Experience a Mix of History and Contemporary Life in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
One of the oldest boroughs in Montgomery County, Jenkintown brims with historical interest and secret finds. Visitors find National Landmarks, an active arts scene, and shops and restaurants that stretch beyond the main drag in this residential community. Settled by William Jenkins in 1697, Jenkintown eventually became incorporated in 1874. Among the quirkier holdovers from older days are two 19th-century fire companies. Both continue to serve the roughly 1/2-square-mile area today. Learn information about Philadelphia, PA.
History and Development
Like many suburbs that surround Philadelphia, Jenkintown had its initial heydays in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, a downtown revival in the 2000s saw the renovation of the central Hiway movie theater and a resurgence of independent businesses and restaurants. The success of its most famous former resident, actor Bradley Cooper, also boosted the town’s profile. Discover facts about Holmesburg, Philadelphia is a Family-Centric Town.
Landmark Sites
Jenkintown has several architecturally exciting sites. The Jenkins’ Town Lyceum Building (now known as Jenkintown Library) and the Art Deco Strawbridge & Clothier Store landed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also on that list, Salem Baptist Church famously hosted Martin Luther King Jr. The 45-acre expanse of Curtis Hall Arboretum in nearby Wyncote features a national landmark building as well as two ponds, 50 different tree species, and a Valley of Remembrance honoring World War II veterans.
