Category: History

  • Then & Now, The Abraham Lincoln Hotel

    The Abraham Lincoln hotel was unveiled to the public with a weekend of activities that began on Friday, May 23, 1930 – echoing the glamour of the Roaring 20s yet on the brink of the Great Depression. This new hotel boasted 16 stories, making it one of the tallest buildings in the city. Guests could stay at the…

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  • Sunshine Beer - Reading PA

    Sunshine Brewing Company

    The origins of Sunshine Brewing Company can be traced to Peter Barbey & Son Brewing which was established in 1880 at West Elm and Gordon Streets in Reading. Peter Barbey, who started his first brewing company in 1859, died in 1889, leaving the his son John at the helm of their joint venture. In 1933…

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  • Old Reading Beer - Reading PA

    Reading Brewing Company

    Reading Brewing Company was founded by Philip Bessinger in 1886 in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was located at 9th & Laurel Streets. It brewed and canned various beers during its existence. Old Reading Beer and Reading Premium Beer were amongst the most popular. Reading produced a Pennsylvania Dutch Lager at a volume of 1,200 barrels a…

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  • On this Day June 4th 1976

     Above the fold in the June 4th, 1976 Reading Eagle Reading High Class of 1976 Graduates St. Luke’s Last Service Cigarette Ad

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  • The Sinking Spring Dairy Company

    Nothing to be found online about the Sinking Spring Dairy Co. It was established in 1924 and changed names to the Independent Dairy Co in 1933. It was located at what is now 333 South Hull St. Have information on this company/place? Please get in touch- [email protected]

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  • Berkshire Knitting Mill

    Berkshire Knitting Mills

    In 1892, “Textile Machine Works” was founded by Ferdinand Thun and Henry Janssen on Cedar Street in Reading. In 1896 they accepted an offer to relocate to Wyomissing, where they were sold a site for $1, in hopes their industry would spur interest in building lots. In 1899 they incorporated as the “Reading Glove and…

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  • Cleveland Ave, Wyomissing, 1905

    Pictured below is Cleveland Avenue in Wyomissing. These photos are courtesy of Wendy Sims. Her grandparent’s bought the house pictured in all of these images, 1173 Cleveland Avenue. As you can see, what is now quite a built up Wyomissing was just starting to be born around the turn of the 20th century. Thanks to Wendy for sharing…

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  • On This Day…May 3rd 1991

    Above the fold in the May 3rd, 1991 Reading Eagle In entertainment…

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  • Reading Motor Inn - PA

    The Reading Motor Inn

    The Reading Motor Inn was opened over 50 years ago, and is currently still in operation as The Inn At Reading. The Hotel sits almost perfectly today at the Route 422/222/12 interchanges. Back when it was opened, the highway did not exist like today, it was only a two lane road. Unfortunately since widening this…

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  • Blue Marsh Bridge - Pleasant Valley

    Before Blue Marsh Lake

    To squelch the rumors… no, there are no buildings standing underneath the waters of Blue Marsh Lake; only foundations and forgotten roadways. Many of these homes and farms were taken by eminent domain, ruining livelihoods and uprooting entire families. The whole process took almost an entire decade, with the first survey of acquisition dated January 1, 1970.…

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