THE LOUD SPEAKER
Originally Broadcast by H. H. Eddowes | Ivyland, Pennsylvania
A Message From The Mayor...
Hello Ivylanders! Ivyland has seen many changes over the years while maintaining its wonderful Victorian character. Ivyland Village is a prime example. The homes in the Village all have characteristics of the Victorian age while having modern amenities. We were able, with significant awarded grants, to demolish the Navy houses and in its place a new park is being developed. And as you’ll read in this edition, the new owners of the hotel have begun the eagerly-awaited restoration of our centerpiece structure. It is my hope that residents continue to take pride in our borough and help make it a showpiece for all visitors.
– Mayor Anthony Judice | ajudice@ivylandborough.org
A New Chapter for the Ivyland Hotel
The storied past of the Ivyland “hotel” is on the brink of a new chapter, but let’s take a moment to reflect on its history. This iconic structure, which is central to our borough, was originally envisioned as a hotel for visitors to the 1876 American Centennial celebration in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, founder Edwin Lacey’s vision was never realized in time. In 1879, the building was sold and subsequently became known as the Temperance House, although residents still affectionately refer to it as “the hotel.”
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In more recent years, the property has changed hands several times and was converted into apartments. However, maintaining this historic four-story building, with its charming wraparound porches and Mansard roof, proved challenging. Despite the best efforts of various owners, the structure gradually deteriorated, suffering from both cosmetic and structural issues.
Two years ago, the borough approved plans for the building to house eight apartment units. The owners at the time opted to sell rather than pursue this project. Last September, the property was acquired by Temperance House Lofts, LLC, which intends to undertake the necessary renovations while preserving the building's historical integrity.
Recently, The Loud Speaker sat down with Anil Dham, the General Contractor for the project, to tour the building and discuss their renovation plans. Anil acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, but assured us that the new ownership is fully committed to addressing the borough’s concerns. He emphasized that the owner has a passion for working with unique and historic structures. (Cont.)
Rendering showing one of the potential exterior color schemes
Many original mouldings still in tact
A New Chapter for the Ivyland Hotel (Cont.)
Interior demolition began in January after current tenants moved out at the end of December. Many non-structural walls have been stripped down to their frames, with some entirely removed to accommodate the new apartment layout. Architectural features, such as columns and original moldings, have been uncovered, and the goal is to incorporate these elements into the design wherever possible.
According to Dham, the first floor will feature two two-bedroom apartments, including a standout unit with multiple bathrooms and more square footage. The second floor will also have two two-bedroom apartments, benefitting from a veranda porch. The third floor will house four two-bedroom apartments, with the bedrooms located on a second level, effectively the fourth floor of the building. All units will include quality modern appliances, such as washers and dryers, while maintaining a decorative nod to the building's original style.
As for the timeline, Anil provided a tentative schedule, which hinges on inspections, permits, weather conditions, and unforeseen issues. The roofing is slated for completion by April, with substantial interior and exterior work commencing in May and continuing throughout the year. Land development for proper drainage and parking is expected to take place in late spring and early summer. Anil hopes the Temperance House Lofts will be ready for residents by early 2026.
While this may seem like a long wait, it’s a brief interlude considering the building’s 150-year history. The community eagerly anticipates the revitalization of this historic gem, restoring it to its former glory for future Ivyland generations to enjoy.
Warminster Symphony Orchestra
Concert in the Park
June 21st 7pm Ivyland Commons by the School House
Join us for this wonderful Ivyland annual tradition. Bring your chair, grab some food and enjoy the music and the evening. We are looking for volunteers to help with the event and sponsors too! So if you want to help with your hands or your wallet – we’d appreciate it.
Contact us at ajudice@ivylandborough.org Spring Forward Safely
Now is a good time to check your smoke alarms and change replaceable batteries
IFCO
Events
• Thur. May 8th –Tranquility Brewing fundraiser
• Sat. June 7th –
Coin Toss (Rain Date 6/8)
• Wed. July 16th –
Tony's Place fundraiser
• Sat. Sep 13th –
Coin Toss (Rain Date 9/14)
Stay up to date with all our events & news at facebook.com/ivyland.firecompany and ivylandfireco.org Holy Week
We will meet on Holy Thursday, April 17th 6 - 7 p.m. for an Agape Meal of bread, fruit and cheese. There will be a time of worship and a sharing of the Lord’s Supper.
Good Friday April 18th
Meet at church at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 18th to pack lunches for St. Francis Inn in Kensington.
Easter Sunday April 20th
We will have one service this year. Worship will be family friendly and include communion by intinction. Worship begins at 10 a.m.
Visit us at ivylandpresbyterian.org and follow us at facebook.com/ivylandchurch
Arched windows and original staircase will be part of the new design
Easter Egg Hunt
Sat. April 12th 2 p.m.
By the Borough Office
Events
Memorial Day in Ivyland
Mon. May 26th
Parade 8:15 a.m.
Ceremony after at Veterans Memorial
Watershed Friendly PA Certification
Sat. June 7th 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jacksonville & Bristol Rds
Warminster Symphony Concert
Sat. June 21st 7 p.m. Ivyland Commons Park
Watershed-friendly PA is a collaboration between Penn State Extension's statewide Master Watershed Steward Program and the Nurture Nature Center in Easton, PA. This is funded through the Department of Environmental Protection's 2022 Environmental Education Grants Program.
Reducing stormwater runoff, reducing water pollution, conserving water, and supporting wildlife and pollinators are critical elements of healthy, watershed-friendly properties. This program offers guidance and resources, and allows property owners to fill out a simple online application to qualify for watershedfriendly property certification.
Watershed-Friendly Property Certification recognizes landowners who incorporate best practices in managing and protecting water resources and provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators on their property. In addition, the certification recognizes landowners who make a commitment to minimize their potential impact on water quality by using less harmful chemicals, and who maintain good housekeeping of their property.
Qualifying applicants will receive a certificate, a free window or door decal, and the opportunity to order a property sign for a minimal cost. Scan QR code for continued story...
A Message From Boy Scout Troop 200
Did you know that Ivyland is home to a thriving Boy Scout Troop? For over 50 years, Troop 200 has been helping young men achieve their potential, with more than 75 Scouts earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
We’re an active troop, camping every month where Scouts plan, shop for, and cook their own meals (and yes, they clean up afterward!). Our adventures include fishing, hiking, fire building, practicing good citizenship, and learning lifelong skills.
Recently, our Scouts put their training to the test and took first place in the Tohickon District Klondike Derby. They pulled their supplies on a dog sled, built a shelter, started a fire, cooked a Dutch oven lunch from scratch, and even tried their hand at axe throwing. This summer, we’ll be going deep-sea fishing and spending four days touring Gettysburg National Military Park.
These are just a few examples of how Troop 200 helps young men grow, build confidence, and develop leadership skills that last a lifetime. If you or your son (ages 11-18) are interested in learning more, feel free to stop by the Ivyland Presbyterian Church on any Monday night from 7:00 to 8:30 PM or call Scoutmaster Randy Solly at 267-718-7492.
IFCO Coin Drop
Troop 200 at the Tohickon District Klondike Derby
100 Years of The Loud Speaker
This month and this year marks the 100th anniversary of the original Loud Speaker newspaper. It ran for 39 years as a truly local and original Ivyland publication, but it’s history is still entwined with Ivyland to this day. Ivyland’s 100th Anniversary booklet states this about the newpaper:
The Loudspeaker a 24-page monthly publication founded this year (1925) kept Ivyland informed of local happenings in the borough and surrounding area, interjected with fine advertising. Harry H. Eddowes edited the paper and Ralph Eddowes produced it. It was discontinued in 1964.
Harry H, Eddowes, or H.H. Eddowes as he was known as in his printing business was a long-time resident of Ivyland Borough. His printing business covered a wide variety of items; posters, letterheads, business receipts and envelopes to name a few. In 1925 he began The Loud Speaker. It ranged from 8 to 24 pages. They were distributed free to businesses but subscriptions were available for 25 cents a year in 1925. There was little news in the publication. It was more comparable to the Farmer’s Almanac. The Loud Speaker was initially distributed monthly and then later twice a month until it ceased publication in 1964 due to Harry’s declining health. He passed away in 1965.
A chance encounter in 2013 led to an amazing discovery. The house at 96 Chase was being restored and resident and Ivyland Heritage Association member Tony Judice met one of the people working on the house. He recounts what happened then, “At this time, copies of the Loud Speaker were few and any that we had were in poor condition. This young man had a pristine copy of a 1925 edition. He said there were boxes of them that they were going to dispose of.
(Residents) Ed Oldroyd, Nate Pero and I immediately went and spoke to one of the owners who allowed us to dumpster dive and also go into
the garage where we discovered dozens of boxes of uncirculated Loud Speakers. Some were not salvageable, but many were in very good condition. We moved them by the truckload into the basement of the Willard Ave schoolhouse where Ed and I spent the next year poring over all of them and, in the end, saving several copies of almost every edition published. I am into the 1930’s in the quest to digitize all of them”.
Unfortunately, it was learned later that the original printing press had also been in that garage, but had previously been discarded. Still, finding and preserving those original copies was significant to the history of our borough. So much credit goes to Tony and Ed who worked very hard to save piece of our past.
The idea of the Loud Speaker was resurrected in the 1980’s by Borough Council member and President Bob Severn. He was a graphic artist by trade and recreated a short black and white quarterly newsletter for the borough from his home on Gough Ave. It included retro cartoons and other wisdom along with borough news items as an homage to Eddowes publication. After Bob’s passing, the publication eventually stopped.
Then, in April 2019 yet another version of the Loud Speaker was born and continues today – with this latest edition. Today’s Loud Speaker is written, designed and published by Group G Marketing Partners (which occupies the Ivyland school house) and headed up by owner and resident Geff Rapp. 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 and a respectful nod to its rich history.
For over 100 years, the Loud Speaker has been a part of Ivyland and we hope you enjoy it.
Around the Borough Since Our Last Issue
Bonfire & Hayride, Halloween, the Northern lights, Christmas Luminaria, Grand Illumination, new swings and dog attractions in Ivyland Village.
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 April 18, 21, May 26, June 19, July 4 Sept 1, Oct 13, Nov 28, Dec 24, 25, 26, 31
Zoning / Code Officer Hours: Matt Hallowell
Zoning Officer / Code Administrator Tues/Thurs 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Community Content Wanted!
Community Content Wanted! We want your ideas and contributions to make The Loudspeaker even better. So if you have suggestions about an Ivyland related article or a person you think we should profile, let us know. We’d also like your pictures from around the neighborhood and from community events – please share them. Are you a writer? Join our editorial staff! Our goal is for the Loud Speaker to feature all sorts of great content for you and from you. Thank you! Email us at loudspeaker@ivylandborough.org
Official Facebook Page for Ivyland Borough: facebook.com/ivylandpa
Ivyland Memorial Day Parade
Join us for the annual Ivyland Memorial Day Parade Mon. May 26th! Residents are encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue and decorate bikes and strollers. Meet at the Ivyland Schoolhouse at 8 a.m. The parade will wind through the neighborhood and conclude at the Veterans Memorial in Ivyland Commons Park for a traditional ceremony honoring our heroes. Let’s celebrate together and show our community spirit!