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Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania facts for kids

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Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania
Borough
The Hall of Philosophy, part of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, on Gettysburg Road
The Hall of Philosophy, part of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, on Gettysburg Road
Location in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
Location in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania is located in Pennsylvania
Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania
Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania is located in the United States
Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania
Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
County Lebanon
Settled 1889
Incorporated 1926
Government
 • Type Borough Council
Area
 • Total 0.14 sq mi (0.37 km2)
 • Land 0.14 sq mi (0.37 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 193
 • Density 1,340.28/sq mi (516.93/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
17064
Area code(s) 717
FIPS code 42-51568

Mount Gretna is a small town, also called a borough, in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. It's known for its beautiful natural setting. The town was started by a group called the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Society around the 1890s. They loved the area's scenery. In 2020, about 188 people lived here.

Pennsylvania Chautauqua state historical marker in Mount Gretna
Pennsylvania Chautauqua state historical marker in Mount Gretna

Mount Gretna is a very popular place to visit, especially in the summer. It hosts many fun events. You can enjoy a famous juried art show every August. There are also jazz and chamber music concerts. People can attend interesting talks and book reviews. An annual tour of historic homes happens in August too.

The town has a lovely lake called Conewago Lake. It features a old-fashioned bathhouse. You can find high-dives, floating docks, and a sandy beach there. The community also offers a roller rink and an outdoor playhouse. There's a miniature golf course and several restaurants. Kids love the playgrounds and the famous Jigger Shop ice cream parlor. The Gretna Theatre is one of the oldest summer stock theaters in the country. It has been putting on shows since 1927. About 1,500 people live in the Mount Gretna area year-round. This number grows to about 2,500 in the summer.

History of Mount Gretna

The name "Mount Gretna" was suggested by the wife of Hugh Maxwell. He was an official with the Cornwall and Lebanon Railroad. This name was officially adopted by the railroad's board. The name first appeared in public in the Lebanon Daily News on September 21, 1883.

Geography and Sections of Mount Gretna

Mount gretna pa
Map showing Mount Gretna and nearby areas

Mount Gretna is located at coordinates 40.246525 degrees North and 76.472899 degrees West. The town covers a total area of about 0.2 square miles (0.4 square kilometers). All of this area is land.

Mount-gretna-map
Mount Gretna Map

Mount Gretna is divided into seven different parts. Each part has its own unique feel.

  • Mount Gretna Heights: This is where the Mount Gretna Inn is located.
  • Stoberdale: Another distinct area within the borough.
  • Campmeeting: Here you can find the Tabernacle and the church.
  • Chautauqua: This section includes the post office, playhouse, playground, and the popular Jigger Shop.
  • Timber Hills: This area includes Conewago Lake and the Timbers Restaurant.
  • Conewago Hill: This area is not officially part of Mount Gretna.
  • Timber Bridge: Also not officially part of Mount Gretna.
  • Conewago Lake: The lake itself is not technically within the borough limits.

Mount Gretna shares its borders with other townships. To the east, it borders West Cornwall Township. To the west, it borders South Londonderry Township.

Population of Mount Gretna

Historical population
Census Pop.
1930 17
1940 42 147.1%
1950 83 97.6%
1960 93 12.0%
1970 153 64.5%
1980 280 83.0%
1990 303 8.2%
2000 242 −20.1%
2010 196 −19.0%
2020 188 −4.1%
2021 (est.) 189 −3.6%
Sources:

In 2000, there were 242 people living in Mount Gretna. They lived in 117 households. Most residents were White, with a small percentage of Asian residents.

The population was spread out by age. About 12% of residents were under 18 years old. A large portion, 43%, were between 45 and 64 years old. The median age was 52 years. This means half the population was older than 52, and half was younger.

The average income for a household in Mount Gretna was $62,917. For families, the average income was $87,500.

Notable People

  • Lois Herr - a well-known activist who worked for social change.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Mount Gretna para niños

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