Gilkison's Corner, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gilkison's Corner
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 Gilkison's Corner
Location in Pennsylvania
Gilkison's Corner
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Montgomery |
| Township | Upper Dublin |
| Elevation | 239 ft (73 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area codes | 215, 267 and 445 |
Gilkison's Corner was once a small community, or "hamlet," in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It was located in Upper Dublin Township, where two old roads, Butler Pike and Bethlehem Pike, met. Today, you won't find Gilkison's Corner on modern maps. It's a name from the past, mostly forgotten after the late 1800s.
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What Was Gilkison's Corner?
Gilkison's Corner was a busy spot long ago. It was at the crossroads of two important early roads. This made it a good place for businesses and travelers. The name came from Andrew Gilkison, who ran a tavern there.
A Place in History
This small community played a part in history. During the American Revolutionary War, a tavern at Gilkison's Corner was a well-known stop. Later, in the 1850s, a large tannery opened nearby. A tannery is a place where animal hides are turned into leather.
Important Buildings
Gilkison's Corner had a few key buildings that served the local area.
The Old Tavern
Andrew Gilkison ran an inn, or tavern, at Gilkison's Corner from 1779 to at least 1786. This tavern was located on what later became the store property owned by David Dunnet. It was a popular place for travelers on the Spring House and Butler Road turnpikes.
The Tannery
Around 1854, a large steam tannery was built just south of Gilkison's Corner. It was owned by Alvin D. Foust. This tannery was a big business for the area. It processed animal skins to make leather products.
The Post Office
For many years, the post office for Upper Dublin Township was located right in Gilkison's Corner. It stayed there until 1827, when it moved about half a mile away.
What Happened to Gilkison's Corner?
The name "Gilkison's Corner" became less common towards the end of the 19th century. This was around the time that the nearby town of Ambler started to grow. Ambler's eastern edge is along Bethlehem Pike, close to where Gilkison's Corner used to be. As Ambler grew, Gilkison's Corner faded from maps and common use.
