by Maple Shade Historical Society (Author)
Maple Shade's history spans more than three centuries, starting when John and Sarah Roberts arrived from Burlington, New Jersey, in 1682. The settlement became more permanent in 1794 when Main Street was constructed, allowing a connection to the King's Highway and to the Cooper River ferry. In 1811, property was set aside for the Chesterford School, also known as the "Little Red Schoolhouse." In 1867, the township gained an identity with a train station and a rail stop. Formerly known as Chester Township, the town was now called Maple Shade. Along with the railroad came various industries and businesses, several shops, a post office, and an active brick-making business. Maple Shade gradually changed from a rural community to a suburban town. Today many of these early settlers are still known through street names: Robert Stiles, Samuel Coles, Alexander Mecray, and the Rudderows were all early settlers of Maple Shade.