Jenkintown History

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Nestled in the heart of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Jenkintown is a borough that seamlessly intertwines a storied past, vibrant community life, and the evolving charm of a town that has gracefully adapted to the changing times. Named after Welsh pioneer settler Stephen Jenkins, this historic enclave, settled around 1697, sits snugly between Abington and Cheltenham Townships, just north of Center City Philadelphia. The town earned its official borough status in 1874, marking the inception of a captivating journey through time.

Primarily a residential community, Jenkintown delineates its East and West neighborhoods with a Business District along Old York Road (Route 611). The residential hub flourishes predominantly on the borough's West side, featuring a mix of traditional single-family homes, duplexes, apartment complexes, and row homes.

The town's roots trace back to Sarah Jenkins' Tavern, a pivotal stagecoach stop for travelers between Philadelphia and New York in the 1700s. By 1857, Jenkintown had evolved into a vital North Pennsylvania Railroad juncture connecting Philadelphia to Bethlehem.

Jenkintown Borough was officially incorporated on December 8, 1874, carving out 248 acres from Abington Township. Despite being recognized as "Jenkins Town" before the Revolution, the borough's prosperity burgeoned with the completion of the North Pennsylvania Railroad in 1856. The 1877 Railroad Atlas notes its old settlement status, dating back to before the Revolution, with only 14 structures remaining in the borough built prior to 1860.

The late 1800s witnessed significant transportation advancements, including the opening of the Willow Grove & Germantown Turnpike (now Old York Road) and the North Penn Railroad. By 1876, residents could travel directly to New York City from Jenkintown, and today, SEPTA's regional railroad lines continue to pass through the historic Jenkintown-Wyncote train station. From 1894 to 1941, the Pennsylvania Rapid Transit Company operated the Route 55 trolley on Old York Road, with Willow Grove Park as a popular destination. Today, a SEPTA bus route, also named "55," runs in its place.

The large tract of land across from the Jenkintown-Wyncote train station, bounded by Greenwood Avenue, West Avenue, and Florence Avenue, was home to the Beechwood Hotel in 1886. However, by 1916, the site had transformed into the Beechwood School. From 1925 to the mid-1960s, the campus housed Beaver College, originally a girls-only institution, which later moved to the Grey Towers campus in Cheltenham Township.

In 1965, the Beaver Hill Condominiums were constructed on the site, and in 2000, Beaver College was renamed Arcadia University. Old York Road through Jenkintown emerged as a shopping destination in the early to mid-20th century, featuring at least five major department stores. The advent of suburban regional shopping malls, such as King of Prussia (1962), Plymouth Meeting Mall (1966), Neshaminy Mall (1968), Montgomery Mall (1977), and Willow Grove Park Mall (1982), led to a decline in stand-alone department stores. However, Jenkintown's commitment to preservation is evident in the adaptive reuse of these former department stores. The iconic Strawbridge & Clothier building (1931), for example, has been converted into a mixed-use office building, including a large restaurant and a self-storage facility.

Residential development within the borough boomed between 1900 and 1940, witnessing a population increase of more than 140%. Commercial and institutional land development activity also thrived in the 1920s and 1930s, meeting the shopping and social needs of the growing population. Another surge in commercial land development occurred in the mid-1900s, coinciding with the establishment of suburban department store outposts and other shopping centers within the borough.

In 1880, Jenkintown was a small community with only 810 residents, but by 1930, the population had grown to 4,797. The borough's population peaked at 5,404 in 1970, and although it has slightly declined since, it stabilized at 4,422 in 2010.

Neighboring municipalities, such as Abington Township and Cheltenham Township, experienced similar population growth in the first half of the 20th century, peaking in 1970. While both neighboring townships have seen a slight decline since 1970, they have also stabilized. Despite the gross populations of Abington and Cheltenham Townships being much greater than Jenkintown's, the borough's population density (measured as persons per square mile) is significantly higher. In 2010, Jenkintown's population density was more than double that of Abington Township. Higher population densities typically result in more efficient distribution and use of utilities and roads, although they can also put stress on older utility and infrastructure systems.

Adding a modern touch to its historical legacy, Jenkintown gained pop culture prominence with the hit TV show "The Goldbergs." Set in the borough, the show has brought national attention to Jenkintown, enhancing its cultural legacy and introducing a new generation to the town's unique charm.

As Jenkintown continues to evolve, it remains a living testament to the enduring spirit of community, history, and the captivating allure that defines this distinctive Pennsylvania town.