Solebury

Solebury Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 8,692 at the 2010 census.

English Quakers settled in the area around 1700, a time that Solebury was part of Buckingham Township. The township of Solebury was incorporated in about the year 1702, carved out of lands deeded to William Penn in the late 1600s. In 1703, records show that Solebury had 28 tracts of land, averaging 414 acres, owned by 24 landowners and farmers. (The Borough of New Hope was part of the township until 1837.)

The first settlers were drawn to the area by the location on the Delaware River and by its fertile soils. First modest log homes were built, followed by the traditional fieldstone houses that still dot our landscape today.

Industries began to spring up around the township's abundant natural resources. Numerous mills were built along the streams that ground grain, sawed wood, pulverized wood for paper, crushed limestone, and even produced silk. Farming was a major industry, and beneath the fertile soil minerals such as limestone and sandstone were found and utilized.

Villages were born–self-sustaining enclaves with a post office, store, church and blacksmith shop.[3]

It wasn't long before the serene beauty of Solebury was discovered by the artist community. Solebury was the birthplace of Pennsylvania Impressionism and the "New Hope School" centered at Phillips Mill, also in Solebury.[4] “New Hope School” impressionists William Lathrop, Edward Redfield, Daniel Garber, Fern Coppedge, Morgan Colt, and Mary Elizabeth Price all resided in Solebury as did noted illustrator Charles Hargens, a resident of Carversville, a village in Solebury.[5] Solebury remains an enclave of artists who still find inspiration here. The home and studio of famed furniture maker George Nakashima were located in Solebury. The studio continues in operation today through his daughter Mira. The George Nakashima Woodworker Complex is a National Historic Landmark.[6]

Solebury Township continues to be a treasure; today it boasts four National Historic Landmarks, six National Historic Districts, and more than 400 homes built in the 18th and 19th centuries. More than 30% of its land is preserved. Farmers still raise crops and our streams still flow freely. It is up to us to make certain that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy, use and appreciate our historic treasures.

The Atkinson Road Bridge, Center Bridge Historic District, Cuttalossa Valley Historic District, George Nakashima House, Studio and Workshop, Isaiah Paxson Farm, Phillips Mill Historic District, J Henry Warren, Author, Red Fox Farm Long Valley Historic District, and Van Sant Covered Bridge are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[7]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 27.2 square miles (70.6 km2), of which 26.6 square miles (69.0 km2) is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 km2) (2.20%) is water. It is drained by the Delaware River, which separates it from New Jersey. Past and present villages include Aquetong, Bowman Hill (also in Upper Makefield Township,) Carversville (also in Plumstead Township,) Center Bridge, Clayton, Cottageville, Fleecyville, Glendale, Highton (also in Buckingham Township,) Lahaska, Limeport, Lumberton, Lumberville, Naylors Corner, Peters Corners, Phillips Mill, Rosenthal, Ruckmans, Solebury, Stony Hill, Tooqueminsey, and Winnahawchunick.[8]

Natural features include Aquetong Creek, Aquetong Spring, Brun Bridle Hill and Forest, Canada Hill, Coppernose (hill), Cuttalossa Creek, Dark Hollow Run, Honey Hollow (valley), Kitchens Hill, Lahaska Creek, Little Buckingham Mountain, Paunacussing Creek, Phillips Creek, Pidcock Creek, Rabbit Run, and Solebury Mountain.[8]

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Solebury Township, Pennsylvania has a hot-summer, wet all year, humid continental climate (Dfa). Dfa climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 32.0 °F (≤ 0.0 °C), at least four months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0 °F (≥ 10.0 °C), at least one month with an average mean temperature ≥ 71.6 °F (≥ 22.0 °C), and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. During the summer months, episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values ≥ 100 °F (≥ 38 °C). On average, the wettest month of the year is July which corresponds with the annual peak in thunderstorm activity. During the winter months, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < 0 °F (< -18 °C). The plant hardiness zone is 6b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of -1.3 °F (-18.5 °C).[9] The average seasonal (Nov-Apr) snowfall total is between 30 and 36 inches (76 and 91 cm), and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity.

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Solebury Township, Pennsylvania would have an Appalachian Oak (104) vegetation type with an Eastern Hardwood Forest (25) vegetation form.[11]

As of the census[14] of 2000, there were 7,743 people, 3,053 households, and 2,170 families residing in the township. The population density was 290.6 people per square mile (112.2/km2). There were 3,207 housing units at an average density of 120.4/sq mi (46.5/km2).

The racial makeup of the township as of the 2010 census was:[15]

There were 3,053 households:

The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.94.

Solebury contained citizens of different ages

The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $89,005, and the median income for a family was $103,566. Males had a median income of $71,176 versus $42,361 for females. The per capita income for the township was $52,985. About 1.7% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.

The Solebury School, a private co-educational day and boarding school, is located in the township.

The New Hope-Lambertville Winter Festival takes place in Solebury yearly. Solebury contains a portion of the Washington Crossing Historic Park across the river from the larger Washington Crossing State Park.

The Bucks County Audubon Society at Honey Hollow maintains a nature preserve with six miles of hiking trails that are open to the public dawn to dusk every day for hiking and birdwatching.

Bowman's Hill Wild Flower Preserve contains over 700 of Pennsylvania's 2,000 native plant species grow naturally on 134 acres.