Small and Mighty

Newtown, PA
By Susan McDonnell

Before our country was The United States of America – when it was just a hodgepodge of colonies and settlements – there was Newtown. This Bucks County borough, which is nestled in a larger township of the same name, is steeped in American history, and maintains the small-town aura and community commitment reminiscent of times that in some regions seem to be long gone.

William Penn founded Newtown, or as he called it “New Township,” in 1683. Today, the borough itself is less than 1 square mile in size, with a population of about 2,300. But while small, the pride of the community is mighty. General George Washington used the locale as a headquarters in 1776 after the Battle of Trenton. In fact, it was in Newtown where Washington wrote his two famous letters to Congress giving the official report on his victory at Trenton. The town itself was the site of a Revolutionary War battle in 1778. Newtown was County Seat of Bucks County from 1726 to 1813, when the court was then moved to Doylestown. The town is also home to the oldest operating movie theater in the United States.

And that just scratches the surface of how the town has touched the lives of not just Pennsylvanians, but of people all over America. The name Newtown is familiar to lawyers and law students across the nation: the township is home to the Law School Admissions Council, which administers the LSAT. Film lovers everywhere were introduced to Newtown, whether they know it or not, in the 2002 M. Night Shyamalan film Signs. Several of the movie’s scenes were shot in Newtown.

George Washington once said: “Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” It is an apt quote for a town through which his troops once trod. And for those involved with recording and preserving Newtown’s history, no truer words can be spoken.

The Newtown Historic Association was founded in 1964, in response to the demolition by developers of one of the town’s most historic buildings, referred to as “Washington’s Headquarters.” A group of locals came together to form, “an official body to protect the historic heritage of Newtown.” Since its inception, the organization has been involved with various preservation activities, educational activities, and has worked with local government and businesses to ensure that as Newtown grows with the times, the integrity of its history is also maintained. For people like association’s president, Brian Rounsavill, this work is vital as much to the town’s future as its past.

Rounsavill notes with pride that he is a fourth-generation Newtownian, whose great-grandfather settled on a farm in the area in the early 20th century. For him, working with the Historic Association is as much a pleasure as it is a duty.

“I became involved with the Newtown Historic Association through the efforts of my mother, Mary Callahan,” he says. “She has volunteered countless hours to move the organization forward and got me involved early on.  It is a great way to give back to the Newtown community.”

While a brief sketch of Newtown’s past is noted on the borough’s website, he notes that there is much more to the area’s past than historical buildings and a Revolutionary War battle. Newtown also has a connection to significant events in the twentieth century, he notes, especially the U.S. space program.  The first weather satellites ever manufactured were made in the Stocking Works building in Newtown, along with equipment for the Apollo space mission.

Of its many accomplishments in the past 40-plus years, most recently, the Newtown Historic Association has completed two big projects. The first, the book “Newtown: Past and Present,” which Rounsavill wrote and photographed, contrasts 80 historic photos of the town with photos taken in those locals during the present day, with the goal of showing how Newtown has grown and changed over time. Copies of the book are available at the Newtown Hardware House (which, it may be interesting to note, has been at the same location, 108 South State St., since it first opened in 1869).
The other project was the development and installation of the Newtown Heritage Walk, a self-guided walking tour. (See sidebar for more information.) Markers have been placed at locales throughout the town noting significant historic sites from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The 34 locations are all within a two-block radius of the town’s center, making it an easy, enjoyable activity.
“It is very pleasing to see visitors enjoying the wayside markers throughout town, which celebrate the deep history of this unique town,” says Rounsavill.
The group is also preparing an electronic archive, to further preserve history. This project, Rounsavill says, will scan and index many of the area’s old newspapers with the goal of providing people with this information in an easily searchable format.

As the association works to create connections to history for future Newtownians, it is equally important for those outside the borough to take advantage of all that Newtown has to offer.
“Newtown is an incredibly unique historic community, in that it has connections to major historic figures and events in each of the past four centuries,” says Rounsavill. “With the dramatic changes that have taken place over the last 325 years, it is pleasing to see that Newtown has maintained, through a high sense of the importance of its history, its residential village character. Rich in history and abundant with historic charm, Newtown’s past exists side by side with the present, and the old has become a part of the new.  Newtown truly has a small town culture and feel, while being a modern and thriving community at the same time.”

While Newtown may not be considered as a primary tourist destination, the history, as well as the thriving business district that includes various shopping, dining and entertainment options is well worth the visit. State Street is the borough’s “main drag,” but don’t limit your visit just one strip of road: there’s a lot to see and do within several blocks radius. Keep in mind that street parking can be limited, but there is plenty of parking lot space behind stores and buildings. And be sure to make time to walk – the architecture of the town’s many historic buildings is not to be missed.

Beyond history, there’s a lot to see and do in Newtown, PA. Here are just a few notable shopping and dining options:

Shopping

Carriage House Collection
221 N. Sycamore St.
(215) 860-7764 www.carriagehousecollection.com
This cozy, country-style shop located in a historic Newtown building offers a superb selection of gifts, including Byers’ Choice carolers and Vera Bradley products.

Rose Cottage Needlepoint Studio
234 State Street
(215) 968-1500 www.rosecottageneedlepoint.com
Beyond home-stitched items and supplies, you can also take advantage of courses in needlepoint, jewelry making and much more.

Dragonfly
110 State St.
(215)579-8888 www.dragonflygiftshop.com
You can find a little bit of everything, from baby gifts to home décor in this eclectic State Street store.

Newtown Book and Record
102 State St.
(215) 968-4914 www.newtownbookandrecord.com
Just about anything your music-loving heart desires can be found at Newtown Book and Record Exchange. And don’t forget to browse the huge selection of vinyl.

The Nest
14 South State St.
(215) 860-5501 www.thenestinteriors.com
Find unique accents, furniture and lighting that set your home’s décor apart from the rest.

Zephyr Gallery
243 North Sycamore St.
(215) 579-3337 www.zephyrgallery.com
With glasswork that’s not to be missed, along with jewelry, furniture and much more, Zephyr Gallery has oodles of unusual art pieces sure to make just the right statement.

Christine’s House of Fashion
247 North Sycamore St.
(215) 860-2566 www.christineshouseoffashion.com
When trips to the mall result in same-old, same-old, visit Christine’s House of Fashion to find a new look in casual wear, business wear, and even formal attire.

David J. Witchell
25 S. State St.
(215) 579-1200 www.davidjwitchell.com
A spa, a boutique and a salon all rolled into one, David J. Witchell is the perfect place to find beautiful dresses and gowns for your next occasion. You can even ask about custom designs.

Heidi’s Boutique
213 N. Sycamore St. www.heidisboutiqueonline.com
From sassy to sexy, Heidi’s offers lingerie options including La Perla, Eres and Huit, and much more in an elegant and sedate setting. And, if you’re shy, you can ask about private shopping options.

Frank DeRito – Fine Men’s Clothier
28 South State St.
(215)579-3131 www.frankderitoclothier.com
From classic suits to modern style to custom shirts, Frank DeRito is a one-stop shop for menswear.

Boutique Belle Abeille
29 South State St.
(215) 579-1105
Finding beautiful designer women’s clothing was never this easy.

Joie de Vivre
18 South State St.
(215) 504-5504
A trip to this store kind of feels like shopping in your fashionable best friend’s closet – cozy, intimate, and you get to take everything home with you.

Luna Chick
10 Swamp Road
(215) 579-6110 www.shoplunachick.com
Luna Chick offers funky designer duds for women who are looking to stand out from the pack.

The Velvet Slipper
10 South State St.
(215) 968-1050 www.velvetslipper.com
No outfit is complete without shoes, and no shopping trip to Newtown is complete without a trip to The Velvet Slipper for some of the hottest brands in footwear.

Dining

Brick Hotel & Garden Grille
1 East Washington Ave.
(215) 860-8313 www.brickhotel.com
A Newtown mainstay for nearly 250 years, visit for the food, the atmosphere, and don’t forget, the wine tastings. Visit the website for a schedule.

Lilly’s Cocina Loca
255 N. Sycamore St.
(215) 986-6326
Amazing Mexican food … need we say more?

La Stalla
18 Swamp Road
(215) 579-8301 www.lastallarestaurant.com
For a big, home-style Italian family dinner, without any of the dishes to wash when you’re through.

The Saloon
203 N. Sycamore St.
(215) 579-8310 www.thesaloon.us
Historic location and much-lauded steaks and seafood make this a must-visit on your next trip.

Pat’s Colonial Kitchen
127 South State St.
(215) 860-0570 www.patscolonialkitchen.com
After you enjoy a fabulous breakfast or lunch, be sure to purchase some homemade jam or dressing to take home with you.

Rouget
2 Swamp Road
(215) 860-4480 www.restaurantrouget.com
A taste of France in small-town America.

The Temperance House
5 South State St.
(215) 860-9975n www.temperancehouse.com
Visit for the history, stay for the food. Be sure to check out the website to learn about this extraordinary landmark.

Sweet Pea Creams & Confections
254 North Sycamore St.
(215) 968-0466
Ice cream, coffee, candy … it’s just heaven in a charming little store.

Zebra Striped Whale
12 South State Street
(215) 860-4122 www.zebrastripedwhale.com

Green Parrot Irish Pub & Patio
240 North Sycamore St.
(215) 504-7277 www.greenparrotrestaurantandpub.com
This is truly a gastronomic delight, with a huge menu to please any pallet and cozy pub with some spectacular happy hour options.

Goodnoe Farm Dairy Bar
4 South Sycamore St.
(215) 968-3544 www.goodnoe.com
Homemade ice cream just plain tastes better than store bought, and this store offers up original recipes that will keep you coming back for more.

Jules Thin Crust Pizza
300 North Sycamore St.
(215) 579-0111 www.julesthincrust.com
Pizza done naturally, and completely delicious too.

Susan McDonnell is a freelance writer and lives in Conshohocken, PA.