THE LOUD SPEAKER
Originally Broadcast by H. H. Eddowes | Ivyland, Pennsylvania
A Message From The Mayor...
Fall is here and Ivyland comes alive with some of our favorite seasonal traditions. Kids are settled back in school, the leaves begin their vibrant transformation, and activities like watching sports, raking those leaves and celebrating holidays keep us busy.
Our annual Bonfire and horse-drawn wagon ride event is almost here bringing neighbors together for an evening of warmth and fun right before Halloween. Homes are already glowing with spooky decorations, and little ghosts, superheroes, and creative characters will be emerging to collect treats.
Soon after, we’ll be gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving, followed by the festive December season, when Santa makes his cheerful visits through the borough and we do our traditional lighting of the luminaria that makes our streets look even more beautiful.
It’s a time that truly highlights what makes Ivyland so special—not just our charming history, but the wonderful people who live here. Thank you for being part of this amazing community!
– Mayor Anthony Judice | ajudice@ivylandborough.org
Eagle Scout Project Brings New Life to Ivyland
Ivyland Troop 200 Scout Patrick “Pat” Foreman recently completed a community project that will leave a lasting impression for years to come. As part of his journey to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, Pat led the planning and planting of 16 Kwanzan cherry trees along Pennsylvania Avenue at Ivyland Commons Park— an effort that brought together town leaders, local businesses, and volunteers in a shared mission to beautify the borough.
Pat is a Warminster resident, a senior at William Tennent High school, a member of the school wrestling team, a powerlifting enthusiast and a longtime member of Ivyland’s Boy Scout Troop 200. He wanted his Eagle project to reflect the spirit of service and the values his troop has instilled in him. “I wanted to do something that would make a difference—not just for today, but for future generations,” Pat shared. With guidance from his troop leader, Mr. Randy Solly, and support from his father, Mark, Pat resurrected a project that connected his love of the outdoors with his dedication to the community.
Pat appeared in front of borough council earlier in the summer and laid out his plan. The project received formal approval from Ivyland to include financial help from the borough and assistance from the Parks and Rec committee. Pat worked with Farm and Garden Station to source the trees, securing a generous discount, while the borough covered the remaining costs. Sunbelt Rentals contributed equipment and waived delivery fees, making the logistics more manageable.
On Saturday September 13, the planting came to life. In addition to fellow Scouts from Troop 200, volunteers from Pat’s powerlifting
Scan this code and send your name and email to get on my borough information email list.
Eagle Scout Pat Foreman and volunteers plant 16 Kwanzan cherry trees in Ivyland Commons Park
friends at the Bacon Barbell Club, council president Sal DiPaolo, and Jahangir Nasir (“Gears”) of Parks and Rec all pitched in. The Ivyland Country Store also helped by keeping the planting crew energized with donated food, adding a neighborly touch to the day.
“There were a lot of people that helped make this project happen,” Pat modestly said. Certainly it would not have happened without his initiative and leadership. The Scouts have also committed to a two-year tree maintenance plan of watering and care, ensuring their growth and health well into the future. In fact you may see Pat and his father Mark regularly hauling long yellow hoses up and down Pennsylvania Avenue to keep the trees hydrated. As these trees mature it will display a beautiful row of vibrant pink flowers each spring similar to the cherry trees in the Village and the new community park along Jacksonville Road (Cont.)
Native Ivylander takes over Country Store
One of the enduring treasures of the borough is the Ivyland Country Store. Operating since 1874, the store has provided a variety of goods and services to the community over the years and is fondly remembered by Ivyland residents. For the past 26 years, Jim Primodie owned and operated the location as a deli serving breakfast and lunch on weekdays as was well-known for its good food and eclectic décor featuring mix of memorabilia and vintage items, toys and bric-a-brac.
On June 1st, former Ivyland resident Jamie Oldroyd took over ownership of the store after Jim finally decided to retire (he recently got married at the store, too - see story inside). Interestingly, Jamie grew up in her family’s Gough Ave home just a few houses away from the Country Store. In fact, an original meat smoker from the store was built into her parents Ed and Terry’s kitchen. She recalls going to the store as a kid to get “penny” candy after school as did many other youngsters in the neighborhood. Back then it was owned by the Contis and then the Simons. Later, Jamie actually lived in an apartment above the store for several years.
In addition the nostalgic attraction, Jamie has always had an interest and affinity for food. As a culinary student she earned her degree from Drexel, and she’s been a chef and created for local establishments including the Fancy Fig in Penns Park. To take over ownership of theCountryStorewasjusttoogoodanopportunitytopassup. Anditwasn’tonalark,she’dbeenspeakingwithPrimodieforseveralyears about it until finally the stars aligned.
Jamie thinks that the general store aspect truly makes the place unique, “I remember when I was in high school going to Appalachia for the summer and there were these types of stores along the back roads, there just aren’t many around here anymore.” So what is the vision for the Country Store going forward? Jamie hopes to continue to offer the old favorites but expand the offerings with interesting food itemsthatreflect her culinary skill. She has anew, expanded menu she’s looking to introduce over time along with arearrangement of the fixtures and décor to reflect nostalgic Ivyland history. For example, she’s added a cool 1930’s kitchen “Hoosier” cabinet from her parent’s home to use for a coffee and tea bar. She’d like to add vintage items from the former Wagner’s company (donations of items from residentsgladly accepted) and other decorations that are significant to Ivyland and its history. With6rotatingemployees,Jamieiswell-staffed to handle the weekday lunch demand and hopes to perhaps offer aonce-a-month weekend breakfast just for residents. She wants to make it something “special” that people can enjoy on a Sunday morning. Keep an eye out for that in the future. Speaking of the future, it is comforting to know that one of Ivyland’s own will be keeping the 150+ year tradition of the Ivyland Country Store going for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. Best of luck Jamie!
Little Ivyland, Lotta History!
The history of Ivyland is fascinating. If you'd like to learn more about the past of our borough and help make new history you should join the IHA. Our non-profit organization is here to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of our little borough and continue some of past traditions and even start new ones. Contact us at ajudice@ivylandborough.org
100 year Anniversary Booklet Reprints Available
Get your copy at the Borough office for just $15 while they last!
Community Cornerstones
Saturday Oct. 25th
5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. at the Ivyland Fire Company
Check out our activity stations, get a truck tour, see demonstrations, score some treats, trinkets, and prizes for families and kids. We look forward to seeing you!
Have Your Event With Us
The Ivyland Fire Company can host all sorts of events and gatherings. Contact us at ifcoevents@gmail.com for more information.
Stay up to date with all our events and news at facebook.com/ivyland.firecompany
Stormwater Clean!
Here's how:
• Do not dump household waste such as paint, cleaning products, motor oils, antifreeze, pet waste or any other hazardous material into catch basins, streams, ponds and wetland areas
Street Lamp Issues?
If a borough street lamp near you is broken or not functioning properly, let the Borough office know. Please be sure to include the street light number that is located on the pole.
FridayFunNights
All elementary school aged kids are invited. We meet on the third Friday of the month from 6 - 8 p.m. and includes dinner.
Oct. 17th
Come in costume for trick or treating.
Nov. 21st
We're having breakfast for dinner!
Dec. 19th
The whole borough is invited for pizza and gingerbread house making. Gingerbread houses are $15 each.
GiveThanks
If you or someone you know needs a Thanksgiving dinner, please call the church office at 215.672.2266.
Visit us at ivylandpresbyterian.org and follow us at facebook.com/ivylandchurch
• Minimize the use of fertilizers near grated catch basins, streams, ponds and wetland areas
• Whenever possible use environmentally friendly, biodegradable products when cleaning outside
• Do not drain chlorinated swimming pools into grated catch basins or onto the street
• If you must wash your car at home, wash it on the lawn to encourage infiltration and use low-phosphate detergents
• Always dispose of pet waste in the trash
• Minimize salt use on walks and driveways near streams, ponds and/or wetland areas
• Make sure your vehicle or yard equipment is not leaking any oils or fluids
• Always Remember: Only Rain in the Drain
A Very Ivyland Wedding
Fall Dumpsters
Large waste containers from Leck will be available this Fall and located in the borough hall parking lot. These are for loose organic yard waste only (leaves, branches, grass, etc.). NO bags of any kind and please no junk. There will be a total of three dumpsters with new ones replacing the bins as they get filled.
Home Work
If you are doing or having work done on your home or property, please contact the borough office to determine if you need a permit. It will save you time and hassle by knowing up front.
Jim Primodie, long-time owner of the Ivyland Country store finally saw retirement on the horizon. And before he handed over the reins to the store, he asked for his co-worker Joan’s hand in marriage. The wedding was to take place at the Country Store – and why not? It was a big part of both of their lives for years. Joan adds, “There’s just so much great history here. And Ivyland is a wonderful place and the people are great, too.” So on a beautiful Saturday this past May, Jim and Joan said their vows surrounded by almost 50 or so friends, family and neighbors with ballons and festive decorations to mark the occasion. The ceremony was performed by Mayor Tony Judice on the front steps of the store. A pianist played the store’s own piano which added a lovely ambiance to the joyous event. A brief reception afterwards included champagne and other delicacies (from the Country Store of course) as the small crowd celebrated with the happy couple. Best wishes to Jim and Joan for a great future together, congrats to Jim on his retirement and huge appreciation from us and the entire Ivyland community for his stewardship of the Country Store for over 2 decades. Cheers!
New owner Jamie Oldroyd and employee Jeremy Maimon
Boro Biz Bites
Help Keep Our
The mayor weds Joan and Jim.
Eagle Scout Project Brings New Life to Ivyland (
Cont.)
This project also reflects the long-standing tradition of Troop 200 (that meets at the Ivyland Presbyterian Church), which has proudly produced 85 Eagle Scouts over its 55-year history. Pat’s contribution continues that legacy—planting not just trees, but the seeds of leadership and civic pride. As Pat has earned his Eagle Scout status it is also worth noting that he is truly a super scout achiever earning three palms above Eagle (the highest scout ranking) as well as being a three-time Medal of Excellence winner and two-time Klondike Derby Champion.
Looking ahead, Pat plans to major in Accounting after high school, with King’s College among his top choices as well as York, Wilkes, and Delaware Valley, where he also hopes to be part of the collegiate wrestling team. No matter where life takes him, Ivyland will always have a living symbol of his dedication and hard work —and 16 cherry trees to prove it. A huge “thank you” to Pat from the entire Ivyland community, Interested in Scouting? Contact Troop 200 Scoutmaster Randy Solly at 215-262-7802.
Ivyland’s Newest Park is Shaping Up!
Ivyland Village residents and those in the “grid” and Ivy Meadows (who brave crossing Jacksonville Road on foot) can see and experience the great progress made in developing Ivyland’s newest park. The borough park space recently created along Jacksonville Road has completed Phase 2 with paved walkways and further improvements in the works. Parks and Rec committee chairman Jahangir Nasir explains what’s to come, "We're eagerly anticipating Phase 3 of the passive park's completion. The trail is already a hit, with residents frequently walking, running, and biking through it! Phase 3 will involve planting new trees, including more cherry trees to match those on Pennsylvania Ave as well as arborvitae trees to enhance privacy and reduce traffic noise for our Valentine Rd. neighbors." The borough has plans to add park benches, too, and is submitting applications for state and local grants that can help fund the planned improvements. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to check out the new park and enjoy the work that has been done so far.
A Glimpse of Ivyland History
According to Ivyland’s 100 year anniversary booklet, Ivyland-The First Hundred Years, the Lyceum Hall was erected in 1875 on J. Montgomery Carr's property on the northwest corner of Gough and Dubois Avenues. It was a community sponsored and financed hall among the town's first buildings and was used for lectures and meetings in those early days. Howard Walton of a prominent family in Warminster wrote in his diary “On March 2nd 1877, I went over to Ivyland to attend their Lyceum. There were a great many there and it was mostly pretty interesting. The question for the debate was resolved that the granges are a benefit to the community.”
Unfortunately, the Lyceum was not used enough to justify its continuance and Carr bought it in 1882 for $300. Two years later he moved the Lyceum building and formed it into an addition to his adjacent store. Today, a residence at 61 Gough stands where the original Lyceum was built. The Lyceum structure is still attached to the back of the Ivyland Country Store and is used as apartments.
The Lyceum Hall - Ivyland's First Meetingplace
Sketch of the Lyceum Hall and Store
Ivyland Troop 200 plants 16 Kwanzan cherry trees at Ivyland Commons Park.
Park Phase 2 is complete!
Around the Borough Since Our Last Issue
EasterEggHunt,MemorialDayCeremony,JuneStormHitstheBorough,ConcertinthePark,andIvyland5K
Bucks County,PA
The Borough of Ivyland
991 Pennsylvania Avenue
Ivyland, PA 18974
THE LOUD SPEAKER
Publisher: Group G Marketing Partners, Ivyland, PA
Editor: Geff Rapp | Writer & Editorial: Geff Rapp | Design: Laura Hughes
The original Loud Speaker, founded in 1925, was a local institution not only in Ivyland but in all of the surrounding areas. Much more than an advertising circular, the paper was filled with the wisdom and pithy humor of its editor, H. H. Eddowes. Ivyland and The Loud Speaker belonged together (and still do). Today we try to bring a little of that spirit back to the borough with an updated publication that has its roots in the past and its focus on the present. We hope you enjoy it.
Borough Hall Info
Ivyland Borough Council Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Borough Hall, 991 Pennsylvania Ave. Borough information, including events, contact numbers, emails and meeting dates can be found online at ivylandborough.org.
Borough Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed Thurs & Fri Nov. 27th/28th, Wed & Thurs Dec. 24th/25th/30th/31st, Thurs Jan. 1st.
NEW! Building, Zoning & Code Enforcement
The borough has engaged a new firm, Barry Isett & Associates, to manage our building, zoning and code enforcement. New Zoning and Building applications are on the borough website and can now be completed electronically.
Contact: Jimmy Valentin, BCO | jvalentin@barryisett.com | (267) 370-0405
Official Facebook Page for Ivyland Borough: facebook.com/ivylandpa
Election Day is Tues. Nov. 4, 2025
Ivyland Borough Residents vote at the Ivyland Presbyterian Church on 51 Gough Ave.
Polls open November 4th from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The last day to register to vote in the General Election is October 20th.
The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is October 28th.
For more information visit, buckscounty.gov/1252/Board-of-Elections
Luminaria Season Ahead!
Keep an eye out for the Ivyland Luminaria Letter so you can order your bags and candles for the Christmas Eve luminaria tradition. Thanks to resident Bonnie Rowe and her daughter Courtney for coordinating this year. Sand will be available at the Fire Station parking lot around mid December.
