Millville Spotlight: Old Oar House

Photo of Todd Moore by Bill Horin/ArtC. Story by Rob Laymon/ArtC.

Exciting things have happened in Irish pubs. They have birthed revolutions, literary movements, and plenty of stern political schemes. But in Millville, Old Oar House best represents the Irish tradition of the bruidean, or ancient pub, with its good food and careful hospitality. Guests almost think of it as a community center.

“Pubs are important because people love casual dining and taking their time,” said owner Todd Moore, a veteran South Jersey publican who took over the space in 2010. “I think today people get food to get food and are in and out so fast. They forget to sit down and enjoy themselves for a couple hours.”

While the taproom covers classic tavern staples—crisp wings, stacked sandwiches, and burgers—the scratch-made kitchen leans proudly into Emerald Isle comfort. Moore's team brines their own corned beef in-house and simmers a rich, slow-cooked Guinness Irish stew, relying on fresh ingredients rather than freezer shortcuts.

“I always like people to know that we make our food from scratch,” Moore said. “You can go anywhere and get a beer, but I wanted to be more of a destination for food than for a good cocktail.”

The comfortable booths and stools complete the feeling of a comprehensive welcome.

So whether you are dropping in during the autumn rush or pulling up a stool for a slow weekend pint, or planning your next revolution, Old Oar House delivers that rare commodity: an unhurried, neighborhood haven built for lingering.

Old Oar House

123 N. High Street, Millville

(856) 293-1200

Millville Spotlight: Moore Than Ink

Photos by Bill Horin/ArtC. Story by Rob Laymon/ArtC.

Young tattoo artist Will Moore is one of the newest additions to Downtown Millville but he is already making his mark.

Inking images onto human skin, you need to be careful. Whatever mark you make is permanent—you might even call it eternal—and there are scant opportunities for revision. Plus the images themselves carry emotional weight with the customer. The customer is the canvas; the observation is ongoing. Your artwork must fit not only with personality but with aspiration, with one’s proudest view of life.

All of which Will Moore knows well. At 21 years old, perhaps the youngest of Millville’s entrepreneurs, Moore opened his tattoo studio, Moore Than Ink, in June and has barely had time to answer the telephone since.

Moore got his start working on friends with a tattoo machine he bought on Amazon. He started working down the shore but it wasn’t until moving to Millville that the clientele began growing. Maybe it’s the more boisterous Millville demographic.

“A person with a tattoo wears their opinions on their body,” Moore said. “They express themselves without having to say anything.”

Not that tattoos are easy, either receiving or giving. Moore often spends 30 minutes to an hour with a client just deciding on the design. And clients may come in for many visits for larger tattoos.

And he sometimes finds himself vetoing an unrealistic idea that a customer loves, which he knows would produce a less-than-stunning tattoo. But it’s experienced judgment that characterizes the craftsman. He often spends 50 hours a week in his studio.

Moore Than Ink

16 N. High Street, Millville

856-777-2476

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Millville Spotlight: DePalma Realty

Photo by Bill Horin/ArtC. Story by Rob Laymon/ArtC.

There are many ways of looking at a landscape. Some people see trees; some see streets. Larry and Michael DePalma see the American dream writ in homes and offices.

As the proprietors of DePalma Realty at 111 N. High Street, the DePalmas understand the profound importance of place to the individual. Larry has been selling real estate since 1978, joined by his son Michael in 2018. Yet, “selling” doesn’t begin to capture the deep discernment necessary to bring people and places together.

“We are helping the citizens of Millville realize their vision of the good life,” says Larry.

“I think we both believe that owning a home is the way to prosperity for the American family,” Michael adds. “If you own a house now, you will be better off financially down the line.”

And they have certainly made waves in their industry. Larry has served as president of the Cumberland County Board of Realtors three different times and was twice chosen as Realtor of the Year, alongside numerous other leadership roles.

Michael, carrying that legacy forward, will serve as president of the Millville Chamber of Commerce next year. He is a member of the Holly City Development Corporation Board and has already been named Realtor of the Year, earning his own distinct honors.

None of these accolades, however, stand in the way of their close coordination with the vision-seekers and dream-builders of Millville.

“We’ve always believed in giving back to the community,” says Larry, “for all that it did for my family.”

“With real estate, you are involved with so many things that it becomes a win-win scenario,” Michael says. “The more we give to people, the more others give back to us.”

DePalma Realty

111 N. High Street

Office: 856-825-5500

Larry: 856-364-6697

Michael: 609-501-4162