Kaleidopete
Well-Known Member
The Shoemaker Holly Tree in Upper Township, New Jersey is over 325 years old.
It is believed to be the oldest holly tree in New Jersey, and possibly the nation. It is named after the Shoemaker family,
the last owners of the property before it was sold for the final section of the Garden State Parkway in 1953.
The tree was originally going to come down, but Millville resident and Holly Society of America founder Daniel G. Fenton
led the charge to save the tree. In the end, the highway's median was widened to 120 yards in this section, which today has
parking and picnic tables. A new marker was installed in 2014 identifying the tree and its significance.

It is believed to be the oldest holly tree in New Jersey, and possibly the nation. It is named after the Shoemaker family,
the last owners of the property before it was sold for the final section of the Garden State Parkway in 1953.
The tree was originally going to come down, but Millville resident and Holly Society of America founder Daniel G. Fenton
led the charge to save the tree. In the end, the highway's median was widened to 120 yards in this section, which today has
parking and picnic tables. A new marker was installed in 2014 identifying the tree and its significance.







