Call Number:

21

Repository:

Lower Merion Historical Society

Extent:

21.0 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1950-2011 (bulk) and 1870-2011 (inclusive)

Creator:

Lower Merion Historical Society.

Abstract:

The Lower Merion Historical Society photograph collection, 1870-2011, contains photographs, slides, and negatives taken or collected by the Lower Merion Historical Society. The subjects include local schools, businesses, residences, churches, neighborhoods, parks, historic sites, railroads, and fire companies. 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.

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.

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.

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 suburban community due to its convenient location. 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.

Lower Merion Historical Society. "Business and Industry." Accessed November 7, 2011. http://www.lowermerionhistory.org/texts/first200/business_5.html.

This collection contains photographs, slides, and negatives taken or collected by the Lower Merion Historical Society. Most are originals, although there are some reproduced photographs. The subjects include local schools, businesses, residences, churches, neighborhoods, parks, historic sites, railroads, and fire companies.