Wonder what makes Drexel Hill a unique place? It is a neighborhood and census-designated place in Upper Darby Township. Drexel Hill’s story is quite interesting.
Drexel Hill is home to about 29,181 people as of 2020. This accounts for over one-third of Upper Darby Township’s population. The name “Drexel Hill” came about because of Colonel Anthony J. Drexel. He bought a local building in 1882 and turned it into a school. It is now called Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. Most people call it “Prendie” for short.
Drexel Hill is about eight miles from Center City, Philadelphia. It is bordered by several other neighborhoods and townships. Darby Creek forms its southwestern and southern border. U.S. Route 1 runs through the northwestern corner of Drexel Hill.
Did you know that Drexel Hill has some significant historic sites? The Lower Swedish Cabin is on Creek Road alongside Darby Creek. Some believe it is the oldest log house in North America. Early Swedish settlers likely built it between 1638 and 1655. These settlers were part of the New Sweden colony. Log cabin architecture was a major contribution of the colonial Swedes.
Collen Brook Farm is another historic site. Abraham Lewis built the original house and barn around 1710. Upper Darby Township acquired it in 1989. It is open to the public on Sundays from May through October.
Also, Thornfield is the former estate of Thomas Garrett. He was a famed abolitionist and Quaker. Garrett resided here before 1822. Later, he worked as a station master in Wilmington, Delaware. This was the last stop on the Underground Railroad.
Many people call Drexel Hill home. Dick Clark lived in Drexelbrook Apartments from 1954 to 1956. He hosted Barr’s Diamond Theater and a radio show. Ed McMahon also lived at Drexelbrook. Jim Croce, the folk/pop singer-songwriter, grew up in Drexel Hill. Alan Graham MacDiarmid, a Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry, lived and died here. Nancy Meyers, producer and director of famous movies, was raised in Drexel Hill.
Public transportation is readily available. SEPTA operates two trolley lines through Drexel Hill. These are Route 101 to Media and Route 102 to Sharon Hill. Several SEPTA bus routes also serve the area.
Drexel Hill offers a blend of history. It has convenient transportation. It is a family-friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to live near Philadelphia.