According to a 2017 census, Brookhaven is home to 8,056 residents with the median household income of $67,348 and the median property value of $196,300. It is 19.6 miles southwest of Philadelphia.
History of Brookhaven
Brookhaven was included in the land grant given to William Penn by King Charles of England in 1681. The area was home to the Lenni-Lenape Indians and was soon divided in municipal townships, including Chester. The first colonists to settle here were Thomas Coebourne, Richard Few, and Thomas Bassey. Brookhaven emerged from mills, farms, and dairies to what it is today, mainly residential. In the early days of the borough, there were many mills on the Ridley and Chester Creeks, so much so, that Thomas Coebourne challenged William Penn’s monopoly vested in Caleb Pusey’s mill. In a 1687 ruling, the court granted individuals the right to establish mills.
The name Brookhaven came into use after it was published on the letterhead of the Beatty Brothers General Store in 1872. Brookhaven was incorporated (and name changed) on April 4, 1945, from Chester Township.
After World War II, a number of soldiers came and a housing boom exploded. Retail also became big. In 1972, the Cambridge Shopping Center opened containing the one of the first Giant Food Stores in the Philadelphia area.
Interesting Fact
- The Tom Jones Restaurant was sued by the singer Tom Jones for taking his name. The lawsuit was dropped.
Things to Do in Brookhaven, PA
- 1696 Thomas Massey House – This homestead is almost 300 years old. A short drive from Brookhaven, the Massey House is a prime example of an English Quaker home. Tours are available.
- Old Chester Courthouse – Built in 1724, this courthouse served Chester County (before Delaware County was established). In 1890, the county seat was moved to West Chester (PA) all to schedule a tour.
- Caleb Pusey & The Landingford Plantation – Built in 1683, this is the only building that is documented to have an association with William Penn. Call 610-876-5315 to schedule a tour.
Healthy Crockpot Meals for the Week
What a Crock was built on the premise that everyone deserves a home-cooked meal that is easy to make. We make it easy for you to plan your week’s meal with a variety of bundles. We offer sandwiches, soups, stews, pasta, seafood, meats and more. Aside from choosing which bundle you want, all you have to do is drop the vacuum-sealed pouch into your crockpot and set the temp and timer. Each meal comes with an easy-to-follow instruction card, and ordering is simple. Just place an order online or pick up your meals at one of our locations.
We have three retail locations in Delaware County, one Philadelphia County and one in Bucks County. We also offer gift cards, which make great presents for any occasion, such as giving new parents a break from cooking or new homeowners. Don’t forget to check our website for what’s on sale and other promotions. Call us today to place your order. We now ship to the Midwest!
