Springfield Township, Delaware County

Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania Carved out of the wilderness in the 1680s, Springfield Township was formed as Quaker families seeking religious freedom settled the area. In a region roughly bounded by Darby Creek to the east and Crum Creek to the west, the early settlers shared forests with the native Lenni Lenape tribe. Just nine miles west of the port of Philadelphia, Springfield harnessed tumbling creeks with mills during the industrial revolution and provided the growing commonwealth with edge tools from Beatty Ax Works and fabric from Victoria Plush Mill. Builders used abundant stone quarries to construct grand homes, including that of the Pennsylvania Railroad's first chief engineer, J. Edgar Thomson, who laid out the famous Horseshoe Curve and Main Line to Pittsburgh. The construction of the Media Shortline Trolley helped Springfield grow, as did the Saxer Avenue Shops and unique developments such as Windsor Circle and Rolling Road. Springfield Township documents the area's transformation into a modern town rich with amenities and community organizations. Springfield Historical Society members worked with community residents to collect the vintage photographs and information for this book, which celebrates the tapestry of families and places many have called home. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.Springfield Historical Society is the author of 'Springfield Township, Delaware County', published 2004 under ISBN 9780738513454 and ISBN 0738513458.