Organization-Collingdale Police Department

Location: 800 MacDade Boulevard

Hours of Operation: Office open 8-4 pm Monday -Fridays...patrols run 24/7

Founded: The police department was one of the six departments established in January 1892. For the first six or seven years, only one or two officers patrolled the streets. Much of the history of the department is still buried from the early years.

A brief history: It wasn't until September 1911 that it became apparent that the one patrolling officer needed help. Borough council member Andrew Voss and a few other council members decided to ask for volunteers to support the officer in his duties. It was a few years before a solid group was formed of dedicated men willing to serve their community in this manner. In the photograph seen here from 1915, members of the first police department pose for their picture. Isaac Diehl, second from left on first row, is recorded as serving as a police officer from January 8, 1912 to March 1916. The first chief of police, William Fitzpatrick, took charge of the first non-volunteer police force in January 1928 and served until his retirement in 1948. Under his leadership the department expanded its services and was able to implement community programs. Today the police department shows the same quality of leadership and integrity in keeping the streets safe. One of their many programs is the D.A.R.E. program that educates young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol

For more information: visit....Collingdale Police Department.

Profile-Charles McCloskey Johnston, 1st Mayor of Collingdale

Role played in the borough: Charles, his wife Florence and their children, Paul, Joseph, Nancy and Eileen were active in the community from the 1940's to the 1960's. Charles started running for public office during the Second World War when wardens were needed to support the war efforts. He helped establish a temporary headquarters (shelter in place) in the basement of the First Lutheran Church. Eileen has memories of performing errands for the headquarters which fortunately was never utilized during the war. His involvement increased in the 1950's when he became a member of borough council and was elected Burgess in 1954. A Pennsylvania state ruling in November 1961 changed the official title of the office to Mayor, and thus Mr. Johnston was the first Mayor of Collingdale until he left office in January 1962.

Accomplishments: Charles accomplished some improvements to the civic organizations in the borough and was supported by his wife, Florence and the whole family in his endeavors..She was elected president of the Collingdale Library Association in the 1940's and had been active in the Women's Club for many years. She actually was one of the founders of the Women's Club in 1936. Charles was known as a fair man and very stylish. Easter parades and other celebrations were his forte.

A brief history: The Johnston family had a stable foothold in the community during the 1930's and 1940's. Memories of their efforts on behalf of the library and other civic organizations are well known. What may not be known however is that Mr. Johnston's support of various events such as the annual Halloween Parade helped keep them going. When he left office, that support disappeared and was sorely missed. 

Business-Changing Lanes Learning Center Inc

Location: 1200 Clifton Avenue

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 7 am- 6 pm

Specialize in: Teaches and supports Pre-K  (Ages 3-5) children with peanut and other related allergies. Provides special programs such as Show & Tell and special theme days.

Founded: July 2010

A brief history: The catalyst for starting this facility was the need the director, Naomi Pereira-Lane had for her young son who has peanut allergies to have a place where he could learn and grow in a safe environment. Ms. Lane researched area preschools, studied the curriculum and made the discovery that although there were two preschools in the area, they didn't provide the needed support a child with peanut and other related allergies needed. There was some resistance at first for having yet another facility in the borough where there were already three other facilities available in a three mile radius. Ms. Lane addressed that resistance by offering unique programs and by emphasizing the fact that their facility catered especially towards children who wouldn't be able to go to another facility due to medical issues.

Having a facility that would create a safe environment for the children wasn't enough. Ms. Lane wanted to make sure the children were also enriched by the education they received from the center. All teachers are certified for early elementary and Pre-K education and actively participate in both the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Delaware Valley Association of Young Children.



Naomi Pereira-Lane

For more information, visit:Changing Lanes Learning Center Inc