Profile-Maximilian F. LaRoche-"Father of Collingdale"

Role played in the borough: Known as the "Father of Collingdale", LaRoche actively worked to incorporate the village of Collingdale by establishing the Collingdale Land and Improvement Company in 1882 and by purchasing thirty acres of land which he sold as residence lots. His florist trade was the main reason why he first decided to settle in what was then known as Darby. He specialized in roses and chrysanthemums which were popular in the late 1880s in wreaths and other floral arrangements. Once the decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court came down making it legal for communities to secede from existing boroughs, LaRoche had a petition written up and notarized May 1, 1891 establishing Collingdale borough. The petition was accepted and the borough established December 23, 1891.

Greatest accomplishments: LaRoche established the first government council in Collingdale and was elected as the first Burgess of Collingdale on January 10, 1892. He was also actively involved in the floral business which prompted the borough's officials to place a rose on the borough's seal in honor and remembrance of his service to the community.

A brief history: LaRoche's connection with John Bartram the famous botanist is simple. As a horticulturalist LaRoche would have known of Bartram's work and may have visited his home while he was in Philadelphia. Being a member of the Philadelphia Horticultural Society would have also exposed him to John Bartram. His father, Charles and his grandfather before him would have known John Bartram's work as well. I believe that it was his love of horticulture that may have caused him to seek out information about Bartram and his family. When he found out that some of Bartram's family lived in Darby, he decided to purchase land adjacent to their property. He then realized the potential for growth and knew that having reliable transportation would be essential for its growth. He became actively involved then in the incorporation and eventual establishment of the borough which led him to a political career that spanned from 1891 through 1907.