In the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania, the Astor Theater once stood as a beacon of architectural grandeur and cultural significance. Though the theater met its unfortunate demise years ago, pieces of its storied past have found their way into unexpected places, telling the tale of a bygone era. Among the many artifacts salvaged were the theater’s stunning sconces—ornate light fixtures that illuminated the Astor’s lobbies, mezzanines, and auditorium. This is the story of their rediscovery and restoration.
The Unexpected Find
The journey began in 2005 during a conversation with Jim and a friend at the Centre Park Artifacts Bank. They were discussing the Astor when Jim’s friend mentioned that many of the theater’s treasures had been saved and distributed to institutions like the Reading Museum and the Berks History Center. This knowledge planted a seed of curiosity for both men, but it wasn’t until 2006 that their discovery became reality.
That year, Jim and his wife were visiting a Victorian home in Galen Hall—formerly the residence of George Strickland Pomeroy of Pomeroy’s Department Store—which was being auctioned. Jim’s friend joined them, adding to the sense of adventure. While touring the carriage house on the property, Jim’s wife noticed a pile of neglected sconces on the ground and remarked on how beautiful they could look if restored. Upon closer examination, Jim and his friend were stunned. The sconces looked remarkably similar to the lights from the Astor Theater. Could these be the very fixtures that once adorned the grand walls of the Astor?
A Restoration Journey
The discovery ignited a labor of love to restore these artifacts to their former glory. The sconces, in their as-found condition, were in desperate need of care.
Despite extensive research, finding detailed close-up photographs of these sconces proved challenging. Jim consulted local historians and preservationists but none had any images or definitive leads.
Jim turned to GoReadingBerks, determined to learn more. GoReadingBerks gladly joined the project and dug through archives, eventually assisting Jim in locating close-up views of the sconces.
Over time, through meticulous effort, these pieces underwent various stages of restoration, transforming back into the ornate works of art they once were.
One particular model stood out—the sconces that lined the auditorium and balcony walls. These fixtures, with their intricate designs and upward-projecting back glass, were especially iconic.
The Astor’s Auditorium and Balcony Wall Sconces.
The Astor’s Auditorium and Balcony Wall Sconces Restored.
Mezzanine promenade sconces, bound on the sides of three overlook balconies to the foyer below, and the same sconces on either side of the ladies’ and men’s restrooms in the promenade.
Mezzanine Promenade Sconces Restored.
Gilded Panel Sconces.
A Legacy Preserved
The journey that Jim and his friend embarked on to restore and uncover the history of these sconces underscores the importance of preserving pieces of the past.
The relocation of the Astor’s wrought iron mezzanine promenade railings, mezzanine promenade chandelier, and foyer water fountain mural to the Reading Civic Center further highlights the value of such efforts, ensuring that parts of the theater’s artistry remain accessible to the public.
Each artifact carries a story, not just of its origins but of the people who cherish and work to save it. While some questions about these sconces remain unanswered, their restoration serves as a tribute to the Astor Theater’s enduring legacy.
As these lights once illuminated the theater’s grandeur, they now shine as symbols of dedication and the timeless value of preservation. For those who cherish Reading’s rich history, they are a reminder that even in loss, fragments of beauty and memory can be reclaimed and celebrated.
Astor’s wrought iron mezzanine promenade railings, mezzanine promenade chandelier, and foyer water fountain mural relocated to the Reading Civic Center.
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