Pitman Stands Tall with Tourist

In the beginning, Pitman was created as a place to congregate.
A group of ministers met in June 1871 and chose Pitman, then a part of Mantua, as a Methodist camp meeting site, finding the location “convenient and desirable” for “a rural country resort.”

On Aug. 1, 1871, nearly 600 tents were set up in what is now Pitman Grove. Visitors traveled by train from across South Jersey for spiritual renewal and physical relaxation. The camp meeting grew in popularity with the first permanent homes constructed in 1873 and nearly 300 dwellings in place by 1880.
The Grove’s layout reflected its religious origins. From the center of a circle where the preaching was held, twelve avenues -- said to represent the Twelve Apostles -- extended outward.

Nearly 150 years later, the Gloucester County borough, with a population of about 9,000, remains a popular destination for visitors.
On the last Saturday of February, downtown Pitman was buzzing with activity. People lined up outside the illuminated Broadway Theatre to attend the opening weekend of “Beehive: The ‘60s Musical,” the latest offering in the 2018 Mainstage Season.

Parking spaces were at a premium as restaurant servers at Sweet Lula’s and Mannino’s Cucina Italiana took their customers’ dinner orders. Patrons at the Kelly Green Brewing Co. and Human Village Brewing Co. enjoyed a beer and casual conversation.

The resurgence of the business district has followed a formula that’s as simple as A-B-C:

Arts, Beer, Cuisine.
Combined with a series of special events held throughout the year, Pitman has blended civic tradition with commercial innovation to attract visitors.

“We’re going to do more events in town to benefit local businesses and generate foot traffic,” says Vanessa James, president of the Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce. “We don’t want the benefits to be for just one day. We want to attract people and get them to come back.”

The arts have long played a central role in Pitman. Since it opened in May 1926 showing silent films and presenting vaudeville acts such as Bob Hope, and Abbott and Costello, the Broadway Theatre has served as the town’s entertainment center. Over the last 40 years, three members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Rick Nelson) performed at the Broadwa,y as have Tammy Wynette, John Hiatt, Dwight Yoakam, and Oscar-winning actress/singer Shirley Jones.

Pitman resident and businessman Peter Slack purchased the theater at a sheriff’s sale in February 2006 and oversaw its restoration. The theater’s ornate chandeliers and original pipe organ give it a classic look. Live theater, with offerings for adults and children, plus a selection of pop, country, and rock concerts are now the principal offerings. The Broadway has more than 125 dates booked for 2018.

Participatory arts also have gained a foothold in Pitman. Patti Forte opened Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio in July 2014. A colorful mural on the side of her business invites people to come in and “Ignite your creativity” and many have followed that advice“I had a passion for ceramic painting,” says Forte, a Pitman resident for 25 years who credits her daughters Avery and Janine for encouraging her to launch the business.Forte calls her business a “PYOP,” paint your own pottery. It’s art as a means to socialize and unwind with daily specials, including date nights, ladies nights and birthday parties. The Lil Art House promotes painting for the non-professionals in a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere with staff artists providing guidance. Art classes are available for adults and children. As at Fahrenheit, BYOB events are offered for those over 21. The Pitman Gallery and Art Center features artist exhibitions with programs, workshops and events that promote contemporary artists