Haverford
Haverford inherited its name from a Welsh word
meaning “goat’s ford.” The township first
originated over the line in Delaware County, and
soon grew across the Lancaster Pike into
Montgomery County. Located only ten miles away
from the cultural and educational resources of
Center City, Haverford is nationally known as
being the home of Haverford College, a
prestigious university. The town’s boundary line
extends from Haverford College campus to Buck
Lane. Northside Haverford is also considered to be one of suburban Philadelphia’s most
prestigious residential areas.
Initially, the town functioned as a summer
destination for families escaping the extreme
heat of Philadelphia’s summer months. As
wealthy railroad executives began establishing
themselves permanently in Haverford, the
development of the railroad grew, making the
township an even easier commute to the city.
Much of the farmland was purchased by these
families who replaced crops and such with large
manors and gardens. The sprawling mansions
and large homes that characterize the Main Line region, began to populate Haverford’s
landscape. Some of these historical estates still exist today, and demonstrate the
tremendous size of these homes, which ranged from 31 to 76 acres.
Most of Haverford’s retail can be found at the intersection of Station Road and Lancaster
Avenue, and consists of attractive and interesting shops. One of the town’s most
interesting landmarks is Haverford Hotel, which used to be located at the corner of
Grays Lane and Montgomery Avenue. Built entirely of brick in 1913, the hotel symbolized
the town’s grandeur with its stately white columns and gracious porch entrance. The
hotel’s rich decor delighted visitors. Its fifty rooms were decorated with Chippendale
desks, Chinese screen paintings, mahogany china cabinets, brass sconces, and
sparkling chandeliers. The hotel also played an important role in the community.
Haverford Hotel hosted many wedding receptions, including that of President
Eisenhower’s granddaughter. Balls, various parties, and meetings were also held
there. In 1973, the hotel was torn down, and replaced by Gray’s Lane House, and
apartment condominium designed by Vincent King.
Haverford is nationally known for the exceptional
educational facilities it offers its residents. The
nationally renowned Haverford College forms an
integral part of the town’s community. Founded in
1833, Haverford College is the first college to be
created by the Society of Friends in the United
States. The college covers 225 acres of property,
and cooperates with the University of Pennsylvania
and Bryn Mawr College to give students a wider
choice of curriculum. The college’s grounds also
offer residents recreational facilities such as softball playing fields and a three-mile jogging
course. The town also houses one of the best private schools in the nation, The Haverford
School for Boys (www.haverford.org). The Haverford School has been a leader in boys'
education since 1884, and is the premier boy’s school in the Philadelphia region.
The school prepares and grooms boys to become strong members of their society,
instilling them with strong character as well as a good sense of leadership.
Haverford is most strongly characterized by the outstanding homes that mark its
landscape. Prospective home buyers have a wide range of selection, and can chose
between large stone estate houses on wooded grounds, lovely Victorian or Colonial
homes, as well as newer condominiums. Haverford’s rich grounds and fine schooling
system, its warm atmosphere and pleasant tree lined streets, make the township a
great place to live.
