Hatboro, PA

A step back in time.
By Susan Haine

Before cars, freeways, and express commuter rail, travelers making their way from Philadelphia to New York journeyed along the Kings Highway. We know it today as Old York Road. Along this 18th century route were many of the towns and boroughs we know today, including New Hope, Willow Grove, Lahaska and Hatboro. The road now deviates somewhat from its original path, but most of the towns it passed through alive, steeped in history and tradition and alive with community spirit.

Hatboro, PA is a small community on the tip of southeast Montgomery County with a population of about 7,400. The borough’s approximately 1.5 miles is stuffed to the brim with community pride.

“We have a diverse population base where you will find that there are families who have lived, worked and owned businesses in Hatboro for several generations,” says 20-year resident and president of the Borough Council, Marianne Reymer. “Many young couples return to Hatboro to raise their children in neighborhoods where they grew up; where children can safely walk to school and know their neighbors.”

Hatboro’s early settlement began around 1715, on land purchased by William Penn. The town was then known as the Billet. At that time, an English hatter named John Dawson built the Crooked Billet Inn, where he continued work manufacturing hats. The town became known as Hatborough in 1740, and the name was officially changed to Hatboro in the 1880s.

In 1755, the Union Library Company was founded. Today it stands as the second-oldest operating library in Pennsylvania. According to Meredith Baker, Operations Manager at the Greater Hatboro Chamber, the creation of the Union Library Company was inspired by four educated citizens who wanted to improve the education opportunities in the area. The first books were ordered and delivered by ship from England, some of which survived and remain the library’s collection. Furthering the educational efforts of the town, the first school house opened in 1756.

Like many local towns, Hatboro also played a part in the Revolutionary War. George Washington and his officers visited the Crooked Billet Tavern, and the website of the Greater Hatboro Chamber notes that Hatboro is said to have manufactured hats for Revolutionary War Soldiers. Hatboro was also the site of a Revolutionary War battle–the Battle of Crooked Billet–which is well honored by residents young and old annually.

“Hatboro is a historic hometown community,” says Reymer. “The Battle of Crooked Billet, during the Revolutionary War, happened in Hatboro on May 1, 1778. The only elementary school to be built on an American battle field resides in Hatboro. Each year the students, faculty and community leaders recognize the historic event that occurred on the fields where Crooked Billet Elementary school now stands.”

Those interested in the history of Hatboro can visit The Millbrook Society/Amy B. Yerkes Museum at the Hatboro Baptist Church, 32 N. York Road, Baker notes. The museum contains objects of local interest and significance dealing with the progress of the area since its colonial settlement, with a general collection representing the development of the area through domestic, commercial, educational, military, civic, and governmental artifacts. The Millbrook Society/Amy B. Yerkes Museum is open to the public Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Visitors to Hatboro are encouraged to take part in the Historic Walking Tour of Hatboro’s many historic buildings and landmarks, says Baker. Such buildings include Loller Academy and site of Robert Loller House. Robert Loller a famous Hatboro resident during the late 18th century and early 19th century. He was a teacher, surveyor and soldier, one of the first Judges for Montgomery County, a member of the Pennsylvania State Assembly and helped to draft Pennsylvania’s first constitution. Copies of the walking tour along with a map of Hatboro are available at the chamber office.

Hatboro Today

One of the things that sets Hatboro apart from other small towns in the area, notes Baker, is the sense of community that has been fueled by the numerous long-standing community events.

“Stepping into Hatboro is like stepping back in time,” says Baker. “Hatboro has successfully blended a growing community population with an existing rural community. It has maintained a small town feel, while being within easy reach of downtown Philadelphia or the Jersey Shore.”

According to Baker, notable events include First Friday Hatboro, which debuted April 4, 2008 after nearly a year of exploration and planning and operates under the auspices of the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce. Now two years old, First Friday continues to grow. The year-round event is the premier showcase for local artists and entertainers, and is Hatboro’s most popular monthly event.

Furthering its connection to the arts is Hatboro’s community theater company, now in its 62nd season. The Village Players of Hatboro was founded in 1947, and today performs in a renovated 17th century dairy barn at 401 Jefferson Avenue. They produce four regular-season productions, one act plays, children’s theater and dramatic readings.

This month, be sure to check out the Summer Fun Festival and Carnival, which will run from May 28th to June 5th. The event will include fireworks, amusement rides and games, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and a search for the “Hatboro Idol.” The Sun Fun Festival and Carnival benefits a number of community service providers and nonprofit organizations. It will be held at Miller Meadow at York and Horsham roads.

“Hatboro is known for its annual car show,” says Reymer. This show draws between 50,000 to 75,000 visitors annually, featuring a wide array of autos, from antiques and classics to modifieds, ‘muscles’ and specialty cars. Car buffs will have no problem viewing the entries which will be displayed on both sides of York Road, from Horsham Road to Summit Avenue. The Moonlight Memories Car Show celebrates its 18th year on Saturday, July 24th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hatboro is also home to the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society’s Museum, a tribute to the American League Team that called Philadelphia home from 1901 until 1954, when it moved to Kansas City. The Society Museum is located at 6 North York Road in Hatboro, and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shopping and Dining

A Touch of Home
Main Street Marketplace
22 S. Main Street
(215) 340-0191
www.atouchofhomedecor.com

Need to add that good, old-fashioned homey feel to your décor? Visit A Touch of Home for great gift ideas, home accents, Amish furniture and beyond.

A Dog’s Life (and a Cat’s too!!)
109 N. York Road
(215) 675-0532
www.adogslifehatboro.com

Dog and cat lovers know that pets are part of the family–and it’s really fun to shop for adorable treats and trinkets for your favorite four-legged friend.

This n That Gift Shoppe
31 S. York Road
(215) 675-3432
www.thisnthatgiftshoppe.com

A hand-crafted gift item here, a whimsical figurine there, This n That Gift Shoppe is one of those sweet stores with a little bit of everything, and much of it you’ll want to buy.

Deluca Music Co.
56 S. York Road
(215) 674-1401
www.delucamusic.com

Remember those music lessons you took as a kid? Maybe now’s the time to flex your fingers and get back into the hobby. If you can play it, it’s very likely Deluca Music Company carries it.

Sweater Mill, Inc.
115 S. York Road
(215) 441-8966

You won’t just find sweaters at the Sweater Mill. Here, you’ll find high-end men’s and women’s clothing suitable for the season.

Café La Fontana
58 S. York Road
(215) 672-8118
www.cafelafontanarestaurant.com

You say spaghetti, I say let’s go out to eat right now. Café La Fontana is modern yet homey, with fantastic pasta and excellent service.

Little Corner Kitchen
101 N. York Road
(215) 672-6600
www.littlecornerkitchen.com

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day–so enjoy it at a fantastic restaurant.

Caruso’s Ristorante Italiano
281 County Line Road
(215) 441-8314
www.carusosristoranteitaliano.com

Looking for a sweet, romantic, BYOB? Caruso’s is quiet and small, with food and service that is second to none.

Daddypops
232 N. York Road
(215) 675-9717?

This silver-trailer, diner-style restaurant is bustling with personality, and lots of flavor to boot.

Taqueria La Morena
11 E. Moreland Avenue
(215) 675-4429?

Ole! If you’ve thought that authentic Mexican is hard to find, you clearly haven’t visited Taqueria La Morena. Check it out for delicious tortillas, salsa and more.

Carving Board Café
52 S. York Road
(215) 443-2466
www.carvingboardcafe.com

Lunch options aplenty, with a turkey sandwich that is simply divine.