The Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA) is offering an adult coloring book to share the fascinating history of the founding of Doylestown Hospital in 1923.
The coloring book will also raise funds to support Bucks County residents in need. The VIA, a 128-year old organization is the only philanthropic women’s association in the United States to have created and (after 100 years) still govern an award-winning hospital.
The VIA Coloring Book wraps up a busy year of sharing the story of Doylestown Hospital. In July, the VIA collaborated with Phillips’ Mill Theater to present “VOICES: A History of the VIA of Doylestown,” an original play scripted by VIA member Joy Nash and performed live to sell-out audiences. On Sept. 29, “The Dusty Road to Doylestown Hospital: The Early Years of the Village Improvement Association” exhibition opened at the Mercer Museum. The engaging exhibit will run until Dec. 31.
The coloring book came about as a serendipitous misunderstanding when incoming VIA President Helen Hammes came up with the idea of a coloring book. Hammes envisioned a simple children’s coloring book but when committee member Carol Counihan brought the idea to William Schutt, a multi-talented Doylestown resident married to an active VIA member, he thought in terms of an adult coloring book that would capture the interesting history of the historic hospital. While considered a coloring book for adults, the publication is also suitable for slightly older children.
The VIA Coloring Book, which retails for $20 is available for sale at:
•Lori’s Gift Shop in Doylestown Hospital – 595 W. State St., Doylestown
•VIA’s James-Lorah Memorial Home – 132 N. Main St., Doylestown
•Doylestown Bookshop – 16 S. Main St., Doylestown
•Mercer Museum Gift Shop – 84 S. Pine St., Doylestown
On Dec. 9, the Doylestown Bookshop will host a noontime book signing with William Schutt at its location in Doylestown.
To learn more about the nonprofit VIA, its work, how to join or how to provide support, visit: www.via-doylestown.org.
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