Fox Chase, Philadelphia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fox Chase
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Fox Chase Farm
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| Country |  United States of America |
| State |  Pennsylvania |
| County |  Philadelphia |
| Neighborhood |  Philadelphia |
| Incorporated | 1854 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7.3 km2 (2.83 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 20,069 |
| • Density | 2,738/km2 (7,092/sq mi) |
| Area code(s) | 215, 267, and 445 |
Fox Chase is a friendly neighborhood located in the lower Northeast part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's a place with a rich history and lots of green spaces.
Contents
Exploring Fox Chase's Past
How Fox Chase Became Part of Philadelphia
Fox Chase was once part of a larger area called Lower Dublin Township. This township was a separate local government. In 1854, a law called the Act of Consolidation, 1854 was passed. This law made many smaller townships, including Lower Dublin, officially part of the City of Philadelphia.
The Arrival of the Railroad
For a long time, wealthy families from Philadelphia had vacation homes in the beautiful areas around the city. Things changed when the railroad arrived in Fox Chase in 1876. Many important families started to realize how nice it was to live outside the busy city. They built large homes, called mansions, in Fox Chase. The railroad made it easy for them to travel into the city for work or other activities.
A Long-Unsolved Mystery
Fox Chase was the setting for a very old and puzzling mystery. In February 1957, a young boy's body was found in a box in the woods. For many years, investigators could not figure out who he was. He was known as "The Boy in the Box" or "America's Unknown Child." This case remained unsolved for a very long time. Finally, in 2022, the boy was identified as Joseph Augustus Zarelli.
Discovering Fox Chase's Green Spaces and Landmarks
Where is Fox Chase Located?
Fox Chase is right on the edge of Montgomery County. Businesses in Fox Chase often work closely with businesses in nearby towns like Rockledge and Huntingdon Valley.
Enjoying Pennypack Park
One of the many amazing parks in Fox Chase is Pennypack Park. It's a huge natural area with forests, open fields, and wet areas. The Pennypack Creek flows through the park, all the way to the Delaware River. The park has playgrounds, trails for hiking and biking, and even paths for horseback riding. You can also visit the Pennypack Environmental Center on Verree Road.
Visiting Fox Chase Farm
Fox Chase Farm is one of the last working farms in Philadelphia. It's used a lot by the School District of Philadelphia for educational programs. The farm started in 1683 when William Penn gave the land to Lord Stanley. Over the years, it was owned by different families who developed it into a self-sufficient farm. Today, a group of volunteers helps keep this special farm going for everyone to enjoy.
Historic Homes and Collections
Many old and important buildings are still standing in Fox Chase. The Verree House on Verree Road was a place where British soldiers raided during the American Revolutionary War. If you look closely, you can still find old railroad tracks and parts of early mills. These remind us that people have lived and worked in this "Green Heart" of Northeast Philadelphia for many generations.
Knowlton Mansion: A Gilded Age Estate
William Rhawn, a bank president, built his summer home here in 1879. He chose Frank Furness, a famous architect known for designing grand mansions and public buildings during the Gilded Age. Rhawn named his estate "Knowlton" because it looked like his wife's great-grandfather's estate in England. Today, Knowlton Mansion is used for events and catering.
Ryerss Mansion: A World of Treasures
Ryerss Mansion is another historic house in Fox Chase. It was built in 1859 by a merchant named Joseph Waln Ryerss. The mansion sits high up, overlooking Burholme Park, one of the best views in Philadelphia. Inside, you'll find a huge and unique collection of items from all over the world. The Ryerss family collected these treasures during their many travels to places like Europe, Africa, and the Far East.
Important Historic Places in Fox Chase
Here are some of the historic properties you can find in this neighborhood:
- Knowlton Mansion, designed by Frank Furness. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Ryerss Mansion, the home of Joseph Waln Ryerss. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Verree House, which was raided by British troops during the American Revolutionary War.
Who Lives in Fox Chase?
The people living in Fox Chase come from many different backgrounds. In 2010, about 80% of the residents were Caucasian, 8% African American, and nearly 5% Asian. The average age for men was about 36 years old, and for women, it was about 39 years old. Many families live here, with married couples making up about 40% of the population.
Working in Fox Chase
Fox Chase Cancer Center
The biggest employer in Fox Chase is the famous Fox Chase Cancer Center. This special facility combines cancer research with treating cancer patients. Its scientists have even won Nobel Prizes for their important discoveries!
Getting Around Fox Chase
You can get around Fox Chase using public transportation. SEPTA offers several bus routes. There's also the Fox Chase Line regional rail service, which ends near Rhawn Street and Oxford Avenue.
Learning in Fox Chase
Public Libraries
The Fox Chase Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library is located at 501 Rhawn Street, near Jeanes Street. It's a great place to find books and learn new things.
Schools in the Neighborhood
Fox Chase Elementary School, also known as Fox Chase Academics Plus School, is a public elementary school. It's part of the School District of Philadelphia and teaches children from kindergarten to 5th grade. The school is located at 500 Rhawn Street, close to the library.
After elementary school, students often go to Baldi Middle School. Then, they attend George Washington High School.
Saint Cecilia School is a Roman Catholic school for students from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade. It is part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Saint Cecilia School and church are located at 535 Rhawn Street.
Places of Worship in Fox Chase
- Fox Chase United Methodist Church is at 201 Loney Street.
- St. Cecilia Catholic Church, at 535 Rhawn Street, also has a school. The current church building opened in 1955.
- St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral is located at 8598 Verree Road, next to Pennypack Park.
- Bethel International Missions Center, a Brazilian church, is at 460 Rhawn Street.
- Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, founded in 1884, is at 7902 Oxford Avenue.
Images for kids
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Fox Chase Farm
See also
In Spanish: Fox Chase (Pensilvania) para niños
