Hurricane Agnes – Berks County’s Worst Natural Disaster

Hurricane Agnus - Reading PA 1972 - Schuykill River

50 Years Later –

Article originally published on June 22, 2017

Hurricane Agnes caused extreme damage to Berks County residences and businesses when it hit June, 22nd 1972. In Reading, the Schuylkill River crested to a record high of 31.3 feet. Hundreds of people were evacuated and over a hundred homes destroyed. By the time the storm ended on the 23rd about 8.6 inches of rain had fallen on Berks in only a little over 24 hours.… Read Full Article

On this Day – February 21st 1977

Warren St. Bypass

100 Block of Penn Street is Demolished

Buildings along the north side of the 100 block of Penn Street, next to the Penn Street Bridge, are being demolished. The properties are being razed by Fred E. Erb, Pequea, Lancaster County, under a contract with the Reading Redevelopment Authority (RRA). The area is part of the RRA’s Schuykill Urban Renewal Project – Eagle Photos

Power for Wagon Works

Metropolitan Edison Co.Read Full Article

Wertz’s Red Covered Bridge

Wertz's Red Covered Bridge

Wertz’s Red Covered Bridge is one of only 5 original covered bridge structures left standing in Berks County. At one time there were quite a few over the Tulpehocken Creek in various locations along its span, including one slightly upstream near the old Paper Mill. Wertz’s Covered Bridge was built in 1867 and spans an impressive 204 feet across the Tulpehocken Creek which makes it the longest single-span covered bridge in the state of Pennsylvania.… Read Full Article

On this Day – September 30th, 1974

Above the fold in the Sept 30th, 1974 Reading Eagle:

Wagons Moved from Original Gruber Works Grounds

On the Way -Wagons produced near the turn of the century are moved out of the Gruber Wagon Works along the Bernville Road, Route 183, in Penn Township. The county moved the wagons and will store them until a final decision is made on where the structure will be moved.Read Full Article

Blue Marsh Ski Area

Blue Marsh Ski Area

Blue Marsh Ski Area was a small ski area located in Bernville, just 10 miles north of Reading, PA. The ski complex opened in 1968 as the North Heidelberg Ski Slope by a man named John H. Guenther Jr.. In 1986 Joseph M. Aichholz Jr. and four partners leased the ski area, and in 1987 they renamed it Blue Marsh Ski Area.… Read Full Article

Berks Nostalgia