson, Fred B. "ART; Children's Page Turners to Linger Over", The New York Times, January 9, 2000. Accessed November 18, 2013. "DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan of Haddon Heights wants children to see themselves in her illustrations, which include a diverse group of ethnic types."
^Meet the Dean[permanent dead link], Wharton Alumni Magazine, Spring 2000. "Harker is a resident of Haddon Heights, N.J., where he lives with his wife, Emily - a Wharton alumna whom he met at Penn - and their three children."
^Narducci, Marc. "William & Mary Football Stocks Up On Local Linemen", The Philadelphia Inquirer, September 28, 1990. Accessed December 13, 2014. "Steve Israel of Haddon Heights is a backup cornerback at the University of Pittsburgh. Israel, who has been slowed by a knee injury, has returned one punt for 27 yards and two kickoffs for 56 yards."
^Jameson moved to Haddon Heights with his parents by 1949. "Frederic Jameson", United States census, 1950; Haddon Heights, Camden, New Jersey; page 7, line 6, enumeration district 125. Retrieved on 2024-09-25. It was his home address while he studied at Haverford College (1950–1954). "Students in the College", Haverford College Bulletin, 50 (2): 19, 1951; "Students in the College", Haverford College Bulletin, 52 (4): 21, 1954
^Dukes, Mark. "Baseball season to remember", The Gazette, July 4, 2015. Accessed December 21, 2022. "Jones' connection with Iowa began when he was recruited by the Hawkeyes out of Haddon Heights, N.J."
^Herb Kelleher on the Record, Part 1, Business Week by Mark Morrison, December 22, 2003. "In Part 1 of this edited interview, Kelleher retraces his steps from his childhood in Haddon Heights, N.J., to his move with his wife to Texas, where he gained entrepreneur Rollin King as a client, and the two drew up a plan on the proverbial napkin for an airline connecting Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston."
^Billy Lange profileArchived 2007-01-28 at the Wayback Machine, CSTV. Accessed July 17, 2007. "A native of Haddon Heights, N.J., Lange played basketball at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School for his father, Bill Lange Sr., and at Rowan College before moving into the coaching ranks in 1995."
^via Associated Press. "Willie Mosconi, 80; Was Champion Billiards Player", The Seattle Times, September 18, 1993. Accessed January 2, 2011. "Haddon Heights, N.J. - Willie Mosconi, a world champion billiards player over nearly two decades, died at his home here. He was 80. Mr. Mosconi, who lived in Haddon Heights for nearly 40 years, died Sept. 17 of a heart attack."
^"Radio Vet at 5", The Evening News, January 25, 1936. Accessed February 16, 2021, via Newspapers.com. "Five year-old Bobby Palmer has almost 1000 radio performances to his credit. Bobby is the son of Rev. George A. Palmer, who presents a daily radio religious program over Philadelphia and New York stations. The broadcasts are made between the hours of seven and eight o'clock from the Palmer home in Haddon Heights, N. J."
^Justice, James. "Why New Jersey has underachieved in college football", The Setonian, September 13, 2017. Accessed May 15, 2020. "With the 13th pick, the Arizona Cardinals select Haason Reddick, linebacker, from Haddon Heights, N.J. No, those weren’t the exact words that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said when he spoke on the podium at the NFL Draft on April 27. Although, if he and others that announced names did reference towns and not colleges, New Jersey towns would have been mentioned eight times throughout proceedings."
^Justice Lee A. Solomon, New Jersey Courts, backed up by the Internet Archive as of January 19, 2016. Accessed May 15, 2020. "He served on the Haddon Heights Borough Council, Camden County Board of Freeholders and five years in the New Jersey General Assembly."
^Breznican, Anthony. Spielberg's family values, USA Today, June 23, 2005. "I first became aware of the sky when my father pointed out the Perseid meteor shower to me when I was about 6 years old, living in Haddon Heights, N.J.,"