The boro of Norwood received it's name from the then popular book, "Norwood or village life in New England" when the town started in 1873.
ROSE VALLEY ONCE ROGUE’S VALLEY; NORWOOD WAS
NOVEL
Two
of Delaware County’s most complimented names have interesting histories. The boroughs of Rose Valley and Norwood both
have names that have caused travelers to comment on their quaintness and
beauty.
In
the case of Rose Valley’s name, a blush of embarrassment might be
appropriate. Norwood can take the
compliment without flinching.
True
enough, Rose Valley is a pleasant enough borough, just as the name
implies. But the facts are that the
original names implied just the opposite.
It’s a story of from rags to riches.
Before
it was Rose Valley, it was Rogue’s Valley.
It would hardly be appropriate to say that today’s name is a corruption
of the former – as is the case of Marcus Hook corrupted from Marrities
Hoeck. It is better to call Rose Valley
a reformation of Rogue’s Valley. The
change was made precisely and deliberately.
Rogue’s
Valley got its name through common usage years ago. The section was first
occupied by snuff and wool millers.
Oddly and coincidentally, however, most every mill set up there failed
after a short time. For some reason or
other so many millers who located there were financial failures.
Thus
originated the name Rogue’s Valley – indicative of the unsuccessful mill
owners.
Later
on, Antrim Osbourne came into possession of a large tract of land along the
east bank of Ridley Creek in what is now the northwestern corner of the
borough. He operated the mill but soon
converted most of his land to home sites.
He
was particularly interested in attracting Philadelphia residents to this
area. The name Rogue’s Valley just
wouldn’t do for a residential area. So
he started calling it Rose Valley.
Luckily for him, the name caught on and the older one died. However, even today, many an old timer from
this area will tell you that he “knew Rose Valley when --.”
Norwood
can also trace its “novel” name to one man.
When John Cochran of Chester, laid out the town in 1872, he named it
Norwood. The name was suggested by a
novel of that name written by Henry Ward Beecher. The novel was very popular at that time.
Norwood
was erected from part of Ridley Township.
Lots were sold at public sale after June 1, 1873. Records show that this was one of the first
instances where definite efforts were made to attract Philadelphians to Ridley
Township.
Building
continued in Norwood rapidly and by 1884 there were more than 45 houses in the
town.
DCHPN Monthly E-Newsletter |
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Happy Earth Day and National Volunteer Month! Check out all these events happening this month Read the announcements below for important information |
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Sow Barley Apr 09, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Colonial PA Plantation, 3900 N Sandy Flash Dr, Newtown Square, PA 19073
Beer
was as popular in the 18th century as it is today. But in order to brew
beer you need to plant barley. Come help us starting at 12 PM plant
barley and learn about beer and the many other uses of barley. Free with
admission.
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*Spring Clean-up Day at the Raymond Farm Center Apr 10, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Raymond Farm Center , 6355 Pidcock Creek Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
This
is a special opportunity to experience the farmhouse up close on a
quiet Sunday. Cleaning will involve dusting, wiping all wooden surfaces,
washing windows, waxing, and more. Be sure to wear comfortable
clothing.
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*Calculating Carbon Savings from Building Reuse and Retrofit Apr 12, 2:00 PM
Zoom- registration required
This
session will highlight development of an innovative new “carbon
calculator” that will allow preservationists, developers, policy makers,
and other users to compare the carbon impacts of specific reuse,
retrofit, and replacement scenarios.
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Building Philadelphia Spring Speaker Series- Remembering Eastern North Philadelphia: A Path to Building Community Apr 12, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Zoom- registration required In
this presentation, Dr. Lynn Mandarano explores the role history can
play in building community identity, capacity, and cohesion after
decades of disinvestment and recent onset of gentrification. For more
than seven years she has been partnering with Asociación Puertorriqueños
en Marcha (APM) in Eastern North Philadelphia for the capstone
service-learning course in the Community Development major. Recent
student work has focused on uncovering the history of the iconic
businesses, retail, and entertainment venues along the three main
commercial corridors, Germantown Avenue, Lehigh Avenue and North 5th
Street. In addition, students designed community engagement activities
and historic walking tours. These projects engage residents in
remembering and learning about the community’s vibrant legacy while
building capacity to envision the future and creating a shared sense of
identity between longer-term and newer residents.
In
these lectures, renowned local architects, professors, and historians
explore the political, economic, and design trends that drove
Philadelphia’s development. Different speaker each week! $12/15 single,
$90/110 full series
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*Railways in Haverford Township Apr 12, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Zoom- registration required
Join
us for a visual presentation on rail lines in Haverford Township's
history. Historical Society researcher Rich Kerr will touch on how the
many and varied railways, now spanning 190 years, precipitated the
township's transition from rural farms to suburban development.
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*Historic Preservation and Affordable Housing Panel Apr 14, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Zoom- registration required
During
this panel, they will discuss combining historic preservation and
affordable housing, major challenges to their work, and legal and social
changes needed to further that work. Presentations and panel discussion
with be followed by Q and A.
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