Marple Township

The Delaware County area was first settled by Quakers who came to Pennsylvania by the Delaware River on September 29, 1683. Marple Township was originally settled in 1684. Marple Township was recognized as a township in the same year. The original spelling of the township was Marpool, but the spelling was changed to Marple in the Thomas Holme map of 1687. Marple Township is known for the 1696 Thomas Massey House. The house is one of the oldest Quaker homes remaining in Pennsylvania. The house is open to the public. Visitors can take tours of the house and see various programs and events demonstrating what life was like during the house’s three-century history. The Thomas Massey House also supports education and research. The second floor of the house contains the Hilda Lucas Memorial Library and Museum. The museum holds artifacts found during the home’s restoration. The museum also houses the archival collections of the Marple Historical Society. The Marple Historical Society’s collections include a number of 18th and 19th century and even a couple of 17th century documents such as deeds and ledgers. The largest cluster of which is a series of seven financial volumes from the Bonsall Brothers general store, 1873-1918. The Society also has original issues of the Philadelphia newspaper Dunlap’s American Daily Advertiser from 1791. There are also several maps, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, and photographs depicting the people, businesses, scenery, and organizations of Marple Township and surrounding areas that visitors can explore. Of special interest may be an album of family photographs and military servicemen around the world circa 1930s. The Marple Historical Society has a close relationship with the 1696 Thomas Massey House. This partnership has benefited visitors by providing them with a well-rounded glimpse into not only the history of the Massey family and home but also the overall history of Marple Township.