BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET

The history of Bucks County, PA, is recalled through a mixture of colorful tales and factual data in this NEW 55 Page Booklet, reprinted primarily from three hard-to-find books: the 1843 edition of Historical Collections of the State of Pennsylvania by Sherman Day, An Illustrated History of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by William Egle, M.D., and Pennsylvania, a Guide to the Keystone State, a WPA project published in 1940. The spiral-bound booklet is printed one-sided on 60# paper, with the print enlarged for easier reading. A clear vinyl sheet has been added to protect the front cover.

The communities mentioned include: Doylestown, Hartsville, Bristol, New Hope (Coryell's Ferry), Morrisville, Newtown, Sellersville, Applebachville, Hagersville, Hulmeville, Attleborough, Wrightstown, Centreville, Greenville, Fallsington, Line-Lexington, Strawhntown, Houghville, Quakertown, Andalusia, Aquetong, Lahaska, Holicong, Buckingham, Chalfont, Bryn Athyn, Tully Town, Pennsbury, Eddington, Riegelsville, Durham, Kintnersville, Neshaminy, Souderton, Washington Crossing and Yardley.

The Day and Egle histories cover the early development of this area, while excerpts from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glimpse from a 1940 vantage point, including interesting historical notes, especially as they relate to sightseeing possibilities. There may occasionally be some duplication of material, but usually with a different slant or emphasis.

Among the many and diverse subjects in the booklet are: Phineas Pemberton, John Chapman and other early settlers, including some Quakers who apparently preceded William Penn; Pioneer Life, including clothing, health problems, and relations with Indian neighbors; Durham Cave, the Delaware River and other natural features; Mansions along the Delaware; Certificates of "acceptable character"; "The Indian Walk" to determine boundaries, and a second, wherein a "tortoise" beat a "hare"; an early account of Washington's Crossing the Delaware and Attack on Trenton; the Crimes of the Notorious Doane Family; Encampment of the American Army in 1778; Early churches and educational institutions, including the Log College (which preceded Princeton University); Possible Burial site of Chief Tamenend (source of Tammany Hall's name); Mulberry Tree sales and "the silk rush?"; the Flood of 1841 and George Fell's remarkable "raft" ride; the "Hot Water Rebellion;" the Underground Railroad at Quakertown; when Morristown was two votes shy; when Washington rode a "horse of a different color" and other interesting bits of history and trivia.

ILLUSTRATIONS include the Country Seat of Nicholas Biddle, Penn's old Brewhouse, Public Buildings at Doylestown, Eastern View of Bristol (full page), New Hope, Trenton Bridge, Newtown, Bucks County Court House in Doylestown, Friends' Meeting-House in Solesbury, Soldiers' Monument at Doylestown, and Friends' Meeting-House in Buckingham.