Chartiers Twp. to mark anniversary
On March 23, 1790, the Washington County Court of Quarter Sessions, acting on a petition from inhabitants of the area, formed Chartiers Township by taking land from the southern part of Cecil Township.
Not wanting to let the 225th anniversary of the township’s formation go unnoticed, the supervisors are planning a celebration during their meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, though the board regularly has its monthly meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month,
“We didn’t want to let the day go by without commemorating it,” said Jodi Noble, township manager. “We will be celebrating throughout the year, including on Celebrate Chartiers Day, which is set for June 28.”
“I am sure many residents do not realize how old the township really is,” she added. “We also will be doing a time capsule and throughout the year will be looking for township-related photos and memorabilia. The time capsule will be placed at the community center.”
In 1791, the boundaries of the township shrunk with the establishment of Canton and Mt. Pleasant townships. The area in the township once known as Houstonville, named for D.C. Houston, was incorporated as Houston Borough in 1901.
The history of the township in its website indicates it was named for Pierre Chartiere, whose anglicized name was Peter Chartiers. The French-Native American trader came to the territory in 1749 from Philadelphia and established a trading post along the stream now known as Chartiers Creek.
Driving through the township, one can get a sense of the history of township as several streets carry the names of the early settlers. The Allison plan and Allison Hollow Road carry the name of Col. James Allison, one of the first settlers along Chartiers Creek. He came to the area in 1774 and settled with other families.
There will be a short business meeting of the board followed by a presentation of the township’s history. Memorabilia will be on display. All living, former members of the board of supervisors have been invited to attend as well as county and state officials. Noble said there also will be light refreshments including birthday cake to mark the occasion.