www.schuylkillhaven.orgwww.ourhavenfoundation.org

For more information570 385-2841

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Sincere thanks toSchuylkill Haven Borough

andOur Haven Foundation

for making this publication possible.

“Our Heritage” contributed by James Caravan, Schuylkill Haven Historical SocietyPhotography credits: Celeste Geschwindt

SchuylkillHaven

SchuylkillHaven

PENNSYLVANIA

The Little Town That Could.™

Welcome toWelcome to

Nearby AttractionsCabela’s, Hamburg 14.2 mi.

Galen Glen Winery, Andreas 23.7 mi.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton 14.0 mi.

Heisler’s Dairy Bar, Tamaqua 13.0 mi.

Historical Society Schuylkill County, Pottsville 4.8 mi.

Jerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles, Pottsville 4.4 mi.

Locust Lake State Park, Barnesville 19.7 mi.

Long Trout Winery, Auburn 9.1 mi.

Peanut Shop, Port Clinton 12.1 mi.

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine, Ashland 20.3 mi.

Reading Railroad Heritage Museum, Hamburg 16.4 mi.

Red Shale Ridge Vineyards, Hegins 22.5 mi.

Renninger’s Farmers Market, Schuylkill Haven 2.0 mi.

Schuylkill River Trail (Bartram Trail section) 14.3 mi.

Stone Mountain Wine Cellars, Pine Grove 7.0 mi.

Stonehedge Gardens, Tamaqua 18.3 mi.

Swatara State Park, Pine Grove 21.5 mi.

Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove 11.5 mi.

Tuscarora State Park, Barnesville 19.8 mi.

Yuengling Brewery, Pottsville 4.8 mi.

Nearby Attractions

Our HeritageIn Colonial times the local Indian tribes hunted and

fi shed in the Upper Schuylkill River Valley, but had no permanent settlements. John Fincher, a Chester County Quaker, received a land grant of 225 acres on March 5, 1750, the day which Schuylkill Haven considers to be its unoffi cial founding, and became the fi rst settler of “Fincher’s Ford.”

The next known settler of Schuylkill Haven was Martin Dreibelbis, a German who came to Schuylkill Haven in the spring of 1775. Dreibelbis constructed a house, saw mill, distillery, and a grist mill on the eastern bank of the Schuylkill River. He later built a log house near modern-day Main Street, giving him the title of the fi rst citizen of Schuylkill Haven. Martin Dreibelbis willed the original plot of the town to his son, Jacob, who laid out the town and gave it the name “Schuylkill Haven” in 1811, when plans were being made to construct a canal from the local coal fi elds to Philadelphia, through the Schuylkill River valley.

The Schuylkill Canal was completed in 1825, and Schuylkill Haven soon became an important center of canal activity. Coal storage yards were constructed and boat builders and other craftsmen soon set up their businesses in the town.

Our Heritage

In 1840 the town grew large enough for self gov-ernment, and in May of that year the Pennsylvania State Legislature approved a law incorporating the Borough of Schuylkill Haven which was governed by an elected town council, with a chief burgess.

In 1843 the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad came through the Borough, and was later followed by two other railroads that competed with the canal. The canal continued to operate and remained the chief focus of the local economy until it ceased operations in 1888.

Schuylkill Haven then became an industrial town, with extensive railroad facilities and numerous factories producing shoes and textiles. The town experienced its greatest growth between 1890 and 1930, with the erection of many elaborate and ornate structures and municipal improvements, such as the provision of electricity, gas and water by the Borough. Part of the former canal was transformed into “Parkway”, an area of grass, trees and monuments to the town’s founders and war veterans.

In the mid-20th century the town grew considerably, as land was added from adjacent townships and housing developments were constructed.

Schuylkill Haven today is primarily a residential community, with an active Borough Council and administration. It is considered a good place to live, with good schools, good municipal services, and good people and has earned its motto as “The Little Town That Could”. ™

Borough Playgrounds – Eight handicap accessible borough playgrounds are open year round with pavil-ions available.

Bubeck Park and Stoyer’s Dam – A quiet park setting with a pond, picnic pavilions, performance stage, benches, landscaped grounds with walking paths, restrooms, gazebo and Veteran’s War Memorial. Seasonal fi shing and ice skating take place on Stoyer’s Dam.

Island Park – A large recreation area hosting softball, soccer, and baseball fi elds, “Irish Flats” walking trail, canoe and kayak launch, playground, concession stand, and picnic pavilion. Special seasonal events also take place at Island Park.

State Game Lands No. 286 – This 478 acre tract of public land offers hunting and trapping for licensed hunters. SGL 286 is located east of the borough just outside the borough limits on Adamsdale Road.

Schuylkill YMCA – The Schuylkill YMCA is dedicated to promoting strong families by instilling healthy values and behavior into all youth through social and physical activities. The Y is located at 520 N. Centre Street, Pottsville. www.schuylkillymca.com

Parks & RecreationParks & Recreation

Discover What SchuylkillDiscover What SchuylkillAugust

Movies In The ParkIsland Park FestivalDancing In The Streets

SeptemberSchuylkill Haven Borough Day CelebrationSchuylkill Valley Corvette Show

October5K Strides For DiabetesHalloween ParadeAnnual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Craft Show“Haunted Island” Haunted Hay RideWalk-In Art Center “Kick Up Your Heels”

NovemberDowntown Open HouseHoliday ParadeHoliday Tree Lighting and Outdoor Carol Sing

DecemberChildren’s Holiday Party with SantaHolly Rose Trail – Holiday Tour of Homes

Dining – A variety of dining establishments are located in and around Schuylkill Haven including fi ne dining, family restaurants, pizzerias, diners and take-out.

Lodging – Hotel accommodations are available at several nearby establishments including large hotel chains, charming bed and breakfasts, and family friendly campgrounds.

Shopping – Retail shopping in downtown Schuylkill Haven includes an old fashioned drug store, general store, gift shop, jewelry store, Teddy Bear shop, thrift shop, bakery/coffee shop, fl orists and much more.

Services – Available services include legal, fi nancial, fi tness center, health and beauty, day spa, real estate, medical/dental, printing, and pet care.

Historic Architecture – Fine examples of historic architecture exist throughout the residences and store-fronts of Schuylkill Haven as well as the renovated train station that houses Schuylkill Haven’s Borough Hall.

Schuylkill River – The Schuylkill River fl ows through the heart of town on its way to the Delaware River. Island Park launch is the put-in point for the annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, a 112 mile canoe/kayak trip from Schuylkill Haven to Philadelphia.

Haven Has To OfferHaven Has To Offer

Walk-In Art Center – The former Walk-In Shoe Factory is an artist incubator for local artists to perform their work and display their skills. Two-thirds of the historic 1887 building has been renovated into a regional community cultural art center. There is a gallery for artists to display their work, a multipurpose room, and a studio for artists. Children’s classes & workshops are offered and there is also space available for special events. www.walkinartcenter.org

Free Public Library – The Schuylkill Haven Free Public Library was established July 10, 1934 and has been housed in several different buildings. The current location on the corner of St. John & Union Streets was dedicated in 1966 and is open Mondaythrough Saturday. www.haven.k12.pa.us/havenpl

RBMN Railroad – The railroad traverses the center of the borough and offers seasonal passenger rail excursions.www.readingnorthern.com

Penn State Schuylkill Campus – Penn State Schuylkill provides the academic opportunities of a Big Ten univer-sity in a small college setting. The campus is located on the northeast border of town. www.sl.psu.edu

Farmer’s Market – This outdoor market takes place Thursday afternoons June through October at the Borough Hall parking lot.

For additional information570-385-2841

www.schuylkillhaven.org or www.schuylkillhavenpa.org

Annual EventsApril

Community Yard SaleLions Club Easter Egg Hunt

MayLions Club Memorial Day All-You-Can-Eat BreakfastMemorial Day Parade and RemembranceHaven Cycle Fest & Poker Run

JuneMovies In The ParkWine, Walk, and WanderSenior Citizens Appreciation Day and PicnicSchuylkill River SojournRainbow Hose Company Block Party5K Run/Walk for The Walk-In

JulyMovies In The ParkFamily Fun Night with Fireworks FinaleChildren’s Fishing RodeoChildren’s Bicycle RodeoRockin’ At The Walk-In

Annual Events