It seems unbelievable today, but Cherry Hill's landscape was once full of pastures, farms and orchards. Our modern highways were once mere access roads, crossing farm fields and hosting small fruit and vegetable stands by the side of the road.

In 1931, when Cherry Hill was known as Delaware Township, 82 farms were in operation. Springdale Road, which is home to the only working farm left in the township, was a dirt road. A chicken farm resided at the intersection of Route 70 and Springdale Road and another one near where Cherry Hill High School East is located on Kresson Road. In fact, all you could see in those days were farms up and down Springdale Road.

In 1949 after completing his service in the Navy, Alan Ebert purchased what is now Springdale Farms. Alan's widow, Mary, along with her children, Mary Ann Jarvis and John Ebert, and Tom Jarvis, Mary Ann's husband, now own Springdale Farms. Springdale Farms and its market attract hundreds of people every week from the surrounding areas.

Customers long for the taste of home-grown produce and freshly made pies, cakes, muffins and other pastries, all of which are baked on the premises. Chefs at local restaurants patronize our fresh produce, fruits and vegetables, making Springdale on eof the principal farms involved in the South Jersey Independent Restaurant Association's "Farm to Fork" program.

Beginning the middle of September, when the pumpkins are cut, and throughout October, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are either picked by visitors or by the staff that offer pumpkins for sale at the store. "Pick-your-own" strawberries are by far the biggest promotion conducted by Springdale Farms. This is an exciting, enjoyable way for customers to start their summer. In fact, as the farming season changes from spring to summer to fall, so do the attractions Springdale Farms can offer the public.

For more information about Springdale Farms' hayrides and other attractions, call (856) 424-8674.