Rockland Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania

Rockland Township is a township in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,778 at the 2010 census.

History

Rockland Township was organized in 1758. Prior to then, it was a part of Oley, Pennsylvania. It took its name from the numerous rocks it contains. Boulders thirty feet long, fifteen feet wide and fifteen feet high may be seen. Certain collections of rocks are known as Shott's Head and Guinther's Head. Near the latter there is a succession of rocks one hundred twenty feet long. This is the watershed of the township and from this point the water is drained south, east and west.A. E. Wagner, Ph.D., F. W. Balthaser, M.E., and D.K. Hoch, ''The Story of Berks County Pennsylvania'', Eagle Book ad Job Press, Reading, 1913

The township's early settlers were Germans, who migrated northward from Oley. In 1842, a part of the township was annexed to Pike.

Sacony and Beaver Creeks have been a source for power generation of various mills in Rockland Township and surrounding areas. Grim's Mill on the Sacony has been remodeled. Rohrbach's Mill in the western section of the township, was destroyed by fire and has not been rebuilt.

Sally Ann Charcoal Furnace, which was built in 1811 and operated until 1879, was also based on the Sacony. Rockland Forges, which operated for over 70 years; General Daniel Udree operated one with Hessians and Redemptioners.

On Beaver Creek, a paper and birch oil manufacturer was propelled by the creek, and manufactured a form of clay used in the manufacturing of porcelain china. A pottery operated in the vicinity. A granite manufacturer, similar to that of Vermont granite, is located in New Jerusalem, near the township. There is a marble saw mill on the Sacony near Grim's mill, where large blocks of marble are sawed into desirable sizes. It has been in operation since 1864. None of the early mines are now in operation.

In 1976, Sally Ann Furnace Complex, located in the township, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 17.1 square miles (44.2 km), all land. It is drained by the Sacony Creek and the Manatawny Creek into the Schuylkill River and most of the township is located in the South Mountains. Its villages include Boyers Junction, Dryville, New Jerusalem, and Sally Ann.

Adjacent municipalities

* Longswamp Township (northeast)
* District Township (east)
* Pike Township (southeast)
* Oley Township (southwest)
* Ruscombmanor Township (west)
* Richmond Township (northwest)
* Maxatawny Township (northwest)

Climate

Rockland has a humid continental climate (''Dfa''/''Dfb'') and the hardiness zone is mainly 6b, with some 6a in higher elevations. Average monthly temperatures in New Jerusalem range from 27.6 °F in January to 71.4 °F in July. The annual absolute minimum temperature in New Jerusalem averages -4.5 °F.

Transportation

As of 2019, there were of public roads in Rockland Township, of which were maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and were maintained by the township.

No numbered highways traverse Rockland Township. The main roads in the township include Fleetwood Road/Fredricksville Road, Forgedale Road/Memorial Highway, Lobachsville Road/Lyons Road, Main Street, Pricetown Road, Ruppert School Lane, and Smoketown Road.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,765 people, 1,330 households, and 1,095 families residing in the township. The population density was . There were 1,368 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the township was 98.25% White, 0.24% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.35% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.12% of the population.

There were 1,330 households, out of which 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.4% were married couples living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.6% were non-families. 12.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $59,280, and the median income for a family was $62,778. Males had a median income of $42,003 versus $28,429 for females. The per capita income for the township was $26,530. About 2.0% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.1% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Supervisors

*Russell Coffin, Chairman
*Terry Fegley
*Harold Meadway

Legislators

*State Representative David Maloney Sr., 130th district, Republican
*State Senator Judy Schwank, 11th district, Democrat
*U.S. Representative Dan Meuser, 9th district, Republican

Recreation

The western parcel of the Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 315 is located near the western corner of the township.https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/advanced-viewer/ The National Map, retrieved November 2, 2018Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 315
retrieved November 2, 2018

References

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Townships in Berks County, Pennsylvania
Townships in Pennsylvania