Yorklyn, Delaware facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yorklyn, Delaware
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Abandoned warehouses of the Garrett Snuff Mill in Yorklyn
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 Yorklyn, Delaware
Location in Delaware
Yorklyn, Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Delaware |
| County | New Castle |
| Elevation | 174 ft (53 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
19736
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| Area code(s) | 302 |
| GNIS feature ID | 216260 |
Yorklyn is a small, unincorporated community in northern New Castle County, Delaware, United States. This means it's a community that isn't officially a town or city, but it's still a recognized place where people live. Yorklyn is located along Delaware Route 82, a short drive northwest of Wilmington, which is a larger city in the county. It sits about 174 feet (53 meters) above sea level and has its own post office with the ZIP code 19736.
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Discovering Yorklyn: Fun Places to Visit
Yorklyn is a great place to explore, especially if you love nature and history! It's home to several interesting spots that are perfect for a day trip or a fun outing with friends and family.
Auburn Valley State Park
One of the main attractions in Yorklyn is Auburn Valley State Park. This park is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors. Inside the park, you'll find the Friends of Auburn Heights Preserve. This special area is dedicated to preserving history and nature.
Marshall Steam Museum: Cars from the Past
Within Auburn Valley State Park, you can visit the Marshall Steam Museum. This museum is famous for having the largest collection of working Stanley Steamer cars in the world! These unique cars run on steam, not gasoline, and it's amazing to see them in action. It's like stepping back in time to see how cars used to work.
More Fun Spots in Yorklyn
Besides the state park, there are other cool places nearby:
- Ashland Nature Center: A great spot to learn about local wildlife and plants.
- Center for the Creative Arts: Here, you can explore different kinds of art and maybe even try making some yourself!
- Yorklyn Recreation Center: Often called the Yorklyn pool, this center has two swimming pools, tennis courts, and basketball courts. It's a perfect place to play sports and cool off on a hot day.
Yorklyn's Rich History
Yorklyn has a long and interesting history, especially with its old mills and factories. Several important historical sites in the area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their historical value and are protected.
Historic Districts to Explore
Some of these historic places include:
- The Auburn Mills Historic District
- The Garrett Snuff Mills Historic District
- The Graves Mill Historic District
- The Garrett Snuff Mill itself
These districts tell the story of Yorklyn's past, when mills and factories were a big part of the community.
The National Vulcanized Fiber Company
For over 100 years, a company called National Vulcanized Fiber (NVF) was based in Yorklyn. They made paper products. After the company closed in 2008, much of the old factory was taken down. The land was then bought by the State of Delaware to become part of Auburn Heights Preserve, which is now a Delaware State Park.
Cleaning Up and New Plans
The land where the NVF plant used to be needed a lot of cleaning because it had some old materials like zinc. The Delaware Division of Hazardous Waste & Substances worked hard to clean up the site. You can learn more about the cleanup efforts here.
There are exciting plans to restore the original Marshall Brothers Mill, turning it into a museum. Some of the remaining NVF buildings might even be used for new shops and homes in the future. This partnership is helping to bring new life to the area.
In 2021, one of the old, empty NVF buildings caught fire. It was tough to put out because there wasn't enough water nearby. Luckily, a new fire hydrant has since been installed to help prevent future problems.
Garrett Snuff Mill Today
The Garrett Snuff Mill complex, which is north of the old NVF plant, has also been partly restored. As of 2023, it's a lively spot where you can find a brewery and a bike shop. It's a great example of how old buildings can be given a new purpose!
