75th Anniversary Arch -Dr Winn Collection PHS Archives
- 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.
Sep 4, 1958 News-Herald
Aug 20, 1959 News-Herald
Aug 20, 1959 News-Herald
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Aug 20, 1959 News-Herald
Aug 20, 1959 News-Herald
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Date stone inset on the South Perkasie Covered Bridge abutments.
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1966 Oct. 1966 News-Herald
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Mar 28, 1963 News-Herald
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. |
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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
Arch St School Perkasie Historical Society: Don Maurer Collection
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.
 July 28, 1966 News-Herald
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. |
February 11, 1970 News-Herald
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July 24, 1974 News-Herald
March 2024 Matt Lynch holding tree cross-section.
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March 7, 1973 News-Herald
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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.
 December 20, 1978 News-Herald
For the prelude to the actual anniversary activities, the society successfully wrote and sold the first printing of their “Centennial History of Perkasie, 1879 -1979” anniversary books. Additionally, members of the historical society served on the various Centennial Committees. |
December 20, 1978 News-Herald
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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.
August 1, 1979
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
August 13, 1980, News-Herald
- 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.
J. Claude Bowen Plaque: Perkasie Historical Society
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.
 1984 Menlo Park Arboretum Sign
-Signage on the Carousel recognizes society members who were instrumental in the success of the Perkasie Menlo Park Carousel.
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1985 May 15, 1985 News-Herald
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- 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.
July 25, 1990, News- Herald: “Legion Sells Home”
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September 26, News-Herald: “Legion Sells Post Home”
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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.
1990 “The Value of a Dollar” Perkasie Historical Society permanent display
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.
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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. A tradition of May Military displays continues through today. 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) |
 November 11, 1990: “Open House Sunday at Historical Society Museum”
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- Thirty years ago, and just one year short of the Perkasie Menlo Park Carousel building's centennial, heavy snows in early 1994 damaged the carousel.
- A shoulder beam supporting the roof cracked and the building was declared unfit for occupancy. Temporary scaffolding was erected to support the sagging roof and braces were placed against the outside of the bowed walls. Two seasons would pass before the carousel would run again. There was considerable debate over the feasibility of preserving the building.
Ultimately a plan was developed to salvage and renovate it at a cost of about $300,000. First, reinforced concrete foundations had to be placed under each of the outer wall support columns. Next the walls were pulled back into alignment. The roof was raised and supported on steel scaffolding while new custom-designed wooden trusses were assembled and installed. A portion of wooden floor was replaced, and the roof was over-sheathed and re-shingled.
All wiring and electrical fixtures were replaced, and lighting was added. A fire protection sprinkler and alarm system were added. A remote alarm system for fire and intrusion detection was installed. A new kitchen/ food service area and utility rooms were constructed.
Painting the carousel horses, Perkasie Historical Society Archives.
To facilitate the building renovations, most of the carousel was dismantled and removed to storage facilities across town. The horses were repainted and meticulously detailed by various local artists. All the horses were uniquely painted.
When the building was ready, the carousel was trucked back to its home and reassembled.
When the building was ready, the carousel was trucked back to its home and reassembled.
Re-assembling the carousel, Perkasie Historical Society Archives
When the moment finally came to turn on the power and test the newly assembled mechanism, it was found that a wiring error caused it to run backwards. This is the only time in the carousel's history that it is known to have turned clockwise.
Finally, a new green and yellow canopy replaced the original canvas that had succumbed to dry rot.
Planning and fundraising for the renovations were handled by the Menlo Carousel Preservation Committee, an ad hoc group of local business owners and community leaders.
Finally, a new green and yellow canopy replaced the original canvas that had succumbed to dry rot.
Planning and fundraising for the renovations were handled by the Menlo Carousel Preservation Committee, an ad hoc group of local business owners and community leaders.
Mr. Bodenstein Operating the Carousel, Perkasie Historical Society Archives.
The refurbished carousel made its official debut at a reception for the volunteers on May 11, 1996, and resumed its regular schedule the following day, with free rides for mothers on Mother’s Day.
1996 Perkasie Menlo Park Carousel: Perkasie Historical Society Archives: Winn Collection
Reference: 2022 Perkasie Historical Society Carousel History Brochure, Bert Coffman Carousel Chairman.
December 13, 2000 News-Herald
Long-time Perkasie residents will recognize many of our notable historians unselfishly sharing their time, talents, and treasures for benefit of the Perkasie Borough community for generations to come.
Perkasie Historical Society Living History Awards
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2000: Paulyne Kramer
2001: Martin and Elizabeth Miller 2002: Peg Bowen Stofflet 2003: Dr. Charles Winn 2004: James I. Moyer 2005: Edward Kling 2006: John Gerner 2007: William Sine 2008: Fred Marles 2009: Dr. William Keim 2010: Russell Hollenbach |
2011: William Barndt
2012: Rick Doll, Bob Dunlap and Matt Lynch: Special Achievement Award 2013: Dr James Etters 2015: James “Jim” and Jean Pritchard 2016: Robert J. Hunsicker 2017: Dr. Donald Q. Sprole 2017: Charles W. Baum, Perkasie Historical Society President was recognized for 25 years of accomplishments leading the society with “This is Your Life” 2018: June White Cressman 2023: Rick and Louise Doll 2024: Ken and Joyce Barndt |
Donald Maurer collection, Perkasie Historical Society Archives
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The original Perkasie Town Clock is the Trinity Lutheran Church clock located at the corner of 5th and Chestnut St. The Trinity clock has been in operation since 1912.
Over the 15 years since its installation, the town clock began to show wear and became discolored. In 2017, the clock at the southeast corner of 7th and Market was refurbished, again with the help of service organizations. The Perkasie Industrial Development Authority, Perkasie Lions Club, Perkasie Historical Society and Perkasie Carousel came together to refurbish the clock. The Landscaping around the clock was donated by Contemporary Gardens.
The current landscaping (as of 2024) around the clock was donated by the Pennridge Improvement Project (PIP) in 2022 for Earth Day. It's full of all native plants & flowers
2017 Charlie Baum, Perkasie Historical Society President speaking at the Town Clock Ceremony
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Cutting the ribbon at the Town Clock Ceremony
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References: Perkasie Historical Society Archives
November 2017 News-Herald
Donald Maurer collection, Perkasie Historical Society Archives
Perkasie Historical Society Archives
November 2017 News-Herald
Donald Maurer collection, Perkasie Historical Society Archives
Perkasie Historical Society Archives
125th Anniversary Arch
Can you say “Quasquicentennial?”
In 2004, Perkasie Borough celebrated its Quasquicentennial, otherwise known as its 125th Anniversary.
Lee Metzer and Samuel Brubaker from the Perkasie Anniversary and Historical Society were part of the committee responsible for planning and coordination of the events. The most popular event was the Quasquicentennial Excursion Train between Perkasie and Quakertown. Other events included a Parade and Gala.
Souvenirs included the Quasquicentennial Coins and postcards.
Souvenirs included the Quasquicentennial Coins and postcards.
- The Perkasie Historical Society marked the 25 and 50- year milestone anniversaries of moving the 1832 South Perkasie Covered Bridge with events at Lenape Park.
2008 Parade truck w bridge replica model
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Charlie Baum and Jim Pritchard on parade float recognizing 50th anniversary of moving the South Perkasie Covered Bridge. 2008 Mark Frederick Collection
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2008 Perkasie Fire Truck on Parade
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2008 50th Anniversary of moving the South Perkasie Covered Bridge picnic.
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For the 25-year anniversary of moving the 1832 South Perkasie Covered bridge, the Perkasie Historical Society marked the milestone with a picnic near the bridge.
For the 50th anniversary of moving the bridge (1958-2008), there was a parade following the route of the bridge moving from South Perkasie to Lenape Park. At a program in Lenape Park, the society re-dedicated the bridge.
For the 50th anniversary of moving the bridge (1958-2008), there was a parade following the route of the bridge moving from South Perkasie to Lenape Park. At a program in Lenape Park, the society re-dedicated the bridge.
- Our Perkasie Historical Society Museum located in the 100-year-old-former Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley Station underwent renovations in 2012.
The project truly became a “labor of love.”
What started as Brandon Lederach’s Eagle Scout Project evolved into a community project. Fellow Troop 1 scouts, business, community, and society volunteers worked together through the Spring and Summer of 2012.
2012 Scouts doing demolition
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Brandon Lederach and Troop 1 Volunteers
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In Spring of 2012, the first step involved Perkasie Historical Society volunteers, led by Matt Lynch and Rick Doll along with Bob Dunlap, to move all the society’s artifacts and memorabilia into temporary storage. Removal of the old and grimy paneling, ceiling, bathroom, office, and storage areas was a dirty and dusty job taking the interior down to its original brick walls. The improvements include new window moldings, ceiling and wall painting, wainscoting, interior doors, freight room restoration, drywall, lighting, and an entirely new electrical system, along with wiring for a security and fire protection system. Original paint colors were matched to restore the look of the trolley station to its heyday in the first half of the 1900’s.
2012 Perkasie Historical Society's Rick Doll and Bob Dunlap
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2012 Perkasie Historical Society Musuem looking toward freight area.
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2012 Perkasie Historical Society President with Eagle Brandon Lederach
The success of this joint effort gave the museum a new and brighter look, while preserving much of the history of the building, once a transportation hub of the community.
In celebration, the Perkasie Historical Society hosted a Museum Open House on November 10th and 11th, 2012.
Incremental maintenance, including masonry, roof, exterior painting by the society continues through today, 12 years after the building’s 100th anniversary.
References: Perkasie Historical Society Museum Anniversary booklet and society archives.
Incremental maintenance, including masonry, roof, exterior painting by the society continues through today, 12 years after the building’s 100th anniversary.
References: Perkasie Historical Society Museum Anniversary booklet and society archives.
- The Perkasie Historical Society Walking Tour App was initiated in 2012 when approached by Bucks County Community College students and their advisor Lin Lisher looking to apply their technology learnings in a community setting.
A prototype was created with the Komposer tool for 4 locations: The first house (1749) in Olde Towne Perkasie located at 516 Walnut St, The Trolley Tunnel, and the Perkasie Historical Society Museum 513 W. Walnut St.
The content for each location included a “Then” and “Now” image with a short description. Effort was made to format the content visible for viewing on a computer as well as a cell phone. A few of the locations include an audio segment and as is the case for the trolley tunnel a video of aa 2-car Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley coming through the trolley tunnel.
2020 First Perkasie Historical Society Window Film installed Shine Yoga
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August 19, 2020 Walking Tour film distributed to Rise and Grind by Perkasie Historical Society Volunteer, Alex Fulp
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The project garnered a 2013 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award, specifically an Initiative Award for Communications recognition.
Linn Lisher with Rick and Louise Doll Receiving the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award specifically an Initiative Award for Communications for the walking tour app for the Perkasie Historical Society from John Martine.
http://preservationpa.org/
http://perkasiehistory.org/eWalk.../perkasiewalkingtour.html
In 2020, with our website upgrade technology changes, along with a Visit Bucks County Marketing grant, the Perkasie Historical Society Self-Guided Walking Tour was enhanced with the addition of window film QR codes. These codes enable those walking around town to access the location, by area of Perkasie and address to view the historical information.
Today, 70 Olde Towne, 10 South Perkasie and 6 Menlo Park locations, along with 70 Memories of Perkasie articles share the rich history of Perkasie.
Today, 70 Olde Towne, 10 South Perkasie and 6 Menlo Park locations, along with 70 Memories of Perkasie articles share the rich history of Perkasie.
- In 2013, Bill Marimow, former editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer, presented the Nathan and Karen Raab Award for Excellence in Stewardship and Collections Care to Matt Lynch, Louise Doll and Rick Doll at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Awards Ceremony.
- The 1776 Christopher Sauer, Stout Family Bible was one of our first conserved artifacts to be accessioned into our Past Perfect Museum Software System.
The society was fortunate to acquire the Stout Family Bible and 3 land deeds. We were excited to have them assessed, transcribed, cleaned, conserved, and preserved for future generations.
Stout Family Deed Details
The Perkasie Historical Society acknowledged those assisting with the Stout Family artifacts with our “Blessing” fraktur created by Barry Gerhart, a local artist.
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2015 Louise Doll and Linn Lisher transcribing the Stout Land Deed - Perkasie Historical Society image
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Items, whether they be objects, paper,(archives) or published books (library) are described, photographed/scanned, accessioned with a unique identifier. This unique identifier represents the year of donation, the donor, and the item number. This accessioning enables management of the society’s collection and assists in planning our displays, presentations, and articles.
- The Perkasie Historical Society had the actual bound paper copies of the local Perkasie newspapers. (1881-1943) stored in various locations. Researching through the individual issues was tedious, cumbersome, and detrimental to the integrity of the actual newspaper.
Microfilming not only preserves the content of the newspapers, but the process also prepares the medium for the actual digitization to enable broad public access.
Rick Doll, Louise Doll, and Matt Lynch, carefully inventoried and transported and tracked the progress the papers being microfilmed.
2014 BackStage Library Works employee microfilming newspaper page
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2014 BackStage Library Works employee microfilming newspaper page
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Perkasie Historical Society Microfilms
Once microfilming was completed, the reels were sent to newspapers.com for digitization and returned to the society. Newspapers.com enables the digitized Perkasie newspapers to be accessed through their services.
The Perkasie Central News issues (1881-1943) and the Perkasie News-Herald (1943-2000) are digitized and available through newspapers.com.
The Perkasie Historical Society Museum has an access portal for member and community use on an appointment basis. Please contact the Museum Contact information for an appointment.
To learn more on how Historical Society had the Perkasie newspapers microfilmed with BackStage Library Works in preparation for digitization with newspapers.com visit:
Perkasie Historical Society Museum - Perkasie Historical Society (perkasiehistory.org)
125th Anniversary of Menlo Park community attendees
- 2017 Marked the 125th anniversary of Perkasie's Menlo Park Carousel with the society embracing the Victorian era of the park.
Victorian attire at the Menlo Park Carousel
With the help of Louise Forgione and other Perkasie Park Cottagers, the society shared the Victorian event with the community.
With the help of Louise Forgione and other Perkasie Park Cottagers, the society shared the Victorian event with the community.
2017 Victorian attire at the Menlo Park sign at the 125th Anniversary of Menlo Park
Some history about the Menlo Park and the Carousel from the Perkasie Carousel History Pamphlet
"In 1891, Samuel R. Kramer, Grier Scheetz, and Isaac Groff organized the Menlo Park Association. The association purchased five acres of land at Fifth Street and Park Avenue and leased water rights on the stream from there to the Sellersville dam. A carousel with hand-carved wooden horses was purchased in November of 1891 to be delivered in May of 1892. The purchase price was $5,500. The manufacturer is unknown.
In 1892, 1893, and 1894 the carousel operated under its canvas canopy from Decoration Day to Labor Day and then was dismantled and stored away for the winter.'
In 1895 an open-sided building with a dirt floor was erected to house the carousel. In 1896 shutters and a wooden floor were added. That original building still stands today, although it has undergone many minor renovations, and ultimately the major renovations of 1995-1996."
"In 1891, Samuel R. Kramer, Grier Scheetz, and Isaac Groff organized the Menlo Park Association. The association purchased five acres of land at Fifth Street and Park Avenue and leased water rights on the stream from there to the Sellersville dam. A carousel with hand-carved wooden horses was purchased in November of 1891 to be delivered in May of 1892. The purchase price was $5,500. The manufacturer is unknown.
In 1892, 1893, and 1894 the carousel operated under its canvas canopy from Decoration Day to Labor Day and then was dismantled and stored away for the winter.'
In 1895 an open-sided building with a dirt floor was erected to house the carousel. In 1896 shutters and a wooden floor were added. That original building still stands today, although it has undergone many minor renovations, and ultimately the major renovations of 1995-1996."
"The Present Carousel
Park owner, Henry S. Wilson, purchased the present carousel new from the Allan Herschell Company of North Tonawanda, NY in April 1951. However, it is actually a Spillman Engineering design. The carousel is of a portable design and can be dismantled and moved in a single day. It is 40 feet in diameter across the outer trim and carries 36 cast aluminum horses and two wooden chariots.
All horses on the carousel are "jumpers". Their original factory paint scheme was much plainer than the present scheme, and was well-suited to a portable machine. In spite of the unique and colorful finishes, there are only four distinct horse bodies. Twelve identical small horses occupy the inside circle. Twelve medium sized animals occupy the middle circle. Six each of two different styles of large horses prance around the outer circle.
The entire park including the carousel was purchased by the Borough of Perkasie in 1955. The $115,000 purchase was approved by the voters in a general referendum by a vote of 5 to 1."
Park owner, Henry S. Wilson, purchased the present carousel new from the Allan Herschell Company of North Tonawanda, NY in April 1951. However, it is actually a Spillman Engineering design. The carousel is of a portable design and can be dismantled and moved in a single day. It is 40 feet in diameter across the outer trim and carries 36 cast aluminum horses and two wooden chariots.
All horses on the carousel are "jumpers". Their original factory paint scheme was much plainer than the present scheme, and was well-suited to a portable machine. In spite of the unique and colorful finishes, there are only four distinct horse bodies. Twelve identical small horses occupy the inside circle. Twelve medium sized animals occupy the middle circle. Six each of two different styles of large horses prance around the outer circle.
The entire park including the carousel was purchased by the Borough of Perkasie in 1955. The $115,000 purchase was approved by the voters in a general referendum by a vote of 5 to 1."
- While the Perkasie Central News and News-Herald were being digitized by the Perkasie Historical Society, the unique News-Herald Serviceman’s editions, once referred to as the “Vest Pocket News-Herald were added to our digital newspapers.com archives.
The “Vest-Pocket” News-Herald for those in the Armed Service came about as a result of the rationing of newsprint during World War II. From the News-Herald of October 19, 1944, the News-Herald was to discontinue its free copies to the servicemen and women as well as to discontinue even some subscription services.
Thanks to the Community Services Group (CSG) proposal for a “vest-pocket” edition of the News-Herald composed of 14 columns of weekly content. The CSG group proposed the editions to be printed on light weight paper and inserted into envelopes coming in just under the one-ounce limit for a 3-cent postage stamp. The CSG had already been sending a once-a-month dollar bill and a letter known as their “buck a month” program. The distribution included servicemen and women from Perkasie Borough and a large portion of Hilltown, East Rockhill and Bedminster Township.
Public reaction to the discontinuation of subscriptions was surprisingly heartwarming in that many offered their subscriptions to the servicemen while others offered their copies back to the news-Herald offices for mailing to the soldiers.
Notice the article on the lower left about the "Spirit of Sell-Perk", the B-17 Flying Fortress purchased with funds from War Bonds sold by the Sell-Perk High School Students.
- The Perkasie Historical Society Museum building needed some maintenance, requiring a roof and some masonry work. These efforts helped us to maintain the integrity of the building.
Just as these efforts were completed the society pivoted to address the COVID situation.
Just as these efforts were completed the society pivoted to address the COVID situation.
Being a local, community, non-profit organization, we did not qualify for some of the financial programs for those with paid staffs. We stepped out of our comfort zone and embraced technology.
The society, like many others entered into the “Zoom World” learning new technology to continue our community relationships. Visit our Audio/Video library for some of our sessions:
Photograph Gallery - Perkasie Historical Society
Video Gallery - Perkasie Historical Society