A walk back in time as we look to the future!
Our last meeting in July was truly a treasure! I will only be sharing a few photo’s here, so CLICK HERE to see all of them.
Dan Yocum with President Sarah Bergin
This meeting would not have come to fruition without two dedicated people – ST Rotary Member, Dan Yocum and Souderton Telford Historical Society Member, Cory Alderfer. The time and level of detail they both poured into this event was just amazing.
A big treat was wearing a nametag of an original member. This really made me think about some of our original club members – who they were, and their range of occupations. It was a delight to learn that current ST Rotary Member Jay Glickman was part of the membership with some of the founding members!
Cory Alderfer even dressed for the part!
Cory shared that our club first met for lunch…at the Old Indian Valley Inn, once known as Hotel Souderton.
These are some of the members she mentioned:
- The President was Edwin H. Alderfer, Main St. retail coal dealer. He was also elected mayor on 1941 and again in 1945.
- J. Norman Zendt, a second-generation Souderton men’s clothing manufacturer located on Penn Ave. and the Fromm electric building Washington was also used.
- Romandus B. Goettler, editor of the Souderton Independent newspaper located on S. Front St. now part of the Charter school
- Warren C. Moyer, of N. Front St., auto hauling, since razed
- Norman M. Frederick, retail grocery on N. Main St. today Towne Answering and law office.
- Harry K. Swartley, general merchandise, owner of the Rumilla Store on Reliance Rd. since razed.
- Frank Rohrbach, superintendent of men’s clothing manufacturing Sun-Lite factory on S. Front St.
- Jeremiah H. Wisler, Penn and Highland Ave. cigar manufacturer, mayor in 1937, private home
- Rev. Irwin O. Schell, clergy, pastor of Christ Reformed Church at Indian Creek Telford, he lived at the parsonage which was located in Souderton, now Remax
- Harvey S. Souder, cigar box manufacturer located on Green St. burned down in 1934
- Dr. Newton G. Allebach, physician, S. Front St. since razed by the Charter school
- Professor E. Merton Crouthamel, Souderton High School principal, first on Chestnut St., now the Chestnut St. Park and the second high school, now town houses
- A. Paul Yerger, retail musical instruments located on Main St. in 1933 took his accordion and left his family, parking lot
- Irwin M. Hunsicker, ice dealer located near St. Peter’s Anglican Church, W. Cherry Lane, the former Leidy’s church
- Harry L. Bolen, auto dealer and part owner of Cressman Motor Co. Chestnut St. Tilly Mints
- Harry S. Kratz, jeweler and optician located on Main St. building now part of Univest
- G. M. Haas bowling and pool hall located on Main St. where no alcohol was served, unlike today, as prohibition was still in full swing! Building razed
Some of the first accomplishments of the Rotary besides broadening their minds in learning about each other’s industries, was in supporting the Souderton-Telford Auxiliary of Grand View Hospital, by donating silverware and then endorsing the Baby Clinic and Montgomery County Tuberculosis Society. 1926 saw their first woman speaker. They supported what was called Boys Week in sponsoring a marble tournament and then in 1927 when the Lions were formed, they collaborated together on bringing boys to Shibe park or the navy yard and in trying to influence boys to be good men.
Making a surprise visit at the meeting was former ST Rotary Member Craig Gerhart! Always great to have former members visit who have moved away! He promises to be back again in the future.
Our program followed in the same format as the first meeting – right down to the singing and menu. We were fortunate to have a local pianist join us, Carol Nase. She helped us keep on the beat and somewhat in tune. Songs such as “America” and “This is Rotary” were sung, but the one selection we sounded best was “Edelweiss”, which was the current president’s song selection.
The menu started with appetizers of celery, grapefruit, olives and maraschino cherries. Hmm, it was interesting. This was followed by a main course of chicken and waffles and a pear salad. Wrapping it all up was cherry pie ala mode – very tasty.
The selection of historical items to look at really topped off the evening. It was interesting to revisit many of the projects our club has done over the last 100 years – and motivating to think of the good we can start going into the next 100!
CLICK HERE to see the photo album from the evening.