In 1854, the Butterhof family settled in Mullica Twp. New Jersey, on the land that is now known as Shady Brook Farm. Originally starting out as The Chestnut Grove Winery, the family was forced to put a halt to their production with the onset of prohibition moving on to farming corn and tomatoes Shady Brook Farm was born.

With a loyal customer base, it is not rare to hear someone reminiscing about stopping out to pick strawberries with they were a kid. Often you will references to the “self service” table that used to be in the farm yard and Anna and Kelly sitting on the porch to greet you and share a story. Continuing the farming tradition, Albert Butterhof, a third generation farmer, has moved the produce stand out of the yard and built a road side farm market on Route 30 that still offers that same family friendly service.

In 1999, Albert decided to create a corn maze in one of the back fields. The 3 acre maze was the shape of a jack-o-lantern, other past mazes include and apple, butterfly, and baseball glove. Thousands of children and families make their way through the twisting and turning paths of corn stalks every fall. 2004 was the celebration of our 150 th anniversary, guest wander through the shape of a chicken and the years 1854 and 2004.

In addition to the maze, families can enjoy scenic hayrides with a stop at the pumpkin patch. School trips also include an educational field tour where students can learn about different crops that grow in New Jersey. Throughout the corn maze is also educational information that follows the theme of the maze design. The 2004 maze featured the history of 1854.

Egg Harbor City Sesquincentenial article - 7/6/05