Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Lower Makefield Township is a township in Bucks County
, Pennsylvania
, USA
and usually referred to as "Yardley" due to the prominence of Yardley Borough
in that area. However, Yardley Borough is much smaller by both population and land area, and is surrounded by Lower Makefield on 3-sides (the fourth side being the Delaware River).
Lower Makefield Township is located in the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area (also known as the Delaware Valley
), and its crime rate is the lowest in the Metropolitan Area, but it borders several towns in New Jersey
to its north and east that are all in the New York Metropolitan Area
. A plethora of residents commute daily to both cities.
Lower Makefield borders the Delaware River which separates it from New Jersey. Bordering towns and cities in New Jersey are Hopewell Township
, Ewing Township
and Trenton
(the capital of New Jersey). Additionally, it borders Upper Makefield Township, PA, Newtown Township, PA
, Middletown Township, PA
, Falls Township, PA
, and Morrisville, PA
, and as mentioned above, surrounds Yardley Borough
on 3-sides.
As of the 2010 census, the population of Lower Makefield Township was 32,559 not including Yardley Borough, and it ranked #1 in Pennsylvania for both median household and median family income (for places with a population over 10,000), however it ranked only #78 overall in the United States (between Westfield
, New Jersey
and Moraga
, California
) for median household income, but non-census 2006 data indicates that since the 2000 census, it moved all the way up to #31 for median household income (between Wellesley
, Massachusetts
and Rye
, New York
), and #9 for disposable household income, due to relatively low taxes and extremely low house prices compared to other peer, very-high-income towns. In fact living expenses are actually lower than in the bordering Ewing Township
, New Jersey
, even though Ewing's median household income is nearly half and has a crime rate many times higher. (See Richest places in the United States: Highest-income places with a population of at least 10,000)
Lower Makefield is the largest municipality (by population) in North America without its own municipal court or post office. The municipal court and post office serving Lower Makefield are both in Morrisville
(the town bordering the township to the southeast), and there are no plans to change the arrangements with Morrisville. Previously Morrisville had a higher population, but with the growth in Lower Makefield over the past 30 years, Morrisville is now a much smaller place by both land area and population.
Lower Makefield Township has been a top finisher in the MONEY Magazine and CNN/Money "Best Places to Live" rankings for the Eastern region of the United States in the under 100,000 population category.
, the township has a total area of 18.3 square miles (47.4 km²), of which, 17.9 square miles (46.5 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (0.9 km²) of it (1.97%) is water.
Still many smaller housing developments and some corporate centers have been constructed since 2000, the latter especially the Stony Hill Road corridor around I-95
, beginning with office complexes 1000 to 1040 Stony Hill Road in 1998, followed by 600 to 800 Township Line Road (at Township Line & Stony Hill), 777 Township Line Road (the first green building in Bucks County), and a new age-restricted housing complex under construction at 645 Stony Hill Road, near the township's retail district. However, the township has been well-planned and maintains a strong balance between growth and preservation, and is considered to be very desirable for the high quality of life it offers residents.
On December 19, 2007, a committee was formed to work to bring a veterans monument to Lower Makefield Township. On October 15, 2008, the Lower Makefield Supervisors unanimously approved designating the site of the farmer's market (known as Pocket Park) as a veterans monument. On November 9, Pocket Park was officially renamed VETERANS SQUARE. The veterans committee has committed to not taking township tax dollars to build the monument and relies on contributions. More information on this project can be found at their website at www.VeteransSquare.org . The project is an important part of the development of the area known as Edgewood Village. The park will remain open space for use as a community Farmers Market, playground, and monument.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 32,681 people, 11,706 households, and 9,388 families residing in the township. The population density
was 1,821.8 people per square mile (703.4/km²). There were 11,931 housing units at an average density of 665.1/sq mi (256.8/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 93.32% White, 1.81% African American, 0.07% Native American, 3.72% Asian, 0.29% from other races
, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.42% of the population.
There were 11,706 households out of which 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.5% were married couples
living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.8% were non-families. 16.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the township the population was spread out with 27.6% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $98,090, and the median income for a family was $106,908 (these figures had risen to $112,677 and $128,314 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $80,329 versus $47,138 for females. The per capita income
for the township was $43,983. About 1.8% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.
, located southeast of Lower Makefield Township along the Delaware River. However, Morrisville is a distinctly separate town entity and has its own government, school system, police department, fire department, and sports programs.
Lower Makefield is part of the Pennsbury School District
, which is a top-ranked Blue Ribbon school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsbury High School
prom has become world famous, and in 2004, the novel "Wonderland: A Year in the Life of an American High School" by Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Bamberger was released to critical and commercial acclaim. Based on the 2002-2003 school year, it follows around a handful of students as they deal with the trials and tribulations of high school while centering around senior prom. Paramount Pictures, in conjunction with MTV Films, has optioned the rights to a film based on the book. In 2004, Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum star John Mayer
performed at the prom, following in the footsteps of bands Maroon 5
, Michael Tolcher
and Eve 6
who had previously performed at Pennsbury High School.
In the September 11th Attacks on the twin towers in New York City
, Lower Makefield Township lost 6 residents, including the captain of United Airlines Flight 175
, the highest number in Pennsylvania, which lost a total of 29 tower employees. This high concentration is most likely due to the large number of Manhattan commuters who live there. The Garden of Reflection Memorial in Lower Makefield went into development shortly after the 9/11/2001 attacks as a dedication to the 17 Bucks County residents who perished in the attacks, and it also honors all of the 2,973 victims who lost their lives. The State of Pennsylvania has selected The Garden of Reflection as the Official Pennsylvania 9-11 Memorial, and it was formally dedicated on September 30, 2006. The $1.4 million memorial, designed by Yardley architect Liuba Laschyk, includes twin fountains representing the towers of the World Trade Center; a Walk of Remembrance, with a series of glass panels etched with the names of the 2,973 people who lost their lives in the 9-11 attacks; and a memorial rail etched with the names of the 17 residents from Bucks County who were killed. Each year the Yardley Inn
hosts a fundraiser called "Cooking with the Chef" to raise additional funding for maintenance of the Garden of Reflection.
On October 28, 2004, President George W. Bush
visited with a crowd of 23,000 at Ruth Wright's 84 acres (339,936.2 m²) Broadmeadows Farm in Lower Makefield during a campaign rally for the 2004 Presidential election.
Lower Makefield Township developed its own 18-hole golf course, Makefield Highlands Golf Club, which opened in 2004, and it is considered the only true links-style golf course in the Tri-State area. The club includes a par-72 course designed by Rick Jacobson, The Highlands Grille restaurant, Pro Shop, golf instruction, and full practice facility (driving range with both mat and grass areas, putting green, and chipping green with bunkers).
Shady Brook Farm is a popular location for area residents, and is located in Lower Makefield. Shady Brook Farm has a large Farm Market and Garden Center, and hosts many events, including Pumpkin Fest and HorrorFest in the fall, Santa's Village and the Holiday Light Show during the Christmas season, and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, as well as others throughout the year, including the Wine Concert Series and Apple Festival.
In June 2006 at the 88th Annual Bucks County Fireman's Association Parade in Quakertown, PA, the all-volunteer Yardley-Makefield Fire Company won best overall fire department, as well as first place awards in the following categories: marine unit, deputy or chief's vehicle, aerial tower, over 1,500 gallon-a-minute engine, light rescue pumper, 1965 and older motorized apparatus, and best marching unit with music.
In October 2006, the 15th annual YMS (Yardley-Makefield Soccer) Columbus Cup soccer tournament was recognized by Gotsoccer.com as a Premier Elite Tournament, which puts the YMS tournament at the same level as the Disney Showcase, Jefferson Cup, Bethesda, Dallas Cup, WAGS, Raleigh Shootout and the other most highly rated tournaments.
The Annual Pennsbury Invitational Tournament is a softball fastpitch tournament, and in its 27 years has become one of the largest and fastest-growing tournaments of its kind in the nation. It is considered to be one of the top NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) Recruiting Camp tournaments and draws top players and college recruiters from more than a dozen states as well as Canada. In 2006, 78 teams and more than 225 college coaches participated.
The Slate Hill Cemetery, located at Yardley-Morrisville Rd. at Mahlon Dr. in Lower Makefield Township, is open to the public and is possibly the oldest burying grounds in Bucks County. It was established in 1690 and the earliest gravestone is dated 1698. There are a number of unmarked graves, for which dates are unknown. These unmarked graves are believed to be the final resting-places of a number of the early settlers in Lower Makefield.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
is located just over the Lower Makefield Township town line in the Washington Crossing section of Upper Makefield Township. From this site, General George Washington
and men of the Continental Army and militia crossed the Delaware River
on Christmas night 1776 and marched to Trenton, New Jersey. There they attacked and defeated Hessian troops quartered in and around the village. This surprise attack and victory set the stage for Washington's subsequent victories at the Second Battle of Trenton and Princeton. The Crossing and the Trenton/Princeton campaign have become known as the Ten Crucial Days — a campaign that saved Washington's army from defeat, allowing them to fight another day and achieve ultimate victory.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- Industry and commerce :The boroughs of Bristol and Morrisville were prominent industrial centers along the Northeast Corridor during World War II. Suburban development accelerated in Lower Bucks in the 1950s with the opening of Levittown, Pennsylvania, the second such "Levittown" designed by...
, 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...
, USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and usually referred to as "Yardley" due to the prominence of Yardley Borough
Yardley, Pennsylvania
Yardley is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The small community of Yardley is bordered by the Delaware River and Ewing, New Jersey on the east, and by Lower Makefield Township on the north, west, and south...
in that area. However, Yardley Borough is much smaller by both population and land area, and is surrounded by Lower Makefield on 3-sides (the fourth side being the Delaware River).
Lower Makefield Township is located in the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area (also known as the Delaware Valley
Delaware Valley
The Delaware Valley is a term used to refer to the valley where the Delaware River flows, along with the surrounding communities. This includes the metropolitan area centered on the city of Philadelphia. Such educational institutions as Delaware Valley Regional High School in Alexandria Township...
), and its crime rate is the lowest in the Metropolitan Area, but it borders several towns in New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
to its north and east that are all in the New York Metropolitan Area
New York metropolitan area
The New York metropolitan area, also known as Greater New York, or the Tri-State area, is the region that composes of New York City and the surrounding region...
. A plethora of residents commute daily to both cities.
Lower Makefield borders the Delaware River which separates it from New Jersey. Bordering towns and cities in New Jersey are Hopewell Township
Hopewell Township, Mercer County, New Jersey
As of the 2010 United States Census, the township's population was 17,304. The racial makeup of the township was 86.7% White, 2.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, 8.9% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races...
, Ewing Township
Ewing Township, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the 2010 Census, there were 35,790 people, 13,171 households, and 7,980 families residing in the township. There were 13,926 housing units. The racial makeup of the township was 63.1% White, 27.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 4.3% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 2.2%...
and Trenton
Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton is the capital of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the county seat of Mercer County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Trenton had a population of 84,913...
(the capital of New Jersey). Additionally, it borders Upper Makefield Township, PA, Newtown Township, PA
Newtown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Newtown Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 19,299 at the 2010 census.-History:Newtown Township traces its roots back to William Penn, who purchased from the Lenni Lenape Indians in 1683. He named this land my "New Township", which gradually...
, Middletown Township, PA
Middletown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Middletown Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 45,436 at the 2010 census. Many sections of Levittown, Pennsylvania, are located in the southern end of the township...
, Falls Township, PA
Falls Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Falls Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 34,300 at the 2010 census. Portions of Fairless Hills and Levittown, Pennsylvania, are located in the township...
, and Morrisville, PA
Morrisville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Morrisville is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 8,728 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Morrisville is located at . It is situated on the Delaware River directly across from Trenton, New Jersey...
, and as mentioned above, surrounds Yardley Borough
Yardley, Pennsylvania
Yardley is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The small community of Yardley is bordered by the Delaware River and Ewing, New Jersey on the east, and by Lower Makefield Township on the north, west, and south...
on 3-sides.
As of the 2010 census, the population of Lower Makefield Township was 32,559 not including Yardley Borough, and it ranked #1 in Pennsylvania for both median household and median family income (for places with a population over 10,000), however it ranked only #78 overall in the United States (between Westfield
Westfield, New Jersey
Westfield is a town in Union County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town population was 30,316. The old village area, now the downtown district, was settled in 1720 as part of the Elizabethtown Tract....
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
and Moraga
Moraga, California
Moraga is a suburban incorporated town located in Contra Costa County, California, United States, in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is named in honor of Joaquin Moraga, whose grandfather was José Joaquin Moraga, second in command to Juan Bautista de Anza...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
) for median household income, but non-census 2006 data indicates that since the 2000 census, it moved all the way up to #31 for median household income (between Wellesley
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Wellesley is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of Greater Boston. The population was 27,982 at the time of the 2010 census.It is best known as the home of Wellesley College and Babson College...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
and Rye
Rye (city), New York
Rye is a city in Westchester County, New York, United States. It is separate from the town of Rye, which is larger than the city. Rye city, formerly the village of Rye, was part of the town until 1942, when it received its charter as a city, the most recent to be issued in New York...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
), and #9 for disposable household income, due to relatively low taxes and extremely low house prices compared to other peer, very-high-income towns. In fact living expenses are actually lower than in the bordering Ewing Township
Ewing Township, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the 2010 Census, there were 35,790 people, 13,171 households, and 7,980 families residing in the township. There were 13,926 housing units. The racial makeup of the township was 63.1% White, 27.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 4.3% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 2.2%...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, even though Ewing's median household income is nearly half and has a crime rate many times higher. (See Richest places in the United States: Highest-income places with a population of at least 10,000)
Lower Makefield is the largest municipality (by population) in North America without its own municipal court or post office. The municipal court and post office serving Lower Makefield are both in Morrisville
Morrisville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Morrisville is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 8,728 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Morrisville is located at . It is situated on the Delaware River directly across from Trenton, New Jersey...
(the town bordering the township to the southeast), and there are no plans to change the arrangements with Morrisville. Previously Morrisville had a higher population, but with the growth in Lower Makefield over the past 30 years, Morrisville is now a much smaller place by both land area and population.
Lower Makefield Township has been a top finisher in the MONEY Magazine and CNN/Money "Best Places to Live" rankings for the Eastern region of the United States in the under 100,000 population category.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited 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 township has a total area of 18.3 square miles (47.4 km²), of which, 17.9 square miles (46.5 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (0.9 km²) of it (1.97%) is water.
Development and Growth
Lower Makefield has experienced explosive growth over the past decades, however the housing crisis severely hit the township during the 2000s, and development slowed considerably, resulting in a slight population decrease. The decrease is credited to the many college-aged students leaving the township bound for college. The housing boom of the nineties resulted in a large increase in the adolescent population, who have now have reached adulthood and left the township.http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/profile/PAStill many smaller housing developments and some corporate centers have been constructed since 2000, the latter especially the Stony Hill Road corridor around I-95
Interstate 95 in Pennsylvania
Interstate 95 is an Interstate highway running from Miami, Florida north to Houlton, Maine. In the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, the route is known by many as the Delaware Expressway, but is officially named The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. and locally known as "95"...
, beginning with office complexes 1000 to 1040 Stony Hill Road in 1998, followed by 600 to 800 Township Line Road (at Township Line & Stony Hill), 777 Township Line Road (the first green building in Bucks County), and a new age-restricted housing complex under construction at 645 Stony Hill Road, near the township's retail district. However, the township has been well-planned and maintains a strong balance between growth and preservation, and is considered to be very desirable for the high quality of life it offers residents.
On December 19, 2007, a committee was formed to work to bring a veterans monument to Lower Makefield Township. On October 15, 2008, the Lower Makefield Supervisors unanimously approved designating the site of the farmer's market (known as Pocket Park) as a veterans monument. On November 9, Pocket Park was officially renamed VETERANS SQUARE. The veterans committee has committed to not taking township tax dollars to build the monument and relies on contributions. More information on this project can be found at their website at www.VeteransSquare.org . The project is an important part of the development of the area known as Edgewood Village. The park will remain open space for use as a community Farmers Market, playground, and monument.
Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the township was 87.7% Non-Hispanic White, 2.3% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 6.3% Asian, and 1.3% were two or more races. 2.4% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/profile/PA.As of the census
Census
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 32,681 people, 11,706 households, and 9,388 families residing in the township. 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 1,821.8 people per square mile (703.4/km²). There were 11,931 housing units at an average density of 665.1/sq mi (256.8/km²). The racial makeup of the township was 93.32% White, 1.81% African American, 0.07% Native American, 3.72% Asian, 0.29% 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 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.42% of the population.
There were 11,706 households out of which 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.5% 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, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.8% were non-families. 16.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the township the population was spread out with 27.6% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $98,090, and the median income for a family was $106,908 (these figures had risen to $112,677 and $128,314 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $80,329 versus $47,138 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 township was $43,983. About 1.8% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.
Other
In addition to Lower Makefield and Yardley, postal zip code 19067 also includes the borough of MorrisvilleMorrisville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Morrisville is a borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 8,728 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Morrisville is located at . It is situated on the Delaware River directly across from Trenton, New Jersey...
, located southeast of Lower Makefield Township along the Delaware River. However, Morrisville is a distinctly separate town entity and has its own government, school system, police department, fire department, and sports programs.
Lower Makefield is part of the Pennsbury School District
Pennsbury School District
Pennsbury School District is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The district serves Falls Township, Lower Makefield Township and Yardley, as well as portions of Morrisville, Newtown and Tullytown...
, which is a top-ranked Blue Ribbon school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsbury High School
Pennsbury High School
Pennsbury High School is a public high school located in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, in the United States.With 3,591 students enrolled for the 2009-2010 school year, Pennsbury High School is the largest high school in Bucks County, and the teneth largest high school in the state of Pennsylvania...
prom has become world famous, and in 2004, the novel "Wonderland: A Year in the Life of an American High School" by Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Bamberger was released to critical and commercial acclaim. Based on the 2002-2003 school year, it follows around a handful of students as they deal with the trials and tribulations of high school while centering around senior prom. Paramount Pictures, in conjunction with MTV Films, has optioned the rights to a film based on the book. In 2004, Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum star John Mayer
John Mayer
John Clayton Mayer is an American pop rock and blues rock musician, singer-songwriter, recording artist, and music producer. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. He moved to Atlanta in 1997, where he refined his...
performed at the prom, following in the footsteps of bands Maroon 5
Maroon 5
Maroon 5 is an American pop rock band from Los Angeles, California. While they were in high school, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Adam Levine, keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, bass guitarist Mickey Madden, and drummer Ryan Dusick formed a garage band called Kara's Flowers and released one album...
, Michael Tolcher
Michael Tolcher
Michael Tolcher is an American singer-songwriter who blends pop, blues, and urban grooves. He was born in Front Royal, Virginia, and has lived most of his life in and around Atlanta, Georgia.- Biography :...
and Eve 6
Eve 6
Eve 6 is an American rock band from Southern California, who are most well known for their hit singles "Inside Out", "Leech", and the slow anthem "Here's to the Night". They disbanded in 2004, returned in 2007 with a new lineup, and finally reunited with all three original members in March 2011...
who had previously performed at Pennsbury High School.
In the September 11th Attacks on the twin towers in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, Lower Makefield Township lost 6 residents, including the captain of United Airlines Flight 175
United Airlines Flight 175
United Airlines Flight 175 was United Airlines' daily scheduled morning transcontinental flight, from Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, to Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California...
, the highest number in Pennsylvania, which lost a total of 29 tower employees. This high concentration is most likely due to the large number of Manhattan commuters who live there. The Garden of Reflection Memorial in Lower Makefield went into development shortly after the 9/11/2001 attacks as a dedication to the 17 Bucks County residents who perished in the attacks, and it also honors all of the 2,973 victims who lost their lives. The State of Pennsylvania has selected The Garden of Reflection as the Official Pennsylvania 9-11 Memorial, and it was formally dedicated on September 30, 2006. The $1.4 million memorial, designed by Yardley architect Liuba Laschyk, includes twin fountains representing the towers of the World Trade Center; a Walk of Remembrance, with a series of glass panels etched with the names of the 2,973 people who lost their lives in the 9-11 attacks; and a memorial rail etched with the names of the 17 residents from Bucks County who were killed. Each year the Yardley Inn
Yardley inn
The Yardley Inn Restaurant & Bar is a Zagat-rated restaurant in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, specializing in contemporary American cuisine. The Yardley Inn’s kitchen offers a diverse menu of seafood and shellfish, beef, chicken, pork, and pasta...
hosts a fundraiser called "Cooking with the Chef" to raise additional funding for maintenance of the Garden of Reflection.
On October 28, 2004, President George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
visited with a crowd of 23,000 at Ruth Wright's 84 acres (339,936.2 m²) Broadmeadows Farm in Lower Makefield during a campaign rally for the 2004 Presidential election.
Lower Makefield Township developed its own 18-hole golf course, Makefield Highlands Golf Club, which opened in 2004, and it is considered the only true links-style golf course in the Tri-State area. The club includes a par-72 course designed by Rick Jacobson, The Highlands Grille restaurant, Pro Shop, golf instruction, and full practice facility (driving range with both mat and grass areas, putting green, and chipping green with bunkers).
Shady Brook Farm is a popular location for area residents, and is located in Lower Makefield. Shady Brook Farm has a large Farm Market and Garden Center, and hosts many events, including Pumpkin Fest and HorrorFest in the fall, Santa's Village and the Holiday Light Show during the Christmas season, and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, as well as others throughout the year, including the Wine Concert Series and Apple Festival.
In June 2006 at the 88th Annual Bucks County Fireman's Association Parade in Quakertown, PA, the all-volunteer Yardley-Makefield Fire Company won best overall fire department, as well as first place awards in the following categories: marine unit, deputy or chief's vehicle, aerial tower, over 1,500 gallon-a-minute engine, light rescue pumper, 1965 and older motorized apparatus, and best marching unit with music.
In October 2006, the 15th annual YMS (Yardley-Makefield Soccer) Columbus Cup soccer tournament was recognized by Gotsoccer.com as a Premier Elite Tournament, which puts the YMS tournament at the same level as the Disney Showcase, Jefferson Cup, Bethesda, Dallas Cup, WAGS, Raleigh Shootout and the other most highly rated tournaments.
The Annual Pennsbury Invitational Tournament is a softball fastpitch tournament, and in its 27 years has become one of the largest and fastest-growing tournaments of its kind in the nation. It is considered to be one of the top NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) Recruiting Camp tournaments and draws top players and college recruiters from more than a dozen states as well as Canada. In 2006, 78 teams and more than 225 college coaches participated.
The Slate Hill Cemetery, located at Yardley-Morrisville Rd. at Mahlon Dr. in Lower Makefield Township, is open to the public and is possibly the oldest burying grounds in Bucks County. It was established in 1690 and the earliest gravestone is dated 1698. There are a number of unmarked graves, for which dates are unknown. These unmarked graves are believed to be the final resting-places of a number of the early settlers in Lower Makefield.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park is a 500-acre site operated by The Friends Of Washington Crossing Historic Park. The park is headquartered in the village of Washington Crossing located in Upper Makefield Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania...
is located just over the Lower Makefield Township town line in the Washington Crossing section of Upper Makefield Township. From this site, General George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
and men of the Continental Army and militia crossed the Delaware River
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States.A Dutch expedition led by Henry Hudson in 1609 first mapped the river. The river was christened the South River in the New Netherland colony that followed, in contrast to the North River, as the Hudson River was then...
on Christmas night 1776 and marched to Trenton, New Jersey. There they attacked and defeated Hessian troops quartered in and around the village. This surprise attack and victory set the stage for Washington's subsequent victories at the Second Battle of Trenton and Princeton. The Crossing and the Trenton/Princeton campaign have become known as the Ten Crucial Days — a campaign that saved Washington's army from defeat, allowing them to fight another day and achieve ultimate victory.
External links
- Lower Makefield Township
- Pennsbury School District
- Township of Lower Makefield Police Department
- Yardley-Makefield Fire Company
- Garden of Reflection
- Yardley-Makefield Soccer
- Yardley-Makefield Public Library
- Lower Makefield Township Neighborhood Watch Association
- Lower Makefield Veterans Committee and Veterans Square Monument