The Duck Farm
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.  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.  1998 Spruce St Tot Lot - Perkasie Historical Society Jim Moyer Collection 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
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 |  Harold, Bernice, Becky Meyers at Union Hotel circa 1916 from Ed Goodwin , Bernice Meyers collection |
Bernice Meyers was the daughter of Perkasie’s Union Hotel proprietor, Oscar Meyers. Mr. Meyers and his father David operated the hotel at 7th and Chestnut Streets for over forty years.
Bernice, and her two siblings grew up at the hotel in the early 1900’s. Their mother was the cook, and their father was responsible for renting rooms and for the bar area. When Bernice was learning to talk, she had a difficult time pronouncing union and would refer to her place of residence as “The Onion Hotel.”
Growing up at the hotel was always interesting. Bernice learned to roller skate in the dining room, and she remembers her brother Harold walking his pony Teddy through the hotel. When the hotel was busy, they would hire a cook who would sneak Bernice dinner on the rare occasion sent to her room for misbehaving. On hot summer nights Bernice would sleep on the second-floor porch overlooking 7th Street where it was cooler. During prohibition Mr. Meyers would always keep his office locked and it was off limits to the children. He would occasionally open the office to patrons and distribute “medicine."
Being located across the street from the railroad station, many visitors arriving by train would spend nights at the hotel. Occasionally there would be long-term guests that would stay for a few months while employed in Perkasie. The hotel was extremely busy during conventions and parade weekends. Bernice remembered that occasionally some convention guests would become “rowdy” after an evening of celebrating.
The Union Hotel was demolished in 1968 as part of Perkasie’s urban renewal project. Bernice Meyers passed away in 2007.
Bernice, and her two siblings grew up at the hotel in the early 1900’s. Their mother was the cook, and their father was responsible for renting rooms and for the bar area. When Bernice was learning to talk, she had a difficult time pronouncing union and would refer to her place of residence as “The Onion Hotel.”
Growing up at the hotel was always interesting. Bernice learned to roller skate in the dining room, and she remembers her brother Harold walking his pony Teddy through the hotel. When the hotel was busy, they would hire a cook who would sneak Bernice dinner on the rare occasion sent to her room for misbehaving. On hot summer nights Bernice would sleep on the second-floor porch overlooking 7th Street where it was cooler. During prohibition Mr. Meyers would always keep his office locked and it was off limits to the children. He would occasionally open the office to patrons and distribute “medicine."
Being located across the street from the railroad station, many visitors arriving by train would spend nights at the hotel. Occasionally there would be long-term guests that would stay for a few months while employed in Perkasie. The hotel was extremely busy during conventions and parade weekends. Bernice remembered that occasionally some convention guests would become “rowdy” after an evening of celebrating.
The Union Hotel was demolished in 1968 as part of Perkasie’s urban renewal project. Bernice Meyers passed away in 2007.
Rdoll
“The Missing Block”
1961 Sanborn map showing the "Missing Block."
Perkasie’s “Missing Block” is the area between Sixth, Seventh, Market and Chestnut Streets. All the original buildings in what can be considered the town’s most significant block, are no longer there. One house that was located at 607 Chestnut St still exists after being dismantled and moved to another Chestnut Street location.
In 1926, the Central News building at 609 W. Chestnut Street was lost after an explosion leveled the building. A house at 6th and Market Streets was demolished by First Federal Savings for their office in 1956. Another house, at 6th and Chestnut Street, was demolished by Perkasie Borough for a municipal parking lot.
Most of the block was lost during Perkasie’s urban renewal project in 1967 – 1968. Demolished along 7th Street was the Union Hotel and a building where five stores and restaurants were located. At the corner of 7th and Market Streets where the town Christmas tree is currently located, the beautiful stone Hendricks mansion was demolished. Along Market Street urban renewal claimed two brick homes that were used as businesses and a brick dwelling / garage building. Demolished in the center of the block was a large building, formerly the livery stable for the hotel.
 1954 Anniversary Parade showing buildings along Seventh Street: Mark Frederick Photo. |  1954 Anniversary Parade showing buildings along Market Street: Mark Frederick Photo. |
At the completion of the urban renewal project, only two buildings remained, the current Penn Community and Quakertown National Bank buildings. The block remained this way until Shelly’s constructed their hardware store in 1976. The only other addition is the Community Christmas Tree on the grass square at the corner of Seventh and Market Streets.
Doll
Wimmer's Sweet Shop
 Sweet Shop image courtesy of Wendy Wimmer Freed. |  Central-News July 22, 1922 |
Wendy Wimmer remembers hearing stories about her grandfather, Harry Wimmer’s Perkasie business, The Sweet Shop. Located at the corner of Fifth and Market Streets, Mr. Wimmer was the proprietor of this business for nearly 20 years.
The single-story building was constructed in 1922 by R.E. Oltman as a confectionary store. After a short time, the business was sold to World War I veteran, Harry Wimmer who opened The Sweet Shop. Specializing in confections, ice cream (Wimmers love ice cream) and cigars, the store was popular especially with children. Also sold at the store was milk, Halloween costumes and in December, Christmas Trees.
The single-story building was constructed in 1922 by R.E. Oltman as a confectionary store. After a short time, the business was sold to World War I veteran, Harry Wimmer who opened The Sweet Shop. Specializing in confections, ice cream (Wimmers love ice cream) and cigars, the store was popular especially with children. Also sold at the store was milk, Halloween costumes and in December, Christmas Trees.
Harry Wimmer image courtesy of Wendy Wimmer Freed. Photograph restored and colorized by Robin Clark. After Harry Wimmer began working for Bendix Aviation in the early 1940’s he closed the Sweet Shop. On his way home from working night shift at Bendix in 1943, Mr. Wimmer was killed in an automobile accident. Wendy’s father was only 16 at the time of the accident.
| After the Sweet shop closed, local contractor, John Mayes occupied the site as an office for his paving business. Later the building was the office of the Lee Stover Insurance Agency. Hair salons, Images and Dragonflies were located here prior to 2020. Currently, Pridmore Floral Design provides wedding floral designs from this 500 West Market Street address. RDoll |  2023 Pridmore Floral Design, Perkasie Historical Society Image |
Memories of Lesher’s Store
 1984 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Rep. Paul Clymer cutting the ribbon with Bentley Smith and the Pritchards. |  Lesher's Sidewalk Sale |
The thirty-fifth anniversary of the 1988 Perkasie Fire brings back memories of a Perkasie treasure lost that day, Lesher’s Variety Store. The store was started in 1926 as Beer’s Variety Store by A.A. Lesher. Later, the store was operated by Bentley Smith and beginning in 1984, by Gene Pritchard.
You could find anything at Lesher’s as both the first floor and basement counters and wall space were well stocked with merchandise.
You could find anything at Lesher’s as both the first floor and basement counters and wall space were well stocked with merchandise.
Lesher's Candy Counter The store is remembered for its wooden floors, large candy section, toys, housewares, penny candy, trains, remote-controlled cars and basement with Christmas items and tropical fish. There was a small food area behind the candy section where they sold hot dogs, soda, and soft pretzels. And don’t forget sidewalk sales and sales during the holiday season. Shopping at Lesher’s was very memorable for all.
 Lesher's Storefront  Lesher's train merchandise |  Sidewalk view in front of Lesher's Store |
 Quartet performance |  Lesher's yarn and sewing merchandise  Lesher's Christmas Sale window |
 Santa Greeting Customers |  Meeting Santa |
Toy dinosaur and train track among the items found in the fire debris. Image from the Perkasie Historical Society Collection. A short time after the fire, Gene Pritchard opened Lesher’s II a short distance away at 7th and Arch Street.
A thank you to the Pritchard Family for sharing their memories and photograph collection.
Additionally, Images of the Perkasie Historical Society Museum "1988 Fire Displays" can be found in the Perkasie Historical Society Photo Gallery
2013 25th Anniversary of the Perkasie Fire of 1988
2018 30th Anniversary of the Perkasie Fire of 1988
R.Doll
Goldberg Brothers
Quality Store
As teenagers, Harry and Samuel Goldberg left Lithuania for America and arrived at Ellis Island in 1905 with instructions to meet a certain contact in Philadelphia who would provide them with a place to stay and whatever they needed. Upon reaching Philadelphia, they were given a few articles of clothing, a meal and encouragement to keep moving outside the city where the cost of living was more affordable.
They settled in Perkasie, Bucks County where most folks spoke Pennsylvania Dutch- a local dialect of German. Though they spoke no English at the time, their Yiddish skills were sufficient to allow interaction in the community. They found cut-and-sew work in a local clothing factory paying $1.35 a week. When the brothers learned their foreman who had worked there for 30 years but was earning only $1.55, they decided this was not the career path they wanted to take and began planning to go into business for themselves.
Central-News, October 25, 1911 Within a year or two, Isaac would join his brothers in Perkasie. In 1911 they would open their first retail establishment, Goldberg Brothers Quality Store.
Central News December 18, 1912
The store was located at Sixth and Arch Streets on the site of the current Grandview Service Center. The Goldbergs catered to their working-class customers and purchased a horse and wagon to make home deliveries of the clothing and material goods they sold.
Samuel married and looking for larger markets to sell goods, left the partnership in 1914, moved to Philadelphia and eventually founded Goldberg Marine… a major retailer of boating supplies. Isaac also married, moved to Philadelphia and started I. Goldberg Army Navy. By 1915 the Goldberg’s Perkasie store closed and Harry moved to Souderton… eventually opening H. A. Goldberg’s Clothing Co. on East Broad Street. His business thrived into the mid-1960s when the business finally succumbed to the competitive pressures generated by area shopping centers and malls.
Central News January 22, 1912 and August 26, 1914
Harry Goldberg Story & photos contributed by Alan Weisberg, son of Jeanne Goldberg Weisberg and grandson of Harry & Anna Goldberg.
Ten Cent Shine
Robert "Bob" M. Benner On March 30th, 2023, Perkasie lost a local legend with the passing of Robert “Bob” Benner, at the age of 101. Bob was always good for a story from days past. The following is one of his memories he shared of life in Perkasie in a simpler time.
Colonial Cafe, Perkasie, Pa. Postcard from the Perkasie Historical Society collection. I had a shoeshine stand at my father’s restaurant, the Colonial Café. The restaurant was located at 7th and Arch Streets in the building that is now apartments. I inherited the business from my older brothers, Clyde, Leroy, and Woodrow. I had a two-seater stand outside the restaurant in the summer and a one - seater inside during winter. Many of Perkasie’s businessman patronized the restaurant and needed their shoes shined.
Similar "Two- seater" Shoe Shine Stand from the Perkasie Historical Society Collection, found in the Perkasie Menlo Park Carousel building. I would use brushes to apply the shoe polish paste and a cloth to shine the shoes. The charge would be 10 cents for a shine or 25 cents for black and white shine. One particular businessman would always want his black and white shoes shined. I hated this job because it was difficult to keep the black shoe polish off the white leather.
Bob went on to become a star athlete at Sellersville - Perkasie High School, serve in the Coast Guard during WW II, serve on Perkasie Borough Council and volunteer for various organizations.
Rest in Peace Bob.
Rest in Peace Bob.
RDoll
Tragedy at 7th and Walnut
Streets
A tragic event occurred on September 11, 1938, when a north bound (towards Allentown) trolley car struck an automobile driven by William Reichard. His wife was a passenger in the car at the time. The accident was at Seventh and Walnut Streets where the trolley tracks crossed Seventh Street. The Perkasie Central News reported that Mrs. Reichard told the trolley motorman that “they saw the flasher signal but thought they could make it."
Unfortunately, Mr. Reichard was thrown from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs. Reichard was transported to Grandview hospital and was treated for cuts and bruises and a fractured left arm and leg.
The Central News reported that the Reichards were Perkasie residents living on Eighth Street near Park Avenue. Mr. Reichard was a W.P. A. (Works Progress Administration) employee. They were familiar with the trolley crossing, having driven this route a few times a week to the downtown Perkasie area.
Unfortunately, Mr. Reichard was thrown from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs. Reichard was transported to Grandview hospital and was treated for cuts and bruises and a fractured left arm and leg.
The Central News reported that the Reichards were Perkasie residents living on Eighth Street near Park Avenue. Mr. Reichard was a W.P. A. (Works Progress Administration) employee. They were familiar with the trolley crossing, having driven this route a few times a week to the downtown Perkasie area.
 |  2023 Perkasie Historical Society image of 7th and Walnut Streets |
Thanks to Kimberly Gaston for sharing her family’s photo of the accident scene at Seventh and Walnuts Streets. The photo was taken from the top of the trolley tunnel looking down Walnut Street towards Sixth Street.
RDoll
Darius Sine Mt Alto Coal
Yard
by
Charles Baum
 Darius Sine Harness Hames Cover Housing |  1929 Anniversary Book  1954 Anniversary Book |
At the October 2022 Perkasie Historical Society meeting, former society President, Charles Baum presented a horse harness hames cover from Darius Sine Coal yard. The harness hames cover was donated by his sister, Martha Baum Walker. The following is a brief history of the Darius Sine business that was given by Charles Baum that evening.
How many of you remember the long-established business at 8th and Vine at the railroad underpass?
Mt. Alto Coal Yards were built by Abram S. Benner in 1886 and before completion, the large shed was destroyed by a cyclone. A year later it was rebuilt, and the business was sold to Henry L. Texter. In 1890 it was acquired by W.H. Savacool who operated it until 1902. After sheriff sale, it came the procession of Perkasie Building and Loan Association until 1904 when Darius Sine purchased the property.
How many of you remember the long-established business at 8th and Vine at the railroad underpass?
Mt. Alto Coal Yards were built by Abram S. Benner in 1886 and before completion, the large shed was destroyed by a cyclone. A year later it was rebuilt, and the business was sold to Henry L. Texter. In 1890 it was acquired by W.H. Savacool who operated it until 1902. After sheriff sale, it came the procession of Perkasie Building and Loan Association until 1904 when Darius Sine purchased the property.
The business grew rapidly and according to the Perkasie 1929 Anniversary Book, they sold 10,000 tons of coal, 1500 tons of lime plus cement, sand, feed, and straw in 1928. Mr. Sine became the first in the area to deliver coal by truck and the first to use electric loaders and conveyor belts.
Darius Sine died in 1929 at the age of 65 and his sons William R. Sine and Paul R. Sine operated the business as Darius Sine Estate. They then ended the feed business and concentrated on building supplies other than lumber. In 1938 they added kerosene and fuel oil along with paints.
 1990's Mt. Alto from Perkasie Historical Society Collection |  1930 April 9 Mt Alto Coal Central News Ad |
The business lasted until 1970. Today the red building, one block behind the post office houses several small businesses including a cabinet maker and window fabricators.
Charlie Baum, Rick Doll Matt Lynch with Darius Sine descendants, Mary Menszak and Emily Stellabott, October 2022 Perkasie Historical Society Collection
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
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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