Berkshire Hotel
Ground was broken for the former Berkshire Hotel, Northwest corner of Fifth and Washington Streets, Reading, PA, on the 16th day of December, 1913. Construction work began the next day. Two months were lost, [...]
Monsignor George Bornemann
George Bornemann was born October 5, 1838, at Lingen, Province of Hanover, Germany. His father was a rope-maker; his mother, Louisa (born, Rolfs) died when he was six years old. The schools of his [...]
The Old White Store and Stichter’s Hardware Store
One of the first business places in Reading was the store of Conrad Weiser at a little crossroads we now know as Fifth and Penn streets in Reading. Weiser moved to the Tulpehocken area [...]
Reading Girls’ High School and Architect Alexander Forbes Smith
On November 2, 1852, the City Union High School on Fourth and Court streets in Reading, Pennsylvania, opened its doors to boys only. Thirty-five students were enrolled under the direction of Principal William H. [...]
Kershner’s Spiked Ice Cream
Kershner's Ice Cream Parlor was the favorite stopping off place for Reading's old timers for the better part of 50 years. The business was started initially about 1895 by the late Jonas Sharman. He [...]
Geology of Mount Penn South Lookout
The Mount Penn scenic lookout at the southern end of Skyline Drive in Reading is situated on some of the oldest and structurally most complicated rocks in the state. Below: Mount Penn scenic [...]
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.
