Celebrating 100 years of Lawnside | Inquirer South Jersey
And Donkey’s Place is a point of pride.
Good morning, South Jersey.
Lawnside is embracing its history as the first incorporated African American municipality in the Northeast as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
And for more than 80 years, Donkey’s Place continues to be a longtime favorite for foodies for its cheesesteaks served on a poppy-seed kaiser roll.
Plus, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced an investigation into detainee deaths at Delaney Hall, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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Descendants from one of the oldest families of Lawnside, the Stills, met for their annual gathering on Sunday. And this one was particularly special.
Nearly 200 people attended the family reunion in a tradition that began in 1870.
And it happens that this year coincides with Lawnside celebrating 100 years of being the first Black self-governing municipality with roots dating back to the 18th century.
After Lawnside was established, it became a cultural hub. Its churches, jazz scene, nightclubs, shops, and other gathering spaces attracted visitors from across the region.
It’s also best known as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Lawnside is celebrating through various ways including a centennial celebration with various events, sermons at the second-oldest A.M.E. church in the state, and history lessons.
The Inquirer’s Melanie Burney has the story.
Since 1943, Donkey’s Place in Camden has a been point of pride for South Jersey.
Donkey’s cheesesteak — donned with fried onions and American cheese on a poppy seed kaiser roll — is legendary. Chef Anthony Bourdain stopped by for his Parts Unknown show in 2015 and gushed with praise, such as calling it “sublime” and “unbelievably good.”
Founded by Olympic boxer Leon “Donkey” Lucas nearly 80 years ago, it’s still family-owned and is run by Rob Lucas Jr., the third-generation owner and grandson of Leon.
But why a seeded roll?
Plus: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill recently posted about Donkey’s and said it has better cheesesteaks than the “millions” she’s tried in Philadelphia.
What to know today
AG Davenport announced on Friday that her office’s civil rights division is investigating the operation of the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark after multiple detainees died at the detention center.
According to the New York Times, the person behind the botched renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington is the manager at President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster.
A man was fatally shot after an hours-long standoff with police in a home in Millville on Thursday, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. There is an ongoing investigation.
Celebrated South Jersey teacher, singer, and poet of Cherry Hill Betty J. Wilson died of cancer at 92 at her home. The longtime educator was a two-time president of the Mount Laurel Teachers Association and taught elementary school students in Bordentown, Bridgeton, and Mount Laurel.
Two South Jersey towns were targeted in a nationwide cyberattack on local water agencies. Officials of Cape May and Woodbine confirmed they were hacked on July 27. Officials say both systems were impacted for about 12 hours, but water never stopped running and remained safe to consume. Both also said no personal data or customer information were compromised.
The $220 million project to restore the Commodore Barry Bridge which links Delaware and Gloucester Counties is underway. It’s also causing traffic jams this summer with one lane open in each direction from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., as well as residual morning delays.
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