Matt Schickling, the Wire
Hatboro residents worried about the fate of the historic Isaac Walton House can rest easy — it’s in good hands.
The house and surrounding property were donated to the Hatboro Area YMCA by the Miller family, who lived there for over five generations. The property was renovated and is being used as the YMCA’s summer day camp facility.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last Wednesday to officially open the camp, located directly across the street from the original YMCA building on South York Road.
“This will now allow our Y to do an even better job of providing our community with youth development programs,” said Gary Chamberlain, executive director of the Hatboro Area YMCA. “We all want a strong, vibrant Hatboro community.”
The Isaac Walton House, also known as Cressbrook, was built in 1724 and was the site of an early colonial tannery. Also on the property is an old barn, which was converted to a large activity space.
The three-acre property also includes a lot of outdoor space. Some features of the new camp are hiking trails, ropes, a rock climbing wall, sand volleyball and archery.
The original YMCA building is also historical.
After it was purchased by the YMCA, excavators uncovered artifacts that suggested the house was a stop along the Underground Railroad.
Originally, the home was owned by Nathaniel Boileau, a Hatboro resident who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was speaker in 1808.
State Rep. Tom Murt was present and addressed the importance of the YMCA in his life.
“When I was serving in Iraq in 2003 and 2004, when my own family was struggling financially, my children participated through the Open Doors program,” Murt said.
The Open Doors program offers financial assistance to anyone in need and makes sure the YMCA does not turn away anyone who can’t pay membership or program fees.
“I was always grateful to the Hatboro Y for that opportunity,” Murt added.
Also in attendance were Hatboro Mayor Norm Hawkes; John Flynn, president of Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA; Hatboro-Horsham High School students; YMCA campers; and George Rizzuto, interim CEO and CFO of St. Christopher’s
Hospital for Children, the Y’s new youth development sponsor.
“It was clear from day one that St. Christopher’s had a connection at the deepest level,” Rizzuto said. “What it really comes down to is we’re all about the kids.”
Bright Judson, a member of the Miller family who previously lived in the Isaac Walton House, was present during the ceremony. Chamberlain revealed a plaque on the barn honoring the Miller family for their donation.
After the ceremony, tours were given by YMCA staff, and children played on some of the new equipment.
“I just want to say our family is so excited about this,” Judson said. “I know it’s going to be great for the kids.”
The Hatboro Area YMCA is located at 455 S. York Road in Hatboro. For information, visit www.philaymca.org/locations/hatboro/.
