USA > Pennsylvania > Bucks County > Bristol > A history of Bristol borough in the county of Bucks, state of Pennsylvania, anciently known as "Buckingham"; being the third oldest town and second chartered borough in Pennsylvania, from its earliest times to the present year 1911 > Part 26
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Unparalleled speed. Philadelphia to New York in two days. ' Comfort and safety assured. Fare, $4.
"Just think of it, when now, in 1910, you can travel from Philadelphia to New York on some trains in about ninety minutes. What a contrast, surely we Americans are progressive and hard to beat. This hotel was kept later on by Lewis F. Pratt and others."
Showing Increase in Population .- In 1753, Bristol con- tained only seventy-two taxables, twenty-four of whom were single men. In 1806, Bristol contained ninety houses. By the census of 1800, the population was 511 ; in 1810, 628 ; in 1820, 908; in 1830, 1,262 ; in 1840, 1,438; in 1850, 2,570; of which there were males, 1,287; females, 1,283; (colored persons, 89). This shows a prosperous increase of 1,132 souls, during the decade between 1840- 50. In 1850-51, there were about 450 dwellings in the borough (besides a number of shops of various kinds), and in the spring of 1852, they numbered 500 . In 1853 the borough contained 600 buildings, as dwellings, stores and manufactories of various kinds, and Wm. Bache placed the population at 3,000. The population in 1860 had reached 3,314; in 1870, 3,269; in 1880, 5,273; in 1890, 6,553 ; in 1900, 7,101 ; in 1910, 9,256.
Bristol's Oldest Citizen .- Joseph S. Peirce, Bristol's oldest male citizen, recently celebrated his ninety-second birthday anniversary. Three years ago he was seriously ill and since that time has been confined to his room. He has lost the motion in his lower limbs and his memory is greatly impaired. He resides with his son, E. M. Peirce, on Radcliffe Street.
Mr. Peirce was born in Philadelphia in the house next door to that known as the Betsy Ross House on Arch Street. He was educated in Philadelphia and Byberry, where his parents afterwards resided. As a young man he found employment in Maryland, but left that state to come to Bristol in 1851. He was at one time superin- tendent of the forge which stood where Henderson's carpet mills now stand. Mr. Peirce identified himself with the Abolition movement early in its career and be-
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came one of the most active agents of the Underground Railroad, taking care of the Bristol end. It was he who helped Captain Dangerfield from Philadelphia, from which city the escaped slave so mysteriously disappeared. Mr. Peirce sheltered the captain in his home on the night of his disappearance, until midnight, when he rowed him across the river to Burlington, where together they took the "Owl" train for Camden. Mr. Peirce accompanied him a short distance, when he was relieved by another agent of the Underground Railroad, and returned to Bristol.
After the war, Mr. Peirce went to the oil regions, re- turning to Bristol in 1868. He went into partnership with his brothers, Charles and Joshua, forming the firm of Peirce Brothers. This firm cut the old Cyrus Peirce farm, above Lafayette Street, into lots and financed and influenced manufactories to establish in Bristol. After the dissolution of the firm, Mr. Peirce conducted a coal business until he was succeeded by his son, E. M. Peirce, in 1888. Since 1902, he has retired from all business and lived quietly with his son Edward, on Radcliffe Street. Recently, owing to the serious illness of his son, Mr. Peirce was removed to the home of his daughter, at Wor- cester, Mass., where he still remains.
Note .- Since the writing of this article, Mr. Peirce has passed away. His death occurred on April 24, 1911, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Edith Getchell, Worcester, Mass. The article is retained, however, for its historical value.
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EPOCH IX.
BRISTOL OF TODAY-19II.
Introduction .- The little collection of log cabins which were erected in the early years of our history, by the settlers upon the banks of our beautiful river, have been superceded by the substantial and comfortable residences that meet the eye today. The hardy pioneers of 225 years ago, who with axe and cleaver cleared the land and erected their unpretentious habitations, have given place to another class of people, who know nothing of the toil, privations and hardships which were endured by those who preceded them. Yet we have every reason to feel proud of our citizenship. For intelligence, industry, cor- diality and everything that contributes to the highest type of American manhood, our citizenship is not sur- passed by any other town of corresponding size in the whole United States.
Unsurpassed Opportunities .- Situated on the bank of the beautiful Delaware, with the main line of the Penn- sylvania Railroad running through the town, and trolley service to Philadelphia, Trenton and Doylestown, un- surpassed opportunities are offered for transportation and commerce. Yet unsurpassed as these opportunities ยท have been, the near proximity of Philadelphia has proven a deterrent factor, and what under other conditions would have been a blessing, has to the merchants of Bristol proved the reverse. The large department stores of Philadelphia have delivery wagons in Bristol, and many of the citizens purchase their clothing, furniture,
HENRY E. ANCKER. Burgess of Bristol.
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etc., in the larger city, and have the deliveries made to their homes here, without extra charge for transporta- tion. Nevertheless, Bristol exhibits an abundance of business houses. Mill Street is the principal business street of the town and has but five or six dwelling houses, its entire length, all the other places being devoted to business. The Bristol Mills, on this street, which for nearly two centuries, contributed to the prosperity of the town, are today a mass of ruins. The office has been converted into a store, which is leased by Samuel Scott, an old resident of the town. Radcliffe Street has no stores above Mulberry Street. Bath Street is assuming a business air and is fast becoming a strong rival of Mill Street. Most of the other streets of the town, each con- tain one or more stores.
Population Cosmopolitan .- The population of the town is thoroughly cosmopolitan, made up of the following nationalities: German, Irish, Italian, Prussian, English, Greek, Scotch, Welsh, Swiss, Hungarian, Hebrew and Chinese. The Italians are the latest acquisition to our citizenship. They have settled mostly in the northeast- ern section of the town, in and near Brook Street. The Roman Catholic branch have erected a brown stone church at the corner of Dorrance and Pond Streets, while those who hold to the Protestant faith, are identified with the Presbyterian Church and have recently completed a chapel building at the corner of Wood Street and Lincoln Avenue. The children of the Italian residents are mostly employed in the mills and factories. Many of the Hebrew residents are in business in various parts of the town, while from the sturdy stock of our English, German and Irish settlers, have come our best citizens of today.
Manufacturing District .- The northeastern section of the town, between the canal and railroad, above Beaver Street, is all occupied by manufacturing industries, the names of which are as follows: Thomas L. Leedom Co., carpet manufacturers ; Gledhill Wall Paper Company ; Peirce & Williams, Wood Turning Mill ;; T. B. Harkins
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Foundry Company; Edward T. Steel & Co., manufac- turers of men's worsted fabrics; Wm. H. Grundy & Co., worsted yarns. Wm. Henderson is the proprietor of a carpet mill located along the canal near Buckley & Beaver Streets. The Corona Company's plant fronts on Beaver Street above Mansion Street, and the factory of the Bristol Patent Leather Company is about a quarter of a mile above the town, between the railroad and canal. The Standard Cast Iron, Pipe and Foundry Company occupies a site along the river about a quarter of a mile above the Hollow Creek. The new plant of the Artesian Ice & Dairy Products Co. is located in the Fourth Ward near the Washington Street swinging bridge. The num- ber of people employed in these industries aggregates 3,300, while the wages annually paid to these operatives amount to the sum of $1,750,000, and the value of the manufactured product to $12,000,000 annually.
Well Supplied With Churches .- The town is well sup- plied with churches as follows. Society of Friends, Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, Baptist, St. James' P. E. Church, St. Paul's P. E. Church, St. Mark's R. C. Church, English Lutheran, German Lutheran, St. Ann's Italian R. C. Church, Presbyterian Italian Mission, Afri- can M. E. Church and Colored Baptist. St. Mark's has a large and well equipped parochial school building and both of the Protestant Episcopal Churches have parish houses. The Presbyterian congregation worships in its beautiful chapel building which adjoins the old church building in the rear. St. Mark's has the largest member- ship. Among the Protestant denominations the Method- ist congregation is the largest. Several of the churches have excellent choirs, and the spiritual needs of the people are looked after by able and efficient pastors.
Local Public Schools .- The local public schools are the best in the county. Four school buildings are in use, namely : High School Building, Wood Street; Jefferson Avenue, Washington Street and Bath Street. The old school building on Wood Street is held in reserve and
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will probably be used some day for a Commercial High School. One superintendent and twenty-seven teachers are employed and the enrollment of scholars is about 1,100. The names of the superintendent and teachers follow : Miss Louise D. Baggs, superintendent; Ella Van- uxem, principal of high school; Ella M. Torrey, assistant principal of high school; Rachel Bartine, second assistant principal of high school; Clara M. Parks, principal of commercial department; Bessie Clark, drawing teacher; Margaret Barrett, Alice Lippincott, Carrie Mins- ter, Florence Kelly, Emma Duckworth, Helen McClossie, Elizabeth Betz, Gladys Blackwood, Anna Brady, Ella Mathias, Edna Groom, Effie Watson, Minnie Rodrock, Bertha Hetherington, Beulah Doan, Mary King, Jessie Mansall, Clara Beidleman, Mary Wilkinson, Sara Mc- Nally, Rhoda Marine, Mabel Wettling.
The board of directors consists of the following: First Ward, Wm. H. Booz, H. S. Rue, Dr. W. C. Le Compte ; Second Ward, E. H. Foster, D.O. Taylor, Edward Swain; Third Ward, Jacob Young, John F. Wear, Doron Green; Fourth Ward, Eugene Barrett, Bernard Boyle, John J. Gallagher; Fifth Ward, Wm. V. Leech, Samuel Turner, Charles Dalton. Wm. V. Leech is president, H. S. Rue, secretary, and E. H. Foster, treasurer. In June, 1909, a course in stenography and typewriting was intro- duced into the high school curriculum, and in September, 1910, a full commercial course was installed. The ques- tion of a cooking school is being considered and will probably be put in operation before the end of the pres- ent school term. Music has been taught in the schools for several years past and the progress made by the scholars is remarkable. The pupils of the high school have a social and literary association which they call the Swastica Society. It has done much to promote social intercourse, and develop an interest in literary work among its members, besides contributing much to the happiness of their school days. The teachers also have attended and much good has been accomplished through a society for their mutual good, which meets weekly. About once a month a mothers' meeting is held in one of the school assembly rooms. These meetings are well
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attended and much good has been accomplished through the acquaintanceship thus formed between the mothers and teachers. In September, 1910, the ninth grade was merged into the high school, thus giving to that depart- ment a four years' course. A splendid spirit of co-opera- tion exists between the teachers and directors, and as a result, the schools have reached a high grade of efficiency and usefulness.
Newspapers .- The town can boast of two newspapers. The Bucks County Gazette, which was started in 1873 by Jesse O. Thomas, is still published weekly. The Daily and Weekly Courier are published by Wm. C. Watson.
Licensed Hotels .- Six hotels are licensed in the town. The Delaware House, which was built in 1765, is still standing, and is now run by Matthew Lincoln. Recently the old building has been greatly improved and now presents a more modern appearance. The Silbert House, Radcliffe Street, formerly known as the Cottage Hotel, is operated by Mrs. Geo. Silbert. Charles Rommell is proprietor of the Bristol House, at the corner of Mill and Radcliffe Streets, opposite the Delaware House. The Railroad House, Mrs. W. H. Fine, proprietor, is located on Mill Street, between Pond Street and the railroad. The Hotel Closson, J. J. Kilcoyne, proprietor, stands at the corner of Mill, Otter and Bath Streets. Sweeney's Hotel is situated on Buckley Street near Pine. M. J. Sweeney is the proprietor.
Divided Into Wards .- The town at present is divided into five wards. The First Ward embraces all the land between the canal basin on the south, the Delaware River on the east, Penn Street on the north and the canal on the west. The Second Ward is bounded by Penn Street, the Delaware River, Lafayette Street and the canal. The Third Ward contains all the land south of the old mill race and the canal. The Fourth Ward is situated north of the mill race and is bounded on the east. by the canal and extends on the north and west, to the borough line. The Fifth Ward includes the land above
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Lafayette Street to the borough line, bounded on the east by the river and on the west by the canal.
Borough Government .- The government of the bor- ough is vested in a Burgess and Town Council of twenty members, four being from each ward. Henry E. Ancker is Burgess, and the members of Town Council are as follows : First Ward, James Wright, W. K. Fine, George Strausser, R. B. King; Second Ward, Joseph R. Grundy, Gustav Rathke, George Buckley, Griffith L. Williams ; Third Ward, Edward Hoeding, Dr. A. S. Wilson, John J. Kilcoyne, Clarence Young; Fourth Ward, Martin A. Fallon, Patrick Dougherty, Thomas Hoffman, Neil Mulli- gan; Fifth Ward, Josiah M. Owens, Abraham Wilson, Louis Spring, Dr. J. de B. Abbott. Josiah M. Owens is President of Town Council and H. H. H. Poole is town clerk and borough treasurer. An efficient police force is in charge of Charles Saxton, a veteran officer, who has been in active service over thirty years. Fred I. Kraft fills the position of town 'squire and has an office in the Tabram building, between the town house and Silbert's Hotel. The borough attorneys, Gilkeson & James, occu- py an office building next door to the Wright Brothers' store, at the corner of Radcliffe and Market Streets.
Repairs to Streets .- The Street Committee of Town Council, under the direction of Joseph R. Grundy, chair- man, has done much to improve the streets and highways of the town. Recently a new material known as "Amiesite" has entered into the construction of new roads. The roadbed on Otter Street has been resurfaced with this material, making it the finest street in town. During the year 1910, about one and a quarter miles of new roads were built.
Banking Institutions .- Bristol has two banking insti- tutions : The Farmers' National Bank, and the Bristol Trust Company. Both bank buildings are situated on Radcliffe Street, between Market and Mulberry Streets. Benjamin Taylor is president of the former and Charles E. Scott cashier. Joseph R. Grundy is president of the
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Trust Company and William P. McCoy secretary and treasurer. Both institutions have saving fund depart- ments which are well patronized.
BRISTOL TRUST COMPANY.
Post Office .- The post office occupies the first floor in the W. E. Doron building, on the east corner of Radcliffe and Market Streets. E. W. Minster is post master, and his assistants are Howard Thornton, Melvin Jefferies and John Wright. Two years ago the Federal Congress appropriated the sum of $80,000 for the purpose of erect- ing a new post office building in Bristol. The site at the southeast corner of Pond and Mulberry Streets was pur- chased, but since then nothing more has been done.
A HISTORY OF BRISTOL BOROUGH. 33I
Extensions to Streets .- The new extension of Buckley Street from Beaver Street to Washington Street, has re- cently been opened, and most of the houses on Prospect Street have been removed to new sites on the west side of the new extension, to make room for the new depot of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Arrangements have been: made to open Cedar Street, from the pocket above Lafay- ette Street, through to Jefferson Avenue.
Anchor Yacht Club .- The Anchor Yacht Club, com- posed of owners of motor boats, has a clubhouse on the cliffs above the Hollow Creek. Burgess Henry E. Ancker is president and Edward Dougherty secretary. The annual lawn fete and regatta of this club is one of the pleasant events of the summer season.
Secret Societies .- Bristol has more secret societies, per- haps, than any town of its size in the United States. Six public halls have lodge room accommodations. They are as follows : Odd Fellows' Hall, corner Radcliffe and Walnut Streets; Knights of Pythias Hall, Wood Street; between Mulberry and Walnut Streets; Mohican Hall, Otter Street below Bath Street; Mechanics' Hall, Post Office building, corner Radcliffe and Market Streets ; A. O. H. Hall, Corson Street, near Buckley Street ; Forest- ors' Hall, corner Pond and Lafayette Streets, and two private halls, namely, Masonic Hall, on Cedar Street, be- tween Market and Mulberry Streets, and the Elks' Home, corner of Radcliffe and Walnut Streets. The richest lodge in the town is that of the Junior American Mechanics, their total worth being about $16,000. Fol- lowing is a list of the prominent orders established in the town :
Masonic Fraternity, Order of Elks, I. O. O. Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Imp. Order of Red Men, Jr. O. U. A. Mechanics, Daughters of America, Degree of Pocahontas, Knights of Friendship, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus, Shepherds of Bethlehem, Order of Forresters, Brotherhood of America, American Protest- ant Association, Knights of Mystic Chain, Sons of St. George, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Grand Army of 23
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the Republic, Patriotic Order Sons of America, Royal Arcanum, Grand Fraternity and Woodmen of the World.
Social Clubs .- The men of Bristol are fond of club life, and as a result, several clubs are in a flourishing condi- tion. The "Algonquin" has quarters on Radcliffe Street between Walnut and Franklin Streets. The new Elks' club house, at the corner of Radcliffe and Walnut Streets, recently opened, is magnificent in its appointments and a credit to the town. The Allemania Verein, or German Club, has a commodious club house on West Jefferson Avenue in the Fourth Ward, near the new depot of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. The Owl Social, one .of the oldest clubs in the borough, has quarters in the Strobele building on Mill Street, near the canal. The Mohican Social has a room in the old Osmond building, at the junction of Mill Street and the railroad.
Practicing Physicians-Seven physicians are practicing in the town. Dr. E. J. Groom is the oldest, having prac- ticed continuously for over fifty years. He resides in a commodious residence on the north side of Mill Street, adjoining the building occupied by the Child's grocery. Dr. J. de B. Abbott resides at the southwest corner of Radcliffe Street and Jefferson Avenue. He takes an active interest in municipal affairs and at present is serving a term in town council. He has also served a term as burgess. Dr. William Martin resides on Rad- cliffe Street, next door to the Slack homestead, at the corner of Radcliffe and Franklin Streets. He is the local physician of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Dr. W. C. LeCompte occupies a palatial residence on the east side of Radcliffe Street, adjoining the Britsol Water Company. He takes an active interest in public school affairs, being a director from his ward, and is also at the head of the health and sanitary committee appointed by the school board. Dr. Frank Lehman succeeded Dr. W. P. Weaver, and resides on Radcliffe Street, next door to the residence of G. M. Dorrance, at the corner of Rad- cliffe and Mulberry Streets. Dr. George T. Fox and Dr. James Collins are both young men who have recently
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located here. The former resides on Radcliffe Street near Mulberry, and the latter on Bath Street. Dr. A. S. Wilson, one of Bristol's most popular physicians, retired over a year ago on account of failing health, and is now an invalid.
The doctors of dentistry are Dr. J. T. Stradling, 219 Market Street; Dr. C. E. King, 228 Mill Street and Dr. J. J. Hargraves, 325 Radcliffe Street.
Drug Stores .- Nine drug stores are established here, being located as follows: Dr. Howard Pursell, south- west corner of Mill and Cedar Streets; John K. Young and Maurice Watson, on Bath Street; Emil Erthel, on Mill Street, in the Hoguet building, near Cedar; Emlen Martin, Radcliffe Street, adjoining Presbyterian Manse; A. Fabian, southwest corner of Radcliffe and Mulberry Streets ; Serrill Douglass, southeast corner of Dorrance and Wood Streets; Harry H. Headley, northwest corner of Washington and Wood Streets; John B. Spencer, northwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and Pond Street.
Moving Pictures .- The moving picture show is still a popular diversion. The first show was started in the second story of the Bell building, at the corner of Mill and Pond Streets, about five years ago, by Edward Subers, of Burlington, N. J. It attracted large crowds, but subsequently the factory inspector declared the building unsafe, and the show was closed. Another show was started in the old post office building, which stood upon the site of "The Bristol." Joseph Vansant, who owned the adjoining building, erected an addition in the rear, and the show was moved therein. In the mean- time, a show was started in the old Colonial Theatre on Wood Street, by Earl T. Stanley, which was successful from the start and is still in operation. Subsequently two moving picture houses were erected on Mill Street, one of which is still in use.
Burlington Island Park .- A few years ago a park was opened on Burlington Island, and it is today a popular resort for picnics from both up and down the river. The park is also much enjoyed by Bristol people. Most of our
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local Sunday Schools hold their annual picnics on the island and on Saturday afternoons large numbers of our citizens cross over to the park and eat their suppers in the grove before returning home. No intoxicating liquors are sold, and this fact greatly adds to its popu- larity as a resort for Sunday School and Church picnics.
Trolley Service .- Two lines .of trolleys run into the town, with their terminals at the corner of Bath and Otter Streets. The Bucks County Electric Railway Com- pany operates the line from Doylestown to Bristol, and uses Bath Street for an entrance into the town. The Philadelphia, Bristol and Trenton Street Railway Com- pany controls the line running from Philadelphia to Trenton and uses Otter, Mill and Radcliffe Streets in its course through the town. The trolley tracks are not extended over the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Mill Street, which necessitates a transfer of passengers at that point. The trolley fare from Bristol to the heart of Philadelphia is 20 cents, and from Bristol to Trenton is 15 cents. The railroad fare is 57 cents to Philadelphia, or 80 cents for an excursion ticket. The boats on the river charge 15 cents each way to Philadelphia, or 25 cents excursion rate. The rate by trolley to Doylestown is 48 cents. The trolley lines are now carrying freight and greater development along this line is expected in the near future.
Grand Army of the Republic .- Henry Clay Beatty Post No. 73, G. A. R., which was organized shortly after the close of the Civil War, is still in existence, but its ranks are being rapidly decimated by death, as the years pass by. Each Decoration Day still finds them engaged in their labor of love, when the graves of their fallen comrades are decked with flowers. A few days before Decoration Day each year, a public memorial service is held in the Methodist Church, and is largely attended by the citizens. During recent years, a strong attachment has sprung up between the veterans of the G. A. R., and the children of the local public schools. Each year the veterans are the guests of the children at their annual Washington-Lincoln celebration, and the reception they
FIRING SQUAD OF HENRY CLAY BEATTY POST No. 73, G. A. R.
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receive at the hands of the children is one of the memor- able events in the current history of the town. Last year the veterans invited the children to their memorial serv- ice, and the latter sang several patriotic selections, which greatly increased the interest in the occasion. But the ravages of time are making great gaps in the ranks of the veterans and it will be only a little while when there will not be a single answer to the roll call. But the veterans need have no fear of being forgotten. With the large number of patriotic boys and girls growing up in the public schools of the town, their willing hands will take up the work, when the veterans lay it down for the last time, and thus continue the work of love down through the coming years.
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