Torresdale, Philadelphia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Torresdale
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The Frankford Avenue bridge over the Poquessing Creek bordering Torresdale
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| Country |  United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Philadelphia County |
| City | Philadelphia |
| ZIP |
19114
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| Area code(s) | 215, 267 and 445 |
Torresdale is a neighborhood in the Far Northeast part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It sits right along the Delaware River, between two other places called Holmesburg and Bensalem Township. This area was once considered by William Penn's surveyor, Thomas Holme, as a good spot to build the city of Philadelphia. Even though the city was built further south, Holme and others bought land here. Thomas Holme is even buried in Torresdale.
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History of Torresdale
Torresdale was originally called Torrisdale. It got its name from Charles Macalester, who named it after his family's home in Scotland.
Before 1854, Torresdale was part of a larger area called Delaware Township. Before 1853, it was part of Lower Dublin Township. These were all parts of Philadelphia County.
In 1894, Torresdale hosted a big boat race called a regatta. This event was for the Rowing Association of American Colleges.
Long ago, Torresdale was a very fancy suburban area for people from Philadelphia. It was similar to the famous Philadelphia Main Line area today. Rich families built large, beautiful homes here. Two examples are Glen Foerd on the Delaware, a luxurious estate by the river, and Andalusia, the Biddle family's estate.
Cool Places to See in Torresdale
Torresdale is home to some important places. You can find Holy Family University and Nazareth Academy High School here.
The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale is a famous golf course. It was designed by Donald Ross. This golf course is known as one of the best in the Philadelphia area. In 2015, the Union League of Philadelphia worked to restore the course and its old clubhouse. This project got a lot of attention across the country.
The Frankford Avenue Bridge over Poquessing Creek is a historic bridge. It is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Camp Happy (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a special camp for children who needed help. It was open from 1920 to 1951.
All Saints' Episcopal Church is a very old church. It was first built in 1772.
The Baxter Water Treatment Plant is a city facility that cleans water. It opened in 1909 and was first called the Torresdale Water Treatment Plant.
Glen Foerd on the Delaware is a historic estate that started in 1850. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also recognized as a Historic American Landscape.
Schools in Torresdale
Students living in Torresdale go to schools run by the School District of Philadelphia. These schools include Thomas Holme Elementary School, Austin Meehan Middle School, and Abraham Lincoln High School.
Famous People from Torresdale
Many interesting people have lived in Torresdale:
- Gia Carangi (1960-1986), a well-known model.
- Boake Carter (1903-1944), a national news commentator.
- Francis Anthony Drexel (1824-1885), a banker and a person who gave a lot of money to good causes.
- Katharine Drexel (1858-1955), a Roman Catholic saint.
- Michael Driscoll (born 1960), a member of the Philadelphia City Council.
- Edwin Henry Fitler (1825-1896), a businessman and the 75th mayor of Philadelphia.
- Robert H. Foerderer (1860-1903), a U.S. Congressman and businessman.
- Virginia Knauer (1915-2011), a politician.
- William J. Green, III (born 1938), a politician.
- William J. Green Jr. (1910-1963), a U.S. Congressman.
