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 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
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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
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
The Mystery Handkerchief:
Classmates, Friends, Family?
From the Perkasie Historical Society Museum Collection; a hand-embroidered handkerchief with 77 signatures.
1910 Dec 21 Central News Handkerchief Ad M. Keller & Co. 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.
 1908 Feb 13 Central News  1915 Dec 01 Central News Mable Benner Handerkcheif party |  1908 Aug 27 Central News Elsie Leister Lottie Egolf Handkerchief parties |  1909 Feb 11 Central News Eugene K. Snyder and Alice Tausig Handkerchief parties |
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
“Active and Attractive,
That’s Perkasie”
 Central News July 12, 1916 |  1921 Perkasie Chamber of Commerce Letterhead |
On May 10th 2021, Perkasie will celebrate 142 years since its incorporation as a borough. In the early 1900’s the new borough was seeking more businesses, industries and residents to continue economic expansion. A contest for a slogan was organized by Perkasie Board of Trade. This organization was made up of local businessmen and was a predecessor of the Perkasie Chamber of Commerce.
The 1915 contest would have a prize of $2.50 in gold and would be judged by members from the Board of Trade. The winner was Willis Kulp who came up with the slogan “Active and Attractive, That’s Perkasie.” Other slogans in the final round were:
The Board of Trade went on to use the slogan in their advertising and it appeared on their letterhead.
The 1915 contest would have a prize of $2.50 in gold and would be judged by members from the Board of Trade. The winner was Willis Kulp who came up with the slogan “Active and Attractive, That’s Perkasie.” Other slogans in the final round were:
- Perkasie, Prosperous, Pleasant, Popular, Progressive
- Locate in Peaceful, Prosperous, Perkasie and be happy
- Locate, Live, Proper and be Happy in Perkasie
- Perkasie for Progress and Prosperity
The Board of Trade went on to use the slogan in their advertising and it appeared on their letterhead.
 1916 Souvenir Mirror |  1916 Landenberger Words and Music |
Perkasie sign painter, Roy Landenberger and his brother Phil were commissioned to make signs that were placed at the train station and along roads leading into the borough. Roy Landenberger later would write the words and music to the song “Active and Attractive, That’s Perkasie”
Rick Doll 2021
1939 Nativity Tableau
Central News, December 7, 1939
 Perkasie Historical Society Archives |  Central News, December 7, 1939 |
As World War II was beginning in Europe, Perkasie unveiled their newest Christmas display, the Nativity Tableau. A mass choir of nearly 200 and all of Perkasie’s Pastors gathered on Friday December 8, 1939 at the Perkasie Reading Railroad Station for the dedication.
The dedication of the tableau was the culmination of a community project sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The tableau is more than 20 feet long and 15 feet high. Mounted on a huge base is an open Bible. On one of the pages is a depiction of the manger scene. The opposite page shows the Wise Men following the star. The scenes have cut out metal figures that are attached towards the front of the scene giving a 3-dimensional appearance. Indirect lighting adds to the impressive scene. The tableau was made in Allentown, by William R. Weiss Art Displays.
When the Honor Roll of Perkasie residents serving during World War II was erected at the Reading Railroad Station, the Nativity Tableau was moved to a new location and assembled on the Market Street side of the First Evangelical Church of Perkasie (now The First United Methodist Church). It is believed the tableau was last used during the 1950’s and then stored away.
The dedication of the tableau was the culmination of a community project sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The tableau is more than 20 feet long and 15 feet high. Mounted on a huge base is an open Bible. On one of the pages is a depiction of the manger scene. The opposite page shows the Wise Men following the star. The scenes have cut out metal figures that are attached towards the front of the scene giving a 3-dimensional appearance. Indirect lighting adds to the impressive scene. The tableau was made in Allentown, by William R. Weiss Art Displays.
When the Honor Roll of Perkasie residents serving during World War II was erected at the Reading Railroad Station, the Nativity Tableau was moved to a new location and assembled on the Market Street side of the First Evangelical Church of Perkasie (now The First United Methodist Church). It is believed the tableau was last used during the 1950’s and then stored away.
In 1998, the tableau was rediscovered in a storage area of the Perkasie Electrical Department’s garage. It remained there until 2013 when it was taken out of storage and placed outside awaiting disposal. Perkasie Historical member and electric department employee, Matt Lynch realizing the value of the tableau, alerted historical society members. Just hours before being taken to the landfill, Matt, Rick Doll, Bob Dunlap and Bob Behr moved the tableau to a storage location in Sellersville.
Perkasie Historical Society members Cathy and Chris Kleine have offered their front yard to display the tableau. Some of the metal cut out pieces have been taken out of storage and cleaned. During the 2020 Christmas season they will be displayed in the Kleine’s front yard for the first time in over 60 years. Hopefully in the future, the entire display will be able to be reassembled and displayed.
Rick Doll 2020
M.T. Weisel Wagon Works
Image from Perkasie Historical Society Archives
In earlier times a horse and carriage was a way of getting around in Perkasie. Many homes had small barns or carriage houses to keep their horse, wagon, and carriage. The Weisel Wagon Works on North Sixth Street manufactured many of these wagons and carriages used by residents of Perkasie and the surrounding area. A small metal tag, like the one pictured above, would be affixed to the carriage or wagon denoting that it was indeed made at the Weisel factory.
In 1889 Milton Weisel opened his carriage and wagon manufacturing shop in the newly constructed building at 124 North Sixth Street. He employed seven men in the 3000 square foot shop. The increasing demand for his products enabled him to double the size of the building in 1913. Weisel became the best and busiest wagon maker in the area.
In 1889 Milton Weisel opened his carriage and wagon manufacturing shop in the newly constructed building at 124 North Sixth Street. He employed seven men in the 3000 square foot shop. The increasing demand for his products enabled him to double the size of the building in 1913. Weisel became the best and busiest wagon maker in the area.
Perkasie Carriage Works Advertisement , M. T. Weisel Proprietor
With the increasing demand for automobiles, Mr. Weisel obtained a REO and Nash automobile franchise in 1916. He switched his shop building over to the auto trade and began to manufacture truck bodies.
Robert Berger purchased the Weisel property in 1948 for his White Horse Motors business. He later acquired a Plymouth and DeSoto dealership. In 1953 Robert and his brother Russell formed a partnership and purchased a Chrysler agency. The brothers then began selling Chryslers and Plymouths at the North Sixth Street location as Berger & Berger.
Robert Berger purchased the Weisel property in 1948 for his White Horse Motors business. He later acquired a Plymouth and DeSoto dealership. In 1953 Robert and his brother Russell formed a partnership and purchased a Chrysler agency. The brothers then began selling Chryslers and Plymouths at the North Sixth Street location as Berger & Berger.
 Image fom 1929 Perkasie Anniversary Book |  Image courtesy of Rick Doll |
The Berger’s closed their dealership in 1983. For over the last twenty years the building has been home to James Van Etten, Artisans in Wood Inc. Van Etten manufacturers, cabinetry, furniture, and architectural casework.
Thanks to Judy and Frank Pezzanite for donating the Weisel Carriage Tag to the Perkasie Historical Society Museum collection.
Thanks to Judy and Frank Pezzanite for donating the Weisel Carriage Tag to the Perkasie Historical Society Museum collection.
Rick Doll 2020
American Makers Corporation
American Makers Cigar Ashtray
 Knoll Building |  Opera House now Bucks County Estate Traders |
Images from the Perkasie Historical Society Collection
A metal cigar ashtray was recently donated to the Perkasie Historical Society Museum. Stamped into the metal is American Makers Corporation, Perkasie, PA. A search of the Perkasie Central News newspaper revealed the following about this company that operated in Perkasie for at least twelve years.
In 1916, five local businessmen applied to the State of Pennsylvania for a charter for American Makers Corporation. The object of this corporation was to manufacture, buy, sell, and otherwise deal in toys novelties, specialties and merchandise made of wood, metal, fiber, leather, cotton, or woolen fabrics etc.
American Makers Corporation was located in the Knoll Building located on Chestnut Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets, now apartments. In 1923, company moved into the “Opera House Building at Fourth and Walnut Streets.
A 1923 Central News article states “the building vacated by General Cigar Co. will not be long vacant. American Makers Corporation, manufactures of cigar boxes and novelties will move their plant from the Knoll Building.”
American Makers remained in the “Opera House Building” until 1929 when the building was sold to Hosiery Yarn Company.
It is not known if American Makers did actually manufacture the ashtrays or just purchased them for an advertising item.
In 1916, five local businessmen applied to the State of Pennsylvania for a charter for American Makers Corporation. The object of this corporation was to manufacture, buy, sell, and otherwise deal in toys novelties, specialties and merchandise made of wood, metal, fiber, leather, cotton, or woolen fabrics etc.
American Makers Corporation was located in the Knoll Building located on Chestnut Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets, now apartments. In 1923, company moved into the “Opera House Building at Fourth and Walnut Streets.
A 1923 Central News article states “the building vacated by General Cigar Co. will not be long vacant. American Makers Corporation, manufactures of cigar boxes and novelties will move their plant from the Knoll Building.”
American Makers remained in the “Opera House Building” until 1929 when the building was sold to Hosiery Yarn Company.
It is not known if American Makers did actually manufacture the ashtrays or just purchased them for an advertising item.
Rick Doll 2020
Perkasie Carousel Memories
Menlo Park
We all miss our carousel.
In the 128 years that there has been a carousel in Menlo Park, there have been very few summers when it has not been in operation. After the borough closed the Menlo Park amusements in 1963, the carousel remained silent until 1970 when the Perkasie Historical Society volunteers took over its operation. In 1994 and 1995, the carousel was closed as structural damage from a heavy snow necessitated reinforcing the carousel building. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic prevented the carousel from opening.
The Perkasie News Herald on November 2, 1981 “HISTORICAL NOTES on operation of the carousel: ' The carousel has been housed and the floor laid with sawdust several inches deep. This retreat is one of the coolest spots in Menlo Park.' said the Central News in 1899
The carousel was originally only operated on Saturdays, never Sundays. The original carousel was operated by a steam engine. Howard Eckert was the first engineer. When the toboggan was added in 1894, both were operated by steam piped from the toboggan power plant. The calliope played from long paper rolls. "
The Perkasie Power Plant began selling current in 1900. The plant was operated only at night until 1903 when additions to the plant allowed for 24-hour service. The date when the carousel power was supplied by electricity instead of steam is not known.
Jacob Moll was the first operator of the carousel. His son, Howard, remembers carrying lunch to his father and being permitted to stay until closing time, often falling asleep on a seat of the carousel “chariots”.
Former Perkasie Police Chief, James Schatz, recalls filling the carousel ring arm for 50 cents a day. To be sure a pretty girl got the brass ring he counted the takers before her, so she won the free ride.
The old carousel ring arm was found under the porch of what was the park owner’s house (Henry Wilson’s house, next to the library). The ring arm was restored by the late Mark Frederick is displayed on the back wall of the carousel building.
In the 128 years that there has been a carousel in Menlo Park, there have been very few summers when it has not been in operation. After the borough closed the Menlo Park amusements in 1963, the carousel remained silent until 1970 when the Perkasie Historical Society volunteers took over its operation. In 1994 and 1995, the carousel was closed as structural damage from a heavy snow necessitated reinforcing the carousel building. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic prevented the carousel from opening.
The Perkasie News Herald on November 2, 1981 “HISTORICAL NOTES on operation of the carousel: ' The carousel has been housed and the floor laid with sawdust several inches deep. This retreat is one of the coolest spots in Menlo Park.' said the Central News in 1899
The carousel was originally only operated on Saturdays, never Sundays. The original carousel was operated by a steam engine. Howard Eckert was the first engineer. When the toboggan was added in 1894, both were operated by steam piped from the toboggan power plant. The calliope played from long paper rolls. "
The Perkasie Power Plant began selling current in 1900. The plant was operated only at night until 1903 when additions to the plant allowed for 24-hour service. The date when the carousel power was supplied by electricity instead of steam is not known.
Jacob Moll was the first operator of the carousel. His son, Howard, remembers carrying lunch to his father and being permitted to stay until closing time, often falling asleep on a seat of the carousel “chariots”.
Former Perkasie Police Chief, James Schatz, recalls filling the carousel ring arm for 50 cents a day. To be sure a pretty girl got the brass ring he counted the takers before her, so she won the free ride.
The old carousel ring arm was found under the porch of what was the park owner’s house (Henry Wilson’s house, next to the library). The ring arm was restored by the late Mark Frederick is displayed on the back wall of the carousel building.
Rick Doll 2020
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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