Quakertown, Pennsylvania

Coordinates: 40°26′26″N 75°20′26″W / 40.44056°N 75.34056°W / 40.44056; -75.34056
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Quakertown, Pennsylvania
Borough
Broad Street in Quakertown in September 2012
Broad Street in Quakertown in September 2012
EDT)
ZIP Code
18951
Area codes215, 267, 445
Websitequakertown.org

Quakertown is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of 2020, it had a population of 9,359.[3] The borough is 15 miles (24 km) south of Allentown and Bethlehem and 40 miles (64 km) north of Philadelphia, making Quakertown a border town of both the Delaware Valley and Lehigh Valley metropolitan areas.

Quakertown is considered part of the U.S. Census Bureau's Philadelphia−Camden−Wilmington (PA−NJ−DE-MD) MSA and the Delaware Valley. Richland Township surrounds Quakertown.

Quakertown is located 15.7 miles (25.3 km) south of Allentown and 47.4 miles (76.3 km) northwest of Philadelphia.

History

Richland Friends Meeting House, the Quaker meeting house in Quakertown in August 2016
Liberty Hall in Quakertown in August 2016

Quakertown was originally settled by Quakers.

18th century

On September 18, 1777, during the

John Fries' Rebellion
was also started in the Red Lion Inn in 1799.

19th century

In 1803, the first post office was established and the community was named Quakertown.[4]

The Civil War, along with national economic expansion, changed Quakertown from a tiny village to a commercial manufacturing center. In the 19th century, local industrial establishments included cigar and cigar box factories, silk mills, harness factories, and stove foundries.

In 1854, Quakertown elected its first Burgess. North Pennsylvania Railroad facilitated access to the area, which brought about a great increase in population; by 1880, Quakertown's population reached nearly 1,800.[4]

20th century

Quakertown has four historical areas or structures that have been named to the

Quakertown Passenger and Freight Station, and Enoch Roberts House.[5]

Until 1969, Quakertown generated its own electric power.

From 1901 to 1951, Quakertown was an hourly stop on the Lehigh Valley Transit Company's electric interurban trolley line from Allentown and Coopersburg through Quakertown then south through Perkasie, Sellersville, Souderton, Lansdale and Norristown to Philadelphia. With car use limited during World War II due to gasoline rationing, the trolley line moved a very large number of passengers.

Following World War II, however, its business collapsed, and it ceased operation in 1951. The Lehigh Valley Transit station in Quakertown, located at the northwestern corner of Main and Broad streets across from the Red Lion Inn, still stands and its historical significance is marked on the former station's wall. The train ran in through the center of Main Street on its southbound route to Perkasie.[6]

21st century

As of 2022, Quakertown has extensive mall development along Pennsylvania Route 309, including restaurants, businesses, and retail outlets.

Quakertown's population has grown steadily throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1900, it was 3,014. It rose to 3,801 in 1910. By 1940, the population was 5,150. As of the 2010 census, the population was 8,979.

Geography

According to the

Licking Run begins in passes through Quakertown from the west to the east and drains into the Tohickon Creek. Tohickon Creek, which drains into the Delaware River
, flows past the northeastern edge of the borough.

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Quakertown has a Hot-summer, Humid continental climate (Dfa). Dfa climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 32.0 °F (0.0 °C), at least four months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (10.0 °C), at least one month with an average mean temperature ≥ 71.6 °F (22.0 °C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are slightly humid in Quakertown, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values > 104 °F (40 °C). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 101.9 °F (38.8 °C) on July 22, 2011, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 74.4 °F (23.6 °C) on August 1, 2006. The average wettest month is July which corresponds with the annual peak in thunderstorm activity. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 6.50 inches (165 mm) on September 30, 2010.

During the winter months, the average annual extreme minimum air temperature is −1.9 °F (−18.8 °C).

nor’easters
from December through February.

Climate data for Quakertown, Elevation 502 ft (153 m), 1991-2020 normals, extremes 1981-2018
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 69.8
(21.0) 		77.6
(25.3) 		86.3
(30.2) 		92.5
(33.6) 		93.9
(34.4) 		94.9
(34.9) 		101.9
(38.8) 		98.6
(37.0) 		96.2
(35.7) 		88.9
(31.6) 		79.4
(26.3) 		73.9
(23.3) 		101.9
(38.8)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 37.8
(3.2) 		41.0
(5.0) 		49.6
(9.8) 		61.7
(16.5) 		71.8
(22.1) 		80.3
(26.8) 		84.2
(29.0) 		82.6
(28.1) 		75.9
(24.4) 		64.3
(17.9) 		53.1
(11.7) 		41.6
(5.3) 		62.1
(16.7)
Daily mean °F (°C) 29.1
(−1.6) 		31.5
(−0.3) 		39.3
(4.1) 		50.2
(10.1) 		60.0
(15.6) 		69.0
(20.6) 		73.4
(23.0) 		71.8
(22.1) 		64.4
(18.0) 		53.0
(11.7) 		43.1
(6.2) 		33.2
(0.7) 		51.6
(10.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 20.4
(−6.4) 		22.1
(−5.5) 		29.0
(−1.7) 		38.7
(3.7) 		48.2
(9.0) 		57.7
(14.3) 		62.6
(17.0) 		61.0
(16.1) 		53.0
(11.7) 		41.6
(5.3) 		33.1
(0.6) 		24.8
(−4.0) 		41.1
(5.1)
Record low °F (°C) −13.7
(−25.4) 		−6.5
(−21.4) 		1.8
(−16.8) 		16.0
(−8.9) 		31.0
(−0.6) 		39.4
(4.1) 		45.9
(7.7) 		40.8
(4.9) 		33.4
(0.8) 		22.6
(−5.2) 		10.0
(−12.2) 		−3.0
(−19.4) 		−13.7
(−25.4)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.50
(89) 		2.83
(72) 		3.71
(94) 		4.08
(104) 		4.33
(110) 		4.35
(110) 		4.80
(122) 		3.87
(98) 		4.58
(116) 		4.35
(110) 		3.77
(96) 		4.07
(103) 		48.24
(1,225)
Average
relative humidity
(%) 		68.7 66.4 61.3 59.9 63.8 70.0 69.9 72.8 73.6 71.4 71.2 71.5 68.4
Average dew point °F (°C) 19.9
(−6.7) 		21.6
(−5.8) 		27.1
(−2.7) 		36.8
(2.7) 		47.7
(8.7) 		58.8
(14.9) 		63.0
(17.2) 		62.6
(17.0) 		55.8
(13.2) 		44.0
(6.7) 		34.4
(1.3) 		25.0
(−3.9) 		41.5
(5.3)
Source: PRISM[8]

Ecology

According to the

plant hardiness zone is 6b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −1.9 °F (−18.8 °C).[7]
The spring bloom typically begins by April 12 and fall color usually peaks by October 28.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1850242—
1860528118.2%
187086363.4%
18801,769105.0%
18902,16922.6%
19003,01439.0%
19103,80126.1%
19204,39115.5%
19304,88311.2%
19405,1505.5%
19505,67310.2%
19606,30511.1%
19707,27615.4%
19808,86721.9%
19908,9821.3%
20008,931−0.6%
20108,9790.5%
20209,3594.2%
Sources:[10][11][12][13]

As of the census of 2020,

Latino
of any race were 5.4% of the population.

As of 2000 census,

Latino
of any race were 2.88% of the population.

There were 3,421 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.11.

In Quakertown, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $41,942, and the median income for a family was $51,194. Males had a median income of $33,697 versus $26,988 for females. The

poverty line
, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Quakertown has a

Borough Manager who manages the daily operations of the borough.[15] As of 2017, the members of Borough Council are President James Shapley, Vice President Donald E. Rosenberger, Jon Roth, Michael Johnson, Douglas Propst, Lisa J. Gaier, Esq., and Jann Paulovitz.[16]

Legislators

Transportation

Roads

PA 309 northbound in Quakertown

As of 2018, Quakertown had 27.13 miles (43.66 km) of public roads, 5.69 miles (9.16 km) of which were maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and 21.44 miles (34.50 km) of which were maintained by the borough.[17]

Quakertown is accessible by four major state highways:

Bus

Quakertown has intercity bus service provided by three carriers:

Train

Quakertown had passenger rail service from the

diesel-powered lines.[24] Due to the numerous industrial complexes in Quakertown, the borough currently has freight rail service provided by a branch of the East Penn Railroad along the former SEPTA tracks.[25]

Air

Quakertown Airport, a public general aviation airport, is located just outside Quakertown, in Milford Township.[26]

Utilities

Quakertown provides various utility services to businesses and residents. The Borough of Quakertown Electric Department provides electricity to the borough. The borough has operated its own electric department since the early 1890s and generated its own electricity until 1969, with electricity now purchased wholesale.[27] The Borough of Quakertown Water Department provides water to the borough, operating ten wells and three storage facilities.[28] The Borough of Quakertown Sewer Department provides sewer service to the borough, operating a wastewater treatment plant.[29]

Natural gas service in Quakertown is provided by

UGI Utilities.[30][31]
The Borough of Quakertown Sanitation Department provides trash and recycling collection.

Health care

St. Luke's University Health Network operates St. Luke's Upper Bucks Campus hospital outside the borough in Milford Township, serving the northern portion of Bucks County.[32] The hospital was opened as Quakertown Community Hospital, located within the borough of Quakertown, on June 5, 1930, and was acquired by St. Luke's University Health Network in August 1995.[33] St. Luke's Quakertown Campus was replaced by St. Luke's Upper Bucks Campus on December 14, 2019.[34]

St. Luke's Upper Bucks Campus offers an

emergency room and various inpatient and outpatient services including women's health services, surgical services, heart and vascular services, radiology services, and wound care.[35] Grand View Health and Lehigh Valley Health Network jointly operate the Health Center at Quakertown, which offers various outpatient services such as laboratory services, X-rays, and cardiac testing along with physician offices focusing on cardiology, orthopedics, primary care, specialty care, and pediatrics.[36][37]

Police and fire

West End Fire Company in Quakertown in August 2016

Police services in the borough are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by the Quakertown Borough Police Department, which consists of a Chief, Detective Lieutenant, Administrative Sergeant, two Patrol Sergeants, two Detectives, twelve Patrol Officers, and three support staff.[38] Fire protection in Quakertown and surrounding areas is provided by the Quakertown Fire Department, a volunteer fire department which operates the Quakertown Fire Company #1-Station 17 on West Broad Street and the West End Fire Company-Station 18 on Park Avenue.[39]

Education

Further information: Quakertown Community School District

Quakertown Community School District serves public school students in the borough.[40] Quakertown Elementary School, a historic school, and Neidig Elementary School, both located within borough limits, serve students in grades K-5 based on where they live. The Sixth Grade Center serves borough students in sixth grade, Strayer Middle School serves grades 7-8, and Quakertown Community High School serves grades 9-12.

The

Archdiocese of Philadelphia
operates St. Isidore school, located in Quakertown, for many parochial school students. The borough is also home to the United Friends School.

Notable people

References

  1. ^ "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  2. ^ "Census Population API". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  3. ^ "Race, Hispanic or Latino, Age, and Housing Occupancy: 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File (QT-PL), Quakertown borough, Pennsylvania". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  4. ^ a b "History". Borough of Quakertown. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
  5. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  6. ^ Lehigh Valley Transit Company's Liberty Bell Route : A Photographic History with Chronology, Historical Recollections and Bibliography: William J McKelvey Jr
  7. ^ a b "USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map". United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  8. ^ "PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University". Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  9. ^ "U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)". Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  10. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  11. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  12. ^ "Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions Datasets: Subcounty Resident Population Estimates: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". Population Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 11, 2013. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  13. ^ "Census 2020".
  14. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Quakertown borough, Pennsylvania". www.census.gov. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  15. ^ "Borough Council". Borough of Quakertown. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  16. ^ "Council Members". Borough of Quakertown. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  17. ^ "Quakertown Borough map" (PDF). PennDOT. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  18. ^ Google (November 21, 2013). "overview of Quakertown, Pennsylvania" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
  19. ^ "Doylestown / Flemington / New York Route - Eastbound to New York City" (PDF). Trans-Bridge Lines. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  20. ^ "Doylestown / Flemington / New York Route - Westbound from New York City" (PDF). Trans-Bridge Lines. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  21. ^ "FAB 20 - Williamsport - Hazleton - Philadelphia". Fullington Tours. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  22. ^ "FAB 21 - Philadelphia - Hazleton - Williamsport". Fullington Tours. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  23. ^ "Bus Schedules To/From Philadelphia and Casinos". Martz Trailways. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  24. ISBN 978-0-9621541-7-1
    .
  25. ^ East Penn Railroad Map (PDF) (Map). DeskMap Systems. 2011. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  26. ^ "Quakertown Airport | Bucks County Airport Authority". Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved September 7, 2008.
  27. ^ "Electric Department". Borough of Quakertown. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  28. ^ "Water Department". Borough of Quakertown. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  29. ^ "Sewer Department". Borough of Quakertown. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  30. ^ "Geographic Footprint". UGI. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  31. ^ "Gas Tariff" (PDF). UGI Utilities. July 7, 2017. pp. 5–6. Retrieved October 10, 2017.
  32. ^ "St. Luke's Upper Bucks Campus". St. Luke's University Health Network. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  33. ^ "St. Luke's Quakertown Campus - History". St. Luke's University Health Network. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  34. ^ "New St. Luke's Hospital open in Quakertown". Allentown, PA: WFMZ-TV. December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  35. ^ "St. Luke's Quakertown Campus - Our Services". St. Luke's University Health Network. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  36. ^ "Health Center at Quakertown". Grand View Health. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  37. ^ "Health Center at Quakertown". Lehigh Valley Health Network. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  38. ^ "Police". Borough of Quakertown. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  39. ^ "Quakertown Fire Department". Borough of Quakertown. Retrieved June 29, 2017.
  40. ^ "Schools, Youth Sports, Community Groups". Borough of Quakertown. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
  41. ^ "Hampton S. Thomas". Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2014.

External links

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Quakertown.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
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