History

The site of Spring Grove was laid out in 1747 on the banks of Codorus Creek, midway between York City and Hanover, by a surveyor for the Penn's. Its growth since that time falls into two (2) periods, each lasting approximately 100 years. The first witnessed development of the Borough as an iron-making center. The second, which extends to the present day, is as a papermaking center. The businesses of both periods have relied on certain natural resources of the area.

Originally, Spring Grove was a part of Paradise Township and was contained within the boundaries of Lancaster County. York County was formed in 1749 and Jackson Township, including Spring Grove, in 1853. The residents of the community petitioned the County Court in 1882 for incorporation as a borough, and in August of that year their petition was granted. Since that time, the Borough has grown in area as a result of annexation of the surrounding land, the largest annexation having taken place in 1953.

In the 1770's, attracted by the presence of water, iron ore and wood for charcoal in the Pigeon Hills, an iron manufacturer established a forge at "Spring Forge." It is known as Spring Grove. The early German and English woodchoppers who flocked to this first Pennsylvania iron industry west of the Susquehanna were the forbearers of today's community. By the mid-19th Century, the manufacturing of iron had grown to a point where almost 200 tons of iron bar were produced locally each year.

By 1851, however, the iron business had been suspended, and its buildings were converted to the manufacturing of paper. Once again local resources, wood and water, were largely responsible for the location of this industry in the Spring Grove area. Thirteen years later, the plant was purchased by P. H. Glatfelter for $14,000.

Other basic industries, such as brick-making and the manufacture of explosives, have from time to time established themselves in the Borough. None, however, have remained as long nor have been as successful as the paper mill. Since 1865, the growth of the borough has reflected growth of the Glatfelter Paper Mill. Spring Grove today is a one-industry tow, where the mill dominates the Borough's economic and community life.

Creating a Historic District pays tribute to the neighborhood, which reflects our history. The designation of Historic District can assist in protecting and preserving groups of historic structures.

There are over 200 buildings within the historic district, of which 26 are significant in terms of outstanding architectural features and 175 are contributors to the district. Of the 25 significant buildings, eleven within and two (2) outside the district are individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, listed as follows:

Building Name/Address	Approximate year built
120 North Water Street	1870
Ford Garage	1921
6 South Main Street	1900
44-48 South Main Street	1850
Aldine Hotel	1887
176 South Main Street	1893
Hoke Farmhouse	1740
225 South Main Street	1880
135 South Main Street	1902
Spring Grove Public School	1897
Glatfelter Mansion	1912

The Spring Grove Area Historical Preservation Society was organized in 1986 with the purpose to provide an historical legacy for this and future generations of Spring Grove Area residents. Society meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of odd-numbered months. The official publication of the society, The Historical "RIPPLET" is issued to members six (6) times per year.

The Society has been actively working to complete work on the three (3) rooms it occupies at the Spring Grove area Community Center. The rooms will serve as a link to the past, displaying numerous artifacts it has collected since its creation. The Artifacts Rooms will soon be open to the public on a more frequent regular basis. However, until the work is completed, the hours are limited to Thursday mornings from 8:00 - 11:00 A.M. Check back here for an update to the hours of operation.