Early Schools in Marple Township

History Spotlight

Written by Doug Humes

William Penn, like all visionaries, had particular ideas about how life was going to be different in his colony. In 1682, he wrote the first “Frame of Government” which outlined his ideas. Article XII provided that “the Governor and provincial Council shall erect and order all public schools”. This was a new idea – there was no compulsory public education in the world at that time. Most people could not read or write. Tavern signs had pictures of a “Black Swan” or a Spread Eagle or a painting of the King of Prussia, because travelers could not read.

An illustration for a public school, as seen on an old map

Courtesy of The Marple Square Historical Society

Penn’s Quakers, who were the first to come here from England, took him at his word, and erected schools for their children, which they would then financially support. Over time, they allowed other children to attend, if their parents paid a fee. But in an agrarian economy, jobs were plentiful on the farm and you did not need to read or write to earn a living as a farmhand, or to develop a trade that would give you employment. It was not until 1834 that Pennsylvania took a serious run at compulsory education, passing the Public School Law that required all counties, townships and boroughs to form school districts, build schools, hire teachers and educate all of their children.

Cedar Grove School, circa 1837

Photo Courtesy of The Marple Square Historical Society

In 1818, a subscription school called Marple Seminary No. 1, was built at the corner of what is now Marple Presbyterian Church cemetery, to serve the northern end of the township. When the school act passed, that school became a public school. When the church was built, the school was replaced with a two story building across Marple road. In 1836, Marple built a school, replacing the existing Quaker School, on the west side of the Great Marple Road, across the street from today’s O’Hara High School. That school was replaced up the road a bit with the brick Public School No. 2, used until 1923 and then converted to a home (still standing on Sproul road across from Lawrence Park). A 4th public school, built in 1875 on Cedar Grove Road, served until the public schools were consolidated in 1923. The old school is now a residence.

A red brick school from 1877

Photo Courtesy of The Marple Square Historical Society

We drive by these last two surviving 19th century school buildings every day without realizing they are there. Look out for them on your next drive home.

For more information on the history of Marple, visit the Marple Historical Society website and Facebook page, and join the society to keep up to date on coming events: www.MarpleHistoricalSociety.org.