Fox Chase

Fox Chase is a small town located in Pennsylvania, U.S.A. on the outskirts of Philadelphia. As of 2010, the population was 20,069. Fox Chase was incorporated into Philadelphia in 1854. The total size of Fox Chase is 2.83 square miles. The Fox Chase Farm is one of the few remaining in Philadelphia. Fox Chase is known for one of America’s longest running cold cases, which started in 1957.

My grandparents have been living in Fox Chase since 1989, after moving from nearby. They live right on the edge of the Pennypack Park, and right next to a train line. During the summer, I always end up setting up a pool or sprinkler. I usually find myself pacing around the house waiting for the ice cream truck to show up. I have a bunch of old model trains, most of which built in the 1950s. Formerly, there was really only Mister Softee around, but recently there have been other ice cream trucks around. It's become a game now, watching to see if Mister Softee actually turned onto our block or drives past. They really only come around when I'm not around, I don't know why. Speaking of that train line, sometimes there is interesting stuff to see. Did I mention I watch trains there all the time? Well, that's really all I can fit here, any more and this might as well be the whole website. Enjoy your time here!

Starting off with the history, Fox Chase was originally part of Lower Dublin Township. Lower Dublin Township dissolved and Fox Chase was transferred to Philadelphia in 1854.

Fox Chase got its name from the Fox Chase Hotel, built in 1705. The hotel created a large stagecoach business around the town. The hotel was sold and demolished in 1940, Dunkin Donuts now sits on the location.

Philadelphia's elite once flocked to the area outside the city, seeking good vacation homes. The area changed with the arrival of the railroad in 1876, with new mansions being constructed with the help of the railroad.

Next up is Environment, One of the many parks located in Fox Chase is the Pennypack Park, which is composed of woodlands, meadows, and marshes. There are many bridle trails for horseback riding, as well as the Pennypack Creek, which snakes through most of Northeastern Philadelphia.

Fox Chase is home to one of Philadelphia's last surviving farms still in active use. Originally owned by the Wistar family, Fox Chase Farm was slowly surrounded by houses until it was purchased by the city in 1975, it is now run by the School District of Philadelphia and used as an educational facility.

Usually referred to as part of Pennypack Park, the Newtown Rail Trail carried trains up to Newtown up until 1985. The Pennypack Trail was constructed on top of the railway and a new expansion has recently been constructed to Fox Chase station.

Finally, the business of Fox Chase. Fox Chase has many family-owned businesses and major store chains. One of the largest being the Fox Chase Cancer Center, a unique facility that merges cancer research with treatment.

Rieker's Prime Meats, founded in 1970, is the "premier destination for hand-made, authentic German luncheonmeats and sausages," according to their website. Rieker's has been in its current location since 1972.

Schenk's Family Bakery has been serving the Philadelphia area since 1938, offering a wide variety of different hand-baked products.

Information provided by  Wikipedia 

 Rieker's Prime Meats 

 Schenk's Family Bakery 

Here are some photos from my time in Fox Chase