It all started with the donation of a very handsome beaver top hat.  When Chris Cadwallader donated his great-great grandfather’s ceremonial headwear to the Old Library, we realized that there was a lot to learn about Algernon S. Cadwallader, the first Burgess (Mayor) of Yardley Borough.

Historian Charlie Thomforde is now prepared to tell about Algernon Cadwallader and the circumstances that led residents to want their own town government separate from more rural Lower Makefield Township.

Charlie will detail the life of Algernon – his Quaker roors, his marriage into the Yardley family, his service as a federal tax collectorrrr, and his experiences as Burgess.

He will also explain how the incorporation of  Yardley Borough in 1895 was driven by the desire from town improvements like streets that were not muddy, sidewalks, and street lights. The separation was a bit contentious, but it was accomplished, creating a onr-square mile municipality surrounded by the Township and the Delaware River.

Take this chance to dig deeper into Yardley’s past.