There’s no question the past year has been a financial challenge for many businesses across the nation.

Whenever the economy turns south, it usually spells disaster for merchants and companies that haven’t prepared for difficult times.

But many did; they were the survivors and they will be subject of the Lansdale Historical Society’s Dec. 8 Community Program.

“Staying Power: Businesses That Withstood the Test of Time” will focus on the dozens of North Penn area firms that survived for at least half a century.


Some are still going strong; others eventually succumbed to financial problems or simply went out of business because their products or services were no longer used by the public.

Dick Shearer, president of the Lansdale Historical Society, provided today’s picture, a late 1880s photos of the Oberholtzer and Freed farm equipment business on Susquehanna Avenue that was the predecessor of today’s Honda dealership.


Shearer noted that he picked this photo because Freed’s was moving to its new location in Montgomeryville on Dec. 4.

Freed and Oberholtzer lasted until 1902, Shearer said, when Freed bought controlling interest — and they’ve been in business since then.

This latest move is only their second in all those years, Shearer said.

An extensive list of area companies that meet the 50-year benchmark was prepared by historical society members this year.

However, the list is far from complete, Shearer said, and members of the audience will be encouraged to suggest other businesses that may have been overlooked.

The program will be narrated by Shearer and, as usual, will include a video presentation by Steve Moyer.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lansdale Parks and Recreation Building, Seventh Street and Lansdale Avenue. There is no admission charge but donations are appreciated.