Port Norris Historical Society

05/25/2026

It is with sadness that we share this post. Our sincere condolences to the Smith family and their friends.

View Vendetta M. Smith's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day. If anyone knows the ladies on the left, let me know. A few are mentioned, but I'm not sure who they are. Here is the article we found and ran in a 2018 newsletter.

P.N. Dedicates War MemorialNovember 14, 1954

Crowd Gather For Splendid ServiceOfficial dedication of the recently purchased and erected memorial to all persons who have served in the Armed Forces from Port Norris was held yesterday on the township land in Port Norris located at Railroad Ave. and E, Main St.The program was enjoyed by a large crowd which gathered for the ceremony which opened with special selections by the American Legion Band of Millville directed by Gerald Lilly.Louis Dagastine, president of the sponsoring civic groups, presided as master of ceremonies and spoke on the purpose of the memorial. Rev. Gordon C. McNaughton, pastor of the Port Norris Methodist Church gave the opening prayer followed by a silent prayer by Rev. I.N. Holly, pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church.Unveiling of the monument was Mrs. Marie Danna and Mrs. Myrtle Gaskill, Port Norris, followed by presentation of the monument to the town by president Dagatine and acceptance in behalf of the Port Norris residents by Mathias Taylor, chairman of the Commercial Township Committee.The dedication was then conducted by Rev. Vernon E. Spencer of the Port Norris Baptist Church and the main address was given Rev. David J. Spratt of the Cedarville Presbyterian Church, past chaplain of the Shoemaker Post American Legion of Bridgeton.The wreath in honor of the war dead was placed by Mrs. Beulah Cobb of Port Norris, raising the flag by Mrs. Rose O’Brien [PNHS Legend] assisted by Francis O’Brien of the U.S. [Navy] and Donald Taylor [PNHS Legend], former Marine. National Anthem was then played by the legion band followed by the benediction by Chaplain Clinton S. Howell of the State Department Veterans of Foreign Wars and the salute by the combined firing squads of the VFW and the American Legion. Taps were sounded by the band.The attractive monument was erected by Mathias Taylor and the landscaping was accomplished by the Cumberland Nurseries.Editors Note: Today the War Memorial is in the Cemetery on North Ave. and Brown St.

05/25/2026

You're Invited!!

Come celebrate the official unveiling of our new display featuring the historical wedding dress of Emma Compton as well as wedding dresses through the years.

Saturday June 6th 1pm-3pm.
20 dollars per person, advance ticket purchasing required.
Tickets available by visiting https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/emma-compton-bridal-shower

or calling the Historical Society at 856-785-0457

Space is limited! Please purchase your ticket by May31st!

05/15/2026

REMINDER: We will have the museum open on Sunday, May 17, from 1-4 pm. 1723 Main Street, Port Norris. We have many new items. And it is graduation season, and we have several Port Norris High School photos. Come by and take a look.

The Mauricetown Historical Society is also open, so come and visit us all. Make an afternoon of it. It is worth the visit.

Note: Bayshore Center is not open. My error if you saw the earlier post.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day to everyone. The Legends for 2026 are now posted on the website, with full videos of each presentation this year. https://historicportnorris.org/legends.htm You can choose each person's name and see their special day. We appreciate everyone who contributed and attended this year. Have a lovely day!

05/07/2026

The Port Norris Historical Society will be open on Friday, May 8th, from 2-4 pm. Come and see what we have been doing. The new window banner is up. We look forward to seeing you. 1723 Main Street, Port Norris.

There are many other opportunities with our neighbors. If I missed some please share. Port Norris Fire Co Ladies Aux’s annual flower sale will be held at 1721 Main St, Friday afternoon, 12-4, and Saturday, 8-4.

The Bayshore Center at Bivalve 4:30 PM – Community Waterfront Gathering. AND 2nd Fridays.

In our photo, our medical display and funeral home display. See you Friday afternoon. 2-4pm.

05/05/2026

We are so sorry to share that Tommy Reeves has passed away. https://www.pancoastfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Thomas-K-Reeves?obId=48310623 #/obituaryInfo
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
He will be missed. RIP.

View Thomas K Reeves's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/04/2026

We will be open for a couple of hours on Friday, May 8. From 2-4pm. It is "Second Friday", and Bayshore has a special event at 4:30. So stop in and see us first. Take a look around. We will be open again on Sunday, May 17, from 1-4. Same as the Mauricetown Historical Society, so you can visit us both. Look forward to seeing you.

04/29/2026

The Port Norris Historical Society sends our sincere sympathies to the Lore family. Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Dash has died. Thinking of her family and friends.

View Elizabeth Ann "Betty" (Lore) Dash's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 3 tribute posts from the community.