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The area now known as Upper Darby was originally settled by the Swedes. The Swedish Cabin, located on Creek Road along Darby Creek, was built around 1654 and has a Pennsylvania Historic Marker. This cabin is also on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1786, Upper Darby Township was formed out of Darby Township. It was settled by Quakers and some of the influential families in the township were friends of William Penn. One of the first homes in the area was Sellers' Hall, built by the Sellers family. A part of it still stands today as St. Alice Roman Catholic Church Library. Thomas Garrett, a well-known abolitionist is honored at his home called Thornfield. It still stands today on Garrett Road in Drexel Hill. The potential for growth in the Township was recognized in 1907, so the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company extended the Elevated line to 69th and Market Streets. Upper Darby became the second busiest shopping area in the region because of the development of the 69th Street shopping district in the 1920's. |
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