Named in 1691 after Dr. Thomas Wynne, Wynnewood holds a unique place in history. He was William Penn’s physician. He also served as the first Speaker of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Wynnewood is an unincorporated community. It lies west of Philadelphia. Wynnewood straddles Lower Merion Township and Haverford Township. These townships reside in Montgomery County and Delaware County respectively.
As we stand here, imagine the late 1800s. Colonel Owen Jones christens his mansion “Wynne Wood”. He then extended the name to the railroad station and surrounding area. Wynnewood officially became a “Main Line” neighborhood in the 1860s. This was when the Pennsylvania Railroad adjusted its main route. The route connected Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Today Wynnewood is a flourishing suburb. It boasts tree-lined streets. You will find protected green spaces and single-family homes. Wynnewood offers convenient access to Philadelphia. You can easily reach shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Wynnewood’s population was 13,572 as of the 2010 census. The community’s racial makeup was largely White at 92.9%. Other groups included 3.2% Asian and 2.5% African American. The median household income was $86,861. The median family income was $111,683.
Wynnewood residents often collaborate with those of neighboring Ardmore. The ArdWood Civic Association is a prime example. South Ardmore Park sits partly in Wynnewood and partly in Ardmore.
Wynnewood is largely residential. However, shopping centers are located in clusters. The Wynnewood Shopping Center opened in 1949. It spans 257,000 square feet.
The Wynnewood train station dates back to the 1870s. Wilson Brothers and Company designed it for the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Lankenau Hospital stands on Lancaster Avenue in Wynnewood. It is one of the area’s three major teaching hospitals.
Public school children attend Merion, Penn Wynne, or Penn Valley elementary schools. These schools belong to the Lower Merion School District.
Wynnewood features several parks. Shortridge Memorial Park sits in a creek valley. Stone bridges cross over Indian Creek. Wynnewood Valley Park Sensory Garden attracts visually impaired visitors.
Many notable people have called Wynnewood home. Walter Annenberg was a media mogul and philanthropist. Kobe Bryant once lived here. He was a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Joan Jett a famous rock musician also resided in Wynnewood.
As our tour concludes remember Wynnewood’s blend of history, community, and convenience. It is more than just a suburb. Wynnewood is a vibrant place with a rich past and promising future.