King of Prussia, Then and Now

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preview a copy of my NEW book,

"King of Prussia,
Then & Now "

to be released May 21, 2007!

King of Prussia

Preview a copy of

"King of Prussia"

Only $19.99 each!
All copies purchased on this web site will be personally signed
by the author.


One of the only constants in life is change, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the ever evolving face of King of Prussia, Pa.

The name "King of Prussia" was derived more than a century ago from an inn kept by John Elliott in 1786. There are many theories as to how the King of Prussia Inn got its name, and you can find those by exploring the links page. The Post Office was originally called Reesville or Reeseville (both spellings exist with the same frequency) but was changed prior to 1851 to King of Prussia probably when a surveyor came through town, saw the name on the inn and thought it was the name of the town.

This website is a look back at what was, and what will never be again. From family and friends I have secured photographs that deserve to be shared and remembered. And I gathered postcards which I learned right away are NOT necessarily historical documents. Still, every attempt has been made to describe each picture on the website accurately.

I dedicate this site to the Morrison family, spanning three generations, and to their tireless efforts to keep the past alive. I would also like to thank all our dear friends who contributed their photos and wonderful memories. Even the web designer grew up here!

If you have any photos or information to add to this site please send them to me at info@historicreeseville.com

               J. Michael Morrison

(Above) Sketch of the King of Prussia Antique Shop, always a favorite subject for artists who sat on the
porch of the King of Prussia Inn and sketched away.

(Right) This photo was taken of me in December, 1952, in the front room of the King of Prussia Antique Shop-second floor. At 9-1/2 months old, I have already begun developing the desire to keep the past alive. Through the window you can see the King of Prussia Inn.

 
Search this site:
Google
WWW Historic Reeseville

A Description of our Town in the Nineteenth Century...

Charles Francis Saunders, in "Country Walks in 1889" wrote of King of Prussia and its inn:

" To the eye of the traveler who has never been in England the village of King of Prussia looks like an English hamlet. As you enter you pass a number of neat little dwellings, each with its old fashioned garden, a shady old bridge over the little creek (Abrams', also earlier called Elliott's Run) that runs through the middle of the village; then comes the blacksmith shop, the store, the doctor's, and opposite the latter, the King of Prussia Inn which for a century and a quarter has dispensed good cheer to man and beast."

Do you remember the Viking Hut? the Purple Cow?
Click here to take the
"Walk Down Memory Lane Quiz"
of King of Prussia landmarks
.