Delaware County has a rich history, with key events marking December 26 across the decades. From fire incidents to community initiatives, this day reflects the evolving narrative of the area.
Historic Fire at Old Friends’ Meeting House
On December 26, 1925, a fire broke out at the Old Friends’ Meeting House, located on Market Street between Second and Third Streets. David Shore, a resident of 8 W. Graham St., alerted police headquarters around 22:00. Captain Robinson and Detective Farraday responded promptly, extinguishing the flames with buckets of water. The fire likely originated from a spark related to nearby bonfires that local children often built. This building, constructed in 1736, has a wooden cellar door that was the direct target of the flames. Remarkably, the Meeting House continues to serve the community, holding services every Sunday morning.
Tragic Holiday Traffic Accidents
Fast forward to December 26, 1950, when the holiday weekend was marred by tragic traffic accidents. According to the National Safety Council, 554 people lost their lives in crashes during this festive period. They termed the celebrations a “black Christmas,” driven by what they described as a “carousel of carelessness.” In addition to traffic fatalities, fires claimed another 91 lives, while plane accidents, limited by adverse winter weather, resulted in four deaths. Other mishaps, including exposure-related incidents, took the total number of accidental deaths to 774.
Community Generosity for the Salvation Army
In 1975, the spirit of giving shone brightly in Delaware County. Donations to the Salvation Army Merry Christmas Fund surged on Christmas Eve, reaching a total of $6,900.01. Captain Robert Pfeiffer noted that this amount was just $100 shy of the target needed to cover the Christmas food bill. Among the contributors were the food service employees of Swarthmore College, who donated $27, and young residents from the 600 block of Darby Road in Ridley Township, who contributed $13.
Interest in Haverford State Hospital Site
On December 26, 2000, community members expressed a unique vision for the future of the Haverford State Hospital site. Mary March, the First Ward Commissioner, reported that a petition signed by approximately 1,200 residents suggested that some of the over 200 acres should be transformed into a publicly owned golf course. Although this idea was not initially prioritized in early surveys, the community’s enthusiasm indicated a desire for recreational development on the site.
Welcoming Young Leadership in Bethel Township
Ten years later, on December 26, 2015, Bethel Township celebrated a milestone in local governance. Hannah Brennan was welcomed as the township’s first junior supervisor, marking a progressive step toward youth engagement in local politics. Surrounded by her family, she was sworn in by Magisterial District Judge Wendy Roberts. A junior at Garnet Valley High School, Brennan is actively involved in the community as president of the Interact Club and a founding member of the Model United Nations program, as well as a rower with the Wilmington Youth Rowing Association.
As Delaware County continues to evolve, these historical reflections remind us of the community’s resilience and the importance of remembering both the challenges and achievements that have shaped its identity over the years.
