Welcome to Spring Grove Area Historical Preservation Society
We resolve to provide a historical legacy for this and future generations of Spring Grove Area residents.
Exciting Things are Happening for 2026
As a precursor to purchasing the 1897 Spring Grove Public School Building in Summer 2026, we are closing the office and museum at 100 Glenview Road to prepare. You can reach us at 717-225-0732 or [email protected] Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4 pm to schedule an appointment.
Celebrate America's 250 with us in Spring Grove!
America's 250th Birthday is quickly approaching!
Did you know?
In 1984, the Spring Grove Historical District was created. This registration was concurrent with the 100th Anniversary of the Borough. The nomination packet is viewable by clicking the button below. To find out more about NPS's National Registry, click here.
Our History
Some of the memorable events in the last 275 years (but not all, look for more entries to be added often).
1681
King Charles II granted the Penn Family land west and south of New Jersey to form the Colony of Pennsylvania
1747
Paradise Township laid out by Joseph Pidgeon, a surveyor for the Penn Family (Spring Grove was initially part of Paradise Township)
1749
York County established from Lancaster County.
1755
P. Dicks built the first iron bloomery west of the Susquehanna, in the present limits of Spring Grove
1770
Dicks bloomery becomes known as "Spring Forge #3", George Ross, PA Signer of the Declaration of Independence, proprietor.
1775 - 1783
Revolutionary War
1778
Spring Forge owned by D. Shireman, wagon loads of cannon balls were sent to aid the Colonial Navy
1851 - 1863
T. Coleman sells to J. Hauer and he changes the business from iron forge to paper mill.
1858
Jackson Twp incorporated
1861-1865
American Civil War
December 23, 1863
1880
St. Paul Lutheran Church built
1882
Spring Grove Borough incorporated
1896
Electric Lights on Main Street
1897
The Ripplet became a widely published family newspaper journal.
1898
Spring Grove Public School building built
1902
The 1st National Bank of Spring Grove organized
1902
Telephone lines and sewers installed
1907
P.H. Glatfelter dies.
1907
First Ordinance regulating automobile speed on Main Street.
1911
Post Office officially changed from Spring Forge to Spring Grove
1915
First House numbering system put into place.
1914-1918
First World War
March 1920
First "Barker" published
1922
Fire Department purchases a fire truck for $4,500
1938
Cemetery Street renamed Constitution Avenue for 150th anniversary of the Constitution of the US
1939-1945
World War 2
1950-1953
Korean War
1953
Spring Grove Joint High School built on Hanover Road. (now middle school)
1964-1975
Vietnam Conflict
1966
Annexed the Spring Forge Tract to increase the Borough to current size.
1971
Cable TV franchise granted.
Photos from the 18th Century Mothers Day Tea
More on our Hostess April Thomas can be found at FashionsRevisited.com.
Watch our Presentation from September 17, 2024
Funeral Traditions in Spring Grove, PA