Newtown, PA is a borough in
Bucks County, which is situated just north of
Philadelphia and west of
Trenton, New Jersey. Not only does the character of this tiny borough radiate in the streets, but it is filled with history from its cobblestones to its beautifully restored historical homes.
So, how did Newtown, PA originate? It all started way back when in the 1600's when
William Penn bought roughly 5,000 acres of land from the Native Americans. Originally, the area was called
"New Town", which over the years morphed into the present spelling of Newtown.
Fast forward another 100 years, and we are in the middle of the
Revolutionary War. So, what was Newtown's role in the battle? As it turns out,
George Washington himself made
Newtown his home shortly after the
Battle of Trenton and the infamous crossing of the
Delaware River.
The history doesn't stop there for this little town. All throughout Newtown you will find Newtown Heritage Walk signs posted. Keep an eye out for the signs (34 in total), and take a look at the complete historic list
here.
Let's begin with
Newtown State Street.
 |
| Newtown State Street |
 |
| Newtown Starbucks |
Here on Newtown State Street, you can find any type of store your heart desires. Need a coffee break? Stop by
Starbucks located on the corner of State Street and Centre Avenue.
Need a good book to read? After your coffee break, take a right out of the store and two stores down is a unique one of a kind
book store called
Newtown Book and Record Exchange. In this bookstore, you can find an old book while at the same time sifting through old records. Have some old vinyl records lying around? Bring them in to Newtown Book and Record Exchange to earn a few bucks.
Are you a handyman or are you working on a weekend project and need some tools?
State Street has you covered. In between the Starbucks and the book store is
Newtown Hardware House. This
hardware store has its own
history behind it, and it really adds to the hometown feel of Newtown. You can find tools and supplies that big chain stores do not carry. The supplies at
Newtown Hardware House are top notch.
Sounds like a great place right? Let's take a closer look now at what historic Newtown has to offer.
Newtown Movie Theater:
Address:
120 N. State Street
Newtown, PA 18940
 |
| Newtown Movie Theater |
So, your walking down
State Street enjoying the beautiful day when suddenly, you get the urge to see a movie. Well, you've come to the right place. The
Newtown Movie Theater is the
oldest United States theater still in operation. It was built in 1831, and it originally was strictly used for plays and town hall meetings. The first movie played here was in 1906.
What really sets this movie theater apart from any other, besides the obvious age difference, is the
interior design. As you step in, it's as though you are stepping back in time. The theater has a main floor as well as a
balcony level (my favorite place to sit). Experiencing a movie at the Newtown Movie Theater is like no other.
Most importantly, when you do attend a movie screening at the theater, do not forget to buy the amazing popcorn at the concession stand. Not only are tickets much cheaper here than at the modern movie theaters, but the concession prices are great too.
Newtown Library
Address:
114 W. Centre Ave
Newtown, PA 18940
 |
| Newtown Library |
Now that you have gotten your coffee fix from Starbucks, relaxed at the movie theater and took a leisurely stroll down State Street, meander up
Centre Avenue (at the corner of Starbucks) to visit the historic
Newtown Library Company. Established in 1760, this neighborhood library has served as an educational and relaxing environment for many locals through the years.
 |
Newtown Library Company's Children's Reading Area
|
Do you have
young children who love to read or be read to? Don't forget to stop by the children's nook located on the left-hand side of the library.
 |
Newtown Library Company Heritage Walk Sign
|
Also, do not forget to read the
Newtown Library Company's Heritage Walk sign right outside the library to learn even more history facts.
Fun fact: Who knows what the title of this blog post is referencing? If you guessed the movie Signs, you are correct. M. Night Shyamalan is notoriously known for shooting his films in Philadelphia, and yes, Bucks County as well. Many scenes were filmed in and around Newtown, and even on State Street itself. Next time you watch Signs, keep an eye out for State Street in the background.
Interesting Fact:
For the Bucks County locals, ever wonder why a random
house is next to the
Wells Fargo in the
Village at Newtown Shopping Center. For years, I have been passing by and always thought it was a peculiar site for a house. Well, now I know the history behind it and thought I would pass it along.
In the 1800's, residents petitioned to create a turnpike road from the Anchor Tavern in Wrightstown, PA to Newtown, PA. Long story short, the house was the tollbooth. The toll keeper lived inside and collected the one to two cent fair when passengers arrived. Interesting right? I never would have guessed the history behind this mysterious house.
ATTENTION: Keep up-to-date on what's happening in
Newtown, PA 365 days of the year by checking out
newtownalive.com.
