In 1957, Ed Gove Jr. set out on a life-long adventure. He moved from New Jersey to Mississippi. At 86, he is still an integral part of Hartley Gove Sons in Brookhaven.

Gove was just 14 years old when he started learning his trade from his father and uncle at The Vineland Thermometer Factory. After graduating from Vineland High School in 1946, he attended the University of Delaware. In 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

As a sergeant in the 120MM Anti-Aircraft Battery between Brooklyn and Far Rockaway, guarding New York City from Russian bombers, he served as the Radar Section leader. Just before his discharge in 1953, he and three other sergeants were picked from 40 other batteries to explain the operation of the new M33 Radar System to approximately 200 officers, from the newest lieutenant to General Tarant, the Brigade commanding officer.

After his discharge, Gove returned to work in the Vineland Thermometer Factory, established by his grandfather in 1889. While on a trip to Nashville, he and his father decided to drive into Mississippi in consideration of relocating the factory.

After visiting several towns, they decided on Brookhaven. In 1957, Gove moved to Mississippi and opened the Hartley Gove Sons factory, thermometers being its primary product. In 1958, he and Janice Jaggers of Millville, New Jersey, married and made their home in Brookhaven.

Gove and his wife have five children-Jay, Dianne, Bruce, Brian and Kim-and four grandchildren. Gove has served on committees with numerous local organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and Faith Presbyterian Church. He and Jan helped develop the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League from a makeshift home to today’s fine facility.

Another important venue where Gove has played a major role is French Camp Academy in French Camp where he served for 33 years with the French Camp Academy Board of Trustees. He announced his retirement from that body in December 2014.

French Camp Academy provides young people and families a place to heal from difficult circumstances at home, school or in the neighborhood. Established in 1885, FCA is a Christ-centered home and school. Students live in safe, stable homes under the leadership of Christian house parents, receive an academically excellent, Christ-centered education and extracurricular activities and are given opportunities to learn career enhancing skills.

Gove’s FCA connection began in the 1970’s when Stuart Angle was president. Gove approached Stuart after he spoke at his church and asked if FCA needed any engraved signs. Soon, Stuart sent him a list of 50 to 60 engraved signs for the campus, which Hartley Gove Sons gladly provided.

In 1980, while Rich Cannon was FCA’s president, Gove became part of the FCA Board. From the beginning he served on the Plant and Property Committee and was its chairman for a number of years.

This was a time of significant growth that Gove described as serious fun. He oversaw the building of at least five new dormitories, the high school addition, a new water tower, the Rising Son Retreat complex, sports and recreation areas and renovations of many campus buildings.

Toxey Hall, chairman of the FCA Board of Trustees, commented that Gove’s tenure was marked with wonderful dedication and great faithfulness.

“His primary contribution was in the area of plant and property oversight, which is an extremely important component of the FCA ministry,” Hall added. “God has truly blessed our school with His servant, and we are all thankful to have known Ed for these many years.”

His influence and expertise are evident at FCA in more than structures. This talented, compassionate man has also left his mark on the lives of students, staff and the French Camp community.

For more information concerning French Camp Academy visit the website www.frenchcamp.org or call (662) 547-6482.

Special Report

In 1957, Ed Gove Jr. set out on a life-long adventure. He moved from New Jersey to Mississippi. At 86, he is still an integral part of Hartley Gove Sons in Brookhaven.

Gove was just 14 years old when he started learning his trade from his father and uncle at The Vineland Thermometer Factory. After graduating from Vineland High School in 1946, he attended the University of Delaware. In 1951, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

As a sergeant in the 120MM Anti-Aircraft Battery between Brooklyn and Far Rockaway, guarding New York City from Russian bombers, he served as the Radar Section leader. Just before his discharge in 1953, he and three other sergeants were picked from 40 other batteries to explain the operation of the new M33 Radar System to approximately 200 officers, from the newest lieutenant to General Tarant, the Brigade commanding officer.

After his discharge, Gove returned to work in the Vineland Thermometer Factory, established by his grandfather in 1889. While on a trip to Nashville, he and his father decided to drive into Mississippi in consideration of relocating the factory.

After visiting several towns, they decided on Brookhaven. In 1957, Gove moved to Mississippi and opened the Hartley Gove Sons factory, thermometers being its primary product. In 1958, he and Janice Jaggers of Millville, New Jersey, married and made their home in Brookhaven.

Gove and his wife have five children-Jay, Dianne, Bruce, Brian and Kim-and four grandchildren. Gove has served on committees with numerous local organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and Faith Presbyterian Church. He and Jan helped develop the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League from a makeshift home to today’s fine facility.

Another important venue where Gove has played a major role is French Camp Academy in French Camp where he served for 33 years with the French Camp Academy Board of Trustees. He announced his retirement from that body in December 2014.

French Camp Academy provides young people and families a place to heal from difficult circumstances at home, school or in the neighborhood. Established in 1885, FCA is a Christ-centered home and school. Students live in safe, stable homes under the leadership of Christian house parents, receive an academically excellent, Christ-centered education and extracurricular activities and are given opportunities to learn career enhancing skills.

Gove’s FCA connection began in the 1970’s when Stuart Angle was president. Gove approached Stuart after he spoke at his church and asked if FCA needed any engraved signs. Soon, Stuart sent him a list of 50 to 60 engraved signs for the campus, which Hartley Gove Sons gladly provided.

In 1980, while Rich Cannon was FCA’s president, Gove became part of the FCA Board. From the beginning he served on the Plant and Property Committee and was its chairman for a number of years.

This was a time of significant growth that Gove described as serious fun. He oversaw the building of at least five new dormitories, the high school addition, a new water tower, the Rising Son Retreat complex, sports and recreation areas and renovations of many campus buildings.

Toxey Hall, chairman of the FCA Board of Trustees, commented that Gove’s tenure was marked with wonderful dedication and great faithfulness.

“His primary contribution was in the area of plant and property oversight, which is an extremely important component of the FCA ministry,” Hall added. “God has truly blessed our school with His servant, and we are all thankful to have known Ed for these many years.”

His influence and expertise are evident at FCA in more than structures. This talented, compassionate man has also left his mark on the lives of students, staff and the French Camp community.

For more information concerning French Camp Academy visit the website www.frenchcamp.org or call (662) 547-6482.