Our People of the Century Dr. Charles Cunningham, Jr.: Doctor Watched Over Health of Patients, City

Dr. Charles Cunningham, Jr. of Vineland was a longtime civic leader and philanthropist as well as a family physician.

Cunningham, the son of a former Hammonton mayor, began his career as a general Vineland practitioner in 1930.

Taking an interest in business, community and politics, Cunningham also served on numerous boards and committees.

As the chairman of its first board of trustees, he was partly responsible for the founding of Cumberland County College.

He served as Vineland’s health officer for 25 years and was director of the Cumberland County Tuberculosis Association.

Cunningham received awards and plaques from nearly every organization in the city during his career.

In 1973 Cunningham and his wife, Lorraine, donated their Landis Avenue home, which was then worth $150,000, to the Vineland Public Library.

The home was razed to make way for the new library although the Cunningham garden was preserved as part of the library grounds.

The couple also donated 14 acres of land on Wheat Road for the current Cunningham Park.

Officials of the Newcomb Hospital paid tribute to the Cunninghams’ extensive community service by naming their new west wing in their honor in 1979.

“Every now and then an individual crosses our path and impresses upon us his ability to rise above the enigma and simply live his life to its highest quality,” read a program book for the 1980 Newcomb Hospital Horse Show, dedicated to Cunningham.

“In this respect, and with due appreciation for all his generous support we salute such a man … our friend, Dr. Cunningham.”

Cunningham died the following year at age 76.