The gentle slope of the land here in Woodlyn hints at a history shaped by industry. Woodlyn was once a hub for mills, powered by the flow of Crum Creek and Ridley Creek. These mills, vital to the local economy, drew workers from far and wide, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Woodlyn today. Imagine the clatter of machinery, the shouts of workers, and the constant hum of activity that once defined this area. One of the most prominent figures in early Woodlyn was Thomas Leiper. A man of many talents, Leiper was a politician, merchant, and a veteran of the American Revolutionary War. Did you know that he co-founded the prestigious Philadelphia City Troop? This military unit is one of the oldest and most decorated in the entire US Army and remains active to this day. Leiper’s influence extended beyond the battlefield. In 1870, he acquired quarries near the mills. These quarries produced granite and stone, materials that were used extensively in the construction of buildings and bridges. Look around, and you can still see evidence of Leiper’s quarries in the very fabric of Woodlyn. His legacy is etched in the stone of the Leiper Presbyterian Church, Swarthmore College, and even in the curbstones and doorsteps of this charming community.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to