Newtown Square's commercial center is located at the intersection of West Chester Pike and Newtown Street Road, which is approximately 15 miles west of center city Philadelphia and is accessible by public transportation. William Penn laid out the "Townstead" plot three years prior to the township's incorporation in 1684. It was a central plot or square located at the intersection of Newtown Street and Goshen Roads, which was considered to be the township's center. The original settlers, being mostly Welshmen, were members of the Society of Friends, or Quakers. From a few scattered dwellings and farms in the pre-Revolutionary days, Newtown Township has slowly emerged as a modern, high-level socio-economic suburban community with a viable population of some 16,000 individuals.
Read the story of Newtown Square's three hundred year old history in verse form by Erma Shaver, historian, and longtime resident.
Within the 10.2 square miles of the township's borders remain many historical sites, homes, and farms which are maintained by the Newtown Square Historical Preservation Society and/or private owners to serve as reminders of the rich heritage of this community. A suite of 62 site images containing brief descriptions of the 42 marked historical sites can be viewed via the photo gallery.
The township's government, which is administered by a 5-member Board of Supervisors traditionally made up of conservative party members, sets municipal policies under the powers of the Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code.
The demographics of this area, based on the 2000 Census, define a stable, well-educated and affluent community, where 48.5% of adults over 25 have Bachelor's degrees or higher, the median family income was $90,372, and the median price of owner-occupied housing was $243,200.
Many residents and former residents of Newtown Square have sent in comments and personal stories that may be of interest to you. Read a few of these stories before you leave.
Some trivia facts and links to related websites are included for your pleasure and convenience.
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The current weather in Newtown Square
This Web Site is sponsored by
James J. Sweeney, Supervisor
James J. Sweeney Funeral Home, Inc.
209 N. Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073
610-356-1878
Web Site Author: Wayne Farrer Last Update: 25 Jan 2008 Web Site Privacy Statement
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