- In 1954, the Perkasie Anniversary and Historical Society initially formed for Perkasie’s 75th Anniversary Celebration.
This volunteer, non-profit community organization continues today to preserve Perkasie’s history. Our first President was Andrew Schuler and our first signature project was completed in 1958 with the moving of the 1832 South Perkasie Covered Bridge.
- The moving of the South Perkasie Covered Bridge from South Perkasie to Perkasie’s Lenape Park received nationwide notoriety and culminated with an impressive 1959 Dedication Ceremony. Our thanks go to the successful efforts of our early community-oriented Perkasie Historical Society volunteers.
In 1963, under the leadership of society President, Claude Bowen, the Perkasie Historical Society restored the Stout Family Cemetery. The restoration project involved rebuilding the wall around the plot located at 8th and Chestnut Street, placing a plaque, and landscaping the area. The cemetery is the oldest historic site in Perkasie as the plot was originally included in the 200-acre grant from William Penn to John Jacob Stout. The first internment was made in 1779.
“. . The carousel is our only reminder of the amusement park that once attracted thousands of people on a summer day,” Perkasie Historical Society President, J. Claude Bowen said, “we are grateful for the Council (Perkasie Borough Council) for saving the Carousel and letting us restore it as a link with the past that will give pleasure to people today.” The entire Menlo park including the carousel, was purchased by the Borough of Perkasie in 1955. The purchase was approved by the voters in a general referendum by a vote of 5 to 1. The purchase price was $115,000, and of this Maurice Neinkin, Perkasie clothing manufacturer, donated $25,000 "to enable the children of Perkasie to have cheap swimming. |
The borough continued to operate the rides until the early 1960s after which the Whip, Dodgem, and kiddie rides were sold. The roller rink, bowling alley, and original bath house were subsequently demolished, leaving the carousel as the only remnant of days gone by.
The Menlo Park Carousel was deemed a fitting companion to the South Perkasie Covered Bridge. “We entered into this new project at the urging of many citizens, who treasure memories of riding the old hand carved wooden horses, as well as the thrill of catching the brass ring and hearing the calliope play “ Oh, Katerina” . . . All this while sharing the festive spirit in the tree-shaded Menlo Park Grove.” President, J. Claude Bowen
The Menlo Park Carousel was deemed a fitting companion to the South Perkasie Covered Bridge. “We entered into this new project at the urging of many citizens, who treasure memories of riding the old hand carved wooden horses, as well as the thrill of catching the brass ring and hearing the calliope play “ Oh, Katerina” . . . All this while sharing the festive spirit in the tree-shaded Menlo Park Grove.” President, J. Claude Bowen
Just as in life, some efforts do not pan out as originally hoped, yet there are times when better outcomes emerge as a result of the disappointment. Yes, silver linings do emerge.
Just as in life, some efforts do not pan out as originally hoped, yet there are times when better outcomes emerge as a result of the disappointment. Yes, silver linings do emerge.
- In 1966, efforts were made to preserve the 100-year-old elm tree at the Arch Street School.
The Arch Street School property was acquired for the new Perkasie Fire House. Members of the Perkasie Historical Society met with the Fire Company to plan a path forward.
Learn more on the Arch Steet School Now Perkasie Firehouse
Unfortunately, the tree became diseased and did not survive.
While the tree itself was not saved, a cross section portion of the tree trunk is in our collection.
This experience “planted the seeds” so to speak for future projects, The Covered Bridge Memorial Tree Park and the Menlo Park Arboretum Project.
Visit the Perkasie Historical Society Self-Guided Walking Tour to see more about Arch Street School and the Perkasie Fire Company
building: https://www.perkasiehistory.org/perkasie-fire-company-no...
#perkasie #history #family #tree #perkasiefirecompany #elmtree
Visit the Perkasie Historical Society Self-Guided Walking Tour to see more about Arch Street School and the Perkasie Fire Company
building: https://www.perkasiehistory.org/perkasie-fire-company-no...
#perkasie #history #family #tree #perkasiefirecompany #elmtree
- 1979 was Perkasie Borough’s 100th Anniversary year which, in turn, was a busy year for the 25-year-old Perkasie Anniversary and Historical Society.
The society received a centennial custodial gift of deeds and other document from 1837-1920 for our archives from the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds office.
The Perkasie Historical Society set a centennial year membership goal of doubling its membership to 200 members.
To prepare for the anniversary celebrations, the outside of the carousel building was repainted in time for the 1979 Mother’s Day season opener where 1554 people enjoyed their ride.
For its Anniversary Project, the Perkasie Historical Society received/hosted 200 reservations for Perkasie High School graduates for a luncheon and worked to lease and restore the old Reading and Company train station as a museum.
The Perkasie Historical Society set a centennial year membership goal of doubling its membership to 200 members.
To prepare for the anniversary celebrations, the outside of the carousel building was repainted in time for the 1979 Mother’s Day season opener where 1554 people enjoyed their ride.
For its Anniversary Project, the Perkasie Historical Society received/hosted 200 reservations for Perkasie High School graduates for a luncheon and worked to lease and restore the old Reading and Company train station as a museum.
Alas, the lease and restoration of the station did not happen as the station was leased to a local business.
Learn more about the Perkasie Railroad Station
- In 1980, twenty-one years after its dedication, the Perkasie Historical Society replaced the South Perkasie Covered Bridge roof with new shingles and two coats of paint for a cost of $5,500.
Mrs. Millard A Sofflet, chairlady of the project committee, reported some funds were raised by “Tag Day” sales. Tag Day tickets provided an opportunity for community support and the tag garners the bearer a free Menlo Park carousel ride. Additional generous donations were received from Shelly & Sons, construction, labor from J. Franklin Horn, weekend painting by the Perkasie Lions Club and a contribution from Perkasie Borough.
Visit the Perkasie Historical Society Self-Guided Walking Tour to see more about the Menlo Park Amusements:
Menlo Park Amusements - Perkasie Historical Society (perkasiehistory.org)
Menlo Park Carousel:
Menlo Park Carousel - Perkasie Historical Society (perkasiehistory.org)
History of Perkasie's Menlo Park Carousel - Perkasie Historical Society (perkasiehistory.org)
- In 1981, the Perkasie Historical Society successfully enhanced the South Perkasie Covered Bridge by adding Perkasie historic location signage, greeting signs. Working with the Perkasie Borough the Menlo Park picnic pavilion was painted.
Millard Sofflet, Win Lewis, and Les Trauger announced their proposal for the “Covered Bridge Tree Park” to Perkasie Borough Council.
By mid-1982, 33 flowering trees were deep root fed, a 10-foot blue spruce replaced a diseased white ash tree. Five trees 150 years or older were identified and evaluated by a tree consultant.
By mid-1982, 33 flowering trees were deep root fed, a 10-foot blue spruce replaced a diseased white ash tree. Five trees 150 years or older were identified and evaluated by a tree consultant.
At the dedication ceremony, three plaques were unveiled at the July 6, 1982, dedication of the now named “Covered Bridge Memorial Tree Park.” The first being the South Perkasie Covered Bridge plaque indicating the bridge was built in 1832, moved on 1958 and refurbished by the society in 1979.
The second plaque, in honor of J. Claude Bowen, society president from 1960 to 1972 and who was instrumental in moving the bridge. His tree, the first after the replacement tree, was a 16 ft Dawn Redwood tree.
The second plaque, in honor of J. Claude Bowen, society president from 1960 to 1972 and who was instrumental in moving the bridge. His tree, the first after the replacement tree, was a 16 ft Dawn Redwood tree.
The third plaque honors, Andrew H. Schuler, the founder and first Perkasie Historical Society President (1954-1959) and Chairman of the Perkasie 75th Anniversary Committee. His tree, a white ash, was the tallest in the park at that time.
As of late Fall 2023, the borough is consulting a tree expert on the types of trees and best locations for planting/replanting memorial trees.
Due to storm damage and tree plaque durability, the South Perkasie Covered Bridge plaque and the Andrew H. Schuler plaque are planned for replacement in alignment with the South Perkasie Covered Bridge Project.
As of late Fall 2023, the borough is consulting a tree expert on the types of trees and best locations for planting/replanting memorial trees.
Due to storm damage and tree plaque durability, the South Perkasie Covered Bridge plaque and the Andrew H. Schuler plaque are planned for replacement in alignment with the South Perkasie Covered Bridge Project.
- Perkasie Historical Society’s 1984 Arboretum Project replaced tree stumps of hardwood trees lost by age or disease.
- The Perkasie Historical Society grew since its inception in 1954, meeting in homes, sharing learnings, holding community speaker presentations while preserving our local treasures. Perkasie Historical Society considered options for their home location such as the 1908 firehouse and the former Perkasie Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Station.
Meanwhile the Hartzell- Crouthamel American Legion which grew post World War II from 117 members to well over 500 members were seeing their membership wane from the days of the Fraternity Temple. In 1962, the downsized legion moved into the former Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley Station at Walnut Street and Penn Alley. The Legion used the building for regular meetings and for storage.
As their members aged and building maintenance became more demanding, the legion thoughtfully turned the building over to the historical society.
The building, while not large enough for the membership meetings, did address the needs for the historical records and memorabilia. The society demonstrated success with key projects over its 35 years, saving the South Perkasie Covered Bridge, revitalizing the Stout Family Cemetery, restoring the Perkasie Menlo Park Carousel as well as planting trees in Menlo and Lenape Park.
The dollar used for the purchase came from the Community Service Group in their giving $1 to servicemen. In 1945, Henry Hager received and saved such a dollar. His widow donated that dollar to the society for use in purchasing the building. The legion, in return, donated the dollar back to the society. This dollar is displayed in the museum today, representing the community supporting the soldiers and the veterans supporting the community.
Thanks to the American Legion, the Perkasie Historical Society was able to preserve to usefulness another Perkasie gem and expressed their appreciation with the first display of World War II memorabilia in 1990.
More on the former Lehigh Valley Trolley Station visit our website and Self-Guided Walking Tour: Perkasie Trolley Station now Perkasie Historical Society Museum - Perkasie Historical Society (perkasiehistory.org)