History

Local Historian Pens a Book on Penn

Villages of Penn Ridge resident Jim Boyd certainly knows how to make an impression. Having moved into the area only recently, the local history buff, is already hard at work producing a coffee table book on the history of Penn Township with the blessing of the township's Board of Supervisors. His efforts have paid off. You can purchase a "numbered" copy of the Penn Township History book at the Township Office.

Cost is $35.00 per book. Or, you can order online .

While researching the township's history, Boyd has unearthed, literally, the story of the 1902 head on crash of two locomotives at the Elkview railroad crossing on Route 896. On June 3,1902, a damaged freight train bound for repair in Philadelphia collided with a special train carrying dignitaries from New York to graduation ceremony at nearby Lincoln University on what was then the Baltimore Central Railroad. The wreck miraculously claimed only one life, that of fireman John Hendrickson of Chester, who was shoveling coal on the special train. Boyd delved so thoroughly into the project that he has unearthed numerous artifacts from the crash site such as a coal bucket. In his research he found that Hendrickson was never honored, and set about to correct that.

On June 3, 2002, Boyd got his wish. Some 50 residents and local officials gathered at the crash site to commemorate the event with a wreath. In attendance was Hendrickson's grandson.