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Rick Doll 2022 | All contents of this website are subject to federal and state copyright provisions. Copyright protection exists from the time the work is created in fixed form and immediately becomes the property of the author who created the work. Please be sure to cite the Perkasie Historical Society when referencing our content. |
Karl F. Schoeller Sr.
and the
Blood Plasma Invention

The experiment was led by Dr. Reichel at the Chester County estate of Hollis Wolstenholme. Karl was asked for his help with the refrigeration aspect of the project.
The process involved centrifuging or spinning blood at a high speed, to separate the liquid and solid components. When the centrifuge was immersed in an icy bath the plasma would freeze against the wall of the tank. The plasma could then “be scraped off in its frozen state and flown to its destination.”
After many hours of “trying alternate methods that might give better results and coping with unit failures at crucial moments, the process was successful." Karl then helped install similar equipment at Walter Reed Hospital, The Army War College and at Ben Venue Laboratories in Ohio.
Karl’s associates at the Laboratory encouraged him to apply for a patent for his design of a vapor condenser. On September 26, 1944 the patent was issued. For Karl, “owning a patent had no monetary value, although it did much for his self-esteem.”
P is not for Pritchard

The late Jim Pritchard would tell a story about the home his family once lived in at 405 North Fifth Street. The house has a large letter “P” on the chimney that many assumed was for Pritchard. Jim noted that the “P” really stood for Pure Gasoline.

The Pure Service Station was located at Sixth and Arch Streets and today is Grandview Service Center. When the gasoline brand switched from Pure, Jim’s Father, Clayton, removed the letter “P” from the building and affixed it to the chimney of his house. The letter “P” remains on the chimney even though the Pritchard’s have not lived in the house for many years.
Sergio Would Be Proud
Sergio Vera, a native of Chile, visited Philadelphia as a member of the Chilean Navy. It was during a dance in Philadelphia that he would meet Christie Nellis. They were married in 1952 and settled in the Pennridge area in 1954. Sergio was a barber by trade who volunteered many hours to make the Pennridge area a better place.

Bob Spanninger, an organizer 50 years ago recalls that the event started out small but was successful in providing a fun community activity. Dot Street remembers that many Perkasie Fire Company members volunteered for the event. They both agreed that Community Day continues due to the dedication of the sponsors and volunteers during the last 50 years.
Sergio would be proud!
Bits and Pieces from the Past
The smaller blocks with more rounded edges were Belgian block used for paving the roads. Thousands of blocks were used for Perkasie’s streets. The block roads were bumpy, noisy and could be slippery when wet. The block roads were eventually covered with asphalt and forgotten. Many years later, when roads needed improvements, the stones were revealed.
Ed Snyder was able to save both types of stones, as they were being discarded. He and his Father-in-law did all the stonework, incorporating the Belgian block, Rockhill Granite and local fieldstones into both fireplaces and exterior wall. Ed recently moved from his house on Callowhill Street, but his stonework will continue to be appreciated for years to come.
The Spirit of Sell-Perk
The students of Sell-Perk Schools wanted to do their part. The student body participated in a program allowing them to name a bomber if they could raise $450,000. Supervising Principal Lewis Snyder reported on May 31, 1944, that the students were $1,002.25 above their goal.
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
Archives
August 2023
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