Author: northwaleshistory

The history of 1879 continues: “The newer churches are those of the Baptist and the Methodist, in opposite portions of the town.  Both are plain stone structures; the latter is yet unfinished, although begun in 1871.

“The Gwynedd Baptist church, a mile to the northward, was built in 1862, but its situation proving inconvenient for the village congregation, a new one was built in the borough in 1874. Of course, these churches form a worshiping point for a large section of the adjacent country as well as the village.

“But a mile distant at Gwynedd village, is the Episcopal church of that name, and the ancient Friends Meeting House. The influence of a strong religious element in forming and molding the moral tone of the population is plainly perceptible, largely the result of the training of the past generations.

The educational interests of North Wales are represented by the private school situated in the southern part of the town and for several years past conducted by Professor Samuel U. Brunner. Its predecessor, the North Wales Institute, was commenced in the village about 1860, by Mahlon S. Myers, assisted by Abraham S. Oberholtz, in the house on Main street now occupied by Dr. Benjamin K. Johnson and Ernest Winters, (now [1959] the Kratz Real Estate office). This continued for a few years during the [Civil] war, after which, there was no higher institution of learning. Samuel U. Brunner, who had previously taught a similar school in Kulpsville, first opened the North Wales Academy in the house now owned and occupied by Johnathon Scott (now the home of Dr. E. W. Olson) on the 10th of April 1871, where it continued for two years. In the spring of 1873, it was removed to the present large stone building, a prominent object that can be seen from passing railroad trains. [Brunner’s Academy was located on Pennsylvania Avenue between Montgomery Avenue and the site now occupied by the North Wales Area Library.]  Principal Brunner gives special attention to the requirements of a business education.  The attendance of pupils has risen as high as 35 during some sessions.

“Up to 1877 the public schools were taught in a small structure on Main Street [opposite School Street], formerly belonging to Gwynedd Township. This proved insufficient for the requirements of the borough, so a large brick structure was erected in 1877 on School Street between 3^rd and 4^th Streets, costing $7000.00.  It is one of the best possessed by any village in Montgomery County and is a credit to the town. Pupils are graded in three departments, the principal of which is Enos H. Rosenberger, assisted by Miss Emma Mauger and Miss Lizzie Magee.

“Judging from the names found in the list of taxables, about two-thirds of the inhabitants of North Wales may be estimated of German or Hollander descent, the remaining one-third are of British origin.  This is about the proportion found in the immediate surrounding countryside. The German language was, until twenty or thirty years ago, largely spoken by those of that race living in the vicinity, but has now almost wholly been superseded by the English.  However, but a few miles northwest, German yet remains in common use.

“The growth of the town during the decade between 1860 and 1870 was quite rapid and for many years surpassed Lansdale in both trade and population. It was not until the completion of the Stony Creek railroad that Lansdale obtained superiority.

“During this period the constantly increasing growth of so large and prosperous a village began to call the attention of its most intelligent and progressive citizens to the necessity of obtaining a borough charter in order to have better schools, paved sidewalks, lighted streets, etc., things necessary to every town after emerging beyond a certain size. As usual, this was vigorously opposed by the more conservative citizens, and those fearing increased taxation.  North Wales Borough was finally incorporated in 1869.

“By the census of 1870, the population was found to be 407, which has increased at the present time [1879] to 625. The number of those eligible to vote is 137. Recently the growth of the town has almost ceased; nor is it likely to take another start until more prosperous times will justify men of enterprise to project new industries as a means of employment for a greater number of people. The borough’s growth otherwise must only result from the gradual increase caused by the coming thither to reside those people attracted by its conveniences and its advantages as a place of residence.

“We will next give a brief historical notice of some of the older and more prominent business establishments of the town.  That way, the men who established the businesses, and the early ownership changes, will not be among the forgotten things of the past.”

We will continue with part 4 of 4 of the 1879 history in the next installment.

This post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the December 29, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter

The description of North Wales written in 1879 continues as follows:

“Of the mercantile establishments there are but two general stores, that of Harley & Brother on Main street, which has done an extensive business for many years past, and the newly opened store of Augustus W. Dettra, succeeding that, known as Kuhn’s lately kept by James R. McDowell, now of South Chester.

“On Main street near the railroad crossing is the office of the North Wales Record which is doing a large business in the printing line and which is a journal that has obtained a wide circulation and extensive influence throughout the central portions of Montgomery and the adjacent sections of Bucks county. Its increase in these respects has been especially noticeable within the past two years, since the present owner, Wilmer H. Johnson, has taken charge of its columns. Its local columns are especially full and interesting and its historical sketches during the past year have been a feature in which it has exceeded all its contemporaries. Its management generally has caused it to rank among the better country journals of the state, something remarkable for a paper published away from any county seat, and in a comparatively small village.

“Closely adjoining the Record office and in the same building is the hardware and tin store of Jacob H. Leister, of many years a stand for that business.

“Next we come to the extensive steam, feed and flouring fill of E. K. Freed & Company who do a large business by hauling grain offered from neighboring farmers and also largely from the western states. The mill is propelled by a steam engine of 50 horse power. A coal yard and hay scales are attached.

“On the same street may be noticed the harness shop of E. M. Keller, and shoemaking is carried on by Peter Bean and A. S. Klausfeldter. A knight of the tonsorial art plies shears and razor in the person of William H. Staiger.

“The staff of life is furnished at Ernest Winters’ bakery, not only for the town but for a large circuit of adjacent country.

“For its size, the town is unusually well supplied with drug stores. One being kept by Dr. Benjamin K. Johnson, the other by Dr. John Sibald; and at the store of the latter is the Post Office. Both of these gentlemen are practicing physicians.

“A professional dentist in the person of Dr. William H. Wampole occupies the north corner of Second and Walnut streets. On the opposite side of Main street is the watch and jewelry store of David H. Krauss.

“The town affords two millinery stores, both on Main street, one kept by Mrs. Elizabeth B. Ayles and the other by Mrs. Charles H. Meredith.

“The remaining mercantile establishments and shops in other portions of the town are two cigar stores and manufactories kept by John Weingartner and Capt. Aaron W. Snyder; the lumber yard and hay press owned by Abel K. Shearer; the planing mill owned by Shearer and Lukens; the large feed house and coal yard of Swartley Brothers near the railroad.

“Other industries of the borough are Billiard’s marble yard, the greenhouse of John Gerhart, the tailoring shop of John Haas and Joseph McCracken, Peter Lalley’s blacksmith shop and Daniel A. Fisthyler’s and Sylvester Bright’s carriage works. The former is a new beginner, while the latter has been established here for several years. The mechanical reputation of both are first class.

“Billiard’s marble works, opposite the Record office, is one of the substantial institutions of the town, though opened but a little more than a year ago. Most of the marble used here comes from Philadelphia and Norristown. It is bought by the cubic foot when in large pieces and by the superficial foot when in slabs. Mr. Billiard’s principal business is in tombstones, mantels and house furnishings, such as window sills and door steps. Before coming to North Wales, Billiard was in the business at Hellertown.

“The sash factory and planing mill of Shearer and Lukens is not behind in the advancement of the present age; and in fact they have to be well up in improvements to compete with the several other manufactories near North Wales in turning out first class work, which is the essential element of success in this as well as other business. They are able to turn out as fine work as can be done anywhere, manufacturing window and door frames, sash, moulding of all descriptions, doors and almost all kinds of woodworking. They also turn out an excellent class of office furniture.

“The village is amply supplied with churches, there being no less than four in number, two of which are graced with lofty spires. Quite a variety of religious beliefs are represented in the population, including a few Friends [Quakers]. The two oldest churches are those of the Lutheran and German Reformed, successors to the old Yellow Church which embraced both denominations. The Reformed church is substantial stone structure, erected in 1866.  The Lutheran [St. Peter’s] is also of stone, built in 1868 at a cost of $9000. It stands on a commanding site and its spire is a conspicuous landmark to be seen for a great distance.

We will have more of this 1879 history in our next installment.

This post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the December 22, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter

In 1879 an unknown writer for the local paper [the North Wales Record] had this to say about North Wales:

“The Borough of North Wales, situated at the intersection of the North Pennsylvania Railroad and Sumneytown turnpike, is the most important station on the line of that railroad between Philadelphia and Lansdale. From the former place [Philadelphia] it is distant nineteen and seven-tenths miles, and lies but two miles due south of the latter. It ranks among the most pleasant, healthy and convenient places of residence of any of the villages created by the railroad.  Its schools are excellent. The churches are numerous and well attended, its business facilities superior and the moral tone of its society generally high. One of the features of the latter is the freedom from form and undue conventionality, its plainness and cordiality, without the class distinction which pride and aristocracy make odious the social relations in many of our country villages.

“Its location is commanding, and its site most attractive, upon the brow of an elevation that rises from the level of the Wissahickon that flows past at a short distance to the north and the west. From the height at the southeastern extremity of the borough, a splendid prospect may be obtained extending in nearly every direction.

“Looking over the wide-spreading plains and valleys of a rich and populous agricultural landscape far to the north and west may be seen the blue line of the Lehigh hills, the south mountains of Berks and the highlands bordering the Schuylkill. To the west, the hills that form the southern boundary of the fair valley of the county are distinctly visible as well as the vast space of intervening country embracing the townships of central and southern Montgomery.

“The town shows to excellent advantage from several points along the line of the Stony Creek railroad, its spires and numerous buildings on the crest of the rising hill giving the impression at a distance of a much larger village than the reality.

“A few miles to the northeast arises, amid the planes of western Montgomery and northern Gwynedd, the head waters of the beautiful Wissahickon. This stream, increasing in volume, passes at less than a mile distant from the village, encircling it on three sides, powering three mills within a few miles from its source. Following the waters of that stream for several miles, the Stony Creek railroad passes in a half circle to the north and westward, having three stations within a mile and a half of the borough, those of Kneedler, Lukens [West Point], and Acorn. The second of these is new but a growing and important village, whose business North Wales would have absorbed had she become the terminus of that railroad, instead of Lansdale.

“North Wales is notably well built, the dwellings, especially upon the principal streets, being of brick and stone, and large and spacious. The style is quite plain, however, in accordance with the taste and modes of the population.

“The turnpike, running from northwest to southeast, forms the principal thoroughfare known as Main street, upon which are situated the best dwellings and the principal places of business. The area of the borough lies most largely to the eastward of this, and the parallel streets are numbered in rotation from the turnpike to sixth. The cross streets are School, Walnut, Shearer, Montgomery, Church and Washington streets. The railroad running north and south bisects the borough into two nearly equal parts, although the larger portion of the population dwells on its westerly side.

“A number of dwellings which should probably be included within the borough limits are outside, within the surrounding Township of Gwynedd, on account of the restricted area of the incorporated limits.

“It is unfortunate that more taste and foresight should not have been shown in laying out the town. The streets, parallel to the turnpike, might have easily been made wider and spacious avenues, the lots larger, giving ample room for shade and shrubbery and the dwellings set back from the line of the streets giving a much more elegant and pleasant appearance as well as greatly enhancing the beauty of the village.

“The town has three hotels, the oldest of which is on the Main street, now conducted by Peter Feigel, but long kept by Abel Lukens, a veteran hotel keeper, formerly known to the farming community, when for many years in the same business in Philadelphia, as proprietor of the Lamb Hotel.

“The two others are the Philadelphia House kept by William Miller at the corner of Second Street and Montgomery avenue, and the Central Hotel, kept by James Wambold, on School street near the station.

“Just opposite the Depot is the restaurant of Nathaniel Quillman run by Aaron Van Fossen. All these hotels make a specialty of entertaining city boarders during the summer season.”

We will continue with this history in subsequent posts [this being part 1 of 4].

This post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the December 15, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter

Soon after the fake alarm of fire discussed in last week’s article was sent in during the parade of firemen of July 9, 1910, it was whispered about town that the name of the person who caused the alarm was known and that punishment “swift but sure” would be meted out to him.

A gum-shoe hunt by the firemen and borough officials was instituted to verify the rumors.  Early in the week it became generally known who the culprit was. As we stated last week, Borough Council had offered a reward for the arrest and conviction of the offender, but the question arose what was to be done with him when he was caught. Legal advice was sought and it was resolved to impose a fine upon the offender and make the punishment fit the crime. To make sure of their case, witnesses were hunted up and nothing was left undone to clinch the case once the offender was apprehended.

The entire week passed, however, and the culprit was still at large.  The chance of getting a twenty-five dollar reward proved no temptation to the Sherlock Holmes’ who were hot on the trail.

That twenty-five dollars looked good to Burgess James Billiard, and with a laudable desire to save the money for the borough and keep it in the treasury, where it was most needed, the burgess took heed of the mutterings and complaints that had poured into his ears all week.  So on Saturday he hunted up one of the local citizens and charged him with sending in the alarm. [The Perkasie News Herald identified the suspect as one Joseph Quinn.]  It is said that the person charged strenuously denied that he had been implicated in the sending of the alarm, but the burgess knew what he was talking about and it did not take long to convince the prankster that the case was hopeless.  On the advice of friends, he agreed to pay the fine of five dollars imposed by the burgess. The question of who was to get the reward was not decided.  [$5 is roughly equivalent to $175.00 in 2026 dollars.]

At the conclusion of the parade on Saturday, July 9, the firemen and visitors assembled at the new borough building (on the southeast corner of 3^rd St. & Montgomery Avenue) where the exercises continued with the dedication and the housing of the engine took place. A stand had been erected for the speakers, and after music by the Quakertown band, Burgess Billiard delivered the address of welcome as follows:

“Fellow citizens, members of council, our brave firemen, visitors, ladies and gentlemen — It gives me great pleasure to greet you on this grand occasion and extend to you a cordial greeting on behalf of the Borough of North Wales. We are assembled here today to dedicate this handsome and commodious addition to our borough building, wherein will be found a meeting place of council and its committees and also spacious apartments for the keeping of the apparatus which a generous people have entrusted to the care of the firemen.

“In the dedication of this structure let us, as citizens, take account of the rapid growth of our borough during the past few years (1890-1910) and remember that other and better things are needed if we desire to keep pace with the march of progress that is apparent on all sides. The good work by our council and public-spirited citizens must not stop with the completion of today’s program, but should be looked upon only as a beginning of a movement to make North Wales one of the most desirable dwelling places to be found anywhere.

“I will not trespass upon your time by recounting the events that preceded the movement that has resulted in giving our borough, not only a handsome municipal building and an efficient fire-fighting apparatus, but will leave that to other and more able speakers. Again I greet you and extend the hospitality of our borough of North Wales.”

At the conclusion of Burgess Billiard’s address, Rev. J. N. LeVan, who was then pastor of St. Luke’s Reformed Church, delivered the following dedication address:

“This large gathering before me and around me proves the feeling and interest that the occasion has excited. The hundreds of human faces, glowing with sympathy and joy, and from the impulses of a common gratitude proclaim that the day, the place, and the purpose of our assembling have made a deep impression on our hearts.

“To the firemen the recollection of false and needless alarms, with hurried steps down the railroad tracks to the trolley bridge, armed with axes, buckets, helmets and other equipment, may today prove annoying, but in the thought of the larger, purpose, the finer motive of our gathering, we forget the past unpleasantness and press on to the proper celebration of .an event of import to our community.

“We are come together to set apart this building to a specific use. It is to be, henceforth, a building of and for the community. We today set it aside to its proper use, and place within it an engine of protection to the property of the community. We trust that the engine will never be called upon, though if it be called upon, may it be equal to any emergencies; and out of the chambers of this building may come legislation that shall advance, elevate and strengthen our community and the community life.

“The erection of a building for use as a town hall, and the adequate apparatus to protect the citizens’ property, I believe bespeaks a material progress in our community and is evidence of the development of a civic pride. Today we feel that something of importance has been accomplished for our town and community. The public spiritedness that you have manifested as citizens is it be commended, and I desire to avail myself of this opportunity and heartily congratulate you on the attainment of a most worthy ideal; on a step that will place North Wales in the forefront in the list of desirable suburban towns. A step in the right direction has been taken; let us not stop, but keep right on stepping.

“You live in a community, and that organization gives you certain rights. You have according to our Constitution a right to life, property, protection, happiness, and the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

“Keep your duties ever before you, develop a civic pride, work for a beautiful North Wales.  Keep your fighting edge. A good citizen must be a good citizen of his town and community first before he can with advantage be a citizen of the nation and of the world at large. I wish you well and I believe in you and in your future.”

This post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the December 8, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter

In 1910 the Borough of North Wales was growing, as was the need for better fire protection. The old hand-drawn hose carriage was outmoded.  It being necessary for the men of the fire company to run from their places of employment to the fire house at the sounding of the alarm, and then running with the hose carriage to the scene of the fire, which consumed too much time. In order to keep up with progress, Borough Council, on March 7, 1910, ordered a horse-drawn chemical fire engine.

There not being sufficient room in the old hose house for the new equipment, and council not having a place of their own to hold meetings, it was decided to obtain bids for an addition to the fire house to provide room for both a fire engine and borough hall.

On April 10, 1910, Abel M. Fry of Lansdale was awarded the contract to erect this building for the sum of $2,095.49. That is $73,000 adjusted for inflation (2026).

This brick building was completed by July 11, 1910. On that day the new fire house and borough hall were dedicated with elaborate ceremonies, and the new fire engine housed after a large parade.

That the parade was a huge success can be gathered from the account in the local paper of the day: “With the streets lined with people all anxious to see the new chemical apparatus and the marching firemen from the adjoining towns, the firemen’s parade on Saturday was a success in every particular. The firemen began to arrive shortly before noon, when the Wissahickon engine from Ambler came up Sumneytown Pike drawn by two fine horses. The Lansdale and Souderton trucks soon followed. Shortly after 1 o’clock the West Point firemen arrived. Most of the firemen arrived on the 2 o’clock trains; the bands were also on these trains.

“The different companies assembled on Main Street in the vicinity of the railroad, where they were assigned to places in the line by Chief Marshal John Weikel. When the parade passed the hose house, the North Wales company with its apparatus fell into line, the new chemical engine bringing up in the rear. The intense heat of the summer day interfered somewhat with the number of men who intended to parade, and some of those who started were compelled to drop out of line before the parade was over on account of the heat.”

The parade was made up of the following: mounted police John Stevens and Charles Frank. Burgess James Billiard, mounted. Chief Marshal George Moss, mounted. Germania Band of Quakertown, 30 pieces. Fairmount Fire Company, Lansdale, 35 men. Fairmount Chemical apparatus, Fairmount Junior truck drawn by 12 boys, Fairmount Hook and Ladder truck. Telford Drum Corps. Telford Fire Company, 45 men. Assistant Marshal William A. Payne, mounted. Keystone Band, of Richlandtown, 30 pieces.. Quakertown Fire Company, 30 men. Souderton Drum Corps. Perseverance Fire Company, Souderton, 35 men. Perseverance Hook and Ladder truck. Assistant Marshal George Ogelsby, mounted. Wissahickon Fire Company, Ambler, 30 men. Wissahickon Chemical Engine. West Point Fire Company, 50 men. West Point Juniors. Thomas Gibson, Jr., dog and cart. West Point Hook and Ladder truck. West Point Ladies Auxiliary. Citizens Band of Quakertown, 30 pieces. North Wales Hose Company, 20 men. First Hose cart. Hose, cart No. 2. New Chemical Engine, Aaron P. Kushmore, driver. Independent Americans, and various floats.

It was a beautiful day for a parade, the big red fire engines were glistening in the sun, the firemen in their red and blue uniforms were marching proudly at the heads of their companies, the horses were prancing majestically to the music of the bands.  Suddenly the deep throated voice of the steam fire alarm whistle was heard above the strains of John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

We quote from the local paper: “When the parade of the firemen was nearing the end on Saturday an alarm of fire was sounded. The head of the parade had just reached the fire house and many people thought the whistle was blown for that reason. A moment later, however, when the alarm was repeated, the firefighters started for the scene of the supposed conflagration. What had been an orderly parade instantly became a scene of confusion. The visiting firemen following the lead of Chief Weikel, started in search of the fire.  The horses of the Ambler Chemical Company following close behind Aaron Kushmore and his dashing horses hitched to the new chemical.

The Lansdale and Souderton trucks also joined in the race, while hundreds of people gathered on the railroad in their efforts to locate the fire. The 3 o’clock train, which had been delayed at Ambler, came on the scene at this time drawn by an engine running backwards. That no one was hurt is remarkable.

It was reported that the fire was at the big greenhouses of the Florex Gardens, but inquiry there developed the fact that no one had sent in an alarm and there was no fire. Solomon Scheetz, who was on duty at the light plant, sounded the alarm when he received a message from the telephone exchange, which was repeated and to the effect that the fire was at the greenhouses.

Chief Weikel stated that he had been informed the alarm was sent in from the public telephone at the Central Hotel, but was unable to learn who sent in the alarm.

Official notice was taken of the false alarm at the meeting of Borough Council Monday evening.  It was decided to offer a reward of $25 for the arrest and conviction of the parties who turned in the alarm.

This post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the December 1, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter

Continuing with the history of the Pennsylvania Avenue trolley bridge, and quoting from the North Wales Record of October 4, 1902 we find the following:

“Just as the last immense girder was about to be placed on its foundation at the Lehigh Valley Traction Company’s bridge across the North Penn tracks at North Wales last Saturday afternoon, it fell with a crash to the railroad tracks below. Walter A. Shearer of North Wales; Eugene Reese of Bethlehem; William J. Barnett of Owego, N. Y., and George Stevits were hurt. Mr. Stevits was taken to the Jefferson Hospital with a crushed foot. Mr. Shearer sustained severe bruises about the head and body.”

Mr. Barnett, who is superintendent of construction of the Owego Company, which is putting up the bridge, jumped and narrowly escaped with his life. “The two immense girders arrived at North Wales a couple of weeks ago, and the construction company had succeeded in placing them in position at the crossing. when one of them suddenly toppled over and fell to the roadbed of the railroad, some thirty or forty feet below. The girders are each 118 feet long and weigh about 24 tons each. A temporary wooden structure had been erected on either side of the railroad to support the weight of the girders. One girder had been gotten across safely, and the other was nearly over, when it suddenly toppled over and fell. The trains of the North Penn Railroad were blocked at that point for some time, when the railroad wrecking crew succeeded in removing the girder to a position parallel with the railroad tracks, thus permitting trains to pass.

“Had it not been for this mishap the trolley tracks would have been connected at that point within a few clays, thus closing the last gap between Allentown and Flourtown. It will require some time to replace the girders. It was the first accident of its kind that ever happened under Mr. Barnett. He seemed so careful all along with the work of erecting the girders, that much sympathy is expressed for him.”

On July 2, 1894 Borough Council passed an ordinance for the numbering of dwelling houses and other buildings within the borough.  On September 3, on motion of Thomas P. Scott, Main street and all streets running parallel to it are to be called north and south streets and all streets crossing, or intersecting the same at right angles are to be called east and west streets from Main.  The street address numbers are to be known accordingly. John A. Gerhart, our local sign painter, was given the contract for painting the house numbers at seventy-five cents per house.

On May 1900, council granted the request for the erection of a sausage factory at 4th and Church streets. This factory was constructed and did a thriving business. About this time the town was expanding in industry and council felt the need for a fulltime policeman. Accordingly on September 7, 1903 John Stevens was appointed as a fulltime guardian of the law at a salary of $18 per month, to be on duty from six o’clock in the evening until four o’clock in the morning.

Evidently the appointment of a full time policeman had not been too soon for on December 20, 1904, a special meeting of the council was called for “the purpose of devising ways and means to apprehend the burglars who attempted to rob the store of William F. McCracken on December 19, 1904, and who shot and wounded John Stevens, the policeman.” Council offered a reward of $300 for the arrest and conviction of the robbers. A thorough search of available records discloses that the perpetrators of this crime were never apprehended.

In November of 1905, after serious complaints by Gordon Brothers about sewage being deposited in the creek that runs through their property, and threats of legal action against the borough to remedy the same, Councilman E. K. Freed introduced an ordinance asking that he be given the right to establish a sewer filtration plant. The matter was held under advisement and all property owners having cesspools or drains running upon the Gordon property were notified to have the same disconnected within twenty days. [The Gordon property is today Parkside Place.  The houses referred to are the twin houses along the northwest side of Elm Avenue.]

In December of 1905 council appointed a committee of three to secure an engineer and ordered a survey and plans prepared for a sewage plant, the cost not to exceed $500. In May of 1906 plans for a sanitary sewer system were presented and approved, and in November of 1906 E. K. Freed offered to sell to the borough a piece of ground for a sewer disposal plant for the sum of $3,500. On January 7, 1907 the ordinance for the construction of sanitary sewers in the borough was passed. However, the sewers did not become a reality until 1914 when construction was finally begun.

The text of this post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the November 24, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter

On May 3, 1897 E. K. Freed withdrew his proposition to the borough and asked that it be given no further consideration whatever in order that the question of the borough operating its own electric light plant might be considered without prejudice.

Borough council appointed a committee of three to interview Mr. Freed and see what arrangements, if any, could be made with him for operating an electric plant within the borough. Four days later, the following resolution was adopted by council:

“Resolved, that articles of agreement be made with a proposed Electric Light and Power plant to be known as The North Wales Electric Light and Power Plant, as soon as it was incorporated, under which the said proposed company shall be given the franchise to plant poles and string wires in the streets of the borough. Said franchise to be exclusive for ten years, and a contract to light the streets of the borough for a period of ten years, with not less than fifty 25 candle power lights at the rate of $12 per year per light, be entered into with said proposed Light Company.”

On June 7, council ordered the proper officials to enter into the agreement with E. K. Freed for street lighting.

For a number of years the railroad crossings and the speed of the trains through the borough had caused council considerable concern. There had been people killed by the trains at all four crossings in the town, and the situation had reached the point where council and the railroad company were at a standstill on the question of protecting the public at these crossings.

Finally, on December 5, 1892, the matter of the railroad crossings was again discussed by council and the borough solicitors were instructed to notify the railroad company to reduce the speed of running the trains to the requirements of the law, or else put up safety gates at both the Main street and the Walnut street crossings. Ten days later, council passed the following ordinance:

“No locomotive, engine, tender, cars or other carriages used on the railroad within the limits of the borough shall be propelled or drawn through the borough at a rate exceeding 5 miles per hour, and if any such engine, tender, car or carriage shall be propelled or drawn at a greater rate than five miles per hour, the owner, whether company or individual or individuals, engineer, conductor, agent or other persons having the same in charge, shall forfeit and pay for the first offense the sum of $2 and the sum of $5 for every subsequent offense with the costs of suit.”

At the meeting of June 6, 1893, President of Council, R. R. Freed, read a communication from the Railroad Company proposing to put a flagman at the Walnut street crossing. The proposition was accepted and the ordinance mentioned above was laid on the table. The reader will notice that over a year passed before the Railroad Company offered protection for these crossings. While the minutes of the council are void of any mention of the matter for over a year, nevertheless there must have been considerable discussion between council and the railroad company on such a serious matter.

Another means of transportation was discussed in 1899 when, on September 12, council granted permission to the Inland Traction Company the right to construct and operate a street railway on the streets of the borough. In 1901 the name of the Inland Traction Company was changed to the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley Traction Company.

On July 2, 1900 the borough, being desirous of opening Pennsylvania avenue south to Washington avenue from the railroad, purchased the ground from Isaac G. Freed for $150, with the Inland Traction Company to pay $100 of the above cost.

[Steam railroads at that time considered the new electric trolley lines to be upstart competitors, and refused to allow trolley tracks to cross at-grade. Often the solution arrived at was for the trolley promoters to either tunnel under or bridge over the railroad, as was the case here in North Wales.]

A petition was presented to council asking that a bridge be built on Pennsylvania avenue over the railroad. Council agreed to comply and a new bridge was ordered built. On April 21, 1902, a contract to build the bridge was let to F. J. Crilly of Souderton. The cost of this bridge was borne jointly by the borough and the Lehigh Valley Traction Company.

We quote from the North Wales Record of July 19, 1902, “The steel overhead bridge of the Lehigh Valley Traction Company at North Wales is 110 feet 8 inches in length by 30 feet wide, with a height of 24 feet above the Reading railroad tracks. It will accommodate one trolley track, with sidewalks on either side thereof. The cost of the work will be about $10,000. The piers will be 56 feet long, 11 feet high and 12 feet thick. From Pennsylvania avenue the trolley tracks will turn north on Washington street, to the Sumneytown pike. The work, which will require some time, is being rushed forward as rapidly as possible.” The concrete abutments for the bridge were completed on August 15, 1902.

The text of this post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the November 17, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter

The matter of keeping hogs occupied the attention of North Wales Borough Council at the meeting of August 5, 1889, when on motion it was duly seconded that it was unlawful to keep, raise, or breed any pigs, hogs, or swine within the limits of the borough after the first day of January, 1890, and any person found guilty of keeping any pigs, hogs or swine after that date would have the animals confiscated, and the constable seize and sell all such confiscated property. The proceeds, after paying the necessary expenses for the seizing and sale of the same, were to be deducted and paid into the school fund.

At the same meeting the high constable was authorized to deputize as many persons as he deemed necessary to break up street lounging, exercising all authority vested in him and the deputies to abate the nuisance.

On August 13, 1889 a section was added to the ordinance on street and corner lounging, to set the fine for congregation upon the streets, crossings and corners of the borough, not to exceed ten dollars, nor less than one dollar for each and every offense of refusing to move when ordered to do so, or for making any indecent, obscene or blasphemous remarks, or to profanely curse or swear in any of the streets of the borough. [Ten dollars in 1889 is roughly equivalent to $350 today.]

Also on August 5, 1889, Mahlon R. Swartley and his wife conveyed to the borough all the streets and alleyways laid out by the North Wales Land Association, as shown on a plan of 374 lots, for one dollar. The said streets and alleys were given and dedicated for public use. The deed was accepted and recorded by the borough. [This is today Elm Avenue, Shearer Street, W. Montgomery Avenue, Swartley Street, Center Street, West Street.]

On January 6, 1890, it was agreed to sell the lockup [borough jail] and lot for $300 to anyone willing to buy it at said figure. Evidently there were no buyers at the price of $300, because it was not until May 5, 1890 that the lockup and lot were sold to Mary Axer for $275.

On April 6, 1891, it was reported to council that “the well in Lumber street [between Main and 2^nd Street] at J. F. Berger’s store needs a new floor. On motion it was agreed to have the said well covered with stone below the surface and then filled with ground to a level with the street from the stone covering up, and to remove pump from the well.” This was the end of the town well.

In October of 1891 the Hose Company offered to get a fire alarm bell if the borough would mount it on the hose house cupola. The offer was accepted by the borough and the following month, November, council appointed a committee of two to prepare a plan for the construction of a cupola on the hose house and to have it remodeled so as to be suitable to hold a fire bell.

The streets of the town, having been illuminated by kerosene lamps since the incorporation of the borough in 1869, and council desiring to improve the lighting conditions, January 7th, 1892 a committee of three was appointed to canvass the town to ascertain the number of electric lights that would be taken by consumers if an electric company would be organized.

One week later, on January 17, the committee on lights reported that about 300 lights had been promised to be taken, with only half the town canvassed.  It was the feeling of the council that it would prefer to pay $500 per year for ten arc lights and 25 incandescent lights rather than erect a plant and conduct the business by the borough.

On January 6, 1893 council agreed to submit to the voters of the borough “the expression of their desire of having the borough streets lighted by electric lights or not,” to be voted on at the borough election of February 21.

We find no further mention of streets until about three years later, January 6, 1896, when we find that the president of council was instructed to look into the matter of acetylene gas for street lighting. On Februrary 3, the president reported that he was favorably impressed with the gas light, it being wonderful, white and brilliant. However the company would not be ready to furnish gas before March 1st.

January 4, 1897, we find a firm from Philadelphia appeared before council asking permission to establish an electric light plant, and to string wires and erect poles on the streets of the borough. The president was ordered to appoint a committee of three to draft an ordinance granting this permission. At the next meeting of council this ordinance was ordered laid on the table and local businessman E K. Freed appeared before council and asked for the right to string wires and erect poles and to build a light plant within the borough. Mr. Freed’s proposition was thoroughly discussed, and on April 19 council passed an ordinance granting this right to Mr. Freed.

This post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the November 10, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter

Continuing with the story of the great North Wales fire of December 1888, we quote from the Norristown Weekly Herald of December 10, 1888:

“North Wales, the prosperous little inland town two miles below Lansdale, on the North Penn Railroad, was the scene Friday night of a disastrous conflagration, which at one time seemed likely to devastate the whole place. Many of the buildings are of [wood] frame, a brisk breeze was blowing, and that the fire was confined within its comparatively small limits was due entirely to the hard work of the amateur firemen who, with the aid of North Wales splendid water power and plenty of hose, finally quenched the flames.

“A few minutes after midnight, R. R. Freed and John Weikel discovered flames in the planing mill of Weber & Weikel, on Walnut street, near the depot. The alarm was sounded, the people turned out en masse, but the structure burned to the ground. It contained a big stock of lumber and finished work, the latter to have been shipped Saturday. The grocery and meat store of Percival Slough was also completely destroyed, some of the contents being saved in a damaged condition. Swartley Brothers feed store on the opposite side of the railroad went next, and several other buildings were fired, the intense heat inflaming the weather boarding [wood siding].

“The flames were checked after Swartley’s place was consumed, and no other buildings were burned, although many were badly scorched. The loss is estimated at about $15,000, amount of insurance unknown.”

The following also appeared in the Norristown Weekly Herald of December 17, 1888:

“On Tuesday afternoon a largely attended meeting of the citizens of North Wales was held, presided over by Judge Hamberger, as a result of which a resolution was adopted requesting the Town Council to offer a reward of $500 for the arrest and conviction of the person known to have had a hand in causing the recent fires. On Tuesday night the Town Council offered this reward and ordered the announcement to be spread abroad by hand-bills and in the newspapers. “The taxpayers of North Wales, who at first were disposed to regard the introduction of water plugs throughout the town as more a matter of ornament than utility, have changed their views since the fires. The town is supplied with water from an artesian well, the water being pumped into a basin elevated high enough above the general level of the town to throw a stream over the highest building without the use of an engine. There are two miles of water main, and 21 water plugs throughout the town.

“There is only one clue to the origin of the fires, and that is very vague. Three weeks ago an employee was discharged from Shearer’s planing mill, and he is said to have been heard by several to remark when he left, that the mill wouldn’t stand long. The man is now working in Philadelphia.”

Again quoting from the Weekly Herald we find the following: “Warned by the experience of the past week North Wales awoke to the necessity of organizing to fight further attempts at incendiarism. The borough owns a hose carriage and a thousand feet of good hose, great water pressure obviating the necessity of a steamer and enabling, a stream to be sent over the highest steeple in town. The officers of the new fire department are Chief Fire Marshal William Barger and Assistant Marshal John Weikel.”

At its meeting of December 11, 1888, after the election of a chief fire marshal, Borough Council agreed to purchase 200 feet more of hose and one nozzle. It was also agreed that the hose house committee be authorized to buy a lot from Joseph K. Anders, on Montgomery avenue [at 3^rd Street] adjoining the Water Company lot, and to build a brick hose carriage house the same size as the engine house on the Water Company’s lot. [Update:  the fire house “hose house” was torn down many years ago, but the water company’s engine house still stands, today occupied by Ewenited Stitches.]

In the minutes of February 4, 1889, we find that council granted an order to North Wales carriage builder Sylvester Bright for the construction of a hose carriage, amounting to fifty-four dollars and fifty cents.

At this same meeting William H. Barger resigned as a member of council and also as chief fire marshal. John Weikel was appointed as fire marshal, a post he held until 1918.

At the April 1, 1889 meeting, through the efforts of Chief Fire Marshal Weikel, council voted to pay each fireman one dollar for every fire attended. [Adjusted for inflation, that is $35 in 2025 dollars.]

The hose carriage house was completed and at the meeting of May 6, 1889 the Hose Company was authorized to get a sign, and place it in front of the hose house.

This post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the November 3, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter

At the October 1888 meeting of North Wales Borough Council the committee on fire hose reported a price of sixty-five cents a foot for 600 feet, and the time of payment to be one year from the time of purchase. This committee also reported the cost of a ladder at eighteen and three quarter cents a foot, for thirty feet.

The committee on hose carriage house reported that the foundation had been dug and some stones hauled to the place of building (the south corner of 3^rd Street and Montgomery Avenue). The committee also reported that they had been looking around pricing carriages, but had found them to be too high in price. They stated that they were of the opinion that the carriage could be built at home cheaper than it could be bought abroad. The committee on hose, hose carriage and ladders was instructed to order the material pertaining to their respective businesses as soon as practicable.

On November 5, 1888, A. K. Shearer reported the fire hose had been received and was stored in his carriage house where they were hung up to dry.

Borough Council’s action for protection against fire was evidently not started soon enough, because on December 8 and 10, 1888, the borough suffered one of the worst fires in its history. This conflagration caused the entire destruction of the planing mill owned by A. K. Shearer and leased to Weber and Weikel, the grocery store of Percival Slough, Swartley Brothers Feed House and contents, and John W. Swartley’s coal yard. These buildings were burned on December 8.

Only two days later, on December 10^th, the hay house and press of A. K. Shearer was destroyed by fire. These two fires aroused the citizens to send the following petition to council:

“The undersigned citizens of North Wales respectfully petition and request, that you call a town meeting of the citizens of the borough at an early hour tomorrow, Tuesday, to take certain measures as may prevent further fires, and to ,apprehend and punish the perpetrator of the same. Elias K. Freed, German Hamberger, Henry W. Moyer, J. K. Trego, S. R. Gordon, Isaac Wampole Jr., J. Martin Hunsberger, Jacob B. Overholt, Peter Lalley, J. F. Berger, William H. Staiger, Charles W. Keck, Mark B. Fretz, A. F. Matson, C. E. Bean, William Howland and John Weikel.”

In compliance with the above petition the council convened at 9 a.m. December 11, 1888. The meeting was called to order by President Anderman who stated that the object of the meeting was to call a citizens’ meeting in the council chamber this afternoon for the purpose of taking such steps as would prevent further fires and to apprehend and punish the perpetrator of the same. After some remarks on the subject it was moved and seconded to notify all the citizens to meet this afternoon at 1 o’clock.

The minutes of the citizens’ meeting read as follows: “A special public meeting of the citizens. of North Wales was held this afternoon to consult with each other in regard to the fires which have taken place in our borough within a few days, and to devise some means of preventing a repetition of them in the future. The meeting was largely attended by taxpayers and organized by electing Judge Hamberger, president, and Rev. George D. Faust, secretary.

“After a general discussion of the matter the following resolution was unanimously adopted as the sentiment of the meeting, and the officers of the meeting were instructed to present to you in writing that you may take it into consideration at the council meeting to be held this evening. ‘Resolved that this meeting composed of taxpayers of the Borough of North Wales respectfully request the town council of said borough to offer a reward of five hundred dollars for the arrest and conviction of any person or persons who may be proven to have had a hand in causing the recent fires in North Wales, or who may at any time in the future be found guilty of any incendiary act within the limits of the said borough.’”

Borough Council reconvened the same evening at 7.30 o’clock with President Anderman in the chair. The citizens of the borough presented a petition requesting the council to offer a reward of five hundred dollars, as requested by the citizens’ organization. (Adjusted for inflation, the reward is equivalent to $17,000 in 2025).  After some discussion it was moved and seconded to adopt a resolution complying with the request. This motion was unanimously agreed to.

This post is sourced from a column entitled Early North Wales: Its History and Its People penned by long-time North Wales resident historian Leon T. Lewis. The article appeared in its original form in the October 27, 1959 issue of the North Penn Reporter