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Doylestown Historical Society

Name: Doylestown Historical Society
Address: 56 S Main Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901, US
Telephone: +12153459430
Price range: Not applicable
Rating: 5

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Doylestown Historical Society

Preserving and celebrating the historic significance of Doylestown and its neighboring communities
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Founded in 1995 by Judge Ed Ludwig, we are “committed to commemorating and preserving the history of Doylestown, so that Doylestown, its people, places and events may long be remembered”.

09/02/2026

Recently, DHS volunteer Pat Witek gave a great on the spot presentation about some of the history of the cemetery of New Britain Baptist Church (now Grace Church of Doylestown). There are many soldiers from the American Revolution and Civil War whose resting place is within the cemetery. We marked the grave markers with flags for the presentation.

08/27/2026

For : In 1773, members of the Sons of Liberty dressed as Native Americans and created what became known as the Boston Tea Party. Claiming to be directly descended from these Sons of Liberty, the philanthropic Society of Red Men was formed in Philadelphia in 1813. Class and ethnic differences, persecution, and attacks on other fraternal groups led to the eventual the decline of the Society. In 1834, the Improved Order of Red Men (IORM) was started in Baltimore as a revival, focused on temperance, loyalty and American history. The organization used themes loosely based on Native American customs to promote patriotism and charity. A women’s auxiliary branch named the Degree of Pocahontas was formed in 1885.

The Sciota Tribe of the IORM was an active chapter based in Doylestown, organized in 1886 with 58 charter members. (Sciota derives from the Native American word for deer or deer hide.) The local tribe’s meeting place or “wigwam” was primarily Lenape Hall, Doylestown’s community hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Upon joining, members were asked, “Do you believe in the existence of the Great Spirit. . .?” and “Do you pledge. . .to keep secret everything you may see and hear in the Wigwam?” Members participated in community events and parades in full costume alongside neighboring groups like the Pokanoket Tribe in Kintnersville and the Packenah Tribe in Langhorne.

In 1935 the national organization claimed a membership of about one-half million, but numbers declined sharply across the United States after World War II, and the Sciota Tribe is no longer active. Historically the IORM restricted membership to white men until the restrictive clause was dropped in 1974. The Improved Order of Red Men claims to be America’s oldest fraternal organization, is still in existence elsewhere in the US, and membership is open to all.

Photo credit: From the Collection of the Mercer Museum Research Library of the Bucks County Historical Society.

08/20/2026

For : The New Britain Baptist Cemetery was established in 1744 alongside the Baptist congregation’s first meeting house. Its history of burials dates back to the mid-18th century, with the earliest legible headstone marked August 14, 1748. This historic graveyard serves as a final resting place for early settlers, local residents, and, according to regional history, Native Americans. It also honors veterans who served in conflicts ranging from the Colonial Wars and Revolutionary War through World War II. Over 580 recorded burials took place in the cemetery before it became inactive, with the last regular interments around 1955.

Among American Revolutionary War veterans buried here are Colonel William Roberts and Captain Henry Darrah. Both men were leaders within the Bucks County Militia, playing critical roles in the "Flying Camp" battalion and regional defense operations. Beyond military service, many men buried here were foundational to the area’s civic development: John Hough, Sr. donated the land on Court Street where the Doylestown Academy was erected; Dr. Hugh Meredith served as the town's first practicing physician and was a prolific local builder. Other prominent figures, such as Benjamin Mathew, Esq. and the Shewell family—notably Robert Shewell, Esq., a magistrate and member of the Committee of Safety—were integral to the legal and social fabric of early New Britain.

In August 2024, the historic New Britain Baptist Church congregation voted to give the entire property and church grounds to Grace Church of Doylestown, ensuring the ongoing care, maintenance, and preservation of the sanctuary, chapel, and cemetery grounds.

Continuing the celebration of USA 250, the Doylestown Historical Society will host an informal lecture at the cemetery on August 27 at 6:00 PM, featuring insights into the lives of some of the notable veterans interred there. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free but registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996520722225?aff=oddtdtcreator. Please bring your own lawn chair.

Sources: gracedoylestown.org/our-history/
Veterans Buried in the New Britain Baptist Church Cemetery, Ruth Ann and William W. Focht, 2007.

08/16/2026

Thank you to Michael Jesberger who gave an engaging and fascinating lecture about the Bucks County region's role in the American Revolution. He highlighted many local places that had pivotal battles, troop movement and stays. Thank you to everyone who attended!

ABOUT MICHAEL JESBERGER: Mr. Jesberger is an independent military historian who specializes in the American Revolution and Civil War time periods. He is renowned for his depth and breadth of knowledge , as well as his engaging and passionate presentation style, whether providing formal lectures, living history presentations or tours of historic sites in the Tri-state area.

A member of numerous history based organizations and active in the reenactment community, he participates in numerous battle reenactments, living history programs and ceremonies to honor our first and current veterans. A lifelong resident of the Philadelphia region, Mr. Jesberger is a native of Northeast Philadelphia and has relocated to Bucks and Montgomery County, PA

08/13/2026

For : “The country crossroads had now become of sufficient importance to warrant a second house for the entertainment of man and beast.” Located catty-corner to Doyle’s tavern, a property was purchased by brothers Samuel and James Flack; and in 1774 they constructed a two-story stone tavern “fronting the Easton and New Hope Roads,” the main intersection of what would become Doylestown. Named for the ship on its placard, Sign of the Ship Tavern was shortened to the Ship Inn by 1817.

“For many years the election poll of the borough has been held at this old tavern, and around its walls surged the excited crowds interested in local and general elections.” And “remember Richard Leedom and his fiddle, whose sounds could be heard in the old hostelry at all hours of the night and far into the morning.”

The Ship Inn, later the Bucks County Hotel, changed name and ownership repeatedly over the next 100 years and was finally purchased by the Doylestown Improvement Company in 1876. The old tavern was razed to make way for construction of the Lenape Building, and “on its site will be reared an edifice of large dimensions, which will be an ornament to the town and prove useful to its citizens.” Among the loose stones of resulting from demolition of the Ship Inn was a milestone for travelers proclaiming, “Doylstown 26 Miles to Phila.” All that remains of the old inn, this stone was embedded into the southern façade of the Lenape Building and is still visible today.

Note: Today’s History Lives topic is featured for the month of August in the DHS 2026 Calendar.

Source: History of Doylestown: Old and New, W.W.H. Davis, 1904.

08/09/2026

We had a great, albeit hot summer day for our Castle Valley Mill tour:

Dating back to 1730, Castle Valley Mill has been a cornerstone of local history since it began grinding grains on the banks of Neshaminy Creek. Originally constructed on land granted to the Meredith family by William Penn, the mill has been known historically as Grove’s Mill and Reed’s Mill, evolving into the Castle Valley Mill that remains a vital part of our community’s heritage today.

Our host gave us all an overview of the mill with tours for the entire group. Colonial period cooking techniques, and samples of bread baked with flour from the mill.

08/06/2026

For : Castle Valley Mill began grinding Bucks County grains in the mid-1700’s, using the rushing waters of Neshaminy Creek on whose banks it rests. Located at 1730 Lower State Road in Doylestown Township (on land that was given to the Meredith family by William Penn), the mill has been known as Grove's Mill, Reed's Mill, and now Castle Valley Mill.

Throughout the 1800’s and into the 20th century, it served as a sawmill and oil mill in addition to its primary function as grist mill and producer of flour. However, as industrial technology advanced, steam engines took over many mill operations. With the value of waterpower diminished, the Castle Valley Mill stopped grinding in 1922; and the buildings fell into disrepair.

The property was in poor condition when Henry Fischer, a German miller, purchased it in 1947. His dream was to restore the mill to working order - a goal that Henry’s grandson, Mark, and his family finally achieved in the 21st century. (Mark and wife Fran bought the mill from the family in 1997.) Henry had saved many milling machines and parts when old mills were torn down or gutted; and from this collection Mark rebuilt the antique stone mills and processing machines. Today Castle Valley Mill is a fully restored 1800s grist mill and again yields a wide variety of stone ground wheat and corn as well as specialty products.

Source: https://castlevalleymill.com/About-Us.html
https://www.castlevalleymill.com/Gallery.html

07/30/2026

For : For over 165 years, Rice’s Market (8 miles east of Doylestown on Green Hill Road) has been a beloved institution. In the spring of 1860, A.L. Rice established a working farm where he held occasional auctions to sell his own produce and livestock. As his success grew, other local farmers and artisans came to sell their wares directly to the community.

Passed on to brothers John and Reoloff “Junior” Rice, by the 1940’s the business had grown into a combination sale. The poster shown here advertises the following available at the “Famous Sale Farm:” poultry and eggs, livestock (calves, goats, sheep, cattle, horses, pigs), autos, trucks (1941 Dodge), machinery (incubator, plow), household goods (washing machine, living room furniture), produce, clothing (nylon stockings), and a “country dinner” for $1.25.

By the 1950’s the market had evolved from primarily a produce and livestock market to a bargain hunter’s paradise. Open Tuesday and Saturday mornings from March to December, Rice’s Market today attracts over 400 vendors. It hosts a flea market, farmer’s market, antique bazaar, vintage thrift, town gathering space, and food offerings in 30 acres of indoor and outdoor shopping. The market’s diverse list of sellers also includes community artists, beauty vendors, clothiers, crafters, growers, collectors and more. Rice’s Market is the oldest and largest outdoor market in Bucks County reportedly attracting over 8,000 shoppers each week.

In the true spirit of farm life, the market still opens at 7am. Owned and operated by Robert and Barbara Blanche, the market attracts locals as well as day-trippers on bus tours or charters; and it is an advertised attraction for Bucks County tourism.

Sources: ricesmarket.com
www.theinnatbowmanshill.com/blog/160-years-tradition-rices-market
Livingsmartgirl.com/a-brief-history-of-rices-market

07/23/2026

For : The Jonathan Worthington House at 39 Mercer Avenue is one of the oldest structures still standing in Doylestown Borough. In 1759, Thomas Pugh bought a tract of land bordered by Dyers Road (later Main Street) and Swamp Road and conveyed it to Jonathan Worthington two years later. Records indicate that a 1½ story log cabin existed on the property where Worthington, his wife Anne, and their young family lived until he built a fieldstone house adjacent. The cabin’s immense fireplace hearth was connected to the north wall of the house, allowing the former dwelling to serve as a summer kitchen or workshop. Upon completion in 1768, Worthington placed a date stone on the west gable near the roof peak, inscribed with his and his wife’s initials “W J+A” and the year.

In 1796, thirteen years after his third marriage, Jonathan decided to sell a portion of his extensive tract to provide for his eleven children. Following his death in 1801, his will mandated that the land be sold and divided into twelve equal shares—one for his widow and one for each of his children. Over the years, the house and property changed hands several times before being abandoned and left to deteriorate by 1897.

While acquiring land for Fonthill, Henry Mercer noticed the "Little House" and recognized its pre-revolutionary architectural significance. With owner Eliza Weisel's consent, he restored the home and in 1909 installed a concrete date marker which remains today.

Charles Sheeler, recognized as one of the early modernists in American art, lived there intermittently from 1910-1926. The “LIttle House,” as it was affectionately called by Henry Mercer and Charles Sheeler, is possibly the longest continuously inhabited home in the borough.

Note: Today’s History Lives topic is featured for the month of July in the DHS 2026 calendar, available at doylestownhistorical.org

Source: Wilma Rezer, "The Jonathan Worthington House", 1986.

Address

56 S Main Street
Doylestown, PA
18901

Opening Hours

Friday	10am - 3pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm

Telephone

+12153459430

Website

http://www.doylestownhistorical.org/

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