Llangollen takes its’ name from a founding seventh century Saint, Collen. The name “Llangollen” is Welsh and there is also a small town in the UK by the same name. The Welch word “‘Llan” means an enclosure.
One of the first things you see when entering Llangollen are the beautiful stone walls on either side of the road. The original builder, Gordy Construction, erected these walls in 1949 at a cost of $3,500. They are owned and maintained by the Llangollen Estates Civic Association.
Years ago this general area was sometimes referred to as “Black Cat”. At one time there was a club by the same name, which was located near the entrance of our development (approximately where the Castillo Collision Center now located). Patrons of the club would come from Philadelphia and Maryland by train, which stopped at a station right next to the club. Back then it was the only big club between Philadelphia and Maryland. The club played host to many top name entertainers of that era. One such famous actor, Mickey Rooney, had his first paying job at the Black Cat Club.
Llangollen Estates has been home to some of the Delaware’s noteworthy business people and entrepreneurs, with our own Senator Carper owning a home here at one time.
Mickey Rooney
American Actor
Tom Carper
United States Senator
The oldest home In Llangollen Estates is located at 217 Park Avenue. This house is estimated to have been built in 1799 or 1800. Currently the earliest deed that can be located indicates the home was owned by Henry McComb, born in 1825, of Scotch-Irish descent. At age 25 he was recognized as one of the foremost men in Wilmington. He was a Colonel in the army and commanded the 5th Regiment in Delaware during the Civil War. He was a personal friend of President Lincoln and members of his cabinet. After the war, he was one of the originators of the Union Pacific Railroad, and the President of the Narraganset Steamship Company In 1880 he bought the Delaware Western Railroad and owned numerous other properties in Delaware. He died in 1881 and left his estate to his wife.
The current owner’s daughter continues to research the history of this home. At one time it was a convalescent home. It stood empty for a number of years until the current owner came across the house while touring the area and purchased it.
Grantham-Edwards-McComb House
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grantham-Edwards-McComb_House
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Carper
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Rooney