Reason Why Swedesburg Won’t Merge With Bridgeport
6 Oct 1920
There appears to be an outstanding reason why a number of residents of Swedesburg object to having that place merged with the borough of Bridgeport. It has been learned that should the consolidation be effected no swine will be allowed to be kept in Swedesburg, and at present it is said, about 40 percent of families in the place have a pig sty in their yard.From four to eight pigs are kept in each sty, and it is little wonder that some residents do not view the move favorably.
….And here is the reason why pigs were not allowed in Bridgeport….
Bridgeport Pigs Moved
6 Jan 1920
Today was moving day for Bridgeport pigs. According to the recent ruling of the Board of Health all pigs must be removed today from within the borough limits. As a result a number of slaughtering bees have been held during the past few days while others disposed of their swine to dealers. Hereafter persons keeping pigs within the borough limits will be arrested and fined for violation of the health ruling.
….From this excerpt of the 1952 Centennial Edition of “History of Bridgeport, PA,” the notion of Swedesburg merging with Bridgeport lasted until 1922.
The End of Expansion
In 1922, Swedesburg, a small section of approximately 300 homes adjoining Bridgeport, applied for a borough charter, but the movement finally decided to become a part of Bridgeport. The county courts okayed the desire of Swedesburg to become the fourth ward of Bridgeport, but Upper Merion Township objected. After a legal battle, the matter was set aside in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court because of technical errors in the annexation proceedings.
The only dividing line between the two sections is Coates Street. The people live together amicably by minding their own business, asking no unnecessary questions and accepting jaywalkers at face value. Although the children play together who live in the even-numbered houses on Coates Street go to Upper Merion schools and those in the odd-numbered houses to Bridgeport.
