Revolutions and Revelations

Revolutions and Revelations. , In the 1800's, changes swept across the nation, from technology to religion., As industry exploded, the Willcox family bought Sarum Forge for its Glen Mills operations. Some of the paper they made became U.S. currency., Rail service revolutionized transportation. Its arrival in Thornbury in 1858 was good for business. It became much easier to transport goods to and from Philadelphia., People across America found renewed interest in religion - including here in Thornbury. Residents established several new churches., People also rethought social issues. Philadelphians opened the House of Refuge, the first facility for court-referred young men in the country. It moved to Thornbury in 1892. Today, it is the well-respected Glen Mills School. Soon after, a similar school for girls, Sleighton Farms, opened., [Photo captions, clockwise from top left, read] , . Thornton residents of the late 19th century., . Boys drilling at House of Refuge, Glen Mills, PA. Date unknown., . House of Refuge, Glen Mills, PA. Date unknown., . Interior of Bethlehem Methodist Episcopal Church (now the United Methodist Church) in Thornton, early 20th century., . Sleighton Falls school, Date unknown., . Shares of The West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad Company, 1854., [Timeline] , 1800 Thomas Jefferson elected President. , 1810 Stonybank Methodist Church, Thornbury's first church, is organized. , 1812 U.S. declares war on Britain (War of 18 12). , 1814 Francis Scott Key writes the Star Spangled Banner. , 1828 The Pennsylvania Prison Society helps found The House of Refuge for Juveniles. , 1832 Richard Humphreys establishes a grant for what is now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.