Located about 10 miles outside Philadelphia, Jenkintown is home to historic architecture, dining and shopping. Its borough was named after William Jenkins, one of the first settlers in Montgomery County, and was incorporated in 1874.
The community is a family-centric and very liberal suburb of Philadelphia. In local and national elections, it has voted overwhelmingly Democratic.
Old York Road Historical Society
Founded in 2007, Old York Road Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic structures and sites in the borough of Jenkintown. Its mission is to preserve, protect and share the history of the area through education, advocacy and historic resource management.
To date, the society has worked to save over 30 historic properties and buildings, including five National Landmarks in the Borough of Jenkintown. Its main focus is on the Historic District along Old York Road.
Old York Road is an extremely important residential, commercial and industrial center in the borough. The historic district was once the heart of the town and remains an important community focal point.
It includes numerous historic homes, businesses, and landmarks that reflect a variety of architectural styles from Colonial to Modern. It also includes many historic churches and schools.
The Society has several volunteer members who are responsible for preserving the historical integrity of the Old York Road Historic District. Their efforts help maintain the community’s heritage while allowing it to thrive.
They have a small research library in the Maple Shade Barn that hosts local family files, cemetery records and obituaries.
Their website contains information about upcoming events, tours and programs. The Society also accepts donations and memberships to support its preservation work.
Old York Road Historical Society’s current President is David Roland and the Society’s Treasurer is Eillen Koolpe. The society generates around USD 98,609 in revenue annually and employs around 10 people at this location.
The Old York Road Historical Society is located at 515 Meetinghouse Rd, Jenkintown PA 19046.
The organization is open to the public.
During the spring and summer months, the Society offers guided walks to the Old York Road Historic District. The walk is a great way to learn about the community’s rich history while exploring some of its most iconic landmarks.
Another interesting option is the annual Winter Walk, a free event in December that allows residents and visitors to explore the Old York Road Historic District. It’s a fun and festive way to get out and explore the neighborhood while enjoying the beautiful weather.
There are a number of restaurants and bars in the Historic District that offer both traditional and modern cuisine. In addition, the borough has an active arts scene.
Located near the borough’s center is Jenkintown-Wyncote station, which is a major SEPTA Regional Rail stop and serves as the main hub of transit in the area. It is served by the Lansdale/Doylestown Line, the Warminster Line and the West Trenton Line.
The Jenkintown-Wyncote rail station was designed by Horace Trumbauer, who is a famous Philadelphia architect.
