Three historic Bucks County deed books have been dedicated in honor of residents and elected officials in Ivyland Borough and Warwick Townships for their support of the Bucks County Historic Deed Book Restoration Project.
Both municipalities recently voted in favor of donating to the project, which is systematically restoring and preserving about 700 volumes of original deeds and other historic Bucks County documents dating to the 1680s.
Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Robin Robinson, a Warwick resident who has spearheaded the preservation project, was on hand for both dedications. She praised the municipalities “for partnering with me on this exciting project…Once preserved, these books will last for another 500 years.”
Ivyland officials will have deed books 16 and 164 on display in the Borough Hall Conference Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays through Dec. 20.
Deed book 164 contains information about Ivyland founder Edwin Lacey’s 1873 purchase of 38 acres from Isaac Parry, part of a tract that previously had belonged to the Hart family since the early 1700s (deed book 16).
“It is fascinating to see our founding fathers’ names in these books and realize it is the official record from the beginning of our special community,” said Ivyland Councilwoman Christina Finello.
Proceeds from the Ivyland donation came from Council members’ salaries, “which they annually donate back to the borough each year for worthwhile projects such as this,” said Council President Salvatore DiPaolo.
Warwick Township, meanwhile, will display deed book 24 in the lobby of the township building through Sept. 20.
Pages 97 and 98 of that volume deal with the township’s historic John Moland property, detailing Moland’s one-year lease for five shillings, followed by a release of land owned by Thomas Freame, husband of William Penn’s daughter, Margaret. The Freames sold some of the land to Moland in 1737.
“Given the rich history of Warwick as well as Bucks County, we were happy to play a part in preserving our history. With the world and technology moving so fast these days, it is exciting to be part of a project that is saving historic documents for generations to come,” said Warwick Supervisors Chairwoman Judith Algeo.
“We hope Warwick residents will come out to see the book, especially the information about the Moland property,” said Supervisors Vice Chairman John Cox. “These books really are impressive, and we are lucky to have one available for residents to view through September.”
To learn more about the Adopt-a-Book program or to contact the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds office, call 215-348-6209, or visit buckscounty.org/government/RowOfficers/RecorderofDeeds. ••
