Cindy Maher shared a photo of her grandfather, Frederick alongside the Perkasie-Doylestown Auto Bus. Frederick was the driver of the bus and is seen with a woman believed to be his second cousin Dorothy Holtzman Sprague. Dorothy was the second wife of bus owner/operator C.L. Sprague. Cindy’s aunt, Julia Holzerman likes to tell the following family story. Frederick Holzerman, who was from Coopersburg, met his wife Leila Rosenberger, a Perkasie resident, while driving the bus. It was love at first sight as Frederick and Leila married in December, 1921. The auto bus owner/operator, C.L. Sprague, lived for a time in Perkasie. He was a long-time motorman for Lehigh Valley Transit on the Liberty Bell Route. He started the auto bus service around 1921 providing direct and quick transportation between Perkasie, Doylestown and towns in between. The bus service was discontinued in 1930. RDoll
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Karl F. Schoeller Sr.
and the
Blood Plasma Invention
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.”
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.
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.
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
Guess who was shopping at
Benner’s?
Benner’s Market was a locally owned store at 13 North Seventh Street, the current location of Emerald Carpet. The store was known for great service, fresh roasted peanuts, and free coffee while you shopped. During a presentation at a Perkasie Historical Society meeting, Dale Haring spoke about his years between 1969 and 1977 when he worked at Benner’s. Starting as a “bagger,” Dale was expected to bag the groceries and to also carry them to the customers car. Dale recalled that during the early 1970’s he encountered a few nationally known people who shopped at Benner’s.
Dick Allen was a professional baseball player who played most notably for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox. He owned a property also in Bedminster and would visit Benner’s along with his wife about once a week. Mrs. Allen would usually go into the store as Dick Allen would remain in the car parked outside the store. One time when Dale went to put groceries into the trunk there were baseball bats scattered about. Dick Allen did not want Dale to touch the bats and insisted on moving them himself.
Don Meredith was a professional football quarterback and TV football commentator. He had a house in Bedminster Township and would visit Benner’s about twice a month. Mr. Meredith liked buying meat since it was always fresh, and the meat would be cut to his preference. Dale relayed the story of how Don would arrive at the store in his old Jeep wearing a heavy winter coat and hat during the winter. Eventually he tired of the jeep he showed up in a brand-new Cadillac.
Another famous visitor was singer and actress Doris Day. She visited Benner’s at least twice with Don Meredith during her visits to his home. Dot Meas, who owned the store with her husband Paul, was working when Doris Day arrived at the store. Dot recognized her immediately and as Dale recalled she “just about passed out” as she came through the door.
Benner’s closed in 1977 as Dot and Paul Meas retired. The store remained for a short while as Dickey’s Market. Thanks to Dale Haring for sharing his memories of Benner’s.
Rick Doll 2022
Frances Gulick Brownlow
As Women’s History Month 2022 ends, a coincidental donation of a woman’s American Legion uniform brought to light the story of its original owner, Frances Brownlow. We found her story of military and lifelong community service inspiring, especially with today’s world events.
Francis Gulick was born in Perkasie in 1916, the great-granddaughter of J.G. Moyer owner of the coal and lumber business at Seventh and Market Streets. Frances went on to earn her nursing degree at Hahnemann Hospital and enlisted in the Army as a nurse during World War II. Serving as an operating room supervisor, she earned the rank of lieutenant.
After the war, Frances moved back to Perkasie and with her husband, James Brownlow, started Perkasie Cleaners on Seventh Street near Park Avenue. While her husband was away on military duty, Frances ran the business with their partner Mr. James White. The Brownlow’s were parents of a son and a daughter. Frances stayed involved in the community, serving as a deacon at St Stephen’s Church and as a member of the American Legion, Women’s Club and the PTA.
Beginning in 1962, Frances Brownlow was the Pennridge High School nurse. She was always willing to listen to the students concerns and give them advice. During football season, she would be at the games as the team nurse. Frances also volunteered with the Perkasie Ambulance. Her granddaughter remembers as a child going on calls with her grandmother.
In 1985, Frances retired as a school nurse. Having performed in plays with The Dutch Country Players and in performances at the Cock & Bull Dinner Theater in Lahaska, Frances pursued acting professionally. Contracting with the Cathy Parker Agency of New York she appeared in numerous commercials and in the movie, “The Lemon Sisters.”
In 1992, at the age of 75, Frances was elected as a second ward councilwoman for the Borough of Perkasie. Due to illness, she resigned her council position after a few months of service. Frances Brownlow passed away in 1996 and is buried at St Stephens Cemetery in Perkasie. Her American Legion uniform (from Perkasie Uniform Company) will be on display at Perkasie Historical Society Museum as part of our “World War II” display on May 21st and 22nd as well as during the “Uniforms of Perkasie” display in June and July.
Francis Gulick was born in Perkasie in 1916, the great-granddaughter of J.G. Moyer owner of the coal and lumber business at Seventh and Market Streets. Frances went on to earn her nursing degree at Hahnemann Hospital and enlisted in the Army as a nurse during World War II. Serving as an operating room supervisor, she earned the rank of lieutenant.
After the war, Frances moved back to Perkasie and with her husband, James Brownlow, started Perkasie Cleaners on Seventh Street near Park Avenue. While her husband was away on military duty, Frances ran the business with their partner Mr. James White. The Brownlow’s were parents of a son and a daughter. Frances stayed involved in the community, serving as a deacon at St Stephen’s Church and as a member of the American Legion, Women’s Club and the PTA.
Beginning in 1962, Frances Brownlow was the Pennridge High School nurse. She was always willing to listen to the students concerns and give them advice. During football season, she would be at the games as the team nurse. Frances also volunteered with the Perkasie Ambulance. Her granddaughter remembers as a child going on calls with her grandmother.
In 1985, Frances retired as a school nurse. Having performed in plays with The Dutch Country Players and in performances at the Cock & Bull Dinner Theater in Lahaska, Frances pursued acting professionally. Contracting with the Cathy Parker Agency of New York she appeared in numerous commercials and in the movie, “The Lemon Sisters.”
In 1992, at the age of 75, Frances was elected as a second ward councilwoman for the Borough of Perkasie. Due to illness, she resigned her council position after a few months of service. Frances Brownlow passed away in 1996 and is buried at St Stephens Cemetery in Perkasie. Her American Legion uniform (from Perkasie Uniform Company) will be on display at Perkasie Historical Society Museum as part of our “World War II” display on May 21st and 22nd as well as during the “Uniforms of Perkasie” display in June and July.
Rick Doll 2022
Remembering Nace's
Greenhouses
Walnut Street
The townhouses, currently under construction, on Walnut Street across from American Heritage Credit Union are being built on the site of the Nace Greenhouses.
The Nace family became involved with this property in 1905 when S. Linford Nace and Oliver L. Nace bought the homestead of William Yost on Walnut Street below the Walnut Street Bridge. Oliver Nace bought the entire acreage of this farm in 1912 and built his home on the property.
In 1922, Oliver Nace, constructed his first greenhouse, 166 x 40 feet. As business continued to grow three more greenhouses were built. Number 2 greenhouse, 175 x 40 feet was built in 1923, number 3 greenhouse, 200 x 40 feet was built in 1926 and number 4 greenhouse 150 x 40 feet built in 1927.
The Nace Greenhouses began using a specialized growing program in 1922. Chrysanthemums were grown for Thanksgiving and Christmas season, poinsettias for Christmas, and geraniums for Memorial Day and Mother’s Day. Mums were worn by thousands to represent school colors at collegiate and high school football games.
Five more greenhouses were later added on the property in years, 1934, 1936, 1938, 1940, and 1945. Oliver Nace’s son, Aaron became involved in the business serving as production manager for 10 years. In 1940, he assumed management of the business. At one time, twelve to fourteen people were employed at the greenhouses.
The business was incorporated in 1977. William and Robert, sons of Aaron Nace, became the third generation involved with operation of the business. The greenhouses were closed around 2001.
In 2005 the greenhouses were demolished to make way for an over-fifty-five housing development. Those plans were put on hold and later changed due to a national recession. Finally in late 2020, construction began on a forty - nine townhouse development named “The Fields at Constitution Square." Kay builders are constructing the townhouses and occupancy will be later in 2022.
The Nace family became involved with this property in 1905 when S. Linford Nace and Oliver L. Nace bought the homestead of William Yost on Walnut Street below the Walnut Street Bridge. Oliver Nace bought the entire acreage of this farm in 1912 and built his home on the property.
In 1922, Oliver Nace, constructed his first greenhouse, 166 x 40 feet. As business continued to grow three more greenhouses were built. Number 2 greenhouse, 175 x 40 feet was built in 1923, number 3 greenhouse, 200 x 40 feet was built in 1926 and number 4 greenhouse 150 x 40 feet built in 1927.
The Nace Greenhouses began using a specialized growing program in 1922. Chrysanthemums were grown for Thanksgiving and Christmas season, poinsettias for Christmas, and geraniums for Memorial Day and Mother’s Day. Mums were worn by thousands to represent school colors at collegiate and high school football games.
Five more greenhouses were later added on the property in years, 1934, 1936, 1938, 1940, and 1945. Oliver Nace’s son, Aaron became involved in the business serving as production manager for 10 years. In 1940, he assumed management of the business. At one time, twelve to fourteen people were employed at the greenhouses.
The business was incorporated in 1977. William and Robert, sons of Aaron Nace, became the third generation involved with operation of the business. The greenhouses were closed around 2001.
In 2005 the greenhouses were demolished to make way for an over-fifty-five housing development. Those plans were put on hold and later changed due to a national recession. Finally in late 2020, construction began on a forty - nine townhouse development named “The Fields at Constitution Square." Kay builders are constructing the townhouses and occupancy will be later in 2022.
Rick Doll 2022
Memories of Perkasie
Sharing interesting connections between Perkasie's people, places and events.
Rick and Louise Doll
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