In a momentous decision, Cherry Hill’s Township Council has given its resounding approval to the purchase of Holly Ravine Farm, marking the first formal step toward preserving this cherished piece of the township’s history. The property, once home to a dairy farm and the beloved Cowtail Bar ice cream parlor, holds a special place in the hearts of Cherry Hill residents and visitors alike.
The township has committed to acquiring the 23-acre farm for $3,859,000, with the purchase intended to preserve it as open space. The purchase price was determined as the average of two recent appraisals, which were closely aligned, varying by only $100,000.
Earlier this year, the farm faced the possibility of being transformed into a senior-living complex when a developer sought approval for such a project. However, the Cherry Hill Zoning Board rejected the proposal from Caddis Healthcare Real Estate, leading to the recent agreement to preserve the farm.
Holly Ravine Farm’s history is deeply intertwined with Cherry Hill’s past, serving as a testament to the town’s agrarian roots. The property’s most renowned feature, the Cowtail Bar, was established in 1933 by John C. Gilmour Jr., a dairy farmer who later became Cherry Hill’s mayor. Over the years, it became a beloved gathering place for locals, especially after dances on Friday and Saturday nights.
After the Cowtail Bar closed its doors in the 1980s, the farm remained the cherished home of John and Eva Gilmour. Their passing, beginning with John in 1993 and followed by Eva in 2011, marked a turning point for the property. The Gilmour family, wanting to preserve the farm, faced several obstacles, including the New Jersey Farm Preservation Committee and the township declining previous preservation offers.
This time, the township was resolute in its commitment to preserving Holly Ravine Farm, leading to the purchase agreement. The acquisition, while currently funded by the township, may also receive financial support from Camden County and the state. The preservation effort has garnered widespread support, with many eager to ensure this piece of Cherry Hill’s history is protected for generations to come.
“This is a significant milestone in the history of Cherry Hill Township,” emphasized Council President David Fleisher. “It is the first formal step toward ensuring that Holly Ravine Farm is preserved and protected forever.” As part of this preservation effort, an ancient tree on the property, believed to be over a century old, will also be safeguarded.
Lewis Gorman III, representing the Cherry Hill Environmental Board, hailed the initiative, citing personal memories of visiting the Cowtail Bar as a child. “So this also has a personal touch for me,” he noted.
Holly Ravine Farm, with its rich history and enduring charm, has secured a promising future as an invaluable piece of open space in Cherry Hill, thanks to the dedication and support of the township and its residents.
