Quakertown, PA

The small borough of Quakertown is proud of its history, which includes an overnight stay from the Liberty Bell on its way to Allentown in 1777. The area of about 9,000 residents has been growing since it was officially named Quakertown in 1801. The development of the North Pennsylvania Railroad only spurred its growth, and it became a borough in 1855. Quakertown is now considered a rapidly growing bedroom community within both the Allentown-Bethlehem and Philadelphia-Camden-Vineland urban areas. Its proximity to so many metropolitan areas makes commuting easy for residents, and it also makes Quakertown a popular service center for Bucks County.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Quakertown was known for manufacturing goods, such as stoves, cigars, boots and tools after the Civil War. The workforce has since broadened its horizons. The modern-day industry breakdown for Quakertown is as follows:

• Just more than 98 percent of jobs in the area are in the private sector.
• Most jobs in Quakertown are in the service industry, such as transportation, trade, utilities, business services, health care and education.
• Transportation, trade and utilities make up about a quarter of jobs in the area.
• Health care and education come next, followed by business and professional services, manufacturing and the construction industry.

Some of Quakertown's largest employers include Grandview Hospital, St. Luke's Quakertown Hospital, and Fibermark, a paper, cloth, and non-woven materials manufacturer.

BEST BETS

The famed covered bridges of Bucks County, just a short drive from Quakertown, evoke a simpler time in America. Nothing is more photogenic than a covered bridge framed by autumn leaves.

In the winter, workers would often "snow" the bridges for uninterrupted sleigh rides. Historically, covered bridges have been called "kissing" or "wishing" bridges because young couples used to steal a kiss or make a wish before entering a new bridge for the first time. The bridge was roofed to protect the wood and timbers from rotting. People were not to drive or ride over the bridges faster than a walk (about 3 to 4 miles per hour) and smoking was prohibited.

While these covered bridges were primary routes in the late 1800s, they've been bypassed by modern roads and highways. Seeking out the bridges - and the beautiful small towns that are still alive and thriving today - is a wonderful Bucks County Adventure.

SHOPPING

Though not known for its shopping centers, Quakertown does have a few specialty areas.

• Quakertown Farmers Market features more than 150 merchants selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to artwork and apparel. The market has been around since 1932, but it has been updated since then to include heating, cooling, and an overall pleasant shopping experience year-round.
• Quaker Antique Mall brings visitors from surrounding areas to get a glimpse of the myriad historic items on display, from decor to furniture.
• The borough is also home to several small shopping centers such as Quaker Village, Country Square, and Trainers Shopping Center.

FAMILY FUN

• Parks: Quakertown is full of parks. Memorial Park features jogging paths, basketball courts, an ice-skating pond, a pool, and even a baseball stadium. Main Street Park has similar facilities and also features a softball field. Cedar Grove Park has a playground and hockey courts. Many citywide athletic teams use these parks to practice various sports.
• Golf: The main golf course in Quakertown is the public Fox Hollow Golf Club, which features 18 holes and more than 6,000 yards of green.
• Concerts in the Park: For several Sundays in July and August of each year, concerts are held at Memorial Park in the evenings.
• Quakertown Swamp: This swamp is known for having myriad forms of wildlife, warranting the attention of the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory, as well as tourists and residents.
• Nockamixon State Park: Lake Nockamixon is the centerpiece of this 5,000-acre park, which also features grassy fields and lush forests.
• Quakertown Pool: Residents can cool off during the summer at this pool, which is also the location for swim lessons given by the YMCA.

LOCAL MEDIA

Due to Quakertown's small size, the city often depends on media outlets in nearby cities such as Philadelphia, Allentown, and Bethlehem. The following is a sample of some of the media outlets that reach Quakertown residents:

• Quakertown Free Press
• Saucon News
• KYW-TV (CBS), Channel 3
• WPVI-TV (ABC), Channel 6
• WPSG (The CW), Channel 57
• WDIY 88.1 FM (public radio)
• WIOQ 102.1 FM (hits)
• WJJZ 106.1 FM (jazz)
• WOGL 98.1 AM (oldies)
• WFIL 560 AM (Christian talk)
• WTKZ 1320 AM (sports radio)

FUN FACTS

• Quakertown is in Guinness World Records as of 2006 for having the most fast-food restaurants in a square mile.
• The rock band Bloodhound Gang is from Quakertown, as is screenwriter Anne Meredith.
• Quakertown is about 30 miles away from Philadelphia and about 15 miles from Bethlehem.