Historic Districts

Upper Darby’s history begins long before European settlers arrived in 1653 and established the first permanent settlement. The Lenape lived and farmed the area for hundreds of years prior. Our history flows from them through the Swedish settlers who built the Cabin, through the Quakers who operated the Underground Railroad, through the entrepreneurs who built mills on our streams and creeks, down to the present.

With such a rich history, we have decided to narrow our focus on the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s during which the 69^th Street shopping and residential areas were developed by John McClatchy, the builder of homes.

What is Art Deco?

Art Deco was a style movement characterized by smooth lines, geometric shapes, streamlined forms and bright, sometimes garish colors. It influenced more than architecture (which is our focus) and spilled over to interior design, poster art, furniture, jewelry, textiles, fashion and industrial design, painting, and graphics. Most important to us, it inspired some of the most visually stunning buildings constructed by McClatchy in the 69^th Street area.

Why now?

Who among us that cares about our community can forget the images of the tower being removed from the eponymous Tower Theater on August 13, 2019, due to rust and rot? Our goal is to convene a group of community members who will develop and implement a strategic plan to inventory and protect our iconic Art Deco buildings in the 69^th Street area.

Interested? Please use the form below to contact us.