Around 1774, a sturdy stone structure took root in Cheltenham Township. This is the Cheltenham Shovel Shop, also known as the Rowland House. Initially, it was a modest dwelling. But around 1810, the house expanded, reflecting the Rowland family’s growing prosperity. They transformed their mill into the second-largest shovel producer in the United States. The Cheltenham Shovel Shop became a testament to their industry. The original mill is gone now, demolished in 1929. But the house remains. It stands as a 3+1⁄2-story stuccoed stone building, a blend of its early beginnings and later additions from the early to mid-20th century. The Cheltenham Shovel Shop earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It’s more than just a house. It is a symbol of Cheltenham Township’s industrial heritage. It is a link to a time when shovels forged here helped shape the nation.
Building 662
“Building 662, a sturdy brick structure, stands before you.” “It’s not a grand masterpiece, but a testament to practicality,” “Built