Paper Mill Run facts for kids

Paper Mill Run, also known as Monoshone Creek, is a small stream in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It's a tributary of Wissahickon Creek, which means it's a smaller stream that flows into the larger Wissahickon Creek.

This creek flows through parts of the Mount Airy and Germantown neighborhoods of Philadelphia. For much of its journey, Paper Mill Run flows underground, hidden beneath Lincoln Drive. It finally comes out into the open near Johnson Street.

What is Paper Mill Run?

Paper Mill Run is more than just a stream. The name "Monoshone" refers to the creek itself, the entire area of land that drains water into the creek (called its watershed), and the valley the creek has created over time. It also includes about 100 acres of parkland around it, perfect for outdoor activities.

The Monoshone area is entirely within the city of Philadelphia. It's also known as a place where trout are added to the water, making it a good spot for fishing.

What's in a Name?

The name "Monoshone" has a mysterious past. We don't know exactly where the word came from or what it originally meant. Today, it's used to describe the creek, its surrounding land, and the valley it has shaped.

A Look Back in Time

Paper Mill Run has an important place in American history. In the late 1600s, a man named William Rittenhouse built the very first paper mill in America along this stream. William Rittenhouse was the grandfather of the famous astronomer David Rittenhouse.

This area was then known as Rittenhousetown. During the 1700s, people built dams along the stream in several places. These dams helped to power even more mills, using the water's energy to run machinery.

Keeping the Creek Clean

In recent years, Paper Mill Run has faced some challenges with pollution. Scientists believe the pollution might be coming from an unknown source, possibly linked to a sewer line that runs close to the buried stream under Lincoln Drive.

To help clean up the creek, a special project was completed in 2006. This project involved restoring a wetlands area in Saylor's Grove. Wetlands are like natural sponges that can help filter water. By restoring these wetlands, the goal was to create a natural buffer that could help reduce pollution flowing into the stream, making it healthier for everyone.