Souderton - Past and Present Under The Railroad Bridge, Part 1

Crossing over Chestnut Street in Souderton, Pennsylvania is a railroad bridge built in 1927 on which some of Souderton's history both past and present has been painted on both sides of the street. The pictures presented below come from one side and a later post will present the pictures on the other side. All comments for each picture will describe attractions from left to right. For a larger view, click on the picture.


In the above picture is a Liberty Bell Limited trolley car which ran from 1912 to 1951 through Souderton from Philadelphia to Allentown, Pennsylvania. I think the large brick building may have been the Souderton Feed Mill. Next to it, the building with the four yellow Corinthian columns was the old Union National Bank home from 1877 to 1929. The bike rider represents the current day Univest Grand Prix which attracts amateur bike racers from countries in Europe as well as from America. The race route is a hundred miles long passing through much hilly terrain.


On the road at the top of this picture are two soapbox cars and riders representing the Indian Valley Soapbox Derby held twice a year in Souderton for the youth. Below the red soapbox car is the town clock and the "Welcome to Souderton, Inc. 1887" sign.


At the top of the hill is the pavilion located in the town park. Below the pavilion is a row of corn plants representing the agricultural history of the area. Next to the corn is the railroad and Main Street, Souderton. On the road is an antique Souderton Police Department vehicle. Next to that is the Montgomery Theater that produces a number of plays throughout the year.


And last but not least is the black steam locomotive that pulled trains with freight and passengers between Philadelphia and Allentown for so many years.