The Bucks County Recorder of Deeds introduced the Adopt-A-Book Program to save historic deed books, some of which date back to 1684. These documents range from papers signed by William Penn to post-Civil War records. Bucks County was one of the first counties that Penn founded, and his original signature can be found in Deed Book 1.
The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg who fled Luxembourg due to the German invasion during World War II purchased a working farm in Middle Township, Bucks County — approximately 300 acres — which supported the government during World War II. The Duchess sold the property in 1964, and it was eventually purchased by Bucks County. That deed can be found in Deed Book 732 on page 365.
The Recorder of Deeds is dedicated to restoring the deed books and preserving the history of Bucks County landowners. The program invites the community to become a part of the preservation of the history. For as little as $10, Friends of Bucks County can adopt a deed book.
The office is having 700 of the oldest books treated and rebound, adding up to 250 years to the life of the documents.
In 2018, $125 was given to the program for financial support. The consideration at the Feb.28 meeting was $499. One of the supervisors noted, “It looks like a lot of the books need to be redone there, and I think it’s a value to the county, so I’d like to make a motion that we spend up to $5,000.”
The motion for $5,000 failed at the meeting. The supervisors agreed on financial support for up to $500 and added that people with a personal interest in historical preservation can send personal checks.
The Bucks County Recorder of Deeds office sent letters to all municipalities in Bucks County. Daniel McPhillips, Bucks County Recorder of Deeds, noted that the average donation from municipalities is $300 to $500.
McPhillips added, “We are still requesting donations from municipalities. One of the biggest supporters are the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who recently gave $2,000.”
Krysti Buchanan, Vice Regent of the Washington Crossing Chapter DAR recently donated $625. In total, the chapter has donated $3,925.
All who donate will receive a certificate of thanks and be recognized on the Recorder of Deeds’ Adopt-A-Book Wall. Large donors will have their name memorialized in a book.
The vendor who preserves the books, Kofile, is located in Vermont and there are currently 69 books there. These books will be preserved in two phases and should be finished late spring of this year.
McPhillips stated, “We are halfway through our preserving deeds book project and working for the early 1900s. Kofile has worked with government agencies for over 30 years and is restoring, preserving, imagining, and enhancing our deed books. Our Deed Book Preserving Project is funded by donations, and two grants.”
McPhillips encourages people to check out the Recorder of Deeds Facebook page where he wrote, “Our office continually looks for grants and other funding to help finish preserving our old deed books. Any little bit helps!”
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