Yardleyville 'Horse Thieves' Saddling Up For 157th Annual Meeting

YARDLEY, PA — The Yardleyville Protective Company for the Pursuit and Detection of Horse Thieves and Other Villains is saddling up for its 157th annual meeting and the public is invited “ride” along.

The unique evening of history, community, socializing and horsing around takes place on Saturday, January 13 at Michael’s Restaurant, 935 Lincoln Highway in Falls Township.

The annual meeting and dinner of the “Horse Thieves” offers a night filled with food, entertainment and a chance to spend time with some old friends and maybe make some new ones, said Company President Hank Crawford.

On their way to the annual meeting are, from left, Brad and Wendy Varney, company president Hank Crawford; Laurie Rousseau, Ralph Nuzzolo, Sue Bissert, Bill Moculak, and Laura Foulds. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

At this year’s meeting, officers and directors of the organization donning black top hats will preside over a gathering of “vigilantes” just like the organization has done for the past 157 years.

But unlike meetings from a century and a half ago where members were busy forming posses, posting rewards and tracking down horse thieves and other villains, today’s company is more about socialization and keeping a tradition alive.

“It’s all about having a good time together as a community and as part of a group that goes back 157 years,” said Crawford.

Protective Companies kept order in the days before organized police departments. And in the case of the Yardleyville company acted as an insurance company for its members paying out claims for lost and stolen livestock, property and horses.

“They served a purpose not just in Yardley but in other parts of Bucks County and other parts of the country,” said Crawford. “They were the vigilantes. They were the people who protected people’s property. A horse in those days was your means of transportation. It was your survival. And if that horse was stolen, which many were back in those days, they relied on the protective companies to find them,” said Crawford. “It would be like if your car was stolen. You’d want someone to find it. These companies served a useful purpose. And it wasn’t just horses. There were claims in for chickens and other livestock.”

The companies were composed of neighbors who would get together to help other neighbors after they fell victim to thieves.

“This is part of Yardley’s history,” Crawford continued. “While it doesn’t serve a purpose any more, to be a part of an organization that’s been around that long is something special.

“This is a piece of local history to cherish and support because if we lose it it will be gone and we’ll never get it back,” said Crawford. “We’re blessed here in Yardley that people have kept it going.”

The annual meeting and banquet is a fun night, said Crawford. “We do some horsing around. We read the minutes from 150 years ago. It’s a wonderful dinner and a time to get together with neighbors to share in a unique experience.”

The evening concludes with the mind-bending magic and illusions of Clive Allen and Heather Lynn.

“It’s going to be a great night,” said Crawford, who especially encourages younger generations to experience the “Horse Thieves” first hand. “It’s a fun night out. It will give you a lot to tell your friends. It’s just once a year. And it’s about keeping a tradition alive. We hope to see you there,” he said.

The evening begins with cocktails at 4:30 p.m. with cash bar and music by John Martell sponsored by Skip Garlits. The general meeting begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and entertainment. The cost is $59 for members and $62 for non-members.

For more information and reservations, call 215-962-8557. Reservations must be made by Saturday December 30.

Brad Varney drove the Yardleyville Protective Company through town in his 1937 Dodge Truck during the annual Old Fashioned Christmas Parade in Yardley.