DUCK ISLAND: When I was a young man, the only news articles on Duck Island that I recall related to the many murders and rapes that occurred on that Sycamore lined area of Lamberton Street in South Trenton. I remember it was a "lovers' lane" where young couples parked their car and did what single young couples sometimes did. Unfortunately, many of those "lovers" ended up in the morgue. The area was completely different during daylight hours. Indeed, it was on the Sycamore lined road that I took my motor vehicle test back in the early 1950's.However, Duck Island has in interesting history as you will see as you read the article above. I had heard about the tobacco farming that once took place on that isolated area of South Trenton. During Prohibition it was also a popular source of horse radish which was a popular speakeasy condiment to those who ate and drank at those illicit and illegal venues.
The geology of that landscape is quite amazing. That, and all the land along the main line of the railroad was once part of the Millstone watershed. Duck Island area is where the Millstone entered the Delaware back when the earth was a bit younger. Then there was a drop and the Millstone became a part of the Raritan watershed. It is a pity that the highway has changed it so much. I remember the canal that ran along in the woods by the power plant. You could always find an interesting abandoned car someone pushed in. Last I saw was an MG.
Ed Millerick
Wednesday, October 12, 2011