Historical Commission Meeting Action Items:
September 3, 2009
June 4, 2009
May 7, 2009
April 2, 2009
March 5, 2009
February 5, 2009
January 15, 2009
Historical Commission Agendas:
June 3,2010
June 4, 2009
May 7, 2009
April 2, 2009
November 19, 2008
The Four Villages of Concord
Concord Township encompasses four villages whose past tells the story of Pennsylvania and early America's development. Located at a vital transportation hub, the Township's development has always reflected major national and regional economic and demographic trends. Concordville, Elam, Markham and Ward, the four villages of Concord-(even many residents will not recognize all the names, but check a road map-there they are). The origins of these four settlements provide a snapshot of the early development of the region.
Concordville
Modern Concordville occupies the junction of two of the earliest public roads in the English colonies: Baltimore Pike or U.S. Route One, and Concord Road, laid out by William Penn's surveyors. The original path of Baltimore Pike lay roughly along the driveway that separates today's Concord Friends' Meetinghouse from "the Grange" building (today's senior center). The buildings on Concord Road at the intersection of Thornton Road and the Friend's driveway (old Baltimore Pike) constitute the Concordville National Register Historic District. Modern Concordville is larger, including houses and businesses along Route One, and extending further down Concord Road. Many of these buildings qualify for inclusion on the National Register.
Elam
Elam, on Smithbridge Road at Route 202, the next north-south road, and the link between the Lower Counties (Delaware) and the western Pa counties was home to a thriving tavern and inn industry as early as the mid 18th century.
Markham
The village of Markham, named for the first governor of the colony of Pennsylvania, lies in the valley of the West Branch of Chester Creek where the present Cheyney Road crosses Baltimore Pike. The village encompasses the Newlin Mill Historic District (Newlin Mill and its buildings, Markham Railroad Station and Post Office, and the William Trimble House and property), including the only operating Colonial mill remaining open to the public in the United States.
Ward
Ward covers the old Concord Creek bridge (also called Ward Run) at Concord Road, near the intersections of Creamery Road, Station Road and Spring Valley. The earliest Pennsylvania mushroom farms and canneries were established there, near the mill complex on Concord Road, and the product called "Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese" was first produced at the dairy on Creamery Road.
Residents are welcome to join our efforts to protect our historic resources by joining our Historical Society or assisting our Historical Commission efforts. Contact the township office at 610-459-8911 to learn more.
Help us save our historical heritage - it's their past, it's our heritage, it's worth preserving! |
