Newtown Historic Association

Just One Month Away! Mark your calendars!

Brought to you by (IG) | (FB). (IG), Saturday, October 5th, 2024 - 10am - 4pm

The Newtown Historic Association extends our sincere gratitude to Gilded Home Furnishings Consignment for their support. We greatly appreciate their corporate membership, which allows us to continue our mission of preserving and celebrating Newtown’s historical heritage. We encourage our members to consider Gilded Home should they have a need for their services.

Tyler Park Self-Guided Walking Tour
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This annual event is designed as a self-guided walking tour of the historic properties and farmhouses scattered throughout the Tyler State Park grounds in Newtown, PA. This year, the self-guided tour will begin at 10:00 am at the Tyler State Park Boathouse Pavilion on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

As part of this ticketed event, representatives from both the Newtown Historic Association and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be on hand to provide a general overview and answer questions at
the beginning of the day.

All registrants will receive an informative Tyler Park historical book. This limited-edition, 100-page book contains rare photographs and detailed descriptions of the many historic properties and farmhouses, including the construction of the Tyler mansion, and how they were acquired by the Tyler family in the early 1900s.

Once registrants receive their tour book and orientation, they will be free to tour the park on their own. Children under 12 are free for this event.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.newtownhistoric.org/visit/walking-tours/tyler-park/. For more information, please call us at (215) 968-4004.

The Lost Covered Bridges of the Neshaminy Creek
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Our September general membership meeting will be held in the Half-moon (Court) Inn, 105 Court Street, Newtown, on Monday, September 16, 2024, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Local author and historian Scott Bomboy will deliver a presentation on “The Lost Covered Bridges of the Neshaminy Creek.”

Bomboy will take a look back at the network of covered bridges that once spanned the lower Neshaminy Creek, featuring rare photos and local newspaper accounts.
At one time, six covered bridges spanned the creek from Bristol Township to Wrightstown: the Chain bridge, Worthington’s Mill bridge, Schofield Ford bridge, Spring Garden Mill bridge, Oakford bridge, and Newportville bridge. Many bridges were associated with mills, which were critical to the local economy. Today, only one covered bridge remains on the creek, in Tyler State Park.

Each bridge has an interesting story to be told, as key players in the growth of lower Bucks County. And each was lost in a different way. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

This event is free and open to the public. All are invited and you do not have to be a member to attend.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.newtownhistoric.org/ or call us at (215) 968-4004.

The Newtown Historic Association extends our sincere gratitude to First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown for their support. We greatly appreciate their corporate membership, which allows us to continue our mission of preserving and celebrating Newtown’s historical heritage. We encourage our members to consider The First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown should they have a need for their services.

Newtown, Past & Present: A Rephotographic Survey for the Newtown Historic Association, Inc.

by Brian Elliott Rounsavill, C. David Callahan, and Paul M. Gouza

The book features a unique look at Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania through a series of 80 pairs of old & new photographs

Originally copyrighted in 2006, and out of print since 2010, this is a limited edition reprint

The book measures 12 by 10 inches, with 164 pages and has a hard cover and dust jacket.

Order your copy today by visiting: https://www.newtownhistoric.org/shop/newtown-past-present/


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The Newtown Historic Association extends our sincere gratitude to Mary Dineen from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors for their support. We greatly appreciate their corporate membership, which allows us to continue our mission of preserving and celebrating Newtown’s historical heritage. We encourage our members to consider Mary Dineen and Fox & Roach Realtors should they have a need for their services.

The Newtown Historic Association extends our sincere gratitude to Defrehn Roofing for their support. We greatly appreciate their corporate membership, which allows us to continue our mission of preserving and celebrating Newtown’s historical heritage. We encourage our members to consider Defrehn Roofing should they have a need for their services.

Newtown, Past & Present: A Rephotographic Survey for the Newtown Historic Association, Inc.

by Brian Elliott Rounsavill, C. David Callahan, and Paul M. Gouza

The book features a unique look at Newtown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania through a series of 80 pairs of old & new photographs

Originally copyrighted in 2006, and out of print since 2010, this is a limited edition reprint

The book measures 12 by 10 inches, with 164 pages and has a hard cover and dust jacket.

Order your copy today by visiting: https://www.newtownhistoric.org/shop/newtown-past-present/

If you or your friends and family have wondered what the inside of the Half-moon (Court) Inn looks like, you are invited to visit the Inn any Sunday from now until October 27th, 2024. It will be open from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. except September 29th and October 6th because we need to prepare for and host our annual Market Day event.

Volunteer docents will be on site to guide you and answer questions. If you would like to tour the Inn at your own pace, we have beautiful new booklets you can use to assist you.

Admission is free but of course donations are always welcome. Call Keyna Crawford with any questions concerning the Sunday openings. Keyna can be reached at (267) 679-9287.

We hope to see you!

Despite the heat, there was a great turnout for our annual historic walking tour of Newtown hosted by NHA Board member, Jeff Marshall. Approximately 70 people were in attendance, and all stayed hydrated. Thank you for all that came out and look for future events around the community.

The Newtown Historic Association extends our sincere gratitude to ALP Supply for their support. We greatly appreciate their corporate membership, which allows us to continue our mission of preserving and celebrating Newtown’s historical heritage. We encourage our members to consider ALP Supply should they have a need for their services.

Historic Walking Tour of Newtown
Take a guided walking tour of historic Newtown with Jeff Marshall, historic architecture author, past-president of the Heritage Conservancy, and NHA Board member. Learn about
Newtown’s architecture and history and get some exercise while you are doing it! The walk will take place on Friday, June 21, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. and lasting until approximately 7:30 p.m.

The tour route is typically determined by Jeff and the attendees, and will feature architecturally significant Newtown buildings in the Borough.

Jeff will share his wealth of knowledge and passion for the history of Newtown, and provide an enjoyable stroll through town.

A “good will” donation of $5.00 would be appreciated. Come, wear comfortable shoes, bring a friend, and learn something new about Newtown’s interesting buildings and history. No reservations necessary.

If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected] or call (215) 968-4004.

Artists, artisans, and crafters! Applications are being accepted for the Newtown Market Day 2024 event. Crafters/Artisans, Artisan Food and Food Trucks, and Farmers Markets interested in participating, please complete an online application (credit cards accepted) or mail in a check with our printable application.

Be prepared to upload or email photos of your craft, artwork, or food offering. For more information, please visit our website at: https://www.newtownhistoric.org/events/market-day/

Volunteer! Help us make this 2024 Newtown Historic Market the best one yet by being part of the team and helping the community.

Brought to you by (IG) / Newtown Historic Association (FB) and supported through the Newtown Experience. Newtown Historic Market Day, Saturday, October 5th, 2024 - 10am - 4pm

LAST CALL! Applications are due June 10th - Artists, artisans, and crafters! Applications are being accepted for the Newtown Market Day 2024 event. Crafters/Artisans, Artisan Food and Food Trucks, and Farmers Markets interested in participating, please complete an online application (credit cards accepted) or mail in a check with our printable application.

Be prepared to upload or email photos of your craft, artwork, or food offering. For more information, please visit our website at: https://www.newtownhistoric.org/events/market-day/


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The Newtown Historic Market Day is right around the corner! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 5th, 2024 - 10am - 4pmand don't forget to follow us to get updates on sponsors, live music, farmers market, eatery, artisans, and more...

Brought to you by (IG)/ Newtown Historic Association (FB)

Our annual Garden Walk will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. and the walk commences at 9:00 a.m. Please meet in the rear garden of the NHA headquarters, the Half-moon (Court) Inn, located at 105 Court Street, Newtown.

Wend through the lovely streets of Newtown Borough and into parts of the Township. There are several garden stops on the walk and other beautiful gardens to “walk by.” We expect the event to last between 2 to 3 hours.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Half-moon Inn on the morning of the Walk or online at https://www.newtownhistoric.org/event/nhas-annual-garden-walk/. Proceeds will go towards maintenance and improvements to the Boone Garden, which is owned by the NHA and located on Court Street directly across from the Half-moon Inn. It will again be featured on the Garden Walk.

There will be NHA promotional articles for sale. Please join us for a view of some very special gardens and to meet the very talented gardeners who created them.
If you have any questions, call Mary Jo Garner at (215) 858-0939 or Keyna Crawford at (267) 679-9287.

Historic Walking Tour of Newtown
Take a guided walking tour of historic Newtown with Jeff Marshall, historic architecture author, past-president of the Heritage Conservancy, and NHA Board member. Learn about
Newtown’s architecture and history and get some exercise while you are doing it! The walk will take place on Friday, June 21, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. and lasting until approximately 7:30 p.m.

The tour route is typically determined by Jeff and the attendees, and will feature architecturally significant Newtown buildings in the Borough.

Jeff will share his wealth of knowledge and passion for the history of Newtown, and provide an enjoyable stroll through town.

A “good will” donation of $5.00 would be appreciated. Come, wear comfortable shoes, bring a friend, and learn something new about Newtown’s interesting buildings and history. No reservations necessary.
If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected] or call (215) 968-4004.

Elementary School Walking Tour
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The NHA will conduct its annual Elementary School Walking Tour on Thursday, June 6, 2024, starting at 9:30 a.m. and lasting until approximately noon. (The rain date is Friday, June 7, 2024.)

About 200 children from Goodnoe Elementary School and Newtown Elementary School will take a self-guided walking tour through 5 historic sites in the Borough: Half-moon Inn (Court Inn), Newtown Library Company, Newtown Fire Association, Newtown Borough Hall, and Newtown Movie Theatre.

The Newtown Historic Association has run this tour for over 45 years. This has proved to be a very popular event with the children and enables them to learn about their heritage.

If you have any questions or for additional information, please contact Dan Griffin at (215) 205-2058.

Join us on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for the Newtown Historic Association's Annual Spring Cocktail Party.

Location: Half Moon Inn, Court Street and Centre Avenue, Newtown, PA

Cost: $45 per person for Members, $50 per person for Non Members.

Enjoy a beautiful evening wandering among the gardens and listening to music. We will be selling raffle tickets for Craig Hackett prints and a few spring baskets of cheer.
Hors D’oeuvres will be served along with wine, beer and a few fun cocktails.

Make your check out to Newtown Historic Association
Mail to: Betsey King, 242 S Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA 18940

Tickets may also be purchased online via the NHA Website at www.newtownhistoric.org/cocktailparty

Some of the Newtown Historic Association (NHA) members met with AP History students and faculty from Council Rock North High School. The school is working on a video memorial for the (13) Council Rock students who entered the Vietnam War but made the ultimate sacrifice to their Country and did not make it home.

The NHA is looking to aid in the project and try and locate family or friends of these Officers, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen to aid in creating a memorial for them. Of the (13), family and friends of eight of the Veterans were successfully found and contacted, but five still remain with no additional information. If you know anything about these individuals, please post a reply here so we can contact you and work with Council Rock North to aid in this project.

Thank you.

1. 1LT Daniel Hennessy, United States Army, Class of ’60. KIA 1966.
2. SSG Nelson Luther, United States Army, Class of ’60. KIA 1970.
3. 2LT William Geary, United States Navy/Marine Corps, Class of ’63. KIA 1969.
4. Airman Douglas Post, United States Navy, Class of ’64. KIA 1967.
5. Warrant Officer Robert Scott, United States Army, Class of ’65. KIA 1967.

Thank you to our members and community volunteers who help make the Half-Moon (Court Inn) a wonderful place to visit with their time doing some annual spring cleaning.

Graveyard Tour of the Old Presbyterian Church
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The Newtown Historic Association and the Newtown Presbyterian Church will host a fascinating presentation of the history and restoration of the Old Presbyterian Church Graveyard and the Slack Cemetery followed by a guided tour of the restored headstones and footstones on Sunday, March 24th at 2 PM at the Old Presbyterian Church Graveyard, 76 N. Sycamore St., Newtown PA 18940.

The Old Presbyterian Church Graveyard had fallen into considerable disrepair over the years so the Newtown Presbyterian Church hired the Keystone Preservation Group of Doylestown, PA to complete a survey of the grave markers in the Historic Church Graveyard. The church members along with some community assistance, including the Boys Scouts, soon leapt into a 10-plus-year project on their graveyard and the Slack Cemetery.

This monumental project started off with the grit and determination of many volunteers to identify, clean, straighten, repair, and reset the headstones and footstones in the graveyard. Some of those volunteers soon became lovingly known as The Gravediggers.

While many are familiar with the history of the Old Presbyterian Church Graveyard dating back to the 1700s, many are not familiar with the Slack Cemetery. The Slack Cemetery is a small plot, only about 30’ by 100. The Reverend Henry Martin and his wife Elizabeth (who was a Slack) are interred there. Rev. Martin was the first installed pastor of the Newtown Presbyterian Church (1754 – 1764). And, in the Old Presbyterian Church Graveyard, there are currently 308 known plots with headstones, and those 308 plots represent 341 individuals with the earliest occurring in 1761.

We hope you will join us for a delightful afternoon tour as Philip Winn, Brent Wiggins, and Pam Allen, aka The Gravediggers, share the intimate history of this graveyard and firsthand accounts of the activities it took, like the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR), to complete this massive project.

For more information, please visit our website at: https://www.newtownhistoric.org or call us at 215-968-4004.

It's February which means Americans are celebrating Presidents' Day and George Washington's Birthday. Join Lucy, the Newtown Historic Association Junior Historian, as she looks at "Five Fun Facts" about George Washington.

https://youtu.be/Pb2_eE5mJv0