# Marple (Pennsylvania)

Marple is in Delaware County, Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Delco). Marple is about 11 miles from center city Philadelphia and has a population of more than 23,000.

## Understand

Marple was inhabited in 1683 by a group of Quakers who were members of the Society of Friends. The Quakers escaped from England and the religious persecution present there and settled in the land of William Penn’s Holy Experiment. The Holy experiment was an attempt by the Quakers to establish their own community. The community began to grow during the pre-revolutionary period, and while no action took place in Marple during the Revolutionary War, the growth of occupation crafts such as weavers and millers gave way to increased trade. Once the war was over, Marple returned to its farming and agrarian lifestyle.
Population in Marple began to grow rapidly after the Civil War. The Industrial Revolution brought rail transportation through the township making transportation easier around Marple and into Philadelphia. The largest period of development for Marple Township came towards the end of World War II. The improvement of roads, public transportation and the availability of the automobiles made Marple a suburban community.
Nowadays, Marple is a bustling community full of families, great restaurants, tons of shopping experiences nearby, and great attractions. Whether you are more family oriented, a history buff, a foodie or a shopaholic, Marple is a great central town to everything you need. Located 11 miles from Philadelphia and 13 miles from the King of Prussia Mall.

## Get in

By car, Marple is most easily accessible from Interstate 476 (The Blue Route) at exit 9-Broomall/Upper Darby at the junction of I-476 and Route 3, known as West Chester Pike. The Septa Public Transportation system hub at 69th Street in Upper Darby is an easy and accessible way to get around Delaware County and surrounding areas. Route 104 on the Septa System will take riders from center city Philadelphia directly into Marple. Also, taking the Market-Frankfurt line from Philadelphia into 69th Street Station will leave you only a short drive away from Marple.
Marple is 17 miles from Philadelphia International Airport, which makes traveling to and from Marple very accessible.

## Get around

Getting around Marple is very easy. Driving by car is probably the easiest and most common option. There is an abundance of parking throughout Marple, which makes driving the best option. Most developments are close to stores or shopping centers and sidewalks are present throughout the township, making walking or biking easy as well.

## See

* Thomas Massey House$^{[deadlink]}$ – This home is an American Classic and is on the National Register of Historical Places. It is an old farmhouse from 1686. Once the home of an indentured servant who became a landowner, it is one of the oldest English Quaker homes in all of Pennsylvania.
* Delaware County Historical Society – founded in 1895, it is the oldest historical society in the county. The mission of the Delaware County historical society is to preserve and present the history of Delaware County and surrounding areas, including restoration of historic structures, historical objects and archival materials.
* Greek American Society of Greater Philadelphia This great museum is host to a wide range of Greek American history, reflected the strong Greek community in Marple.

## Do

The 11 parks in Marple Township are all kept and maintained by the municipal government.
* Broomall Fields fields for Marple Township Little League.
* Marple Gardens offers softball fields and basketball courts, playground and picnic areas.
* Old Marple School Park playground, picnic area, sledding hill and walking trails.
* South Marple Little League baseball fields, roller rink, tennis courts and snack bar.
* Veterans Park large playground and walking trails around a large open field along with entertainment gazebo great for photo opportunities.

## Buy

* Lawrence Park Shopping Center on Sproul and Lawrence Roads, LPSC is home to many stores including Barnes & Noble, TJ Maxx, Radio Shack, Home Goods, Hallmark, local florist, Citizens Bank, Acme Supermarkets, Panera Bread, Hair Cuttery, and Nana's Attic Thrift Store.
* Nicholas Smith Trains & Toys, 2343 West Chester Pike, Broomall, ☏ +1 610 353-8585. (updated Sep 2019)

## Eat

Marple is a dry township (no alcohol is sold), but many restaurants allow you to bring your own bottle (BYOB).
* Soprano’s Deli and Catering 3072 West Chester Pike, Broomall, BYOB, best canolis in town.
* Country Squire Diner 2560 West Chester Pike, Broomall. Offers great food 24 hours with a delicious bakery.
* Valentino's Ristorante Italiano $^{[deadlink]}$ 2902 West Chester Pike, Broomall, BYOB with a great selection of Italian cuisine.
* Mrs Marty's Deli 1991 Sproul Road, Broomall, in Lawrence Park Shopping Center, family run deli/restaurant with great food all day long.
* Garden China 2047 Sproul Road, Broomall, quick and delicious Chinese restaurant.

## Sleep

There are no hotels or motels in Marple but there are many in Springfield, Conshohocken, and outside of Philadelphia.

## Go next

Marple is in a great central area between Philadelphia and the rural areas of the western suburbs. It is easily accessible to the farm country of the western suburbs and the city life and attractions of the big city.
* Media – about 15 minutes from Marple, it offers a great dining and shopping experience in a quaint and adorable town.
* Brandywine Battle Historic Field– brings to life the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War.
* Linvilla Orchards– a 300-acre farm dedicated to agriculture, family fun and education. Pick your own fruits and vegetables or visit around holidays for special events.
* Longwood Gardens – a beautiful garden experience inspiring visitors through design, horticulture and education of the arts.
* Tyler Arboretum– offers year-round hiking trails, horticulture collections and rare plant specimens, great for families and outdoor enthusiasts.