If you’ve been naughty, the Belsnickel, dressed in furs and carrying a switch, just may pay you a visit at Christmas. Read all about this old traditional charcter!
The Fickle Belsnickel
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Lifestyle
Special Edition – The Community Christmas Tree
A lucky historical find adds special significance to the Souderton 2023 Christmas Tree lighting!
Art thou a witch?
A witch? Here? The subject of witches has a dangerous side, and the good folk of Telford had to take it seriously when one of their neighbors became the target of a whisper campaign in 1882.
Hillside Cemetery
Souderton Borough and the Historical Society work together to restore the neglected walls of Hillside Cemetery. Here is the story.
Small-town Farm Boys Go To Sea
Guest-author Peggy Reiff Miller recounts the story of two “Seagoing Cowboys” – local teens Herbert Wenger and Marvin Garis, as they serve during World War II.
Excitement on Main Street! (Soap Box Derby racing – Part 2)
Part 2 of Alan Weisberg’s look at the history of Soap Box Derby Racing in Souderton. This issue covers 1974 to the present. (2022)
Excitement on Main Street! (Soap Box Derby racing – Part 1)
The first part of Alan Weisberg’s look at the history of Soap Box Derby Racing in Souderton. This issue covers the beginning days up through 1973.
Telford Whale
A mysterious discovery causes a local sensation. But like many sensations, is it what it seems?
A Sense of Community
Guest-author Doug Shupinski paints a warm portrait of his life and memories growing up in our local community; and what we can all learn from it.
Independent-isms
Most small-town newspapers have their quirks, and items that seem humorous today. So it is with this collection from our own Souderton Independent. Smile!
The Groundcherry
Guest-Author and historian Jason Searock serves up a delightful portion of Pennsylvania Dutch heritage with this story of the Groundcherry.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
What do you think of or remember about winters gone by? In this issue, Cory Alderfer mixes Souderton history with some cool memories from around town.
The Herman Funke House
Herman Funke was one of many who found a place here in Souderton. A place to live, marry, and start a business. Member Craig Silsbee relates the story of his current home, and of Herman’s life here.
Nace & Godshall Potato Chips
Few things stir up memories as much as tastes and smell. Enjoy the warm memories of this story about local potato chips by guest-author Ed Bibic.
100th Anniversary of World War I
On the 100th Anniversary of World War I, we get to read about some local family connections to that fateful event by guest-author Rev James Shelly. Thank you to all who have served.
Zion Mennonite Fisk Organ
Among the many unique things about our Souderton /Telford communities, here is one hiding in plain sight! Jon Leight tells of the history and special nature of the organ at Zion Mennonite Church.
This ‘Oldish’ House
Member Cory Alderfer tells us about her “oldish” house, and what characteristics make it charming and precious. Hopefully, this makes you proud of your house as well.
The Architecture of Milton B Bean
Read a short accounting of famed local architect Milton B Bean; and his impact on our communites.
Newsletter December 2017
A fun look at some Souderton Independent advertising pages from 1917.
The County Line Hotel
As the 19th century evolved into the 20th century, the County Line Hotel was an important landmark and gathering place in Telford. Here is a bit of that story.
Baseball in Telford
Summer, ice cream, and baseball. Memories as American as it gets. In this issue, historian Charles H Price passes along some of those memories as they apply to Telford’s history.
Living in the Past – Horses
Imagine a time when horses – not cars – were the primary means of getting around. This article describes a few of those events in our towns.
Churches
How much do you know about the earliest church in Souderton? Here is an interesting article about that very thing!
The Telford Bank
Did you know that Telford once had its own bank? Here is a quick story of that bank, its origins, and the people involved.
Home of Henry O. Souder
Our second ever newsletter – fittingly enough – tells the story and history of Henry O. Souder and his home on Main Street Souderton
The Fenstermacher Building
Our first official newsletter takes a look at a very interesting and familiar building in Telford; with a well-known local name.
