W.T. Grant Co., Reading, PA
Long before the days of big-box stores like Walmart and Target, five-and-dime stores had everything you needed. You could buy clothes, grab some treats, and eat lunch for under $20. Kresge's, W. T. Grants, [...]
Keystone Hook and Ladder Company No. 1
The Reading Fire Department was officially organized on March 17, 1773, with the founding of the Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company. The Keystone Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, was organized on December 12, 1855. The [...]
Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute/Penn State Berks
The Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, founded by Ferdinand Thun and Henry Janssen, was originally organized as the Educational Department of the Textile Machine Works. Below: Ferdinand Thun. Below: Henry Janssen. Textile Machine [...]
Cigar Makers of Reading, PA
The manufacture of cigars began in Reading about 1800. A box of cigars always stood on the counter of every tavern and its contents were free to all guests. Cigar-makers generally made from 800 [...]
First Catholic Church in Reading, PA
Reading was founded in 1748 by Thomas and Richard Penn (sons of William Penn). In 1752 a modest chapel was built on the east side of Duke Street (lot number 321), now Seventh Street, [...]
House of the Good Shepherd
For more than half of our nation's history, social services were not provided by the government, but by benevolent and religious institutions. As the number of Catholics in Berks County grew, so did the [...]
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.
