This publication is an effort to keep the community informed with what is actually happening in your area. For future editions, I welcome your thoughts on topics that affect the community. I'd be happy to publish your opinions on any relevant topics.
Do you have an event that you'd like to publicize? Let me know, and I'll do my best to incorporate your event into the newsletter.
This is your community. This is your home. Use this publication to share your thoughts and ideas with your neighbors. Are you ready to get involved in your community?
David Amsterdam franklinmaps@aol.com
TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY
Township Administration Building
175 W. Valley Forge Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: 610-265-2600
Fax: 610-265-0482 www.umtownship.org
Mon - Fri 8:15 am to 5 pm
Township Police
175 W. Valley Forge Road King of Prussia, PA 19406
Emergency and Call for Service: 9-1-1
Phone: 610-265-3232
Anonymous Tip Line: 484-636-3888
Animal Control ...610-265-3232 Courthouse .........610-278-3000
Fire and Ambulance
Emergency Phone: 9-1-1
King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company 170 Allendale Road King of Prussia, PA 19406
Non-Emergency Ph: 610-265-1063 www.kpvfc.com
Swedeland Fire Co. 609 A Street King of Prussia, PA 19406
431 W. VALLEY FORGE ROAD (in the Community Center Bldg.) Phone: 610-265-4715 www.umssc.org
& Rec.........610-265-1071
LOCAL HISTORY
SPARTANS, DRAGONS, TREE TOPPERS and VIKINGS:
Are you an Upper Merion Viking? Or perhaps you were an Upper Merion Spartan, a Bridgeport Dragon or a West Conshohocken Tree (or Hill) Topper? Over the years, the Upper Merion Area high school students have been served by no less than seven school buildings plus, early on, they attended Norristown High. Yes, Upper Merion Township. before 1930, paid tuition to Norristown so its high school students could continue their education past elementary school. Until 1966, Bridgeport had its own elementary and high school, but UM students still went to Norristown. It was in 1930 that Upper Merion Township built its first building to serve as a high school, the Henderson Road School. A 10acre tract of land at Henderson and what was then called Montgomery Avenue (now Gulph Road) was purchased for $20,000. The building originally had students from 1st to 12th grade. It is now a medical office building known as the Merion Building.
From 1893 until 1923, the first Union Avenue School served as the high school for Bridgeport students. In 1923 the borough built a new Bridgeport High School on Ford Street which accommodated its High School students with the Dragons mascot, until 1966.
From 1930-1949, West Conshohocken had its own high school at the top of the hill where McKenzie Park is now located. They were known as the Tree Toppers (or Hill Toppers). West Conshy High closed in 1949 due to low enrollment and funding issues. Some students went to the Henderson Road School if they lived in the Gulph Mills area, and others went to Conshohocken High.
In 1953 the original Gulph Elementary School was built, but for a brief two years 1958-1960, the Gulph School was converted to a High School to relieve overcrowding in the Henderson Road School. The population of Upper Merion was exploding, and the schools were out of space. Farmland was being transformed into new homes, neighborhoods and industries. These were rapidly appearing in what was then known as the “Hub of the East,” the nascent confluence of Route 202, the Schuylkill Expressway, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
In 1960, Upper Merion built a new high school building to serve the growing number of residents. No sooner did the new school get established, when in 1963, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a state law that forced small school districts to merge. The Upper Merion (Spartans) and Bridgeport (Dragons) and high school students from West Conshohocken were all combined into one new district. This resulted in the creation of the Upper Merion
Area High School which merged the three areas into one school district. The last class of Upper Merion Spartans and Bridgeport Dragons graduated in the Spring of 1966. Any West Conshohocken students also began attending the newly merged high school.
The newly consolidated school needed a new mascot to establish their joined identity. After a vote, the name Vikings won by more than 50% of the vote, and so effective July 1, 1966, the consolidated Upper Merion Area High School officially became the Vikings. This merger also necessitated expanding the nearly new school building, and a new addition was hastily added in 1967. The growing population of the township once again required an expansion and renovation, which was done in 1995. This aging building had held so many memories for so many, but with a less-than-ideal layout, failing infrastructure, and terrible HVAC, it finally closed in 2022.
The brand new, open-concept, state of the art Upper Merion Area High School building opened in September 2022 and the “old” high school building was demolished to make way for athletic fields. Visit the historical society's webpage with a history timeline of all the schools from 1930-2020 researched by Dave Montalvo at: www.kophistory.org/schoolTimeline.html.
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The Union Avenue School served high school students in Bridgeport from 1893-1923.
From 1923-1966 Bridgeport High School was located on Ford St. From 1966-1999 the building served as the Bridgeport elementary school until the current school on Bush St. was built.
The Henderson Road Building was built in 1930. Originally, students in !st-12th grade attended until overcrowding became an issue in 1958.
The "old" Gulph School was the high school for just two years, 1958-1960.
The current Upper Merion High School opened in 2022.
From 1960 to 2022, this building including two significant additions, was Upper Merion Senior High from 1960-1982 (Gr.10-12) and from 1982-2022 (Gr. 912). From 1964-1982 the Junior High held grades 6-8 and then became the middle school with grades 5-8. The current middle school was built in 2006.
VALLEY FORGE PARK ALLIANCE
Metropolitan Veterinary Associates Offers Complete Care for Pets
For more than 35 years, Metropolitan Veterinary Associates (MVA) has provided advanced, compassionate veterinary medicine to families across the region. Today, with both our main hospital in Norristown and our Urgent Care & Specialty Center (MVUCS) in Wayne, our network makes it easier than ever for your pets to receive the care they need, from urgent or emergency visits to advanced specialty care.
Emergency & Critical Care at MVA
When every second counts, our Norristown hospital is open 24/7/365 for emergencies. Our doctors and specialists are trained to handle life-threatening conditions like trauma, toxins, breathing difficulties, or sudden collapse. With round-the-clock availability and state-of-the-art equipment, we provide immediate, expert care when it matters most.
Urgent Care at MVUCS
Some problems don't require a trip to the ER but can't wait for a regular appointment. For these times, MVUCS in Wayne is here daily from 2:00 pm to 12:00 am. Our urgent care doctors treat issues like limping, vomiting, ear infections, minor wounds, and allergic reactions, all in a calm and efficient setting.
“Metropolitan Vet Urgent Care. EXCELLENT experience. It's the compassionate care from the receptionist to the Nurse Carrie to the Vet Dr. Hyman. All were kind understanding, and I never felt rushed. I have always found the Vets at Metropolitan to have excellent clinical knowledge and skills. Thank you to the ENTIRE STAFF.”
Advanced Surgery Across Our Network
When pets need surgery, they deserve the highest level of skill and safety. Our boardcertified surgeons perform a wide range of procedures — from orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries to minimally invasive techniques.
• At MVA in Norristown, we handle the most advanced and complex surgical cases, supported by full specialty and critical care teams.
• At MVUCS in Wayne, our surgeons also perform select procedures, giving families access to expert care closer to home.
No matter the location, every surgery is supported by specialized anesthesia, advanced technology, and a dedicated recovery team focused on your pet's comfort.
One Network. One Commitment.
At Metropolitan, your pets are family and we're here to care for them every step of the way.
MVA is located at: 2626 Van Buren Avenue in Norristown, PA. 610.666.1050
MVUCS is located at: 997 Old Eagle School Road in Wayne, PA. 610.615.7609
For more information please visit: www.metro-vet.com
Barrie E.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Amy's Journey To Sobriety: A Story Of Resilience And Renewal
Before walking through the doors of Mirmont Treatment Center, part of Main Line Health, Amy Legath had already faced numerous battles. For years, she tried to manage her alcoholism through outpatient treatments and abstinence, but nothing seemed to stick.
Alcohol had become her coping mechanism a way to suppress the pain of past traumas and life's overwhelming challenges. As a new mother, she struggled with mental health and the demands of raising her son, who was diagnosed with autism at just 18 months old. The weight of abusive relationships, lossand unprocessed grief left her feeling unworthy of happiness or sobriety
“I let myself go,” Amy admits. “I didn't think I deserved sobriety or happiness. My addiction was taking a toll on my marriage, my relationship with my son and, most importantly, my own sense of self.”
But even in the darkness, Amy held onto a glimmer of hope. She realized that alcohol was robbing her family of the wife and mother they deserved. She made the courageous decision to seek help at Mirmont Treatment Center
The turning point
For Amy, the turning point came when she saw the toll her addiction was taking on her health and her family
“I was losing their trust and love,” she recalls. “I had to get my life back. But more importantly, I had to get myself back.”
With that resolve, Amy entered Mirmont's inpatient treatment program and began a journey that would change her life.
The first days were daunting. The stigma of rehab weighed on her, and she felt guilt about being away from her family
“The first night, I just sat on the edge of my bed, telling myself to get through the night and start fresh in the morning,” she shares.
But as she met others in treatment, Amy found support in unexpected places. Friendly faces welcomed her with open arms, and she began to realize she wasn't alone.
“It was comforting to know it was okay to be scared,” Amy says. “I just needed to open up and let the program help me.”
The path to healing
Throughout her treatment, Amy leaned on Mirmont's traumafocused groups — especially the Core and Phoenix groups — which became her lifeline.
“Facing my trauma head-on brought me back to life,” she reflects. In addition to group therapy, Amy built deep connections with her counselor and fellow patients.
“Having a close-knit group made all the difference,” she explains. “I still stay in touch with some of them to this day.”
Amy's recovery continued after inpatient care. She transitioned to intensive outpatient therapy at Mirmont Outpatient Center in Exton and remains engaged in outpatient therapy today. She also finds strength in the Mirmont Alumni group, which provides ongoing community and support.
A new chapter
Amy recently celebrated one year of sobriety — a milestone she cherishes. Her life has transformed in ways she never imagined. She's thriving in a new healthcare role, surrounded by a supportive team.
Most importantly, her relationships have blossomed. Her son is thriving, and she treasures being present for his growth. Her marriage is healing as she and her husband rebuild trust. Even her long-strained relationship with her mother has been renewed — the two recently took a cruise to Alaska together, an experience Amy fully enjoyed while sober.
Staying the course
Every day, Amy recommits to her recovery.
“I've realized I'm stronger than I gave myself credit for,” she says. “I took my life back, and now I'm living in a way I never thought I could.”
Her advice to others on the journey to sobriety is simple but powerful: “You have to want it for yourself. It's not easy, but if you give yourself grace and take it one day at a time, you can do it. Don't be afraid to ask for help — there's no shame in it. We all need help sometimes.”
Amy is optimistic about the future. Her primary goal remains staying sober and making herself proud each day. She hopes to give back by staying active with Mirmont's Alumni group and serving others through Alcoholics Anonymous.
“I may not know exactly what life has in store for me,” she says, “but knowing I'll face it sober makes it that much more exciting.”
Amy's story is a testament to the power of resilience, the strength in vulnerability, and the life-changing impact of seeking help. Her journey reminds us that recovery is possible and a brighter future is always within reach.
Recovery is possible.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or mental health, Mirmont Treatment Center is here to help.
To learn more, call 1.888.227.3898 or visit mainlinehealth.org/recovery.
