Location of this building
“Constructed by the Souderton Improvement Company to generate electricity for lighting and to pump water from the well fed by the headwaters of the Skippack Creek. It was also used for the borough hall, fire and police stations and other community purposes.”
Early view with bunting
Erected in the summer of 1899 on the same parcel as the neighboring cigar factory, this 40-by-60-foot Borough Building combined municipal offices with an electric light plant and water pumping station. Contemporary reports noted that the pumping station also provided a convenient watering spot for horses traveling through town.
The building housed the Perseverance Fire Company and the police department, and in 1903 a jail – known locally as the “lockup” – was added. This jail was originally in the basement, but was later moved to the second floor because of the unsanitary contitions below. The Warren Royer Post of the American Legion met here beginning in 1919.
Main Street view
Over the years, space in the building was leased to businesses and organizations
A modern view
including C.H. Raudenbush’s grocery store, the Montgomery Electric Company, the Playground Association Auxiliary, and the Gospel Mission. In recent decades, the renovated building has housed a café and Allebach Communications, a modern marketing firm and studio.
The historical markers were made possible by generous donations from Souderton Connects, Univest Corp, and the Souderton-Telford Historical Society. We hope you enjoy them.