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Rick Doll 2021 |
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The Evolution of Perkasie Roads
According to an opinion article from an 1895 edition of the Central News, early roads surrounding Perkasie could pose quite the difficulty; “Perkasie streets in comparison with the surroundings are an example of going from the sublime to the awful. In rainy weather wagons sink in mud up to their axles, and horses wear their lives out tugging light loads through the mire.” Our roads and transportation methods have changed dramatically since this time, switching from dirt to pavement and horse-drawn carriages to cars. Yet one aspect which remains throughout the history of roads in Perkasie is the role of community involvement in repairs and maintenance.
In the same newspaper as supplied the earlier citation, there is another passage which discusses the part cyclists played in bringing attention to road conditions. It states, “The bicycling mania is upon us; the knee breeches of the men, and the bloomer costume of the women cyclers are familiar to us all. They fly hither and thither, and all with a purpose, too. Their critical eyes detect… the bad condition of our suburban and country roads. Their reports have led to road reforms.”
In the same newspaper as supplied the earlier citation, there is another passage which discusses the part cyclists played in bringing attention to road conditions. It states, “The bicycling mania is upon us; the knee breeches of the men, and the bloomer costume of the women cyclers are familiar to us all. They fly hither and thither, and all with a purpose, too. Their critical eyes detect… the bad condition of our suburban and country roads. Their reports have led to road reforms.”
This trend of community members bringing attention to road conditions in the local vicinity continues throughout Perkasie’s history, as is apparent in the meeting minutes reports from the Perkasie Chamber of Commerce. For instance, in 1922 a section of Hagersville Road was graded and prepared for stoning by “taxpayers and friends from Perkasie” as part of a Good Roads Day project. Road signs were also frequently procured and erected by local clubs and organizations, like the signs placed at the intersection of 5th Street and Concrete Road in 1939 by the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Lions Club.
Perkasie roads were not only shaped by those within the community, but also by those visiting the community. As the home of Menlo Park, Perkasie welcomed a large number of tourists from places like Philadelphia. In 1895 it was voted to change the street names in Perkasie to match those of Philadelphia and make navigation easier for these visitors. Front Street became Market Street, Main Street became Chestnut Street, and so forth.
In 1890 Colonel Albert A. Pope wrote that “A nation, or an age of civilization, is perhaps more easily judged and understood by the character and extensiveness of its roads, than by any other symbol of progress.” In Perkasie the character and extensiveness of the roads are the result of community involvement and care stretching back to the town’s creation, with current road conditions and names reflecting this history.
Sources:
“Make Your Roads Better” May 9, 1895 Central News Article
Perkasie Chamber of Commerce 1922-1945 Transcription of Meeting Topics prepared by Louise Doll of the Perkasie Historical Society
Building Perkasie Roads Poster
“An Address” January 23, 1890 Central News Article by Col. Albert A. Pope
We thank Jillian Lunoe of Bryn Mawr College, for writing this article for Perkasie Historical Society's "Memories of Perkasie"
In 1890 Colonel Albert A. Pope wrote that “A nation, or an age of civilization, is perhaps more easily judged and understood by the character and extensiveness of its roads, than by any other symbol of progress.” In Perkasie the character and extensiveness of the roads are the result of community involvement and care stretching back to the town’s creation, with current road conditions and names reflecting this history.
Sources:
“Make Your Roads Better” May 9, 1895 Central News Article
Perkasie Chamber of Commerce 1922-1945 Transcription of Meeting Topics prepared by Louise Doll of the Perkasie Historical Society
Building Perkasie Roads Poster
“An Address” January 23, 1890 Central News Article by Col. Albert A. Pope
We thank Jillian Lunoe of Bryn Mawr College, for writing this article for Perkasie Historical Society's "Memories of Perkasie"
Rick Doll 2021
Milton Bean’s American House
It has always been assumed that Perkasie’s American House with its turret, wrap around porch, and rounded windows was designed by architect Milton Bean. Yet there was never much definitive documentation such as blueprints to confirm these suspicions.
A hotel was opened by Aaron Kern in the frame building at Seventh and Market Streets in 1870. Phillip S. Cressman purchased the hotel building in 1884 from the second owner, Oliver Nase. Having only “8 guest chambers” in the building, Cressman saw the need to construct a new hotel on the site. The frame structure was picked up and moved to North Sixth Street for use as a residence.
Constructed in 1894, the new brick hotel had 39 rooms that were heated by steam and lighted by gas. The tower “is probably the highest point in town, and from the observatory one can discern towns in three counties besides more than a dozen local villages.”
Not long ago, some of the American House blueprints, drawn by architect Milton Bean were discovered. They show the magnificent exterior details and the layout of the first-floor dining and bar area. The blueprints also show the details for the adjoining stores that were along the Seventh Street side of the hotel.
A hotel was opened by Aaron Kern in the frame building at Seventh and Market Streets in 1870. Phillip S. Cressman purchased the hotel building in 1884 from the second owner, Oliver Nase. Having only “8 guest chambers” in the building, Cressman saw the need to construct a new hotel on the site. The frame structure was picked up and moved to North Sixth Street for use as a residence.
Constructed in 1894, the new brick hotel had 39 rooms that were heated by steam and lighted by gas. The tower “is probably the highest point in town, and from the observatory one can discern towns in three counties besides more than a dozen local villages.”
Not long ago, some of the American House blueprints, drawn by architect Milton Bean were discovered. They show the magnificent exterior details and the layout of the first-floor dining and bar area. The blueprints also show the details for the adjoining stores that were along the Seventh Street side of the hotel.
The American House remained in business, although in later years, the upstairs room were converted to apartments. The building was destroyed in the Perkasie Fire of 1988. The site remained vacant until 2015 -16 when the new “American House Building” was constructed for retail and residential use.
Rick Doll 2021
The Living Memorial
Shortly after the end of World War II, the Perkasie American Legion, Post 280, established the Living Memorial at the Second Street Playground. In the spring of 1947, a tree was planted along the Northern end of the park for each of the twenty-two local men who gave their lives during the war.
The trees serve as both a living memorial and as a beautification project of the popular park. The entire project cost of $600 was financed by the Hartzel - Crouthamel American Legion Post 280 and “was not to be construed as a town or community Memorial.”
The Living Memorial was dedicated in September 1947. There was a parade through the streets of Perkasie to the playground where the dedication ceremony was held. A lacquered plaque bearing a scriptural passage and the names of the twenty-two who gave their lives was also dedicated.
Today, there are many mature trees along the Market Street side of the Second Street Park. Although there is no official documentation, many of these trees most likely are still living memorials and continue to beautify our community. Each year on Memorial Day, American Legion Post 280 continues to honor their fallen comrades by placing flowers at the Memorial Plaque along Second Street.
Rick Doll 2021
The Perkasie Water
Tower/Tank
Part 2
Many thanks to Ed White, Richard Jahn, and Rick Bates for providing more information on the Reading Railroad water tank that was located at Eighth and Market Streets in Perkasie. Rich was able to find a 1940’s era aerial photo in the Anthracite Railroad Historical Society (ARHS) archives showing the water tank just to the left of the photo center.
Rick, of Reading Technical & Historical Society, found a 1947 News Herald photo and article that appeared when the tank was demolished. The newspaper article stated the tank was constructed of native stone in 1867 and had a capacity of 48,600 gallons.
Ed commented that it was an interesting reuse of water runoff from the tunnel. The tunnel is north of the tank and at a higher elevation. The elevation difference provided a natural source of water pressure for filling the tank and supplying water to the locomotives.
Also, of interest, the crane next to the water tank is preserved by Reading Company Technical & Historical Society located in Hamburg, PA.
Rick Doll 2021
The Perkasie Water Tank
An aerial photograph of Perkasie, circa 1930, was recently donated to the museum. The photo shows the area along the railroad between Chestnut and Arch Streets. Buildings like Hendricks – Herstine (Treasure Trove), former J.G. Moyer building (Shelly’s Office) and the freight station are readily discernable. The street running from the top to the bottom, left of center on the photo is Market Street. The street running from left to right near the top of the photo is Eighth Street.
Local business owner, Jeff Schoeller, pointed out a shadow in the photo from a building that would have been located near Eighth and Market Streets. The shadow has a triangular point that is pointing to the intersection of Eighth and Market Streets.
Local business owner, Jeff Schoeller, pointed out a shadow in the photo from a building that would have been located near Eighth and Market Streets. The shadow has a triangular point that is pointing to the intersection of Eighth and Market Streets.
A search of the museum’s Sanborn Insurance Maps indicated that the railroad once had a water tank at this location. A Reading Railroad blueprint verifies the existence of the water tank. The Central News reported in 1886 that the railroad had a water tank and two standpipes to service the trains stopping in Perkasie.
It is not known when the tank was removed. It might have survived close to the railroads end of steam operations in the 1950’s. Today, the water tank site is now part of the Perkasie Borough Eigth St. Parking Lot.
The Perkasie Historical Society would appreciate anyone having a photo or knowledge of the water tank to contact us.
Also of interest in this photo is the word PERKASIE painted on the roof of the Moyer Coal Shed. The American Legion performed this project in 1929 as a navigational aid for aviators. The sign was illuminated at night by four spotlights.
It is not known when the tank was removed. It might have survived close to the railroads end of steam operations in the 1950’s. Today, the water tank site is now part of the Perkasie Borough Eigth St. Parking Lot.
The Perkasie Historical Society would appreciate anyone having a photo or knowledge of the water tank to contact us.
Also of interest in this photo is the word PERKASIE painted on the roof of the Moyer Coal Shed. The American Legion performed this project in 1929 as a navigational aid for aviators. The sign was illuminated at night by four spotlights.
Rick Doll 2021
Powerhouse Smokestack
Perkasie Historical Society Archives
By 1938, businesses and residents were consuming an increasing amount of power generated by the Perkasie Borough generating plant on Seventh Street. Borough Council approved an expansion of the plant and construction began in 1938. Part of the expansion included constructing a large smokestack made of a light brown / cream colored brick.
A fragile blueprint of the stack was donated to the museum by former public works director, Dan Gilbert. From the print we can see that the stack was over 150 feet high. There were cleanout doors located at the bottom and a caged ladder leading to the top. The stack also had the letters of Perkasie on the north and south sides. The letters were formed with black enameled brick placed in the proper positions. The stack was illuminated at night. When passengers on the nearby train passed the stack there was no question as to where they were.
Electricity production ended in 1947 and the stack was no longer needed. Safety concerns about falling bricks led to the demolition of the smokestack in 1963.
A fragile blueprint of the stack was donated to the museum by former public works director, Dan Gilbert. From the print we can see that the stack was over 150 feet high. There were cleanout doors located at the bottom and a caged ladder leading to the top. The stack also had the letters of Perkasie on the north and south sides. The letters were formed with black enameled brick placed in the proper positions. The stack was illuminated at night. When passengers on the nearby train passed the stack there was no question as to where they were.
Electricity production ended in 1947 and the stack was no longer needed. Safety concerns about falling bricks led to the demolition of the smokestack in 1963.
Perkasie Historical Society Archives
Rick Doll 2021
1939 Nativity Tableau
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
South Perkasie
Covered Bridge
Christmas
Tree
As the 1960’s began, the Borough of Perkasie looked at refreshing the community Christmas decorations. The lights that were strung across streets and intersections during the 1950’s were replaced with candle decorations attached to the telephone poles.
To highlight the South Perkasie Covered Bridge it was decided to create an “artificial” tree next to the bridge. The bridge move to Lenape Park in 1958 raised local awareness of the bridge and drew national media attention.
To construct the tree, the Perkasie Electric Department placed a telephone pole near the southwest end of the bridge. The light strings that once were strung across Perkasie’s streets were attached to the top of the pole. The strands would radiate from the top and attach in a circle on the ground. The result was a Christmas tree design when the red, yellow and green light bulbs were illuminated. A star with white lights topped the tree.
Christmas 1962, the town community tree at the bridge was illuminated for the first time. The covered bridge itself, was also illuminated with spot- lights creating a beautiful Christmas scene.
To highlight the South Perkasie Covered Bridge it was decided to create an “artificial” tree next to the bridge. The bridge move to Lenape Park in 1958 raised local awareness of the bridge and drew national media attention.
To construct the tree, the Perkasie Electric Department placed a telephone pole near the southwest end of the bridge. The light strings that once were strung across Perkasie’s streets were attached to the top of the pole. The strands would radiate from the top and attach in a circle on the ground. The result was a Christmas tree design when the red, yellow and green light bulbs were illuminated. A star with white lights topped the tree.
Christmas 1962, the town community tree at the bridge was illuminated for the first time. The covered bridge itself, was also illuminated with spot- lights creating a beautiful Christmas scene.
The tree at the covered bridge remained part of Perkasie’s Christmas lighting until 1980 when a small tree was planted at the intersection of Seventh and Market Streets. This tree, initially decorated by the Girl Scouts, and later the Perkasie Electric Department, became the town Christmas Tree and focus of the current “Tree Lighting Event.”
Rick Doll 2020
Menlo Park Anniversary
In 2017 we celebrated the 125th Anniversary of Menlo Park.
The park was started in 1892 by local businessmen. A steam powered carousel was the park's first ride with numerous attractions being added over the years. Thousands would visit the park during the summer months, arriving by trolley, train, and later automobile.
Louise Doll and Louise Forgone organized a group to dress in Victorian attire to celebrate the park's 125th anniversary. During a September carousel opening, they spent the afternoon at the park greeting visitors and having their photo taken by local photographer, Amy Schuler. One of the photos was imposed on the cover of a 1900 era Menlo Park souvenir booklet.
Thanks to everyone who dressed in Victorian attire and to Amy for capturing the moment.
See our photo gallery for more images from the 125th Anniversary of Menlo Park
The park was started in 1892 by local businessmen. A steam powered carousel was the park's first ride with numerous attractions being added over the years. Thousands would visit the park during the summer months, arriving by trolley, train, and later automobile.
Louise Doll and Louise Forgone organized a group to dress in Victorian attire to celebrate the park's 125th anniversary. During a September carousel opening, they spent the afternoon at the park greeting visitors and having their photo taken by local photographer, Amy Schuler. One of the photos was imposed on the cover of a 1900 era Menlo Park souvenir booklet.
Thanks to everyone who dressed in Victorian attire and to Amy for capturing the moment.
See our photo gallery for more images from the 125th Anniversary of Menlo Park
Rick Doll 2020
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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