Audubon, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Audubon is a census-designated place
(CDP) in Montgomery County
, Pennsylvania
, United States
. The population was 8,433 at the 2010 census.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the CDP has a total area of 4.5 square miles (11.7 km²), of which 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²), or 0.44%, is water.
of 2000, there were 6,549 people, 2,379 households, and 1,750 families residing in the CDP. The population density
was 1,461.1 people per square mile (564.4/km²). There were 2,457 housing units at an average density of 548.1/sq mi (211.8/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.86% White, 4.35% African American, 0.05% Native American, 6.03% Asian, 1.28% from other races
, and 0.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.03% of the population.
There were 2,379 households out of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% were married couples
living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 20.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 28.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 107.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $70,527, and the median income for a family was $80,178. Males had a median income of $51,852 versus $35,965 for females. The per capita income
for the CDP was $28,144. About 3.1% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.
Lower Providence Township is currently bounded on the west by Upper Providence, on the northeast by Perkiomen and Worcester townships, on the southwest by Norriton, and on the south by the Schuylkill River
. The area of the township is 9143 acres (37 km²). Red shale predominates in the soils of this part of Montgomery County. Many years ago, lead
mines were worked near Perkiomen Creek
at Oaks, Pennsylvania
, but did not generate profits. The mines were opened in 1800 and were being operated in 1818 by a Mr. Wetherell. The discovery of copper
followed that of lead, and in January, 1848, the Perkiomen Mining Association was formed. Its land cost about $10,000; much costly machinery was placed in position and a shaft was dug. Many thousands of tons of copper were unearthed over the years until deposits were exhausted.
Shannonville was named for a large, influential family in 1823, when a post office was established there. Jack's tavern--the present-day Audubon Inn--was opened here as well. Mr. Shannon was a prosperous pig
farmer and hence the town gained the nickname "Hogtown".
Present-day Audubon was christened in 1899 in honor of early-19th century resident John James Audubon
, who resided at Mill Grove
, located at the intersection of Audubon and Pawlings roads.
, and is situated about 5 miles (8 km) away from the King of Prussia Mall
, one of the largest malls in the United States. Local landmarks include:
Mill Grove
http://pa.audubon.org/centers_mill_grove.html: Built in 1762 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
, Mill Grove was the first American home of the renowned artist, author and naturalist John James Audubon
. Between 1803 and 1806 Mill Grove and its surrounding fields and woodlands first inspired young Audubon's passion for painting and drawing birds. Today, the 175 acre (0.7082005 km²) estate remains largely as Audubon found it. It serves as an educational center of the National Audubon Society
, dedicated to connecting people with nature. A haven for birds and wildlife, the property boasts more than 7 miles (11.3 km) of trails and stunning views of Perkiomen Creek
. The historic three-story stone farmhouse contains a museum displaying original Audubon prints, oil painting, and Audubon memorabilia.
Several years later, discouraged by disputes with partners and the failure of the lead mine on the property, Audubon sold Mill Grove and moved to Kentucky
to seek his fortune as a frontier merchant. Mill Grove then became the property of Samuel Wetherill of Philadelphia who purchased the property in 1813. It remained in the family until Herbert J. Wetherill sold it in 1951 to Montgomery County. In April 2003 the National Audubon Society
and Montgomery County signed an agreement creating the Mill Grove Audubon Center. The center is managed by Audubon Pennsylvania, the state office of the National Audubon Society.
Walnut Hill (Pawlings Farm): The land known as the Perkiomen Peninsula, and particularly the Pawling Farm, played an essential role in the Valley Forge
winter encampment of 1777–1778. It provided strategic protection for the camp; it was the site of the newly organized Commissary function that saved the Continental Army
from starvation; and it was the ultimate site of the encampment itself before the army marched on to victory at Monmouth
. Today the peninsula is a mix of habitats—open meadow, riparian and upland forest, wetlands and extensive vernal ponds. This is why the Pawling Farm lands provide the best wildlife habitat in the entire 3500 acres (14.2 km²) park. The park’s unpaved River Trail runs from the Pawling Bridge to Betzwood, and is a favorite of local residents. The paved Schuylkill River Trail runs along the northern edge of the Pawling Farm.
The Schuylkill River Trail: 13.5 miles (21.7 km) multiuse trail that runs from Philadelphia to Oaks. It was built on the Pennsylvania Railroad
right-of-way and parallels the scenic Schuylkill River as it passes through various townships and boroughs. The trail is a popular destination for biking, rollerblading, jogging, and walking. It is recognized as a National Recreation Trail
by the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Trails System. Trailheads include Betzwood Park (parking/restrooms), Pawlings Road (parking), Mill Grove, and the Upper Providence Park (parking/restrooms) off Rt. 422
and Egypt Road in Oaks.
Perkiomen Trail: The 19 miles (30.6 km) scenic Perkiomen Trail runs through the Perkiomen Creek Valley from its junction with the Schuylkill River Trail at Oaks, Upper Providence Township, to Green Lane Park, the largest county park. Most of the trail is a 10 feet (3 m)-wide cinder or stone aggregate (unpaved) surface with grass shoulders. Selected sections are paved where deemed appropriate. The trail is popular with walkers, joggers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and equestrians.
The trail, developed on a former railroad bed, follows Perkiomen Creek and connects three county parks (Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, Central Perkiomen Valley Park, and Green Lane Park) and two county historic sites (Mill Grove at Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary and Pennypacker Mills). It passes directly through ten municipalities, making connections to numerous municipal parks and open spaces along the scenic waterway. It provides access to Valley Forge National Historical Park via its connection to the Schuylkill River Trail extension.
Audubon Elementary School http://www.methacton.org/audubones/site/default.asp: Located roughly in the center of Audubon, Audubon Elementary school was decommissioned from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s. During that interim period, it housed the town library and a YMCA. In the mid-1990s, it underwent extensive renovation and was reopened to coincide with a large housing boom in the area. On the corner of its property, there is a tree that is at least two centuries old.
The Club at Shannondell (formerly General Washington Golf and Swim Club): Leased from Lower Providence Township
by Shannondell Retirement Services around the year 2000, this 18-hole championship golf course
features 6122 yards (5,598 m) of golf from the tips for a par of 70. The course rating is 69.9, and it has a slope rating of 121 on ryegrass
. General Washington golf course opened in 1965. The facility also includes a family-oriented swim club and upscale family-dining restaurant.
Audubon Inn: This large colonial-era structure is located at the corner of Park Avenue and Egypt Roads, and its proposed demolition was a subject of dispute in a 2005 township rezoning hearing. Currently it houses a law firm, though in the past is has served as a restaurant and inn. It was saved thanks in part to community involvement and protest.
Bud's Bar: Originally the Shannonville Hotel, and having served for some time as the post office for the community, it is located on the opposite corner as the Audubon Inn and likely built around the same time. Bud's Bar closed in 2007.
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
(CDP) in Montgomery County
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010, the population was 799,874, making it the third most populous county in Pennsylvania . The county seat is Norristown.The county was created on September 10, 1784, out of land originally part...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 8,433 at the 2010 census.
Geography
Audubon is located at 40°7′51"N 75°25′33"W (40.130948, -75.425742)in the township of Lower Providence.According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the CDP has a total area of 4.5 square miles (11.7 km²), of which 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²), or 0.44%, is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 6,549 people, 2,379 households, and 1,750 families residing in the CDP. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,461.1 people per square mile (564.4/km²). There were 2,457 housing units at an average density of 548.1/sq mi (211.8/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.86% White, 4.35% African American, 0.05% Native American, 6.03% Asian, 1.28% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.03% of the population.
There were 2,379 households out of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 20.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 28.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 107.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $70,527, and the median income for a family was $80,178. Males had a median income of $51,852 versus $35,965 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the CDP was $28,144. About 3.1% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.
History
The villages that have comprised Lower Providence Township since the early eighteenth century include Evansburg, Shannonville (now called Audubon), Eagleville, and Providence Square.Lower Providence Township is currently bounded on the west by Upper Providence, on the northeast by Perkiomen and Worcester townships, on the southwest by Norriton, and on the south by the Schuylkill River
Schuylkill River
The Schuylkill River is a river in Pennsylvania. It is a designated Pennsylvania Scenic River.The river is about long. Its watershed of about lies entirely within the state of Pennsylvania. The source of its eastern branch is in the Appalachian Mountains at Tuscarora Springs, near Tamaqua in...
. The area of the township is 9143 acres (37 km²). Red shale predominates in the soils of this part of Montgomery County. Many years ago, lead
Lead
Lead is a main-group element in the carbon group with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82. Lead is a soft, malleable poor metal. It is also counted as one of the heavy metals. Metallic lead has a bluish-white color after being freshly cut, but it soon tarnishes to a dull grayish color when exposed...
mines were worked near Perkiomen Creek
Perkiomen Creek
Perkiomen Creek is a tributary of the Schuylkill River in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania in the United States.Perkiomen Creek begins in Hereford Township, Berks County, initially flows eastward into Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, and turns southward to reenter...
at Oaks, Pennsylvania
Oaks, Pennsylvania
Oaks is a village located in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Its boundaries are defined in large part by the village's position at the junction of Perkiomen Creek and the Schuylkill River.-History:The two waterways defined much of the...
, but did not generate profits. The mines were opened in 1800 and were being operated in 1818 by a Mr. Wetherell. The discovery of copper
Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...
followed that of lead, and in January, 1848, the Perkiomen Mining Association was formed. Its land cost about $10,000; much costly machinery was placed in position and a shaft was dug. Many thousands of tons of copper were unearthed over the years until deposits were exhausted.
Shannonville was named for a large, influential family in 1823, when a post office was established there. Jack's tavern--the present-day Audubon Inn--was opened here as well. Mr. Shannon was a prosperous pig
Pig
A pig is any of the animals in the genus Sus, within the Suidae family of even-toed ungulates. Pigs include the domestic pig, its ancestor the wild boar, and several other wild relatives...
farmer and hence the town gained the nickname "Hogtown".
Present-day Audubon was christened in 1899 in honor of early-19th century resident John James Audubon
John James Audubon
John James Audubon was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He was notable for his expansive studies to document all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations that depicted the birds in their natural habitats...
, who resided at Mill Grove
Mill Grove
Mill Grove is a historic stone house in Audubon, Pennsylvania on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the first home in America of painter John James Audubon for which the community is named. It is maintained as a museum and wildlife sanctuary by Montgomery County.Mill Grove was owned...
, located at the intersection of Audubon and Pawlings roads.
Local landmarks
Audubon lies on the north side of the Schuylkill River across from Valley Forge National Historical ParkValley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site where the Continental Army spent the winter of 1777–1778 near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, during the American Revolutionary War. The National Historical Park preserves the site and interprets the history of the Valley Forge encampment. ...
, and is situated about 5 miles (8 km) away from the King of Prussia Mall
King of Prussia Mall
The King of Prussia Mall is the largest shopping mall on the East Coast of the United States, and largest shopping mall in the United States of America in terms of leasable retail space....
, one of the largest malls in the United States. Local landmarks include:
Mill Grove
Mill Grove
Mill Grove is a historic stone house in Audubon, Pennsylvania on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the first home in America of painter John James Audubon for which the community is named. It is maintained as a museum and wildlife sanctuary by Montgomery County.Mill Grove was owned...
http://pa.audubon.org/centers_mill_grove.html: Built in 1762 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
, Mill Grove was the first American home of the renowned artist, author and naturalist John James Audubon
John James Audubon
John James Audubon was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He was notable for his expansive studies to document all types of American birds and for his detailed illustrations that depicted the birds in their natural habitats...
. Between 1803 and 1806 Mill Grove and its surrounding fields and woodlands first inspired young Audubon's passion for painting and drawing birds. Today, the 175 acre (0.7082005 km²) estate remains largely as Audubon found it. It serves as an educational center of the National Audubon Society
National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society is an American non-profit environmental organization dedicated to conservation. Incorporated in 1905, Audubon is one of the oldest of such organizations in the world and uses science, education and grassroots advocacy to advance its conservation mission...
, dedicated to connecting people with nature. A haven for birds and wildlife, the property boasts more than 7 miles (11.3 km) of trails and stunning views of Perkiomen Creek
Perkiomen Creek
Perkiomen Creek is a tributary of the Schuylkill River in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania in the United States.Perkiomen Creek begins in Hereford Township, Berks County, initially flows eastward into Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, and turns southward to reenter...
. The historic three-story stone farmhouse contains a museum displaying original Audubon prints, oil painting, and Audubon memorabilia.
Several years later, discouraged by disputes with partners and the failure of the lead mine on the property, Audubon sold Mill Grove and moved to Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
to seek his fortune as a frontier merchant. Mill Grove then became the property of Samuel Wetherill of Philadelphia who purchased the property in 1813. It remained in the family until Herbert J. Wetherill sold it in 1951 to Montgomery County. In April 2003 the National Audubon Society
National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society is an American non-profit environmental organization dedicated to conservation. Incorporated in 1905, Audubon is one of the oldest of such organizations in the world and uses science, education and grassroots advocacy to advance its conservation mission...
and Montgomery County signed an agreement creating the Mill Grove Audubon Center. The center is managed by Audubon Pennsylvania, the state office of the National Audubon Society.
Walnut Hill (Pawlings Farm): The land known as the Perkiomen Peninsula, and particularly the Pawling Farm, played an essential role in the Valley Forge
Valley Forge
Valley Forge in Pennsylvania was the site of the military camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777–1778 in the American Revolutionary War.-History:...
winter encampment of 1777–1778. It provided strategic protection for the camp; it was the site of the newly organized Commissary function that saved the Continental Army
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
from starvation; and it was the ultimate site of the encampment itself before the army marched on to victory at Monmouth
Battle of Monmouth
The Battle of Monmouth was an American Revolutionary War battle fought on June 28, 1778 in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The Continental Army under General George Washington attacked the rear of the British Army column commanded by Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton as they left Monmouth Court...
. Today the peninsula is a mix of habitats—open meadow, riparian and upland forest, wetlands and extensive vernal ponds. This is why the Pawling Farm lands provide the best wildlife habitat in the entire 3500 acres (14.2 km²) park. The park’s unpaved River Trail runs from the Pawling Bridge to Betzwood, and is a favorite of local residents. The paved Schuylkill River Trail runs along the northern edge of the Pawling Farm.
The Schuylkill River Trail: 13.5 miles (21.7 km) multiuse trail that runs from Philadelphia to Oaks. It was built on the Pennsylvania Railroad
Pennsylvania Railroad
The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
right-of-way and parallels the scenic Schuylkill River as it passes through various townships and boroughs. The trail is a popular destination for biking, rollerblading, jogging, and walking. It is recognized as a National Recreation Trail
National Recreation Trail
National Recreation Trail is a designation given to existing trails that contribute to health, conservation, and recreation goals in the United States. Over 1,000 trails in all 50 U.S. states, available for public use and ranging from less than a mile to in length, have been designated as NRTs...
by the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Trails System. Trailheads include Betzwood Park (parking/restrooms), Pawlings Road (parking), Mill Grove, and the Upper Providence Park (parking/restrooms) off Rt. 422
U.S. Route 422
U.S. Route 422 is a long spur route of US 22 split into two segments in the U.S. states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The western spur begins in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and ends at Ebensburg, Pennsylvania...
and Egypt Road in Oaks.
Perkiomen Trail: The 19 miles (30.6 km) scenic Perkiomen Trail runs through the Perkiomen Creek Valley from its junction with the Schuylkill River Trail at Oaks, Upper Providence Township, to Green Lane Park, the largest county park. Most of the trail is a 10 feet (3 m)-wide cinder or stone aggregate (unpaved) surface with grass shoulders. Selected sections are paved where deemed appropriate. The trail is popular with walkers, joggers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, and equestrians.
The trail, developed on a former railroad bed, follows Perkiomen Creek and connects three county parks (Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, Central Perkiomen Valley Park, and Green Lane Park) and two county historic sites (Mill Grove at Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary and Pennypacker Mills). It passes directly through ten municipalities, making connections to numerous municipal parks and open spaces along the scenic waterway. It provides access to Valley Forge National Historical Park via its connection to the Schuylkill River Trail extension.
Audubon Elementary School http://www.methacton.org/audubones/site/default.asp: Located roughly in the center of Audubon, Audubon Elementary school was decommissioned from the late 1980s until the mid-1990s. During that interim period, it housed the town library and a YMCA. In the mid-1990s, it underwent extensive renovation and was reopened to coincide with a large housing boom in the area. On the corner of its property, there is a tree that is at least two centuries old.
The Club at Shannondell (formerly General Washington Golf and Swim Club): Leased from Lower Providence Township
Lower Providence Township, Pennsylvania
Lower Providence Township is a township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States, about 17 miles west of Philadelphia. The population was 25,436 at the 2010 census.- History :...
by Shannondell Retirement Services around the year 2000, this 18-hole championship golf course
Golf course
A golf course comprises a series of holes, each consisting of a teeing ground, fairway, rough and other hazards, and a green with a flagstick and cup, all designed for the game of golf. A standard round of golf consists of playing 18 holes, thus most golf courses have this number of holes...
features 6122 yards (5,598 m) of golf from the tips for a par of 70. The course rating is 69.9, and it has a slope rating of 121 on ryegrass
Ryegrass
Ryegrass is a genus of nine species of tufted grasses in the Pooideae subfamily of the Poaceae family. Also called tares , these plants are native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa, but are...
. General Washington golf course opened in 1965. The facility also includes a family-oriented swim club and upscale family-dining restaurant.
Audubon Inn: This large colonial-era structure is located at the corner of Park Avenue and Egypt Roads, and its proposed demolition was a subject of dispute in a 2005 township rezoning hearing. Currently it houses a law firm, though in the past is has served as a restaurant and inn. It was saved thanks in part to community involvement and protest.
Bud's Bar: Originally the Shannonville Hotel, and having served for some time as the post office for the community, it is located on the opposite corner as the Audubon Inn and likely built around the same time. Bud's Bar closed in 2007.