For more than a century, Norristown was known as the shopping capital of Montgomery County. Located 15 miles northwest of Philadelphia along the Schuylkill River, Norristown developed a Main Street shopping district in the early 1800s that still serves the community today. Many of the well-known retail and industrial outlets of the area are featured here, including Chatlin's Department Store, John's Bargain Store, Scheidt's Brewery, Marcy's Water Ice, and Zummo's Hardware Store. Through rare historic photographs, Norristown recounts the borough's humble beginnings and documents the strength of the community.