Fifty years ago, the Valley Forge Chamber of Commerce published a 33 page directory of Upper Merion Township. The booklet included a street map, emergency phone numbers, and lists of officers, township departments, churches, 23 civic associations, 22 page directory of businesses and chamber members as well as a short history of Upper Merion – “complete community.” Some highlights:
- An area of historical importance, interest and nostalgia on the one hand and on the other an outstanding example of modern progress in industrial, commercial and residential development.
- Tax values were approximately $61,690,550 and increasing with each forward step of the community of approximately 25,000 residents.
- The annual budget was in excess of $834,032 with a large proportion being spent on road development – an essential requirement in a community which is a popular choice for both residential and business living.
- There were 23 civic associations representing all areas of the township offering constructive assistance to the development of UM.
- The community recognized its educational responsibilities with nearly $4,986,000 included in the school budget. 6,092 students were enrolled in 7 grade schools, a junior high and senior high school. Plus an additional 950 children in grades 1 through 8 in the local parochial schools.
- There were 45 full time persons in the Police Department (which included 10 school crossing guards), 3 volunteer fire departments, and 3 ambulance corps (Lafayette, Good Will and George Clay).
- Bus and rail services from both center city and Norristown was available.
- UM was regarded as a residential community, a mecca of quiet suburban living. Homes were available in all price ranges from $15,000 to three to four times that figure.
- The Federal Government was acknowledged for its efforts to stay abreast of the postal requirements of the community. All banking services were available from State and Federally chartered banks and savings and loans associations.
- As residential and industrial development increased so did the shopping facilities.
- Recreational and intellectual interest ran high with many groups and clubs. The development of the Wolfsohn Memorial Library was recently undertaken.
- The Chamber ended by saying to residents, “We are glad to have you as a part of our community”. For those passing through, they hoped they would stay long enough to get to know our area well, and to those considering locating their home or business in UM, they said, “Welcome, you could not make a better choice.”
