A skyline landmark in the southern section of the city, the steeples of St. Mary's Catholic Church rise above Twelfth and Spruce streets. Polish immigrants began arriving in Reading around 1850, seeking work and livelihood in the iron foundries here. The majority [...]
Catholic education was in its prime in the early 1960s. Overcrowding at Central Catholic High School and St. Peter’s High School necessitated the need for another High School. In 1961, Bishop Joseph McShea, of the newly created Allentown Diocese, inaugurated a massive building [...]
The Bavarian Beneficial Association was a German organization in the City of Reading organized May 29, 1887, with 50 members. Preliminary meetings were held at Bavarian Hall, 225 Penn Street. It was at first intended to be composed only of natives of Bavaria [...]
Perhaps the most widely known of the legends of the Schuylkill Valley is the romantic story of "Lover’s Leap." Near a high precipice along the banks of the river, there was once located an Indian village. The chief of that tribe had a [...]
During the Civil War, Scott Foundry, Reading, PA, tested army and navy cannons on the slope of Neversink Mountain. Near the proving grounds was a strong run of water that originated as a spring. Miniature water wheels were constructed and placed along the [...]
The Neversink Union Mission was located at 728 Bingaman Street, Reading, PA. This view dates from 1905. Little is known of this short-lived organization. The children’s attire is somewhat surprising in that their clothing is not what one would expect to see youngsters [...]
Across the ridge of Mount Penn, Reading, PA, extends the Skyline Boulevard or Skyline Drive. Motorists who fail to drive across the boulevard when visiting the City of Reading are depriving themselves of an un-paralleled view of Reading and countryside for miles around. [...]
The Pagoda and the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower are two of three landmarks on Mount Penn. The third is a large peace sign painted on a large rock on Mount Penn facing Reading. In 1967, LeRoy G. Levan and a handful of [...]
As early as 1850, most of the outdoor entertainments were in parks shaded by huge trees with a thick covering of tan bark on the ground. Variety acts with pioneer gymnasts and acrobats, orchestra and band concerts, and choral organizations entertained enthusiastic gatherings [...]
The Gruber Wagon Works, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, exists as one of the finest examples of late nineteenth century manufacturing in the United States. The wagon works, which contains over 19,000 artifacts and depicts the business peak production years of the [...]
