LOCATION

The Borough of Perkasie, was incorporated in 1879 from southeastern East Rockhill Township. East Rockhill is located at the upper end of Bucks County and it is almost midway between Philadelphia (35 miles to South) and Allentown/Bethlehem (22 miles to the north).

The name Perkasie came from the Manor of Perkasie a tract of land (11,462 acres) which was originally owned by William and John Penn. The Borough of Perkasie lies entirely within the bounds of the old Manor. The name "Perkasie" has been spelled various ways. An early common form was Perkasey.

The Borough is a part of the Pennridge Area which is also associated with other communities of Bedminster Township, Dublin Borough, East Rockhill Township, Hilltown Township, Sellersville Borough, Silverdale Borough, and West Rockhill Township. The size of the Borough is currently 2.6 square miles.

Perkasie Borough expanded as indicated by the annexation dates shown on the map above. 1879 - Borough of Perkasie incorporated (white center region of map) 1891 - Mont Alto annexation (blue) 1896 - 2 regions including property to East Branch of Perkiomen Creek (purple) 1898 - Benjamin annexation (pink) 1913 - Area west of Park Avenue (green) 1930 - Ridge Road region to Blooming Glen Road (yellow - 600 acres) 1971 - Last annexation of East side of Fifth St from Callowhill to the Glenwood Shopping center (light brown - 65 acres)		This 1950 photo shows the town before the building of Guth Elementary School. Many housing developments today were farmland at the time of this photo. Look for the train on the train track. Can you find Seventh & Market Streets next to the train tracks? Notice how more buildings are found in the oldest parts of town. Can you find the East branch of the Perkiomen Creek and Menlo Park (on the right)? (Link to larger photo) If you live in Perkasie, can you find your house? Use the train line, East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek, and the stadium at Penn South Middle School to get your bearings.

POPULATION GROWTH & AREA

MANUFACTURING

The borough is dominately residential with manufacturing and production companies located in the Borough. In the past manufacturing in the town has included the cigar industry, clothing manufacturing, and the making of major league baseballs. Today the largest manufacturer is Delbar Products, Inc., maker of truck mirrors.

RAILROAD

In 1859, growth of the Borough began with the opening of the North Pennsylvania Railroad. The Borough of Perkasie quickly became a shipping center for the surrounding villages and farms because of the railroad. By 1897 the business transacted through the new railroad station reached the annual figure of 100,000 dollars. After World War II rail service began to decline and in 1968 the local station closed.

The train station (at left) Union Hotel and Bank (right) circa 1910.		The train line today is occasionally used for freight. No passenger service is available in Perkasie.

GREAT FIRE OF 1988

After the 1988 fire in downtown Perkasie destroyed four buildings and damaged three other buildings, the most significant revitalization effort in Perkasie began. The Restoration Task Force was formed to oversee the redevelopment of the downtown center. Street enhancements, reconstruction of three buildings, and the building of the new Bucks County District Court complex have been completed.

PARKS

Parks and recreation have been an important resource to the community throughout its history. Menlo Park established in 1892 was brought under Perkasie Borough management in 1955. Menlo Park, Lenape Park, Kulp Memorial Park , the East Spruce Street Tot Lot, and bike trails are part of a growing network of park resources.