Conshohocken Celebrates 175 Years as a Borough

Conshohocken Celebrates 175 Years as a Borough

by Brian Coll

5/5/2025

In order to talk about our 175th anniversary as a borough, we probably need to go back about 200 years to appreciate what we currently have. While the Conshohockens have ties to the Revolutionary War, it is not what defines us. Sure, we have street names that show our patriotism to our nation… Washington Street, Fayette Street, Hector Street. There was a skirmish or two along the banks of the Schuylkill River where the old Matson’s Ford was (about 100 feet away from the current Matsonford Bridge)

You know what…. we’re going to throw a curveball or two here… speaking of Curveball, Conshohocken Baseball and Softball League has a new mascot named Curveball. Check out a game or two this year down at Sutcliffe Park. It’s an exciting season as more kids are playing in the league this year than in the recent past. OK, next curveball. The reason we are writing this is to talk about the celebration taking place this Saturday, May 10th, 2025.

The Borough of Conshohocken was incorporated on May 15th, 1850. It is very fitting that the borough has planned a celebration to coincide with it. The day will kick off with the Simon’s Heart Bike Race along with live bands during the day and stick around for a drone show to light up the evening sky.

My friend Michael Dinda is paying tribute to his recently deceased son John with a memorial race and Johnnies Place is one of the sponsors of the bike race.

Okay, back to Conshohocken… in the mid 1830’s we were just a village. A village with one store, a rolling mill, a gristmill, six houses and a tavern. The 1840’s saw growth and a vision. By the late 1840’s there was talk of incorporating. We had a post office by now and a train depot. in 1848 five residents were tasked with applying for a charter of incorporation. The five men were James Wells, James Wood, David Harry, Isaac Jones and Cadwallader Foulke.

Did you know that Conshohocken was almost not Conshohocken. Three possible names for our borough went into a beaver hat…. they decided that the third name drawn would be the name of our borough. The other two names were Riverside and Wooddale (both names sound like a show focused on teenagers in generic towns).

My dad Jack and I have written a few books, a number of articles and have given interviews about the history of Conshohocken. I am not prepared to give a full history of the Borough of Conshohocken right now. What follows are just a few Did You Know facts that might be cool for a trivia night.

Did you know that Conshohocken is most likely the first borough, town or city in America that named a street after an African American? Hector Street dates back to 1853. In our research, we have not found any other streets named after an African American before that. Edward “Ned” Hector fought in the Revolutionary War for our country, he was a property owner here in Conshohocken before it was Conshohocken.

Hector Street – Most Likely the 1st Street in America named after an African American – Conshy Stuff

Did you know that America’s first commercial vineyard was in our backyard? While the LeGaux Mansion and property isn’t technically Conshohocken, we had dignitaries visit Peter LeGaux and his property. (currently home to Spring Mill Fire Company and area) notable visitors include, but not limited to President George Washington, Alexander Hamiliton, Aaron Burr, General Marquis De Lafayette, Benjamin Franklin and more.

Peter LeGaux, Mount Joy, America’s First Commercial Vineyard and More All Right Here – Conshy Stuff

Did you know that tires weren’t John Elwood Lee’s first commercial business venture? He actually started with the invention of the gauze pad! He had the second largest surgical supply company in America. He eventually sold the company to the largest surgical supply company.. Johnson & Johnson. His surgical supply company was located between 7th and 8th avenue by Harry Street. Part of the building still stands. Our website guy Knucklehead Productions has an office there. If you are ever in the building say hi to Josh for us.

Did you know we have had some incredible women call Conshohocken home?

National Women’s Month here in Conshohocken – Conshy Stuff

Did you know the Conshohocken has a rich history of African Americans?

Conshohocken Black History – Conshy Stuff

Did you know that Flocco’s has been a staple in this community since 1926? They are celebrating their 100th anniversary. Keep up the good work Flocco family, both in your store and all the good you do in the community.

We’ll leave you with this one…. Did you know that during World War 1, Conshohocken sent more men into service than any other community in America per capita. Conshohocken was recognized by Congress with a ship in our honor. The SS Conshohocken was launched in 1920.

Thank you for reading. Thank you Conshohocken and community for supporting our small family business. Coll’s Custom Framing has only been in business 28 years, but we are so proud to be part of this community that is celebrating 175 years.

This article isn’t possible without years of research by Jack Coll. Thanks dad.