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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.
Furniture and Sporting Goods:
Perkasie's
Renner Brothers Store
Perkasie Historical Society Museum Archives
Twin brothers, Claude and Edwin Renner were born on the family farm on September 16, 1899. When they were 20 years old, they left the farm to work in the clothing industry, getting paid $12.00 for a 54-hour work week.
 1954 Perkasie Anniversary Book |  1954 Perkasie Anniversary Book |
The Renners’ started a secondhand sales business with a plow they cleaned, painted, and repaired and sold for $10.00. Their second item was a washing machine bought for $10.00 they cleaned, repaired, and sold for $30.00. The brothers worked evenings and Saturdays and one Saturday a man bought everything they had on hand for $180.00.
1954 Perkasie Anniversary Book Claude and Edwin started in the furniture business in the barn and garage at Claude’s home located at Fourth and Arch Streets. In 1933 the brothers purchased the Perkasie Furniture Store Building (former Metzger and Musselman Furniture) located at Sixth and Market Streets. This three-story brick building replaced a small frame building in 1923.
1941 Renner Brother News-Herald advertisement The Renners’ were active sportsmen, with the store carrying a full line of hunting, fishing, and boating equipment along with furniture. Renner Brothers became well known in the area for their annual Anniversary Celebration Sale that attracted as many as 2000 people. The street was roped off for a carnival like atmosphere with entertainment by popular area musicians, hot dogs, hamburgers, and the prize drawing.
1941 Renner Brothers Receipt from the Perkasie Historical Society Archives In 1969, when Edwin Renner retired, Claude paid him $60,000. Claude incorporated with his son Clifford and son-in-laws, Lloyd, and Russell Lowery. Renner and Lowery Furniture remained in business until 1986 when the building was sold after the inventory was sold to a liquidator.
Today the former Renner Brothers building at 601 West Market Street is used as an apartment building and is home to Shine Yoga Studio.
This “Memory” was inspired by a 1979 article from the society archives, written by Perkasie Historical Society historian Paulyne Kramer.
RDoll
RDoll
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
J. Richard Gulick
Community Service (CSG) Book
J. Richard “Dick” Gulick was a Perkasie resident and a 1939 graduate of Sellersville – Perkasie High School. Two years after graduation, Pearl Harbor was attacked, and The United States entered World War II. Mr. Gulick joined the Army Air Corps 95th Bomb Squadron as a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He flew on 32 combat and two supply missions that originated at Horham Airfield in England. The bombing missions targeted railroad marshalling yards, oil refineries, bridges, and airfields. Three of the missions were over Berlin.
After the war he returned home and worked for his family’s business, M. Gulick Provisions of Perkasie. Mr. Gulick was a member of Perkasie Hartzell – Crouthamel American Legion Post 280 and served on Perkasie Borough council. Mr. Gulick was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service during World War II. He passed away in 2009.
Thanks to Heath White for compiling and sharing the military record of J. Richard Gulick.
Sunday Papers
 1961 Walnut Street Business Block |  April 23, 1959 News Herald Advertisement |
Walt Hellmann was employed at Labelcraft Press during the early 1960’s. To supplement his income, he would deliver newspapers for the local news agency. On Sunday’s, his son Eric and Eric’s friend Ron Braun would help with the deliveries.
The Philadelphia Inquirer and Bulletin were dropped off at Flexer’s News Agency, located at 517 West Walnut Street. The paper bundles were taken to the basement where a special machine would roll up the individual newspapers and tie strings around them. This would make it easier to throw the papers when delivering.
The folded and bound papers were loaded into the back of Walt’s Rambler station wagon. Eric and Ron would stand on the open station wagon tailgate and throw the papers to customers as Walt drove through the streets of Perkasie. Sometimes milk bottles would be broken by the tossed newspaper and on one occasion a picture window was broken.
The reward for the boys for helping deliver over 150 newspapers was five dollars, a Tastykake and chocolate milk.
 West Walnut St. Schmidt Block: Perkasie Historical Society, Jim Moyer Collection |  2019 Schmidt Business Block |
Flexer’s Newsstand is now Olde Towne Convenience Store. Walt Hellmann went on to become a Perkasie Police Officer and passed away in 2002.
Thanks to Eric Hellmann for sharing his memory!
Doll
Perkasie Easter Egg Hunt
I remember as a kid in the early 1960’s going to Easter Egg Hunts. They were held at Menlo Park or sometimes at Lake Lenape in the area now used for the Perkasie Amphitheater. The Chamber of Commerce would organize the event and the Perkasie Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary members would dye the eggs.
April 19, 1962 News-Herald My mother and grandmother both volunteered to color eggs, and I remember large crates of eggs being at the firehouse. The egg dye was a mix of food coloring and vinegar and the whole firehouse smelled of vinegar. Some “special eggs” would also be given numbers.
On the day of the hunt, the eggs (210 dozen) would be spread over the lawn. We would gather the eggs and if we found a numbered egg we would receive a prize certificate. The certificates were from local merchants and could be redeemed for merchandise or a cash prize. One year, I found a numbered egg sponsored by The Vogue Shop on Chestnut Street.
The next day, I rode my bike to the store to exchange the certificate for my fifty-cent prize.
The next day, I rode my bike to the store to exchange the certificate for my fifty-cent prize.
Thanks to Dale Haring for sharing his memory and photos!
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
The Lamplighter
 Scott Mabry Photography image |  2020 Perkasie Historical Society Archives |
Improvements were made in the late 1990’s in an effort to evolve and expand Perkasie’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Music, downtown carriage rides, and the reading of “The Night Before Christmas” were added. Cressets were also placed around the Christmas tree at Seventh and Market Streets.
Cressets are metal baskets, placed upon poles containing oil, pitch or wood that is burned to provide light. They were the first forms of street lighting. Former Perkasie Economic Development Director, Don Lederach was able to purchase a few cressets from the Williamsburg Foundation. To maintain the cresset fires during the event, Perkasie Borough Electric Department lineman, Matt Lynch was asked to be the lamplighter.
Cressets are metal baskets, placed upon poles containing oil, pitch or wood that is burned to provide light. They were the first forms of street lighting. Former Perkasie Economic Development Director, Don Lederach was able to purchase a few cressets from the Williamsburg Foundation. To maintain the cresset fires during the event, Perkasie Borough Electric Department lineman, Matt Lynch was asked to be the lamplighter.
2018 Perkasie Historical Society Archives For over 20 years, Matt dressed in his black tuxedo complete with top hat, can be found at Seventh and Market on tree lighting day. With his nearby pile of wood, he keeps the fires in the cressets burning, provides information to visitors, greets friends and family, and assists with the lighting of the trees. Even though he is now retired, Matt continues to volunteer as lamplighter.
Thank you, Matt, for keeping this tradition alive.
Thank you, Matt, for keeping this tradition alive.
The Duck Farm
 1898 Duck pond letter |  Duck Pond Map courtesy Rick Doll |
The Perkasie Historical Society Museum receives all kinds of donations from all different eras, but it is always exciting when we receive an artifact that can be tied to other items in our collection.
We recently completed archiving a large number of deeds, a few which were for properties along what is now the east Branch Perkiomen Creek by Kulp Park on 2nd street, Perkasie.
Research confirmed that on April 15, 1897, Henry O. Moyer and Isaac Groff purchased 26 acres and 2 lots of land from Charles Bissey. By September of the same year, they had improved the property with the building of a barn to be fitted with incubators to raise ducks. The creek was also dammed, and 2 artificial lakes were to be built to raise fine food fish as well as providing water for the ducks.
This was confirmed by correspondence found in an envelope labeled “Marge Cusante's grandmother.” The letter dated July 25, 1898, between “Lorna” and Elizabeth” mentions going down to the duck farm to see the ducklings.
We recently completed archiving a large number of deeds, a few which were for properties along what is now the east Branch Perkiomen Creek by Kulp Park on 2nd street, Perkasie.
Research confirmed that on April 15, 1897, Henry O. Moyer and Isaac Groff purchased 26 acres and 2 lots of land from Charles Bissey. By September of the same year, they had improved the property with the building of a barn to be fitted with incubators to raise ducks. The creek was also dammed, and 2 artificial lakes were to be built to raise fine food fish as well as providing water for the ducks.
This was confirmed by correspondence found in an envelope labeled “Marge Cusante's grandmother.” The letter dated July 25, 1898, between “Lorna” and Elizabeth” mentions going down to the duck farm to see the ducklings.
Jun 17, 1907 Central News
However, by October of 1898, Henry O. Moyer and Isaac Groff announced that the land purchased from Charles Bissey would be sold, although it wasn’t until September 5, 1907, that the Henry O. Moyer Estate sold the duck farm. The land was further divided into lots and new pavements were installed.
2017 Playground equipment Perkasie Borough Frank R. Kulp Playground.
In April 1924, the Perkasie school board purchased 12 acres between 2nd Street and the creek, and in 1930 the public playground was opened. Today this is the Frank R. Kulp Playground.
S.Murga, L.Doll, RDoll
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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