Town History
On October 31st there was a ceremony for the dedication of the Liberty Elm tree. This dedication was to all of our Emergency Workers who fight for us on a daily basis, in situations most would stay away from. We thank you greatly.
Liberty Tree Memorial:
This American Liberty Elm was named after "The Liberty Tree: Our Country's first Symbol of Freedom." On the morning of August 14th, 1765, the people of Boston awakened to discover two effigies suspended from an elm tree in protest of the hated Stamp Act. From that day forward that elm became know as "The Liberty Tree." It stood in silent witness to countless meetings, speeches and celebrations, and became the rallying place for the Sons of Liberty. In August of 1775, as a last act of violence prior to their evacuation of Boston, British soldiers cut it down because it bore the name "Liberty."
Elm Research Institute, Keene, NH
Parkside since it's inception has been a suburban residential community with a small commercial sector. In the 90 years of it's existence as a borough there have been no dramatic land developments. The gradual change in property usage from residential to commercial along Edgmont Avenue is nearly complete.
Because of the general attractiveness of the area, the borough was settled quite early. In 1672 the land in the immediate area was first deeded to Neals Mattson by the Duke of York. What is now Parkside was located in Chester Township in what was then Chester County. The land remained farmland, but the period of 1850 to 1900 saw the City of Chester grow substantially in size continually pushing outward towards it's principal boundaries.
At the beginning of this century the larger farms had been subdivided and what is now Parkside consisted of two farms owned by the Kellys and the Lukens. Of these the Lukens farm of 45 acres was sold first and subdivided with the portion along Edgmont Avenue used for small homes and the rear portion retained as an estate. Only the front portion became part of Parkside. Improved lots were sold by the Norfolk Development Company and included six blocks between Elbon and Avon.
The Kelly farm originally consisted of 92 acres, but several portions were sold so that when it was developed only 80 acres remained. A plan was filed in 1917 by the Parkside Real Estate and Improvement Company. It was planned to sell lots with frontages of 25 feet and depths of 125 feet. Only a few were actually sold. Some of the semi-detached homes on East Chelton Road represent the type of building planned. However, the street plan was modified in the 1920's and nearly all lots sold were in reality double lots.
The borough itself was created July 1, 1919 when Judge Isaac Johnson signed a decree. By creating a borough it was possible to offer municipal services not available in Chester Township. It also provided a suburban atmosphere distinct from the more urban Chester City. In addition to the Norfolk development and the remainder of the Kelly farm there was also another property in the borough. It was a ten acre property owned by A.N. Peoples. It was to become the site of the Parkside Elementary School and Playground.
Although nearly all development of Parkside took place during the 1920's, there was onesignificant exception. It consisted of that portion of the borough West of Norfolk Lane. This portion was added to the borough in the 1950's for the purpose of development. It was formerly the Smith farm. The land was developed by Primos Country Homes in a subdivision known as Garden Hills. Most of the units were twin homes. On a portion of this ground the Parkside Fire Company building was also erected. Today there is only one remaining development tract. This is known as the DeFeo property. It was given to the borough as parkland, in the 1950's the borough sold off the parcel for development.
In 2004, there was a Veterans War Memorial placed on Edgmont Avenue.
Information provided by: Delaware County Planning Commission (1969)
Wesley R. Coale Veterans Memorial Park
Click here: For more pictures
Several State and Federal grants have been applied for to fund the development of the Park. Wesley R. Coale is the chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee. If you have a loved ones name you would like to have considered for inclusion on the monument or would like to donate funding for this please contact the Borough office at (610) 876-3659.
For more about the Memorial please see Announcements and our Photo Gallery.
In the year 2002 the Borough of Parkside purchased the lot at the corner of Edgmont and Forestview Road, to build a Veterans Memorial Park. The Borough Council plans to place a monument on it, a lighted flagpole, sidewalks, trees and benches.
We are just at the beginning stages of the plans and hope, as the funding comes in, to continue with each stage. Stage one will be a small sidewalk, the lighted flagpole and the monument.
As a kick-off for the monument, during this trying time for the United States of America, the Borough Council held a "Yellow Ribbon" event on May 3rd.
As of 2004 the Wesley R Coale Veterans memorial was completed.
