While this name might be familiar around our towns, few people know the history behind the man or the name. Here is his story.
The Person Behind the Name
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Souderton
The Purple Death
While many have heard of the Spanish Influenza, far fewer know the details of this disease, or how it affected the families of the local community.
Locomotion: Trains in the Indian Valley
Travel back in time and learn the impact that railroads had in our local area. You may be surprised in how things worked, and how trains impacted our way of life not so long ago.
From a Blacksmith’s Shop to Helping to Save the Republic
Servatus Brey (1840-1899) was a U.S. Army Civil War veteran from Souderton. But was he the ONLY Civil War veteran from Souderton? This is the story of a blacksmith from Souderton, and his extraordinary life story.
Special Edition – The Community Christmas Tree
A lucky historical find adds special significance to the Souderton 2023 Christmas Tree lighting!
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.
H.A. Goldberg: Souderton’s Early Clothier
Guest-author Alan M Weisberg shares his family history as it relates to the former Goldberg Clothier store in Souderton.
A Hillside Avenue Memoir
Guest-author Marian Eide shares a rousing game of “Do You Remember?” as she recounts the memories of her youth, growing up on Hillside Avenue.
Souderton Medicine Bottles
Guest-author David Buck collects antique bottles of many types. In this issue, he tells us about four local doctors and shows us samples of their medicine bottles.
Family Secrets
Guest-author Emily O’Rourke was a 17-year-old high school student at the time of this writing. We are thrilled that Emily was willing to share this story of a long-held family secret – which sheds light on a different era in local history.
Where Everyone Knows Your Name
A humorous story from Souderton’s past, that illustrates a bit of life in a “small town” – where everyone knows your name!
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.
Playwright William Marchant Davis
In this issue, guest-author Jon Leight recounts the fascinating life of Souderton High School graduate and playwright, William Marchant Davis.
Ray L. Albright: Souderton and Beyond and Back
Ray Albright was pilot, photographer, and well-known local businessman. Read about his life from the memories of his son, guest-author Gary Albright.
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!
Delivering Lessons in a Milk Truck
This issue highlights something that many of our readers have never experienced – a local milkman. These illustrations honor a time and a lifestyle that is now gone; but still valuable.
A Conversation with Clarence Moyer
There is nothing better for a historian than to have a live conversation with someone who lived through the historical highs of a community. Guest-author Dan Yocum has recorded just such an experience with Souderton resident Clarence Moyer.
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.
The Deli Shops of Souderton
Among the many “mom and pop” businesses in Souderton, probably none has garnered the amount of comments and memories as The Deli Shops of Souderton, and owners Bob and Shirley Derstine. Told by guest-author (and their grandson) Jake Senkow.
“A Glimpse of Henry C. Krupp and the Souderton/Telford Area (from the 1888-1929 Diary of Henry C. Krupp)”
There are many ways to preserve and share our area memories. One way is through someone’s personal diaries; and the Historical Society is pleased to have access to several. Here, we visit the images of the past through the diaries of Henry C Krupp.
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.
Souderton School District Memories
No matter our age, we all have memories of our school days. In this issue, we read about some of Wendy Leshinskie’s memories as she moved through the Souderton School District’s facilities.
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.
Newsletter December 2017
A fun look at some Souderton Independent advertising pages from 1917.
William Souder Hemsing Diaries
The “Hemsing Diaries” were written in the mid 1800s, and published in 1987. They offer a glimpse into the lives of a few Souderton residents of the time.
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!
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
