 | Nestled within 3,000 acres of land lies Whitesbog Preservation Trust in Browns Mill, New Jersey. Whitesbog was once the largest cranberry farm in New Jersey, but what some may not know is that it is the birthplace of the modern blueberry that we are familiar with today. This cultivated blueberry highbush was created by agricultural trailblazer Elizabeth White. Born in 1871 in New Lisbon, NJ, Elizabeth was raised in a Quaker household with her three sisters. Whitesbog was originally founded in the mid-1800’s when James A. Fenwick, Elizabeth’s maternal grandfather, purchased 490 acres of land for cranberry farming. She lived in Fenwick Manor with her mother, Mary Fenwick and her father, JJ White who soon joined James Fenwick in purchasing land for cranberry farming. Surrounded by agriculture on all sides, Elizabeth spent a substantial amount of time with her father and grandfather and grew quite passionate about farming and agronomy. Due to her growing interest, her father taught and exposed her to everything he knew. |
Elizabeth White's original, restored home; which is available for tours at Whitesbog Elizabeth was not the first to attempt to cultivate blueberries; many before her tried to develop a blueberry plant to add to their farms but were unsuccessful. After working with her father for about ten years, she began collaborating with Dr. Frederick Coville who worked as a botanist for the US Department of Agriculture. Farming was a predominantly male dominated field, and the years Elizabeth spent working with her father built her credibility and gave Dr. Coville confidence that this would be a successful project. In 1911, they started working together to cross-breed various types of wild blueberries, as well as huckleberries to find their desired outcome: a blueberry that was around a half inch with a sweet flavor. In order to do this efficiently while accumulating a diverse collection of blueberry species, Elizabeth would pay those who brought her blueberry bushes––compensating for the time taken to collect them in addition to the bush itself. All new varieties that were created were named after who delivered the bush.
In 1923, Elizabeth built a house on Whitesbog and permanently moved there to complete her blueberry cultivation project. Her first blueberry bushes were planted right next to her house, and remain there to this day. In historical records, Elizabeth writes that there were thirty-six original plants that were collected and tested in order to find the optimal blueberry, and that it took three to five years after the selection of a wild blueberry bush before the plants propagated and produced fruit sufficient and of high enough quality to test its fruit. Of those thirty-six bushes, there were two discernible varieties with the highest quality: Rubel and Harding.
Upon the successful completion of this project, Elizabeth started what she called a “Try and Report Plan”, which offered a variety of sets at different (and very low) prices for farmers to buy, under the condition that they report the progress of their plants so Elizabeth and Dr. Coville could determine how their plants grew in different environments. Soon after, farmers from across the country were buying full bushes for twenty-five dollars each. In 1916, Elizabeth was also one of the first to package her blueberries with cellophane so the public could see the vibrant new berries that had reached stores.
The farm was very involved with the town, and employed many locals. Around the turn of the century, Elizabeth started employing immigrant children of Italian families who moved to Philadelphia. She worked with them outside of the farm as well, ensuring that they went to school to receive an education, and provided them with medical care herself in case of injury while working. At her house, you can still see the infirmary that she implemented on the lower level.
New Jersey is widely referred to as the Garden State, but many do not know the rich history that has influenced the state we know and love today. Whitesbog currently does not partake in the commercial farming of blueberries, however, all of the trees are maintained and many still fruit to this day. During their annual blueberry festival, there are trees that are available to the public for pick-your-own blueberries. Blueberry Fest has already kicked off for the Summer, happening every Saturday until July 20th!
Written by Signe Owen
NJAS Contributor
In 1923, Elizabeth built a house on Whitesbog and permanently moved there to complete her blueberry cultivation project. Her first blueberry bushes were planted right next to her house, and remain there to this day. In historical records, Elizabeth writes that there were thirty-six original plants that were collected and tested in order to find the optimal blueberry, and that it took three to five years after the selection of a wild blueberry bush before the plants propagated and produced fruit sufficient and of high enough quality to test its fruit. Of those thirty-six bushes, there were two discernible varieties with the highest quality: Rubel and Harding.
Upon the successful completion of this project, Elizabeth started what she called a “Try and Report Plan”, which offered a variety of sets at different (and very low) prices for farmers to buy, under the condition that they report the progress of their plants so Elizabeth and Dr. Coville could determine how their plants grew in different environments. Soon after, farmers from across the country were buying full bushes for twenty-five dollars each. In 1916, Elizabeth was also one of the first to package her blueberries with cellophane so the public could see the vibrant new berries that had reached stores.
The farm was very involved with the town, and employed many locals. Around the turn of the century, Elizabeth started employing immigrant children of Italian families who moved to Philadelphia. She worked with them outside of the farm as well, ensuring that they went to school to receive an education, and provided them with medical care herself in case of injury while working. At her house, you can still see the infirmary that she implemented on the lower level.
New Jersey is widely referred to as the Garden State, but many do not know the rich history that has influenced the state we know and love today. Whitesbog currently does not partake in the commercial farming of blueberries, however, all of the trees are maintained and many still fruit to this day. During their annual blueberry festival, there are trees that are available to the public for pick-your-own blueberries. Blueberry Fest has already kicked off for the Summer, happening every Saturday until July 20th!
Written by Signe Owen
NJAS Contributor
Whitesbog's Annual Blueberry Festival
