It was the sweet-smelling, flowering magnolia tree dominating the grounds near a rural railroad stop that transformed the South Jersey settlement of Greenland into the tiny borough of Magnolia. But while it may have been named for a tree, it was community spirit that inspired Magnolia’s official slogan, One Square Mile of Friendliness. Magnolia celebrates that spirit through an impressive collection of rare photographs. These include Dr. Leslie Lyon, who accepted chickens as payment for house calls during the Depression, the state police substation that protected the region from organized crime during Prohibition, and the home of Aunt Nell, who was always there to lend a hand to those in need. Also included are images of the borough’s early citizens; schools; churches; police, fire, and ambulance squads; businesses; and community activities.

It was the sweet-smelling, flowering magnolia tree dominating the grounds near a rural railroad stop that transformed the South Jersey settlement of Greenland into the tiny borough of Magnolia. But while it may have been named for a tree, it was community spirit that inspired Magnolia’s official slogan, One Square Mile of Friendliness. Magnolia celebrates that spirit through an impressive collection of rare photographs. These include Dr. Leslie Lyon, who accepted chickens as payment for house calls during the Depression, the state police substation that protected the region from organized crime during Prohibition, and the home of Aunt Nell, who was always there to lend a hand to those in need. Also included are images of the borough’s early citizens; schools; churches; police, fire, and ambulance squads; businesses; and community activities.