The History of Trappe, Pennsylvania

TIMELINE

The records of Trappe Borough have been well preserved by the Trappe Historical Society, which was formed in 1964. From these records some dates of interest are:

1717	Trappe founded
1732	Augustus Lutheran Church founded
1794	First post office, spelled Trap
1824	Post Office spelling, Trapp
1832	Post Office spelling, Trappe
1896	Borough incorporated
1911	Fire company organized
1929	Post Office closed
1969	Perkiomen Valley School District formed

TRAPPE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Historical Society has its headquarters in the former Dewees Tavern, an historic building that has been restored by the society. In 1998, the society also completed the restoration of the "Muhlenberg House", originally owned by Henry Muhlenberg, an important figure in Lutheranism in the US. The Historical Society has open houses on Sundays during the summer months. More information can be found at www.trappehistoricalsociety.org.

THE SPEAKER'S HOUSE

Also located in Trappe is the home of Frederick Muhlenberg, signer of the Bill of Rights and first Speaker of the House for the U.S. House of Representatives. This home has been honored with a state historical marker and is the target of ongoing restoration efforts. More information about the effort to preserve the piece of history can be found at www.speakershouse.org.

TRAPPE FLAG

The design calls to mind the rich history of the community and at the same time suggests the important elements of contemporary life, all directed to a sure and certain hope for the future. The symbols are arranged in a shield divided into four parts. The description proceeds clockwise:

Religion
Religion played a very important part in the colonial days. The founding father of the Lutheran Church in America lived in Trappe and the founding father of the German Reformed Church in the colonies established St. Luke's Church and served as its pastor. An outline drawing of old Augustus Lutheran, the oldest unaltered church in the United States, symbolizes the religious faith of the people of Trappe.
Justice, Education And Military
The founding representative government with liberty and justice for all consumed a great deal of time and energy of the people of Trappe during the American Revolution and the years thereafter. The sword reminds us that through September and October 1777 the Continental Armies occupied Trappe. Peter Muhlenberg served as general. Frederick Muhlenberg was the first Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. The scales of justice remind us the first session of the Orphan's Court occurred in Trappe. The pen reminds us education began in the "Charity Schools" of the 18th Century and continued through the Washington Collegiate Institute of the 19th Century and the public schools of our day. The pen rests on top of the sword to remind us that the pen is mightier than the sword.
Early Life
The early colonial settlement in 1717 in what was then a wilderness is symbolized by the log cabin. The first was built by Jacob Schrack. The home and the family then as now have been the basis for a stable and strong community. Trappe is a community of historic houses that today establish a pattern for a "historic green town".
Farming And Industry
Farming and industry are portrayed by the rake, the fork and the cog wheels. The first official name of Trappe was Providence which indicates the richness of the soil and the availability of excellent water. In the 20th Century, the light metal industry developed in the borough.

In the two corners of the flag are the dates of founding in 1717 and the incorporation of the borough in 1896. The shield is topped by a sunburst which was the favorite colonial symbol for hope. We have hope for the future because of the faith, industry, education and the practice of representative government of the families of Trappe. The colors are blue and gold (colors of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) on white.

Design by Mr Frank Eld, Mr. George Hartman, Ms. Marion Walsh and Rev. John C. Shetler. Suggestions for design were received from Junior and Senior High School students as well as citizens of the community. Art work was done by Mr. Eugene Blue.