What I Love About Marple

by Broomall Resident John Lucas, Sr.

My earliest recollections of Marple Township go back to when I was a very young child, maybe 9 or 10 years old. I lived in South Philly, and every summer, I’d visit some of my Broomall relatives, usually for several weeks at a time. Some lived on Old Cedar Grove Road; others lived on Delores Drive. I remember a time when the area known as Cedar Grove Farms was actually a horse farm. My cousin Frances boarded her horse there.

Fast forward to 1994: I’m married, and my wife, Pamela, and I are living in South Philly. Our daughter was almost two years old. Pamela and I were discussing the possibility of moving out of the city to an area that would give our daughter more room to run around, good schools, and youth sports programs at least as good as those the city offered. Most of our friends who had already moved out of the city went to South Jersey, a natural progression at that time. I remember telling Pamela that I wanted to move to Broomall. She had absolutely no idea what or where Broomall was. I remember her response was “What is Broomall?"

I took her for a ride and tour of Broomall. She was a bit hesitant at first, but we decided to give it a try. That same year, we bought a home in Lawrence Park, where we’ve lived ever since. Our son was born here in 1997. The past 25 years have been a blessing for me and my family. This town gave our kids everything they needed: great schools and sports programs, and many wonderful friends and memories. Both kids went away for college, but they both came back home after graduation, to live with us while they planned or started their next “life chapter.” I think that says a lot for Broomall.

I’ve enjoyed opportunities to give back to this community. I loved helping out for many years when our kids were on South Marple Little League (SMLL) teams. I’ve also served the great folks of Marple Township as 4th Ward Commissioner for the past 20 years.

John Lucas, Sr., Broomall resident since 1995 and Marple Township 4th Ward Commissioner since 1999

Photo courtesy of John Lucas, Sr.

I have loved Broomall ever since I was a little kid. And now that Pamela and our children love this town as well, it makes it an even better place to live!