Gates at the Pagoda: A Missed Opportunity for Greater Ambition
On March 31, 2025, the City of Reading will see the full activation of newly installed gates and surveillance cameras along Skyline Drive, a historic roadway atop Mount Penn that has long been a [...]
Demolition Begins on 431 Penn Street: A Story of Neglect and Lost Heritage
Demolition is set to begin today on the city-owned building at 431 Penn Street, marking another chapter in Reading’s ongoing struggle with historic preservation and municipal mismanagement. Once a symbol of architectural grandeur, the [...]
The Legacy of Jackson Rope Company: 150 Years of Manufacturing in Reading, Pennsylvania
Jackson Rope Company was one of Reading, Pennsylvania’s longest-standing manufacturers. Founded in 1829 by English ropemaker Thomas Jackson, the company grew from a small operation along the Schuylkill Canal into a nationally respected rope [...]
The Historic Opening of Oley Street
In February 1953, Mayor Bamford introduced “Traffic Plan B,” a comprehensive blueprint for alleviating congestion and improving traffic flow throughout Reading. Among its key proposals was the opening of Oley Street, which had been [...]
Reversal of Streets: Transforming Reading’s Traffic and Urban Landscape
In the early 1970s, the city of Reading embarked on a transformational journey to modernize its traffic patterns as part of its broader urban renewal initiative. This effort, backed by years of planning and [...]
History of the Proposed South Reading Bridge
The story of the South Reading Bridge is one of vision, advocacy, and setbacks, spanning decades of urban planning in Reading, Pennsylvania. Conceived as a transformative infrastructure project, the bridge was intended to link [...]
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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.
