There have never been many families of color in Doylestown Borough. And, in 1887, there were likely only four, according to the ancestors of one of the families and historical records.
Among that small group of African Americans were Joseph B. and Lillie A. Stratton, who arrived in the small borough from Reading that year and soon settled in a home at 186 E. Ashland St., where, 136 years later, two of their descendants continue to live.
On July 30, following a family reunion, dozens from the Stratton family lineage gathered to celebrate their rich Doylestown history and unveil a home plaque.
Reading, “Estate of Lillie A. Stratton House Blt. 1870,” the marker places the East Ashland Street house among a select number of borough homes signified with such a historic symbol.
During the late 1880s and into the early 20th century, the Strattons raised eight children in the house, including Doreen Stratton, 81, and Judith Stratton, 80, who live there now, along with Melanie Grady, Doreen’s daughter.
“This is a woman’s house,” said Doreen, during a recent interview. “Four generations of hanging laundry out back,” Judith added with a smile.
Among the many remarkable pieces of the Stratton family story is that of Lillie Stratton. A widowed school teacher, seamstress and woman who took in others’ laundry, she borrowed $2,000 ($1,500 for the house and $500 for an addition) from the Doylestown Building and Loan Association and bought the home in 1923.
“Our grandmother had the presence of mind to buy this house after renting it for 35 years,” said Doreen. “When she met with a Realtor, he said, ‘Don’t you want to buy something on the west end of town?’.”
That was considered the “lesser side of Doylestown,” explained Doreen, where some people of color lived.
“No, I want this one,” Doreen said she told him.
The family commissioned the Doylestown Historical Society to compile a 124-page “meticulously documented” history of one of the town’s few African American families of the time.
“We have a serious history that we’re proud of,” said Doreen.
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