Photo: Circa 1910 late Victorian in the Historic DIstrict
on Pennsylvania Avenue, sold by Diane Loomis, Realtor®
Keller Williams Real Estate, Langhorne, PA
on Pennsylvania Avenue, sold by Diane Loomis, Realtor®
Keller Williams Real Estate, Langhorne, PA
The Yardley Historic District showcases the borough's rich history. It is primarily located along South Main Street and Canal Street, which run parallel to the historic Delaware Canal. The district spans from the northern end where Lake Afton is located, creating a picturesque setting.
Many of the buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries, with architectural styles including Georgian, Federal, Italianate, Carpenter Gothic, and Greek Revival, among others.
The Yardley Grist Mill, built in 1769, has been converted into retail shops and offices. Lakeside, the home of Thomas Yardley, constructed around 1728, is Georgian style architecture.
The Joshua Van Horn House, a Federal style building from 1795 is found on South Main Street. The Yardley Public Library, is an example of Gothic Reviva. It was built in 1878, and is currently the headquarters for the Yardley Historical Association.
Yardley was founded in 1882 by William Yardley, a Quaker minister from England. The town developed from a mill seat and ferry crossing into a borough, A growth boom followed the completion of the Delaware Canal in the 1830s.
The Yardley area was pivotal during the Civil War, serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad, with hiding spots for escaping slaves located in various historic homes and buildings.
The district maintains a historic, small-town feel with many some former residences converted to commercial use while preserving their historical integrity.
The Yardley Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, documenting its significance in American history, architecture, and culture.
The historic district not only preserves Yardley's past but also serves as a vibrant community hub where history, commerce, and daily life intersect. For those interested in exploring or researching further, the Yardley Historical Association and local historical tours provide deeper insights into the area's past.
