Springfield Township
Springfield Township was William Penn's gift to his first wife, Gulielma Maria Springett Penn. "Gulielma Maria Penn's Mannor of Springfield" was first designated on a map in 1681 and this date is prominently displayed on the Township Seal. The first reference to "Springfield Township" occurred in 1718.
Throughout the 18th century, farming was the principal occupation in the township closely followed by limeburning and milling. An ample flow of water found in the Wissahickon Creek and its tributaries supported at least three local mills. It was from this industry that "Flourtown" took its name. The abundance of lime and iron ore in its bounds gave "Oreland" its appropriate designation. "Erdenheim," originally known as "Heydricksdale" or "Wheelpump" was finally named after nearby farms and means "earthly home." "Wyndmoor," originally called "Tedyuscung," is the subject of many Native American legends.
It is believed the original Native American name did not translate to the English language and it was renamed "Windmoor," referencing the winds blowing through the valleys and over the rolling hills.
The American Revolution had a direct impact on Springfield Township between the Battle of Germantown on Oct 3, 1777, and the march to Valley Forge on December 19, 1777. The local inns along Bethlehem Pike served American soldiers and British Red Coats as the armies see-sawed back and forth through the Township from December 5 through 7 of that year. A military skirmish at Bethlehem Pike, Paper Mill Road and Stenton Avenue left many dead from both sides, some of whom are buried at the Schwenkfelder Cemetery located off of Montgomery Avenue.
Life in Springfield remained somewhat unchanged until the mid 19th Century when improved roads and new forms of transportation made Springfield more accessible to city residents. In 1854 the Philadelphia and Reading railroad was extended to Chestnut Hill and Springfield was much in demand for summer homes away from the heat of the City. In the 1880's the Pennsylvania railroad was continued to Chestnut Hill and serious development began. New homes were constructed for year-round living. Local farmers found farming no longer practical or desirable, as land had become too valuable for building purposes. Two types of development occurred: the "villages" and the "great estates."
Throughout the 18th century, farming was the principal occupation in the township closely followed by limeburning and milling. An ample flow of water found in the Wissahickon Creek and its tributaries supported at least three local mills. It was from this industry that "Flourtown" took its name. The abundance of lime and iron ore in its bounds gave "Oreland" its appropriate designation. "Erdenheim," originally known as "Heydricksdale" or "Wheelpump" was finally named after nearby farms and means "earthly home." "Wyndmoor," originally called "Tedyuscung," is the subject of many Native American legends.
It is believed the original Native American name did not translate to the English language and it was renamed "Windmoor," referencing the winds blowing through the valleys and over the rolling hills.
The American Revolution had a direct impact on Springfield Township between the Battle of Germantown on Oct 3, 1777, and the march to Valley Forge on December 19, 1777. The local inns along Bethlehem Pike served American soldiers and British Red Coats as the armies see-sawed back and forth through the Township from December 5 through 7 of that year. A military skirmish at Bethlehem Pike, Paper Mill Road and Stenton Avenue left many dead from both sides, some of whom are buried at the Schwenkfelder Cemetery located off of Montgomery Avenue.
Life in Springfield remained somewhat unchanged until the mid 19th Century when improved roads and new forms of transportation made Springfield more accessible to city residents. In 1854 the Philadelphia and Reading railroad was extended to Chestnut Hill and Springfield was much in demand for summer homes away from the heat of the City. In the 1880's the Pennsylvania railroad was continued to Chestnut Hill and serious development began. New homes were constructed for year-round living. Local farmers found farming no longer practical or desirable, as land had become too valuable for building purposes. Two types of development occurred: the "villages" and the "great estates."
Listing Details
Telephone
215-836-7600
Fax
215-836-7180
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