History of Leola, Pennsylvania

Bushongs, Carpenters, Weidlers, Buckwalters, Groffs, and Mixels were some of the earliest settlers in the Township. Emanuel Carpenter, one of the earliest immigrants of the Township, arrived in 1723 and settled along the border between West Earl and Upper Leacock Townships. Beginning in 1756, he was one of the area's most prominent citizens and a member of the Provincial Assembly.

According to historical accounts, Leacock (formerly known as Mechanicsburg) was named after a location in Ireland with the same name. The first home in town was once the residence of Reverend Samuel Trumbauer and was originally a bakery, candy store, and pharmacy. The earliest recorded deed in the town is dated 5 May 1736 and pertains to the D.B. Landis farm. In 1825, Dr. Isaac Weidler established the first medical practice in Mechanicsburg. He practiced medicine in the municipality for fifty years. In the triangle formed by New Holland Turnpike and Newport Road in 1850, a pottery enterprise was established.

Andrew Bare originally founded Bareville in 1780. In 1764, John Henry Bare's father received a land grant from the Penn family. Eventually, Andrew Bare acquired the Hans Good estate and built Bareville's first substantial home and barn. On this property, Bare established one of the nation's first distilleries. In truth, during the late 1700s and early 1800s, this township's farmers were primarily engaged in the distillation of spirits. Wheat and maize surpluses were more readily transported to market as distilled spirits. According to reports, the best-selling spirits cost as little as $85 per gallon. Learn more about the geography of Leola.

Leola, formerly known as Batten's Corner, was a part of Bareville until June 10, 1896, when it became a distinct community. The naming of the town Leola was surrounded by substantial controversy. Residents desired to name the community Glenolde or Glenola, but this name conflicted with other existing railroad stations. The term "Leola" represents a compromise. The first syllable, Le, is derived from the word leacock, while the last two syllables, ola, are derived from the word glenola.

In this Republican bastion, the Democratic administration of Grover Cleveland refused to honor the name of the local post office. Finally, in 1896, the dispute was resolved, and the village's name was officially changed to Leola. Henry M. Stauffer has been appointed Leola Postmaster.