Ashton Wooden Bridge

Set against the backdrop of Northeast Philadelphia, the Ashton Wooden Bridge neighborhood whispers tales of a rich past. Ashton Wooden Bridge isn’t just a name; it’s a bridge between centuries, connecting us to the very roots of Philadelphia’s history. Originally farmland, Ashton Wooden Bridge, also known as Ashton-Woodenbridge and Pennypack, was once part of the vast holdings of Thomas Holme. This man, William Penn’s surveyor, played a pivotal role in shaping the city we see today. The area remained a part of Lower Dublin Township until 1854, when it was officially incorporated into Philadelphia. A fascinating piece of Ashton Wooden Bridge’s social fabric is woven with the story of Thomas Holme’s emancipated slaves. Upon his death, Holme granted freedom to those he had enslaved. Their descendants went on to own a significant portion of the Ashton Wooden Bridge area, establishing a vibrant community. Near Holme Circle, remnants of this community can still be found, a silent testament to their resilience. A particularly intriguing detail lies in a small church on Ashton Road: Bethany A.M.E. Church. This unassuming building holds a claim, albeit unofficial, as one of the oldest African American churches, possibly rivaling even Mother Bethel A.M.E. The name “Ashton-Woodenbridge” itself emerged in the 1970s. It serves as a tribute to the Ashton family, whose ancestor, Joseph Ashton, settled along the Pennypack Creek even before William Penn’s arrival. The “Woodenbridge” portion of the name is derived from Wooden Bridge Run, a tributary of Pennypack Creek that meanders through the northern part of Ashton Wooden Bridge. Even into the early 1960s, active farms dotted the landscape of Ashton Wooden Bridge. Horse-drawn wagons weren’t just a quaint sight; they were a practical necessity. They served as local transit during snowy weather. Imagine these wagons traversing the steep inclines of Ashton Road, carrying workers to the bus stop at Holme Circle. Industry has also played a role in shaping Ashton Wooden Bridge. Crown, Cork, and Seal, a major company, had a long-standing presence on Ashton Road. They eventually moved their world headquarters north, but their impact on the area remains. At the northern end of Ashton Road, where it meets Grant Avenue, lies the Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Originally a World War II airbase, the airport now serves as a general aviation reliever for Philadelphia International Airport. Interestingly, despite lacking scheduled passenger service, it holds the position of the sixth-busiest airport in Pennsylvania. Following World War II, Ashton Wooden Bridge experienced a period of significant growth, as veterans settled in the area. The housing stock reflects this era. You’ll primarily find twins, row homes, townhouses, and apartments, which characterize much of the neighborhood’s architecture.