Reflections of Two Seniors on Their Shared Journey Through a Historic Landmark

Two Seniors With Similar Experiences

Our God is amazing! He ordained for the Lindenwold Senior Center to reopen and He orchestrated circumstances for Blondell and me to meet; we have similar backgrounds. My experience in the 1960’s and 1970’s had a Lawnside and Atco, New Jersey connection which was during my unsaved life. Blondell and I shared with each how Lawnside was such a fun place. Although we did not know each other at the time, our experience was similar. Lawnside’s history was and still is of high interest to both of us. You will read our spiritual life tomorrow.

My brother in law's motorcycle that I rode on with him.

The Lawnside and Atco New Jersey Connection: My brother in-law was a motorcycle rider as well as several of his friends. My sister chose not to ride with him, but I did. Sundays were the main day for drag racing and off we would go to places in North Jersey and especially to Atco in South Jersey. My sister didn’t ride on the motorcycle, but she drove their car wherever we went.

After the races, onwards we traveled to Lawnside and joined in all the fun such as eating the delicious barbecue, live entertainment and just jaw-jacking with other people. Things are different today; many people don’t understand what fun is. Many times, today there is violence; thank the Lord we didn’t have that kind of experience. Although my brother and law and his buddies didn’t belong to a club, other guys who belonged to clubs got along with the club members; it was so much fun!

That’s not all! Lawnside was THE place to go to; people from surrounding towns, including Philadelphia would flock to Lawnside. In addition to all the happenings that were mentioned, Lawnside has some rich history.

I love the two historical places- Atco, which was famous for drag racing and Lawnside, which had and still has such rich African American History! It is amazing how the Lord made  it possible to be back near the same places I had some real fun way back in the day. I am seven miles from Atco (thirteen minutes) and five miles from Lawnside (ten minutes).   

Even though this was secular, in reflecting back and looking through spiritual eyes, I’m reminded of the scripture: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1). Morals were so much better then.

FYI- Lawnside New Jersey (north) and Princeville, North Carolina (south) similar connections; Lawnside is the oldest African American town north of the Mason Dixon line (established in 1886) -Lawnside was a stop on the Underground Railroad, aiding escaped slaves. The community has a rich cultural heritage, with many historic homes and landmarks.

Princeville is the oldest African American town in the United States; established in 1885.

We are grateful God our Father for being His daughters who share the same interests, both in the natural and spiritual. And thanks to our Father for Blondell and me for being eternally connected!

Blessings to all of you, on behalf of Blondell and Betty.

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org