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 Scott Mabry Photography mage |  2020 Perkasie Historical Society Archives |
Improvements were made in the late 1990’s in an effort to evolve and expand Perkasie’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Music, downtown carriage rides, and the reading of “The Night Before Christmas” were added. Cressets were also placed around the Christmas tree at Seventh and Market Streets.
Cressets are metal baskets, placed upon poles containing oil, pitch or wood that is burned to provide light. They were the first forms of street lighting. Former Perkasie Economic Development Director, Don Lederach was able to purchase a few cressets from the Williamsburg Foundation. To maintain the cresset fires during the event, Perkasie Borough Electric Department lineman, Matt Lynch was asked to be the lamplighter.
Cressets are metal baskets, placed upon poles containing oil, pitch or wood that is burned to provide light. They were the first forms of street lighting. Former Perkasie Economic Development Director, Don Lederach was able to purchase a few cressets from the Williamsburg Foundation. To maintain the cresset fires during the event, Perkasie Borough Electric Department lineman, Matt Lynch was asked to be the lamplighter.
2018 Perkasie Historical Society Archives For over 20 years, Matt dressed in his black tuxedo complete with top hat, can be found at Seventh and Market on tree lighting day. With his nearby pile of wood, he keeps the fires in the cressets burning, provides information to visitors, greets friends and family, and assists with the lighting of the trees. Even though he is now retired, Matt continues to volunteer as lamplighter.
Thank you, Matt, for keeping this tradition alive.
Thank you, Matt, for keeping this tradition alive.
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The Duck Farm
 1898 Duck pond letter |  Duck Pond Map courtesy Rick Doll |
The Perkasie Historical Society Museum receives all kinds of donations from all different eras, but it is always exciting when we receive an artifact that can be tied to other items in our collection.
We recently completed archiving a large number of deeds, a few which were for properties along what is now the east Branch Perkiomen Creek by Kulp Park on 2nd street, Perkasie.
Research confirmed that on April 15, 1897, Henry O. Moyer and Isaac Groff purchased 26 acres and 2 lots of land from Charles Bissey. By September of the same year, they had improved the property with the building of a barn to be fitted with incubators to raise ducks. The creek was also dammed, and 2 artificial lakes were to be built to raise fine food fish as well as providing water for the ducks.
This was confirmed by correspondence found in an envelope labeled “Marge Cusante's grandmother.” The letter dated July 25, 1898, between “Lorna” and Elizabeth” mentions going down to the duck farm to see the ducklings.
We recently completed archiving a large number of deeds, a few which were for properties along what is now the east Branch Perkiomen Creek by Kulp Park on 2nd street, Perkasie.
Research confirmed that on April 15, 1897, Henry O. Moyer and Isaac Groff purchased 26 acres and 2 lots of land from Charles Bissey. By September of the same year, they had improved the property with the building of a barn to be fitted with incubators to raise ducks. The creek was also dammed, and 2 artificial lakes were to be built to raise fine food fish as well as providing water for the ducks.
This was confirmed by correspondence found in an envelope labeled “Marge Cusante's grandmother.” The letter dated July 25, 1898, between “Lorna” and Elizabeth” mentions going down to the duck farm to see the ducklings.
Jun 17, 1907 Central News
However, by October of 1898, Henry O. Moyer and Isaac Groff announced that the land purchased from Charles Bissey would be sold, although it wasn’t until September 5, 1907, that the Henry O. Moyer Estate sold the duck farm. The land was further divided into lots and new pavements were installed.
1998 Spruce St Tot Lot - Perkasie Historical Society Jim Moyer Collection
In April 1924, the Perkasie school board purchased 12 acres between 2nd Street and the creek, and in 1930 the public playground was opened. Today this is the Frank R. Kulp Playground.
S.Murga, L.Doll, RDoll
The Haunted House
 October 18, 1978, News Herad advertisement with coupon |  October 15, 1980, News-Herald  Haunted House Painting by R. Clouser, Print courtesy of Dale Haring |
As a fundraiser, The Pennridge Jaycees began sponsoring Scream – A – Rama, a special haunted house in 1975. The event was held one weekend in October at an empty storefront in Glenwood Shopping Center. The cost of admission was $1.00, and it was a big success.
October 1980 Alan Bruzas mixes a Special Brew for visitors, News-Herald After three years at Glenwood, the Jaycees moved the haunted house to a new location. A big spooky abandoned farmhouse in a field at Eighth and Buttonwood Streets was converted into a haunted house. Over 4000 visitors visited during the 10 nights the haunted house was open. A special children’s matinee was added on Sunday afternoon. The children were given a special "anti – munster ring" that protected them from the monsters.
The haunted house had 10 haunted rooms featuring an Egyptian tomb and walking mummies, creaky doors, vampires, two real skeletons, and monsters. In 1980 a new torture room and a basement dungeon were added. The popular "Midnight Special" on October 31 kept the display open from midnight until 1:00 AM.
Early displays needed at least 12 volunteers with the number doubling as more rooms were added. Costumed Jaycees, Jayceettes, and occasional high school students would volunteer to scare the guests. This could be hazardous, as there were occasional abusive and destructive guests. A volunteer was punched in the face by a visitor. Another volunteer had an egg thrown at them damaging their mask. Visitors damaged a speaker, screwed out lightbulbs and were caught stealing parts of displays.
Multiple deaths from a fire in a haunted house at Great Adventure Park in New Jersey prompted the Jaycees and Perkasie borough council to ask for a fire code inspection of their haunted house. The inspection found numerous problems including the need for lighted exit signs, additional exits on the second floor, elimination of narrow halls, blocked windows on the second floor and safer storage of combustible materials. The $5000 cost of repairs and lack of time to find another location forced the Jaycees to cancel the 1984 haunted house. Other locations for future haunted houses were considered but the event never returned.
In the nine years the Jaycees ran the haunted house they raised $30,000 to support Pennridge Activity Center, Bucks County Association for Retarded Citizens Workshop and Community Service Foundation of Sellersville.
Thanks to Dale Haring for his help with this memory.
R.Doll
The haunted house had 10 haunted rooms featuring an Egyptian tomb and walking mummies, creaky doors, vampires, two real skeletons, and monsters. In 1980 a new torture room and a basement dungeon were added. The popular "Midnight Special" on October 31 kept the display open from midnight until 1:00 AM.
Early displays needed at least 12 volunteers with the number doubling as more rooms were added. Costumed Jaycees, Jayceettes, and occasional high school students would volunteer to scare the guests. This could be hazardous, as there were occasional abusive and destructive guests. A volunteer was punched in the face by a visitor. Another volunteer had an egg thrown at them damaging their mask. Visitors damaged a speaker, screwed out lightbulbs and were caught stealing parts of displays.
Multiple deaths from a fire in a haunted house at Great Adventure Park in New Jersey prompted the Jaycees and Perkasie borough council to ask for a fire code inspection of their haunted house. The inspection found numerous problems including the need for lighted exit signs, additional exits on the second floor, elimination of narrow halls, blocked windows on the second floor and safer storage of combustible materials. The $5000 cost of repairs and lack of time to find another location forced the Jaycees to cancel the 1984 haunted house. Other locations for future haunted houses were considered but the event never returned.
In the nine years the Jaycees ran the haunted house they raised $30,000 to support Pennridge Activity Center, Bucks County Association for Retarded Citizens Workshop and Community Service Foundation of Sellersville.
Thanks to Dale Haring for his help with this memory.
R.Doll
The "Onion Hotel"
 |  Harold, Bernice, Becky Meyers at Union Hotel circa 1916 from Ed Goodwin , Bernice Meyers collection |
Bernice Meyers was the daughter of Perkasie’s Union Hotel proprietor, Oscar Meyers. Mr. Meyers and his father David operated the hotel at 7th and Chestnut Streets for over forty years.
Bernice, and her two siblings grew up at the hotel in the early 1900’s. Their mother was the cook, and their father was responsible for renting rooms and for the bar area. When Bernice was learning to talk, she had a difficult time pronouncing union and would refer to her place of residence as “The Onion Hotel.”
Growing up at the hotel was always interesting. Bernice learned to roller skate in the dining room, and she remembers her brother Harold walking his pony Teddy through the hotel. When the hotel was busy, they would hire a cook who would sneak Bernice dinner on the rare occasion sent to her room for misbehaving. On hot summer nights Bernice would sleep on the second-floor porch overlooking 7th Street where it was cooler. During prohibition Mr. Meyers would always keep his office locked and it was off limits to the children. He would occasionally open the office to patrons and distribute “medicine."
Being located across the street from the railroad station, many visitors arriving by train would spend nights at the hotel. Occasionally there would be long-term guests that would stay for a few months while employed in Perkasie. The hotel was extremely busy during conventions and parade weekends. Bernice remembered that occasionally some convention guests would become “rowdy” after an evening of celebrating.
The Union Hotel was demolished in 1968 as part of Perkasie’s urban renewal project. Bernice Meyers passed away in 2007.
Bernice, and her two siblings grew up at the hotel in the early 1900’s. Their mother was the cook, and their father was responsible for renting rooms and for the bar area. When Bernice was learning to talk, she had a difficult time pronouncing union and would refer to her place of residence as “The Onion Hotel.”
Growing up at the hotel was always interesting. Bernice learned to roller skate in the dining room, and she remembers her brother Harold walking his pony Teddy through the hotel. When the hotel was busy, they would hire a cook who would sneak Bernice dinner on the rare occasion sent to her room for misbehaving. On hot summer nights Bernice would sleep on the second-floor porch overlooking 7th Street where it was cooler. During prohibition Mr. Meyers would always keep his office locked and it was off limits to the children. He would occasionally open the office to patrons and distribute “medicine."
Being located across the street from the railroad station, many visitors arriving by train would spend nights at the hotel. Occasionally there would be long-term guests that would stay for a few months while employed in Perkasie. The hotel was extremely busy during conventions and parade weekends. Bernice remembered that occasionally some convention guests would become “rowdy” after an evening of celebrating.
The Union Hotel was demolished in 1968 as part of Perkasie’s urban renewal project. Bernice Meyers passed away in 2007.
Rdoll
“The Umbrella Man”
March 12, 1925 The Philadelphia Inquirer
There is such a thing as "The Language of the Umbrella," who knew?
On this rainy weekend, we came across "The Language of the Umbrella" article.
Did you know, if you place an umbrella in a rack, it will soon have a new owner?
Opening an umbrella too quickly means someone may soon have a bloody nose, and our favorite, "an umbrella carried over the woman, the man getting nothing but wet, signifies courtship. When the man has the umbrella, and the woman the drippings, it indicates marriage."
On this rainy weekend, we came across "The Language of the Umbrella" article.
Did you know, if you place an umbrella in a rack, it will soon have a new owner?
Opening an umbrella too quickly means someone may soon have a bloody nose, and our favorite, "an umbrella carried over the woman, the man getting nothing but wet, signifies courtship. When the man has the umbrella, and the woman the drippings, it indicates marriage."
August 22, 1889 Central News advertisement This article brought to mind, Samuel S. Fretz, a Perkasie native who had a successful career as a maker of canes and umbrellas in Philadelphia. Fretz was born in 1851 in Rockhill Township. At the time Perkasie (which did not exist) and Bridgetown (South Perkasie) were both part of Rockhill Township. Later newspaper articles and Fretz’s obituary note that he was born and lived in what became South Perkasie.
By 1880, Samuel Fretz had married and moved to 2145 -2149 North Sixth Street in Philadelphia. He operated a men’s clothing store and manufactured shirts and later umbrellas at this location. Having outgrown the Sixth Street space, he moved to a dedicated manufacturing location at Fifth and Market Streets in Philadelphia.
In 1885, he began making 100 umbrellas per week to 6,000 umbrellas every six days and a “proportionate” number of canes. Fretz’s goal was to provide a better value for the money than anyone else in the business. No commissions, no travelers’ salaries, or expenses. The buyer gets the benefit of the savings.
By 1890, he had become a wealthy man and had an estimated worth of $500,000.
By 1880, Samuel Fretz had married and moved to 2145 -2149 North Sixth Street in Philadelphia. He operated a men’s clothing store and manufactured shirts and later umbrellas at this location. Having outgrown the Sixth Street space, he moved to a dedicated manufacturing location at Fifth and Market Streets in Philadelphia.
In 1885, he began making 100 umbrellas per week to 6,000 umbrellas every six days and a “proportionate” number of canes. Fretz’s goal was to provide a better value for the money than anyone else in the business. No commissions, no travelers’ salaries, or expenses. The buyer gets the benefit of the savings.
By 1890, he had become a wealthy man and had an estimated worth of $500,000.
February 17, 1887 National Republican advertisement
Perkasie’s businesses sold Fretz umbrellas and canes. The Central News mentioned the fact that “Fretz was reared right in your midst, right in the shadow of the News office. “The most popular umbrella, the “Gloria” silk umbrella, was the very best possible make and the factory's success depended exclusively on these umbrellas."
Perkasie’s businesses sold Fretz umbrellas and canes. The Central News mentioned the fact that “Fretz was reared right in your midst, right in the shadow of the News office. “The most popular umbrella, the “Gloria” silk umbrella, was the very best possible make and the factory's success depended exclusively on these umbrellas."
In 1902, Fretz incorporated as the S.S. Fretz Manufacturing Company and constructed a new fully integrated umbrella factory at 1015 Diamond Street in Philadelphia. The factory was nine stories tall and 140 feet long. S.S. Fretz became one of the largest manufacturers of umbrellas in the world. The building was too large for the umbrella demand and the Fretz Company was forced into receivership in 1909.
Later that year, Perkasie's Board of Trade made an unsuccessful attempt to encourage Fretz to locate in Perkasie and build up the manufacture of umbrellas.
Later that year, Perkasie's Board of Trade made an unsuccessful attempt to encourage Fretz to locate in Perkasie and build up the manufacture of umbrellas.
Fretz’s son, Samuel S. Fretz Jr. and his son-in-law, Isiah Gross incorporated together as Fretz, Gross & Company and continued to make umbrellas at a smaller location they constructed at 22nd St and Sedgley Ave. The company also made plumbing hardware and later television antennas. Fretz, Gross & Company folded in the 1970’s.
 January 19, 1927 Central News | Samuel S. Fretz passed away in 1927 and is buried along with his wife at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Philadelphia |
Thanks to Judy Pezzanite for providing information for the article.
References:
Ghosts of an Umbrella Empire Still Haunt North Philly," Hidden City by written by Robert Masciantonio, Nov 20,2019.
"The Language of Umbrellas" Central News 1881.
References:
Ghosts of an Umbrella Empire Still Haunt North Philly," Hidden City by written by Robert Masciantonio, Nov 20,2019.
"The Language of Umbrellas" Central News 1881.
“The Missing Block”
1961 Sanborn map showing the "Missing Block."
Perkasie’s “Missing Block” is the area between Sixth, Seventh, Market and Chestnut Streets. All the original buildings in what can be considered the town’s most significant block, are no longer there. One house that was located at 607 Chestnut St still exists after being dismantled and moved to another Chestnut Street location.
In 1926, the Central News building at 609 W. Chestnut Street was lost after an explosion leveled the building. A house at 6th and Market Streets was demolished by First Federal Savings for their office in 1956. Another house, at 6th and Chestnut Street, was demolished by Perkasie Borough for a municipal parking lot.
Most of the block was lost during Perkasie’s urban renewal project in 1967 – 1968. Demolished along 7th Street was the Union Hotel and a building where five stores and restaurants were located. At the corner of 7th and Market Streets where the town Christmas tree is currently located, the beautiful stone Hendricks mansion was demolished. Along Market Street urban renewal claimed two brick homes that were used as businesses and a brick dwelling / garage building. Demolished in the center of the block was a large building, formerly the livery stable for the hotel.
 1954 Anniversary Parade showing buildings along Seventh Street: Mark Frederick Photo. |  1954 Anniversary Parade showing buildings along Market Street: Mark Frederick Photo. |
At the completion of the urban renewal project, only two buildings remained, the current Penn Community and Quakertown National Bank buildings. The block remained this way until Shelly’s constructed their hardware store in 1976. The only other addition is the Community Christmas Tree on the grass square at the corner of Seventh and Market Streets.
Doll
Wimmer's Sweet Shop
 Sweet Shop image courtesy of Wendy Wimmer Freed. |  Central-News July 22, 1922 |
Wendy Wimmer remembers hearing stories about her grandfather, Harry Wimmer’s Perkasie business, The Sweet Shop. Located at the corner of Fifth and Market Streets, Mr. Wimmer was the proprietor of this business for nearly 20 years.
The single-story building was constructed in 1922 by R.E. Oltman as a confectionary store. After a short time, the business was sold to World War I veteran, Harry Wimmer who opened The Sweet Shop. Specializing in confections, ice cream (Wimmers love ice cream) and cigars, the store was popular especially with children. Also sold at the store was milk, Halloween costumes and in December, Christmas Trees.
The single-story building was constructed in 1922 by R.E. Oltman as a confectionary store. After a short time, the business was sold to World War I veteran, Harry Wimmer who opened The Sweet Shop. Specializing in confections, ice cream (Wimmers love ice cream) and cigars, the store was popular especially with children. Also sold at the store was milk, Halloween costumes and in December, Christmas Trees.
Harry Wimmer image courtesy of Wendy Wimmer Freed. Photograph restored and colorized by Robin Clark. After Harry Wimmer began working for Bendix Aviation in the early 1940’s he closed the Sweet Shop. On his way home from working night shift at Bendix in 1943, Mr. Wimmer was killed in an automobile accident. Wendy’s father was only 16 at the time of the accident.
| After the Sweet shop closed, local contractor, John Mayes occupied the site as an office for his paving business. Later the building was the office of the Lee Stover Insurance Agency. Hair salons, Images and Dragonflies were located here prior to 2020. Currently, Pridmore Floral Design provides wedding floral designs from this 500 West Market Street address. RDoll |  2023 Pridmore Floral Design, Perkasie Historical Society Image |
Memories of Lesher’s Store
 1984 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Rep. Paul Clymer cutting the ribbon with Bentley Smith and the Pritchards. |  Lesher's Sidewalk Sale |
The thirty-fifth anniversary of the 1988 Perkasie Fire brings back memories of a Perkasie treasure lost that day, Lesher’s Variety Store. The store was started in 1926 as Beer’s Variety Store by A.A. Lesher. Later, the store was operated by Bentley Smith and beginning in 1984, by Gene Pritchard.
You could find anything at Lesher’s as both the first floor and basement counters and wall space were well stocked with merchandise.
You could find anything at Lesher’s as both the first floor and basement counters and wall space were well stocked with merchandise.
Lesher's Candy Counter The store is remembered for its wooden floors, large candy section, toys, housewares, penny candy, trains, remote-controlled cars and basement with Christmas items and tropical fish. There was a small food area behind the candy section where they sold hot dogs, soda, and soft pretzels. And don’t forget sidewalk sales and sales during the holiday season. Shopping at Lesher’s was very memorable for all.
 Lesher's Storefront  Lesher's train merchandise |  Sidewalk view in front of Lesher's Store |
 Quartet performance |  Lesher's yarn and sewing merchandise  Lesher's Christmas Sale window |
 Santa Greeting Customers |  Meeting Santa |
Toy dinosaur and train track among the items found in the fire debris. Image from the Perkasie Historical Society Collection. A short time after the fire, Gene Pritchard opened Lesher’s II a short distance away at 7th and Arch Street.
A thank you to the Pritchard Family for sharing their memories and photograph collection.
Additionally, Images of the Perkasie Historical Society Museum "1988 Fire Displays" can be found in the Perkasie Historical Society Photo Gallery
2013 25th Anniversary of the Perkasie Fire of 1988
2018 30th Anniversary of the Perkasie Fire of 1988
R.Doll
The Milkman
Over the years, Perkasie had numerous dairies from which residents could purchase milk. Early diaries like Kern’s on Fifth Street near Arch would dip milk from a can for 5 cents a quart. You supplied your own pail or container.
Later the diaries installed bottling equipment and began to bottle the milk for sale. Milkmen were hired to deliver milk to customers along a given route. Roeder’s dairy on Walnut Street and Becks Dairy on Fifth Street would use a horse and wagon to deliver milk to their customers. Eventually trucks were purchased by the dairy and used for delivery.
 Hendrick's Dairies Milkman and truck outside Perkasie dairy building on Fifth Street. Image from the Hendricks Collection The milkman would leave cards with a list of products and prices from which the customer would order. The order cards, payment, and empty milk bottles would be placed in the insulated milk box om the porch for the milkman to pick up. Milk would be placed back into the milk box for the customer. For a short time, strips of tickets could be purchased and used for payment. The tickets would be placed in the milk box instead of cash for milk purchases. |  1965 Hendrick's Dairies Receipt |
The milkman usually did not have any problems collecting payment for deliveries. During the depression, one Hendricks driver was too lenient and allowed a family bill to run up to $40.00. Hendricks worked out a deal with the family where they paid an extra 25 cents a week, taking over three years to pay the bill.
Some other Perkasie diaries were Moyer-Keller on Sixth Street, Benner Dairy on Vine Street and Hendricks Dairy on South Fifth Street. Hendricks dairy was the last Perkasie dairy, surviving until 1970 when the business was sold to Rosenberger’s Dairy.
Some other Perkasie diaries were Moyer-Keller on Sixth Street, Benner Dairy on Vine Street and Hendricks Dairy on South Fifth Street. Hendricks dairy was the last Perkasie dairy, surviving until 1970 when the business was sold to Rosenberger’s Dairy.
Reference: Perkasie Historical Society archives and 1976 meeting
RDoll
"Harriet and "Penny"
 Lt. Harriet Beidler image from the CSG Book |  Captain James Willam "Penny" Pennybaker. Image courtesy of Jane Strohm. |
Harriet Beidler was the oldest daughter of Perkasie pants manufacturer, George Beidler, and his wife Valeria. After graduating from Sellersville – Perkasie High School in 1935 she went to Philadelphia to attend nursing school at Jewish Hospital now Einstein Medical Center. After graduating in 1939 as a Registered Nurse she was employed at Graduate Hospital.
After Pearl Harbor was attacked, Harriet enlisted as an Army nurse on the condition she not begin her service until after her birthday in January. The Army agreed. Harriet was sent to Europe in 1942 and served in field hospitals in England, Germany, and France. Her soldier-patients would give her their unit patches that she would sew onto an Army overcoat liner.
After Pearl Harbor was attacked, Harriet enlisted as an Army nurse on the condition she not begin her service until after her birthday in January. The Army agreed. Harriet was sent to Europe in 1942 and served in field hospitals in England, Germany, and France. Her soldier-patients would give her their unit patches that she would sew onto an Army overcoat liner.
September 1946 Wedding Ceremony. Image courtesy of Jane Strohm. When heading back to Europe after being on leave, Harriet met James W. “Penny” Pennybaker of Oklahoma on a troop transport ship. Returning to Germany, Harriet was stationed in Munich and “Penny” in Frankfurt. They married in 1946 at Kronberg Castle in Germany. Harriet’s wedding gown was made from a silk parachute by a German seamstress.
Upon returning to the states, Harriet and “Penny” resided in Perkasie where they raised two children. “Penny” was employed at Beidler Pants Company and later at Schulmerich Carillons. Harriet worked and volunteered at Grandview Hospital for nearly 50 years.
Upon returning to the states, Harriet and “Penny” resided in Perkasie where they raised two children. “Penny” was employed at Beidler Pants Company and later at Schulmerich Carillons. Harriet worked and volunteered at Grandview Hospital for nearly 50 years.
2023 Perkasie Historical Society Museum image: Captain James W. "Penny" Pennybaker uniform and Lt. Harriet Beidler jacket liner
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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