Foreward
As usual, subject matter seems to find me. I was searching for information on Green Hills Theater; a popular destination on Route 10 to see theatrical performances in the mid-20th century. Look for that article sometime in the future. However, during the course of research, I found the curious case of Joseph John Wiater, a very tenacious boy turned convict from Reading.… Read Full Article
“Lizzie Lincoln” House – The Real Story
If you ask anyone about the “Lizzie Lincoln House”, including the internet, you will get varying results; mostly the regurgitation of conjecture based on legends. I more than anyone love a good ghost story, but what is more important to me than all else is that there be truth behind it. I put in the work and found the complete story…at least, as complete as it can possibly be with the passing of 200 years since it began.… Read Full Article
The Deadly Berkshire Knitting Mills Strike – Part 5 – The Conclusion
What a better time to wrap this up than Labor Day weekend? If you haven’t, read the first four parts for context.
As the weeks following the general hosiery strike played out, Berks County’s other 21 knitting mills folded one after another into signing agreements with the American Federation of Hosiery Workers.
Rosedale plant was a particular source of contention – the sit-down strikers occupied the building for over two weeks while management tried to get them out.… Read Full Article
The Deadly Berkshire Knitting Mills Strike of 1936 – Part 4
This is the 4th part in the series. Read parts 1, 2 & 3 for context.
Secretary of Labor Report on the Berkshire Conditions
Shortly after the deadly first day of picketing, Governor Earle tasked Pennsylvania Labor Secretary Ralph M. Bashore with investigating the strike that was taking place at the Berkshire Knitting Mills. By October 20th, his account was made public.… Read Full Article
The Deadly Berkshire Knitting Mill Strike of 1936 – Part 3
This is the third part in a series that will be concluded at a later date. Consider subscribing to receive an email alert when it is published. If you haven’t, read parts one & two for context.
In the wake of the violence on Thursday October 1st, 1936, the weekend kicked off surprisingly calm. Calls for peace and mediation were made by various local business leaders and the Pennsylvania Governor himself.… Read Full Article