Descendants of Charles and Elizabeth Holly and Thomas Clowney, shown with Mayor Daniel L. Yocum of Souderton Borough (right) and Cory Alderfer of the Souderton-Telford Historical Society (far right) during the sign unveiling. Courtesy of Geoff Simonson
Holly's Hill Park Interpretive Sign
September 13, 2024–September 13, 2025
In 1884, Charles and Theodore Holly expanded their father’s Handkäse enterprise into Holly Bros. Cheese Corp., producing hand-shaped cheeses that were packed in wooden boxes and shipped throughout the Northeast and Midwest. The Souderton business thrived until the Great Depression brought operations to a close.
Their story is documented in town records, Sanborn fire insurance maps, local newspapers, and regional histories—traces of a family enterprise that once shaped the community’s economic and cultural life.
September 13, 2024–September 13, 2025
In 1884, Charles and Theodore Holly expanded their father’s Handkäse enterprise into Holly Bros. Cheese Corp., producing hand-shaped cheeses that were packed in wooden boxes and shipped throughout the Northeast and Midwest. The Souderton business thrived until the Great Depression brought operations to a close.
Their story is documented in town records, Sanborn fire insurance maps, local newspapers, and regional histories—traces of a family enterprise that once shaped the community’s economic and cultural life.
Souderton, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, 1894, by T. M. Fowler and James B. Moyer. Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division (left) and Souderton, Pa., 1924, by Sanborn Map Company. Public Domain via Penn State University Libraries Digital Collections, cropped (right)
Objective
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Connect visitors to Holly’s Hill Park—named for my ancestors—with the legacy of Holly Bros. Hand Cheese and the family who lived and worked on the site.
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Connect visitors to Holly’s Hill Park—named for my ancestors—with the legacy of Holly Bros. Hand Cheese and the family who lived and worked on the site.
The Charles and Elizabeth Holly House, photographed before 1924, is believed by the Souderton-Telford Historical Society to have been designed by architect Milton B. Bean (1849–1938). Courtesy of Dolores Schiffer
Challenge
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Research family history and translate archival material into a clear, engaging interpretive experience. The project required writing concise text, selecting meaningful imagery, and designing two panels—one focused on the cheese-making enterprise and the other on the Holly family.
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Research family history and translate archival material into a clear, engaging interpretive experience. The project required writing concise text, selecting meaningful imagery, and designing two panels—one focused on the cheese-making enterprise and the other on the Holly family.
Holly Bros. Tinfoil Wrapper, modified for clarity. Courtesy of Theodore Smith
Approach
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The text was organized into concise 50-word segments with short captions to support easy reading. Images were gathered from family members and the local historical society. A green palette referenced both the Holly name and the preserved four-acre landscape. A subtle gradient background created contrast, while Old English Text—echoing historic cheese wrappers—paired with Helvetica Neue for clarity and legibility. The sign was positioned near the park’s parking lot for visibility and access.
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The text was organized into concise 50-word segments with short captions to support easy reading. Images were gathered from family members and the local historical society. A green palette referenced both the Holly name and the preserved four-acre landscape. A subtle gradient background created contrast, while Old English Text—echoing historic cheese wrappers—paired with Helvetica Neue for clarity and legibility. The sign was positioned near the park’s parking lot for visibility and access.
Graphic panel narrating the story of Holly Bros. Hand Cheese.
Graphic panel narrating the story of Holly House.
Outcome
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Unveiled exactly one year after the project began, the marker brought together family members, local historians, and community leaders for shared reflection. Visitors to the park now encounter a layered story of enterprise, place, and memory—rediscovering how a small family business once connected Souderton to a wider world.
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Unveiled exactly one year after the project began, the marker brought together family members, local historians, and community leaders for shared reflection. Visitors to the park now encounter a layered story of enterprise, place, and memory—rediscovering how a small family business once connected Souderton to a wider world.
Lancaster Farming, Holly Bros. ‘Handkäse’ Once a Souderton Staple, by Sue Bowman, October 19, 2025.
Farmshine, Cheese-making commemorated at Holly Hill Park, by Dieter Krieg, September 26, 2025.
Farmshine, Cheese-making commemorated at Holly Hill Park, by Dieter Krieg, September 26, 2025.
Project Details
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Site: Holly’s Hill Park, Souderton, PA
Size: 36 in. x 48 in.
Content: Photographs (10), Words (949)
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Roles: Project Management, Research, Content Development, Visual Design
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Organizers: Descendants of Charles and Elizabeth Holly
Project support: Souderton Borough and Souderton-Telford Historical Society, with appreciation to Ursula Heinzelmann and Douglas Scott
Fabricator: Pannier
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Site: Holly’s Hill Park, Souderton, PA
Size: 36 in. x 48 in.
Content: Photographs (10), Words (949)
—
Roles: Project Management, Research, Content Development, Visual Design
—
Organizers: Descendants of Charles and Elizabeth Holly
Project support: Souderton Borough and Souderton-Telford Historical Society, with appreciation to Ursula Heinzelmann and Douglas Scott
Fabricator: Pannier