Social networking has never looked so local.
With more than 9,000 members — and a remarkable number who post, comment, and sleuth regularly — the Old Images of Pitman NJ Facebook Group has grown from a modest personal project into an active and ever-evolving archive of the town’s collective memory. It’s a true community.
Launched in June 2020 by Pitmanite Mike Doughty, the group began as a way to share photographs and keepsakes that once belonged to his grandfather, Marshall. Nearly six years later, it holds a sprawling visual history: black-and-white snapshots and carefully colorized images, newspaper clippings dating back to the 1800s, class photos and yearbook pages from decades past, and even snippets of current and recent events, like the Struthers Dunn fire that took place 16 years ago and current snowfall information and support, that are just begging to be documented.
From the start, Doughty has been upfront about the limits of any one person’s memory. In the group’s “About” section, he notes that he doesn’t have all the answers behind every photo — how could he? — and credits his aunt Barbara with helping fill in the gaps of his knowledge. What he may not have anticipated was how eagerly thousands of others would step in to help do the same.
One recent post didn’t include a photo at all — just a question:
“Does anyone have photos of the Atlantic Gas Station that used to be where the Baptist Church is?” someone asked. “It would have been during the 1950s, I think.”
Within two days, the comments had turned into a mini oral history.
“The parking lot is where the gas station used to be, not the church itself. When I was a young girl my aunt lived in the house next to it, in the downstairs apartment,” commented one member.
An “all-star contributor” chimed in with some real specifics that might just lead to the photos in question.
She detailed who owned that station starting in 1954, how he sold it and moved to Woodbury Rd. and Holly Ave., and eventually bought a house on the corner of Elwood Ave. and Woodbury Rd. When that house was sold, it was moved down Elwood Ave., and then the new Esso station was built in 1960.
And the reason for the original inquiry in the first place?
“I’m looking for a picture since that’s the place where my parents met when my dad worked there.”
This kind of exchange is not uncommon in the group. Members often ask questions to better understand their personal history and others happily chime in with whatever memories and information they have.
The group epitomizes the kind of friendly and helpful neighborly connection that often seems lacking these days.
Richard L. Eldredge, author of “Pitman’s Broadway Theatre at 100: The Story of a Beloved Landmark and the Town That Saved It,” a new book that just sold out its first 500-copy press run, attributes much of that success to the group.
“The Old Images of Pitman group is literally responsible for the Broadway Theatre book,” he says. He credits the people in it for making the book a reality. “I got reacquainted with old childhood friends, neighbors, fellow church congregants and they supported the book from idea to publication,” he says. “I hit many research roadblocks along the way and the folks in the group never failed to come up with leads and resources for me.”
Eldredge discovered the group around 2022, adding that the group’s page is one of his favorites to visit for the rich conversations and fruitful exchanges.
And as a former Pitman kid, one post about J&K Market in the 1970s led Eldredge and others to reminisce about their favorite things to buy there — and it conjured all kinds of memories for participants.
“Let’s face it — a lot of social media in 2026 isn’t fun to scroll through,” says Eldredge. “There are many things at work dividing us. The Old Images group is like an oasis in the middle of a lot of negativity online. Old friends reconnect daily to share old photos and stories and we’re united by having spent a part of our lives in a special and supportive small town. I always look forward to the next post and the memories that are shared. Mike Dougherty has done a spectacular job of building an incredibly fun and positive community. One that I cherish.”
Phil Verespy, who has been the Pitman High School band director since 2021 and was previously the jazz band director, has found a supportive community in “Old Images.” On December 9th, he sought information about an old snare drum that had a retro sticker of the Pitman Panther affixed to it. Due to the overwhelming response to the mascot itself, he quickly decided to restore the logo in hopes of using the image on merchandise for a fundraiser for the Junior and Senior High School music department. By December 19, he shared in the group that the Board of Education had approved the logo’s use. The image — which features a defiant black-and-orange wildcat in a crewneck sweater, cooly leaning against a varsity letter — was a hit among the group, with far-flung alum expressing interest in hoodies, T-shirts, and other merchandise with the retro logo.
The group’s purpose is spelled out simply in its “About” section, alongside a brief overview of Pitman’s origins and key dates: the hope is that it will serve as a resource for anyone who wants to better understand the town’s past.
As someone who has lived in town almost all his life, Mayor Michael L. Razze, Jr. is continually inspired by the sense of pride and connection reflected in the group.
“The group preserves Pitman’s rich history, connects generations, and serves as a powerful reminder that our past continues to shape who we are as a tight knit, caring community,” Razze wrote in an email.
“Mike has done a great job sharing the history of our community and giving others a platform to do the same!”
Judging by the steady stream of comments, and contributions, thousands agree.
