Tether Car Track Memories  2024 Tether Car Track in Lenape Park When you are visiting Lenape Park for a concert, Community Day, or the Fireman’s Carnival, look for this long-forgotten reminder of Perkasie’s past. Near the area where the park road splits to go to the skating pond, is a two-foot wide, almost hidden, concrete circle that was one the tether car track. The tether car track was constructed around 1946 - 47 by a group of enthusiasts that formed a local club. The two-foot-wide concrete track was laid in a 90-foot diameter circle. In the center was a pole with a ball bearing ring. The piano wire cable that was attached to the car was attached to the ring which would rotate around the pole as the car rode around the track. Two people were needed to operate each car. One person would start the car motor and would release it. The second person stayed near the pole and held the cable tight as the car got started. The person in the center would hop onto a platform attached to the pole once the car started moving around the circle. The cars operating at Lenape would reach a speed of 100 miles per hour.
Each car was propelled by a small gasoline engine attached to a gear box connected to the wheels. Few people could afford a car as it cost about $120 to put one on the track. “Doc” Strouse the owner of the Studebaker dealership on Seventh Street had a few cars that he would race in Perkasie. The track did not last for too many years. It was gone by the mid-1950’s as it needed new concrete, and a new agreement for operation with Perkasie Borough. Parts of the concrete track are still visible in the area close to the skating pond. There are only a few tracks left in the country where you can still race tether cars.  The late Jay Sowers provided this memory to the Perkasie Historical Society. Jay was a Perkasie resident who was well recognized in the tether car community.
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 1955 Sanborn map indicating 7th Street Spray Ponds |  Spray Pond image from 1929 Anniversary Book |
For almost fifty years the borough of Perkasie generated their own electricity at the power plant located at 120 North Seventh Street. Coal fired boilers provided steam that turned generators producing electricity.
During the 1920’s steam turbo generators were added to the plant to increase electric production. This necessitated construction of a spray pond where hot water was cooled. The pond was a rectangular concrete structure that was at least four feet deep
The spray ponds were located across Seventh Street from the electric plant in a driveway behind the homes at 129 and 135 North Seventh Street. A small brick building on the property contained the pumps for pumping hot water from the power plant. The hot water was sprayed into the air and allowing it to cool.
During the 1920’s steam turbo generators were added to the plant to increase electric production. This necessitated construction of a spray pond where hot water was cooled. The pond was a rectangular concrete structure that was at least four feet deep
The spray ponds were located across Seventh Street from the electric plant in a driveway behind the homes at 129 and 135 North Seventh Street. A small brick building on the property contained the pumps for pumping hot water from the power plant. The hot water was sprayed into the air and allowing it to cool.
House at 131 N Seventh Street Perkasie Historical Society Archives When Perkasie Borough stopped generating electricity in 1948, the spray ponds were closed and eventually filled in. The brick pump house was used for storage and eventually demolished. The site was unused until 2009 when a house was constructed on the site.
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
Opening Day
 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
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!
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
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 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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