Call Number:

14

Repository:

Lower Merion Historical Society

Extent:

1.8 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1890-2000 (inclusive)

Creator:

Jones, Dick, 1928-2006

Abstract:

The township of Lower Merion in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania was first settled by Welsh Quakers in 1682. It is part of the "Main Line," a collection of affluent Philadelphia suburbs located alongside the Pennsylvania Railroad line that was built between Philadelphia and Harrisburg in the mid-19th century. "The First 300" photograph collection, 1890-2000, is composed of photographs (mostly reproductions with some originals) that were used in the Lower Merion Historical Society's published book The First 300: The Amazing and Rich History of Lower Merion. There are also some photocopies of secondary source materials that were used in researching the book.

In August of 1682, Welsh Quakers from the County of Merionethshire landed in Pennsylvania. These "Merioneth Adventurers" were bound for the "Welsh Tract," granted to them by William Penn. Today, the area is Lower Merion township and Narberth borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

In the mid-19th century, the Main Line of the Pennsylvania Railroad was constructed, running from Philadelphia to Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. The route passed through Lower Merion, and like other "Main Line" towns, the area developed into an affluent community due to its convenient location.

Lower Merion township has become known for two industrial giants, the Pencoyd Iron Works and the Autocar Company. The Pencoyd Ironworks was started by the Roberts family in 1852. The company became a major bridge and structural steel supplier. The Autocar company moved to Ardmore from Pittsburgh in 1900. Autocar was a manufacturer of commercial vehicles. The company moved to Exton, Pennsylvania in 1953.

Bibliography:

Francis, Gerald A. "Celebrating William Penn's Vision and the First Welsh Settlement in Lower Merion and Narberth: 1682-2007." The Lower Merion Historical Society, 2007.

"Business and Industry." In Montgomery County: The Second Hundred Years, edited by Jean B. Toll and Michael J. Schwager. Norristown, PA: Montgomery County Federation of Historical Societies, 1983. Accessed November 7, 2011. http://www.lowermerionhistory.org/texts/first200/business_5.html.

This collection is composed of photographs, mostly reproductions with some originals, that were used in the Lower Merion Historical Society's published book The First 300: The Amazing and Rich History of Lower Merion, ed. by Dick Jones (Ardmore, Pa.: Lower Merion Historical Society, 2000). There are also some photocopies of secondary source materials that were used in researching the book. This collection was compiled by the editor of the book, Dick Jones.