Mount Joy Borough Office and Police Station
The name “Mountjoy” is actually an English name. During the reign of the English Queen Elizabeth, Lord Mountjoy was sent to Ireland by the Queen to destroy the Irish Chiefs. The name went on to be used as a name for a village, fort, castle, street, prison, and ships. When James II who was Catholic became king of England, his Protestant Parliament forced him to abdicate the throne. His daughter, Mary, and her husband, William of Orange (which became Holland), were invited to share the throne. James fled first to France and then Scottish Presbyterians who had been ‘planted there’ by the English throne to counteract the Catholic population. The Scottish Presbyterian remained inside the walled city of Londonderry for 105 days, practically starved when three supply ships (ordered by King William) arrived to save them. “Within the next thirty years, most of the Scottish Presbyterians left their Irish homeland and come to the colonies. One of the biggest settlements was Donegal, and the settlers brought with them the names from Ireland. Donegal and Mountjoy are two of those names.” –Vera Albert With this very important history explained, answers the age-old question on how you spell Mount Joy. Since the borough is not on a mountain, but rather the borough is named after a very important ship, we spell out the work mount. So the correct way is M-O-U-N-T J-O-Y.At the Mount Joy Borough office, you will find many friendly faces who will greet you and help with all of your needs. Borough Office Hours are Monday-Friday 7 A.M.-4 P.M. Attached to the Borough office is the Mount Joy Police Department. The Mount Joy Borough Police Department takes pride in its role as a citizen in the community. We derive authority from those we serve and protect and shall be judged for our efforts. In accomplishing this important mission, we shall provide precise enforcement of the law and deliver humanitarian services, which promote a safe community. We shall provide leadership to promote individual responsibility and a commitment to improving the community’s quality of life through crime control and public safety while serving all people with fairness and respect.Please visit http://mountjoyborough.com/ to learn more information about Mount Joy Borough!!!
Mount Joy Train Station
In 1836 the Harrisburg, Portsmouth, Mount Joy & Lancaster Railroad began service between Mount Joy and Lancaster with subsequent through service to Harrisburg beginning in 1838 due to delays excavating a tunnel to the west in Elizabethtown. The H&L was a private enterprise founded by James Buchanan and Simon Cameron, both would later rise to important posts in government – Buchanan our 15th President and Cameron the Secretary of War during the Lincoln Administration. The line was initially constructed as a means to connect the Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad with the Cumberland Valley in Harrisburg. The H&L was one of the first private railroads purchased by the PRR, who contracted operation of the company in 1848 establishing a direct route between Harrisburg and Philadelphia (via the P&C at Lancaster) and later purchased the operation outright in 1917.Surveyors plotted the original route through the heart of Mount Joy approaching from the west, north and parallel to Main Street. Shortly after the arrival of the railroad, agricultural related industry as well as furnaces and manufacturing quickly developed with the promise of connections to distant markets. Initially the H&L operated a passenger station at the corner Main and Barbara streets, part of railroad-operated hotel. It was in this vicinity that the original right of way made a dramatic turn south through the center of town in a congested two block area, crossing almost all east west streets at grade between Barbara and Jacobs Streets, straightening again between Sassafras Alley and East Donegal St and finally crossing Little Chiques Creek on the east end of town.In 1876 a new wood frame station was constructed at the crossing of Market Street replacing the original H&L arrangement and included enlarged facilities for both freight and passengers and an agent’s quarters. The new station was surrounded by industry like the Philip Frank malting facility and the Brandt & Manning mill, which likely provided materials to the A. Bube Brewery on Market St which survives today as microbrewery and restaurant.Like many early railroad grades the existing alignment laid out in the 1830’s was less than ideal for the aspirations of the PRR approaching the end of the 19th Century. Part of the greater system improvements program under Chief Engineer William H. Brown, Mount Joy underwent changes between 1892 and 1896 that would improve rail service and the quality of life for many residents by eliminating grade crossings and the reverse curve through town. The PRR purchased land between Jacob (now W. Henry St.) and West Donegal Streets from Marietta Ave west to the town limits for construction of the new alignment.The railroad was built below grade eliminating any road crossings and straightened the line a great deal, a great benefit to the railroad who would eventually use this line primarily for fast moving passenger trains. Though the PRR was known for its four-track system, this line between Royalton and Dillerville always remained two tracks due to most freight being diverted over the Columbia Branch and A&S at Parkesburg.With the opening of the new line, the old H&L alignment was abandoned east of Barbara Street with the western half retained to access the numerous industries located on the now stub end spur. The 1876 passenger station remained for many years as an agent office while a replacement station was built on the new mainline in 1896. Featuring a design similar to some suburban stations on the Philadelphia Terminal Division’s Chestnut Hill line the new facility had a street level station house with agent quarters and passenger shelters in the narrow cut below at track level.In 1938 more change came to Mount Joy when the PRR initiated the final phase of electrification between Paoli and Harrisburg on both the mainline and freight routes. Today Amtrak operates the line as part of the New York City- Harrisburg Keystone Service providing limited service at Mount Joy. Both the 1876 and 1896 stations have been lost and at the present time an Amshack bus shelter provides limited facilities for passengers. The county, borough and Amtrak aim to build an improved transportation center in the vicinity of the existing station, part of a plan to redevelop downtown Mount Joy and improve transportation access. The surviving H&L alignment is now owned by Spangler’s Flour Mill and is serviced by Norfolk Southern Corporation crews based out of Dillerville Yard in Lancaster.BibliographyFroio, Michael. "Mount Joy on the Philadelphia Division." Michael Froio-Photography. Michael@michaelfoio.com, 9 Oct. 2013. Web. 16 Jan. 2017.
Main Street Mount Joy (MSMJ)
Main Street Mount Joy (MSMJ) is a 501c3, charitable organization registered in the state of Pennsylvania for downtown revitalization. MSMJ is a subsidiary of the National Main Street Program launched by the National Trust for Historic Preservation designed to help communities revive their business districts. There are over 1200 Main Street communities across the United States.Mission & VisionIn 2009, Main Street Mount Joy began working with the Plan the Keystone Team and PennDOT to develop a “Downtown Destination Development & Branding Plan” in anticipation of significant physical improvements to be undertaken by PennDOT in the vicinity of the Mount Joy Amtrak Station. The shared goal of this work was to create a thriving and successful Main Street in Mount Joy.In spring 2010, the consulting firm Kennedy, Coulter, Rushing & Watson (KCRW), in Chattanooga, TN was hired by Glatting Jackson (now AECOM) to assist MSMJ in developing a three year Strategic Plan for Organizational Sustainability so that MSMJ could continue and enhance its efforts to be a catalyst for downtown business development.Through this planning process both the vision and mission statements were revisited and renewed to better describe the direction of the organization’s purpose over the next 3 – 5 years. The newly adopted statements are:The Vision of Main Street Mount JoyDowntown Mount Joy is a vibrant, friendly, and attractive dining, shopping, and entertainment center that showcase distinctive small town charm for residents as well as visitors.The Mission of Main Street Mount JoyMain Street Mount Joy is driven to build, strengthen, and promote a prosperous downtown that provides a friendly, viable, fulfilling experience for businesses, residents, commuters, and visitors.
Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce
Mount Joy Chamber of CommerceThe Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce exists to promote, educate, and represent surrounding businesses and organizations in the Mount Joy area. The Mount Joy Chamber seeks to attract new businesses and organizations into Mount Joy, as well as provide a forum to help existing businesses and organizations grow and prosper.Mount Joy Visitors’ CenterThe Chamber Office has been designated the Mount Joy Visitors Center by the PA Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau. Flyers, brochures, and business cards for Mount Joy member businesses are available to the visiting public. There are also Maps and Visitors’ Guides, as well as other items.Mount Joy Vistors Center Hours:Tuesday – Friday10 AM – 4 PM.Mount Joy Money Gift Certificates – The Perfect Gift!The Mount Joy Chamber has an exciting program called Mount Joy Money, designed to keep business dollars in Mount Joy and support our Chamber Members as a Member Benefit. You can purchase Mount Joy Money Gift Certificates at the Chamber office, hours are 10am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Friday. We sell certificates in denominations of $5, $10 and $20 that are redeemable at more than 50 businesses located in Mount Joy. Mount Joy Money is a great gift for a family member or a friend, or purchase them to use as awards for your employees!
Fire Department Mount Joy Station 75
Fire Department Mount JoyStation 75Lancaster County, PennsylvaniaFire Department Mount Joy is an all volunteer organization located in Northwest Lancaster County, PA, that provides fire and rescue services to all of Mount Joy Borough and portions of East Donegal, Mount Joy and Rapho Townships, encompassing 28 square miles with a population of approximately 10,790 residents and 5810 land parcels (residential, business and agriculture). We also protect 4 miles of state route 283, 6 miles of state route 230 and 6 miles of the Amtrak mainline railway.We consistently place in the top ten of busiest Lancaster County Fire Departments, placing 6th for 2008 with 682 incidents.Our first due response is very diverse consisting of densely populated areas of the borough, suburban style developments, commercial/industrial areas and parks, and vast rural farm land.We also regularly provide and receive mutual aid service to the following departments;Rheems, Elizabethtown, Marietta, Maytown/East Donegal, Columbia, Bainbridge, Matersonville, Manheim, Hempfield, West Hempfield, Rhorerstown and East Petersburg.Fire Department Mount Joy is a combination the former Friendship Fire Company (organized 1868) and the Florin Fire Company (organized 1947) which merged in 2001. We operate out of one station located at 111 New Haven Street in Mount Joy and operate a fleet of 8 units;1 - 2000 GPM Engine 1 - 2000 GPM Rescue/Engine 1 - 100’ Ladder Truck 1 - Traffic Unit 1 - Utility Pick-up 2 - Duty Chief/Officer Vehicles (SUV’s)We are funded through various sources within the community we serve and strive to provide the most efficient service within these resources.Annual fund drive mailing to 5810 residential and business address in our district The 4 municipalities we serve contribute general fund resources to our operational and capital budgets (Mount Joy Borough also provides workers compensations insurance) The 4 municipalities we serve disperse Pennsylvania Act 84 Funds to our Relief Association We actively pursue private, state and federal grants sources The Fire Police hold several fundraising events throughout the year to support projects
Mount Joy Area Historical Society
The Mount Joy Area Historical Society was chartered in 1973 by a group of citizens who were concerned about the future of precious historical records and artifacts of the Mount Joy Area.The organization has prospered during its nearly 40 years solely through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and members, who continue to be its most vital asset.You have an opportunity to partner with The Mount Joy Area Historical Society by making a small investment in preserving the unique history of the Mount Joy Area.List of Historic Buildings on the Mount Joy Borough Registry
Milanof Schock Public Library
Library service to the residents of Mount Joy began in 1962 as a Girl Scout troop community project. Demand was so great that a bookmobile stop was established in a former store front at 22 East Main Street in 1964.By 1993, community interest and expanded services made clear the need for a new facility. Spearheaded by community volunteers, capital campaign plans were developed, and a capital fund drive began in 1996 with a goal of $1.1 million dollars.Two major gifts totaling over $800,000 were pledged to the project.Anne Milanof became a library volunteer in 1965 and served for 25 years becoming President of the Library Board. In her will, she donated $450,000 to the library building fund. Clarence Schock started his own oil company (SICO) and founded the SICO Foundation. The Foundation awarded $400,000 to the library building fund in memory of Mr. Schock.The New LibraryThe Milanof-Schock Library, located at 1184 Anderson Ferry Road in Mount Joy, opened in February 1999. The new building, a fully accessible 8,000 square foot building, offered 14,000 items, free computer and internet access at nine public computers with separate computers for children. With the new building came an expanded service area which included the municipalities of Marietta Borough and Mount Joy Borough, East Donegal Township, Mount Joy Township and Rapho Township.In August 1999, community members and volunteers of the Book Sale Committee organized the Friends of the Milanof-Schock Library, a not-for-profit association of persons interested in the growth and development of the library. Upon formation of the group, officers were elected and regular meeting times were established.“Best Small Library in America”The Milanof-Schock Library’s dedicated service to its community has earned it local, national, and international recognition. In 2006, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Library Journal named "Best Small Library in America".The Milanof-Schock Library celebrated it’s tenth Anniversary in February 2009.Each year since the library opened, community use (especially by children) has grown at a compound rate of over 15% per year! At the 2009 mark, the library had more than 13,000 cardholders – over one-third of our population with an average of 100 new patrons per month. And those users checked out 190,000 items – books, tapes and CDs and DVDs. This included daily visits, borrowing from its collections, use of its public computers, and attendance at its award-winning educational programs.Present DayAs of 2016 the library’s collection has increased to offer some 40,000 items and through a collaborative effort, patrons have access to the collections of the 17 member libraries in Lancaster County as well as libraries across the state under Access PA.For more information about the Milanof-Schock Public Library please visit Milanof-Schock Public Library WebsiteTo read the article about the ""Best Small Library in America" award please visit Best Small Library in America
Mount Joy Borough Compost Site
Mount Joy Borough Compost SiteConstructed in 2007 Covers just under 5 acres Removes tons of woody waste and leaves from the solid waste stream which equals less material to the landfill and substantial savings for the taxpayers Will provide useful products for the Mount Joy Borough and East Donegal Township residents Woody waste is processed to produce a mulch product Leaves are processed to produce a mulch/soil amendment productFor hours and rates please visit Mount Joy Borough Compost Website
