Skippack, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Skippack
Schippach
originally named "Van Bebber's Township"
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 Skippack
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Montgomery |
| Township | Skippack |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.6 sq mi (7 km2) |
| • Land | 2.5 sq mi (6 km2) |
| • Water | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2) |
| Elevation | 184 ft (56 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 3,758 |
| • Density | 1,445/sq mi (558/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
19474
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| Area code(s) | 610 and 484 |
Skippack is a small community in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It's known as a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a special area defined for counting people. In 2010, about 3,758 people lived here. The name "Skippack" comes from the Pennsylvania German word Schippach. It was first called "Van Bebber's Township."
Contents
History of Skippack
Who Were the First Settlers?
In 1683, a group of thirteen families arrived in Philadelphia. They came from the lower Rhine River area in Germany. These families were mostly linen weavers and farmers. They left Germany because they were being treated unfairly for their religious beliefs. They were Anabaptist Mennonite and Quakers.
When they arrived, Franz Daniel Pastorius, a German lawyer, helped them find land. They settled in areas that became Germantown and other nearby villages.
How Did Skippack Get Its Name?
About 20 years later, more German farmers came to Pennsylvania. The Germantown area became very crowded. Some of the original families moved about twenty miles west of Philadelphia. They bought land near the Perkiomen Creek and Skippack Creek.
These German Mennonites brought their skills in farming and making linen. They settled where the water in Skippack Creek became too shallow for boats. This spot is where Skippack Creek crosses Skippack Pike today. The name "Skippack" comes from the German settlers. They spelled it Schippach, like a town in Bavaria.
Early Days of Skippack Township
Skippack Township was first named "Van Bebber's Township." This was after Matthias van Bebber, who received the land in 1702 from William Penn. William Penn was the founder of Pennsylvania. The name later changed to "Skippack and Perkiomen Township" before it was split into two separate townships.
One of the oldest homes in the area is the Indenhofen (De Haven) Farmstead. It was built around 1720. This historic farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Stores and Mail Service
In 1795, Jacob Reiff opened a general store in Skippack. It was located at Store Road and Skippack Pike. In 1800, Jacob Sorver took over the store and ran it for many years. A post office was set up in 1827. Mail was delivered once a week by a stagecoach from Kutztown.
Trolleys and Buses in Skippack
In 1901, a company was formed to bring trolley service to the area. Trolleys are like electric trains that run on tracks in the street. Trolley service began in Skippack in 1908. These trolleys were sometimes called "Wogglebugs." They ran along Skippack Pike.
In 1925, buses replaced the trolleys. The bus service continued until 1940.
Geography of Skippack
Skippack is located at coordinates 40°13′37″N 75°23′56″W / 40.22694°N 75.39889°W. It covers about 2.6 square miles. Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
Skippack is a historic village known for its shops. It used to be called Skippackville. The village had a post office, fire house, and many local businesses. These included a shirt factory, a furniture maker, and inns. Today, Skippack Village has many unique restaurants and small shops.
Creamery Village is also part of Skippack Township. It has its own post office. An old general store in Creamery Village was once a popular antique shop.
Population of Skippack
The number of people living in Skippack has changed over the years.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1990 | 8,790 | — | |
| 2000 | 6,516 | −25.9% | |
| 2010 | 3,758 | −42.3% | |
In 2010, most of the people in Skippack were White. There were also people of Black or African American, Asian, and other backgrounds. About 2.2% of the population had Hispanic or Latino family roots.
In 2000, there were 2,889 people living in Skippack. About 35.9% of homes had children under 18. The average family size was about three people. The median age was 35 years old. This means half the people were younger than 35 and half were older.
The median income for a family in Skippack in 2000 was $73,871. This is the middle income level for families.
What Can You Do in Skippack?
Skippack village is a popular place for visitors. Many people come to enjoy the unique shops and restaurants. You can also find antique shops and art galleries. People love to walk along the village sidewalks.
The town also hosts events and free concerts throughout the year. There is a community theater called Playcrafters of Skippack. They put on plays all year long.
Local businesses in Skippack have created "Skippack First Fridays." These events happen from April to October. They encourage people to explore the village. You can enjoy live music, see local artists, and find entertainment for the whole family.
Notable People from Skippack
- Philip Swenk Markley - He was a Pennsylvania State Senator from 1820 to 1823. He also served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania from 1823 to 1827. Later, he was the Attorney General of Pennsylvania in 1829 and 1830.
Images for kids
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A view of Skippack Village
See also
In Spanish: Skippack para niños
