By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
On the corner of Westfield and Derousse avenues, you’ll see a large wooden sign that says, “Welcome to the Historic Village of Morrisville, Circa 1700, Pennsauken’s First Settlement.” And while that sign is located in an empty field, the community of Morrisville is anything but that. The neighborhood that predates the formation of Pennsauken Township is filled with residents whose families have lived in this community for generations. And it’s that strong sense of cohesiveness that’s celebrated on an annual basis at Wesley Gaines Park with food, music, and family.
“The Village of Morrisville holds an annual community day,” says Reverend Roy “Pete” Bundy, executive director of the Concerned Citizens of Morrisville, Inc. and tribal leader of the Powhatan Renape Nation. “We gather once a year to celebrate this community and its longevity.
“We are the first settlement in Pennsauken. Before there was a Pennsauken, there was a Morrisville.”
Bundy explained that in the beginning, the majority of Morrisvillians were related to each other in one way or another. Their heritage was also rooted from various Native American people, including the Powhatan Renape Nation and the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation.
“We’re many different nations, but we come together as members of this community.”
Pete went on to say that there’s something quite special about Morrisville and its residents. It’s an extremely close knit community.
“I actually live in the house my dad built with his own hands. I can sit and look across the street and see my aunt’s house. It’s no longer in the family, but I remember some of the good memories of being in her presence,” explains Bundy. “My wife’s the same way. She grew up on Forrest Ave. We knew each other as kids. There’s a connection here on so many levels.
“Most people when they grow up, they can’t wait to leave. It’s the opposite in this community. We have doctors and lawyers, teachers and professors. They can live anywhere they choose to live. They choose to live here. It’s something almost magical.”
Residents of Morrisville are also very actively engaged, regularly showing up at Township Committee and Board of Education meetings.
“We like to participate in what’s going on in our Township,” added Bundy. “We have a keen sense of when something’s not going right in our community and we’re not being represented in the way we think we should be. We had members of Township Committee come out to a community meeting and they’re following up on some things that we suggested they look at. That’s a good thing.”
In the years to come, new residents will move into this historic part of town and join in on what Pete describes as the “Morrisville way of life,” a quiet, neighborly existence that has real staying power. Something special that’s worth celebrating with an annual community day.
“Morrisville is home to so many people. We’re still here after many generations. I’d like Pennsauken to help us keep that feeling.”
A special thank you to Truth Ali for his invaluable help in putting this story together.
