Old Photos of Reading & Berks and Amity Township History 12-19-16
George Miser, IX shares old photos of Reading and Berks County. Anthony Mattassa talks about the Amity Township Historical Society's 2017 calendar. Larry Soltys offers insight on Berks County's history on this episode of The Passing Scene
Automotive History in Berks County PA
Starting in the 1870's, automobiles were built in Berks County. Many of them are stored at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles.
Berks Perspectives 10-4-18
The panel talks about the battle between the Reading Parking Authority and the DoubleTree Hotel; consideration by Berks County Commissioners to place armed guards in the Courthouse and Services Center; the PA Senate's idea to lower the number of state senators and representatives; placing cameras in PA highway construction zones; moderator Alex Trebek's performance during the PA gubernatorial debate; the FBI's latest probe into Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in wake of the sexual misconduct accusations; and All Things Trump. With Fred Levering, Ruth Martelli, John Forester, Martha Richardson, and Fred Opalinski.
Gruber Wagon Works
The Gruber Wagon Works survives as one of the most complete examples of an integrated rural manufactory of its kind in the nation. Erected in 1882 by Franklin H. Gruber, the wagon works evolved from a single craftsman shop, having a variety of specialized hand tools, into a family-operated business which employed up to 20 men who utilized mass-production methods. Unlike a modern assembly process, wagon parts were transported back and forth between various rooms in order to complete a segment of the work.
Wagon wheels were constructed in the bench shop, and wooden parts of the wagon were made from patterns in the wood shop. Wheels were tired and wagons were ironed and assembled in the blacksmith shop. The distinctive striping and scrollwork were applied by hand in the paint shop.
Gruber Wagon Works is a historic building currently in Bern Township, Pennsylvania.
Franklin H. Gruber, who had been making farm-use wagons since the 1870s, constructed the wagon works in 1882. The business continued operating under the family's ownership, expanding to wagon repair and other manufacturing to adapt to changing demand, until it closed in 1971.
Unfortunately, the building's original site on the Licking Creek in Pleasant Valley fell within the planned area of Blue Marsh Lake, so it was bought by the Army Corps of Engineers and during the winter of 1976–1977 they relocated it 5 miles (8 km) east to its present location.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
It is located on Red Covered Bridge Road in Tulpehocken Creek Park, in vicinity of Reading.
Gruber Wagon Works is now part of the Berks County Heritage Center, an open air complex that also includes the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center with exhibits about canal transportation, Wertz's Covered Bridge, Melcher's Grist Mill, Deppen Cemetery, several memorials and gardens. The Center is open seasonally and offers tours of the historic buildings.
During the winter of 1976-77, the Gruber Wagon Works was moved by the Army Corps of Engineers from its original location near Mt. Pleasant. In 1978, the Gruber Wagon Works was designated as a National Historical Landmark by the United States Government, commemorating its historic significance as an industry from a bygone era of American craftsman.
Directions:
Reading's City Park
The history of Penn's Commons, which became known as City Park in Reading
Central Pennsylvania African American Museum Tour Reading, Pa
On April 25 - 26th, 2009, the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum (CPAAM), located in Reading, Pa., invited the public to its Second Annual Berks County Underground Railroad Tour. This video was taken by me while on tour at the museum's location at the Old Bethel AME Church, 119 N. 10th Street, in Reading, Pa.
Reading Transit and Light Company, Reading, PA
The former Reading Transit and Light Company operated trolley lines throughout the city and surrounding area until January 7, 1952, when the last streetcar (# 807) made its last run to Mohnton.
Lost Amusement Parks ~ Carsonia & Pendora Park, Reading, PA ~
Old postcard views of Carsonia Park and Pendora Park which were once located in Reading, PA.
The Hotel Abraham Lincoln in Reading, PA
What is now the Abraham Lincoln Wyndham Historic Hotel has a long rich history.
Brinton Lodge Berks County, PA
Ghost tour at Brinton Lodge. We had a great time even though we had some skeptics along but they made for some good laughs.
Cute small town: Hamburg, PA, USA
Happened to pass through this adorable little town while driving through Pennsylvania
Music:
Artist: P C III
Track title: Walking the Wall
Creative Commons licence
Union Canal Lock 47
In 1976, this lift lock, No. 47 E., received restoration efforts including stonework realignment and installation of four new yellow pine mitre gates.
When the canal was in operation (1827-1884) the locktender's home would have been located on the land between the hill and the lock. Some of the men who lived in this locktender's home were Edwin Ball, Jacob Grubb, William Adies, Samuel Werner, and John Moyer. Their job assignments included operation and maintenance of this lock. Locktenders' salaries ranged from a maximum of $10.00 a month to a low of $1.00 a month, which they received in the later days of operation of the Union Canal.
Berks County Heritage Center
Read about the Union Canal here:
Camping 2016, Dauberville, PA
Fin De Semana Del 4 De Julio 2016
Crowne Plaza Reading - Reading, Pennsylvania
Hotel and Resort photography & video by PhotoWeb (photowebusa.com)
Enjoy Largest Meeting Space Among Reading, PA Hotels
In an area of culture and history, where you can find many museums, outlet shops and country roads, you're sure to have an enjoyable stay. There are many Reading, PA hotels, but our friendly staff and excellent amenities help make your trip more memorable.
The Crowne Plaza® Reading hotel is able to handle large events such as banquets and weddings thanks to our spacious meeting rooms totaling 14,000 sq ft, and perks like a Crowne Meetings Director and Daily Meeting Debrief. Our hotel in Reading, PA is close to Reading Hospital, several colleges and companies such as JC Ehrlich, Uni-Chains, First Energy and Carpenter Technology.
Hotels in Reading and Wyomissing, PA have the benefit of being near many cultural, historic and fun attractions. You can learn about local railroads at the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum, see the city below from the iconic Pagoda and taste your way along the Berks County Wine Trail. Our hotel in Reading, PA is also located in the Original Outlet Capital of the World, so quench your thirst for shopping at the outlet stores dotting the county.
After a long day, we're sure you'll want to rest and relax. We make that easy with an indoor pool, a Fitness Center, Prime Steak & Wine, Goodnites Lounge and Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage® Program. So when you're searching for hotels in Reading and Wyomissing, PA, think Crowne Plaza® Reading.
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Hotel and Resort still photography, video and YouTube videos by PhotoWeb (photowebusa.com). PhotoWeb's Virtual Tours, videos, YouTube videos, Digital Stills & Worldwide Distribution allow clients to put their most powerful media where the booking decisions are made. Photo Web has been providing cutting edge imaging services since 1996. With offices in the US, UK, Australia, Japan, India, and Colombia, PhotoWeb provides services worldwide. For further information, please contact sales@photowebusa.com or telephone: +1-614-882-3499.
Video © 2011, Photoweb Pure Digital Photography Inc.
End of Trolley Service in Reading, PA
On January 7, 1952, streetcar No. 807, route 16 Mohnton made its last run, ending trolley car service in Berks County. The event was captured in this video. It ran from Reading to Shillington and Mohnton before returning to the car barn at 10th and Exeter streets. Ten minutes after the trolley returned, the first Reading Bus Co. bus left on the same route. The event brought to a close the 78-year history of the Reading Street Railway Co., which began in 1874 with horse-drawn cars.
Wyomissing: An American Dream
Just west of Reading lies the Berks County borough of Wyomissing. With tree-lined streets, well-appointed homes and ample amenities, the community serves a living legacy to its founding fathers: Ferdinand Thun and Henry Janssen.
The two German immigrants came to Berks County as young men in the 1890’s, forged a partnership and created a textile company that would become a legend in Wyomissing Industries. The company became one of the biggest hosiery mills and machine shops in the world and employed thousands of people around the clock under the leadership of patriarchs who cared about the products they made, the people who made them and community they shared.
Together with their families and community partners, Thun and Janssen built homes and hospitals, parks and playgrounds, libraries, museums and even universities. They made things to last whether it was a factory, a house, a business or a community, and in doing so, they left a legacy in Wyomissing: An American Dream.
William Penn Memorial Fire Tower! Reading, PA 7/28/2019
Becky and I get to checkout the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower on Mount. Penn in Reading, Pennsylvania. We are lucky enough to get to go inside and go to the top to get some spectacular views! We learned some history, possibly made contact with a spirit or two, and had a lot of fun on this visit to the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower! Filmed on 7/28/2019.
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Underground Railroad and the Central PA African American Museum in Reading, PA 2-7-18
Vicky Heffner talks with historian/author Scott Mingus about his upcoming presentation, The Ground Swallowed Them Up - The Underground Railroad, about Pennsylvania's role in the underground railroad. Van Gilyard then gives a tour of the Central PA African American Museum in Reading, Pa.with Alexis Campbell. Sime Bertolet is the host.
Abandoned Dempsey's American Kitchen - Shillington PA
Dempsey's American Kitchen in Shillington PA. The original and last of the local chain of restaurants. Closed in 2007.
Music:
MIC: Reading, PA Mayor Tom McMahon
Reading (PA) Mayor Tom McMahon reflects on his experience with the Mayors' Institute on City Design.