Since its founding by William Penn in the 17th century, Newtown has been a hotbed for historical developments of national importance and local intrigue alike.
Newtown Historic Association (NHA) representatives have been on a quest to catalogue information and preserve locations of historical importance since 1964. The group was first formed in response to concerns about zoning for development in Newtown, particularly after “Washington’s Headquarters,” a recreation of the building that served as George Washington’s home base after the nearby Battle of Trenton in 1776, was demolished to build a gas station. Since a donation in 1964, the group has been headquartered at the Court Inn, previously known as the Half-Moon Inn, where they host monthly meetings during which speakers educate the group about particular aspects of Newtown’s history.
Currently, NHA supporters are preparing a Semiquincentennial Exhibit for the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding in 2026. The exhibit, located on the second floor of the Court Inn, will include a timeline of 28 key moments of Newtown’s history with corresponding visuals.
Previous projects include various sign and home restorations, including at the Court Inn and the Thorton/Hicks House, as well as the installation of the Newtown Heritage Walk signs on State and Sycamore Streets explaining the significance of historical landmarks there.
Here are four fun facts about Newtown’s history to jump-start interest:
1682
William Penn purchased the land that would become Newtown from the local Indigenous people after being granted use of the space by Charles II of England. The name “Newtown” quickly evolved from the moniker of “New Township” used by those developing the land. Penn planned for the 5,000 acres of land to be developed into 16 farm plots with a common space in the center.
1776
George Washington spent a week running the Continental Army from the corner of Swamp Road and Sycamore Street. From there, he marched his troops to the Delaware River where he famously surprised the Hessians in the Battle of Trenton on Christmas Eve. He stayed at the Newtown headquarters the following week, writing letters to Congress giving his official reports of the events.
1889
Newtown Stocking Works opens after moving from Yardley due to a fire. The building functioned as a hosiery mill, a stained glass factory and a bobbin factory before being operated by the Lavelle Aircraft Corporation to meet the need for aircraft parts during World War II. After the war, the production of stainless steel continued, including the manufacturing of the world’s first weather satellite.
1906
The first movie is shown at the Newtown Theatre, making it the oldest movie theatre in the United States. Known as Newtown Hall since its opening in 1831, it was the site of concerts, theatrical productions, magic lantern shows and speeches from the likes of Frederick Douglass and Lucretia Mott before the advent of the silver screen. Movies are still shown there today.
The Golden Rod House
Since 2021, Rebecca Rescate and her family have been renovating and restoring the Golden Rod House, a colonial revival home with Victorian influence on Chancellor Street in Newtown.
Rebecca, a two-time veteran of "Shark Tank" grew up watching her parents renovate a 1700s farmhouse and other historical homes, and says she always had an interest in restoring household features to their original beauty.
“I like things to be authentic, but more importantly than that, the way they built things in 1900 was right,” Rebecca says. “It was all done correctly and can be amazing for a house if you maintain it correctly.”
For example, one of her restorations included stripping decades off paint of the exterior of the home to “allow the wood to breathe.”
“The wood that was used in 1900 is better than any wood you can get today,” she explains. “Everything about the house, down to the way the gutter system worked, if you put it back the way they had it in 1900, works wonderfully.”
Rebecca and NHA representatives are collaborating this month to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the house’s construction in 1900. At the association’s Nov. 17 meeting, from 7-9 p.m, board member Jeff Marshall will share key points about the history of the house, followed by comments from Rebecca about the restoration. This event is free for members; nonmembers also are welcome to attend.
“The event will focus on breathing life and original beauty back into a historic home,” Rebecca says. “With attention to detail, time and appreciation, a house can be truly transformed to shine the way it did in 1900.”
"This is where I propose to build my 'new town'" was the alledged William Penn announcement in the late 17th century as he surveyed land that he purchased. Newtown's Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.