FACTORY BUILDINGS

Perkasie has a history as a manufacturing area. The town grew as a result of the railroad giving access to transportation for the manufacturing firms. This tradition is continued today though many of the old factory buildings are now used as offices and show rooms. Some of the buildings are still used for manufacturing.

The buildings were generally simple structures with rectangular box-like forms and traditional roofs. Little or no ornamentation can be found on these structures.

MATERIALS

The buildings seen below were constructed of brick, many during the late 1800's and early 1900's. The bricks were usually made locally. Some local brick had problems because it was considered of soft brick (not fired to a high temperature). Over time this brick can deteriorate on the surface due to the effects of the weather. Many buildings constructed of this "soft brick" were either painted or covered over with another material to protect the walls.

This clothing factory is located at 207 S. Ninth Street next to the former trolley line embankment. The building is placed at the sidewalk, unlike many commercial buildings built today that use required set-backs (from the road) for their design.

Note that the brick on this building has been painted with white paint.

 

Harry A. Detweiler clothing manufacturer built this building in 1929.at 217 S. Fifth Street.

Jay-Gee Mfg. later occupied the building between Walnut and Spruce Streets.

The building then became H.F. Manufacturing.

At present there is no business located in this building.

 

Royal Pants Manufacturing grew in several stages in South Perkasie. This series of brick buildings is found on Walnut Street in South Perkasie. The first and largest structure is seen at the left in this picture; this building was originally built in 1904 for the Redmen Lodge in South Perkasie.

The first building is of a simple rectangular shape with a traditional roof. Later structures are of varied design and use a variety of roof styles. There was no attempt to make the additions look like or coordinate with the first structure.

Several businesses including manufacturing are found in this building today.

 

One of the best know manufacturers in Perkasie was the H.E. Snyder Cigar Co. located Fourth Street between Walnut and Spruce Streets.

The first 24' x 64" section of the factory was built in 1927. Additions to the back of this factory included a 60' section in January 1928, 60' section in April 1928 , and 60' section in October 1929

These windows like many factory building windows are double-hung windows; they feature large single panes of glass.

Several businesses are located in this building today.

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