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Borough
of Marcus Hook Founded March 7,1892
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THE BOROUGH OF MARCUS HOOK
“The Cornerstone of
Pennsylvania”
The Borough of Marcus Hook is
a family oriented community of 2,500 residents, located on the Delaware River,
just 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia. Situated in the extreme southeastern
corner of the state, Marcus Hook is proudly referred to as “The Cornerstone of
Pennsylvania”.
Marcus Hook was first settled by the Swedes in the 1640's, then the Dutch, and
later the English in the 1680’s. William Penn granted a local market charter in
1701 for the long open area of lower Market Street still visible today, one of
only three such privileges issued by Penn.
Much of the economic development of Marcus Hook has been related to its location
on the Delaware River. First as a center for small ship construction and for
the fishing industry, and later as a resort and amusement center. The growth
resulting from these activities warranted the incorporation of Marcus Hook as an
independent Borough of 1.14 square miles in 1892. The excellent rail, road and
deep water ship facilities in Marcus Hook attracted new industries at the turn
of the 20th Century.
Petroleum refineries were constructed on the waterfront giving the community its
primary industry. Today, Marcus Hook continues to retain its warm, friendly
nature and boasts over one hundred businesses. Marcus Hook is a pedestrian
friendly community, where the main business district, public parks and
buildings, schools, neighborhoods, and the riverfront are all within close
proximity.
The beautiful Market Square Memorial Park on the banks of the Delaware River
offers sensational views of the river, port activities and the passing ships.
This riverfront park is the venue for many special events. It should come as no
surprise that Marcus Hook hosts one of the area’s busiest event calendars. The
Borough has been hosting special events at Market Square Memorial Park since the
establishment of the park in 1986. The Borough regularly welcomes the restored
coastal schooner, Pioneer, to the port of Marcus Hook. Crowned the
official flagship of the Borough of Marcus Hook, this vessel, built in Marcus
Hook in 1885, offers dockside tours and public sails during its return to its
maiden port.
The Borough’s Memorial Day Parade is the largest in Delaware County. On parade
day Marcus Hook’s main streets are alive and bustling with a variety of marching
bands, military units, antique cars, drill teams, all gathering to demonstrate
affection for our nation, fellow citizens and the proud inheritance we share.
The summer event slate is highlighted by the Marcus Hook Summer Music Festival.
Top-notch musical entertainment originates from the Market Square Memorial Park
stage on the banks of the Delaware River. Concerts are scheduled on consecutive
Tuesday evenings in July and August. Through the generous sponsorship of local
business and industry, concerts have been offered free to the public since the
program began in 1987. September brings Delaware County’s Riverfront Ramble
(first celebrated in 2004) celebrating the revitalization of the county’s
riverfront communities. A restaurant festival, musical entertainment,
fireworks, tethered balloon rides, fire truck rides, are just a few of the
program offerings. October concludes with “The Legend of Blackbeard’s Ghost”,
an original Halloween program based on early 18th century folklore when Marcus
Hook was reputed to be a notorious haven for pirates.
To usher in the Holidays, the
Marcus Hook Holiday Parade and Festival of Lights is a must see. On the Saturday
following Thanksgiving the Holiday Parade welcomes the spirit of the season and
concludes with the opening of the light display at Market Square Memorial Park.
There are many other special events that occur annually such as the Children’s
Holiday Party, Fishing Tournament, and Daily Times Champs n’ Charity Softball
Classic. The Borough has hosted circuses, the USA Women's Olympic Softball
Team, the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Pennsylvania State Firemen’s
Convention, and specials tours and events at local industrial manufacturing
facilities. The Borough’s events and festivals provide an opportunity to get
together with friends and neighbors, and share Marcus Hook’s small town ambience
with guests and visitors.
Marcus Hook has long been recognized as a sports town spawning such notable
athletes as two time American League batting champion Mickey Vernon and football
great Billy “White Shoes” Johnson. The tradition continues as recreation
enthusiasts of all ages compete in local athletic programs. What’s more, the
Borough of Marcus Hook boasts many fine recreation and park facilities.
Over eighty businesses call Marcus Hook home. Many others in the area use the
Marcus Hook postal address because “Marcus Hook Means Business”.
Reasonably priced commercial and industrial real estate, excellent access to
suppliers of services and raw materials, large skilled and semi-skilled labor
force, multi-modal transportation systems, and no local business taxes are just
a few reasons why businesses choose Marcus Hook.
Marcus Hook is a full service community with a superb Police Department and
volunteer Fire Department. The Mary M. Campbell Marcus Hook Public Library is a
Borough institution dating back to its founding in 1923. Other departmental
operations cover building regulations and zoning, health, public property and
recreation. Services are provided in a spirit of positive customer service.
Marcus Hook is a community
where all phases of life - living, working, playing - coexist in an efficient
and harmonious manner. It is a community with a restored vitality and a renewed
sense of community pride. There is leadership, partnership and community
involvement. The small town feel and more personalized sense of community
prevails in Marcus Hook. Marcus Hook is looking ahead to a bright tomorrow,
having proved that a community can indeed shape its future.
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