Linwood is an residential communitiy located at the Jersey Shore in Atlantic County New Jersey. Originally a 19th century village called Leedsville, it was the home of seamen, baymen and farmers throughout most of its history. Like most of the country, after World War II the community changed when new industries brought more people and the farms were sold off for housing developments.
In 1980 Linwood celebrated its centennial with a week-long schedule of activities that included house tours, craft displays, slide shows, old car displays and many other events. Nearly every club and organization in town participated as well as churches, school groups and businesses. Public support was at an all-time high and the Linwood Historical Society was a natural outgrowth of that enthusiasm. Mayor Don Vass, James Kirk and others met at City Hall to get things started. Carolyn Patterson was elected as the first President and in 1983 Jim Kirk was appointed by the Mayor as the first City Historian. He served until his death in 1992. Carolyn Patterson was appointed to the position in 1993.
Today the Historical Society operates two museums. One is in the old Leedsville school on Poplar Avenue and the other is a maritime museum in the Linwood Library on Davis Avenue. The quarterly newsletter is well received throughout the county.
