The mural covers the long-abandoned SEPTA freight car on the corner of North 8th Street and West Market Street in Perkasie. Photo by John Worthington | The Reporter.
A vibrant new mural is bringing color and vitality to a once-blighted corner of downtown Perkasie.
Located on the long-abandoned SEPTA freight car at the corner of North 8th Street and West Market Street, the mural incorporates some of Perkasie’s most beloved landmarks and events, including the annual Christmas tree lighting, Perkasie’s twin bridges in Lenape Park and the Perkasie carousel.
“It was an honor to create something that showcases what people love most about Perkasie,” said artist Carrie Kingsbury of Promiseland Murals. “This mural tells a story of connection, history and celebration, and I hope it brings a smile to everyone who sees it.”
“It’s much more than a panel of wall,” said Perkasie Mayor Jeff Hollenbach during the mural’s Aug. 26 ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It tells a wonderful story that reflects who we are — our history, our values and our hopes for the future.”
Perkasie Mayor Jeff Hollenbach speaks during the mural’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.The freight station adjacent to the boxcar was constructed in 1874 as the town’s railroad station. In 1892, the station relocated to 7th and Market Streets. The boxcar has been sitting idle since 1980, shortly before the termination of passenger rail service.
In July 2024, the Perkasie Borough Council approved an agreement with the Perkasie Town Improvement Association to install a mural on the freight car and began soliciting applications. In September 2024, the council awarded the RFP to Kingsbury.
“It was very competitive because there were really good applicants, very talented applicants,” said Kingsbury. “So I was very honored.”
Kingsbury, who owns a spacious studio in Pottstown, pitched a postcard design, a common style for town welcome signs.
“I thought it would be perfect for this shape,” said Kingsbury. “It’s a good way to feature different aspects of the area and spell the name at the same time.”
Over the course of a few months, Kingsbury, alongside intern Kenna Thompson, designed and painted the mural in her studio. The mural underwent numerous redesigns following input from borough and Perkasie Town Improvement Association officials, said Kingsbury. After Kingsbury and Thompson completed the project, the Perkasie Public Works Department installed the mural on the freight car.
