The centerpiece of Hatboro is its Main Street that has been revitalized over the past several years through a comprehensive design, promotional, and economic development campaign. Led by a full-time program manager, a board of directors and community volunteers, the Main Street Hatboro organization developed an effective, grass-roots revitalization program that resulted in significant change and a prevailing sense of optimism to Hatboro's business district. Of major significance have been improvements to the physical image of the business district with the addition of new trees and attractive storefront signs and awnings. Sidewalk repairs, facade improvements and new construction have also helped to greatly enhance the appearance of downtown. A $1.2 million streetscape improvement project, which added Victorian-style street lights and brick pavers to Hatboro's main street, York Road, was completed in 2000.
Main Street Hatboro worked in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce to develop and promote an annual events calendar that brings visitors to Hatboro's business district. The Chamber's Moonlight Memories Car Show is by far Hatboro's biggest attraction, drawing 100,000+ spectators annually.
Dozens of groups and organizations are committed to preserving the quality of life that makes Hatboro so special. The most active organizations include the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Hatboro, the Hatboro Rotary and the Hatboro Lion's Club. The post office, town library, municipal building and train station are all located in or near the center of town, demonstrating a continued commitment to the vitality of Hatboro's business district.
The YMCA, Hatboro Little League, Scouting and the Hatboro Pool play an important role in Hatboro family life as do the numerous fraternal organizations and service groups who are active in town. And for the golf enthusiasts, there are close to a dozen golf courses located within a five-mile drive from Hatboro. In addition, residents and visitors alike enjoy year-round performances at Hatboro's own community theater, the Village Players, now in their 51st season.
The history of the area dates back to 1715. John Dawson, a hatter from England, came to Hatboro, and built a house that later became the Crooked Billet Inn. The small village was at that time called the Billet. The Billet became known as Hatborough in 1740. In the 1750's, Hatboro was a farming village of a scant fifteen houses on the Old York Road. York Road, a former Indian trail, was the stagecoach route between Philadelphia and New York. A mill, a tavern, a tannery, a saddlery and furniture maker were the main businesses. Most business was carried on by the barter of goods and services. There was no church and only a small school.
In spite of the small size of the community, the education of its occupants was deemed to be of primary importance. The Union Library Company was formed in 1755. An impressive list of thirty-eight people were the original subscribers! The Union Library of Hatboro is the third oldest in Pennsylvania, and the second oldest library to be operating under the original charter. The library was moved from house to house until the present building was built in 1849. The library building is on the national register for historic buildings.
Hatboro played a role in the Revolutionary War. In the summer of 1777, on the way to his Moland house headquarters, George Washington and his officers stopped for dinner at the Crooked Billet Tavern. He bought his grain from the old grist mill that is now the Old Mill Inn. It is said that hats were made in Hatboro for the Revolutionary War soldiers.
Hatboro was also the scene of a Revolutionary War skirmish, known as the battle of Crooked Billet. The clash occurred on May 1,1778, during the British occupation of Philadelphia. 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. Today there is a monument to this battle outside the Crooked Billet Elementary School.
