Skyline Drive on Mount Penn was constructed by laborers of the Works Progress Administration, a federal program established in 1935 to help decrease unemployment. Under this program, those on relief were assigned to works that would be of direct benefit to the public. [...]
The Hawthorn Mansion at the corner of Clymer St. and Mineral Spring Rd. was built by George Frederick Baer as a summer vacation home around the turn of the 20th century. George Frederick Baer (September 26, 1842 – April 26, 1914) was born [...]
In 1950, Santa Claus was banned from the Reading Christmas parade. Not that the city didn't believe in Santa. But the parade sponsors, the young men of the Reading, Pennsylvania, Junior Chamber of Commerce, also known as the Jaycees, wanted the observance to [...]
The mistletoe Americans are familiar with -- phoradendron serotinum -- grows primarily in the Southeast and as far west as Texas and Oklahoma. In swamps, it can be plucked off low-hanging branches by hand. It can sometimes be taken by ladder or by [...]
William M. Koziar, the creator of Christmas Village, began decorating his home and property in 1948 for the pleasure that he and his wife, Grace, and their four children derived from the unusual display. People appreciated and applauded the beauty of the Koziar's [...]
American Rivers was awarded $275,441 for the Removal of the Paper Mill Dam on Cacoosing Creek. Cacoosing Creek is an 11.4-mile-long (18.3 km) tributary of the Tulpehocken Creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania in the United States. It starts in Fritztown and flows northeast, [...]
After decades of providing outlet prices on brand-name clothing, the VF Outlet store in West Reading is closing. Clerks at the VF store were telling shoppers that all sales are final, as the store is closing Dec. 24. Below: VF Outlet Store, West [...]
From September 20, 1924 to June 29,1979, dirt-track racing fans crowded the 80 acre site of the Reading Fairgrounds located in Muhlenburg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania which was home to a half-mile oval that was known as “The Home of Champions” Modified stock [...]
The Reading Redevelopment Authority recently accepted bids from a New York developer for the purchase of 301, 311, and 315 Washington Street, Reading, PA. Below: 301-315 Washington Street. David Hasenfeld of the Scharf Group plans to combine the three properties to build 15 [...]
Amid a great deal of controversy and opposition from a number of sources, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Reading Area Community College opened its doors for the first time on Oct. 13, 1971. Classes were held for the first time on October [...]
