The neighborhood of North Wayne was the first part of Drexel and Childs’ development of Wayne. Houses were built here on the farm of the Pugh family, whose house stood where Oak Lane is today. The only remaining part of the Pugh farm is their small springhouse that remains near Gulph Creek in the backyard of a North Wayne Avenue house.

Development began on North Wayne Avenue and continued through Oak Lane, Walnut Lane, and eventually Woodland, Beechtree and Chestnut. Construction began around 1885 and ended in about 1889, although a few houses followed later. Each house was built by Wendell and Smith, who later went on to build the South Wayne houses, and most were designed will William L. and Frank L. Price. There were a number of styles of houses in North Wayne including the Bruin Lodge, Flemish House, Pillar House and Round End House.

Development continued at the turn of the century on Poplar Ave. At the end of Woodland Avenue, the Wayne Steam Heat plant operated, sending heating into the homes of North Wayne. Electricity was produced as a biproduct, which also benefitted the North Wayne houses by allowing electrical lights to operate. In 1896 the Steam Heat Plant burned down and left North Wayne residents without heat during part of the winter.

Original Designs

Under Construction
Scenes of North Wayne under construction. The photos date from 1885-9.

The original farm house on Oak Lane, as construction commences next door. The small spring house seen to the left of the main house still stands. Radnor Historical Society Collection		Construction probably on North Wayne Avenue. 2x4s extended two whole floors in these early buildings. Radnor Historical Society Collection		Construction on Oak Lane. The house being built is on the coner of Oak and Beechtree. It was one of the first Pillar Houses to be built in North Wayne. Radnor Historical Society Collection
Construction on Walnut Avenue. The Japanese House is shown on the left, and to it’s right is “Sunnyside,” which burned down in 1899. Radnor Historical Society Collection				Construction on Chestnut Lane. The house to the left originally belonged to J.W. Morrison. Radnor Historical Society Collection

After the Construction
Photos of North Wayne after construction

A view of Beechtree and Chestnut Ln. The photo was taken from a lawn on the corner. The picture looks West down Beechtree Ln. Radnor Historical Society Collection		The same house seen in the previous picture. This was one of the "Tower Houses" on Beechtree Ln. Radnor Historical Society Collection		"Bon Air," the house of Captain John W. Morrison on Chestnut Lane, at the corner of Eagle Rd. It is noted for it's high elevation, from which the town of Wayne could be seen. It was first owned by William Whitney, who made numerous additions and alterations. In 1892 it was sold to the Captain. The house originally had woods behind it, with a circular driveway and carriage house. The carriage house is currently being used as a private residence. Radnor Historical Society Collection

Another view of "Bon Air" on Chestnut Lane. Online Source		The house of R.L. Hart built in 1889 on the corner of Beechtree Lane and Radnor Street Road. It was originally a typical Price "Round End House," but it was modified to meet Hart's own ideas. Online Source		"Brentwood," residence of Thomas Leaming, Esq. on the corner of North Wayne Ave. and Eagle Rd. Gulph Creek ran through the property, which was noted for it's high oak trees. The house was built in 1888 by Cope and Stewardson. Online Source
A "Tower House" on Beechtree Lane. There were only a few houses of this design in North Wayne, the others being on Woodland Ave. and Chestnut Lane. From "William L. Price"		Beechtree Lane looking west. The photo was taken in front of the R.L. Hart property. A "Flemish House" is visible from this view. From "William L. Price"		Construction on Chestnut Lane. The house to the left originally belonged to J.W. Morrison. Radnor Historical Society Collection
A vintage article from an architectural magazine depicting the new houses on Poplar Avenue, from the turn of the century. GP Collection
In 2002, this house at the corner of Poplar and Woodland was torn down to make way for two incredibly out of place homes. GP Photos