Township Farm, Circa 1800, Gets Historic Marker

A circa 1800 farm on Green Village Road in Chatham Township has a new historic marker.

The sign at Cockrem Farm outlines some of the residents over the years, including Philip Cockrem, a major contributor to the building of Green Village Methodist Church, and recent resident Helen Fenske, who helped preserve the Great Swamp and has a visitor center there named for her.

The sign is the ninth such marker to be installed by the Historical Society of Chatham Township, according to an announcement about its installation.

The markers are part of an ongoing effort by the society to raise local awareness of the area's historical richness. Contributions to continue the project are welcome and checks can be sent to the Historical Society of Chatham Township Attn: Kenneth Hetrick Treasurer, P.O. Box 262, Chatham, NJ 07928

The text of the sign is below:

The Cockrem Farm

Circa 1800

John Cockrem, a farmer and weaver, owned this farm. His son, Philip, was the second of three family generations to occupy the house. Philip was the second postmaster of Green Village 1863-1869. He was a wagon maker, farmer and major contributor to the building of the Green Village Methodist Church. From 1956 to 2000, the home was occupied by Helen and Arthur Fenske. Helen was instrumental in the fight to defeat the Great Swamp Jet Port.

Erected 2013

Chatham Township Historical Society