|
 |  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
0 Comments
Working on the Railroad
Many who have attended Perkasie Tree Lighting have fond memories of visiting the electric plant building to see the nostalgic train display. The trains have been displayed there for 24 years thanks to Perkasie resident Doug Kramer who wants to share his lifelong passion for trains with his community.
Model of Perkasie Freight Station with Shelly's in the background. A small model display in the carousel building was a big success prompting Perkasie Borough to offer space in the electric department building on North 7th Street. This large building where electricity was once generated allowed Doug to continually expand his railroad to the current number of 20 modules. The modules, fitted together, depict towns, farms, homes, and railroad yards. There is even a Perkasie module that includes Perkasie station and freight house. Each year additional locomotives and railroad cars are purchased, and additional buildings added.
 2020 Doug Kramer unpacking model Schnabel rail cars. (A specialized rail car to carry heavy loads.) |  2018 Doug Kramer constructing the layout. |
A ritual takes place at Doug’s house on the first Wednesday of December. Volunteers and members of Perkasie Electric Department carry the track modules from the basement and transport them to the Electric Department building. Care must be taken not to damage the miniature trees and scenery on many of the boards. The modules are then assembled, cleaned, and wired. Buildings locomotives and cars are finally added.
 View of the layout |  2019 Dave Strause and Doug Kramer  2022 Perkasie Model Railroad Club Flier |
After the display, everything must be disassembled, transported, and packed away at Doug’s house. The 2022 display was Doug’s 24th display and in a few weeks, on Christmas Eve he will turn 80. We all look forward to seeing next year’s model display, which has become a Perkasie Tree Lighting tradition.
 2021 Layout Overview |  2021 Doug Kramer All images from the Perkasie Historical Society Collection |
Thank you, Doug, and all who help in continuing this tradition.
See the layout being built!
Building Doug Kramer's Railroad Perkasie 2020
See the layout being built!
Building Doug Kramer's Railroad Perkasie 2020
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
Why Dudley?
 David Hubbert (1922-2017) |  1969 Feb 12 News Herald David Hubbert Inc. Advertisement |
David Hubbert Game ball Patent The late Dave Hubbert began experimenting in the late 1950’s with a way to make a more durable softball. Over 50 different materials were tested including peanut shells, ground corn cobs, coconut husks, chopped tires, saw dust, shredded paper, and hogs’ hair. He settled on a combination of cork and latex binder, compressed under heat and pressure to form the softball core.
A company in Florida agreed to produce the new softball cores. Perkasie residents that, at one time, stitched the major league baseballs were recruited to stitch the covers onto the redesigned softballs cores. Dave incorporated the softball manufacturing operation in 1964 as David Hubbert Inc.
At a trade show, Dave Hubbert met George Full who was owner of Aviation Products, a model plane retailer. George Full was an inventor and veteran businessman who lived in Chicago and later New York. Dave once commented that George Full “was a great salesman and could sell anything.” They just needed a name for their softballs.
Over dinner one evening Hubbert and Full discussed several names for the sports company. Dave stated his middle name was Walter and asked George what his was. He replied, Dudley. The two men liked the name, made a handshake agreement and Dudley Sports was born. The agreement was simple, David Hubbert incorporated manufactured the softballs and George Full marketed them as Dudley Softballs.
Women’s softball and church leagues became popular during the 1960’s and sales of softballs took off. In 1968, Dave Hubbert Incorporated became a wholly owned subsidiary of Dudley Sports. A short time later Athlone Industries purchased Dudley.
George Full passed away in 1973. Dave Hubbert passed away in 2017. He would have been 100 years old on September 23, 2022. Dudley Sports still survives as part of Spaulding Sports, a subsidiary of Fruit of the Loom Company.
A company in Florida agreed to produce the new softball cores. Perkasie residents that, at one time, stitched the major league baseballs were recruited to stitch the covers onto the redesigned softballs cores. Dave incorporated the softball manufacturing operation in 1964 as David Hubbert Inc.
At a trade show, Dave Hubbert met George Full who was owner of Aviation Products, a model plane retailer. George Full was an inventor and veteran businessman who lived in Chicago and later New York. Dave once commented that George Full “was a great salesman and could sell anything.” They just needed a name for their softballs.
Over dinner one evening Hubbert and Full discussed several names for the sports company. Dave stated his middle name was Walter and asked George what his was. He replied, Dudley. The two men liked the name, made a handshake agreement and Dudley Sports was born. The agreement was simple, David Hubbert incorporated manufactured the softballs and George Full marketed them as Dudley Softballs.
Women’s softball and church leagues became popular during the 1960’s and sales of softballs took off. In 1968, Dave Hubbert Incorporated became a wholly owned subsidiary of Dudley Sports. A short time later Athlone Industries purchased Dudley.
George Full passed away in 1973. Dave Hubbert passed away in 2017. He would have been 100 years old on September 23, 2022. Dudley Sports still survives as part of Spaulding Sports, a subsidiary of Fruit of the Loom Company.
| 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
"We've Come a Long Way" by Mary Schoeller
During the World War II years, the late Perkasie resident, Karl F. Schoeller Sr., participated in development of a process to separate plasma from whole blood. The plasma could then be used in the battlefields “so that everyone could receive the same life-giving fluid regardless of blood type.”
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.”
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.”
 Karl F. and Mary Schoeller After the war years, Karl F. and Mary Schoeller constructed a building at 619 Market Street where they operated an appliance store, electrical and refrigeration business. Karl Schoeller sold the business to his son, Karl Jr. in 1963. We’ve Come a Long Way by Mary Schoeller Rick Doll 2022 |
P is not for Pritchard
Image from the Perkasie Historical Society collection
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 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.
Image from the Perkasie Historical Society collection
Rick Doll 2022
Sergio Would Be Proud
 |  |
Pennridge barber and resident, the late Sergio Vera, had an idea around 1970 that he hoped would keep Pennridge residents’ home for the Independence Day holiday. His idea was for a day bringing residents together to enjoy food, play games, listen to music, and just have fun.
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.
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.
1972 June 21 News-Herald To make his idea reality, Sergio chaired a committee and enlisted Bob Spanninger, from the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce, Bill and Dot Street, from Perkasie Fire Company, Mrs. Ralph Powers, Mrs. Dorothy Rosenberger, and Mrs. Ephraim Walters. The committee recruited and organized the police and fire companies and local volunteer groups to help run the events. On July 2, 1972, Pennridge Community Day was held for the first time.
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.
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.
 1972 June News-Herald |  2022 50th Anniversary Community Day Poster |
On July 10, 2022, Pennridge Community Day will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. The celebration has grown over the years. Many events that happened 50 years ago like the three-legged race and canoe race still occur. Thousands of people stay in the area and enjoy Community Day, especially the fireworks.
Sergio would be proud!
Sergio would be proud!
Rick Doll 2022
Bits and Pieces from the Past
 818 Callowhill Street |  Outdoor fireplace 818 Callowhill Street. |
The home at 818 Callowhill Street now incorporates stones from Perkasie’s past. The stones, originally used for roads and, as part of a classic Perkasie home have been reused in the construction of two fireplaces and a wall along the Callowhill side of the house.
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.
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.
 Block road in front of the former Lehigh Valley Transit Trolley station, 513 W. Walnut St. |  The home at Market and Seventh Street made from Rockhill Gray Granite. |
The larger more irregular stones were from a house at Market and Seventh Streets, now the site of the town Christmas tree. The house was constructed of Rockhill Gray Granite, quarried locally at Rockhill Quarry. Constructed in 1896 by Joseph Hendricks, the house survived until 1967 when it was demolished as part of an urban renewal project.
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.
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.
Rick Doll 2022
The Spirit of Sell-Perk
 News-Herald June 4, 1944 |  Image from the Perkasie Historical Society archives |
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Government sold savings bonds labeled as War Bonds. Over 185 billion dollars of bonds were sold to help finance the war effort.
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.
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.
Helping the students was a credit received from sales of bonds at local banks and post offices. Additionally, a special performance at the Sellersville-Perkasie School with radio soprano Margaret Speaks, as principal performer, provided more funds.
The students selected “The Spirit of Sell-Perk " as the name of the bomber.
Rick Doll 2022
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
Navigation Hint: The postings can be viewed by date, by topic category, or in reverse chronological order (most recent posting first)
RSS Feed