The people of Souder’s had just about everything they needed, except for a bank. Securing loans and making deposits was crucial for locals and farmers alike. And opening one was an idea everyone supported.
Society tells town’s history through its buildings Hard to believe, but some of the country’s most important historical sites exist only because of volunteer historical societies. It was 1858 before the Mt. Vernon Ladies Association acquired the estate from the Washington family and began an ongoing preservation effort. Otherwise, we might not have the home of the nation’s first president to visit. The Souderton-Telford Historical Society has a similar purpose: to preserve and share the places and stories of our towns for the future. We’ve done that for the last decade via our newsletter and other education projects. But in 2026, when America’s history is front and center, we are excited to be completing a project to identify and mark the significant buildings that tell the history of Souderton. We have worked with the owners of those buildings in a voluntary, non-binding program. The educational markers briefly explain the history and importance of each location to the growth and...
‘Art in Sacred Spaces’ honors our legacy Historical society invites community to uncover hidden treasures The United States is marking its Semiquincentennial this year — 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone invites us to reflect on the freedoms that have shaped our country: to seek a better life, to live in peace, and to worship as we choose. These ideals brought new communities such as Souderton and Telford to life and inspired remarkable creativity. To honor this special national anniversary, the Souderton-Telford Historical Society is proud to hold its first fund-raising event: Art in Sacred Spaces. In partnership with six local churches and the Mennonite Heritage Center, we invite you to join a self-guided driving tour celebrating the artistic and historical gems in our own backyards. The idea for Art in Sacred Spaces was inspired by a tour guide in Ireland, who told a group of American visitors that we ignore the history in our small...
Special edition December 2025 Holly Bros. ‘handkäse’ once a Souderton staple Editor’s note: The historical society earlier this year was contacted by a writer from Lancaster Farming, a weekly agricultural newspaper based in Ephrata, Lancaster County, looking for information on Holly Bros. Hand Cheese — a Souderton landmark in earlier decades. The society was able to provide information on the business and participate in the placing of a historical marker in September. We thought our readers would enjoy the resulting article, which was published in October. So here is a holiday special edition of our Gazette, with thanks to Lancaster Farming for permission to reprint the piece written by its correspondent Sue Bowman. Sept. 13 was a red-letter day in Souderton, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania: A ceremony at the borough’s Holly’s Hill Park unveiled a new 3-by-4-foot interpretive sign commemorating the Holly brothers and their cheese factory, which once stood on the site....
Veterans’ service continues at home, thanks to American Legion, VFW posts with research by Cory Alderfer The work of winding down World War II was well under way when the Souderton Independent reported on Dec. 6, 1945, that Cpl. Nicholas Rohs had arrived at his father’s home in Hilltown Township to begin rest furlough. He had been captured at Corregidor in the Philippines in 1942 and spent three years, 11 months, and four days as a prisoner of the Japanese. Rohs, the newspaper reported, was “well on his way” to full recovery. For World War II veterans — and generations before and since — a return to civilian life was just the beginning. Many would look for comradeship and advocacy in organizations that had been founded for those purposes. Fortunately, veterans here could turn to two such groups: In Souderton, American Legion Post 234 had been present since 1919, chartered in the shadow of what was then called the Great War. In neighboring Telford, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5308...
Scott Landes once told a reporter he was “a Souderton boy through and through.” Known by everyone as Scooter, Landes marked 50 years in town as a small business running his bike shop. You may know the story of how he got his start back in July 1975, but when the Souderton-Telford Historical Society interviewed him, Scooter also shared a range of memories of growing up and working in town. STHS: So, basically my assignment from the historical society was inspired by someone who saw you peeking out the door in the mural photograph in the restaurant. Scott Landes: The first time we ate there, I took my wife. We’re walking out. I love these old pictures of Souderton. I did like a double take. I went, “Oh my gosh, what?” Then I said to our young waitress, “Hey, see that guy there? That’s me.” And she looked at me and said, “No way”. I grew up here in Souderton. My father was an internist at Grand View (hospital, now part of St. Luke’s). I went to Souderton, went to Albright College, and...
Researched and written by Cory Alderfer Souderton was grossly behind the times. Unlike other towns located along the Reading Railroad, there were no public parks for children to play safely. This, among other issues, was an unfortunate state of affairs. By the late 1800s, adults had begun creating numerous athletic, social, fraternal, and volunteer opportunities for themselves within Souderton and Telford. But no dedicated safe play space for children had yet been built. In 1921, nine-year-old Ernest Walter Hunsberger was killed by a car while riding his bike. Even after that loss, it was another three years — 1924 — before residents of Noble, East Broad, and South Front streets took matters into their own hands. With the help of their children, the adults sold refreshments that summer, raising money to purchase a sliding board to be placed on an empty lot on Noble Street. The many failed attempts to raise interest in organizing a Souderton Playground Association were one of the...
Back when major league baseball was perhaps more “magical”, 350 local boys got to experience that that magic on one very special day.
Ice cream in the summer is fondly remembered by many. So is the “Frostie Cup” ice cream stand. Here is the story highlighting the dairy industry in our area.
While this name might be familiar around our towns, few people know the history behind the man or the name. Here is his story.
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.
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.
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.
A lucky historical find adds special significance to the Souderton 2023 Christmas Tree lighting!
Souderton Borough and the Historical Society work together to restore the neglected walls of Hillside Cemetery. Here is the story.
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.
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)
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.
Guest-author Alan M Weisberg shares his family history as it relates to the former Goldberg Clothier store in Souderton.
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.
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.
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.
A humorous story from Souderton’s past, that illustrates a bit of life in a “small town” – where everyone knows your name!
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.
In this issue, guest-author Jon Leight recounts the fascinating life of Souderton High School graduate and playwright, William Marchant Davis.
Ray Albright was pilot, photographer, and well-known local businessman. Read about his life from the memories of his son, guest-author Gary Albright.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A fun look at some Souderton Independent advertising pages from 1917.
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.
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.
How much do you know about the earliest church in Souderton? Here is an interesting article about that very thing!
Our second ever newsletter – fittingly enough – tells the story and history of Henry O. Souder and his home on Main Street Souderton
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