1905

THE PERK

The Perk building has been in continuous operation and has served as a South Perkasie landmark since it was built in 1854 . In the early days of the hotel it was a popular stop for merchants who drove to Philadelphia to purchase their merchandise and by others who hauled their produce to Philadelphia produce markets. For many years the hotel was one of the best known cattle marts in Bucks County. Thousands of horses, cows, and pigs were shipped here from throughout the Eastern United States and were sold at the auction block on this Walnut Street & Main Street location. Early owner includeed Stephen Young, HArry Hunsberger, Leonard Crouthamel (40 years). William Johnson, and James Mickel.

With modern facilities of travel and transportation, the hotel lost most of its transient trade by 1929 when it was called the E. W. Crouthamel Hotel. At this time the combination sale and cattle auction remained as one of the big attractions of the location.

Russel and Irene Kramer purchased this hotel in 1947 who owned it for 10 years; it was then sold to Kenderine. In 1975 the hotel was changed to a restaurant when George Nackarella was looking for a restaurant location. The bar was kept because the liquor license that came with the hotel. The business expanded and a kitchen was added out the back. George and Larry Nackarella today own the Perk, the restaurant is popular with families because of the informal atmosphere and inexpensive meals.

View of Main Street in South Perkasie - the approximate year is 1911. The South Perk is on the right side of the image.		South Perk in the old days. Note the exterior porches on both levels.
South Perk with enclosed porches.		South Perk Hotel in 2000!
Exterior seating for patrons.		Non-smoking dining areas.

H.D.MOYER ESTATE

Across Main Street from The Perk is a property that has seen significant changes over time. One of the oldest businesses in Perkasie was located on this property. The first owner was Levi Sellers in the year 1845. Other owners at this site were Christian Snyder and Enos Savacool, who was a clerk in the Snyder store. On April 2, 1859 Mr Savacool bought four acres and two perches of land at the Main & Walnut Street location. He built a two story frame building using the first floor for store business and the second floor as a residence for his family. For 25 years Mr. Savacool had a business at this location.

In 1884 the business was sold to William Cressman for $2,700; he built an addition to the store and used it for a dwelling. On October 15, 1885 he sold the property to George S. Bilger for $4,200. In April of 1889, Mr. Bilger sold the property to Harry F. Harpel for $4,700. About 1900 Mr. Harpel built the brick store building. He had the original frame building moved on rollers to its present location on South Main Street. Two years later Mr. Harpel built the brick house attached to the stone building. Mr. Harpel was in business for about 26 years until his death.

On December 29, 1915 H.D. Moyer bought the business at a public sale. He moved with his family to the location and ran his business (seen at left)until he was killed in an accident in 1945. His son Alfred Moyer then ran the business. The brick building was converted to four modern apartments by Paul D. Fretz. Today the property is used as a residential building with four units.

A more recent view of the building when used as a residence,		This is how the H.D. Moyer building appears in the year 2000 (now 451, 453, 455, and 457 Walnut St).