Editing Medford Lakes, New Jersey (section)

==History==
Before European colonization, the area now known as Medford Lakes was primarily inhabited by the [[Lenape|Lenni-Lenape]] tribe, who utilized the region's abundant natural resources, including its water bodies and forests, for survival and shelter.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Simmons |first1=William S. |last2=Kraft |first2=Herbert C. |date=June 1988 |title=The Lenape: Archaeology, History, and Ethnography |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1889690 |journal=The Journal of American History |volume=75 |issue=1 |pages=236 |doi=10.2307/1889690 |jstor=1889690 |issn=0021-8723}}</ref>

European influence began in the 17th century when the English took control from the Dutch, but the first permanent European settlement was not established until the 18th century. At that time, the region, characterized by fertile soil and vast forests, was sparsely populated and primarily used for farming and lumbering.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mappen |first=Marc |date=2021-12-16 |title=There's More to New Jersey than the Sopranos |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.36019/9780813548449 |doi=10.36019/9780813548449|isbn=9780813548449 |s2cid=228327262 }}</ref>

During the [[American Revolutionary War]], Charles Read's Aetna Furnace played a significant role, utilizing local [[bog iron]] to manufacture cannonballs for the [[Continental Army]].<ref>{{Citation |title=25. Monmouth Battlefield State Park |date=2020-12-31 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.36019/9780813541440-026 |work=History Walks in New Jersey |pages=113–116 |access-date=2023-06-10 |publisher=Rutgers University Press|doi=10.36019/9780813541440-026 |isbn=9780813541440 |s2cid=225008300 }}</ref> Additionally, John Haines erected a saw and grist mill, contributing to the early industrial life of what would later become Medford Lakes.

The 19th century saw the area's natural resources fueling the Industrial Revolution, turning Medford Lakes into an industrial center. Extraction of iron ore continued, and forges were established along the waterways. The population increased substantially during this period.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Merriman |first=Mansfield |date=1895-04-26 |title=''A Manual of Topographic Methods''. By Henry Gannett, Chief Topographer U. S. Geological Survey. Washington, Government Printing office. Quarto, xiv+300pp. 18 plates. |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1.17.464 |journal=Science |volume=1 |issue=17 |pages=464–465 |doi=10.1126/science.1.17.464 |issn=0036-8075}}</ref>

The Medford Lakes Development Company was founded in 1927, and the following year, the Vaughn and Sons Lumber Company built the Colony Club Pavilion on land donated by the Development Company.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Cabins of Medford Lakes - SouthJersey.com |url=https://www.southjersey.com/articles/?articleid=8130 |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=www.southjersey.com}}</ref> The company began importing large quantities of cedar logs, which were fashioned into log cabins. These cabins, with their excellent insulation properties, became the architectural hallmark of the community. Paired with sizeable stone fireplaces for the colder months, these cabins expanded the resort season, turning Medford Lakes into a sought-after retreat for Philadelphians and New Yorkers.

In 1931, [[St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church]], a single-story log cabin structure, was built and later added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 2007.<ref>{{NRHP url|id=07000357|title=St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church - Registration Form}}, [[National Register of Historic Places]], received March 15, 2007. Accessed November 27, 2013.</ref>

Medford Lakes was officially incorporated as a borough on May 17, 1939, from portions of Medford Township.<ref name=Story/> Since incorporation, the borough has worked to maintain the community's unique log cabin character, even as it has expanded and modernized.

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Medford Lakes' population surged, transitioning from a summer resort to a year-round residential community.

On July 12, 2004, the borough suffered substantial damage due to flooding, caused by 7.26 inches of rainfall over 14 hours. This led to the breaking of several dams, including the Quogue Dam and the Lower and Upper Aetna Lake Dams, causing water levels to rise beyond 500-year flood elevations on portions of Ballinger Run.<ref>Protz, Amy R.; and Reed, Timothy J. [http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2006/5096/pdf/sir2006-5096.pdf "Flood Of July 12-13, 2004, Burlington And Camden Counties, South-Central New Jersey"], [[United States Geographical Survey]]. Accessed June 21, 2012.</ref>

Since 1931, the Canoe Carnival, an event featuring hand-crafted floats each supported by a maximum of two canoes, has taken place on Lower Aetna Lake during the first week of August. Spectators gather along the lake to view this aquatic spectacle, after which a winner, as well as a king, queen, and court, are announced.<ref>Sachdev, Alexis. [http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/news/local/rd-annual-canoe-carnival-kicks-off-in-medford-lakes/article_37b0a04b-e14c-5e41-ba16-9907d0556476.html "83rd Annual Canoe Carnival Kicks Off in Medford Lakes"], ''[[Burlington County Times]]'', August 1, 2014. Accessed August 7, 2014. "For the 83rd year, the Colony Club will host its annual, highly anticipated Canoe Carnival and Festival of Lights."</ref>