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 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
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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
TELEGRAMS
Today with computers, cellphones, email, and text messaging we have become accustomed to instantaneous communications. In the past, Perkasie residents and businesses would send telegrams as a means of communicating with others in distant places on the same day. Former Delbar employee Julia Holzerman remembers taking written messages to Mr. Haring at the Perkasie train station, to be sent via Western Union telegraph to auto industry customers. Return telegraph messages for Mrs. Holzerman would be received at the train station, typed out and delivered to Delbar or would be available for pick up at the station.
Recently the Perkasie Railroad Station has been leased from SEPTA for future rehabilitation. When cleaning out the building, a box of telegrams from the 1950’s was found and donated to the historical society. Rick and Louise Doll along with Matt Lynch sorted through the telegrams and have found a few gems.
Recently the Perkasie Railroad Station has been leased from SEPTA for future rehabilitation. When cleaning out the building, a box of telegrams from the 1950’s was found and donated to the historical society. Rick and Louise Doll along with Matt Lynch sorted through the telegrams and have found a few gems.
There were numerous telegrams sent and received for author, Pearl Buck, concerning publishing books, speaking engagements and family gatherings. Christmas telegrams with a holiday scene were found including a telegram from Santa Claus himself. There is even a telegram to Philadelphia TV personality, Sally Starr. The majority of the telegrams were business correspondence from local industries of the time, including Delbar, Freed Glass, and Emico.
As part of this memory, we are including some representative telegrams that we found in this collection.
As part of this memory, we are including some representative telegrams that we found in this collection.
Rdoll
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
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
The "Onion Hotel"
 |  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 Umbrella Man”
March 12, 1925 The Philadelphia Inquirer
There is such a thing as "The Language of the Umbrella," who knew?
On this rainy weekend, we came across "The Language of the Umbrella" article.
Did you know, if you place an umbrella in a rack, it will soon have a new owner?
Opening an umbrella too quickly means someone may soon have a bloody nose, and our favorite, "an umbrella carried over the woman, the man getting nothing but wet, signifies courtship. When the man has the umbrella, and the woman the drippings, it indicates marriage."
On this rainy weekend, we came across "The Language of the Umbrella" article.
Did you know, if you place an umbrella in a rack, it will soon have a new owner?
Opening an umbrella too quickly means someone may soon have a bloody nose, and our favorite, "an umbrella carried over the woman, the man getting nothing but wet, signifies courtship. When the man has the umbrella, and the woman the drippings, it indicates marriage."
August 22, 1889 Central News advertisement This article brought to mind, Samuel S. Fretz, a Perkasie native who had a successful career as a maker of canes and umbrellas in Philadelphia. Fretz was born in 1851 in Rockhill Township. At the time Perkasie (which did not exist) and Bridgetown (South Perkasie) were both part of Rockhill Township. Later newspaper articles and Fretz’s obituary note that he was born and lived in what became South Perkasie.
By 1880, Samuel Fretz had married and moved to 2145 -2149 North Sixth Street in Philadelphia. He operated a men’s clothing store and manufactured shirts and later umbrellas at this location. Having outgrown the Sixth Street space, he moved to a dedicated manufacturing location at Fifth and Market Streets in Philadelphia.
In 1885, he began making 100 umbrellas per week to 6,000 umbrellas every six days and a “proportionate” number of canes. Fretz’s goal was to provide a better value for the money than anyone else in the business. No commissions, no travelers’ salaries, or expenses. The buyer gets the benefit of the savings.
By 1890, he had become a wealthy man and had an estimated worth of $500,000.
By 1880, Samuel Fretz had married and moved to 2145 -2149 North Sixth Street in Philadelphia. He operated a men’s clothing store and manufactured shirts and later umbrellas at this location. Having outgrown the Sixth Street space, he moved to a dedicated manufacturing location at Fifth and Market Streets in Philadelphia.
In 1885, he began making 100 umbrellas per week to 6,000 umbrellas every six days and a “proportionate” number of canes. Fretz’s goal was to provide a better value for the money than anyone else in the business. No commissions, no travelers’ salaries, or expenses. The buyer gets the benefit of the savings.
By 1890, he had become a wealthy man and had an estimated worth of $500,000.
February 17, 1887 National Republican advertisement
Perkasie’s businesses sold Fretz umbrellas and canes. The Central News mentioned the fact that “Fretz was reared right in your midst, right in the shadow of the News office. “The most popular umbrella, the “Gloria” silk umbrella, was the very best possible make and the factory's success depended exclusively on these umbrellas."
Perkasie’s businesses sold Fretz umbrellas and canes. The Central News mentioned the fact that “Fretz was reared right in your midst, right in the shadow of the News office. “The most popular umbrella, the “Gloria” silk umbrella, was the very best possible make and the factory's success depended exclusively on these umbrellas."
In 1902, Fretz incorporated as the S.S. Fretz Manufacturing Company and constructed a new fully integrated umbrella factory at 1015 Diamond Street in Philadelphia. The factory was nine stories tall and 140 feet long. S.S. Fretz became one of the largest manufacturers of umbrellas in the world. The building was too large for the umbrella demand and the Fretz Company was forced into receivership in 1909.
Later that year, Perkasie's Board of Trade made an unsuccessful attempt to encourage Fretz to locate in Perkasie and build up the manufacture of umbrellas.
Later that year, Perkasie's Board of Trade made an unsuccessful attempt to encourage Fretz to locate in Perkasie and build up the manufacture of umbrellas.
Fretz’s son, Samuel S. Fretz Jr. and his son-in-law, Isiah Gross incorporated together as Fretz, Gross & Company and continued to make umbrellas at a smaller location they constructed at 22nd St and Sedgley Ave. The company also made plumbing hardware and later television antennas. Fretz, Gross & Company folded in the 1970’s.
 January 19, 1927 Central News | Samuel S. Fretz passed away in 1927 and is buried along with his wife at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Philadelphia |
Thanks to Judy Pezzanite for providing information for the article.
References:
Ghosts of an Umbrella Empire Still Haunt North Philly," Hidden City by written by Robert Masciantonio, Nov 20,2019.
"The Language of Umbrellas" Central News 1881.
References:
Ghosts of an Umbrella Empire Still Haunt North Philly," Hidden City by written by Robert Masciantonio, Nov 20,2019.
"The Language of Umbrellas" Central News 1881.
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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