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Rick Doll 2021 |
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Perkasie Historical Society
Members
Recollections of September 11,
2001
Various members of the Perkasie Historical Society shared memories of where they were when they learned of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11th, 2001.
We Reflect. . .
Cheryl and I were down In Ocean City, NJ on vacation with my brother and his wife. During breakfast at a local restaurant, we heard people talking about a plane crash in New York City. We did not pay too much attention to the news. After breakfast we dropped off our wives in town to go shopping. My brother and I went back to the house we were staying at and turned on the TV news. This is where we learned of the plane crashes and Twin Tower collapse. Not knowing what was going to happen my brother and I drove back into town to pick up our wives.
For a few hours we all sat and watched the events as they unfolded. Later we went down to the beach. Everyone there was in a somber mood. Matt Lynch
I was at work in Blue Bell, PA and was on a teleconference with colleagues located in northern New Jersey. From their conference room, they were able to see smoke and became aware there was a disaster in New York City. We heard that a plane had struck the World Trade Center. The conference rooms were cleared as we came to realize it was a larger, commercial aircraft. In Blue Bell, televisions were pulled into the hallway alcoves and fellow employees were watching in silence. The TV news station replayed the second plane hitting the towers and then the collapse. We were all watching in silence and shock. Then, the news report of the 3rd plane in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and a fourth at the Pentagon. Such a somber day!
Calls were coming in from schools and everyone was scrambling to learn more about the safety of their families. Louise Doll
I was working at the News-Herald at the Souderton office that morning working on a Sellersville Borough Council story. A friend and owner of the hoagie shop next store came running shortly before 9 a.m. and said, "You've got to see this, a plane just crashed into the twin towers in NYC."
I ran next door and watched it on his small television and thought, oh what a terrible accident and on such a beautiful day. Shortly afterwards, the second tower was hit and now everyone knew it was no accident. America was under attack by terrorists.
Since it was the day before publishing, my editor-boss Barbara McClennen told me to run up to Pennridge High School and interview some students and faculty about the historic incident and whether they got to see it and how they felt. Some kids knew little, others were crying. I was there over an hour, stopped at home for lunch, and quickly returned to the office to knock out the story for that night's front-page make-up.
After work, I came home and watched hours and hours of news coverage which was on every channel and realized our country and our lives would never be quite the same. Charlie Baum, then associate editor of the News-Herald
We were supposed to be leaving on a business trip that morning, I think to CA, but we had to stop by the office to pick up some papers to take with us. On our 5-minute commute, the DJ suddenly broke in and said something like “this just in, it appears that a plane just struck the World Trade Center in New York City”. We were just pulling into the parking lot, so we quickly got out of the car and ran into the office. Our secretary was turning on a small TV we kept in a conference room and everyone there gathered to watch in stunned silence. Then the second plane struck. And then the towers fell. Our kids thought we were in the air already and didn’t know we hadn’t taken off, so they were a bit panic -stricken. There was very little conversation. Frank and Judy Pezzanite
I was working night shift at Quest Diagnostics in West Norriton. I was getting close to going home when a co-worker entered the office and announced that a plane had struck one of the World Trade Center towers. At first, we thought it was a small plane and considered calling Dr. Martin Duke, an associate working in the towers, for an update on the crash. After learning it was a commercial airliner, our first thoughts were that the crash was accidental. Then, hearing of the second plane striking the other tower, we knew that this was more than an accident. My co - workers turned on radios and we listened to news reports.
As I drove home from work, I listened to the radio news for updates and heard of the collapse of the trade center and the Pennsylvania and Pentagon plane crashes. It became obvious that this was an attack on America and at the time we did not know the extent of the attack. When I got home, I called family members and watched news reports as I was unable to sleep. After a few hours I finally fell asleep. We later learned that Dr. Duke was safe. Rick Doll
I had taken the day off to run some errands. During breakfast we were listening to the radio when the announcer said that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Immediately we switched on the TV to see what happened and watched the shocking images from New York. I still went to my various appointments. There were TVs everywhere I went with people watching in silence. Scott Elliot
I was at work when my boss came in and asked if I was listening to the radio. I told him “I was here to work and was not listening to the radio.” He then told me that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. They set up a television in the office where people could go and watch updates on the events in New York City. None of us realized how this would change our world. Jerry Treffinger
We Reflect. . .
Cheryl and I were down In Ocean City, NJ on vacation with my brother and his wife. During breakfast at a local restaurant, we heard people talking about a plane crash in New York City. We did not pay too much attention to the news. After breakfast we dropped off our wives in town to go shopping. My brother and I went back to the house we were staying at and turned on the TV news. This is where we learned of the plane crashes and Twin Tower collapse. Not knowing what was going to happen my brother and I drove back into town to pick up our wives.
For a few hours we all sat and watched the events as they unfolded. Later we went down to the beach. Everyone there was in a somber mood. Matt Lynch
I was at work in Blue Bell, PA and was on a teleconference with colleagues located in northern New Jersey. From their conference room, they were able to see smoke and became aware there was a disaster in New York City. We heard that a plane had struck the World Trade Center. The conference rooms were cleared as we came to realize it was a larger, commercial aircraft. In Blue Bell, televisions were pulled into the hallway alcoves and fellow employees were watching in silence. The TV news station replayed the second plane hitting the towers and then the collapse. We were all watching in silence and shock. Then, the news report of the 3rd plane in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and a fourth at the Pentagon. Such a somber day!
Calls were coming in from schools and everyone was scrambling to learn more about the safety of their families. Louise Doll
I was working at the News-Herald at the Souderton office that morning working on a Sellersville Borough Council story. A friend and owner of the hoagie shop next store came running shortly before 9 a.m. and said, "You've got to see this, a plane just crashed into the twin towers in NYC."
I ran next door and watched it on his small television and thought, oh what a terrible accident and on such a beautiful day. Shortly afterwards, the second tower was hit and now everyone knew it was no accident. America was under attack by terrorists.
Since it was the day before publishing, my editor-boss Barbara McClennen told me to run up to Pennridge High School and interview some students and faculty about the historic incident and whether they got to see it and how they felt. Some kids knew little, others were crying. I was there over an hour, stopped at home for lunch, and quickly returned to the office to knock out the story for that night's front-page make-up.
After work, I came home and watched hours and hours of news coverage which was on every channel and realized our country and our lives would never be quite the same. Charlie Baum, then associate editor of the News-Herald
We were supposed to be leaving on a business trip that morning, I think to CA, but we had to stop by the office to pick up some papers to take with us. On our 5-minute commute, the DJ suddenly broke in and said something like “this just in, it appears that a plane just struck the World Trade Center in New York City”. We were just pulling into the parking lot, so we quickly got out of the car and ran into the office. Our secretary was turning on a small TV we kept in a conference room and everyone there gathered to watch in stunned silence. Then the second plane struck. And then the towers fell. Our kids thought we were in the air already and didn’t know we hadn’t taken off, so they were a bit panic -stricken. There was very little conversation. Frank and Judy Pezzanite
I was working night shift at Quest Diagnostics in West Norriton. I was getting close to going home when a co-worker entered the office and announced that a plane had struck one of the World Trade Center towers. At first, we thought it was a small plane and considered calling Dr. Martin Duke, an associate working in the towers, for an update on the crash. After learning it was a commercial airliner, our first thoughts were that the crash was accidental. Then, hearing of the second plane striking the other tower, we knew that this was more than an accident. My co - workers turned on radios and we listened to news reports.
As I drove home from work, I listened to the radio news for updates and heard of the collapse of the trade center and the Pennsylvania and Pentagon plane crashes. It became obvious that this was an attack on America and at the time we did not know the extent of the attack. When I got home, I called family members and watched news reports as I was unable to sleep. After a few hours I finally fell asleep. We later learned that Dr. Duke was safe. Rick Doll
I had taken the day off to run some errands. During breakfast we were listening to the radio when the announcer said that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Immediately we switched on the TV to see what happened and watched the shocking images from New York. I still went to my various appointments. There were TVs everywhere I went with people watching in silence. Scott Elliot
I was at work when my boss came in and asked if I was listening to the radio. I told him “I was here to work and was not listening to the radio.” He then told me that the World Trade Center had been hit by a plane. They set up a television in the office where people could go and watch updates on the events in New York City. None of us realized how this would change our world. Jerry Treffinger
The Last Ride
The Perkasie Historical Society Museum is located in the former Lehigh Valley Transit trolley station. Even though there has not been a trolley on Walnut Street since 1951, we are always interested in stories of the Liberty Bell Trolley. A 1976, Morning Call article found in our collection, describes the last ride on the Liberty Bell Trolley from Norristown to Allentown. The trolley left Norristown at 1:00 AM on September 7, 1951. It was a clear night with many stars visible. There were a few trolley fans on board and one passenger who was from California. The motorman was Fred Enters from Souderton.
After the trolley passed Lansdale, Fred Enters allowed the trolley fans to take turns at the controls. There was little traffic along the route. Bells and lights came on at every grade crossing and the operator blew the air horn to warn drivers. At Allentown, the car did not take the usual route into the center city terminal but, instead ended the Liberty Bell era at the Fairview car barn.
Fred Enters continued working for Lehigh Valley transit as a bus driver for a few years. He passed away in 1970 from a heart attack while assisting a Perkasie police officer who was stuck by a car after a football game. The tracks along the Liberty Bell route were quickly removed and today there are few remains of its existence.
Read Gerhard Solomon's account of the "The Final Trip Over the Liberty Bell Line"
Lehigh Valley Chapter NRHS
Read Gerhard Solomon's account of the "The Final Trip Over the Liberty Bell Line"
Lehigh Valley Chapter NRHS
Our thanks to Andy Maginnis for sharing his passion for the Lehigh Valley Transit Trolleys with us.
Rick Doll 2021
The Mystery Handkerchief:
Classmates, Friends, Family?
From the Perkasie Historical Society Museum Collection; a hand-embroidered handkerchief with 77 signatures.
Some historians believe the handkerchief originated in China, and was first used to shield a person’s head from the hot sun. Some Statues dating as far back as 1000 BC( Chou dynasty) show figures holding decorative pieces of cloth. Christian tradition links the handkerchief to the Shroud of Turin. A handkerchief is identified as a hemmed square of thin fabric which can be carried in the pocket or handbag, used for personal hygiene purposes such as wiping one's hands or face, or blowing one's nose. A handkerchief is also sometimes used as a purely decorative accessory in a suit pocket; it is then called a pocket square.
In researching the signatures of our handkerchief, we identified many of the names as Perkasie High School students; one person from the class of 1903, the entire class of 1906 (all 5), 7 of the 8 for the class of 1907 and 8 of the 9 for the class of 1909, and 1910 being the last year. This leads us to believe there it was a school related relationship among the people represented by signature on the handkerchief. It seems to have been mostly a group of young people from Perkasie, ranging from 16 to 21 years of age, about the right span for the years given.
As there were a good number of other signatures, looking further, we recognize them as many of these young people would go on to become the business and civic leaders of the community; Angeny, Benner, Cressman, Freed, Hendricks, Kramer, Moyer, Neamand, Rickert, Sine, Sprenkle, Void and others. While there is no provenance on the handkerchief’s creation, nor specific intent or owner, we were able to document some familial relationships. Further searching local digitized newspapers produced 12-13 handkerchief party notices, mostly birthday. Hanky showers for birthday celebrations were very popular in the early 1900’s. Each person would bring or send a card enclosing a hanky.
As there were a good number of other signatures, looking further, we recognize them as many of these young people would go on to become the business and civic leaders of the community; Angeny, Benner, Cressman, Freed, Hendricks, Kramer, Moyer, Neamand, Rickert, Sine, Sprenkle, Void and others. While there is no provenance on the handkerchief’s creation, nor specific intent or owner, we were able to document some familial relationships. Further searching local digitized newspapers produced 12-13 handkerchief party notices, mostly birthday. Hanky showers for birthday celebrations were very popular in the early 1900’s. Each person would bring or send a card enclosing a hanky.
In comparing the newspaper notices with the handkerchief names there is no conclusive evidence to associate the handkerchief with a specific occasion or person.
We reached out to Ann Mahony a respected historian and member of the Textile Arts Council at San Francisco’s de Young Museum to learn more about vintage handkerchiefs and handkerchief parties. It’s clear folks individually signed the handkerchief, and someone took the time to meticulously stitch the signatures in various colors.
In the “Reading American History Through Handkerchiefs” article in the “Accidental Collector: Handkerchief Heroes”, COURTESY ANN MAHONY, what most people consider a charming, and at times, useful accessory also reflects sociocultural history. Hankies, she says, offer a “perfect reflection” of what concerned and entertained people at the time. . .” It is clear, fellowship, family and friends are valued.
This handkerchief, passed down through the Void family, was donated it to the Perkasie Historical Society. We are pleased to have this vintage handkerchief as part of our collection.
In the “Reading American History Through Handkerchiefs” article in the “Accidental Collector: Handkerchief Heroes”, COURTESY ANN MAHONY, what most people consider a charming, and at times, useful accessory also reflects sociocultural history. Hankies, she says, offer a “perfect reflection” of what concerned and entertained people at the time. . .” It is clear, fellowship, family and friends are valued.
This handkerchief, passed down through the Void family, was donated it to the Perkasie Historical Society. We are pleased to have this vintage handkerchief as part of our collection.
Thanks to the help of our museum volunteers and especially Judy Moyer Pezzanite, who have researched possible connections, we have listed the names identified on the hanky.
Angeny, Anna Beer (or Bean), Phares Beer, Reddy Benner, Mabel Beyers, Florence Brucker, Katie Charles, Gertrude Christine, Ella M. Cressman, Mabel Couthamel, Mabel Crouthamel, Norman Davis, Griselda Deily, Ada Detweiler?, Sarah J.Oscar Frederick, Pearl Freed, J. Melvin ‘06 Freamand, Harry? Or Neamand? Groff, Anna Verdelia Gulick, Ella Gulick, Herman Hartman, Preston Hartzell, Oliver Hedrick, Mabel Hendricks, Allan Hendricks, Clarence Hollenbach, Chas. Hummel, Roger Knoll, Florence S. Knorr, Florence L. Kramer, Franklin U. Kramer, Leidy S. Kramer, Lillian Kramer, Lulu D. Kramer, Mamie Kreiss, Sallie D. and Sallie Kreiss w/o D.(x2?) Kulp, Doc ? Lande Lindaman, Harry Lindy Loude Loudenslager/Landenslager, Herbert Loudenslager, Elmer | Miller, Florence S. Moll, John Moll, Ray or Roy ‘10 Moyer, Emma Moyer, Marion V. Moyer, Paul or Pearl Musselman, Sadie Neamand, Harry (2x?) Neamand, Mrs. Harry Oberly, Elsie? Elese Oberly, Emma Oberly, Howard H. (2x?) Richard, Alice Richard , Elsie O Richard, Edna A. Richard, Florence C. Richard, Paul/Pearl W. Rickert, Elsie O. Rickert, Flora G. O? Rickert, W. R. 1909 Roeder, Raymond Rutter, Albert C. Schmidt, Christian L?./Chester? Schmidt, Louis Shoup, Velma/Valeria? Sine, O. R. Siney ? or Liney Smith, Lewis/Carrie? Snyder, Anna M. Sprenkel, Margaret Sterner, Elsie Steinly, Stinley, Anna/Alice Void, Elsie Void, Wellington Vosselman, Florence Wedenhofer, Ellen Wisler, Sabina Wolfinger, Mary Yeakel, Raymond |
Louise Doll 2021
Evolution of Perkasie's Roads
Part II
"The Evolution of Perkasie Roads Part II " was displayed at the "British Cars Are Coming" portion of the "Under the Stars Car Show" on August 21, 2021. It is included here as a follow up to the previous "Memories of Perkasie."
The Evolution of Perkasie Roads
According to an opinion article from an 1895 edition of the Central News, early roads surrounding Perkasie could pose quite the difficulty; “Perkasie streets in comparison with the surroundings are an example of going from the sublime to the awful. In rainy weather wagons sink in mud up to their axles, and horses wear their lives out tugging light loads through the mire.” Our roads and transportation methods have changed dramatically since this time, switching from dirt to pavement and horse-drawn carriages to cars. Yet one aspect which remains throughout the history of roads in Perkasie is the role of community involvement in repairs and maintenance.
In the same newspaper as supplied the earlier citation, there is another passage which discusses the part cyclists played in bringing attention to road conditions. It states, “The bicycling mania is upon us; the knee breeches of the men, and the bloomer costume of the women cyclers are familiar to us all. They fly hither and thither, and all with a purpose, too. Their critical eyes detect… the bad condition of our suburban and country roads. Their reports have led to road reforms.”
In the same newspaper as supplied the earlier citation, there is another passage which discusses the part cyclists played in bringing attention to road conditions. It states, “The bicycling mania is upon us; the knee breeches of the men, and the bloomer costume of the women cyclers are familiar to us all. They fly hither and thither, and all with a purpose, too. Their critical eyes detect… the bad condition of our suburban and country roads. Their reports have led to road reforms.”
This trend of community members bringing attention to road conditions in the local vicinity continues throughout Perkasie’s history, as is apparent in the meeting minutes reports from the Perkasie Chamber of Commerce. For instance, in 1922 a section of Hagersville Road was graded and prepared for stoning by “taxpayers and friends from Perkasie” as part of a Good Roads Day project. Road signs were also frequently procured and erected by local clubs and organizations, like the signs placed at the intersection of 5th Street and Concrete Road in 1939 by the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Lions Club.
Perkasie roads were not only shaped by those within the community, but also by those visiting the community. As the home of Menlo Park, Perkasie welcomed a large number of tourists from places like Philadelphia. In 1895 it was voted to change the street names in Perkasie to match those of Philadelphia and make navigation easier for these visitors. Front Street became Market Street, Main Street became Chestnut Street, and so forth.
In 1890 Colonel Albert A. Pope wrote that “A nation, or an age of civilization, is perhaps more easily judged and understood by the character and extensiveness of its roads, than by any other symbol of progress.” In Perkasie the character and extensiveness of the roads are the result of community involvement and care stretching back to the town’s creation, with current road conditions and names reflecting this history.
Sources:
“Make Your Roads Better” May 9, 1895 Central News Article
Perkasie Chamber of Commerce 1922-1945 Transcription of Meeting Topics prepared by Louise Doll of the Perkasie Historical Society
Building Perkasie Roads Poster
“An Address” January 23, 1890 Central News Article by Col. Albert A. Pope
We thank Jillian Lunoe of Bryn Mawr College, for writing this article for Perkasie Historical Society's "Memories of Perkasie"
In 1890 Colonel Albert A. Pope wrote that “A nation, or an age of civilization, is perhaps more easily judged and understood by the character and extensiveness of its roads, than by any other symbol of progress.” In Perkasie the character and extensiveness of the roads are the result of community involvement and care stretching back to the town’s creation, with current road conditions and names reflecting this history.
Sources:
“Make Your Roads Better” May 9, 1895 Central News Article
Perkasie Chamber of Commerce 1922-1945 Transcription of Meeting Topics prepared by Louise Doll of the Perkasie Historical Society
Building Perkasie Roads Poster
“An Address” January 23, 1890 Central News Article by Col. Albert A. Pope
We thank Jillian Lunoe of Bryn Mawr College, for writing this article for Perkasie Historical Society's "Memories of Perkasie"
Rick Doll 2021
Dr. Storm in Perkasie
While researching the American House blueprints for the last “Memories” article, the story of Dr. Katherine Storm came to light. An early female physician and inventor, Dr. Katherine Storm, lived just across the Perkasie Borough line and spent many years in the Perkasie area.
Dr. Storm was born in Columbia County, New York in 1857. After teaching school for 15 years, she earned her medical degree at the Woman’s Medical College of Philadelphia and practiced medicine from 1896 to 1917. In 1906, Dr. Storm patented the “Storm Binder” or “Storm Supporter” the first abdominal supporter. “She custom-made the belts herself out of silk, linen, and cotton. She had belts of all kinds for maternity, hernia, kidney, breast, obesity, sacroiliac, athletic stocking supporter, and infant supporter.” Dr. Storm was listed in the 1914-1915 Woman's Who's Who of America as a physician and an inventor.
Perkasie farmland that was part of the Perkasie Poultry business was purchased by Dr. Storm between 1911 and 1913. She moved to Perkasie in 1917, embraced farming, selling fruits and vegetable all the while selling her “Storm Binder.” The property was described as the “North side of the road to Hagersville” now called Fifth Street at Blooming Glen Road. Today, the Pennridge High School complex surrounds the property on the North and East. The farmhouse is now 1326 North Fifth Street.
In 1916, Dr. Storm visited Florida because her nephew, Dr. John Corsa was interested in purchasing property at Vero Beach. The local newspapers reported in January 1917 that Dr. Katherine Storm was purchasing 160 acres of the former Indian River Demonstration Farm. She would return to Pennsylvania and leave the management of “Storm Groves” to her nephew. The property was eventually sold to the School Board of Indian River County and in 2005, the Storm Grove Middle School was constructed becoming the first “green” school in Indian River County Florida.
Dr. Katherine Storm died in an automobile accident in 1938. The car in which she was a passenger struck a telephone pole on route 563 near Almont. She is buried in St Stephen's Cemetery in Perkasie.
Thank you to Pamela J. Cooper, Retired librarian, historian, genealogist of Vero Beach, Florida as well as Dr. and Mrs. Charles Fulp for providing information for this Memory.
Rick Doll 2021
Milton Bean’s American House
It has always been assumed that Perkasie’s American House with its turret, wrap around porch, and rounded windows was designed by architect Milton Bean. Yet there was never much definitive documentation such as blueprints to confirm these suspicions.
A hotel was opened by Aaron Kern in the frame building at Seventh and Market Streets in 1870. Phillip S. Cressman purchased the hotel building in 1884 from the second owner, Oliver Nase. Having only “8 guest chambers” in the building, Cressman saw the need to construct a new hotel on the site. The frame structure was picked up and moved to North Sixth Street for use as a residence.
Constructed in 1894, the new brick hotel had 39 rooms that were heated by steam and lighted by gas. The tower “is probably the highest point in town, and from the observatory one can discern towns in three counties besides more than a dozen local villages.”
Not long ago, some of the American House blueprints, drawn by architect Milton Bean were discovered. They show the magnificent exterior details and the layout of the first-floor dining and bar area. The blueprints also show the details for the adjoining stores that were along the Seventh Street side of the hotel.
A hotel was opened by Aaron Kern in the frame building at Seventh and Market Streets in 1870. Phillip S. Cressman purchased the hotel building in 1884 from the second owner, Oliver Nase. Having only “8 guest chambers” in the building, Cressman saw the need to construct a new hotel on the site. The frame structure was picked up and moved to North Sixth Street for use as a residence.
Constructed in 1894, the new brick hotel had 39 rooms that were heated by steam and lighted by gas. The tower “is probably the highest point in town, and from the observatory one can discern towns in three counties besides more than a dozen local villages.”
Not long ago, some of the American House blueprints, drawn by architect Milton Bean were discovered. They show the magnificent exterior details and the layout of the first-floor dining and bar area. The blueprints also show the details for the adjoining stores that were along the Seventh Street side of the hotel.
The American House remained in business, although in later years, the upstairs room were converted to apartments. The building was destroyed in the Perkasie Fire of 1988. The site remained vacant until 2015 -16 when the new “American House Building” was constructed for retail and residential use.
Rick Doll 2021
Thank you
Pennridge Chamber
of Commerce!
For 115 years, The Pennridge Chamber of Commerce and its predecessor organizations have promoted local business and industry and supported our community. In 2020, we lost our local chamber as it was closed and merged into the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce
The chamber had its beginnings in 1905 as the Perkasie Board of Trade. This organization, made up of Perkasie businessmen, was involved in promoting Perkasie in hopes of establishing new industry in town. In early days they were involved in organizing local investors to build cigar factories and silk mills. They helped make Perkasie a safer and better place to live by pushing for improved roads, petitioning the railroad for better and safer train service, and the establishment of the Second Street Playground.
The chamber had its beginnings in 1905 as the Perkasie Board of Trade. This organization, made up of Perkasie businessmen, was involved in promoting Perkasie in hopes of establishing new industry in town. In early days they were involved in organizing local investors to build cigar factories and silk mills. They helped make Perkasie a safer and better place to live by pushing for improved roads, petitioning the railroad for better and safer train service, and the establishment of the Second Street Playground.
Organized in 1920, The Perkasie Chamber of Commerce succeeded the Board Trade as an advocate for the citizens and businesses. The chamber continued and expanded the philanthropic and organizational role played by the Board of Trade in the annual Christmas celebrations. They provided funding for town Christmas lights and organized Santa’s arrival events and children’s parties. For many years, the chamber and local businesses ran the “Trade and Travel” promotion where customers could win a vacation by making Christmas purchases at participating merchants. |
In 1963 the chamber broadened their service area, incorporated, and changed their name from Perkasie Chamber of Commerce to Pennridge Chamber of Commerce. Office space was rented at various locations before the building at 538 West Market Street was purchased in 1997.
In 2020, Betty Graver, the Pennridge Chamber Executive Director retired and closed the doors of the office for the last time. The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, located in Quakertown assumed all duties once performed by the Perkasie office. The building at Market Street was sold in 2020 and will become apartments.
In 2020, Betty Graver, the Pennridge Chamber Executive Director retired and closed the doors of the office for the last time. The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, located in Quakertown assumed all duties once performed by the Perkasie office. The building at Market Street was sold in 2020 and will become apartments.
Rick Doll 2021
The Living Memorial
Shortly after the end of World War II, the Perkasie American Legion, Post 280, established the Living Memorial at the Second Street Playground. In the spring of 1947, a tree was planted along the Northern end of the park for each of the twenty-two local men who gave their lives during the war.
The trees serve as both a living memorial and as a beautification project of the popular park. The entire project cost of $600 was financed by the Hartzel - Crouthamel American Legion Post 280 and “was not to be construed as a town or community Memorial.”
The Living Memorial was dedicated in September 1947. There was a parade through the streets of Perkasie to the playground where the dedication ceremony was held. A lacquered plaque bearing a scriptural passage and the names of the twenty-two who gave their lives was also dedicated.
Today, there are many mature trees along the Market Street side of the Second Street Park. Although there is no official documentation, many of these trees most likely are still living memorials and continue to beautify our community. Each year on Memorial Day, American Legion Post 280 continues to honor their fallen comrades by placing flowers at the Memorial Plaque along Second Street.
Rick Doll 2021
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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