The Union Horse Company of Doylestown Township and Vicinity

The Union Horse Company was founded circa 1835 at the Turk’s Head Hotel “for detecting and apprehending horse thieves and other villains.” Between 1851 and 1860 there were more than 44 such companies in Bucks County, at least one in every town and township. In the early days, members or “detectives” investigated claims of stolen or missing horses or horse equipment, but by the year 1920 the organization was primarily social, attracting a wide variety of men including farmers, townsfolk, judges, police officers and politicians. There still exist today numerous other local horse companies such as those in Newtown, Furlong and Plumsteadville.

In late January or early February, the 130 gentlemen of Doylestown’s Union Horse Company will hold their 188th annual meeting “to enable members to be a part of an unusual group without being responsible for anything other than showing up once a year for a congenial day with old friends.”

The dinner menu frequently features the “mane” course and bears the likeness of “our house mother, Winnie.” Company officials are listed as: president & barn boss, vice presidents & stable attaches, secretary & keeper of the stud book, treasurer & keeper of the feed bag, keeper of the tools, and detectives. The meeting place has varied over the years from the Fountain House, Doylestown Inn, American Legion, and Doylestown Moose Hall to the Courthouse Inn. Currently, it’s at the Gardenville Hotel. Speakers have included sportscaster Al Meltzer and author James Michener. Activities feature the initiation of “colts” and occasionally a (mock) hanging of a prominent community member.

Thanks to Barn Boss Jay Stough for sharing much of the Union Horse Company’s history.

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