St. Cecilia’s Memorial Chapel, Reading, PA
Theodore Ignatius Heizmann began the construction of St. Cecilia's Chapel in 1892-1893 in memory of his mother, Mary Cecilia Heizmann. Theodore Ignatius Heizmann was born in Reading Dec. 14, 1838. He attended the private schools [...]
Hotel Junction, Pennsylvania Trust Co., Flowers by Helen Heck, Ollie’s Cocktail Lounge, Idaho Spud Bar, and Gift Sisters School of Dance
The triangular-shaped building at the intersection of 8th and 9th streets was once known as the Flatiron Building, although its original name was the Hotel Junction, with the address 1012 N. 9th St. Reading has [...]
The Hazing Death of William Lee Terry, Reading High School’s First Black Graduate
On Wednesday morning, June 25, 1884, the Latin word "In limine" was placed above the stage at Reading's Grand Opera House. It translates to "On the Threshold," and it was the slogan of Reading High [...]
Saving a Sculptured Head from the former Girls’ High School
During the demolition of the Girls' High School at the corner of 4th and Court Streets in September 1961, Peter Zuk, president of Zuk Lumber & Demolition Co., Inc. of Belvidere, N.J., whose business had [...]
C. K. Whitner’s Department Store and the Southwest Corner of Fifth and Penn Streets
Whitner's Department Store has a rich history, beginning in 1877 when Calvin K. Whitner, a farmer-turned-storekeeper, opened his first store in Reading at 432 Penn St. Despite initial doubts from local merchants, Whitner's enterprise [...]
City’s “Gate” sculpture by Robinson Fredenthal
The "Gate" is an outdoor metal sculpture by Robinson Fredenthal, commissioned by the Reading Redevelopment Authority for the North Sixth and Penn streets courtyard in the Downtown East Urban Renewal Area. It was assembled [...]
Featured series – Sin City
About GoReadingBerks
GoReadingBerks is a digital platform dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. Through carefully curated articles, vintage photographs, and in-depth research, it explores the region’s past—from its industrial heritage and architectural landmarks to its cultural traditions and community stories.
