Bon Air - Pilgrim Gardens - Westgate Hills
These three communities share a similar background. Indeed, while on the map they can be easily divided by street, the divisions are less noticeable when you drive between them. It would seem that unless you work for the Bon Air fire company the only way to know where one section ends and another begins is to be a resident.
The house styles of these three communities range over two hundred years. The oldest extant structure is the 1807 Leedom barn, now a house, at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Bon Air Drive . The 19th century offers several Victorian house styles, the most remarkable at 1744 Burmont Road. The 20th century has the greatest variety from the early 1940 tract houses to homes being built today.
The house styles of these three communities range over two hundred years. The oldest extant structure is the 1807 Leedom barn, now a house, at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Bon Air Drive . The 19th century offers several Victorian house styles, the most remarkable at 1744 Burmont Road. The 20th century has the greatest variety from the early 1940 tract houses to homes being built today.
The First Welsh Quaker Settlers
The map above roughly delineates the area that would become Bon Air, Westgate Hills and Pilgrim Gardens. In 1681, a group of Welsh Quakers purchased a 30,000-acre tract in the hopes of ensuring their religious freedom and preserving their language, customs, and laws. Settling in the area of Merion, Bryn Mawr, and Haverford, these settlers began arriving in advance of the proprietor. The names in bold are the first purchasers. The names in italics are the subsequent buyers. The names are accompanied by the purchase dates. These owners would later resell. Land speculation seems to have been rather volatile.
The map also indicates the location of the Haverford New Mill, 1707, the one point of stability. This mill was the second to be constructed after the Haverford Mill on Karakung Creek. The Haverford New Mill is the direct ancestor of Smith's Mill which lasted until its demolition in 1989. See THE MILLS on this site.
The map also indicates the location of the Haverford New Mill, 1707, the one point of stability. This mill was the second to be constructed after the Haverford Mill on Karakung Creek. The Haverford New Mill is the direct ancestor of Smith's Mill which lasted until its demolition in 1989. See THE MILLS on this site.
1810 John Hill's Map
Research through the census records of 1800 and 1810 has not found any of the names listed on this map.
Of interest here is the "School" on the left corner of G. Willings' "Richland," and the "U.S. Arms Tavern" on the W. Bittle property just above the large "O." "West Chester Road" cuts from upper left to lower right.
Of interest here is the "School" on the left corner of G. Willings' "Richland," and the "U.S. Arms Tavern" on the W. Bittle property just above the large "O." "West Chester Road" cuts from upper left to lower right.
1868
By 1868 we see how the area has been divided into numerous farms. In the middle we see the Methodist Episcopal Church, (M. E. Ch +) a building that still stands although abandoned (photo below). The Leedoms a large and prominent family are significant landowners. The saw mill will continue into the 1970's and stood where Barnaby's now stands.
1870 The Leedoms
The Leedoms were an extensive family with property throughout Haverford Township. Augustus Leedom owned the current Harford Hall and operated the mill at Karakung Creek.
John Leedom, Joseph Leedom and Maris Leedom owned adjoining estates in what will become Bon Air and Pilgrim Gardens. Maris Leedom operated the saw and grain mills on Darby Creek.
The 1870 census indicates that the families were quite well off with property and personal value far exceeding the average.
The Leedoms were an extensive family with property throughout Haverford Township. Augustus Leedom owned the current Harford Hall and operated the mill at Karakung Creek.
John Leedom, Joseph Leedom and Maris Leedom owned adjoining estates in what will become Bon Air and Pilgrim Gardens. Maris Leedom operated the saw and grain mills on Darby Creek.
The 1870 census indicates that the families were quite well off with property and personal value far exceeding the average.
1875 Kelso Map
This edition shows the estates clearly defined. It also indicates the wooded areas. Lumber was a significant product as attested by the Haverford (New) Mill on Darby Creek. (Wood from these trees was harvested for gun stokes in WWI.)
The Leedoms, most notable family, own no small part of the area. Not to be missed is the estate of J.R.Eckfeldt.
This edition shows the estates clearly defined. It also indicates the wooded areas. Lumber was a significant product as attested by the Haverford (New) Mill on Darby Creek. (Wood from these trees was harvested for gun stokes in WWI.)
The Leedoms, most notable family, own no small part of the area. Not to be missed is the estate of J.R.Eckfeldt.
The Eckfeldts at Edgewood
The Eckfeldts had a distinguished Philadelphia pedigree. The line begins with Adam Eckfeldt, (1769–1852) who was instrumental in the creation of the first United States Mint and the designs of the first coins
The Eckfeldts had a distinguished Philadelphia pedigree. The line begins with Adam Eckfeldt, (1769–1852) who was instrumental in the creation of the first United States Mint and the designs of the first coins
"Inspecting the First Coins"
John Ward Dunsmore.
Adam Eckfeldt is the man in blue to the right of Martha Washington.
Adam’s son, Jacob Reese Eckfeldt, and grandson, Jacob Bausch Eckfeld, both worked for the Mint as Assayers. J.R. Eckfeldt is the owner of Edgewood on the Kelso map above.
The census of 1870 lists John W. Eckfeldt, age 19. John W. Eckfeldt will become a physician and the author of the invaluable local history, Cobbs Creek in the Days of the Old Powder Mills.
http://www.phillyh2o.org/backpages/cobbs_eckfeldtbook.htm
The census of 1870 lists John W. Eckfeldt, age 19. John W. Eckfeldt will become a physician and the author of the invaluable local history, Cobbs Creek in the Days of the Old Powder Mills.
http://www.phillyh2o.org/backpages/cobbs_eckfeldtbook.htm
Eckfeldt's death notice in 1926 notes his residence as Brookline.
1893 Baist Map
1893 indicates that the property which would become part of Bon Air is owned by the Longstreth family. While no substantiating documentation has been found Bon Air may have been the name of the estate. Bon Air would be the name of the first country club built on the site, later the Llanerch Country Club.
1910
By 1910 the properties are for the most part under the same ownership. There are two small but notable changes. The Springfield Water Company owns the mill area and a thin stretch along the creek just opposite "Marple," and B. Hayes Anderson owns what appears to be the main house on the mill property. It is curious to note that the census lists his profession as "Real Estate Agent."
The Bethesda Church is the small green rectangle upper right.
The Bethesda Church is the small green rectangle upper right.
The 1910 Census showing John Leedom. The address is given as Eagle Road. The portion of Eagle Road at that time will become Steel Road. Today's Leedom Road, which appears to have been built on the estate's entry drive carries the family name.
The Communities Emerge
Bon Air
Depending on how community divisions are considered, since their lines and names vary over time, the Bethesda Methodist Episcopal Church may be the earliest post colonial building in what will become Bon Air.
Bethesda Methodist Episcopal Church founded in 1831
A 1906 article lists the church as in Manoa.
This 1924 article sets the church in Bon Air.
The following is taken from the Bon Air Fire Company website:
It was 1918; Woodrow Wilson was President, Sunday baseball was made legal, the United States’ First World War I victory was achieved in Belleau Wood, gas was 25 cents per gallon, the average family income was $1,518 per year and 22 concerned & civic minded individuals joined together to form the Bon Air Civic Association. Since they had no official meeting space, they met in various members’ homes and, as a part of their activities, they formed the Bon Air Fire Brigade. Each member of the Brigade was issued 2 buckets for purpose of controlling unfriendly fires. At the time, we were the only fire company on the southwest corner of the township.
It was 1918; Woodrow Wilson was President, Sunday baseball was made legal, the United States’ First World War I victory was achieved in Belleau Wood, gas was 25 cents per gallon, the average family income was $1,518 per year and 22 concerned & civic minded individuals joined together to form the Bon Air Civic Association. Since they had no official meeting space, they met in various members’ homes and, as a part of their activities, they formed the Bon Air Fire Brigade. Each member of the Brigade was issued 2 buckets for purpose of controlling unfriendly fires. At the time, we were the only fire company on the southwest corner of the township.
1913
The earliest known layout of Bon-Air as proposed by the Delaware County Realty Co.
It is interesting to note that Philip S. Steel owns two lots: one just to the upper corner of William C. Smith and the other just to the upper left of it on the other side of then Eagle Road.
William C. Smith also owns a lot in the top right corner of the Bon-Air proposal.
The earliest known layout of Bon-Air as proposed by the Delaware County Realty Co.
It is interesting to note that Philip S. Steel owns two lots: one just to the upper corner of William C. Smith and the other just to the upper left of it on the other side of then Eagle Road.
William C. Smith also owns a lot in the top right corner of the Bon-Air proposal.
Bon Air Farms
Saturday, November 14, 1914
This auction seems to be the earliest notice of property for sale. Unlike Llanerch or Beechwood, Bon Air was not a housing development. Indeed, it seems to make an appeal to those looking for a little farmette where the buyer can have, "a house, a barn, a truck patch, and own your cows and chickens."
The notice also promises a church (Bethesda?) a school and the "far-famed Bon Air Country Club."
This auction seems to be the earliest notice of property for sale. Unlike Llanerch or Beechwood, Bon Air was not a housing development. Indeed, it seems to make an appeal to those looking for a little farmette where the buyer can have, "a house, a barn, a truck patch, and own your cows and chickens."
The notice also promises a church (Bethesda?) a school and the "far-famed Bon Air Country Club."
Bon Air Country Club:
This research has found no record of a Bon Air Country Club. The 1909 map shows instead, The Field Club.
This research has found no record of a Bon Air Country Club. The 1909 map shows instead, The Field Club.
In 1910 we see that there is a proposed "Metrodome," apparently for car racing. Note, however, that the area is called Manoa. It is also interesting to note that a trolley line was proposed for Eagle Road. No doubt the trolley line circuit which appears something of a jug handle connecting the area to the West Chester Pike line was preparatory to a housing development.
By 1913 we have the Athletic Club of Philadelphia.
Returning to 1909
As noted above the history of these the three neighborhoods, Bon Air, West Gate Hill and Pilgrim Gardens is not linear. It would seem that these areas were planned and re-planned over the first half of the 20th century.
As noted above the history of these the three neighborhoods, Bon Air, West Gate Hill and Pilgrim Gardens is not linear. It would seem that these areas were planned and re-planned over the first half of the 20th century.
On the map below we see an area marked out as Eagle Park. The roads set out never materialized. No newspaper advertisements have been found for the proposed Eagle Park properties. What is called Ardmore Road and Ardmore Avenue will become Glendale Road.
Eagle Park is roughly the area that will become Westgate Hills.
Eagle Park is roughly the area that will become Westgate Hills.
B. Hayes Anderson
B. Hayes Anderson is a curious name on the map. The 1910 census lists him as a real estate agent. While no documentation has been found that relates him to the development of the area his small land holdings would seem that he has positioned himself in a central location. Next to his property is the Springfield Water Company that by the 1940's will become the sewage plant.
B. Hayes Anderson is a curious name on the map. The 1910 census lists him as a real estate agent. While no documentation has been found that relates him to the development of the area his small land holdings would seem that he has positioned himself in a central location. Next to his property is the Springfield Water Company that by the 1940's will become the sewage plant.
The only mention of B.H. Anderson found is that of the elopement of his daughter Elizabeth Powell Anderson in 1923. Note that the home is listed as Manoa. Her friend was Miriam Dunwoody of Newtown Square.
1920
The 1920 census and the 1920 map no longer show the Leedoms as the major property owners. The Eckfeldts are also now gone. The housing developments are taking shape.
Philip Steel is among the last land holders with 108 acres. There is not, however, any indication that he lived at this location. In fact, Philip Steel appears on the 1920 and the 1930 census as residing at Marshall Road and Long Lane in Upper Darby. Steel is listed as a merchant in yarns and cotton. It would seem that with his wife, children and a household staff his was a comfortable family.
It may well be that Steel was a real estate speculator.
Note that his daughter, Marion, is listed as a singer in the Opera Company.
We also see in the 1920 map the first appearance of Llanerch County Club.
1920
1930
1928
An aerial view.
The last of the farms lands of the original estates are still visible. The area is quickly recognizable by the "X" intersections of Darby Road and West Chester Pike and Eagle Road and West Chester Pike.
An aerial view.
The last of the farms lands of the original estates are still visible. The area is quickly recognizable by the "X" intersections of Darby Road and West Chester Pike and Eagle Road and West Chester Pike.
1928
1940
The Sanborne Map
Little changes until just before WWII when we find maps with property lines set out and houses proposed along Burmont Avenue and Treaty Road.
The Sanborne Map
Little changes until just before WWII when we find maps with property lines set out and houses proposed along Burmont Avenue and Treaty Road.
Reading the 1940 Sanborne Map.
The number is that of the actual house number. The "D" indicates "private residence." The "2" means two story. The pink means "brick over cinderblock." The blue is "stone over cinderblock."
The number is that of the actual house number. The "D" indicates "private residence." The "2" means two story. The pink means "brick over cinderblock." The blue is "stone over cinderblock."
1940
The Sewage Plant
The Sewage Plant
Westgate Hills
Westgate Hills finds its early history with that of Bon Air. The first attempt at a housing development in the general area of Westgate Hills appears on the 1909 map as Eagle Park. The development never materialized.
1939
The first advertisement found for homes in Westgate Hills appears in the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1939. The location of the sample house is not certain.
An article of March 31, 1940 proclaims the features of a home in Westgate Hills, surrounded by 41 acres of parkland.
1940
This illustration proposes a new and modern shopping center to be built on West Chester Pike.
This illustration proposes a new and modern shopping center to be built on West Chester Pike.
This 1946 advertisement seems to suggest that sales of the new 1939 Westgate Hills development did not meet expectations.
1949
Ten years later we see that there are enough homes occupied in Westgate Hills to establish a civic association.
Ten years later we see that there are enough homes occupied in Westgate Hills to establish a civic association.
1950's
Pilgrim Gardens
The Development
Pilgrim Gardens
The Development
Pilgrim Gardens appears towards the end of the real estate development of Haverford Township. Unlike most of the other earlier neighborhoods in Haverford Township there seems to be no significant advertising program for the new community. Likewise, no newspaper advertisements are found for the inception of the Pilgrim Gardens Shopping Center. The name "Pilgrim Gardens" seems to be taken from the Pilgrim Construction Company who built several of the homes. It is also interesting to note that Pilgrim Gardens is usually addressed as Drexel Hill, not Haverford Township.
Unlike the elaborate advertising campaigns of the earlier developments in Haverford Township notices for Pilgrim Gardens are rather modest. There is no mention of housing for GI's such as we see in the development of Chatham Park. The area is noted not as part of Haverford Township but as part of Drexel Hill.
Philadelphia Inquirer 1951
1952
CHURCHES
The oldest church in the Pilgrim Gardens / Manoa area is the 1868 Methodist Episcopal Church.
The church at the time of the development is Saint Dorothy's 1949.
(This site has not yet found the historical information on the other churches of Pilgrim Gardens. Any help would be appreciated.)
The church at the time of the development is Saint Dorothy's 1949.
(This site has not yet found the historical information on the other churches of Pilgrim Gardens. Any help would be appreciated.)
PILGRIM GARDENS SHOPPING CENTER
Information on Pilgrim Gardens Shopping Center is elusive. Nothing has yet been found that celebrates its opening or provides any dates. Advertisements below show some of the early establishments.
Note again that the shops and Food Fair gives their address as "In Pilgrim Gardens, Drexel Hill."
Note again that the shops and Food Fair gives their address as "In Pilgrim Gardens, Drexel Hill."
1957
1957
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1950
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ERIC THEATER
The Eric had a glorious run as the premier movie theater in the area. It was known for its contemporary and clean interior, a significant change from the often dank and dark old timers like The Boulevard and The Waverly.
The Eric had a glorious run as the premier movie theater in the area. It was known for its contemporary and clean interior, a significant change from the often dank and dark old timers like The Boulevard and The Waverly.
1968
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1995
The broad fields are gone. Llanerch Golf Course and the ball field are the few open spaces. The old quarry is still visible.
The broad fields are gone. Llanerch Golf Course and the ball field are the few open spaces. The old quarry is still visible.
1928
A gentle reminder
A gentle reminder
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