As US Route 1 makes its way through the state of Pennsylvania it passes through Delaware County. Along the route you'll find the businesses, offices, and residential properties typical of any major U.S. coastal highway. But you'll also find a quiet little house being rented by the Pagans motorcycle club.
When the Pagans first moved in last year, there was plenty of concern over the kind of attention the house would draw. Right next door is a senior living community fearful that seasonal residents would not come back if the Pagans remained. Last year over Labor Day weekend, the local police even parked a couple of cruisers in the vicinity and monitored the clubhouse. As it happened, it was all for naught.
The Pagans have turned out to be pretty good neighbors in Delaware County. The clubhouse is mostly vacant during the week, and their weekend gatherings are nothing like they're made out to be on the Internet. The biggest complaint neighbors have had is the noise of motorcycles coming and going late at night. Beyond that, all has remained relatively quiet. There's even a sign on the clubhouse door prohibiting drugs, guns, and bad attitudes. What more could you ask?
It's easy to be concerned by organized motorcycle clubs, especially when you see the custom club patches they wear on their vests and jackets. It's not uncommon for a club patch to feature flames, skulls, and other such symbols of male motorcycle bravado. But in reality, the Pagans are a group that likes to keep to themselves. They have no website, no media relations officer, and no desire to make a name for themselves. And as the residence of Delaware County have found out, there's no need to be afraid. The Pagans are good neighbors after all.
