Norristown, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Norristown is a municipality in Montgomery County
, Pennsylvania
, 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of the city limits of Philadelphia
, on the Schuylkill River
. The population was 34,324 as of the 2010 census. It is the county seat
of Montgomery County. Norristown is in a rich agricultural region; in the past, it had extensive manufactures of cigars, tacks, wire, screws, boilers, bolts, silos, tanks, iron, hosiery, knitting machines, underwear, shirts, lumber and milling machinery, paper boxes, rugs, carpets, etc.
Its official name is Municipality of Norristown, though it was formerly a borough
operating under Pennsylvania's Borough Code and is frequently referred to as "the borough" even in statements by its officials. However, since 1986, Norristown has been governed under home rule charters, not under Pennsylvania's Borough Code. The 1986 charter was properly forwarded to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for inclusion in the Pennsylvania Code. The succeeding 2004 home rule charter has not been so published, but may be read at the municipal website. Some areas outside the municipality, in the surrounding townships, also have "Norristown, PA" mailing addresses. The entire Municipality of Norristown is within the 19401 ZIP code.
Norristown was incorporated as a borough in 1812, its population then being about 500. It was subsequently enlarged in 1853 and 1909. In 1900, 22,265 people lived here; in 1910, 27,875; in 1920, 32,319; and in 1940, 38,181, making Norristown the most populous borough in Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 34,324.
At one time Norristown was a retail center for the rural areas outside of Philadelphia. With the growth of suburban communities and large shopping malls including the King of Prussia Mall
and the Plymouth Meeting Mall
in the outlying townships, Norristown's retail sector steadily declined and eventually collapsed.
Today the city's economy is powered by Montgomery County government jobs, the legal profession, and health care. Montgomery Hospital and Norristown State Hospital
are located there. While the downtown has suffered in recent years, the residential areas of Norristown remain largely well-maintained. Row homes and twin homes are more numerous than single family residences.
The city is a transit center and the Norristown Transportation Center
is the terminus of the Norristown High Speed rail line and a stop on the former Reading Railroad Norristown train to Center City Philadelphia (both are operated by SEPTA Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
).
The Norristown Times Herald is the city's daily newspaper, printing Monday through Saturday and serving most of Montgomery County. A Sunday edition is also published. Norristown is steeped in and surrounded by history. Valley Forge National Historical Park
is nearby. The city is named for Isaac Norris
, a member of the colonial Pennsylvania legislature who ordered the casting of the state house bell that became known as the Liberty Bell
. Norris was given a grant of land, then called Williamstadt (William's Town), in honor of one of its founders William Trent who sold the land and went on to help found Trenton, NJ. The Municipality of Norristown and the adjacent Townships of East and West Norriton now occupy this former estate.
Norristown has a rich musical tradition as it was the home to several famous jazz musicians. Bass virtuoso Jaco Pastorius
and keyboard legend Jimmy Smith
were both born in Norristown.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 31,282 people, 12,028 households, and 7,144 families residing in the municipality. The population density
was 8,871.6 people per square mile (3,421.5/km²). There were 13,531 housing units at an average density of 3,837.4 per square mile (1,480.0/km²). The racial makeup was 54.32% White
, 34.80% Black or African American
, 0.20% Native American
, 2.96% Asian
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 4.61% from other races, and 3.07% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos
of any race were 10.49% of the population.
There were 12,028 households out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.7% were married couples living together, 19.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was age 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.22.
The age distribution was 25.1% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.
The median household income was $35,714, and the median family income was $42,357. Males had a median income of $32,113 versus $26,746 for females. The per capita income
was $17,977. About 13.5% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.6% of those under the age of 18 and 13.8% of those 65 and older.
The municipality is part of the Sixth Congressional District (represented by Rep. Jim Gerlach
), the 70th and 150th State House Districts (represented by Rep. Matt Bradford and Rep. Mike Vereb
) and the 17th State Senate District (represented by Sen. Daylin Leach
).
a soldier during the American Revolutionary War as well as being one of the founders of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was later appointed Surveyor General, helped lay out the borders of the
commonwealth and attained the rank of general.
His eldest son, Richard Porter was president judge of the 3rd judicial district of Pennsylvania. Son David Rittenhouse Porter, named for the general's friend and neighbor, David Rittenhouse, served as governor of Pennsylvania from 1839 - 1845. His son, George Bryan Porter, was appointed governor of Michigan Territory by Andrew Jackson. Youngest son, James Madison Porter, was Secretary of War under President John Tyler & founder of Lafayette College in Easton. Andrew Porter grandson Civil War era General Horace Porter was aide de camp to U.S. Grant and is said to be the author of the definitive account of Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.
One descendant of the home's occupants was Mary Todd, wife of 16th American President Abraham Lincoln
.
In 1821 the property was sold to the Andrew Knox Jr. The plantation was then acquired by son Col. Thomas P. Knox, farmer and president of the state's agricultural society. In 1853 Thomas Knox had large portions of the property divided into lots and sold making possible the development of the West End of town.
Selma passed into the hands of the Fornance family with the marriage of Knox's daughter Ellen Knox to Joseph Fornance, prominent attorney and Historical Society of Montgomery County president.
The mansion is said to be in the Federal Style, although the interior woodwork and proportions are Colonial or Georgian. The porches are Italianate, having been added in the mid-19th century.
In 1982 the family occupancy of the home came to an end with the sale of the house and most of the remaining property. The mansion however, along with its contents of period objects, was offered in turn to the state, Montgomery County and borough of Norristown. Unfortunately, none took the generous offer. Countless wonderful antiques and mementos of the past were lost in an unbelievable "yard sale". It is said that whole crates of Union soldier uniforms, once stored in the barn or wagon house, were snatched up by bargain hunters. At the last moment the house was saved from the wrecker's ball.
The Norristown Preservation Society was formed to purchase the house and transform it into a focal point of pride for not only the residents of the county seat, but also all of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and the nation.
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...
, 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of the city limits of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
, on 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 population was 34,324 as of the 2010 census. It is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Montgomery County. Norristown is in a rich agricultural region; in the past, it had extensive manufactures of cigars, tacks, wire, screws, boilers, bolts, silos, tanks, iron, hosiery, knitting machines, underwear, shirts, lumber and milling machinery, paper boxes, rugs, carpets, etc.
Its official name is Municipality of Norristown, though it was formerly a borough
Borough
A borough is an administrative division in various countries. In principle, the term borough designates a self-governing township although, in practice, official use of the term varies widely....
operating under Pennsylvania's Borough Code and is frequently referred to as "the borough" even in statements by its officials. However, since 1986, Norristown has been governed under home rule charters, not under Pennsylvania's Borough Code. The 1986 charter was properly forwarded to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for inclusion in the Pennsylvania Code. The succeeding 2004 home rule charter has not been so published, but may be read at the municipal website. Some areas outside the municipality, in the surrounding townships, also have "Norristown, PA" mailing addresses. The entire Municipality of Norristown is within the 19401 ZIP code.
Norristown was incorporated as a borough in 1812, its population then being about 500. It was subsequently enlarged in 1853 and 1909. In 1900, 22,265 people lived here; in 1910, 27,875; in 1920, 32,319; and in 1940, 38,181, making Norristown the most populous borough in Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 34,324.
History
Norristown was one of the largest communities under Pennsylvania's borough form of government. Now, the official name is Municipality of Norristown, operating under a Home Rule Charter with that designation since 1986. Located on the Schuylkill River, it was established as a mill town and as a seat of county government.At one time Norristown was a retail center for the rural areas outside of Philadelphia. With the growth of suburban communities and large shopping malls including 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....
and the Plymouth Meeting Mall
Plymouth Meeting Mall
The Plymouth Meeting Mall is an shopping mall located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, approximately west of Philadelphia. The mall is located on Germantown Pike near the Mid-County Interchange, where the Pennsylvania Turnpike crosses the Northeast Extension/Blue Route .Built in 1966, Plymouth...
in the outlying townships, Norristown's retail sector steadily declined and eventually collapsed.
Today the city's economy is powered by Montgomery County government jobs, the legal profession, and health care. Montgomery Hospital and Norristown State Hospital
Norristown State Hospital
Norristown State Hospital, originally known as the State Lunatic Hospital at Norristown, is an active psychiatric hospital located outside the city of Philadelphia in Norristown, Pennsylvania...
are located there. While the downtown has suffered in recent years, the residential areas of Norristown remain largely well-maintained. Row homes and twin homes are more numerous than single family residences.
The city is a transit center and the Norristown Transportation Center
Norristown Transportation Center
Norristown Transportation Center is a two-level multimodal public transportation regional hub located in Norristown, Pennsylvania and operated by SEPTA...
is the terminus of the Norristown High Speed rail line and a stop on the former Reading Railroad Norristown train to Center City Philadelphia (both are operated by SEPTA Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is a metropolitan transportation authority that operates various forms of public transit—bus, subway and elevated rail, commuter rail, light rail, and electric trolley bus—that serve 3.9 million people in and around Philadelphia,...
).
The Norristown Times Herald is the city's daily newspaper, printing Monday through Saturday and serving most of Montgomery County. A Sunday edition is also published. Norristown is steeped in and surrounded by history. Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley 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. ...
is nearby. The city is named for Isaac Norris
Isaac Norris
Isaac Norris was a merchant and prominent figure in provincial Pennsylvania, including mayor of Philadelphia in 1724.He was born in London, England, but his father, Thomas, moved to Jamaica when Isaac was seven years old...
, a member of the colonial Pennsylvania legislature who ordered the casting of the state house bell that became known as the Liberty Bell
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American Independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formerly placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House , the bell was commissioned from the London firm of Lester and Pack in 1752, and was cast with the lettering "Proclaim LIBERTY...
. Norris was given a grant of land, then called Williamstadt (William's Town), in honor of one of its founders William Trent who sold the land and went on to help found Trenton, NJ. The Municipality of Norristown and the adjacent Townships of East and West Norriton now occupy this former estate.
Norristown has a rich musical tradition as it was the home to several famous jazz musicians. Bass virtuoso Jaco Pastorius
Jaco Pastorius
John Francis Anthony Pastorius III , known as Jaco Pastorius, was an American jazz musician and composer widely acknowledged as a virtuoso electric bass player....
and keyboard legend Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith (musician)
Jimmy Smith was a jazz musician whose performances on the Hammond B-3 electric organ helped to popularize this instrument...
were both born in Norristown.
Geography
Norristown is located at 40°7′12"N 75°20′30"W (40.1198837, -75.3417012).Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Norristown's population was 40.9% White, 35.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian, and 4.6% were two or more races. 28.3% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry, which is almost triple the Hispanic population in 2000http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/profile/PA#locality-tab.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 31,282 people, 12,028 households, and 7,144 families residing in the municipality. 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 8,871.6 people per square mile (3,421.5/km²). There were 13,531 housing units at an average density of 3,837.4 per square mile (1,480.0/km²). The racial makeup was 54.32% White
White American
White Americans are people of the United States who are considered or consider themselves White. The United States Census Bureau defines White people as those "having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa...
, 34.80% Black or African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
, 0.20% Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
, 2.96% Asian
Asian American
Asian Americans are Americans of Asian descent. The U.S. Census Bureau definition of Asians as "Asian” refers to a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan,...
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
Pacific Islander American
Pacific Islander Americans, also known as Oceanian Americans, are residents of the United States with original ancestry from Oceania. They represent the smallest racial group counted in the United States census of 2000. They numbered 874,000 people or 0.3 percent of the United States population...
, 4.61% from other races, and 3.07% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos
Hispanic and Latino Americans
Hispanic or Latino Americans are Americans with origins in the Hispanic countries of Latin America or in Spain, and in general all persons in the United States who self-identify as Hispanic or Latino.1990 Census of Population and Housing: A self-designated classification for people whose origins...
of any race were 10.49% of the population.
There were 12,028 households out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.7% were married couples living together, 19.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was age 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.22.
The age distribution was 25.1% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.
The median household income was $35,714, and the median family income was $42,357. Males had a median income of $32,113 versus $26,746 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...
was $17,977. About 13.5% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.6% of those under the age of 18 and 13.8% of those 65 and older.
Politics and government
Norristown has been a home rule municipality since 1986 when a Home Rule Charter with a manager/council form of government and a seven-member municipal council went into effect. The office of mayor was abolished in July 2004 after a public referendum amended the municipal charter.The municipality is part of the Sixth Congressional District (represented by Rep. Jim Gerlach
Jim Gerlach
James "Jim" Gerlach is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party.- Early life, education and career :...
), the 70th and 150th State House Districts (represented by Rep. Matt Bradford and Rep. Mike Vereb
Mike Vereb
Mike Vereb is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 150th legislative district. He was first elected in 2006....
) and the 17th State Senate District (represented by Sen. Daylin Leach
Daylin Leach
Daylin Leach is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania State Senate who has represented the 17th senatorial district since 2009. He was previously a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 149th district from 2003 to 2009.-Biography:Leach graduated from Parkland High...
).
Points of interest
- Elmwood Park ZooElmwood Park ZooThe Elmwood Park Zoo is a zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania that houses a collection of over 300 animals representing 100 species. Opened on July 4, 1924, the zoo includes the Andrew L. Lewis Wetlands Aviary, The Bayou, and the Grasslands Exhibit. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and...
- Norristown Arts Hill
- Norristown Farm ParkNorristown Farm ParkNorristown Farm Park is a Pennsylvania state park in East Norriton and West Norriton Townships and the Borough of Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is operated in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Parks. The park is a working farm on the site...
- Selma Mansion
Selma Mansion
One of the most historically important remaining structures of old Norristown is Selma Mansion located on the west end of town. Selma was built by Andrew Porter in 1794. Porter wasa soldier during the American Revolutionary War as well as being one of the founders of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was later appointed Surveyor General, helped lay out the borders of the
commonwealth and attained the rank of general.
His eldest son, Richard Porter was president judge of the 3rd judicial district of Pennsylvania. Son David Rittenhouse Porter, named for the general's friend and neighbor, David Rittenhouse, served as governor of Pennsylvania from 1839 - 1845. His son, George Bryan Porter, was appointed governor of Michigan Territory by Andrew Jackson. Youngest son, James Madison Porter, was Secretary of War under President John Tyler & founder of Lafayette College in Easton. Andrew Porter grandson Civil War era General Horace Porter was aide de camp to U.S. Grant and is said to be the author of the definitive account of Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.
One descendant of the home's occupants was Mary Todd, wife of 16th American President Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
.
In 1821 the property was sold to the Andrew Knox Jr. The plantation was then acquired by son Col. Thomas P. Knox, farmer and president of the state's agricultural society. In 1853 Thomas Knox had large portions of the property divided into lots and sold making possible the development of the West End of town.
Selma passed into the hands of the Fornance family with the marriage of Knox's daughter Ellen Knox to Joseph Fornance, prominent attorney and Historical Society of Montgomery County president.
The mansion is said to be in the Federal Style, although the interior woodwork and proportions are Colonial or Georgian. The porches are Italianate, having been added in the mid-19th century.
In 1982 the family occupancy of the home came to an end with the sale of the house and most of the remaining property. The mansion however, along with its contents of period objects, was offered in turn to the state, Montgomery County and borough of Norristown. Unfortunately, none took the generous offer. Countless wonderful antiques and mementos of the past were lost in an unbelievable "yard sale". It is said that whole crates of Union soldier uniforms, once stored in the barn or wagon house, were snatched up by bargain hunters. At the last moment the house was saved from the wrecker's ball.
The Norristown Preservation Society was formed to purchase the house and transform it into a focal point of pride for not only the residents of the county seat, but also all of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and the nation.
Notable people
- Geno AuriemmaGeno AuriemmaLuigi "Geno" Auriemma is the head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team, which he has led to seven National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I national championships...
, Hall of FameBasketball Hall of FameThe Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States, honors exceptional basketball players, coaches, referees, executives, and other major contributors to the game of basketball worldwide...
women's basketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
coach at UConnConnecticut Huskies women's basketballThe Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team represents the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut in NCAA women's basketball competition. Under head coach Geno Auriemma, the Huskies have won 7 NCAA Division I national championships, advanced to 12 Final Fours, and won over 30 Big... - Maria BelloMaria BelloMaria Elena Bello is an American actress and singer known for her appearances in the movies Coyote Ugly, The Jane Austen Book Club, Permanent Midnight, Thank You for Smoking, A History of Violence, Payback, and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. For television she is known for her role as Dr...
, actress - Vishaal BhuyanVishaal BhuyanVishaal B. Bhuyan is the managing director of financial advisory firm VB Bhuyan & Co. and a financial author.Bhuyan's primary focus is on longevity/mortality risk...
, author - Steve BonoSteve BonoSteven Christopher Bono is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League.-Collegiate career:Bono attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he received a degree in sociology. As a Bruins quarterback, Bono posted collegiate career numbers of 177...
, former NFL quarterback - Peter BoylePeter BoylePeter Lawrence Boyle, Jr. was an American actor, best known for his role as Frank Barone on the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, and as a comical monster in Mel Brooks' film spoof Young Frankenstein ....
, actor (Everybody Loves RaymondEverybody Loves RaymondEverybody Loves Raymond is an American television sitcom that originally ran on CBS from September 13, 1996, to May 16, 2005. Many of the situations from the show are based on the real-life experiences of lead actor Ray Romano, creator/producer Phil Rosenthal and the show's writing staff...
, Young FrankensteinYoung FrankensteinYoung Frankenstein is a 1974 American comedy film directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder as the title character, a descendant of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The supporting cast includes Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, Richard...
) - Josh CulbreathJosh CulbreathJoshua Culbreath was an American athlete who competed mainly in the 400 meter hurdles — the national outdoor champion from 1953 to 1955; three-time winner of the event in the Penn Relays in the same years, and Olympic bronze medal winner in 1956, while he was serving in the U.S...
, athlete (1957 400 m hurdles world record), actor ("Tail-wind Turner", The Cosby ShowThe Cosby ShowThe Cosby Show is an American television situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from September 20, 1984 until April 30, 1992...
) - David C. Dolby, Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
- Werner ErhardWerner ErhardWerner Hans Erhard is an author of transformational models and applications for individuals, groups, and organizations...
, founder of Erhard Seminars TrainingErhard Seminars TrainingErhard Seminars Training, an organization founded by Werner H. Erhard, offered a two-weekend course known officially as "The est Standard Training"...
(EST) - Jules FisherJules FisherJules Fisher is a lighting designer and producer. He is credited with lighting designs for more than 200 productions over the course of his 45 year career in Broadway and off-Broadway shows, as well extensive work in film, ballet, opera, television, and rock and roll concert tours...
, lighting designer - Joseph FornanceJoseph FornanceJoseph Fornance was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.Joseph Fornance born in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1832 and commenced practice in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He served as president of the council of...
, U.S. Congressman and Norristown Borough council president - Winfield Scott HancockWinfield Scott HancockWinfield Scott Hancock was a career U.S. Army officer and the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in 1880. He served with distinction in the Army for four decades, including service in the Mexican-American War and as a Union general in the American Civil War...
, field commander at Gettysburg, presidential candidate - John F. HartranftJohn F. HartranftJohn Frederick Hartranft was the 17th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1873 to 1879 and a Union Major General who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the American Civil War.-Early life and career:...
, Governor of Pennsylvania 1873–1879 - Tommy LasordaTommy LasordaThomas Charles Lasorda is a former Major League baseball player and manager. marked his sixth decade in one capacity or another with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers organization, the longest non-continuous tenure anyone has had with the team, edging Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully...
, Hall of Fame Major League Baseball manager - Drew LewisAndrew L. Lewis, Jr.Andrew Lindsay Lewis, Jr. is a businessman who was Secretary of Transportation for part of the administration of United States President Ronald Reagan. He is widely known as Drew Lewis....
, CEO Union Pacific, U.S. Secretary of Transportation - Thaddeus Lowe, Civil War-era aeronaut, scientist, and inventor
- William MooreWilliam Moore (congressman)William Moore , was an American Republican Party politician, who served in the United States House of Representatives, where he represented New Jersey's 1st congressional district from 1867 to 1871.Moore was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on December 25, 1810...
, U.S. Congressman representing New Jersey 1869–1871 - Timothy L. O'BrienTimothy L. O'BrienTimothy L. O'Brien is an American journalist. He is the executive editor of The Huffington Post, and the former editor of the New York Times Sunday Business section...
, journalist - Jaco PastoriusJaco PastoriusJohn Francis Anthony Pastorius III , known as Jaco Pastorius, was an American jazz musician and composer widely acknowledged as a virtuoso electric bass player....
, musician - Mike PiazzaMike PiazzaMichael Joseph "Mike" Piazza ; born September 4, 1968) is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. He played in his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, San Diego Padres and the Oakland Athletics....
, professional baseball player - Andrew PorterAndrew PorterAndrew Porter may refer to:* Andrew C. Porter , American educational psychologist and psychometrician* Andrew I. Porter , American science fiction editor and publisher* Andrew J...
, Pennsylvania Surveyor General and Co-Founder of the U.S. Marine Corp - David Rittenhouse Porter, Governor of Pennsylvania 1839–1845
- Martha Settle PutneyMartha Settle PutneyMartha Settle Putney was an American educator and historian who chronicled the roles of African Americans in the armed forces. After serving as one of the first black members of the Women's Army Corps during World War II, she devoted her life to researching and documenting the military service...
, educator and historian - Brothers QuayBrothers QuayStephen and Timothy Quay are American identical twin brothers better known as the Brothers Quay or Quay Brothers. They are influential stop-motion animators...
(Stephen and Timothy), stop-motion animators - Lisa RaymondLisa RaymondLisa Raymond is an American professional tennis player who has achieved notable success in doubles tennis. On June 12, 2000, she reached the world number one ranking in doubles...
, WTAWomen's Tennis AssociationThe Women's Tennis Association , founded in 1973 by Billie Jean King, is the principal organizing body of Women's Professional Tennis. It governs the WTA Tour which is the worldwide professional tennis tour for women. Its counterpart organization in the men's professional game is the Association of...
tennis player - Bill SchonelyBill SchonelyBill Schonely , nicknamed "The Schonz", is an American sports broadcaster who was the first play-by-play announcer for the Portland Trail Blazers. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in radio in Louisiana and Seattle before settling in Portland, Oregon...
, broadcaster - Richard SchweikerRichard SchweikerRichard Schultz Schweiker is a former U.S. Congressman and Senator representing the state of Pennsylvania. He later was Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Cabinet of President Ronald Reagan.-Early life:...
, U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania 1969–1981 and Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1983 - Jimmy SmithJimmy Smith (musician)Jimmy Smith was a jazz musician whose performances on the Hammond B-3 electric organ helped to popularize this instrument...
, jazz musician - Jerry SpinelliJerry SpinelliJerry Spinelli is an author of children's novels on adolescence and early adulthood. He is best known for the novels Maniac Magee and Wringer....
, author - Kellee StewartKellee StewartKellee Stewart is an American film and television actress. As of 2007, she plays on the TBS comedy series My Boys as "Stephanie Lane"....
, actress - Ralph B. StrassburgerRalph B. StrassburgerRalph Beaver Strassburger was an American businessman born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, who was also a prominent Thoroughbred racehorse owner and breeder....
, newspaper publisher, thoroughbred racehorse owner - John F. StreetJohn F. StreetJohn Franklin Street was the 97th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. He was first elected to a term beginning on January 3, 2000, and was re-elected to a second term beginning in 2004...
, Mayor of Philadelphia 2000–2008
Books with references to Norristown
- Maniac MageeManiac MageeManiac Magee is a young adult fiction novel written by American author Jerry Spinelli and published in 1990. Exploring themes of racism and homelessness, it follows the story of an orphaned boy looking for a home in the fictional Pennsylvania town of Two Mills...
: Author Jerry SpinelliJerry SpinelliJerry Spinelli is an author of children's novels on adolescence and early adulthood. He is best known for the novels Maniac Magee and Wringer....
based the fictional town of Two Mills on Norristown, where he was born. - Chains to Roses
- The Lovely BonesThe Lovely BonesThe Lovely Bones is a 2002 novel by Alice Sebold. It is the story of a teenage girl who, after being raped and murdered, watches from her personal Heaven as her family and friends struggle to move on with their lives while she comes to terms with her own death. The novel received much critical...
- Final Shot
- Dump Days
- Knots in My Yo Yo String
- The Devil in the White CityThe Devil in the White CityThe Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America is a 2003 non-fiction book by Erik Larson presented in a novelistic style. The book is based on real characters and events. Leonardo DiCaprio purchased the film rights in 2010.The book is set in Chicago circa...
See also
- Battle of Matson's FordBattle of Matson's FordThe Battle of Matson's Ford was a battle in the Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolutionary War fought on December 11, 1777 in the area surrounding Matson's Ford . In this series of minor skirmish actions, advance patrols of Pennsylvania militia encountered a British foraging expedition...
- East Norriton Township, PennsylvaniaEast Norriton Township, PennsylvaniaEast Norriton Township is a census-designated place and township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 13,590 at the 2010 census.-Geography:East Norriton Township is located at ....
- Norristown AcademyNorristown AcademyNorristown Academy was a public academy established in 1804 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Many prominent people have been educated there, including the sons of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock, Governor David Rittenhouse Porter, James Madison Porter, and Samuel Medary....
- Riverside CemeteryRiverside Cemetery (Norristown, Pennsylvania)Riverside Cemetery is a cemetery located in West Norriton Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States, near the western edge of Norristown, Pennsylvania...
- West Norriton Township, PennsylvaniaWest Norriton Township, PennsylvaniaWest Norriton Township is a township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Norristown Area School District. The population of the township was 15,663 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
- Saint Teresa of Avila SchoolSaint Teresa of Avila SchoolSaint Teresa of Avila school is a Catholic private elementary school, including 3-year-old preschool through Grade 8, part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, located in Norristown, Pennsylvania.-History:...
Sources
- "Mexican immigrants boost a growing Latino population" by Patrick Kerkstra, Philadelphia Inquirer, November 25, 2003.
- "Norristown ready to recognize Mexican IDs" by Stephen O'Toole, Norristown Times Herald, December 30, 2002.