Perkasie's Christmas HousePerkasie’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. 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. 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
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Louise 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
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
M.T. Weisel Wagon Works
Image from Perkasie Historical Society Archives
In earlier times a horse and carriage was a way of getting around in Perkasie. Many homes had small barns or carriage houses to keep their horse, wagon, and carriage. The Weisel Wagon Works on North Sixth Street manufactured many of these wagons and carriages used by residents of Perkasie and the surrounding area. A small metal tag, like the one pictured above, would be affixed to the carriage or wagon denoting that it was indeed made at the Weisel factory.
In 1889 Milton Weisel opened his carriage and wagon manufacturing shop in the newly constructed building at 124 North Sixth Street. He employed seven men in the 3000 square foot shop. The increasing demand for his products enabled him to double the size of the building in 1913. Weisel became the best and busiest wagon maker in the area.
In 1889 Milton Weisel opened his carriage and wagon manufacturing shop in the newly constructed building at 124 North Sixth Street. He employed seven men in the 3000 square foot shop. The increasing demand for his products enabled him to double the size of the building in 1913. Weisel became the best and busiest wagon maker in the area.
Perkasie Carriage Works Advertisement , M. T. Weisel Proprietor
With the increasing demand for automobiles, Mr. Weisel obtained a REO and Nash automobile franchise in 1916. He switched his shop building over to the auto trade and began to manufacture truck bodies.
Robert Berger purchased the Weisel property in 1948 for his White Horse Motors business. He later acquired a Plymouth and DeSoto dealership. In 1953 Robert and his brother Russell formed a partnership and purchased a Chrysler agency. The brothers then began selling Chryslers and Plymouths at the North Sixth Street location as Berger & Berger.
Robert Berger purchased the Weisel property in 1948 for his White Horse Motors business. He later acquired a Plymouth and DeSoto dealership. In 1953 Robert and his brother Russell formed a partnership and purchased a Chrysler agency. The brothers then began selling Chryslers and Plymouths at the North Sixth Street location as Berger & Berger.
The Berger’s closed their dealership in 1983. For over the last twenty years the building has been home to James Van Etten, Artisans in Wood Inc. Van Etten manufacturers, cabinetry, furniture, and architectural casework.
Thanks to Judy and Frank Pezzanite for donating the Weisel Carriage Tag to the Perkasie Historical Society Museum collection.
Thanks to Judy and Frank Pezzanite for donating the Weisel Carriage Tag to the Perkasie Historical Society Museum collection.
Rick Doll 2020
American Makers Corporation
American Makers Cigar Ashtray
Images from the Perkasie Historical Society Collection
A metal cigar ashtray was recently donated to the Perkasie Historical Society Museum. Stamped into the metal is American Makers Corporation, Perkasie, PA. A search of the Perkasie Central News newspaper revealed the following about this company that operated in Perkasie for at least twelve years.
In 1916, five local businessmen applied to the State of Pennsylvania for a charter for American Makers Corporation. The object of this corporation was to manufacture, buy, sell, and otherwise deal in toys novelties, specialties and merchandise made of wood, metal, fiber, leather, cotton, or woolen fabrics etc.
American Makers Corporation was located in the Knoll Building located on Chestnut Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets, now apartments. In 1923, company moved into the “Opera House Building at Fourth and Walnut Streets.
A 1923 Central News article states “the building vacated by General Cigar Co. will not be long vacant. American Makers Corporation, manufactures of cigar boxes and novelties will move their plant from the Knoll Building.”
American Makers remained in the “Opera House Building” until 1929 when the building was sold to Hosiery Yarn Company.
It is not known if American Makers did actually manufacture the ashtrays or just purchased them for an advertising item.
In 1916, five local businessmen applied to the State of Pennsylvania for a charter for American Makers Corporation. The object of this corporation was to manufacture, buy, sell, and otherwise deal in toys novelties, specialties and merchandise made of wood, metal, fiber, leather, cotton, or woolen fabrics etc.
American Makers Corporation was located in the Knoll Building located on Chestnut Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets, now apartments. In 1923, company moved into the “Opera House Building at Fourth and Walnut Streets.
A 1923 Central News article states “the building vacated by General Cigar Co. will not be long vacant. American Makers Corporation, manufactures of cigar boxes and novelties will move their plant from the Knoll Building.”
American Makers remained in the “Opera House Building” until 1929 when the building was sold to Hosiery Yarn Company.
It is not known if American Makers did actually manufacture the ashtrays or just purchased them for an advertising item.
Rick Doll 2020
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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