HISTORY OF HATBORO
Hatborough, once known as Crooked Billet and now known as Hatboro, was first purchased by Nicholas More on a warrant from William Penn. The Mores began the first subdivision of the land, and subsequent sale of those parcels, shortly after 1705. Four settlers had bought parcels in Hatborough, including the most well-known of the group by historical accounts, John Dawson. At one time, it was believed that John Dawson was the founder of Hatboro, but he was actually the last of the original four property owners to acquire his parcel between 1717 and 1719. He did, however, have a tremendous impact on the development of the town.
John Dawson was a hatter (a hat maker), which is where the name “Hatboro” originated. Dawson moved from England to Pennsylvania in 1710, and resided and worked in Philadelphia until 1719. It was around that time that he built his home, and one of the taverns in town, known as the Crooked Billet Inn. There was, at the time, a tavern in Philadelphia on Water Street also called the Crooked Billet Inn, and it’s believed that Dawson named his tavern after the one in Old City.
Hatboro’s public library was founded in 1755, and to this day, is still in operation in its original building. The Union Library Company is the third oldest library in Pennsylvania, and the second oldest in the country to be operating under its original charter.
During 1777, George Washington and his army frequented Hatboro in their travels back and forth during the Revolutionary War. Shortly thereafter, in May of 1778, the battle of Crooked Billet took place around today’s site of the Crooked Billet Elementary School. In this battle, General John Lacey was encamped by the site of the skirmish and was there to cut off British supply convoys travelling in and out of the then British-occupied Philadelphia. Unfortunately, Lacey's troops were surprised by the British and suffered heavy losses.
Through the 1800’s, Hatboro saw significant growth, with the first school being opened in 1812. Today, Loller Academy is used as the borough hall, town center and community hall. Avoiding demolition in the 1950’s, this building stands proudly as one of the landmarks that was instrumental in the development of Hatboro.
Hatboro’s first bank opened in 1873, and in 1874 the railroad came through. With food and spirits, lodging, educating, banking, and transportation, Hatboro had put itself on the map. Surprisingly, however, its population did not rise above 350 until after 1915. During and after World War II, it’s population rose to about 7,000 (it remained about the same since) thanks to the nearby Willow Grove Naval Air Base. After the war, many of the homes that Hatboro consists of today were built to house its new residents.
LANDMARKS AND HISTORIC SITES
While many of Hatboro’s original structures were demolished throughout the years to make way for a much more urbanized business center and shopping district, you’ll find several of the original structures that still stand to this day:
The Old Mill Inn: This is the oldest existing structure in Hatboro. Built in 1720, this was used as a mill to grind grain. In fact, George Washington used the mill to grind grain for his troops on their way to encampment at the Moland House on the Neshaminy Creek, where General Lafayette joined them. In 1918, the mill became a restaurant. Since then, it has been operated under different names, but today it is known as the Old Mill Inn.
18 Horsham Road, Hatboro PA 19040
(215) 672-6593
Lehman United Methodist Church: Built by Deborah and Joseph Lehman in memory of their son who drowned in the Neshaminy Creek. Construction was completed in 1836. Following destruction by fire in 1879, the church was rebuilt at its original site, this time using Gothic style architecture and includes a steeple.
300 S. York Road, Hatboro PA 19040
(215) 675-2110
Union Library: While the Union Library Company was founded in 1755, it wouldn’t be until 1850 that they had a building. The building was constructed in the Greek Revival style. Today, the Union Library is still open and in operation, making it the 2nd oldest library in Pennsylvania to be operating under the original charter.
243 S. York Road, Hatboro PA 19040
(215) 672-1420
Loller Academy: Built in 1811 with funds donated from the estate of Robert Loller, it was used as a learning academy for years. The tower was installed in 1812. In 1839, a clock was installed in the tower by Isaiah Lukens. Lukens made the clock that was installed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia. In 1990, the academy survived demolition when Borough Council renovated the building. Today, it is used as a District Court and Borough Administrations Office.
414 S. York Road, Hatboro PA 19040
(215) 443-9100
Hatboro Federal Savings: Once known as the John Harrison House, the home of Hatboro Federal Savings was built by John Harrison in the mid-1700’s. This building was constructed on the original 10,000 acre tract of land originally deeded to Nicholas More from William Penn. In 1950, it became the Hatboro Federal Savings Building.
221 S. York Road, Hatboro PA 19040
(215) 675-4000
POPULATION: 7,500
SIZE: 1.4 square miles
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Schools in Horsham, Hatboro and Warminster
