The Deadly Berkshire Knitting Mill Strike of 1936 – Part 3

The Reading 100 Machine - Berkshire Knitting Mill

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

The Deadly Berkshire Knitting Mills Strike of 1936 – Part 2

By the time dawn broke on the morning of October 1st, 1936 temperaments of the picketers were developing from bad to worse. A Reading Eagle reporter who arrived to the scene at 5:30 a.m. described what he saw as a “bitter bloody battle at the gates of the Berkshire Knitting Mills“. Thousands of picketers turned protestors gathered around the three entrance points of the mill.… Read Full Article

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

Bernhard Adam Cemetery

Tucked into a hill in West Reading is a quiet little cemetery that few know about.

Bernhard Adam Cemetery was established in 1744, making it one of the oldest in Berks County. Originally on the site was also a small stone meeting house, allegedly the oldest of its kind in Berks. It served as a school house and a funeral chapel.… Read Full Article

Berks Nostalgia