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 Leading the 2024 Opening Day Parade at 4th and Walnut Street |  2024 Opening Day 3rd and Walnut St.  2024 Opening Day 4th and Walnut St |
Today’s Pennridge Little League’s “Opening Day” with a parade and opening ceremony is a sure sign that the spring / summer season has arrived. Even on days like today with clouds and a cold damp wind, “Opening Day” has been a welcoming spring tradition for over 60 years.
 1992 Little League Parade North 7th and Arch Street. Eugene Pritchard (Lesher) Collection . |  1995 Robin Roberts in Little League Parade North 7th and Arch Street. Eugene Pritchard (Lesher) Collection |
Our son played on little league teams during the 1990’s and we remember opening day. It was always an exciting day, especially for the young players who would be participating in the events for the first time. After a bit of chaos organizing all of the teams, they walk through the streets of Perkasie to the ballfield along Walnut Street for opening ceremonies. The police cars and fire trucks have always part been part of the event. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends line the street to wave to the young ballplayers as they march by.
1996 Mike Lieberthal, Philadelphia Phillies souvenir card from Edward Browning Realtor
For many years, the late Perkasie realtor, Ed Browning, would sponsor “Tree Day” at his Sixth Street office. This event was held on the same day as opening day and Mr. Browning would arrange for a Philadelphia sports personality to appear in Perkasie. We remember seeing Robin Roberts, Rex Hudler, and Mike Lieberthal from the Phillies courtesy of Ed Browning.
For many years, the late Perkasie realtor, Ed Browning, would sponsor “Tree Day” at his Sixth Street office. This event was held on the same day as opening day and Mr. Browning would arrange for a Philadelphia sports personality to appear in Perkasie. We remember seeing Robin Roberts, Rex Hudler, and Mike Lieberthal from the Phillies courtesy of Ed Browning.
Opening day is a timeless event. The players and coaches continually change. The young ballplayers from the 1990’s that we remember are now the coaches for their children. Even the team sponsors are different as new businesses are established in our area. The events of the day and parade route still do remain pretty much the same.
May the tradition continue!
Memory courtesy of Rick and Louise Doll.
Doll
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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
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
Halloween in Perkasie
Halloween in Perkasie has always been a fun and sometimes boisterous celebration. An everchanging variety of events held over the years, brings back fond memories to all who participated.
In 1913, the Perkasie Harmonic Band organized the first Halloween parade for adults and children; costumes were judged at the railroad station and cash prizes awarded at the Menlo Casino. The event grew and in 1919 Perkasie’s Hartzell-Crouthamel American Legion Post began sponsoring the parade. 1920’s celebration included a carnival, a block dance, and a Goblin Hunt. Goblin hunters bought a ticket to run through Perkasie’s alleys which had been decorated with hanging ghosts and pumpkins, and even a springy obstacle participants had to step on to cross. The “Goblin” was finally found on cemetery hill.
In 1921, the festivities were moved to the Arch Street School where Legion volunteers constructed carnival booths featuring hot dogs, skill games, and a fortune teller. Floats were added to the parade in 1927. The winning float in 1930 was “Toyland” by A. A. Lesher; it was so large and elaborate it had trouble making the turns in the parade route. The three-night carnival and parade continued until 1934, attracting 15000 spectators and 2000 participants sharing as much as $2000 in prizes.
The parade became a joint Sellersville-Perkasie parade in 1936, located at the Sell-Perk High School and sponsored by the two Chambers of Commerce. Only children could participate, and all 1000 of them that year received candy. Prizes included baseballs donated by the Hubbert’s.
The celebrations paused during World War II but were revived in 1946 by the Hartzell-Crouthamel Post. A five-day carnival was held at Lake Lenape, including a drawing for a 1946 Chevrolet.
In 1913, the Perkasie Harmonic Band organized the first Halloween parade for adults and children; costumes were judged at the railroad station and cash prizes awarded at the Menlo Casino. The event grew and in 1919 Perkasie’s Hartzell-Crouthamel American Legion Post began sponsoring the parade. 1920’s celebration included a carnival, a block dance, and a Goblin Hunt. Goblin hunters bought a ticket to run through Perkasie’s alleys which had been decorated with hanging ghosts and pumpkins, and even a springy obstacle participants had to step on to cross. The “Goblin” was finally found on cemetery hill.
In 1921, the festivities were moved to the Arch Street School where Legion volunteers constructed carnival booths featuring hot dogs, skill games, and a fortune teller. Floats were added to the parade in 1927. The winning float in 1930 was “Toyland” by A. A. Lesher; it was so large and elaborate it had trouble making the turns in the parade route. The three-night carnival and parade continued until 1934, attracting 15000 spectators and 2000 participants sharing as much as $2000 in prizes.
The parade became a joint Sellersville-Perkasie parade in 1936, located at the Sell-Perk High School and sponsored by the two Chambers of Commerce. Only children could participate, and all 1000 of them that year received candy. Prizes included baseballs donated by the Hubbert’s.
The celebrations paused during World War II but were revived in 1946 by the Hartzell-Crouthamel Post. A five-day carnival was held at Lake Lenape, including a drawing for a 1946 Chevrolet.
By 1950, the Rotary and Kiwanis joined the Legion, sponsoring a window painting contest throughout the area. Junior and Senior High students painted Halloween scenes on the windows of local businesses hoping to win prizes for their artwork. The Legion continued to chair the parade, doing fund-raising to provide cash for prizes, which in some years were silver dollars.
1958 Nov 06 News-Herald The Halloween party returned to the Arch Street School in 1953 when the Legion gave lollipops to all children. In addition to $100 in cash prizes, 150 of the lollipops were marked to win a bag of candy.
Later parades in the 1950s and 1960s usually ended at Menlo Park, where costumes were judged, prizes awarded, and hotdogs and cider served to all children.
In 1980 the tradition changed when the Perkasie parade became the Pennridge Halloween parade and was held in Sellersville. The Pennridge parade ended prior to the Covid pandemic and in 2022 will be replaced with a Halloween party held at the Sellersville Firehouse.
JP/RD
Truth, Hope, and Love -
Relief Circle No. 57
Brotherhood of America
Perkasie, PA
Relief Circle No. 57 medals from the Perkasie Historical Society Collection.
The Brotherhood of America was a fraternal organization providing financial and moral aid to members when sick or disabled. The Brotherhood started in Philadelphia in 1847 as Brotherhood of the Union. At the first session of the Supreme Circle held in 1850, the members formed a circle around the Liberty Bell. The organization’s name changed to Brotherhood of America in 1905.
The Perkasie chapter, Relief Circle No. 57 organized in 1896. There were hundreds of members over the years that participated in community events. The Relief Circle hosted the 1919 and 1931 Grand Circle of Pennsylvania Annual Sessions.
The Perkasie chapter, Relief Circle No. 57 organized in 1896. There were hundreds of members over the years that participated in community events. The Relief Circle hosted the 1919 and 1931 Grand Circle of Pennsylvania Annual Sessions.
Image from the 1954 Perkasie Anniversary Book In 1905 the Circle erected a building at 410 East Walnut Street and used the third floor for meetings. This building is now part of Perkasie Industrial Center. The Relief Circle constructed a second building in 1926 at 534 East Walnut Street. This building used until 1947 is currently the location of Matt Huprich and Son Furniture.
The final lodge hall for the Brotherhood was in the Third Ward School House located at 100 S. Main Street. Purchased from the school district in 1947, the Relief Circle used the building
until 1976 when it sold for a private residence.
In 1987, the few remaining members decided to disband the Perkasie Relief Circle.
Thanks to the late Ralph Barndt, Perkasie Historical Society was recipient of a collection of medals, booklets, and records from the Circle. Additional thanks to Pat Barsby Gahman for her donation in memory of her parents.
until 1976 when it sold for a private residence.
In 1987, the few remaining members decided to disband the Perkasie Relief Circle.
Thanks to the late Ralph Barndt, Perkasie Historical Society was recipient of a collection of medals, booklets, and records from the Circle. Additional thanks to Pat Barsby Gahman for her donation in memory of her parents.
1919 Grand Circle Proceedings of Pennsylvania Brotherhood of America from the Perkasie Historical Society Collection.
Rick Doll 2022
Thank you
Pennridge Chamber
of Commerce!
 Pennridge Chamber of Commerce 538 West Market Street |  Pennridge Chamber of Commerce plaque with logo |
September 28, 1905 First page of First Perkasie Board of Trade Minutes 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.
 Perkasie Chamber of Commerce Letterhead | 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
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
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
Perkasie Junior Legion Baseball
Image from the Perkasie Historical Society Collection
Last year, a photograph of a Perkasie Junior Legion Baseball team was used in our museum sports display. Unfortunately, the back of the photo was not labeled with the year of the team. It was labeled with some of the players names, one of whom was Harold “Hal” Swartley.
Hal Swartley, who went on to become a Pennridge teacher and coach, identified the team as being from the 1945 era. Perkasie had very good Junior Legion teams during those times. In 1945 they played Coplay in the Southeastern Pennsylvania playoffs. Coplay had a dominant left-handed pitcher named Curt Simmons. The Perkasie team was eliminated from the playoffs after losing two games to Coplay. Later, Coplay would become the Pennsylvania Legion Champions and Curt Simmons would go on to sign a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The games were played at the Second Street Playground field. Hal Swartley noted that the grandstands had been constructed during the depression as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project They were painted green just as they are today.
Dave Mann, another member of the 1945 team narrowed the photo date to 1944. Many members of the 1944 team played again in 1945. Dave also remembers the first Coplay game when Curt Simmons held Perkasie to a single hit by Chuck Strouse. He also recalled that after the games, the Legion would treat the players to dinner at the Mayflower or American House Restaurants.
Perkasie would draw players from Sell-Perk and Hilltown High Schools for the team. Perkasie Junior Legion would play teams from Lansdale, Quakertown and Doylestown.
Thanks to Hal Swartley and Dave Mann for the information and for identifying the team photo.
Hal Swartley, who went on to become a Pennridge teacher and coach, identified the team as being from the 1945 era. Perkasie had very good Junior Legion teams during those times. In 1945 they played Coplay in the Southeastern Pennsylvania playoffs. Coplay had a dominant left-handed pitcher named Curt Simmons. The Perkasie team was eliminated from the playoffs after losing two games to Coplay. Later, Coplay would become the Pennsylvania Legion Champions and Curt Simmons would go on to sign a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The games were played at the Second Street Playground field. Hal Swartley noted that the grandstands had been constructed during the depression as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project They were painted green just as they are today.
Dave Mann, another member of the 1945 team narrowed the photo date to 1944. Many members of the 1944 team played again in 1945. Dave also remembers the first Coplay game when Curt Simmons held Perkasie to a single hit by Chuck Strouse. He also recalled that after the games, the Legion would treat the players to dinner at the Mayflower or American House Restaurants.
Perkasie would draw players from Sell-Perk and Hilltown High Schools for the team. Perkasie Junior Legion would play teams from Lansdale, Quakertown and Doylestown.
Thanks to Hal Swartley and Dave Mann for the information and for identifying the team photo.
Rick Doll 2020
Greg Nyce's Fire Helmet
On June 26, 1988, a devastating fire destroyed many of the historic buildings in downtown Perkasie. Greg Nyce was one of the Perkasie firefighters who responded to the fire. As the fire engulfed the Shelly Lumber shed and the J. G. Moyer Building, Greg and Clyde Snyder were fighting the fire from above in Perkasie’s aerial truck parked on Seventh Street. As the wind whipped the fire across Seventh Street to the American House Hotel and Lesher’s Store, the aerial bucket truck became engulfed in flames. Realizing that they could not go back down to the ground, Greg and Clyde were able to swing the aerial platform to the roof of the building at 14-21 N. Seventh Street. They were able to jump onto the roof and go through a hatch into the building.
After the fire, the aerial truck was refurbished and returned to service in Perkasie. In 2013, the truck’s new owner, Oakland (NJ) Fire Company, returned the truck to Perkasie for the 25th Anniversary of the Perkasie Fire. The truck was positioned on Seventh Street where Greg Nyce, Chief Worthington and others climbed into the aerial bucket and reenacted the scenario from 25 years prior.
After returning to the ground, Greg Nyce donated his fire helmet, the one he wore during the fire to the Perkasie Historical Society Museum.
Thank you, Greg, for your donation of your helmet and thanks to our firefighters for their service to the community.
Visit the Perkasie Historical Society Photo Gallery for images of some of our
museum displays including :
2013 25th Anniversary of the Perkasie Fire of 1988
2018 30th Anniversary of the Perkasie Fire of 1988
museum displays including :
2013 25th Anniversary of the Perkasie Fire of 1988
2018 30th Anniversary of the Perkasie Fire of 1988
Rick Doll 2020
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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