The Land Conservancy of New Jersey closes on two historic farms in White Township

We are pleased to announce the closing of two farms in White Township last week! Known as Shoemaker Farm I and Shoemaker Farm II, the properties are owned by Butch and Myrna Shoemaker. At 111.144 and 12.010 acres, respectively, the combined 123.154 acres of preserved land represents a wonderful win for citizens of the Township and the state as a whole. The two Shoemaker farms sit adjacent to another large preserved farm, within a half-mile of an extensive preserved farm belt. As local farm historians, the Shoemakers are proud to have purchased, cleared, and preserved these two tracts of farmland in perpetuity. Butch Shoemaker remembers farming this land with his father, and noted, “We are incredibly thrilled that these farms were able to be preserved. We’ve been working on getting this done for a while. Before he passed away, our neighbor and dear friend expressed that he would love for us to help preserve the smaller tract as it had belonged to his father-in-law at one time.” Echoing her husband’s enthusiasm for the deal, Myrna added, “We’re so happy that we were able to fulfill this promise.” The Township is better off for it.”

Butch Shoemaker is well known for his ongoing documenting and preservation of historical artifacts and knowledge of White Township. To date, he has written a book called White Township Farms, The End Of An Era, produced an accompanying DVD entitled A Journey Through The Fields, and he is currently documenting the history of local milk bottles and dairy farms for new book project. “The Land Conservancy is very pleased to have been able to assist the Shoemakers in preserving these farms. Butch Shoemaker has been very kind to share his knowledge and photos of farming history in Warren County with The Land Conservancy and we could not be happier to assist him in preserving the land he farmed with his Dad. This is a very meaningful farmland preservation project and we are so glad to see the Shoemaker’s dream to preserve their memories and their land succeed!” noted Sandy Urgo, Vice President of Land Preservation.