Prompton Borough was incorporated in 1845, but the village was in existence long before; the origin of the borough’s name is unknown. In 1813, Benjamin Jennings, originally from Winsted, Connecticut, purchased the tract, and he and his son Edward cut a road from Bethany to his new property, where he built a log house that served as his home and a hotel. Edward Jennings was the first postmaster. During its busiest days, Prompton housed seven sawmills, three blacksmith shops, two tailoring establishments, a harness shop and factories for the manufacture of shovel handles, axes and scythes, umbrella sticks, furniture, etc. By 1888, though, Prompton was losing population to surrounding communities. The G. H. Hall & Sons furniture factory was the last manufacturer left, and the factory burned down during the blizzard of 1888. Although many other businesses were established in Prompton in ensuing years, by 2013 it was classified 24% urban and 76% rural, with a population of 244.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society 810 Main St., Honesdale, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday through April 9 and Wednesday through Saturday April 16 through December.