Spring/Summer 2014 - Doylestown Borough

Vol. 25, Issue 1
Doylestown’s Hometown Newsletter
Operation ‘64:
SPRING-SUMMER 2014
Doylestown’s First Renaissance
W
e don’t know if her time in Doylestown and her familisome 27 “obsolete” buildings in a five block area in order to
arity with the character of its citizens inspired the
make room for modern edifices and parking lots. Among
Margaret Mead quote, but we are certain that it applies to a
those targeted for destruction was the Fountain House at
Doylestown self-help revitalization campaign that came to
Main and State streets, the site of town founder William
be known as Operation 64. It was 50 years
Doyle’s 1745 tavern. When Borough Council
ago, and the small group of committed citiheld a public meeting in 1963 to discuss a fed“Never doubt that a small
zens that sparked a community spirit of selferally funded study of the renewal options,
group of thoughtful comreliance included Joseph Kenny, Frank Shel- mitted citizens can change reaction was swift and strong. ”Doylestown’s
ley, and Bill Erwin. All now deceased, Kenny
Citizenry Unhorse Urban Renewal,” read the
the world; indeed, it's the
only thing that ever has.”
was the proprietor of Kenny’s Book Store, a
front page headline in The Daily Intelligencer
long time Borough fixture. Shelley had an
the next day. “Not one of the more than 250
Margaret Mead
1901-1978
Insurance business in town, and Erwin was a
persons at the meeting raised a hand in favor
Doylestown Resident
talented commercial artist. It was not the first
of Urban Renewal when John Mason, Council
time our community came together in a time of
President, took a verbal poll,” wrote veteran
need, nor was it the last, but the organization,
reporter Lester Trauch. Council dropped the idea of a
spirit, and reach of Operation 64 gives it a historical disstudy.
tinctness worthy of commemoration at its 50th anniversary.
For a town to turn down federal money in the face of dwinThe 1960’s were certainly interesting times in our country.
dling commercial prospects, prompted both national attenThe lure and easy access of the shopping center on the
tion and editorial praise for Doylestown. But Borough busioutskirts of town resulted in rundown, boarded up storenesspeople realized they had to come up with a plan of
fronts, unsafe areas and general shabbiness. The federal
their own. Enter Kenny, Shelley and Erwin. With the supgovernment, cognizant of the deterioration of town centers
port of Borough leaders, they created “Operation 64, the
across the country, stepped in with well-meaning redevelDoylestown Plan for Self–Help Downtown Renewal”.
opment programs and significant amounts of money. To
Doylestown, the offer on the table involved tearing down
Continued on page 2
Doylestown Borough Council
Ward #
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
Det Ansinn, President
Wendy Margolis
Noni West
Joan Doyle
Joe Flood
Jack O’Brien
Don Berk
David Laustsen
Susan Madian, Vice President
Ron Strouse, Mayor
page 1
57 W. Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 345-4140
admin@doylestownborough.net
John H. Davis, Borough Manager
Philip C. Ehlinger Jr., AICP Deputy Borough Manager
James C. Donnelly, Chief of Police
Caroline Brinker, Director of Finance
Chris Norris, Director of Water Operations
Kelli Scarlett, Building & Zoning Director & Fire Marshal
www.doylestownborough.net
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer
2014
Doylestown Borough Bulletin: Winner of the PSAB “Best Newsletter” in Pennsylvania award!
Continued from page 1
Photos of buildings in
disrepair were taken
and sketches were
drawn by Erwin, illustrating the way things
might look following
relatively inexpensive
face lifts. These ideas
were organized and
presented at a public meeting on June 1, 1964.
Within the first 10 minutes, 36 businesspeople had signed
up to participate. Bankers promised low interest loans to
pay for improvements and county officials pledged not to
raise property assessments for cosmetic changes. Participation was voluntary with special recognition signs given to
those who did take part. Other community organizations
chipped in – The Doylestown Nature Club planted flowers;
trees were planted; the Merchants Association sponsored
meters that dispensed tokens redeemable at participating
merchants for validated parking; “courtesy tickets were put
on the windshields of cars where meters had expired;
parking spaces were repainted with buffers to make parking easier; special incentives offering convenience to shopping and services were promoted.
And the people responded. Within a year, downtown not
only looked better but merchants reported sales gains of
11 to 50 percent according to an Operation 64 newsletter.
Newspapers and national magazines published articles
about Doylestown’s success story. Requests from towns
and cities across the country asking for advice started to
flow to Operation 64 to such a degree that Kenney and
Shelley, armed with Bill Erwin’s drawings, took their show
on the road.
According to Phil Ehlinger, Deputy Borough Manager, Operation 64 came just in the nick of time. “The entire core of
the central business district would have been lost to the
wrecking ball. Operation ‘64 preserved the integrity of the
historic district, enabling it to qualify a decade later as a
Pennsylvania historic district.” Doylestown’s entire center,
encompassing more than the official district, was named to
the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Exhibits
and events sponsored by the Doylestown Historical Society, the Doylestown Business and Community Alliance and
the Borough are being planned and will be announced on
the websites of these and other organizations. We encourage you to visit and participate at these events commemorating an important time in our history.
2014
Memorial
Day Parade
T
his year’s Memorial Day Parade will be held on
Monday, May 26, 2014. It is, perhaps, the oldest
Memorial Day Parade in the nation. The parade is
sponsored each year by the United Veterans of
Doylestown. Jim McComb, president, will be the Parade Marshal. Information on participating in the parade
as well as volunteering to help to make it a success can
be
obtained
online
@
www.unitedveteransofdoylestown.org. Parade rules
are also given on the website. Contact Jim McComb @
215. 490. 3202 for additional information.
Memorial Day Parade Schedule
8:00 am
Flag raising @ Courthouse by Veterans of Foreign
Wars
9:00 am
Flag raising @ War Memorial Field by Marine Corps
League
10:00 am
Parade begins @ West Court Street and Lafayette
12:00 noon
Ceremony honoring Veterans and those who have
died in battle @ Cemetery
The parade route will proceed up Court Street to West
State Street, running left up Main Street, to East Court
Street and ending at Doylestown Cemetery at approximately 12 noon. As part of our tribute to our veterans,
let us honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for
this nation by attending the memorial ceremony at
Doylestown Cemetery following the parade. The memorial ceremony provides a special opportunity to pay
tribute to our veterans and honor those who made the
ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Note: information for this article came from the treasure trove of material
on Operation 64 in the Borough’s archives. Portions of this article came
directly from Ed Levinson’s newspaper article previously published in The
Daily Intelligencer.
page 2
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
Public Works Report
Extreme Winter Spawns Extreme Potholes
Freeze-Thaw
T
he winter of 2013-14 will go down
in history as the second worst winter to date for snow accumulations.
But, it was arguably one of the worst
winters in history for prolonged belowfreezing temperatures and the resulting
road damage. This cold winter combined below freezing nights with daytime sun thawing of the black asphalt pavement causing a
particularly damaging freeze-thaw cycle. This road damage is a function of our latitude and climate. Roads in colder and more northern States do not get the frequent daytime thawing like Pennsylvania. Likewise, states just to the
south in warmer climates do not get the hard freezes like
we do. It is our unfortunate location in this volatile temperature zone that causes our nationally infamous bad roads.
PennDOT Roads vs. Borough Roads
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
retains ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the
two main arterial roads in Doylestown Borough:
Main
Street and State Street. They also own Swamp Road (RT
313), and sections of Court Street and Old Dublin Pike.
These are “state-maintained” roads, and as we have seen
on Main Street, are currently in very poor condition The
remaining roads in the Borough are maintained by the Borough’s Public Works Department. Issues with the PennDOT roads can be directed to them at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
Problems with Borough roads can be reported to Borough
Public Works at 215-348-4111.
PennDOT has had Main Street scheduled for re-paving for
more than two years, but it was delayed several times.
Now that the road is failing badly, we have been told that it
again is scheduled for repaving in 2014. Before they can
start, they are rebuilding every handicap ramp along the
length of the street to meet their new standards. This will
delay the actual repaving by several months. It is our hope
they will finally complete the repaving. Their contractors will
be doing some temporary deep base repairs in April and
May.
Borough Road Paving
The Borough Public Works Department does its own paving in-house and every year repaves six to eight roads.
This year, due to the extensive road damage, Borough
Council is considering adding up to five additional roads to
the list by hiring an outside contractor to supplement the
Public Works paving list. This will allow the Public Works
department to perform numerous large patches in addition
to our regular in-house paving list. These lists are prelimi-
page 3
nary and subject to changes. In addition to the road repaving, there will
be dozens of small and large patches
performed on many other roads that
have localized damage. Additionally,
the “cold-patch” material we used
during the winter and spring to perform emergency repairs will all need
to be dug out and replaced with hot asphalt repair mix.
The preliminary Public Works road paving list is:
 S. West Street - W. State to Court
 Homestead Drive—entire loop
 Creek Drive—Linden to Swamp
 Hillcrest Drive—Broadale to Murray
 Mercer Ave
 Chapman Ave
 Lafayette—Large area dig out Patch
 Cottage—Large area dig out Patch
The preliminary contracted road list is:
 Shewell Avenue
 Broad Street
 Pine Street
 N. West Street
 Doyle Street (alternate)
The Borough’s road repairs and repaving will be completed by the end of summer. Unfortunately we can’t be as
certain as to when PennDOT will repair Main Street, but
we will continue to send out information on their schedule
via D-Mail as we receive it.
Spring Tree Branch Pickup
(Pre-registration Required)
Tree branch pick-up will be provided for Borough residents Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16, 2014
(weather permitting). *Please
note that pre-registration for
this service is required.
Residents
must
contact
Doylestown Borough at
215-345-4140 no later than 4:30
pm on Friday May 9, 2014 to
arrange for pick-up. Please place
cut ends toward the street.
Branches are limited to 5” in diameter.
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
Doylestown’s 6th Annual Ride of Silence
Over 12,000 cyclists took part in 372 locations on all seven continents (including
Palmer Station, Antarctica).
Riders of all levels are encouraged to join
this silent, slow-paced, flat 6-mile ride, escorted by Doylestown police and emergency vehicles. There will be remarks and safety tips preceding the ride, and riders may
don armbands (provided) to remember
those who have passed. Helmets are mandatory.
C
yclists of all ages and skill levels will
begin gathering at Central Bucks
West student parking lot as early as 6 pm
on May 21 for Doylestown’s Annual Ride
of Silence. The ride honors cyclist who
have been injured or killed in bike/car accidents.
Doylestown’s 2009 inaugural ride was an
overwhelming success with 204 cyclists
riding. That’s topped all venues in the
Northeast, including bike-friendly Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York and
Boston.
MAY 21, 2014
We are part of a wave set in motion in New Zealand
at 7 pm and continuing through time zones all
around the globe. Our local event is co-sponsored
by the Central Bucks Bicycle Club and Doylestown
Borough. Last year more than 300 “Rider of Silence”
took place on this date around the globe.
page 4
What: Doylestown’s 6th annual Ride
of Silence
Where: Central Bucks High School faculty parking lot (Court Street)
When: 6:30 pm, Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Bring
your bike, and a helmet, and show your solidarity
with all cyclist young and old.
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
Summer Code
Enforcement FYI
Doylestown Cemetery
Walking Tours
S
ince 1850, over 10,000 people have been interred in
Doylestown Cemetery. Their number includes W. Atlee
Burpee, founder of the Burpee Seed Company, Great Wall
explorer W. Edgar Geil, Civil War General W.W.H Davis, and
Julianna Force, co-founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art to name a few. Tours include:


Our VIP’s – Men and women who made a difference.
Late 19th Century Tombstone Interpretation – Victorian
flourish in mourning arts.
 Civil War Tour – Civil War Generals, Us Colored Troops,
and other heroes.
 Arboreta Tours – The natural beauty of a carefully maintained 33 acre arboretum
 The Political Graveyard - Local, state and national legislators, jurists, and leaders.
 The Arts–Writers, poets, musicians, painters, photographers, sculptors, muralists.
Special Tours and events. – Halloween, Plein Aire, maple tree
tapping, and more.
New for 2014:
 Midnight Lantern Tours. 9:00 pm. Do it in the dark if
you dare…or bring a flashlight. Experience the cemetery as
you never have before, accompanied by our guides.
 Plein Aire Arts and Auction. Artists will be creating
beautiful works of art and photography throughout the cemetery all season, to be auctioned in October.
 Maple Tree Tapping. Processing, production and
product sampling.
Daylight tours meet at the cemetery office, 215 E. Court St.,
Doylestown, PA, at 10:00 am. Evening tours meet at the
same location at 10:00 pm. The complete tour descriptions
and schedule can be seen at www.doylestowncemetery.com.
Reservations requested. Contact the cemetery office at 215348-3911 or email tours@doylestowncemetery.com. A $7.00
donation is suggested. Accessible and groups welcome.
T
he Property Maintenance
Code requires all grass and
weeds to be trimmed to a
height of no more than eight
inches. Sidewalks also must be
kept clear of overhanging bushes, branches, and shrubs to allow clear passage of
pedestrians. These regulations are enforced by the
Borough’s Code Enforcement Officer. A notice letter
of violation is sent to the property owner first, and if
the problem is not resolved in a timely manner, a citation is filed in District Court.
LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE IN
THE HEART OF DOYLESTOWN
S
aturday, April 19, is opening day
of the Market and vendor booths
will be stocked with the fruits of their
labor. A wonderful variety of products will be offered weekly by twenty
-five diverse vendors.
Strolling
along their canopied booths you will
find an ever changing bounty of local organic and
conventionally grown produce, sweet and savory
baked goods including vegan and gluten free items,
farm fresh eggs, grass-fed Angus beef, pork and
poultry, dairy products, pickles, oils, relishes, jams,
pie fillings, honey, maple syrup and all sorts of condiments, roasted organic coffee beans, ready-made
foods, all-natural soaps and lotions, alpaca products,
dog biscuits, cut flowers, potted herbs, bedding
plants, and nursery stock. On occasion, a local artist
or craftsman will be asked to display their wares at
the market. Live music, community groups, chef
demonstrations, and children’s activities bring another dimension to the market atmosphere each week.
The Market is an open air venue, conveniently located on S. Hamilton St., between W. Oakland Ave. and
W. State St., in Doylestown Borough. Operating
hours are every Saturday morning through November
22 from 7 am to noon, rain or shine.
For more information about the Market and participating vendors visit us on Facebook or at
www.buckinghampacivic.org. If you would like to receive a weekly market Constant Contact newsletter,
send your email to info@buckinghampacivic.org.
page 5
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
“THE DOYLESTOWN ART DAYS”
JUNE 5TH ~ 8TH
T
he Discover Doylestown Committee, in
cooperation with local galleries, art organizations and Doylestown Historical Society, is putting on an art extravaganza
throughout the town of Doylestown from
June 5 through June 8, 2014.
Doylestown’s merchants are being paired
with local artists, students and professionals,
painters, photographers, musicians, and the
performing arts for this four day event. Each
place of business is featuring selected artists and
their work, bringing support and attention to the arts
in Doylestown. The town is essentially being turned
into one giant art gallery.
Artists to be featured have been selected by the various Doylestown Galleries as well as Bucks County
Art Leagues and Associations, all three high school
photography and music programs, local performing
arts studios and organizations, and photography
clubs. In addition to their regular hours, the merchants as a community, will have the art on display
from 12 to 6 pm daily. Many of them are planning
various workshops, art demonstrations, and performances throughout this long weekend.
This event is a planned walking tour and maps, listing
artists and special events, and will be available at
participating merchants prior to and during the
Doylestown Art Days. Look for our colorful
logo and poster in windows all over town,
identifying your path to experiencing this wonderful art walk. The Doylestown DART buses
will be available, making a few stops in and
around Doylestown, including the Doylestown
public and free parking garage on Broad
Street, between Doyle and Union Streets.
This will make parking an easy experience for
your visit to Doylestown.
The weekend will conclude with a special celebration
on Sunday, June 8, at The Doylestown Historical Society Park on 56 S. Main Street. A celebration in honor of the 50th Anniversary of “Operation 64”, remembering a time when the Doylestown community stood
together and decided to keep its integrity and the value of its historical architecture. There will be music
and food, art, and community. For details and information on the Doylestown Art Days and for a downloadable walking map, available by the beginning of
May, please visit:
www.discoverdoylestown.org
For any questions and comments, please email
Stephanie Lisle at:
info@buckscountyprojectgallery.com
39th Annual Bucks County Designer House
Serendipity Farm has been selected as the 39th Bucks County Designer House & Garden for 2014. This 245
year old farmhouse is nestled on 9 verdant acres with spectacular views. The farm is also home to a cozy cottage, pool with pool house, serene pond, and a grand barn. Serendipity Farm is located at 131 Pine Mill Circle
in Doylestown, PA and will be open for public tours April 27-May 31 (excluding Memorial Day, May 26). House
tour tickets are $20 in advance (before April 25) and seniors (62+); $25 at the door; discounted $18 group (for
20+) rates are also available.







Preview gala, Saturday, April 27, 7 pm-10 pm
Fashion Show, Thursday, May 8, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm and Friday, May 9th 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch, Sunday, May 11
Wine Tasting and Tours, Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21, 28; and Sundays, April 27, May 18 & 25
Community Health Fair-Saturday, May 17, 10 am- 2 pm
Seminars-See website for seminar schedule
Blue Jean Bash- Saturday, May 31, 5 pm – 8 pm
For more information about the Designer House and any special events, please visit the
website at wwwBucksCountyDesignerHouse.org or call 215-345-2191.
page 6
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
DOYLESTOWN ROTARY CLUB
FIFTH ANNUAL
DOYLESTOWN AT DUSK CAR SHOW
O
nce again, the members of the Rotary Club of
Doylestown are preparing for the Fifth Annual
Doylestown at Dusk Car Show. The show is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. As
before, it will be held on the downtown streets. It is
expected there will be approximately 450 cars displayed on Court and State streets from the intersections with Main Street all the way to the intersection
of West Street. There will be live music and entertainment for the whole family starting at 5:00 pm. Awards
are to be presented for the top forty cars on display
as well as 16 Special awards such as Best of Show
and the “Bruce Robert Tilley Memorial Award”. The
winner of this award has the distinction of having their
car featured on the poster for the next year. The
Awards will be presented at 9:30 pm.
In spite of weather challenges last year, the Rotary
Club was able to raise $10,000.00 to be used for local Community Grants. Over the years the grant money has been distributed to many local charities who
go through the application process. Some of the past
recipients include Big Brothers and Big Sisters of
Bucks County, Doylestown Historical Society, and
NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance). In addition, a
$500.00 donation was made to the Doylestown Fire
Co. for their assistance with the show.
Anyone wishing to register a car for the 2014
Doylestown at Dusk Car Show can do so in advance
on the website at www.doylestowncarshow.com or on
the day of the show starting at 4:00 pm. Day of show
registration will be held at the C.B. West High School
student parking lot. Advance registration is $15.00
until Friday, July 11. All registrations after this date
will be charged the day of show registration fee of
$20.00. This is a free event open to the spectating
public on the streets of Doylestown.
The members of the Rotary Club of Doylestown wish
to thank in advance the residents of Doylestown for
their tolerance and cooperation in bringing about this
annual event. We look forward to seeing you all at the
show.
SENIORS: DART for FREE
Beginning July 1, 2014, riding the DART bus is now free for seniors!!
page 7
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
Local Artist Featured in James A. Michener’s Art Museum’s New Exhibit
Paul Evans
Out of this World:
Crossing Boundaries & Crafting
Modernism
March 1 – June 1, 2014
Works by Steve Tobin
June 28 – October 26, 2014
I
nternationally recognized for his
strong yet elegant interpretations of elements from the natural
world, Tobin receives well-earned
recognition in his hometown with
this exhibition of his monumental
Steelroots, Exploded Earth vessels, and intricate Forest Floors bronzes from his
Earth Bronzes series. The Michener Art Museum
will present examples of Tobin’s work in an installation that will be presented simultaneously in the
Museum’s galleries and in the outside sculpture
garden.
Quakertown artist, Steve Tobin, received international acclaim for his massive work, The Trinity
Root, at St. Paul's Chapel in Lower Manhattan,
NY. During the September 11 attacks on the
World Trade Center, the chapel had been partly
shielded from damage by a 70-year-old sycamore
tree. He created a bronze sculpture of the tree's
stump and roots that has attracted millions of visitors, which now sits in front of the church on the
corner of Wall Street and Broadway. Information
may be found at www.michenerartmuseum.org.
T
his first comprehensive survey of
Paul Evans’ work will document
Evans’ critical role in the mid-century
American studio furniture movement,
his approach to furniture as sculpture
and abstract composition, and his unremitting new approaches to metal.
Opening at the Michener and then traveling to Cranbrook Art Museum, Paul Evans: Crossing Boundaries and Crafting Modernism will be comprised of
some 60 works, spanning the artist’s entire career
with choice examples of Evans’ early metalwork and
jewelry, collaborative pieces made by Evans and
Phillip Lloyd Powell during the fifties when they
shared a studio, as well as a comprehensive selection of Evans’ studio work representing his sculpted
steel, verdigris copper, copper, bronze, and pewter,
argente, sculpted bronze, and cityscape techniques.
The exhibition is accompanied by a video documentary directed by Lauren Merrill and Todd Merrill and
produced by Undeletable Productions.
Photo by Jason Wierzbicki
page 8
www.doylestownborough.net
Photo by Kenneth Ek
spring/summer 2014
GET YOUR KICKS!
AMERICA’S ROAD: THE JOURNEY
OF ROUTE 66 AT
THE MERCER MUSEUM
T
he iconic 2,448 mile highway, nicknamed “The Mother Road” by John Steinbeck is the subject of a brandnew exhibit debuting in the spring at the Mercer Museum. America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66, showcases the important role that the highway played in
shaping the United States. The exhibit touches on
themes including American migration, the evolution of
automobile travel, and roadside architecture. Interactive
exhibit experiences include a drive-in movie theater, period radio show, photo essay and a kiosk where visitors
can share their own travel stories. America’s Road will
open on Saturday, May 31, and run until Sunday, August
24.
The Mercer Museum will enhance the America’s Road
exhibit with eight vintage automobiles and other items of
automotive culture. One of the vintage automobiles, a
1969 Mercedes 600 (short-wheelbase), once owned by
Elvis Presley, is now a part of the extensive collection of
Gene Epstein of Wrightstown, Bucks County. Purchased
in Hollywood, and originally registered in Tennessee, the
car was supposedly one of Elvis’ favorites. He kept the
vehicle for six or seven years before passing it on as a
gift to a friend.
America’s Road: The Journey of Route 66 is included
with museum admission. Mercer Museum admission is
$12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+) and $6 for youth (617). Museum admission is free for members and children ages 5 and under. The exhibit is organized by
NRG! Exhibits and is sponsored by Fred Beans Family
of Dealerships, Glenmeade, and David & Dorree Wickman. For more information, visit mercermuseum.org.
Children’s Summer Shows
T
he Doylestown Parks and Recreation Board has coordinated Summer Shows
for Children for over 25 years. They wish to publicly thank the organizations listed below
for their sponsorship.
With their help,
Doylestown Borough has been able to continue
its tradition of offering these programs at no
charge to the public.
Thursday, July 10
Lolly & YoYo
(Interactive Play)
Sponsored by MileStone Bank
Lenape Middle School Auditorium
10:15 am
Thursday, July 17
Aladdin
The Downtown Performing Arts Center
Sponsored by Fulton Bank,
Lenape Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, July 31
The Matt & Josh Magic Show
Sponsored by the Central Bucks Education Association
Lenape Middle School Auditorium
10:15 am
More Fun & Games Info On The Web!
Once again, the Borough is offering our popular Summer Arts and Crafts program as well
as Outdoor Games and Tennis. For further
information and applications, please see our
website at:
www.doylestownborough.net
or call 215-345-4140
page 9
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
Bucks County Veteran’s
Transportation Program
THE 104TH MONUMENT
S
ince November 2001, Bucks County has been
providing transportation to our veterans to VA
Hospitals in Philadelphia and Coatesville.
The
Transportation Program is overseen by the Bucks
County Department of Veteran Affairs and has carried over 11,000 veterans FREE of charge. Our bus
runs five days a week covering all of Bucks County.
The program is unique because it is not a taxpayer
funded program, but rather depends on donations
and an annual golf outing. In addition, the VA Hospital in Coatsville pays for all maintenance, fuel, and
insurance.
The van service schedule is available at
www.dvthree.tripol.com. More information is available at Doylestown Borough Hall at 215-345-4140.
P
rominent Doylestown citizen William Watts Hart Davis
was the force behind the construction of a monument
to honor the deceased officers and soldiers of the 104th
Volunteer Regiment, Bucks County’s own. The real story
behind the monument was the unique situation of the surviving members of the 104th, who paid for most of the
structure. The money was raised when the regiment inherited a bakery during the Civil War from another regiment
and saved up $1,600.00 by providing bread for the army.
The monument is constructed of White American marble.
It is between 32 and 35 feet high above the base and was
designed to be as high as the three story buildings surrounding it. The final cost of the superstructure was
$2,500.00. It was completed in time to be dedicated on
the first Memorial Day in 1868.
Doylestown Borough
Park and Recreation Board
Spring 2014 Scenic Stroll
DATE
WALK
MEETING PLACE
May 7
May 14
May 21
May 28
June 4
Doyle/Lenape
Senior Center
Bucks Co. Library
Town Walk East
Maplewood
Neis Park parking lot, N. West St
Shady Retreat Rd. parking lot
150 S Pine St parking lot (NEW)
Doylestown Cemetery-center gate
Veterans Memorial Park, S. Chubb
All walks start at 9:00 am
page 10
First Saturday
Chess
J
oin us this summer for the
ninth year of First Saturday
Chess. This free program is
open to players of all ages and
abilities. Games will be played
at the Doylestown Historical
Society Park from 11 am to 2
pm. Director John Connelly will be available for
teaching and facilitating game play. This program
will start on Saturday, June 7, and continue on the
first Saturday of each month through September
(July 5, August 2, and September 6). In case of
inclement weather, games will be played in the Historical Society Park Barn Meeting Room located in
the back of the park.
Doylestown Historical Society Park is located just
behind the Doylestown Historical Society Building at
56 South Main Street. The Doylestown Parks and
Recreation Board would like to publically thank the
Doylestown Historical Society for providing a permanent location for the First Saturday Chess program.
First Saturday Chess provides an opportunity for
any participant to enjoy a great game in a friendly,
relaxed atmosphere. Chess sets are provided, but
feel free to bring your own lucky set. For more information, call 215-345-4140
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
C
amp at Central Bucks
Family YMCA is more
than your typical summer
camp. At the Y, we offer the
opportunity to make an impact
for life! Last year, campers
donated over 500 pounds of
food and performed over 400
hours of service to our community. We build character by promoting the values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
Y Summer Camp includes programs for youth age
two through 9th grade. With weekly themes and full,
half and three day per week options, the Y Camp has
something to offer everyone. The camp offers a wide
array of sports and specialty camps including tennis,
science, cheerleading, basketball, drama, fishing,
soccer, flag football, skateboarding, baseball, volleyball, art, dodge ball, and babysitter training camps.
Central Bucks Family YMCA is a charitable non-profit
organization whose purpose is to improve the quality
of community life. For information on these and all
programs and events at the Y, please visit The Y’s
website at www.cbfymca.org or call 215.348.8131.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Fanny Chapman Dolphins Swim Team
Bux-Mont League Champs
2009-2010-2011-2012-2013
Looking for a great place to cool off this summer? Come to Fanny Chapman Swim Club!
Registration
now
open
at
www.doylestownborough.net/community/
fannychapmanpool or at the pool office, 10
McKinstry Drive, Doylestown Borough
Pool opens Saturday May 24 @ 10:30 am
Be a part of Fanny Chapman’s
85+ year history!
T
he Doylestown Kids Triathlon is an introductory race
designed for boys and girls
between the ages of 7 and 15.
The participants will swim,
bike, and run a course specifically designed for their age
group. Visit our site to learn
more and register for this
year’s race:
www.dtownkidstri.org
Fast Facts





Sunday, June, 1, 2014
Fanny Chapman Pool, Doylestown
Races begin at 8 am & 10 am
Registration open until May 26
$45 per participant
page 11
The D-mail system was initiated in the summer
of 2011 to alert residents to important nonemergency local information on transportation
and road closures, utilities problems, water main
breaks, weather events, crime-related information, and other items. Public Emergency notices are still communicated through the ReadyNotifyPA system. The D-mail system uses existing web-based services to provide e-mail notifications to residents and businesses who sign
up. Enrollment is voluntary and citizens can sign
up at the Borough website:
www.doylestownborough.net
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
Patriotic Fun at Fonthill’s
Old Fashioned
Fourth of July Celebration
E
arly twentieth century celebrations of our nation’s birth,
serve as the inspiration for Fonthill Castle’s OldFashioned Fourth of July Celebration, taking place on Friday,
July 4, from noon to 4 pm.
Children's Decorated Bike Parade at 12:30 pm: Children are
invited to dress themselves and their bikes (or other wheeled
conveyance) up in red-white-and-blue for the traditional ride
down Fonthill's tree-lined driveway. Prizes will be awarded
in various categories for the most creatively dressed up
bikes.
Canines on the Catwalk
C
anines on the Catwalk Designer Fashion Show,
hosted by Animal Lifeline, will be taking place on
Friday, June 6, at the James A. Michener Art Museum. This red carpet event will serve as a fundraiser
recognizing the important work Animal Lifeline performs for animals in need and its outstanding contributions to the local community. Models will be walking
down the runway wearing designs from local area
fashion designers accompanied by shelter dogs. The
funds raised during events such as Canines on the
Catwalk help Animal Lifeline support these local and
national programs providing animals and their care
givers with the wide variety of resources they require
for success. To buy tickets to this event, please go
to https://cotc2014.eventbrite.com.
Following the parade, try your hand at old-fashioned games
like tug-o-war, watermelon eating, an obstacle course, town
ball (19th century baseball), cake walk, sack races, stilt walking, bucket brigade relays, and wheelbarrow races.
Food is available for purchase or bring your own picnic
lunch.
Gate tickets for Fonthill Castle’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of
July Celebration are $4 for adults, $2 for members, and $1
for youth (ages 6-17).
For
more
information
or
to
volunteer,
e-mail
fhmail@fonthillmuseum.org or call 215-348-9461. Visit Fonthill on the web at www.fonthillmuseum.org.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Amy Black: Wednesday, June 25, Chapman Park:

Philly Horn Band & Fireworks Sunday, June 29 (rain
date July 6), Central Park: Big band to disco to current top 40 hits! Philly Horn Band starts at 7:30 pm.

Darlingside: Wednesday, July 9, Chapman Park: A
young string rock & folk quintet back for their second year!

Almost Fab: Wednesday, July 16, Central Park: Has
it been 50 years since the Ed Sullivan debut!

Jimmy & the Parrots: Wednesday, July 23, Central
Park: Wear your flip flops and enjoy beach music!
Singer/songwriter of folk/country with a twinge of Southern blues. First time in the area!
page 12

Green Tea Revival: Wednesday, July 30, Chapman
Park: The area’s premier country rock band!
Sponsors
Barb-Lin Carpet One Floor & Home
Wegmans
Performances are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00
pm to approximately 8:30 pm (unless otherwise noted) at
either Central Park or Chapman Park. Rain location is Lenape Middle School Auditorium. (call Township 215-3489915 or Borough 215-345-4140, check websites or Borough Park & Recreation Facebook page for location update)
Coordinated by the Doylestown Township &
Doylestown Borough
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
2014 BCTA TENNIS IN DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH
William E. Neis Park Tennis Courts
West Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
(Teens/Adults)
Season 4 @ Core Creek Park, Langhorne: Saturday, October
18, 3:30–5:00 pm (Little Aces and Juniors)
TO REGISTER: www.buckscountytennis.usta.com
BCTA JR. TEAM TENNIS ON TUESDAYS
ADDITIONAL $3 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE PER PARTICIPANT
FOR MAIL-IN REGISTRATION
RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT PER PARTICIPANT BY SIGNING
UP FOR THREE OR MORE FIVE-WEEK SEASONS AT ONE
TIME!
Fee: $75, includes team T-shirt
Age groups:
Little Aces (recommended ages 8–10): 36-foot courts, 5:30–6:30
pm (Seasons 1–3); 4:30–5:30 (Season 4)
Juniors (recommended ages 11–13): 60-foot courts, 6:30–7:30
pm (Seasons 1–3); 5:30–6:30 pm (Season 4)
Season 1: 5 Tuesdays, April 22 – May 20
Season 2: 5 Tuesdays, May 27 – June 24
Season 3: 5 Tuesdays, July 8 – August 5
Season 4: 5 Tuesdays, September 16 – October 14
or email buckscountytennis@verizon.net
or call 215-322-7020
REGISTRATION CLOSES FOUR DAY
BEFORE START OF PROGRAM
Pee Wees (recommended ages 4-6): $62
Season 1: 5 Mondays, April 21 – May 19, 4:45–5:30 pm
Season 2: 5 Mondays, June 2 – June 30, 4:45–5:30 pm
Season 3: 5 Mondays, July 7 – August 4, 4:45–5:30 pm
Season 4: 5 Mondays, September 15 – October 13, 4:45–5:30
pm
Little Aces (recommended ages 7–10): $67
Season 1: 5 Mondays, April 21 – May 19, 5:30–6:30 pm
Season 2: 5 Mondays, June 2 – June 30, 5:30–6:30 pm
Season 3: 5 Mondays, July 7 – August 4, 5:30–6:30 pm
Season 4: 5 Mondays, September 15 – October 13, 5:30–6:30
pm
Juniors (recommended ages 11–13): $67
Season 1: 5 Mondays, April 21 – May 19, 6:30–7:30 pm
Season 2: 5 Mondays, June 2 – June 30, 6:30–7:30 pm
Season 3: 5 Mondays, July 7 – August 4, 6:30–7:30 pm
Season 4: 5 Thursdays, September 18 – October 16, 4:30–5:30
pm
Teens/Adults (Beginners/Intermediates) (recommended ages
14 and up): $67
Season 1: 5 Wednesdays, April 16 – May 14, 6:45–7:45 pm
Season 2: 5 Mondays, June 2 – June 30, 7:30–8:30 pm
Season 3: 5 Mondays, July 7 – August 4, 7:30–8:30 pm
Season 4: 5 Thursdays, September 18 – October 16, 5:30–6:30
pm
BCTA FALL ADULT DOUBLES LEAGUES
Fee: $30 per team
Skill levels: Advanced beginner (NTRP 2.5–3.0) Intermediate
(NTRP 3.5–4.0)
Men’s Doubles: Saturdays, September 13 – October 18, 9:00–
10:30 am
Women’s Doubles: Saturdays, September 13 – October 18,
10:30 am–12:00 pm
Mixed Doubles: Sundays, September 14 – October 19, 10:30
am–12:00 pm
ADVANCED TEAM TENNIS TRAINING
Fee: $85 per participant for each 5-week practice season
Additional Saturday league fees TBD. Wednesday practices may
also be added, based on demand.
Skill levels: Coach recommendation required.
Dates/Times: Wednesdays
Season 1: April 16 – May 14, 5:15-6:45 pm
Season 2: May 28 – June 25, 5:30-7:00 pm
Season 3: July 9 – August 6, 5:30-7:00 pm
COUNTY-WIDE TENNIS PLAY DAYS- Open to 2014
participants of BCTA’s Learn, Practice & Play programs
Little Aces (recommended ages 7–10): $6 for BCTA participants
Juniors (recommended ages 11–13): $6 for BCTA participants
Teens/Adults (recommended ages 14 and up): $6 for BCTA
participants
Season 1 @ Camp Curiosity, Doylestown: Friday, May 23,
6:00–7:30 pm (Little Aces and Juniors)
Season 2 @ Core Creek Park, Langhorne: Friday, June 27,
6:00–7:30 pm (Little Aces and Juniors); 7:30–9:00 pm, (Teens/
Adults)
Season 3 @ Camp Curiosity, Doylestown: Friday, August 8,
6:00–7:30 pm (Little Aces and Juniors); 7:30–9:00 pm
page 13
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
Doylestown Fire Company Celebrates 135 Years of Service
T
his year we are celebrating
our 135th anniversary to honor
the forward thinking of 25 community-minded gentlemen who,
on August 4, 1879, gathered at
Heist’s Hotel (now the Paper Unicorn) to charter the Doylestown
Fire Company No.1.
Thank you for your continued
support of our annual fund drive
campaign and for joining us at
our annual pancake breakfast
this past March. You are invited
to our annual Open House in
support of Fire Prevention Week
on the first Friday of October.
What’s the difference between a
fire company and a fire department? A department is a branch
of government. Our company is a
non-profit, all volunteer service organization.
There have been several Doylestown fire services
over the years. The Doylestown Fire Engine Company
was formed in 1825, but it was short lived. In the
1830’s; there is reference to the Friendship Fire Company of Doylestown. In 1841, there is reference to the
Friendship Fire Engine Company being chartered by
Associate Judge M. H. Jenks. These companies
served, but did not thrive. In 1870, following the Civil
War, the Doylestown Engine Company was revived,
with Doylestown’s famous General W. W. H. Davis
elected President and Thomas Webster, Chief Engineer. Finally, in July 1879, following a fire in the stables adjoining the old jail, the need for an efficient fire
company again aroused the people of the community.
(The fire was caused by inmates throwing lit matches
out the window and into the straw, hoping for enough
confusion to escape.) Our August 1879 charter followed, creating Doylestown Fire Co. No. 1. The Company developed a revised charter in 1893 and petitioned the Seventh Judicial District on December 28,
1894 for Incorporation. President Judge Harman
Yerkes approved the petition on January 14, 1895.
Thank you for your continued
support of our annual fund drive
campaign and for joining us at
our annual pancake breakfast
this past March. You are invited to our annual Open
House in support of Fire Prevention Week on the first
Friday of October.
We wish you a safe and fire free summer, especially
following the extreme winter of 2013-14. “Hero’s Welcome” is our recruiting slogan and new members are
always welcome in both the Fire Company and Auxiliary.
Additional information is available on our website. Visit
us at www.doylestownfireco.org.
Be fire safe and don’t forget to test your smoke
detectors regularly.
And our all volunteer fire company is still serving. In
2013, we responded to 545 calls. We accepted delivery of a new 2014 Pierce Quantum Rescue pumper in
October and placed it in service during January 2014.
Our 1986 rescue truck was sold to Point Pleasant
where it will be used to support their water and dive
rescue operations. Within the company, F. William
Cope began his eighth year as President and Samuel
Cramer, Jr. returned as our Fire Chief, having last
served in this capacity in 1997.
page 14
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
2014
Cleaning Up Stormwater
W
hat is stormwater runoff? It is the rain and
melting snow that flows off streets, rooftops,
lawns, and farmland. The flowing water carries
salt, sand, soil, pesticides, fertilizers, leaves, and
grass clippings, oil, litter, and many other pollutants into nearby waterways. Since these pollutants are washed off of a wide area and cannot be
traced to a single source, they are called nonpoint
source or runoff pollutants.
Storm Sewers – Rivers Beneath Our Feet
In developed areas, much of the land surface is
covered by buildings and pavement which do not
allow water to soak into the ground. Instead, storm
sewers are used to carry the large amounts of runoff from these roofs and paved areas to nearby
waterways. Storm sewers are simply pipes laid
underground, often below streets. Inlets or drains
located along curbs and in parking areas collect
the runoff, which then flows to nearby streams or
lakes. A common misconception is that water running off streets goes into a sewage treatment
plant. It does not. In fact, stormwater usually
receives no treatment. Water that runs off
lawns, streets, and parking lots flows directly
into lakes and streams.
Stormwater is Not Clean Water: Stormwater runoff carries pollutants that
seriously harm our waters:




Sediment. Soil particles washed off construction sites or farm fields into
a lake or stream make the water cloudy or turbid. When sediment settles out
of the water, it gradually fills in the stream or lake bed.
Phosphorus. This nutrient, often attached to soil particles, fuels the
growth of algae and aquatic weeds. These plants are important in providing
habitat for fish and wildlife. However, rapid and excessive growth of algae
and aquatic plants can degrade water quality and interfere with swimming,
boating and fishing.
Micro-organisms. Bacteria, viruses and other disease causing organisms make waterways unsafe for swimming, wading, and other types of recreation. Some of these organisms, notably Cryptosporidium, are difficult to
remove through water treatment and may
endanger people who depend on drinking
water supplies drawn from lakes or
streams.
Toxic chemicals. Motor oil, lead from
gas and auto exhaust, zinc from roof
drains, tires, and pesticides in stormwater
runoff may kill aquatic organisms or impair
their health, growth, or ability to reproduce.
S.E Pennsylvania
Household Hazardous and
Old Electronics Collection
Program
What can you bring?
Old computers, peripherals, small
appliances, and up to 25 gallons of
220 pounds hazardous products.
Please see flyer on the web link
listed below for additional information on the types of items acceptable to bring to a collection
event. Keep in mind hazardous
products will have cautionary
words on the label, for example:
Danger, Warning, or Caution. Other words or phrases that can signal
hazardous products include: poisonous, hazardous, combustible,
flammable,
corrosive,
volatile,
caustic, irritant, explosive, toxic,
use with adequate ventilation, or
avoid inhaling.
The Central Bucks event will
take place rain or shine
July 19-Hazardous waste only
July 26-Electronics only
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
at
Central Bucks South
High School
1100 Folly Road
Warrington Township
There are specific restrictions and
specifications on what can be disposed of. Businesses and Industrial waste is not accepted.
For additional information on disposal options, please contact:
Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection
Recycling Hotline
1-800-346-4242
Or
Bucks County Planning
Commission
www.buckscounty.org/recycling
215-345-3400
www.buckscounty.org
page 15
www.doylestownborough.net
spring/summer 2014
Borough of Doylestown
57 W. Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
Borough of Doylestown
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Doylestown, PA
Permit No. 351
Inside This Issue
Borough Council Regular Monthly Meetings:3rd Monday at 7:00 pm
Borough Council’s Monthly Sub-Committee Meetings:
Water Utility
Zoning and Planning
Environment and Recreation
Community/Govern. Affairs
Public Works and Administration
Public Safety
Finance/Police Pension
2nd Tues. 6:00 pm
2nd Mon. 7:30 pm
1st Thurs. 7:00 pm
1st Thurs. 6:00 pm
1st Mon. 6:00 pm
2nd Wed. 7:00 pm
2nd Thurs.6:00 pm
Boards / Commissions Monthly Meetings
Park and Rec. Board
Zoning Hearing Board
1st Tues. 7:00 pm
3rd Wed. 7:30 pm
Shade Tree Commission
Fanny Chapman Pool Board
3rd Wed. 7:30 pm
4th Mon, 7:00 pm
Historic and Architectural Review Board
Planning Commission
4th Thurs. 7:30 pm
4th Tues. 7:30 pm
Revitalization Board
Environmental Advisory Council
2nd Thurs. 5:00 pm
3rd Tues. 7:30 pm
Human Relation s Commission
4th Wed. 7:00 pm
ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.
Doylestown Borough Bulletin
Published by Doylestown Borough Council
Editor:Phil Ehlinger, Jr. AICP
Community Liaisons: The Revitalization Board
Production Assistant: L. Borghi & S. Ament
page
16
www.doylestownborough.net
Content
Contributors:
The Borough
Community
Op 64
1
Memorial Day Parade
2
Public Works Report
3
Ride of Silence
4
Doylestown Cemetery Tours
5
Farmers Market
5
“The Doylestown Art Days”
6
39th Annual Designer House
6
Doylestown at Dusk Car Show
7
James Michener’s New Exhibits
8
Mercer Museum ~ Route 66
9
Children’s Summer Shows
9
104th Monument
10
Spring Scenic Stroll
10
Bucks County Vet’s Transportation 10
First Saturday Chess
10
The Y’s Summer Camp
11
Kid’s Triathlon
11
Fanny Chapman
11
4th of July at Fonthill
12
Sounds of Summer Concert Series 12
Canines on the Catwalk
12
BCTA Tennis
13
Fire Company No.1
14
What is Storm Water Runoff?
15
2014 Household Waste Program 15
spring/summer 2014