In a pivotal move to safeguard a piece of Cherry Hill’s history, the township is progressing towards the final stages of acquiring Holly Ravine Farm, once home to the beloved Cowtail Bar ice cream parlor. The Township Council, in a unanimous decision on Monday, authorized the acquisition of this cherished farmland with plans to preserve it as open space.
The journey toward securing Holly Ravine Farm began in September when the township announced an agreement in principle to purchase the land from the Gilmour family. The Township Council’s unanimous votes on both the first and second readings of the ordinance, totaling $3,859,000, solidify the acquisition.
Council President and Mayor-Elect David Fleisher shared that the township is on track to complete the property transaction in the first week of January.
The 23-acre Holly Ravine Farm holds a special place in the hearts of Cherry Hill residents, having been the site of the iconic Cowtail Bar ice cream parlor. A nostalgic symbol of the township’s agrarian past, this historic property stands as one of Cherry Hill’s largest green spaces.
During Monday’s meeting, Cherry Hill resident Martha Wright expressed her support for preserving the farmland, emphasizing its importance for both the community and wildlife. “Open space provides respite for human beings. It also provides habitat for wildlife. This is just such an important move for Cherry Hill and for Camden County,” she said.
The Gilmour family, who has owned the dairy farm for generations, has a rich history tied to the property. John C. Gilmour Jr., a dairy farmer turned Cherry Hill’s mayor, established the Cowtail Bar in 1933. Over the years, the farm became a cherished family destination, featuring the popular Moo Zoo addition in 1964.
After the closure of the Cowtail Bar in the 1980s, Holly Ravine Farm remained the Gilmour family’s residence. Despite attempts to preserve the property, obstacles arose, with previous refusals from the New Jersey Farm Preservation Committee and the township. Robert Gilmour, son of John and Eva, recounted the challenges the family faced in their preservation efforts.
The property faced potential development when Caddis proposed a senior-living complex earlier this year. Public outcry and concerns from the Cherry Hill Zoning Board led to the rejection of the application, redirecting efforts towards the preservation of Holly Ravine Farm.
Situated at the intersection of Evesham and Springdale Roads, the 23-acre Holly Ravine Farm stands poised to become a preserved landmark, honoring Cherry Hill’s agricultural roots and cherished memories for generations to come.
