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Two hundred years old and still growing, Doylestown Township is kicking up its heels in celebration of its birth. To mark the occasion, the Township has cobbled together a fun calendar of events (see Box), Bicentennial hats, t-shirts and commemorative Mercer tiles for sale, the planting of 200 oak trees in the Township and a “Create a New Flag for Doylestown Township Contest,” as well as other activities.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, there are 17,680 people residing in the Township, including 4,444 families. A far cry from the less than 300 residents in its early beginning in 1818. But to truly understand the history of Doylestown Township, you need to reach back to William Penn. In 1682 the famous Quaker was granted the land of Bucks County from the King of England as payment for a debt. Doylestown grew up on the tract of land Penn conveyed to the Free Society of Traders. At the time it consisted of 20,000 acres. Of those acres, 8,612 lay in nearby New Britain, Hilltown and Warwick townships. Prior to 1726 the area was twice reduced when the remainder, about 2,000 acres in Warwick and New Britain, was purchased by Jeremiah Langhorne of Middletown. From Langhorne, Joseph Kirkbride from Falls Township bought several acres in New Britain. At the time, the two purchases made Langhorne and Kirkbride the sole owners of every acre of land within the present borough limits. In the ensuing years, many more divisions were to come.
Fast forward to 1814 and to the petitioning of Doylestown and its surrounding area residents for the establishment of the Township of Doylestown. Four years later, in 1818, the Township of Doylestown was established. At the time it consisted of the village of Doylestown, 1,885 acres from Buckingham Township, 5,350 acres from New Britain and 3,515 acres from Warwick. Included in the mix were the small villages of Cross Keys, Edison, Furlong and Tradesville, among others.
As the Township grew, so did the village of Doylestown. And by 1838, the village separated and became incorporated as Doylestown Borough. Still it’s hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins because of Doylestown Township’s quirky geographical make-up: It practically surrounds Doylestown Borough. The boundaries are often so blurred, says Stephanie J. Mason, Doylestown Township manager, “It’s easy to have one foot in the Borough and the other in the Township—especially if you’re on Broad or West streets.”
Which is just fine to residents and visitors alike. Most think of the two as a whole. For both offer cultural and outdoor activities; museums; fine dining, casual restaurants and friendly pubs; shopping and entertainment. Making both a coveted destination to live in or to visit.
Though both the town of Doylestown and Doylestown Township are great year-round, summer is one of my favorite times to take advantage of all that is offered. For example, kicking off the summer is the annual Dolyestown Memorial Parade. To be sure, Doylestown Township, as well as other surrounding municipalities, schools and groups, will be participating. Look for the Township’s Bicentennial float. Sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Come the 4th of July, head to Fonthill Castle for an Old-fashioned Independence Day celebration complete with tours of the castle, watermelon-eating contests, bike parade, live music, food and just downright fun for the young and old alike. (And, yes, though it looks like it is smack in the Borough, Fonthill is actually situated in the Township, as well as is the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. Told you the Township’s geographical boundaries were quirky).
Just 10 days later on July 14, in honor of one of its famous inhabitants, Oscar Hammerstein, the Township will host a history and music event you will not want to miss at Hammerstein’s home, Highland Farms.
Then on July 15 venture over to Doylestown Township’s Central Park as it throws its annual celebration of Food, Fun & Fireworks. Just be sure to bring a lawn chair. Better yet—keep it handy, for from May through October, you can enjoy free concerts and movies in the park. Last year my friend and I enjoyed area jazz artist Eric Mintel and his quartet, having set up our chairs and picnic beforehand. It was an evening alive with toe-tapping music. And is a great way to connect with old friends and make new ones. But then Central Park is an ongoing outdoor enthusiast’s habitat—whether for biking, walking or hiking. Opened in 1995 the park has more than 125 acres of trails as well as connecting to those of the Borough, Chalfont and both New Britain and New Britain Township, Delaware Valley University and Doylestown Health.
The Market at Del Val hosts Friday night wine concerts. And if you aren’t familiar with the market, this is a good time to check it out. Much of the produce comes from the students at Delaware Valley University or Shady Brook Farm. In addition, you’ll find palate-pleasing prepared foods by Just Food Catering. Again, grab that lawn chair and enjoy good music and food while you sip wine from nearby Rose Bank Winery.
The Township isn’t the only one to be alive with music. Come summer so is the Borough with free weekly outdoor concerts at Chapman Park, Bag Lunch Concerts at the Courthouse, Aldie Masion hosted by The Heritage Conservancy, and on Monday evenings at Salem Church, where the jazz is hot no matter the weather.
Art aficionados will do well stopping by the town’s art galleries such as Gratz Gallery & Conservation & Fine America Art and Rich Timmons Fine Art Gallery. Since the 1950s, Bucks County has been associated with the home of Pennsylvania Impressionist artists. For current local artists following in this tradition as well as more contemporary and abstract approaches, there are Chapman Gallery and Patricia Hutton Galleries, both on State Street, as well as Silverman Gallery in the Buckingham Green Shopping Center. Wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the James A. Michener Art Museum—a true jewel not just of our area but of the art world. New exhibitions opening this summer are “View Finders: Four Photographic Voices”(May 26-Aug.26) and “American Modernists: The Legacy of Jerry and Marguerite Lenfest” (June 2-Oct.4). When there, don’t forget to stop in the museum’s shop. You’re bound to find the perfect something for a friend’s birthday—or a treat for yourself.
Did I say shopping? With more than 25 one-of-a kind shops, Doylestown is the perfect venue to let your inner fashionista thrive. O.K., Spoiler Alert: I live in Doylestown and have my go-to shops, such as Lillies of the Field on the corner of State and Main and owned by Jona Franklin, who opened her shop 24 years ago and relative newcomer of three years, Bella’s Boutique on Main, owned by Terese DeLuca. Over the years we’ve developed a relationship where they know what I like—and, gulp! what doesn’t look good on me—as well as find the perfect piece of jewelry or outfit for a friend. But, truly, that’s the same attention you’ll get from all the shop keepers whether you’re in Smith & Scott Boutique, Sconset Flair Boutique or the Lotus Apparel & Home, just to name a few. They want to sell you something you’ll be happy with—and not just make a sale. That alone to me is priceless.
Guys need not feel left out in a shopping venture. There’s Ventresca Ltd, a longtime destination for men’s suits, including formal, business and casual attire, and shoes on W. State Street. Lillies of the Field also caters to men for shoes, socks, jewelry and casual attire.
Nor are the little ones left out. There’s plenty here that will feed their brain and fun spirit. For example, stop by The Busy Bee Toy Shop. (I have yet to buy a toy or game there that hasn’t been a big hit with my niece and nephew.)
In between shopping, stop off for a cup of coffee and refuel at The Zen Den or Nonno’s Italian Coffee Parlor, both on E. State Street—and where you’ll also find small bites and sweets. For a healthier hit, refresh and reboot with one of Doc Farmulation’s (on Main) cold press juices. Of course, there’s also homemade ice cream, such as at Sweet Pea next to the Doylestown Inn. Sure to revive any spirit on a summer day.
Hardly a town today can boast of having a privately owned bookstore. Not so, for Doylestown which is home to three: The Doylestown Bookshop, Central Bookstore and Booktenders Secret Garden for Children’s Books and Gallery.
And if you’re a fan of puzzles or consider yourself somewhat of a sleuth, you’ll love the Doylestown Escape Room on Main Street. Challenging enough for the more experienced but still fun for first-timers and kids.
Summer was made for grilling. And if you’re looking to upgrade your inner Grilling Guru, head to Gerhard’s Appliances in the Barn Plaza for the latest in grills and accessories. However, if you need a refresher course in the art of grilling and barbecuing, or are a neophyte to the art, see Denis Chiappa at his new cooking school, Conquering Cuisine, on Main Street in Doylestown.
Along with the shops, restaurants and Regal Cinema in the Barn Plaza, you’ll find other fine shops and services at the Township’s other two shopping centers: Mercer Square Shopping Center and Doylestown Pointe Plaza Shopping Center.
Whether you’re a foodie who loves to cook or one who just enjoys good food, both the Borough ad the Township have you covered. In town there’s Simply Fresh by McCaffrey’s, the Doylestown Food Market and, on Saturdays, The Doylestown Farmers Market on Hamilton Street. Over in the Mercer Square Shopping Center, you’ll find Weiss Market.
As for great places to stop for a quick bite or a leisure dinner, both the Township and the Borough offer a wide range of dining spots from American to Mediterranean and from Indian to French. To name just a few, there are Ristorante Il Melograno in Mercer Square; Piccolo Trattoria in the Barn Plaza; and Genevieve’s Kitchen, Cross Culture and Penn Tap Room, all three on State Street. One of the newest BYOB restaurants and fast becoming a favorite is Boccadito Fine Cuisine on S. Main Street, offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Oh, I almost forgot: the Doylestown Dart (www.bctrasport.org; 215-794-5554). For just a buck (free for seniors 65), the comfy shuttle bus provides public transportation around the Doylestown area—even offering connections to the SEPTA Doylestown Rail Line and Route 55 bus.
Just remember, this is a birthday celebration. So come out and treat yourself to all Doylestown has to offer you this summer. And don’t forget to say, “Happy Bicentennial, Doylestown Township.” Two hundred years never looked so good!