Several months ago, the historic Haines/Tomlinson House was up for auction. Now it’s in the hands of the Medford Historical Society.
And that’s essentially where it should be, since “it is believed to be the oldest house in what is known as Medford Village,” according to township officials. The historic structure stands on .801 acres of property that was subdivided from the town hall property acquired by the township in 2018.
“The township had approached us a few years ago to partner with them to preserve and maintain the home,” said Mike Gallagher, first vice president of the historical society.
It was around the time that COVID hit and membership was down.
“It was a real struggle,” Gallagher recalled, noting many society members were disappointed with the delay. “At the time, it was hard to see us take on a new obligation.”
The historical society already oversees the historic Kirby’s Grist Mill and Cross Keys School.
When the Haines/Tomlinson House went up for auction in spring of 2023, officials made sure it was deed-restricted, following guidelines from the National Park Service’s historic preservation. But it was around that time that historical society members felt they could step in and take on the obligation to preserve the home.
They reached out to township officials and stopped the auction, then discussed a partnership to preserve the home. Medford council then announced by press release on Oct. 4 that the historical society will acquire ownership of the site.
The home is directly in front of the town hall and library building, at 51 Union St. Historically cited as the Jonathan Haines House, the structure was built in several stages. The front – with its Flemish bond brick façade – came first around 1760. Haines was a member of the prominent family that settled in the Medford area, known then as Upper Evesham.
Haines/Tomlinson is believed to be the oldest house in what is known as Medford Village. Haines’ grandson, also named Jonathan, built the rear addition in 1820 and made other alterations, including front dormer windows. The house remained in the Haines family until 1917. Some lots were built on by succeeding Haines children, while others were sold to non-relatives.
Through the 1990s, the home’s owners were the late Ephraim Tomlinson II and his wife. “Eph” was Medford mayor for many years and practiced law at home. He was also a noted Medford historian.
“He was a pivotal character in the township,” Gallagher said.
The historical society would like to see the Haines/Tomlinson property become a stable anchor at Medford Village and bring the group’s presence to the heart of the township. Gallagher – a resident of Medford Village and a U.S. Forestry Service ecologist – is leading that effort.
Activities at the Haines/Tomlinson house will include a museum showcasing local culture, history and community. Anyone with artifacts to donate can direct them to either the Kirby’s Mill or Haines/Tomlinson museums by contacting the historical society at contactus@medfordhistory.org or P.O. Box 362, Medford, 08055.
Gallagher said a portion of the Haines/Tomlinson home will be open to the public during the annual Main Street Dickens Festival on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
