Salem, N.J.—Mannington Mills and Lighthouse Ministry recently held a dedication of the Ann C. Campbell Garden House. Named for the Campbell family matriarch, Ann C. “Buffy” Campbell, who made a significant donation to Lighthouse Ministry for this garden project, the structure and surrounding grounds will serve a much-needed purpose in this inner-city neighborhood. Several generations of the Campbell family, including Ann, joined local dignitaries for the dedication event.
“This is especially heartwarming because I lived only a few blocks away when I first came to Salem after World War II,” said Campbell. “This garden has been a remarkable project, helping many young people and acquainting them with the job of working with the soil and watching the fruits of their labor grow. Now, the garden house can be the center and hub of this project.”
The Ann C. Campbell Garden House will be the first permanent structure on the grounds of the Olive Street Community Garden, creating a year-round facility for use by garden and city volunteers when working with children on a variety of educational programs. It will enable volunteers to host programs year-round and work with an increasing number of children—a goal of special interest to Mannington’s Campbell family.
“Salem has been our company—and family—home since 1915, the year that Mannington was founded by my great-grandfather,” said Keith Campbell, chairman of the board, Mannington. “This is a town that we love and are delighted to support in ways like this.”
Located next to the Olive Street Community Garden, the Ann C. Campbell Garden House will also provide indoor essentials like restrooms and a snack area. House renovations are scheduled to begin this year with completion targeted for Spring 2019.