Prior to their removal in 1965 and 1967, Market Street in Perrysville and later Port Royal, was lined with Horse Chestnut (sometimes called "Buckeye") Trees. It is likely that the trees were planted when sidewalks and curbing were laid along the street and the roadway was paved.
Travelers on PA Route 75 (Market Street was part of Route 75) experienced the shade of the trees during the Spring, Summer and Fall months. When the leaves turned in color and the "buckeyes" fell, it is likely that non-residents envisioned the street as part of a quaint New England village.
Beginning in 1965 and culminating in 1967 the PA Department of Transportation removed the trees to aid parking and to enhance traffic flow on the Street.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/23/20 - Image Year: 1925
TREES ON MARKET - This view looking east on Market Street from Fifth Street. The Lutheran Parsonage and Church are visible on the center left of the photo. The photo was likely taken during Winter months after the trees had shed their leaves.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/23/20 - Image Year: 1965
TREES ARE GONE Before their removal, two large Horse Chestnut trees stood in front of the "Lute" Beaver and later Glen Kepner Clothing Store on the north east corner of the intersection of Market and 4th Streets. Someone had attached a plank between the two trees and it served as a bench for people to sit. During summer months, it was common to see the bench occupied with one to four people. The bench is gone with the trees. The bench served as a popular gathering place for town residents.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/23/20 - Image Year: 2000
TREES ARE GONE - A view of market Street looking East. A blue vehicle is exiting Fifth Street. The bell towers of both the Methodist and Lutheran Churches are visible in the photo. The trees have been removed from the street and new curbing and road surface has been installed.
