Category: Places
-
DeLuca’s Camera Center
Read more: DeLuca’s Camera CenterDeluca’s Camera Center was originally located at 617 Penn Street in Reading. It was founded in 1947 by Louis and Antoinette DeLuca. The article above from June 1990 mentions that the store moved to 518 Penn Street from 520 Penn Street. However it mentions nothing about it’s original location on the 600 block. In the…
-
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.…
-
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?
-
Inside B. & J. Saylor Food, 401 Penn Street
Read more: Inside B. & J. Saylor Food, 401 Penn StreetA few weeks ago I posted about 4th & Penn before it was demolished to make way for the then new CNA building. There was a great shot of the old B. & J. Saylor Food Store, which was a hot spot to get fresh produce and other foods. Above you can see an old…
-
The Pagoda’s Outbuilding
Read more: The Pagoda’s OutbuildingCompleted in 1908 at a cost of $50,000, this pagoda was intended to be the hotel/restaurant centerpiece of a luxury resort. When plans for the rest of the resort were abandoned, the 7-story wooden building on 10 acres of land was donated to Reading in 1911. It is now part of the Mount Penn Reserve,…
-
Inside Pomeroy’s in the 60s
Read more: Inside Pomeroy’s in the 60sThese photos were sent in by Ron Shurr, he worked in the Camera department at Pomeroy’s in the early 60s and had a passion for photography. Thanks for sharing these, Ron. A few memories from Ron: I worked in the camera department, my first job out of high school. Photography was a hobby and was…
-
Blue Marsh Ski Area
Read more: Blue Marsh Ski AreaBlue 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…
-
4th & Penn, Before & After CNA
Read more: 4th & Penn, Before & After CNABefore 4th and Penn was torn down in 1980 to give way for the construction of CNA, there were multiple businesses on the block. On the corner all the way on the left was Saylor Food, a fresh produce and goods store. To the right of that was a State Liquor store, which was once…
-
The Strand Theatre – 9th & Spring St.
Read more: The Strand Theatre – 9th & Spring St.Located at the corner of NE 9th Street & Spring Street. The Strand Theatre was opened February 21, 1920. By 1941 it was owned and operated by Goldman Theatres of Philadelphia. It was a fairly large theatre with a balcony, and had a huge wrap-around neon lit marquee. For years it was a neighborhood double…
-
Sights of North Side Penn Street in the 1940s
Read more: Sights of North Side Penn Street in the 1940sPenn Street – North Side – 400 Block….1940s…Reading: We look to the Northeast corner to the landmark Saylor food business stand. In the foreground is car 809 as it appeared in 1947, end-of-the-line year for city trolleys. Looking to the background is an imposing grey-stone structure built as Reading Girls’ High School. At this juncture,…
