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 Portrait of Jacob C. Crouthamel |  Portrait of Jacob C. Crouthamel at the Perkasie Fire Company Memorial Display |
It’s interesting how the same historical topics come to us from different sources.
We recently received a request by a local resident to identify a portrait purchased at an auction. The portrait looked familiar and is of a uniformed man, possibly a railroad conductor or a fireman. Perkasie Fire Company was contacted for help and identified the individual as Jacob C. Crouthamel. We confirmed they have an identical portrait hanging on wall on the lower level of the Perkasie Fire Company building.
 1926 April 07 Central News newspaper clipping |  In Memory of Jacob C. Crouthamel and Willis Sames Plaque. The plaque at one time was attached to Fire Chief's car donated by Mrs. Jacob Crouthamel. |
Jacob C. Crouthamel, was a member of Perkasie Fire Company that died along with fellow fireman Willis Sames on April 1, 1926. On that dreadful day, nearly 100 years ago, Perkasie Fire Company responded to what they understood to be a real fire. Enroute to the fire in Quakertown, Crouthamel and Sames were both killed as the firetruck sideswiped a pole. The fire turned out to be a drill.
In 2023, Perkasie Fire Company Life Member, Jeff Schoeller presented “Perkasie Fire Company #1, April 1st, 1926: Not an April's Fool's Joke" at our Perkasie Historical Society Meeting. The presentation shared the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. His presentation also notes a number of safety procedures that have been put in place, across the firefighting industry, as a result of this tragedy.
View Jeff Schoeller's presentation “Perkasie Fire Company #1, April 1st, 1926: Not an April's Fool's Joke" on our YouTube Channel.
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The Spray Ponds
 1955 Sanborn map indicating 7th Street Spray Ponds |  Spray Pond image from 1929 Anniversary Book |
For almost fifty years the borough of Perkasie generated their own electricity at the power plant located at 120 North Seventh Street. Coal fired boilers provided steam that turned generators producing electricity.
During the 1920’s steam turbo generators were added to the plant to increase electric production. This necessitated construction of a spray pond where hot water was cooled. The pond was a rectangular concrete structure that was at least four feet deep
The spray ponds were located across Seventh Street from the electric plant in a driveway behind the homes at 129 and 135 North Seventh Street. A small brick building on the property contained the pumps for pumping hot water from the power plant. The hot water was sprayed into the air and allowing it to cool.
During the 1920’s steam turbo generators were added to the plant to increase electric production. This necessitated construction of a spray pond where hot water was cooled. The pond was a rectangular concrete structure that was at least four feet deep
The spray ponds were located across Seventh Street from the electric plant in a driveway behind the homes at 129 and 135 North Seventh Street. A small brick building on the property contained the pumps for pumping hot water from the power plant. The hot water was sprayed into the air and allowing it to cool.
House at 131 N Seventh Street Perkasie Historical Society Archives When Perkasie Borough stopped generating electricity in 1948, the spray ponds were closed and eventually filled in. The brick pump house was used for storage and eventually demolished. The site was unused until 2009 when a house was constructed on the site.
Ella’s Miniature Buildings
Ella Crouthamel Roth hand-painted miniature buildings in Perkasie Borough display case January 2025
Many of us remember seeing miniature wooden versions of historic buildings for sale in gift shops and stores during the 1980’s and 90’s. The miniatures were made by companies like Hometown Collectables and Cats Meow and used as décor throughout many of our homes. Local residents were fortunate to also have Perkasie’s Ella Crouthamel Roth, designing and hand painting miniatures of our local buildings.
"Know Your Community: Perkasie resident paints the town and other points of interest" News-Herald
Ella was a 1936 graduate of Sellersville -Perkasie High School and was employed by First National Bank of Perkasie and later Bucks County Bank. After the 1988 Perkasie Fire she began designing and painting miniatures of many notable current and past buildings. Her son Allan noted that she never had any artistic interest while she was working.
Ella Crouthamel Roth hand-painted miniature building of Trinity Lutheran Church As the miniature buildings became popular, Ella continually added to her collection. In all, she designed and painted over 75 different buildings from the Pennridge area. She would sell her artistic creations at local art shows as well as from her Highland Terrace home.
Allan and Gloria Crouthamel January 2025 Ella stopped painting in the early 2000’s and passed away in 2018. Recently her son Allan graciously donated an entire collection of miniature buildings to The Perkasie Historical Society. Some of the buildings may be seen in the lobby display cabinet at Perkasie Borough Hall.
WW II Good Luck Coin Returned
to Local Family
Thanks to Perkasie Historical
Society and Australian Sailor
By Rick Doll and Charles Baum
A special Good Luck coin was recently returned to a local family nearly 80 years after it was lost in the Solomon Islands. The coin was returned by an Australian sailor who purchased and carried it on deployments throughout the world.
Luther T. Barndt Community Services Group (CSG) Book
Five years ago, the sailor decided to track down the owner of the commemorative coin issued to late Sellersville Navy veteran Luther T. Barndt, who apparently lost the silver piece during World War II.
Five years ago, the sailor decided to track down the owner of the commemorative coin issued to late Sellersville Navy veteran Luther T. Barndt, who apparently lost the silver piece during World War II.
Through the help of the Perkasie Historical Society, the coin was returned to Barndt’s family on Sept. 2 at the Perkasie Museum, nearly five years after the society found out about the special piece. And there’s quite a story behind it.
| It all began back in the Second World War when Luther Barndt, of 511 Diamond Street, Sellersville, served as a U.S. Navy Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class. He was stationed at Bougainnville, north of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. |  Zane Cross in Dress Uniform with his wife -photo courtesy of Zane Cross |
Luther Barndt Coin Backview Zane Cross Photo Barndt had been issued a commemorative deployment medal by Firestone Tire Company before going overseas. This coin has on one side the words “Good Luck and Happy Return” along with an eagle and a V. The other side has the words “Presented to Luther T. Barndt With Every Good Wish, Firestone 1943.”
In December 2019, Perkasie Historical Society received an interesting email that intrigued Louise Doll, society vice president, and her husband Rick, museum co-curator.
The email was sent by Zane Cross, a Petty Officer in the Royal Australian Navy who stated that in 2003 he was deployed to the Solomon Islands, known as Guadalcanal in WWII.
Cross explained, “Whilst in the mountains I came across a village that time had forgotten. While there, I bartered for the coin that I thought would be of significant value to the family of its owner. I knew nothing of its origin and no way of contacting its owner.”
He added, “Through the wonders of the Internet and technology, I have found its rightful owner. The coin has traveled with me on every deployment I have been on including the whole of southeast Asia, Iraq, back to the Solomons and many other places. It has kept me safe, and I would love to send it to your museum to the locate the family of its owner. All I ask it that you send pictures of the presentation to the family, and I would love to hear what sort of man Luther was. It has been a great honor to have this in my possession.”
Upon receiving the interesting email, Louise Doll did some research and found that the Barndt family had donated Luther Barndt’s Navy uniform to the museum a few years ago. In the old News-Herald archives, she found Barndt’s obituary—he died March 26, 1985. Doll reached out to Luther’s daughter, Jeanne Parker, who ironically was a former vice president of the Perkasie Historical Society herself.
Doll emailed the information and a picture of Luther to Zane Cross and promised to return the coin to the Barndt. In 2020, Cross emailed more information about his story of finding the coin.
Cross noted he was deployed to the Solomons in 2003 as part of a weapons amnesty and to provide security in the region after a coup. He said he was in the little village of Mbelaha where there was an array of WWII artifacts on display, and he spotted the coin with Barndt’s name on it.
“I couldn’t help but wonder if this man was still alive and is he had a family,” added Cross, who said he traded a t-shirt for the coin. He was told it was found near an airport runway soon after the war had ended.
Then the Covid pandemic hit, and the world temporarily stopped. The society didn’t hear anything from Cross even after repeated emails from Rick Doll and Barndt’s granddaughter Lori Parker. They feared that something happened to Cross during the pandemic.
Then the Covid pandemic hit, and the world temporarily stopped. The society didn’t hear anything from Cross even after repeated emails from Rick Doll and Barndt’s granddaughter Lori Parker. They feared that something happened to Cross during the pandemic.
Surprisingly, out of the blue this past April, Lori Parker received an email from Cross stating he was well and would be sending the coin to the historical society. Finally, on August 30, the package containing the coin along with many treats and souvenirs Cross sent from Australia arrived at the Doll’s house.
Presenting the Coin to Luther Barndt's Family From Right to left: Matt Lynch Perkasie Historical Society co-curator, Jean Parker, Lori Parker (Luther Barndt's grand-daughter) ,Barbara Barndt Boughter, and Rick Doll Perkasie Historical Society co-curator Perkasie Historical Society- Louise Doll image
Three days later, the coin was presented to Luther Barndt’s daughters, Jeanne Parker, and Barbara Barndt Boughter, along with granddaughter Lori Parker, at the museum. They were standing next to a museum mannequin dressed in Luther Barndt’s Navy uniform for the momentous occasion.
Zane Cross was sent a photo and video of the event and in a reply email thanked everyone for their help and patience.
He continued, “This has been an incredible experience for me. I have traveled the world with Luther’s coin. From third world countries recovering from natural disasters to war torn nations, his coin has kept me safe and returned me to my young family.
“The world is a complete unknown at the moment and to have completed this final mission fills my heart with pride and my eyes with tears of joy.
Luther Barndt died at age 70 in 1985. He was married to Adele Sterner Barndt, and had two daughters and four grandchildren. Barndt was an engineer for PennDOT.
We were fortunate and grateful to WFMZ for their coverage of Luther T. Barndt's coin bring returned to the family. The WFMZ News Segment by Amy Unger and Jenny McCain and Frank Whelan's History Headlines about Luther Barndt's WWII coin returned to his family.
Furniture and Sporting Goods:
Perkasie's
Renner Brothers Store
Perkasie Historical Society Museum Archives
Twin brothers, Claude and Edwin Renner were born on the family farm on September 16, 1899. When they were 20 years old, they left the farm to work in the clothing industry, getting paid $12.00 for a 54-hour work week.
 1954 Perkasie Anniversary Book |  1954 Perkasie Anniversary Book |
The Renners’ started a secondhand sales business with a plow they cleaned, painted, and repaired and sold for $10.00. Their second item was a washing machine bought for $10.00 they cleaned, repaired, and sold for $30.00. The brothers worked evenings and Saturdays and one Saturday a man bought everything they had on hand for $180.00.
1954 Perkasie Anniversary Book Claude and Edwin started in the furniture business in the barn and garage at Claude’s home located at Fourth and Arch Streets. In 1933 the brothers purchased the Perkasie Furniture Store Building (former Metzger and Musselman Furniture) located at Sixth and Market Streets. This three-story brick building replaced a small frame building in 1923.
1941 Renner Brother News-Herald advertisement The Renners’ were active sportsmen, with the store carrying a full line of hunting, fishing, and boating equipment along with furniture. Renner Brothers became well known in the area for their annual Anniversary Celebration Sale that attracted as many as 2000 people. The street was roped off for a carnival like atmosphere with entertainment by popular area musicians, hot dogs, hamburgers, and the prize drawing.
1941 Renner Brothers Receipt from the Perkasie Historical Society Archives In 1969, when Edwin Renner retired, Claude paid him $60,000. Claude incorporated with his son Clifford and son-in-laws, Lloyd, and Russell Lowery. Renner and Lowery Furniture remained in business until 1986 when the building was sold after the inventory was sold to a liquidator.
Today the former Renner Brothers building at 601 West Market Street is used as an apartment building and is home to Shine Yoga Studio.
This “Memory” was inspired by a 1979 article from the society archives, written by Perkasie Historical Society historian Paulyne Kramer.
RDoll
RDoll
1961 Juvenile Furniture
Factory Fire
Bob Dunlap remembers May 31, 1961, when the Distinctive Juvenile Furniture Factory was destroyed by fire. The building was constructed in 1890 as a cigar factory. The property is now a Perkasie Borough parking lot.
Below is Bob’s memory of the day.
Below is Bob’s memory of the day.
“I was working for a painting contractor at the Juvenile Furniture Factory located at Seventh and Walnut Streets. We were painting the windows, so I was up on the ladder when I heard the fire whistle go off. A short time later someone was shouting, Fire! Fire! I immediately got off the ladder and ran to the Seventh Street side of the building and observed smoke coming from the roof. Soon flames were shooting out of the windows. The building had all wooden floors, and they were all burning. The fire department arrived shortly and started to put the fire out. Needless to say, I didn’t have to return to painting as the damage was extensive and the building had to be demolished.”
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May 31, 1961 Juvenile Furniture Factory Fire 7th and Walnut Street
The Da Vinci of Perkasie
1977 Covered Bridge Painting by Roy Landenberger: Dale Haring Collection. When you think of Leonardo da Vinci, the first thing that you probably think of is the Mona Lisa. Some may think of the Vitruvial Man, and RomCom fans may remember the water walking shoes from the movie “Ever After.” Da Vinci was, in fact, not just a painter, but an inventor, a scientist and also a gifted musician. Well, did you know that Perkasie had its own da Vinci? His name is Roy Landenberger, and although not famous, he also was an artist, an inventor, and a musician.
Although Roy was not born in Perkasie, he spent the majority of his life here. In 1901, 11 year old Roy Franklin Landenberger’s family moved to Perkasie, renting a home on Race Street. Roy spent his formative years in Perkasie, and although he traveled and lived elsewhere a few times, he always returned to Perkasie.
Roy the Artist
Roy’s older brother, Philip, operated a sign shop out of a barn on Chestnut Street, where Roy often helped out. It was here that learned the sign lettering and painting trades, which would support him and his family later in life.
Roy began oil painting when he was 12 years old, and his love of art continued his entire life. He expanded to include woodworking and other media, and he even gave art classes attended by Perkasie residents on the third floor of his home in his later years.
Although Roy was not born in Perkasie, he spent the majority of his life here. In 1901, 11 year old Roy Franklin Landenberger’s family moved to Perkasie, renting a home on Race Street. Roy spent his formative years in Perkasie, and although he traveled and lived elsewhere a few times, he always returned to Perkasie.
Roy the Artist
Roy’s older brother, Philip, operated a sign shop out of a barn on Chestnut Street, where Roy often helped out. It was here that learned the sign lettering and painting trades, which would support him and his family later in life.
Roy began oil painting when he was 12 years old, and his love of art continued his entire life. He expanded to include woodworking and other media, and he even gave art classes attended by Perkasie residents on the third floor of his home in his later years.
A very bright and creative young man, Roy was also rather tenacious, and in his early twenties, decided he wanted to learn to sew. Although his family thought he was crazy, he bought a skein of muslin and drew free-hand a picture of The Spirit of “76 and three marchers from a postcard. He proceeded to sew silk onto the muslin on the image he had drawn. This project took him 3 years.
January 28, 1976 News-Herald
In 1919, after moving with his wife, Miriam, to Pontiac, Michigan, he worked as a painter for the Oakland Motor Company, and he would travel to Florida for several years and operated a sign shop in St. Petersburg. Back in Perkasie, Roy eventually became a partner in the family business Landenberger Brothers Sign Service. Later he painted a mural for the McIntyre’s Appliance Store on North 7th St. around 1950. The Perkasie Historical Society has several of Roy’s paintings that are displayed from time-to-time in various exhibits.
Roy the Inventor
Roy was always tinkering in the garage and shop, and in 1912, he invented a motorized bobsled, using parts from a motorbike. He used it during several winters, and even converted it for use in the summer as well.
Roy the Inventor
Roy was always tinkering in the garage and shop, and in 1912, he invented a motorized bobsled, using parts from a motorbike. He used it during several winters, and even converted it for use in the summer as well.
Perkasie Historical Society Archives
In 1925, married and with a baby, Roy and his wife Miriam decided to spend a few seasons in Florida. To facilitate the drive and their time in that state, he invented a “House car” (now referred to as a motorhome or a camper). Purportedly, it contained all the comforts of home, including a rocking chair for Miriam and the baby.
Perkasie Historical Society Archives Roy’s inventions were not limited to the mechanical kind, he also invented a card game called Maerda. The Perkasie Historical Society has the instructions on how to play the game.
Roy the Musician
Roy was always musically inclined, and it is said music was truly his passion. Just a few years after the family’s move to Perkasie, young Roy joined a junior fife and drum corps, along with his brother Philip. The musical group performed at weddings and political gatherings, and the money they earned went towards the cost of an annual camping trip.
In 1915, the town of Perkasie held a contest for a slogan that would help the economic expansion of the town. The winning slogan was “Active and Attractive, That’s Perkasie” by Willis Kulp.
The following year, Roy wrote the song “Perkasie Active and Attractive.” Listen to the song here: Perkasie Songs (youtube.com)
Roy would continue playing various instruments in bands throughout his life, and in his later years, he formed the band The Pennridge Merry Makers in 1972, which performed as many as 60 engagements a year. It was the only musical group in Perkasie that lasted more than 10 years and was made up of senior citizens.
Roy was always musically inclined, and it is said music was truly his passion. Just a few years after the family’s move to Perkasie, young Roy joined a junior fife and drum corps, along with his brother Philip. The musical group performed at weddings and political gatherings, and the money they earned went towards the cost of an annual camping trip.
In 1915, the town of Perkasie held a contest for a slogan that would help the economic expansion of the town. The winning slogan was “Active and Attractive, That’s Perkasie” by Willis Kulp.
The following year, Roy wrote the song “Perkasie Active and Attractive.” Listen to the song here: Perkasie Songs (youtube.com)
Roy would continue playing various instruments in bands throughout his life, and in his later years, he formed the band The Pennridge Merry Makers in 1972, which performed as many as 60 engagements a year. It was the only musical group in Perkasie that lasted more than 10 years and was made up of senior citizens.
January 28, 1976 News-Herald
Roy was a beloved Perkasonian and, as evidenced by his talents and inventions, was truly ahead of his time. Although Leonardo da Vinci is much more famous, Perkasie really did have a similar character in Roy Landenberger.
S. Murga
J. Richard Gulick
Community Service (CSG) Book
J. Richard “Dick” Gulick was a Perkasie resident and a 1939 graduate of Sellersville – Perkasie High School. Two years after graduation, Pearl Harbor was attacked, and The United States entered World War II. Mr. Gulick joined the Army Air Corps 95th Bomb Squadron as a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He flew on 32 combat and two supply missions that originated at Horham Airfield in England. The bombing missions targeted railroad marshalling yards, oil refineries, bridges, and airfields. Three of the missions were over Berlin.
After the war he returned home and worked for his family’s business, M. Gulick Provisions of Perkasie. Mr. Gulick was a member of Perkasie Hartzell – Crouthamel American Legion Post 280 and served on Perkasie Borough council. Mr. Gulick was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service during World War II. He passed away in 2009.
Thanks to Heath White for compiling and sharing the military record of J. Richard Gulick.
Opening Day
 Leading the 2024 Opening Day Parade at 4th and Walnut Street |  2024 Opening Day 3rd and Walnut St.  2024 Opening Day 4th and Walnut St |
Today’s Pennridge Little League’s “Opening Day” with a parade and opening ceremony is a sure sign that the spring / summer season has arrived. Even on days like today with clouds and a cold damp wind, “Opening Day” has been a welcoming spring tradition for over 60 years.
 1992 Little League Parade North 7th and Arch Street. Eugene Pritchard (Lesher) Collection . |  1995 Robin Roberts in Little League Parade North 7th and Arch Street. Eugene Pritchard (Lesher) Collection |
Our son played on little league teams during the 1990’s and we remember opening day. It was always an exciting day, especially for the young players who would be participating in the events for the first time. After a bit of chaos organizing all of the teams, they walk through the streets of Perkasie to the ballfield along Walnut Street for opening ceremonies. The police cars and fire trucks have always part been part of the event. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends line the street to wave to the young ballplayers as they march by.
1996 Mike Lieberthal, Philadelphia Phillies souvenir card from Edward Browning Realtor
For many years, the late Perkasie realtor, Ed Browning, would sponsor “Tree Day” at his Sixth Street office. This event was held on the same day as opening day and Mr. Browning would arrange for a Philadelphia sports personality to appear in Perkasie. We remember seeing Robin Roberts, Rex Hudler, and Mike Lieberthal from the Phillies courtesy of Ed Browning.
For many years, the late Perkasie realtor, Ed Browning, would sponsor “Tree Day” at his Sixth Street office. This event was held on the same day as opening day and Mr. Browning would arrange for a Philadelphia sports personality to appear in Perkasie. We remember seeing Robin Roberts, Rex Hudler, and Mike Lieberthal from the Phillies courtesy of Ed Browning.
Opening day is a timeless event. The players and coaches continually change. The young ballplayers from the 1990’s that we remember are now the coaches for their children. Even the team sponsors are different as new businesses are established in our area. The events of the day and parade route still do remain pretty much the same.
May the tradition continue!
Memory courtesy of Rick and Louise Doll.
Doll
Sunday Papers
 1961 Walnut Street Business Block |  April 23, 1959 News Herald Advertisement |
Walt Hellmann was employed at Labelcraft Press during the early 1960’s. To supplement his income, he would deliver newspapers for the local news agency. On Sunday’s, his son Eric and Eric’s friend Ron Braun would help with the deliveries.
The Philadelphia Inquirer and Bulletin were dropped off at Flexer’s News Agency, located at 517 West Walnut Street. The paper bundles were taken to the basement where a special machine would roll up the individual newspapers and tie strings around them. This would make it easier to throw the papers when delivering.
The folded and bound papers were loaded into the back of Walt’s Rambler station wagon. Eric and Ron would stand on the open station wagon tailgate and throw the papers to customers as Walt drove through the streets of Perkasie. Sometimes milk bottles would be broken by the tossed newspaper and on one occasion a picture window was broken.
The reward for the boys for helping deliver over 150 newspapers was five dollars, a Tastykake and chocolate milk.
 West Walnut St. Schmidt Block: Perkasie Historical Society, Jim Moyer Collection |  2019 Schmidt Business Block |
Flexer’s Newsstand is now Olde Towne Convenience Store. Walt Hellmann went on to become a Perkasie Police Officer and passed away in 2002.
Thanks to Eric Hellmann for sharing his memory!
Doll
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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