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East Vincent Township

262 Ridge Road
610-933-4424

There is archaeological evidence that East Vincent Township was visited by Native Americans thousands of years before Europeans arrived. It is believed that the Native Americans roamed the area, stopping to fish along the Schuylkill River, hunt game, and gather hickory nuts. Some may have set up camps for a few days or even a month. Others probably just passed through. It is known that a major Indian path followed along the ridge between French Creek and Stony Run. Governance of the Township, in the early years, found the Board of Supervisor's meeting in private homes. A one-time garage was reconstructed to create the current township building which houses the Police Department and the official business of the Township.

Actual settlement was sporadic and sparse. Peter Bezallion, a trapper and trader with the Indians, was one of the earliest to have moved into East Vincent. It is said that he first lived in a cave. His stay was not long. He moved to a location near Pottstown Landing in North Coventry Township and then farther westward with the Indians and the fur trade. By the early 1730's, enough people had moved to the area to establish the German Reformed Congregation of Vincent Township (1733) and the Vincent Mennonite Meeting (1735). An early permanent settler was Garrett Brumbaugh, who opened a tavern on Ridge Road (at Ellis Woods Road) around 1735 to serve those who traveled that route. Most moved to the East Vincent area to take advantage of the good farmland and the ample supply of water. By 1746, all lands were leased. There were 46 renters.The farmers were soon followed by a variety of millers and manufacturers who set up their works along French Creek and other tributaries to the Schuylkill River. The creeks were easily dammed, and there was sufficient water to power the mills. As early as 1737, Nicholas Kaiser established a grist mill near the mouth of Pigeon Creek.

The community gathering sites of the 40's, 50's, and 60's such as the original Seven Stars for sodas and sandwiches, Sunny Slope Dairy for ice cream and shakes made from local dairy milk, the Rittenhouse Tavern now known as White Hall Inn, and Heistand's Corner which was the general store are now memories of the past.In 1988, East Vincent had one part-time police officer. In 2001 with a population of 5493, the Police Department is fully staffed with 24-hour, seven days a week protection. One local volunteer fire department has increased to three fire companies now covering the Township.Governance of the Township, in the early years, found the Board of Supervisor's meeting in private homes. A one-time garage was reconstructed to create the current township building which houses the Police Department and the official business of the Township.


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