Was it a field of laws? Or a dale where laws were made? No. Lawndale got its interesting name in the 1880s. Today we are exploring Lawndale in Philadelphia. It is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history.
Lawndale’s story begins well before its official naming. The area was once known as Marburg. Its central business area bustled around Rising Sun Avenue. Benner, Colgate, and Comly streets formed the heart of this industrial zone. Marburg was home to the Marburg Bottling Company. A slaughterhouse also operated here.
Most of the property in Marburg belonged to Hellerman Farms. After the 1854 consolidation act, the Wentz Family of Olney acquired much of the land. Other landowners included the Fords and the Drakes. The Wolfs, the Brous, and the Passmores also owned land here.
The name Lawndale appeared with the arrival of the Philadelphia, Newtown & New York Railroad. One of the first stations north of Olney was Lawndale. The station opened in the 1890s. It closed and then reopened in the early 1900s.
The Philadelphia & Reading took over the railroad. They leased a small room from a resident near Robbins Street. This arrangement lasted for over 30 years. When the owner died, the railroad built a small shelter. The Lawndale Station has been rebuilt several times. Today, SEPTA operates the station. About 45 passenger trains stop here daily. Over 350 round trip fares occur each day.
Lawndale features diverse residential buildings. You will see row houses, single-family homes, and twins. Large estate homes also dot the landscape. Most of the community was built in three stages. These stages were pre-1920s, 1920-1930, and 1950-1960. Fewer than 40 homes have been built since the 1970s. This mix of housing makes Lawndale desirable. Many are surprised by the variety of housing options.
Trinity Oxford Church is one of the oldest churches here. Its history in Lawndale traces back to 1698. At that time, the area was part of Oxford Township. Church records confirm the Lawndale name as far back as the late 19th century.
Lawndale Elementary once served the community. However, the school closed in the 1980s. Cedar Grove Church bought the building and now operates Cedar Grove Christian Academy. The former Lawndale School was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Lawncrest Recreation Center serves both Lawndale and Crescentville. The Lawncrest Library and Engine 64 Fire House are nearby. All are on Rising Sun Avenue. They are located between Lardner and Comly streets.
The main business district stretches from Robbins to Longshore Avenue. It is home to over 200 stores. Lawndale’s boundaries include Comly Street to the South. SEPTA/CSX Transportation is to the West. Longshore/Tyson Ave is to the North. Pennway Ave is to the East. Within these boundaries, there are over 500 businesses.
Lawndale continues to be a dynamic community. Its history is evident in its streets and buildings. The name Lawndale reflects its transformation from farmland to a thriving Philadelphia neighborhood. As we conclude our visit, remember Lawndale’s journey. It is a testament to community, growth, and resilience.