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| 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.
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
The Arch Street School Bricks
Arch Street School - Perkasie Historical Society archives: Don Maurer Collection
3 types of Arch Street School bricks. Many of the Arch Street School bricks were saved, live on, and can still be found in many Perkasie homes.
There are various versions of these decorated bricks; some are covered with needlepoint and are used as doorstops; others have a small brass plate sold for benefit of the 5th St. Perkasie Firehouse, the 3rd version has a larger plate showing the Arch Street School and Elm Tree.
There are various versions of these decorated bricks; some are covered with needlepoint and are used as doorstops; others have a small brass plate sold for benefit of the 5th St. Perkasie Firehouse, the 3rd version has a larger plate showing the Arch Street School and Elm Tree.
Arch Street Brick plate image drawing by Jill Hackett used for raise funds for the Pennridge Senior Center Thank you to Jill Hackett for sharing the following story of how the school and elm tree drawing became the brick plate with us.
"I drew this for my dad, Jim Hackett, in 1965. To my surprise and delight, it was printed and mounted on bricks from the Arch Street School, sold to raise money for the then new senior center. It shows the elm tree that the Perkasie Historical Society is honoring right now . . . Dad had handed me a black and white photograph and said, “draw this.” He had been assembling a coloring book of local images, so I thought this was another one—which explains the thick lines.
I attended school at Arch Street from first through sixth grades—many fond memories of this interesting building and that magnificent Elm."
Doll
TELEGRAMS
Today with computers, cellphones, email, and text messaging we have become accustomed to instantaneous communications. In the past, Perkasie residents and businesses would send telegrams as a means of communicating with others in distant places on the same day. Former Delbar employee Julia Holzerman remembers taking written messages to Mr. Haring at the Perkasie train station, to be sent via Western Union telegraph to auto industry customers. Return telegraph messages for Mrs. Holzerman would be received at the train station, typed out and delivered to Delbar or would be available for pick up at the station.
Recently the Perkasie Railroad Station has been leased from SEPTA for future rehabilitation. When cleaning out the building, a box of telegrams from the 1950’s was found and donated to the historical society. Rick and Louise Doll along with Matt Lynch sorted through the telegrams and have found a few gems.
Recently the Perkasie Railroad Station has been leased from SEPTA for future rehabilitation. When cleaning out the building, a box of telegrams from the 1950’s was found and donated to the historical society. Rick and Louise Doll along with Matt Lynch sorted through the telegrams and have found a few gems.
There were numerous telegrams sent and received for author, Pearl Buck, concerning publishing books, speaking engagements and family gatherings. Christmas telegrams with a holiday scene were found including a telegram from Santa Claus himself. There is even a telegram to Philadelphia TV personality, Sally Starr. The majority of the telegrams were business correspondence from local industries of the time, including Delbar, Freed Glass, and Emico.
As part of this memory, we are including some representative telegrams that we found in this collection.
As part of this memory, we are including some representative telegrams that we found in this collection.
Rdoll
Perkasie's Christmas House
308 N. Fifth Street
2023 Ken and Lois Heitz Perkasie’s “Christmas House” with its extensive lighting display and unique handmade items is a local favorite during the holiday season. Located on busy Fifth Street, the display is enjoyed by many who drive by each day. For some, an up-close visit that includes a few photos has become an annual tradition.
The house, located at 308 N. Fifth Street, is home to Ken and Lois Heitz who moved to Perkasie in 1996. In the past the house was part of the Freed Glass Company located next door. Many design features of this house, attributed to Lansdale architect Milton Bean, help to make it magical when decorated for Christmas.
The Heitz’s both enjoy Christmas and spend many hours decorating the interior and exterior of their home. Having worked many years in retail, including 20 years as the Doylestown BonTon manager, Ken is experienced in display design and placement.
The house, located at 308 N. Fifth Street, is home to Ken and Lois Heitz who moved to Perkasie in 1996. In the past the house was part of the Freed Glass Company located next door. Many design features of this house, attributed to Lansdale architect Milton Bean, help to make it magical when decorated for Christmas.
The Heitz’s both enjoy Christmas and spend many hours decorating the interior and exterior of their home. Having worked many years in retail, including 20 years as the Doylestown BonTon manager, Ken is experienced in display design and placement.
A display highlight is the yellow carousel that was inspired by the Perkasie Menlo Park Carousel. The 12-foot-tall display with 12- wooden horses was drawn by Lois, then cut out and painted by Ken.
Other custom display items include six, 8-foot-tall double candy canes, two, 8-foot-tall nutcrackers and a 10-foot tall “Believe” sign. The red “Season’s Greetings” sign was once hung over the main entrance of Hess’s Department Store in Doylestown. This store later became BonTon.
Other custom display items include six, 8-foot-tall double candy canes, two, 8-foot-tall nutcrackers and a 10-foot tall “Believe” sign. The red “Season’s Greetings” sign was once hung over the main entrance of Hess’s Department Store in Doylestown. This store later became BonTon.
The “Season’s Greetings” sign that once hung over the main entrance of Hess’s Department Store in Doylestown.
"Our Final Year" Message In 2023 Ken and Lois announced this would be the last year for their Christmas display in Perkasie. They will be giving the display to their son Andrew who will continue the tradition at his home in Alabama.
There is only a short time left before the Heitz’s display is dismantled and moved. Take time during this busy holiday season to stop for a final look and maybe get a photo on the swing.
Thanks to Lois and Ken for providing great Perkasie Christmas memories for all of these years.
Images : RDoll, Perkasie Historical Society Archives.
Rdoll
Rdoll
Keeping them Clean
During the post World War II era, many families were able to purchase new cars. Auto manufacturers redesigned and improved their models annually and encouraged consumers to buy the latest design. To keep these large, chrome laden cars looking their best, you could wash them at home, or take them to a service station. All of the Perkasie stations provided car wash services that employed many local teenagers.
1954 Perkasie Anniversary Book Bob Dunlap and Roger Wenhold remember washing cars at Slotter and Wenhold Texaco located at Third and Walnut Streets. The right side bay was for washing cars and the left side was for oil change and lubrication. There were water hoses that hung down from the ceiling and a large drain in the floors. A wringer washing machine was used to wring out the wet chamois that were used to dry cars. Bob remembers sometimes washing twenty-five cars on a good Saturday.
 Ed's Service Center |  Ed Myers holding Gulf Car Wash detergent can. Image courtesy of Rick Doll |
On Seventh Street the former Gulf station, at the time owned by Frank Okomski, also offered car washing. Current owner, Ed Myers noted that the current middle bay at one time was used to wash cars. Ed has saved a can found in his service station that once contained Gulf car wash detergent. Some of his customers have commented that they worked washing cars there as a teenager and may have been the one that originally opened the detergent can.
News-Herald 1973 May 09 Brooke's Service Center Ad Jim Strohm worked as a teen washing car for Wayne Steeley at his service station service station at Fifth and Buttonwood Streets. Later, when Jim became owner of Grandview Service Station, he remembers replacing drains in the left side bay floor that were once used when washing cars.
After the Sof-Spra Car Wash opened in 1965 on Ninth Street, the demand for washing cars at service stations decreased and eventually became a thing of the past.
After the Sof-Spra Car Wash opened in 1965 on Ninth Street, the demand for washing cars at service stations decreased and eventually became a thing of the past.
RDoll
Darius Sine Mt Alto Coal
Yard
by
Charles Baum
 Darius Sine Harness Hames Cover Housing |  1929 Anniversary Book  1954 Anniversary Book |
At the October 2022 Perkasie Historical Society meeting, former society President, Charles Baum presented a horse harness hames cover from Darius Sine Coal yard. The harness hames cover was donated by his sister, Martha Baum Walker. The following is a brief history of the Darius Sine business that was given by Charles Baum that evening.
How many of you remember the long-established business at 8th and Vine at the railroad underpass?
Mt. Alto Coal Yards were built by Abram S. Benner in 1886 and before completion, the large shed was destroyed by a cyclone. A year later it was rebuilt, and the business was sold to Henry L. Texter. In 1890 it was acquired by W.H. Savacool who operated it until 1902. After sheriff sale, it came the procession of Perkasie Building and Loan Association until 1904 when Darius Sine purchased the property.
How many of you remember the long-established business at 8th and Vine at the railroad underpass?
Mt. Alto Coal Yards were built by Abram S. Benner in 1886 and before completion, the large shed was destroyed by a cyclone. A year later it was rebuilt, and the business was sold to Henry L. Texter. In 1890 it was acquired by W.H. Savacool who operated it until 1902. After sheriff sale, it came the procession of Perkasie Building and Loan Association until 1904 when Darius Sine purchased the property.
The business grew rapidly and according to the Perkasie 1929 Anniversary Book, they sold 10,000 tons of coal, 1500 tons of lime plus cement, sand, feed, and straw in 1928. Mr. Sine became the first in the area to deliver coal by truck and the first to use electric loaders and conveyor belts.
Darius Sine died in 1929 at the age of 65 and his sons William R. Sine and Paul R. Sine operated the business as Darius Sine Estate. They then ended the feed business and concentrated on building supplies other than lumber. In 1938 they added kerosene and fuel oil along with paints.
 1990's Mt. Alto from Perkasie Historical Society Collection |  1930 April 9 Mt Alto Coal Central News Ad |
The business lasted until 1970. Today the red building, one block behind the post office houses several small businesses including a cabinet maker and window fabricators.
Charlie Baum, Rick Doll Matt Lynch with Darius Sine descendants, Mary Menszak and Emily Stellabott, October 2022 Perkasie Historical Society Collection
September 24, 2024- In response to Peter David Benner inquiry- " Need info on oil spill in the 1950 at Sine's coal yard. from railroad car tanker that backed into Sine's building." Yes, there is information in the August 17, 1950 Perkasie News-Herald . You may access it via newspapers.com. If you do not have access to newspapers.com, you may contact us for an appointment (perkasiehistorical society @gmail.com)
The Spirit of Sell-Perk
 News-Herald June 4, 1944 |  Image from the Perkasie Historical Society archives |
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Government sold savings bonds labeled as War Bonds. Over 185 billion dollars of bonds were sold to help finance the war effort.
The students of Sell-Perk Schools wanted to do their part. The student body participated in a program allowing them to name a bomber if they could raise $450,000. Supervising Principal Lewis Snyder reported on May 31, 1944, that the students were $1,002.25 above their goal.
The students of Sell-Perk Schools wanted to do their part. The student body participated in a program allowing them to name a bomber if they could raise $450,000. Supervising Principal Lewis Snyder reported on May 31, 1944, that the students were $1,002.25 above their goal.
Helping the students was a credit received from sales of bonds at local banks and post offices. Additionally, a special performance at the Sellersville-Perkasie School with radio soprano Margaret Speaks, as principal performer, provided more funds.
The students selected “The Spirit of Sell-Perk " as the name of the bomber.
Rick Doll 2022
The Ebeneezer Church
Weathervane
Postcard image courtesy of Matt Lynch postcard collection
At one time, located on the site of the current house at 105 South Fifth Street was Ebenezer United Evangelical Church. This brick church was constructed in 1894 by a congregation made up of former members of Bethel Evangelical Church. A split in the General Conference of the Evangelical Association in 1892 brought about the formation of this United Evangelical Church denomination.
When the Bethel and Ebenezer congregations reunited in 1922, a new church building was constructed on the Bethel Church site at Fifth and Market Streets. The unused Ebeneezer building was used for meetings of the Klu Klux Clan for a short time before being sold to Franklin Horn.
Franklin Horn was a local contractor and builder. In 1936 he demolished the Church building and constructed a brick home on the church site. Saved by Franklin Horn, the original church weathervane was placed atop the new house.
Upon Franklin Horn’s death, the house was owned by his daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and John Gerner. The home remains in the family today. The original Ebeneezer Church weathervane survives and continues to grace the roof of this house.
When the Bethel and Ebenezer congregations reunited in 1922, a new church building was constructed on the Bethel Church site at Fifth and Market Streets. The unused Ebeneezer building was used for meetings of the Klu Klux Clan for a short time before being sold to Franklin Horn.
Franklin Horn was a local contractor and builder. In 1936 he demolished the Church building and constructed a brick home on the church site. Saved by Franklin Horn, the original church weathervane was placed atop the new house.
Upon Franklin Horn’s death, the house was owned by his daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and John Gerner. The home remains in the family today. The original Ebeneezer Church weathervane survives and continues to grace the roof of this house.
Images from the Perkasie Historical Society archives
Rick Doll 2022
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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