History:

Maytown was founded on May 1, 1760. Because it was founded in May, that"s where the name "May-town" came from. Maytown is the oldest town in Northwest Lancaster County, PA. Maytown is even older than the USA, because the Declaration of Independence was signed 6 years later. Jacob and Elizabeth Downer were two people who traveled here from Germany. They decided how Maytown"s streets would be laid out. Other settlers came here from England, Scotland and Ireland. King Street was named for King George III of Great Britian - who was the king when Maytown was founded and Queen Street was named after his wife, Queen Charlotte.

Maytown"s first homes were log cabins, but some people soon built more expensive homes of stone and brick. Today, you will find a variety of architectural home designs in Maytown - from Log cabins - to Victorian mansions - to modern homes. The "Square" in Maytown originally was where the "pump" was placed for the town to get their water. It was also the location where the local militia practiced. It has been the focal point for Maytown"s 150 th birthday party and Bicentennial celebration. Water came to Maytown homes in the 1950"s, but a replica wooden pump still stands in the Maytown square today. The poles that appear in the square are believed to be flag poles, although some people believe that they are maypoles. The "maypole dance" is still performed the first week in May to this day.

Maytown has changed a lot over the years. At one time, it had many stores, factories, warehouses, taverns and inns. People traveling west to the frontier could spend the night and buy supplies for their trip through the wilderness. Brick-making was popular in this area due to the clay soil; and cigar tobacco was a major crop grown by farmers in the surrounding farms.

Maytown Elementary is made up of two buildings that originally were either a one room school or a High School - before becoming the existing Maytown Elementary School in the Donegal School District in northwestern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The One-room school was built in 1860. Soon it became not just an elementary school, but in 1892, it also became a high school - Maytown Central High School. This two story building has been renovated over its 148 year history, and currently acts as our Intermediate building. An additional one-story building was added across from the original building in 1935. The school was now known as the Maytown High School.

Currently, this younger 73 year old section, houses the primary classes, the Library, the gymnasium, the Reading class, and the Office. Both complexes are connected by a cafeteria and breezeway and are now known as Maytown Elementary. Maytown Elementary is one of the oldest elementary schools still existing in Lancaster County, and the State of Pennsylvania. It's an interesting mix to see the beautiful wooden floors and old school lockers - combined with the computer lab and modern educational equipment.

The " Bell ", currently located in the bell tower in front of the cafeteria, was the original bell that was purchased in 1840 for $45.00, and mounted by the town on the 2-story school building. The bell was fixed to ring four times a day - 8:30... noon... 3:30.... and.. 7:00. The bell was dedicated to the teachers at Maytown.

Today, the bell still rings four times a day - at 8:45 Am... noon... 3:20 ... and 6:00 PM. Many kids in Maytown know that when the bell rings, it's time for school, lunch, dismissal or dinner!