The old Weichert Building on Route 70 next to the car wash doesn't look that old. But it has a history in Marlton spanning 143 years, though how much longer it will be around is an open question.
The Marlton Grange Building was built in 1876 near the corner of Main and Maple across the street from the Bareford Hotel, and served as the original post office in Marlton.
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| Grange Hall - See Note Below (Photo Courtesy of the Evesham Historical Society) |
At one time it served as Town Hall, the Endicott Store and Marlton General Hardware Store, but its main purpose was as a grange, a farmer's association that sponsors social activities, community service, and political lobbying.
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| Courtesy of John Flack |
The building stood for more than a century until the owners of the land decided they wanted to demolish it. Rather than see it demolished, Virigina Stojanov, owner of Triple A Delaware Valley Exterminating, part owner of Town and Country Interiors in Marlton and a member of the Marlton Historic Society, had a plan.
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| Virginia Stojanov in 1983 |
In 1976, she purchased the 100 year old building for $1 and had it moved to its present location. It was placed upon a pre-existing structure on the site, making it a three story building.
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| Old Grange Hall on rollers (Photo courtesy of the Evesham Historical Society) |
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| Slowly pulled by a tractor trailer behind the homes on North Maple (Photo Courtesy of the Evesham Historical Society) |
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| Trees needed to be cut and wires moved (Photo Courtesy of the Evesham Historical Society) |
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| Grange Hall approaching final destination (Photo Courtesy of the Evesham Historical Society) |
Ms Stojanov applied for and was awarded a liquor license and opened the Marlton Grange Liquor Store on the first floor of her building. At the same time, she also applied for a consumption license to be used at her new two story French restaurant, for which she had already received approval from the Evesham Planning Board.
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| The first floor bar opened first |
A cocktail lounge opened on the 2nd floor in 1978, followed by a restaurant on the 3rd floor a year later. The Old Marlton Inn was born. The restaurant was met with mixed reviews.
From the Philadelphia Daily News 1/30/81, a negative review of the ambiance
Here is what we saw the instant we opened the front door: A garish green vinyl couch. fake stonework along one wall of the empty piano bar, where a lady of mature years was singing "If I were a Rich Bitch". A darkened deserted dining room Where was everybody?.... At the downstairs disco. It didn't take long to realize why the dining room was so dark. If the lights were turned up, someone might notice how badly the green-gold carpeting clashes with the pink and white floral walls, and that the dinette type chairs look silly next to tables topped with white tablecloths.But from the Philadelphia Inquirer, a mere 3 weeks later
After much delay, the Old Marlton Inn has finally opened, with great expectations. Those concerned with style and service already are fulfilled, but those dealing with food still have a long way to go... Refurbished and redecorated, it combines the charm of old age with tastefully done modern decor. The dining room is attractively decorated with pink flowered wallpaper and elaborate sconces with mirror backing. Tables are set with white tablecloths and lighted candles, and bouquets of pink and yellow carnations with touches of green add a lovely splash of colorThe restaurant closed for some time in 1981 as Ms Stojanov found she did not have enough time to devote to it, though it reopened a in late 1982. Chef William Bill Biedenbach, alumnus of the Hideout Restaurant in Mount Laurel, as well as sous chef at Mama Ventura’s in Kresson, was brought in to run the kitchen.
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| Chef William Biedebach in 1983 |
In 1983, however, Evesham Town Council declined to renew the liquor license for the restaurant, citing disturbances and violations over the previous years. Police officers and the township prosecutor testified that calls to the police from Old Marlton Inn far outnumbered those of other bars in town, frequently regarding fights and/or underage drinking. Ms Stojanov appealed and was allowed to remain open while under appeal. In June of 1984, the Township again unanimously voted to deny the liquor license, however Ms Stojanov appealed to the state and was once again allowed to remain open pending appeal.
After another loss, the Old Marlton Inn was finally forced to close in late 1985.
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| Old Marlton Inn 1978-1985 (Photo Courtesy of the Evesham Historical Society) |
In February 1987, Weichert Realty purchased the building for their local office for $505,000. (I met my realtor there in 2003 when I moved back to Marlton).
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| Weichert Office Manager and Regional Vice President - you can see the Old Marlton Inn sign on the side of the building |
Weichert moved out of the building about 3 years ago and the building has been for sale or lease since then.
While I knew I would eventually write about this building, I hadn't planned on writing about it until it sold. But when I drove by in mid-July, I noticed a blue tarp on the roof.
I couldn't really tell what it was there for, but I suspected there must be a leak.
As far as I could tell, however, the building was still in good shape. Looking through the lower windows, everything looked good inside.
But an aerial shot of the building shocked me. While I admit I have no knowledge of structural engineering, water damage or any related field, I have my doubts this building can be saved, and that it will be demolished when the land is purchased.
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| There is a large hole in the roof (Photo courtesy of Latitude 360 Aerial Imaging) |
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| Closeup of the hole (Photo courtesy of Latitude 360 Aerial Imaging) |
The hole in the roof is quite large and we have had a LOT of rain in the past month. The property is currently available for lease, though the leasing brochure doesn't mention any features or amenities of the building, only that the land is in a good location. And again, I am no expert in water damage, but I know if my house had a hole like that, I'd call someone to make emergency repairs the next day. It does not appear that effort is being made to mitigate damages to the building.
Thanks again to the folks at Latitude 360 Aerial Imaging for providing the beautiful aerial photos. You can visit their website www.facebook.com/latitude360drones.
Thanks also to Connie Evans from the Evesham Historical Society for bringing these photos to me on very short notice and to John Flack for his continued provision of photos and knowledge.
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Note: (Description that came with the photo) Franklin Endicott moved the post office from the Central Record building here to his store. Endicott served as postmaster a short term of 4 years, then his son, Elmer, assumed responsibility for 10 years. Charles K Middleton or King Middleton, as he was known then, was postmaster (pictured at the right). His assistant was Annie Wells (third from the right). The man with the aprion was storekeeper Mr Ripple. The 3 men with mailbags were rural mail carriers, Ed Vennel, Howard Wells, and Walter Winner. Franklin Endicott initiated rural deliveries.
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| Marlton Grange on the left. Photo probably from the 1950s or 1960s. If you zoom in, you'll see it says 'MARLTON' on the roof, with an arrow pointing north. The building on the right is the Bareford Hotel, where present day 7-11 is. (Photo courtesy of the Evesham Historical Society via John Flack) |
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| Photo courtesy of Latitude 360 Aerial Imaging |
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| Photo courtesy of Latitude 360 Aerial Imaging |
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| Photo courtesy of Latitude 360 Aerial Imaging |
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| Photo courtesy of Latitude 360 Aerial Imaging |