Women’s History Month: Pearl S. Buck

Though many states were already observing the occasion, President Jimmy Carter officially declared the first week in March to be “Women’s History Week” in 1980.   Since then, the observance has grown and March has become known as “Women’s History Month.”  We feel that this month provides a great opportunity to learn more about the women that have made great contributions to our country throughout history.  To celebrate the occasion, we’re taking time to highlight some of the most happening women (past and present) in Bucks County.  There have been a number of women who have helped to make our county a great place to live and work and we want to say “Thanks.”

Pearl S. Buck

Originally from Hillsboro, West Virginia, Pearl S. Buck was a deeply influential writer/teacher during much of the 20th century.

Her novel The Good Earth was the best-selling fiction book in the U.S. in 1931 and 1932, and in 1932 she won the Pulitzer Prize.  In 1938, she became the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, “for her rich and truly epic descriptions of peasant life in China and for her biographical masterpieces.”

She spent much of her early life teaching and writing in China, before eventually settling in Pennsylvania with her second husband.  Buck was passionate and outspoken about a range of issues including women’s rights, Asian cultures, immigration, adoption, missionary work, and war.   (more…)

Photo Of The Week: VanSant Covered Bridge

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Full Steam Ahead: The John Fitch Steamboat Museum

In 2011, Warminster marked their TriCentennial, celebrating the rich history of the township.  Over the past 300 years, great men and women have passed through the town at places like Craven Hall & the Johnsville Centrifuge.  Now, another great man who passed through Warminster is being recognized at a new museum- John Fitch, the inventor of the steamboat.

The John Fitch Steamboat Museum tells the story of the adventuresome John Fitch and the steamboat that he invented.  A tireless visionary who faced many challenges still tackled by modern entrepreneurs, Fitch is much deserving of a museum in his honor. In fact, for years, a man named Robert Fulton was given credit for the invention which Fitch had spent the greater part of his life struggling to create. (more…)

Beloved Bucks County Playhouse To Reopen

Almost exactly one year ago, the doors to the beloved Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA were closed, just before the final showings of their annual Christmas Carol.  We are happy to report that the legendary theater will soon reopen thanks to the coordinated effort of the Bridge Street Foundation, Broadway Producer Jed Bernstein, and the Bucks County Playhouse Conservancy founder Peggy McRae.

The acquisition of the property was completed just before the holidays on December 23, 2011. A local landmark that has sat empty since late 2010, Bucks County Playhouse has showcased some of Broadway’s most recognizable talent since it opened in 1939. Under the leadership of producing director Jed Bernstein and, most importantly, with support from the local community, the Playhouse will soon return to its former glory. Announcements about future programming plans will be forthcoming early in January. (more…)

Photos by Bonnie Ryan: Washington Crossing Reenactment

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A Local Landmark: Rice’s Sale & Country Market

Rice’s Market is a household name in Bucks County; just about every local has experienced the shopping mecca in Solebury Township at one point or another. What you may not realize, however, is just how far back Rice’s story begins. Like many of the most charming locations in Bucks County, Rice’s Market’s story starts long ago, over 150 years back.

The History of Rice’s Market

In the spring of 1860, Mr. A.L. Rice settled in Solebury Township, Pennsylvania, on a farm which is now the site of Rice’s Sale & Country Market. Rice auctioned his products, as well as his neighbors’ products, at various times during the year. As word of his success spread, farmers brought their cattle and farm products for Rice to offer for sale. By the 1950′s, a market was added to the Tuesday livestock auctions, and the rest is history. Rice’s Market quickly grew to over 500 vendors from throughout the Northeast area. (more…)

This Weekend: House Tours Galore!

Something about the holidays just makes us want to look at beautifully decorated old homes! Luckily, this weekend, there are many chances to do just that in Bucks County:

Doylestown

175 East Oakland Avenue, Doylestown

Begun in 1992, the annual tour has become a cherished Christmas tradition for the Central Bucks community. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church shares the proceeds of the House Tour & Boutique with the Bucks County Housing Group, to benefit the Doylestown homeless shelter in its battle against homelessness in Central Bucks. This year’s tour features borough homes in four distinctly different neighborhoods. They were built during a span of more than a century, and each has been renovated from its original floor plan. Ticket price includes admission to the four homes and Tea back at the parish hall. Advance tickets may be purchased for $20 through Thursday Dec. 1 at the church office at the corner of Pine St. and E. Oakland Ave., FX Dougherty, 64 S. Main St., or online at www.bchg.org. Tickets may be purchased on tour days for $25 at the parish hall 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3.

The parish hall is also home to the Holiday Boutique, which opens one hour before the Tour begins. Admission to the Boutique is free. Offerings include fresh greens, Saint Paul’s famous boxed butter cookies, plain & fancy baked goods, raffles, and a Christmas Attic filled with bargains on gently used holiday decorations.

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Sink your teeth into Shark Week

In today’s world of social sharing, you’d have to be living under a rock to not know it’s everyone’s favorite week of television- Shark Week on the Discovery channel.  People just can’t get enough of those terrifying shark specials!

While the shore is just a short drive away from Bucks County, a lovely stretch of New Jersey stands in between us and any possible contact with sharks. Still, there are a few ways to get your shark fix if you live in Bucks… (more…)

Farm to Table Feast for a Good Cause

For its third year, Doylestown, PA based Heritage Conservancy will host its ‘From Farm to Table’ fundraiser. Taking place on August 6th at 6PM, acclaimed chefs Chris Tavares and David Zuckerman of Earl’s Bucks County and Luke Smithson of Jamie Hollander Gourmet will prepare a delectable dinner prepared entirely from food grown and produced locally. Lindsay Farm in Jamison provides the perfect al fresco scene.

Hors d’oeuvres, followed by a buffet-style meal, will be served in a rustic outdoor setting. Desserts will be provided by Owow Cow Creamery, the Bucks County-based creamery who has developed a loyal following for its small-batch, all-local, all-organic artisanal creations. (more…)

Celebrate the Delaware Canal in Bristol

Growing up in Bristol, I have many fond memories of the Delaware Canal – fishing, hiking, and even a few times swimming. I’ve walked the entire 60 miles several times – there are so many beautiful sites along the way. I remember seeing numerous couples having their wedding pictures taken at the Gazebo next to the canal. Even now, I enjoy the canal, walking with my boys to the Bristol Amish Market on Saturday mornings – it’s great to share this local treasurer with my children! (more…)