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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 20, 2013 03:57 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Rosemary M. Brown and Rep. Mike Carroll |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Chestnuthill Township's 250th Anniversary |
| In the near future I plan to introduce legislation designating September 20, 2013 as "Chestnuthill Township of Monroe County 250th Anniversary Day" in Pennsylvania. Chestnuthill Township, located in the western portion of Monroe County, was named for its once-abundant chestnut trees, which lined many roadsides and dotted the rolling countryside of the area. Many long-time residents of the township know that the large hill one summits when driving into McIlhaney along Route 115 is known as Chestnut Hill. Unfortunately, the chestnut trees were killed off during the Chestnut Blight in the early 1900s. Although European settlers had been calling the area that is now Chestnuthill Township home for many years prior to the French and Indian War, the date given as the creation of Chestnuthill Township is September 20, 1763. At the time of the township’s formation, the name Prospect Hill was also considered. This 1763 date is the first time that written documentation appears regarding the township. The Quarter Session Docket of Northampton County shows that Abraham Smith was appointed constable of Chestnuthill Township on that date. When the township was originally formed, it was much larger that it is today. In 1763, Chestnuthill Township included an area that consisted of present-day Eldred, Polk, and Ross townships. George Hood (Hoeth) is believed to be one of the earliest European colonial settlers of Chestnuthill Township. He purchased land west of the village of Brodheadsville from the Moravians of Bethlehem. In fact, the first township elections were held in his home. Other early Monroe County family surnames include (but are not limited to) Altemose, Kresge, Huffsmith, Hoeth, Serfass, Brong, Gearhart, Brodhead, Brown, Everitt, and Weiss. Many of the early settlers of Chestnuthill Township travelled to the Christ Church in Hamilton Township for worship. One of the most essential roads in Chestnuthill Township was the Wilkes-Barre and Easton Turnpike. The turnpike, originally known as the Sullivan Trail, was built in 1808 and was a main thoroughfare through the township, linking Monroe County with the Wyoming Valley. Today, the Wilkes-Barre and Easton Turnpike is known as State Route 115. The first school in the township was a double house that stood where the Gilbert Cemetery is located today. The teacher, Mr. Kotz, lived in one side of the house; the school was located in the other side. In 1881, a post-secondary school, called Fairview Academy, opened its doors. This institution was for students interested in pursuing their studies beyond a general high school education. The school was established to prepare both men and women for the teaching profession, but courses were also offered to those interested in pursuing careers in business. Fairview Academy closed its doors in 1938. The largest village in the township, Brodheadsville, was once known as Shafer’s. The village was renamed on June 28, 1852 in honor of Charles D. Brodhead, a Stroudsburg resident who moved to Chestnuthill Township and established a post office. According to the 1900 census report, Chestnuthill Township boasted 1,398 individuals. In 2000, the number increased to 14,418. |
Introduced as HR415
Memo Updated: June 20, 2013 03:58 PM