Was Glenside always the bustling place it is today? Let’s journey back to discover the origins of this vibrant Pennsylvania community. Glenside is a census-designated place in Montgomery County. It borders Northwest Philadelphia.
The area now known as Glenside has a rich history. It began with William Penn granting land to his English friends. One prominent figure was Toby Leech. He opened the first corn mill along Tookany Creek. You can still see the house he built for his slaves on Church Road. Slavery thankfully did not last long here.
Humphrey Morrey was another key figure. He became Philadelphia’s first mayor in 1691. Morrey was one of William Penn’s land recipients. His son, Richard Morrey, inherited his land. Richard holds the distinction of being among the first slave owners in Glenside and in the country to free his slaves. He even granted them land. Richard Morrey later had five children with Cremona, one of his father’s freed slaves. She inherited 198 acres of land upon Richard’s death.
In 1855, a railroad station was built. It was first named Tacony Station after Tacony Creek. Later, it became Abington Station. The Glenside Post Office opened in 1888. That’s when the railroad station was renamed Glenside station. The Glenside Fire Company was established in 1900. A firehouse was built in 1907.
Glenside once had two public schools. Students in Abington Township attended The Weldon School. Those in Cheltenham Township went to Glenside School. Glenside School was built in 1908 but demolished in the 1960s. By the early 1900s, Glenside boasted a thriving business district along Easton Road. Glenside Trust Company opened its doors in 1922.
Today, Glenside is known for its entertainment. The Keswick Theatre, restaurants, and parks are popular spots. Glenside station is one of the busiest in the SEPTA system. The annual Independence Day parade began in 1904. It is now the largest in the Philadelphia area.
Glenside Free Library was established in 1928. Glenside Memorial Hall honors World War I veterans. Several parks offer recreational space. These include Harry Renninger Park, Grove Park, and Penbryn Park. Glenside Pool was reconstructed in 1967.
Glenside has a convenient location. It provides easy access to major highways and the SEPTA regional rail line. This makes it an ideal place for commuters. Glenside offers a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences. The population was 7,737 at the 2020 census.
From its early days as a land grant to its current status as a vibrant community, Glenside has a unique story to tell. Its history is filled with interesting figures. These include Toby Leech, Humphrey Morrey, and Richard Morrey. Glenside continues to evolve. It maintains its strong sense of community and historic charm.