In 1715, the Crooked Billet Inn was built by John Dawson in what is now known as Hatboro Township. It was a farming village that boasted one of the first rural libraries in Pennsylvania, the Union Library Company. The town put great emphasis on education and built the Loller Academy in 1811. Originally a private school, it became the public school for the village in 1848. As of 2011, the building still stands and is currently used as Borough Administrative Offices and Montgomery County District Court.
Hatboro is also known for its role in the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Crooked Billett took place there in 1778 while Philadelphia was occupied by the British. "The militia, commanded by General John Lacey and assigned to cut off British supplies, was encamped here. Surprised by British troops, they were defeated and driven off with heavy losses."
Bibliography:
Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce. "Hatboro History." Accessed October 24, 2011. http://www.hatboro-pa.com/hathist.htm.
From the guide to the Union Library of Hatboro local history collection, 1799-1999, (Union Library of Hatboro)
"In August of 1755, Joshua Potts, Charles Beatty, John Lukens, and Joseph Hart met with other interested citizens at the Crooked Billet Tavern. Thirty-eight men signed an "Instrument of Partnership", thus bringing into existence the "Union Library of Hatborough." Each member paid an annual donation of ten shillings for the purchase of books, and by August, 1756, the first shipment of books arrived from England. Some of these original books are still in the library's possession.
"In 1848, Nathan Holt, a member of the library Company, bequeathed $5,000 to the library; $2,000 to be invested and the interest to be used to buy books; and $3,000 to buy a lot and build a permanent library building. The Greek Revival style building was completed in 1850 at what is now 243 South York Road.
"On May 8, 1978, the building was placed on the State Registry of Historical Buildings. Later, on November 27, 1979, it was granted a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
"In December, 1991, ground was broken and construction began on a new additional room. This was made possible by grants and private donations. On April 26, 1992, there was a Dedication and Open House for this new addition. On September 10, 2000, a new Children's Wing was dedicated.
"The Library continues to operate under its original charter (the second oldest Library in Pennsylvania to do so) with a board of Directors elected by shareholders."
Bibliography:
Union Library of Hatboro. "Library History." Accessed January 13, 2012. http://www.hatboro-pa.com/library.htm.
From the guide to the Union Library of Hatboro records, 1755-2009, (Union Library of Hatboro)
