Call Number:

04

Repository:

Solebury Township Historical Society

Extent:

5.5 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1980-2013 (bulk) and 1847-2013 (inclusive)

Creator:

Solebury Township Historical Society (Solebury, Pa.)

Abstract:

Originally part of Buckingham Township, the township of Solebury in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated circa 1702. Industries, particularly farming, became prevalent in the area by the 19th century; the picturesque landscape also drew many prominent artists to the area. The Solebury Township Historical Society local history collection, 1847-2013 (bulk 1980-2013), consists largely of subject files on local history topics that include newspaper clippings, ephemera, printed materials, Ned Harrington (Hillside Press) publications, and pamphlets, with some original documents. Also included in the collection are some original photographs, and to a lesser extent manuscripts and oral histories. Of special interest are two minute books of the nativist fraternal organization, Order of United Americans, Cuttalossa Temple No. 15 (Solebury, Pa.), 1898-1900 and 1905-1915.

"At one time the area that is now Solebury Township was inhabited by a group of Native American Algonquian Indians, the Lenni-Lenape, or the "Original People." One of three tribes from this group that settled in the Delaware River valley, the Turtle Tribe, occupied the area which later became Solebury.

"English Quakers settled in the area around 1700, a time that Solebury was part of Buckingham Township. The township of Solebury was incorporated in about the year 1702, carved out of lands deeded to William Penn in the late 1600s. In 1703, records show that Solebury had 28 tracts of land, averaging 414 acres, owned by 24 landowners and farmers. (The Borough of New Hope was part of the township until 1837).

"The first settlers were drawn to the area by the location on the Delaware River and by its fertile soils. First modest log homes were built, followed by the traditional fieldstone houses which still dot [the] landscape today.

"Industries began to spring up around the township's abundant natural resources. Numerous mills were built along the streams that ground grain, sawed wood, pulverized wood for paper, crushed limestone, and even produced silk. Farming was a major industry, and beneath the fertile soil minerals such as limestone and sandstone were found and utilized.

"Villages were born; self-sustaining enclaves with a post office, store, church and blacksmith shop (and an occasional barber shop)...

"It wasn't long before the serene beauty of Solebury was discovered by the artist community. Following in the footsteps of such famous resident artists as Edward Redfield, William Lathrop, and Daniel Garber. Many in the art community still find inspiration [there].

As of 2013, Solebury Township "boasts three National Historic Landmarks, six National Historic Districts, and more than 500 homes built in the 18th and 19th centuries. More than 30% of its land is preserved."

Bibliography:

Quoted text from: Solebury Township Historical Society. "History of Solebury Township." Accessed July 31, 2013. http://www.soleburyhistory.org/soleburytownship.html

This collection consists largely of subject files, with some original photographs, and to a lesser extent manuscripts and oral histories.

The subject files are organized into the following series: I. Villages, II. Places of Worship/Churches, III. People, and IV. Miscellaneous Local History. The subject files primarily consist of newspaper clippings, ephemera, printed materials, Ned Harrington (Hillside Press) publications, and pamphlets, with some original photographs. Files within the III. People series include a greater proportion of original papers such as photographs, correspondence, and receipts/invoices. There are also some binders on topics such as local artists and the Beaver War of 1985, and two binders of historic resource surveys for Lumberville and Solebury Village completed by the Solebury Township Historical Society (circa 1983-1984).

The original photographs include scattered portrait, family, and group photographs, many of which date from the turn of the 20th century. There is also a group of photographs of historic properties in Solebury Township, circa 1980-2000.

The miscellaneous original manuscripts include several dozen deeds (an alphabetized card catalog exists on site) and a couple scrapbooks. Of special interest are two minute books of the nativist fraternal organization, Order of United Americans, Cuttalossa Temple No. 15 (Solebury, Pa.), 1898-1900 and 1905-1915. Also included are about one dozen oral histories of local residents on CD; some are on audiocassette tapes.