The roots of Boyertown extend back to the early 18th century, when John Salter became part owner of land known as the Powell Purchase. Among the other early settlers were Shaners, Rhoads, Boyers and Schaeffers.
Henry Stauffer, born near what is now the borough line in 1725, was among the first settlers of Colebrookdale which, in time, became Boyertown. Later, Henry Boyer bought a farm near the center of town and built a hotel at what is now the intersection of Reading and Philadelphia avenues. He and his brother Daniel came to own most of the land in town.
By 1835, the town was laid out and lots sold. A first attempt to incorporate in 1851 failed. By April 1866, incorporation was accomplished with the Boyer name attached to the new town. Ironically, when the first borough council was organized in November 1866, no Boyers held a seat. But there was a Shaner and a Rhoads on that first council.
And the name Rhoads would be forever attached to one of the blackest days in Boyertown’s history – the Jan. 13, 1908 Rhoads Opera House fire that claimed 171 victims. But out of that tragedy, building codes throughout the country changed to enhance public safety.
The Borough of Boyertown has marked its 150th anniversary, or sesquicentennial, with events throughout the year.
The annual “Coming out of Hibernation,” a salute to the Boyertown Bear mascots, occurred April 16.
A time capsule from the 1966 centennial celebration, encased in a miniature Boyertown Burial Casket Company casket, was opened in May. Among the objects it contained were centennial bow ties, a centennial bumper sticker, a centennial license plate, centennial Night Shirt Ball tickets, event programs, napkins with the centennial logo, peddlers’ permits, a plate with a centennial emblem, pins, roller-skating party tickets, shaving permits, and a t-shirt with the centennial logo.
In addition to the anniversary parade in May, there were also block parties and steam train rides. A sesquicentennial royal couple was chosen – King Kyle Jaworski and Queen Calista Bender.
In July, the 150 Night was held at Bear Stadium.
September saw a quilt show, the annual Boyertown Oktoberfest, and an anniversary walking tour.
Borough officials are gathering items for a 150th anniversary time capsule that will be buried Friday, Oct.21.
For more information, visit boyertown150.com.
Source: Borough of Boyertown
