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Angeny, Anna Beer (or Bean), Phares Beer, Reddy Benner, Mabel Beyers, Florence Brucker, Katie Charles, Gertrude Christine, Ella M. Cressman, Mabel Couthamel, Mabel Crouthamel, Norman Davis, Griselda Deily, Ada Detweiler?, Sarah J.Oscar Frederick, Pearl Freed, J. Melvin ‘06 Freamand, Harry? Or Neamand? Groff, Anna Verdelia Gulick, Ella Gulick, Herman Hartman, Preston Hartzell, Oliver Hedrick, Mabel Hendricks, Allan Hendricks, Clarence Hollenbach, Chas. Hummel, Roger Knoll, Florence S. Knorr, Florence L. Kramer, Franklin U. Kramer, Leidy S. Kramer, Lillian Kramer, Lulu D. Kramer, Mamie Kreiss, Sallie D. and Sallie Kreiss w/o D.(x2?) Kulp, Doc ? Lande Lindaman, Harry Lindy Loude Loudenslager/Landenslager, Herbert Loudenslager, Elmer | Miller, Florence S. Moll, John Moll, Ray or Roy ‘10 Moyer, Emma Moyer, Marion V. Moyer, Paul or Pearl Musselman, Sadie Neamand, Harry (2x?) Neamand, Mrs. Harry Oberly, Elsie? Elese Oberly, Emma Oberly, Howard H. (2x?) Richard, Alice Richard , Elsie O Richard, Edna A. Richard, Florence C. Richard, Paul/Pearl W. Rickert, Elsie O. Rickert, Flora G. O? Rickert, W. R. 1909 Roeder, Raymond Rutter, Albert C. Schmidt, Christian L?./Chester? Schmidt, Louis Shoup, Velma/Valeria? Sine, O. R. Siney ? or Liney Smith, Lewis/Carrie? Snyder, Anna M. Sprenkel, Margaret Sterner, Elsie Steinly, Stinley, Anna/Alice Void, Elsie Void, Wellington Vosselman, Florence Wedenhofer, Ellen Wisler, Sabina Wolfinger, Mary Yeakel, Raymond |
Louise Doll 2021
Evolution of Perkasie's Roads
Part II
"The Evolution of Perkasie Roads Part II " was displayed at the "British Cars Are Coming" portion of the "Under the Stars Car Show" on August 21, 2021. It is included here as a follow up to the previous "Memories of Perkasie."
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
Dr. Storm in Perkasie
While researching the American House blueprints for the last “Memories” article, the story of Dr. Katherine Storm came to light. An early female physician and inventor, Dr. Katherine Storm, lived just across the Perkasie Borough line and spent many years in the Perkasie area.
Dr. Storm was born in Columbia County, New York in 1857. After teaching school for 15 years, she earned her medical degree at the Woman’s Medical College of Philadelphia and practiced medicine from 1896 to 1917. In 1906, Dr. Storm patented the “Storm Binder” or “Storm Supporter” the first abdominal supporter. “She custom-made the belts herself out of silk, linen, and cotton. She had belts of all kinds for maternity, hernia, kidney, breast, obesity, sacroiliac, athletic stocking supporter, and infant supporter.” Dr. Storm was listed in the 1914-1915 Woman's Who's Who of America as a physician and an inventor.
Perkasie farmland that was part of the Perkasie Poultry business was purchased by Dr. Storm between 1911 and 1913. She moved to Perkasie in 1917, embraced farming, selling fruits and vegetable all the while selling her “Storm Binder.” The property was described as the “North side of the road to Hagersville” now called Fifth Street at Blooming Glen Road. Today, the Pennridge High School complex surrounds the property on the North and East. The farmhouse is now 1326 North Fifth Street.
In 1916, Dr. Storm visited Florida because her nephew, Dr. John Corsa was interested in purchasing property at Vero Beach. The local newspapers reported in January 1917 that Dr. Katherine Storm was purchasing 160 acres of the former Indian River Demonstration Farm. She would return to Pennsylvania and leave the management of “Storm Groves” to her nephew. The property was eventually sold to the School Board of Indian River County and in 2005, the Storm Grove Middle School was constructed becoming the first “green” school in Indian River County Florida.
Dr. Katherine Storm died in an automobile accident in 1938. The car in which she was a passenger struck a telephone pole on route 563 near Almont. She is buried in St Stephen's Cemetery in Perkasie.
Thank you to Pamela J. Cooper, Retired librarian, historian, genealogist of Vero Beach, Florida as well as Dr. and Mrs. Charles Fulp for providing information for this Memory.
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
Thank you
Pennridge Chamber
of Commerce!
For 115 years, The Pennridge Chamber of Commerce and its predecessor organizations have promoted local business and industry and supported our community. In 2020, we lost our local chamber as it was closed and merged into the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce
The chamber had its beginnings in 1905 as the Perkasie Board of Trade. This organization, made up of Perkasie businessmen, was involved in promoting Perkasie in hopes of establishing new industry in town. In early days they were involved in organizing local investors to build cigar factories and silk mills. They helped make Perkasie a safer and better place to live by pushing for improved roads, petitioning the railroad for better and safer train service, and the establishment of the Second Street Playground.
The chamber had its beginnings in 1905 as the Perkasie Board of Trade. This organization, made up of Perkasie businessmen, was involved in promoting Perkasie in hopes of establishing new industry in town. In early days they were involved in organizing local investors to build cigar factories and silk mills. They helped make Perkasie a safer and better place to live by pushing for improved roads, petitioning the railroad for better and safer train service, and the establishment of the Second Street Playground.
Organized in 1920, The Perkasie Chamber of Commerce succeeded the Board Trade as an advocate for the citizens and businesses. The chamber continued and expanded the philanthropic and organizational role played by the Board of Trade in the annual Christmas celebrations. They provided funding for town Christmas lights and organized Santa’s arrival events and children’s parties. For many years, the chamber and local businesses ran the “Trade and Travel” promotion where customers could win a vacation by making Christmas purchases at participating merchants. |
In 1963 the chamber broadened their service area, incorporated, and changed their name from Perkasie Chamber of Commerce to Pennridge Chamber of Commerce. Office space was rented at various locations before the building at 538 West Market Street was purchased in 1997.
In 2020, Betty Graver, the Pennridge Chamber Executive Director retired and closed the doors of the office for the last time. The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, located in Quakertown assumed all duties once performed by the Perkasie office. The building at Market Street was sold in 2020 and will become apartments.
In 2020, Betty Graver, the Pennridge Chamber Executive Director retired and closed the doors of the office for the last time. The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, located in Quakertown assumed all duties once performed by the Perkasie office. The building at Market Street was sold in 2020 and will become apartments.
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
“Active and Attractive,
That’s Perkasie”
On May 10th 2021, Perkasie will celebrate 142 years since its incorporation as a borough. In the early 1900’s the new borough was seeking more businesses, industries and residents to continue economic expansion. A contest for a slogan was organized by Perkasie Board of Trade. This organization was made up of local businessmen and was a predecessor of the Perkasie Chamber of Commerce.
The 1915 contest would have a prize of $2.50 in gold and would be judged by members from the Board of Trade. The winner was Willis Kulp who came up with the slogan “Active and Attractive, That’s Perkasie.” Other slogans in the final round were:
The Board of Trade went on to use the slogan in their advertising and it appeared on their letterhead.
The 1915 contest would have a prize of $2.50 in gold and would be judged by members from the Board of Trade. The winner was Willis Kulp who came up with the slogan “Active and Attractive, That’s Perkasie.” Other slogans in the final round were:
- Perkasie, Prosperous, Pleasant, Popular, Progressive
- Locate in Peaceful, Prosperous, Perkasie and be happy
- Locate, Live, Proper and be Happy in Perkasie
- Perkasie for Progress and Prosperity
The Board of Trade went on to use the slogan in their advertising and it appeared on their letterhead.
Perkasie sign painter, Roy Landenberger and his brother Phil were commissioned to make signs that were placed at the train station and along roads leading into the borough. Roy Landenberger later would write the words and music to the song “Active and Attractive, That’s Perkasie”
Rick Doll 2021
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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