On October 7, 1948, Reading, Pennsylvania, hosted one of the most memorable parades in its history as part of the city’s bicentennial celebrations. The event combined a tribute to Reading’s 200-year legacy with recognition of its firefighting community, marking the conclusion of the 69th annual Firemen’s Association convention. Nearly 20,000 firefighters and auxiliaries participated, showcasing their dedication to the profession. The 3.5-mile parade featured 93 fire companies, 88 bands, and 152 pieces of fire apparatus, captivating an estimated 100,000 spectators.
A Monumental Celebration
The parade route began at Second and Penn Streets, moving east to 11th Street, south to Franklin Street, east to Perkiomen Avenue, west back to 11th Street, north to Washington Street, west to Fifth Street, and finally north to Spring Street. Reviewing stands were located at four points—400 block Penn Street, 500 block Penn Street, at City Hall and Fifth and Oley Streets.
The event represented a significant investment of over $2,000,000. Apparatus alone was valued at more than $1,500,000, while uniforms for men and bands cost approximately $150,000 each. Women spent over $30,000 on attire, with an additional $30,000 allocated for hiring music. Thousands of dollars were spent on flowers that adorned apparatus and were carried by participants.
Purpose and Significance
The event was more than just a spectacle; it was a celebration of Reading’s bicentennial and a tribute to the city’s firefighters, past and present. As the city reflected on its 200-year history, the parade honored those who had safeguarded its people and its legacy. The inclusion of historical elements, like the Hamburg Union Fire Company’s 1876 horse-drawn steamer, served as poignant reminders of the city’s evolution and resilience.
Below: Hamburg Union Fire Company’s 1876 horse-drawn steamer.
Highlights of the Parade
The Tamaqua High School Girls Drum and Bugle Corps symbolized the bridge between tradition and progress with their precision and energy. Their performance honored longstanding traditions while representing a new generation of excellence. The Hamburg Union Fire Company’s steamer, drawn by horses, evoked memories of a bygone era when such equipment was a lifeline for communities.
Below: Tamaqua High School Girls Drum and Bugle Corps.
Adding rhythm and flair, the Pendell Fire Fighters String Band blended traditional jazz with the Mummers’ style, beloved in the region. Goodwill Fire Company of Hyde Park, accompanied by its drum and bugle corps, exemplified the enduring spirit of volunteerism and dedication that has long defined Reading’s community.
Below: Pendell Fire Fighters String Band.
Music, Performance, and Legacy
The parade was a celebration of music, art, and tradition, with 88 bands providing a rich soundtrack to the day. Popular tunes like “Beer Barrel Polka” and “Auld Lang Syne” were transformed into lively marching anthems, while majorettes performed acrobatic routines that added energy and excitement. The Rainbow Fire Company of Reading, the oldest active fire company in America, received enthusiastic applause as they led the divisions, carrying a banner commemorating their historic legacy.
Judges evaluated the participants on various criteria, awarding top honors to standout companies. The Susquehanna Fire Company of Columbia was named the best-appearing unit, while the Goodwill Fire Company of Hyde Park was recognized for their striking gold-trimmed uniforms.
Below: Goodwill Fire Company of Hyde Park.
Community Spirit and Participation
The parade brought the entire community together in celebration of Reading’s bicentennial. Schools and businesses closed, allowing residents to line the streets, many with chairs, picnic lunches, and creative seating arrangements. Visiting fire companies were treated to the city’s renowned hospitality, with over 3,000 meals served by local firehouses.
Families played a prominent role, with fathers and sons marching together and children donning miniature fire uniforms. The sight of veteran firefighters, some with silver hair, marching proudly, drew reverence from the crowd, while creative floats and displays brought the city’s history to life.
Balloons in vibrant colors added a festive touch to Reading’s bicentennial parade, delighting children and families alike. Sold by vendors along the route, they ranged in price from 10 to 35 cents, becoming popular souvenirs of the day’s celebrations.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future
The parade underscored the evolution of firefighting, from the Hamburg Union Fire Company’s 1876 steamer to modern apparatuses that showcased advancements in technology. Groups like the Tamaqua High School Girls Drum and Bugle Corps highlighted the importance of passing these traditions to future generations.
A Day to Remember
By the end of Reading’s bicentennial parade, the paraders were visibly exhausted after hours of marching along the 3.5-mile route. Despite their weariness, they remained spirited, with many finding relief in camaraderie and warm applause from the crowd. Stories of aching feet and well-earned breaks highlighted their dedication to making the event memorable.
As the parade concluded under the glow of city lights, it left an indelible mark on Reading’s history. The bicentennial firefighters’ parade not only celebrated the city’s 200-year legacy but also honored the courage and dedication of its fire service. It united Reading’s people in pride, nostalgia, and optimism for the future.
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