41-652: South Whitehall Township is a township in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania , United States. The township's population was 19,180 at the 2010 census. It is a suburb of Allentown and is part of the Lehigh Valley , which had a population of 861,899 and was the 68th-most populous metropolitan area in the U.S. as of the 2020 census. South Whitehall Township borders Allentown to its east and is 59.3 miles (95.4 km) northwest of Philadelphia , and 94.5 miles (152.1 km) west of New York City . The Lehigh Valley interchange of
82-896: A hot-summer humid continental climate ( Dfa ) and is in hardiness zone 6b. Average monthly temperatures at Springhouse Middle School range from 28.6 °F (−1.9 °C) in January to 73.5 °F (23.1 °C) in July. South Whitehall's villages include Cetronia , Crackersport, Dorneyville (also in Salisbury Township), Greenawalds, Guthsville, Mechanicsville (also in North Whitehall), Meyersville (also in North Whitehall), Orefield (also in North Whitehall), Parkway Manor, Scherersville (also in Whitehall Township), Sterlingworth, Walbert , Wennersville, Westwood Heights, and Woodlawn. As of
123-577: A popular amusement park. It also hosts the Lehigh County Soccer Fields, which are accessible from Broadway east of Route 309. South Whitehall is represented by State Senator Jarrett Coleman in the 16th Senatorial district and State Representative Michael Schlossberg in the 132nd State House district . At the federal level, South Whitehall is represented by Susan Wild in the 7th congressional district . South Whitehall elects five at-large commissioners for four-year terms. The township
164-688: A progression of municipal structures based on population growth, it is not uncommon to have a township and borough of the same or similar name, generally adjacent within the same county. The 'town-like' borough might be partially or wholly surrounded by the remaining township from which it had split off. The government of Cold Spring Township ceased to function in 1961, when there were no candidates for office. Pennsylvania townships typically vary in size from 6 to 40 square miles (16–104 km ). There are two classifications of townships, first class and second class. The commonwealth initially incorporates all townships as second class townships. To become
205-1195: A tax collector and, in many townships, a panel of three auditors who annually audit all township accounts. The supervisors or commissioners of the township appoint a secretary and a treasurer, and may also appoint a township manager to coordinate township employees and operations. County governments may provide some or all municipal services to residents of townships, regardless of class and size, including trash collection or sewage processing. Some counties, though, leave individual municipalities to provide their own services; in some instances small groups of boroughs or townships may pool their resources to provide water, police, or other functions. The main areas of local services include police and fire protection, maintenance of local roads and streets, water supply, sewage collection and treatment, parking and traffic control, local planning and zoning, parks and recreation, garbage collection, health services, libraries, licensing of businesses and code enforcement. All municipalities in Pennsylvania, however, rely on county and state organized courts for probate, criminal, and civil court services. Under
246-497: A township of the first class and operate under the powers of the First Class Township Code, a township must have a population density of 300 inhabitants per square mile (120/km ) and voters therein must approve the change of classification in a referendum. The classes of townships differ primarily in the form of their administration. Townships of the second class are governed by a board of supervisors, elected at large by
287-581: Is an example of colonial architecture. Much of the history of South Whitehall can be traced to the Walbert-Guthsville region, and especially the two Jordan churches. The first ministration to the Lutherans in the township occurred in 1734 when Reverend John Casper Stoever baptized Margaret, the daughter of the John Lichtenwalners, on February 6. In 1736, a Reverend Schmidt preached occasionally to
328-610: Is in the western part of the township. Interstate 78 crosses the southern portion of the township concurrent with Pennsylvania Route 309 . Additional thoroughfares include Cedar Crest Boulevard and Mauch Chunk Road north-to-south, and Walbert Avenue, Tilghman Street, Broadway, and Pennsylvania Route 222 , also known as Hamilton Boulevard, east-to-west. LANta serves multiple bus routes in South Whitehall Township, connecting Allentown with its western and northern suburbs. Township (Pennsylvania) A township , under
369-715: Is located in Greenawalds. As of 2022, there were 145.38 miles (233.97 km) of public roads in South Whitehall Township, of which 3.50 miles (5.63 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), 33.68 miles (54.20 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and 108.20 miles (174.13 km) were maintained by the township. The Lehigh Valley interchange of Interstate 476 and Pennsylvania Turnpike 's Northeast Extension with U.S. Route 22
410-517: Is possible that church-sponsored schools taught by sermon readers existed in the earliest days of the congregations. South Whitehall Township was established in 1810 following a petition to the Northampton County Court to divide former Whitehall Township into two areas, North Whitehall and South Whitehall. In 1812, Lehigh County was divided off from the original Northampton County, establishing South Whitehall Township within and nearly at
451-790: Is served by the Parkland School District . Ironton, Kernsville, and Schnecksville Elementary Schools are located in North Whitehall Township. Secondary students attend Orefield Middle School in Orefield and Parkland High School in Allentown . North Whitehall Township is also home to Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville . As of 2020, there were 159.25 miles (256.29 km) of public roads in North Whitehall Township, of which 4.70 miles (7.56 km) were maintained by
SECTION 10
#1732859541174492-594: Is served by the Parkland School District . Students in grades 9 through 12 attend Parkland High School , located on Cedar Crest Boulevard in the township. Both of middle schools (Orefield and Springhouse) are in South Whitehall, as are Cetronia, Kratzer, and Parkway Manor Elementary Schools. Some of the township's students attend Kernsville Elementary just over the North Whitehall line, while others attend Ironton Elementary located in North Whitehall Township. Kratzer
533-518: The 2010 U.S. census , there were 19,180 people, 7,814 households, and 5,339 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,115.1 inhabitants per square mile (430.5/km). There were 8,180 housing units at an average density of 475.6 units per square mile (183.6 units/km). The racial makeup of the township was 89.8% White , 2.8% African American , 0.1% Native American , 4.7% Asian , 1.3% from other races , and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.7% of
574-411: The Lehigh Valley , which had a population of 861,899 and was the 68th-most populous metropolitan area in the U.S. as of the 2020 census. North Whitehall Township is located 9.4 miles (15.1 km) northwest of Allentown, 65.2 miles (104.9 km) northwest of Philadelphia , and 99.2 miles (159.6 km) west of New York City . The township is located in northeastern Lehigh County . According to
615-573: The Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom are both located in the township. The first settlers of the Lehigh Valley region were Germans , who emigrated from earlier settlements along Perkiomen Creek in present-day Lehigh and Montgomery counties. German settlers began arriving in present-day South Whitehall Township over a 20-year period beginning in about 1732. The immigration of
656-466: The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), 37.84 miles (60.90 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and 116.71 miles (187.83 km) were maintained by the township. Interstate 476 follows the Pennsylvania Turnpike 's Northeast Extension along a northwest–southeast alignment across southern and western portions of North Whitehall Township, but
697-1139: The U.S. Census Bureau , it has a total area of 28.5 square miles (73.9 km ), 28.1 square miles (72.7 km ) of which is land and 0.46 square miles (1.2 km ), or 1.56%, of which is water. It is drained by the Lehigh River , which separates it from Northampton County . The township has a hot-summer humid continental climate ( Dfa ) and the hardiness zone is 6b. Average monthly temperatures in Ironton range from 28.4 °F (−2.0 °C) in January to 73.3 °F (22.9 °C) in July. North Whitehall's villages include Ballietsville , Coffeetown, Ironton , Kernsville, Laurys Station , Mechanicsville (also in South Whitehall Township), Meyersville (also in South Whitehall), Neffs (also in Washington Township), Orefield (also in South Whitehall), Ormrod, Ruchsville, Scheidy, and Schnecksville . As of
738-428: The U.S. Census Bureau , the township has a total area of 17.3 square miles (44.7 km), of which 17.1 square miles (44.2 km) are land and 0.2 square miles (0.4 km), or 0.98%, are water. The township is located immediately west of Allentown and approximately 55 miles (89 km) northwest of Philadelphia . It is drained by Jordan Creek and Little Lehigh Creek into the Lehigh River . South Whitehall has
779-547: The census of 2010, there were 15,703 people, 5,766 households, and 4,453 families residing in the township. The population density was 543.4 inhabitants per square mile (209.8/km ). There were 6,000 housing units at an average density of 207.6 units per square mile (80.2 units/km ). The racial makeup of the township was 94.71% White , 1.53% African American , 0.12% Native American , 1.34% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 1.02% from other races , and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.69% of
820-698: The Germans and other European natives, including Swiss and Huguenots , was aided by William Penn and his friends. The land lying south of South Mountain was given to William Penn in 1713 by the Lenape Native American tribe. The land of Lehigh County between Blue Mountain and Lehigh Mountain was granted to Penn's sons by the Lenape in 1732. European emigrants were drawn to the area because of its reputation for fertile land and its limestone flanking rivers and streams, including present-day Jordan Creek . One of
861-574: The Lutherans. In 1739, Reverend John Justus Jacob Birkenstock became pastor of the Jordan Lutheran congregation. In 1845, the centennial of the congregation was observed, suggesting that the first building was likely erected in 1745. The first church building was of logs and stood near the north wall of the old burial ground. It was used jointly by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations until about 1752 when
SECTION 20
#1732859541174902-559: The Pennsylvania constitution, each governmental entity has the right to choose its own form of self-government, and a limited ability to delegate powers and oversight to such entities as authorities, commissions and school boards. Any township, regardless of its class, may adopt a home rule charter, at which point it is no longer governed by the Pennsylvania Township Codes. While a home rule charter can incorporate unusual features, standard municipal functions are generally part of
943-507: The Reformed erected a building half a mile to the east, within sight of the current municipal building. The original name "Whitehall" dates to 1740 and encompasses the land now found in North Whitehall , South Whitehall, and Whitehall townships. Prior to the establishment of Northampton County in 1752, the area was part of Bucks County , and the land currently occupied by South Whitehall
984-407: The average family size was 2.89. In the township, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 20, 3.9% from 20 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 22% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males. The median income for a household in the township
1025-399: The center of Lehigh County. Agriculture was the backbone of the economy of the township for many years. Much of the land today still is under cultivation. For over a century, at least six grain mills flourished on Jordan and Cedar creeks. In the early 19th century, iron ore was discovered at different places in the township, and mining operations were carried on from 1820 to 1890. In 1867,
1066-646: The commonwealth. As with other incorporated municipalities in Pennsylvania, townships exist within counties and are subordinate to or dependent upon the county level of government. Townships in Pennsylvania were created in the 17th century during the colonial-era Province of Pennsylvania prior to the American Revolution . Much of the province was then occupied by Native Americans , but the colonial administration in Philadelphia brought new counties and new settlements regularly. The first communities defined by
1107-547: The earliest tracts of land purchased in the township was by Nicholas Kern, who bought property on December 3, 1735, and October 28, 1737. Some of this was sold to Lorenz Guth on February 27, 1739. Guth continued to buy land in the area of the Reformed Church property and also in the Guthsville area. By 1769, his holdings totaled 759 acres (3.07 km). The Lorenz Guth house near Wehr's Dam still stands in excellent condition and
1148-478: The eastern portion of South Whitehall and the southeastern portion of North Whitehall were detached and formed into Whitehall Township . In 1966, South Whitehall became a First Class Township. Four locations in the township, Dorneyville Crossroad Settlement , Haines Mill , Manasses Guth Covered Bridge , and Wehr Covered Bridge , have been listed with the National Register of Historic Places . According to
1189-432: The electorate of the whole township for overlapping six-year terms. The number of supervisors can be increased to five by referendum. Townships of the first class, by contrast, have a board of commissioners. Between five and fifteen commissioners sit on this panel; they can be elected either at large or by wards within the township; and they serve for overlapping terms of four years in office. Other elected officials include
1230-551: The laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania , is the lowest level of municipal incorporation of government. All of Pennsylvania's communities outside of incorporated cities , boroughs , and one town have been incorporated into individual townships that serve as the legal entities providing local self-government functions. In general, townships in Pennsylvania encompass larger land areas than other municipalities , and tend to be located in suburban , exurban , or rural parts of
1271-465: The median income for a household in the township was $ 75,714, and the median income for a family was $ 89,182. Males had a median income of $ 56,152 versus $ 43,855 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 35,470. About 4.1% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over. Along with South Whitehall and Upper Macungie townships, North Whitehall Township
South Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania - Misplaced Pages Continue
1312-399: The mix regardless of how offices and powers are allocated within the jurisdiction. "Citizen's Guide to Pennsylvania Local Government, 2010" North Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania North Whitehall Township is a township in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania , United States. The population of North Whitehall Township was 15,655 at the 2020 census. It is a suburb of Allentown in
1353-449: The population. There were 5,766 households, out of which 36.39% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.46% were married couples living together, 4.06% had a male household with no wife present, 8.71% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.77% were non-families. 18.21% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.25% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
1394-410: The population. There were 7,814 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 24.827% of all households were made up of individuals, and 35.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and
1435-439: The provincial state government tended to be rural, geographically large, and sparsely populated townships. Townships or portions of them tended to become boroughs after population growth or an increase in population density and, eventually, might to reincorporate at the level of city. Initially, each municipal organization begins as a second-class township. When a sufficient population density, currently 300 people per square mile,
1476-425: Was $ 64,854, and the median income for a family was $ 78,629. Males had a median income of $ 55,047 versus $ 41,610 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 36,274. About 2.6% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 5.73% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over. South Whitehall Township is best known as the home of Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom ,
1517-408: Was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.05. In the township, the population was spread out, with 27.74% under the age of 20, 4.36% from 20 to 24, 20.99% from 25 to 44, 33.87% from 45 to 64, and 13.04% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.3 years. For every 100 females there were 98.72 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.94 males age 18 and over. As of 2015,
1558-514: Was attained, the township had the option of holding a referendum and, if it passed, became a first-class township. The municipality could proceed to the level of borough or city in a similar fashion. Historically, this progression has often included border adjustments or mergers with other boroughs or townships. Many communities remain townships in spite of growth that brings the characteristics of more-urbanized areas that might be associated with "towns." Because Pennsylvania's constitution provides for
1599-466: Was built in 1808. It stands as one of the oldest church buildings in the country, and is a fine example of the architecture of that period. The early schools of the township were connected with the two Jordan churches for many years, possibly extending back to 1739. According to the Roberts history, the congregations were at first supplied not by pastors, but by teachers who used to read sermons on Sundays. It
1640-473: Was erected. Members of the United Church of Christ religion settled in the area as early as 1738, and baptisms of their children during the period of 1740 to 1752 are recorded in the Lutheran record book. In 1752, Lorenz Guth presented the Reformed with a 50-acre (20 ha) tract of land, and a log church was erected in six weeks. The second and present church building, with its 110-foot (34 m) steeple,
1681-573: Was known as "the back part of Macungie " on the Heidelberg District. The name Whitehall is thought to be derived from one of two sources: either a place in England, or for a white house erected as a hunting lodge near Jordan and Cedar creeks. The Lutherans built the present church in 1842–1843 at a cost of $ 3,581.24 (equivalent to $ 117,000 in 2023). It was renovated in 1868. In 1886, a fine, shapely, slate-covered steeple, 138 feet (42 m) high,