Pitman Grove Auditorium continues to host spring and summer events
By Dante Long
Every town has a past. When admiring the present, it’s worth stepping back in time to learn the origin of various landmarks that help shape the community you call home. Residents of Pitman interested in learning fascinating stories have the New Jersey Register of Historic Places to thank for the preservation of its richest history. The Pitman Grove Auditorium is one of the main structures of the historic district known as the Pitman Grove and shares the same importance to history buffs as it did when it was first constructed.
ARCHIVED PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE
Before exploring the Pitman Grove Auditorium, one must understand the significance of the trapezoid-shaped area that surrounds it known as the Pitman Grove. A large square with four blocks on a side comprises the central portion of the district. The center of the square has 12 pedestrian pathways with small, wood frame cottages of one, one and a half, and two stories. In the southwestern corner of the square, there is one intrusion among many demolished buildings – a two-story fire house.
Pitman Grove has a religious origin dating back to the 19th century and held many community events at the time. An example of similar communities in the state includes Island Heights, Mount Taber and Ocean Grove. In July 1976, Pitman Grove was entered into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
The Pitman Grove Auditorium is of basilica structure from the 19th century with an entrance facing 1st Avenue. Originally a preacher’s stand, the building eventually turned into a 12-sided pavilion, roughly 50 feet in diameter, covered by a cupola. Twenty-four-foot aisles were added at the north and south ends in 1911 and saw many new additions into the 1960s where a modern style was adopted. The first camp meeting held at the auditorium was in August 1871. Six hundred tents were set outside due to the fact no town existed at the time, however, that number would increase by 1890 with the construction of restaurants and new dwellings. By the early 1900s, Pitman had enough residents to be considered a town.
The past of the Pitman Grove Auditorium holds a special place in the hearts of residents who are familiar with its religious roots. Most importantly, its presence today is still relevant, according to Jane McCausland, chair of the Pitman Historical Museum.
“It’s still operational. We just had a wedding and band camp there,” she responded when asked about the status of the auditorium, adding “concerts as well.”
Many events held in the building occur in the spring and summer.
“Winter events don’t happen often with no heat,” McCausland noted.
Stepping back in time isn’t just a luxury for adults who appreciate history, but elementary school students as well.
“Third graders always come to the museum and also the auditorium,” McCausland said, reflecting on the tours the Pitman Historical Museum often hold for the youngsters.
A trip to the Pitman Grove Auditorium is rarely left off the itinerary. The unique exterior of the auditorium attracts many, but the interior to those who never visited remains somewhat of a mystery.
“Visitors can see original benches and framework,” McCausland said, noting it is the closest thing to a time machine a local history buff would get with limited sights to admire.
For over two centuries, the Pitman Grove Auditorium has hosted many of the town’s most important meetings and events. A prominent part of Pitman Grove lives on for future generations to experience by way of concerts, weddings and tours. The preservation of the structure stands as a symbol of unity and innovation that resembles much of the town’s spirit courtesy of the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the Pitman Historical Museum.
