Author: Alexa Freyman
-
The Berkshire Hotel
Read more: The Berkshire HotelMrs. James F. Bell II and Mrs. Charles M. Guthrie Jr. with her son, Charles M. III leaving the North Fifth Street entrance of the Berkshire Hotel, Reading after lunching in the Mural Room. The Murals in this lovely dining area depict the history of Berks County dating back to the times of George Washington.…
-
600 Block Penn St – 1960s
Read more: 600 Block Penn St – 1960sImage from “Berks Countians; The Wonderful Way We Live” Stores pictured from left to right:Manning-Armstrong – Foot-Craft ShoesJ&T Brakelmann JewelersMinros – Golden Rule JewelersDaniel’sBeverlyDeLuca’s Camera CenterJ.C. MummaThom McAn Shoes
-
“The Racers” Screening at the Astor -1955
Read more: “The Racers” Screening at the Astor -1955From Rotten Tomatoes; The CinemaScope process gets a rugged workout in Henry Hathaway’s The Racers. Kirk Douglas stars as an Italian bus driver who dreams of entering the Grand Prix as a world-famous race car driver. Being Kirk Douglas, he achieves his goal, racing in all the major events around the globe. Dedicated to the…
-
Reading Rug Company – Lancaster Ave
Read more: Reading Rug Company – Lancaster AveReading Rug Co, pictured in 1961, was located on Lancaster Ave. As far as I can tell Reading Rug Co no longer exists, though it at the time boasted it was one of the most outstanding carpet specialist in the United States. I’m not sure of it’s exact location, but it appears it could be…
-
The Milk Man – Muhlenberg Dairy
Read more: The Milk Man – Muhlenberg DairyAh, the milkman, fresh milk to your doorstep daily. A service that hasnt been utilized in at least 3+ decades, yet everyone has heard the term. How many of you still have your milkbox laying around? According to the Berks History Center website, “In 1907, the dairy industry began to flourish in Berks County with…
-
Gadgets Restaurant
Read more: Gadgets RestaurantLets talk about Gadgets, the lesser-known and not as successful (as the likes of Showbiz Pizza Place and Chuck E. Cheese) animatronic themed restaurant from the early 1980s. From 1982-1984 this cutting edge restaurant was upstairs at the Berkshire Mall. It featured animatronic singing robots as entertainment. A 20-minute show entertained guests every half hour.…
-
On this Day – Reading Pattern Works Fire 1964
Read more: On this Day – Reading Pattern Works Fire 1964The Reading Pattern Works was a factory that made parts for the railroad, and was located at 715 Clinton Street. On October 27th, 1964 it suffered a fire. Today, the Pattern Works building is home to Reading Art Works, and is used as an event space.
-
Ye Olde Spring House
Read more: Ye Olde Spring HouseThe Ye Olde Spring House building is now Bean Funeral Home, and its address is 3825 Penn Avenue. The restaurant’s address was formerly 425 Penn Avenue. According to Bean’s website, “Our Sinking Spring funeral home has a fascinating history. The two story early-colonial structure was constructed in 1802 as a farmhouse, and was used through…
-
Freeman’s Esso – Sinking Spring – 1954
Read more: Freeman’s Esso – Sinking Spring – 1954Anyone know where this gas station stood? The addresses have changed since the 50s so it doesn’t pinpoint a location, though I’m thinking on the corner of Penn and Cacoosing Ave’s, where Lesher’s Service Center once stood.
-
Movie Premiere Street Parade – Astor Theatre – 1948
Read more: Movie Premiere Street Parade – Astor Theatre – 1948Street parade for the opening of “Hollow Triumph” at the Astor theatre in Reading, Pennsylvania, where Lester Stallman is the manager of the theatre. Were movie premiere parades common back in the mid century?
