The previous post in the 1850s series discussed how farming formed the backbone of Marple Township’s economy during the 1850s, much as it had for generations. What were farms growing though, and how do we know?...

What do we know of the people who lived in Marple Township during the 1850s?...

By Sam Pickard This is Part One of an ongoing series on Marple Township in the 1850s. Part One focuses on the Landscape of Marple in the 1850s. This is the first article in “Marple in the 1850s”—a series of posts looking at Marple Township in the 1850s. While...

If asked on the spot, the average American probably wouldn’t be able to think of something from the 1850s, a decade that has faded into the background of American consciousness. Despite this, most people probably know more than they realize about this important decade in American history. If you...

Last week the former Kish funeral home, a familiar landmark at Sproul and Lawrence Roads, passed into history. Now, after 1998 Sproul Road has been demolished, it is worth looking back on this building’s roughly 174-year life....

It’s October once again, so let us echo ill-fated King Richard and “talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs…” The grave being discussed was sadly graced with no epitaph and worms were never able to begin their work on the mortal remains consigned to the earth. In December 1859...

In September 1868 a fight about trespassing chickens left a Marple man dead. This incident would likely have faded into the mists of time were it for not for its inclusion by Henry Graham Ashmead in his 1884 History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania......

One year ago, I started this blog in an attempt to share research I’d done on Marple Township’s history, and to create a place where I could continue to explore the township’s past. I try not to focus on myself so much, but on this one-year anniversary, I ask...

By Sam Pickard With Delaware County initiating the formal takings process to acquire what is commonly known as the “Don Guanella Woods” for use as a county park, it’s worthwhile to look back on the history of the 213-acre tract of land.[1] While this future park could easily supply half-a-dozen...