Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I, Part 50

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1018

USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I > Part 50

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During the "German Week" in 1908 at Pendora were allowed to participate. On Aug. 5, 1897, Park, the society gave three concerts on alternate the society celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, there being present many delegates from German sing- ing societies from the Eastern and Middle States, besides delegations from all the German societies at Reading.

Reading Musical Society .- The third society was formed in 1855 by H. D. Torrey, an artist, and named the Reading Musical Society. Annual con- certs were given and the organization was main- tained until 1860.

Mozart Musical Union .- The fourth society was formed in 1862, and called the Mozart Musical Union. Concerts were given annually here and elsewhere until 1872.

days, assisted by the Germania Orchestra, and the attendance at the second concert was estimated at 15,000, evidencing the great popularity of the so- ciety and its superiority as a musical organization. Prof. George D. Haage has filled the position of director in a superior manner since February, 1903. Previous prominent directors were John Dersch and Jacob Schmidt. The officers for 1909 were: Presi- dent, William Alsdorf; secretary, Henry Schorn; treasurer, Levi Weitzenkorn.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

The first brass band at Reading was organized in 1814. From that time until 1852, several bands

Reading Choral Society .- In 1875, Prof. Edward flourished for a while, the Reading Military Band,

A. Berg organized the fifth, by the name of Read- and afterward the Mechanics' Brass Band, having been quite prominent. ing Choral Society. It participated in the May Musical Festival at New York City in 1882, which Ringgold Band .- In 1852, eighteen men of Read- ing, mostly mechanics but fond of instrumental music, associated together and organized a band, which they named the Ringgold Brass Band, after the Ringgold Light Artillery, of which the men were members. John A. Hook was the leader. When the Civil war broke out, its services were tendered to the government. It was connected with was given under the leadership of Theodore Thom- as. The grand chorus comprised 3,500 voices, and in rendering one of the pieces on the program, the tenor part was sustained by the Reading Choral members so effectually as to win the special com- mendation of Thomas himself. The society was represented on that occasion by 103 members. Num- erous concerts were given by the society at great . the 25th Regiment, P. V., and served the term expense, at which nearly all the renowned oratorios of its enlistment, three months. Joseph Winter were rendered. The members reorganized in Octo- ber, 1897, and participated in the Eisteddfod at Allentown, Pa., on Thanksgiving Day, where they won four cash prizes.

Reading Church Choral Society was organized from the Reading Choral Society shortly after E. A. Berg's decease in 1897, and Edward H. Knerr has been the director until the present time. It numbers 100 members and gives three concerts each year, which are largely patronized. Its rehearsal meetings are given in the First Baptist Church.

became the musical director in 1868, and filled this position for thirty years, and brought it to a high state of efficiency. . It accompanied the State Fen- cibles of Philadelphia to the centennial celebration of Bunker Hill; and by special request of the com- missioners, it participated in the opening ceremon- ies of the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1876. In 1878, it took part in the centennial celebration at Valley Forge. In 1881, it was attached to the 1st Brigade, N. G. P., with 35 members; and in that year it was detailed to accompany a provisional

Reading Liederkranz was organized in 1885. Its brigade as an escort to the Governor and members first festival was held in Deppen's Hall in 1890; on of the Legislature at the centennial celebration at

212

HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Yorktown, Va. In 1888, it participated in the one was called a "soup society," and much relief was hundredth anniversary of constitutional govern- afforded. After the prevailing epidemic subsided, ment at New York City; in 1896, in the centennial the society disbanded. celebration at Huntingdon, Pa .; and in 1897, in the Benevolent Society .- In 1835, the Reading Be- centennial celebration at Waynesboro, Pa. Besides nevolent Society was established. The first annual these great occasions, it led political clubs in parades meeting was held on Jan. 1, 1836, and annual meet- ings have been held regularly ever since. The reg- ular meetings of the managers were held in private houses until 1874; since then the building of the Relief Society has been occupied. at nearly all the inaugurations of the Presidents of the United States, and of the Governors of Penn- sylvania, since 1852. Its annual concerts are superb and well patronized. It furnished the music at the Princeton College reunions in 1903 and 1906.

Germania Band was organized in 1887 with Mon- roe A. Althouse as leader and had a very success- ful existence for fourteen years under his leader- ship, when it was consolidated with the Ringgold. Prof. Althouse has been the leader since then.

Other bands organized within the past ten years : Cadet, 1898, 40 members; Arthur Yocum, leader since 1907.

White Eagle (Polish), 1899.

Colonial, 1901, Archie Boyer, leader.

Philharmonic, 1903, Harry E. Fahrbach, leader. Italian, 1905, Ignatius Sparagana, leader, 30 members.

Municipal.

Prof. O. H. Unger has been teaching and or- ganizing bands since 1865. In 1876 he had on hand thirty-two bands in Berks and surrounding coun- ties. He directed the Liberty Band from 1877 to 1889; and the Philharmonic (formerly Athletic) for seven years. He also organized a Symphony Orchestra in 1904 with 15 members. It has been gradually enlarged to 50 members, and its concerts have been very popular.

Drum Corps .- The fife and drum corps was a musical institution at Reading from the time of the Revolution and its identity has been preserved until the present. It constituted three pieces : fife, small drum and large drum. When the Civil war was carried on from 1861 to 1865, several fifes and small drums were included in the corps, which made the "martial music" more demonstrative and effec- tive. Since then the pieces have been gradually in- creased until they number twenty and more, in- cluding cornets and slide-trombones.

The "Big-Six" Drum Corps are old soldiers who were enlisted in the Civil war and they have main- tained their musical organization until the present time. The leader is William Klineyoung.

There are now three other corps at Reading :

Military, organized in 1898, embracing 20 pieces ; leader, Daniel Randenbush.

Schuylkill, 21 pieces; leader, Harry Rickenbach. Liberty, 16 pieces ; leader, William Weidman.

CHARITABLE

Relief Society .- In 1866, the Reading Relief So- ciety was organized for distributing soup to the poor. It co-operates with the Benevolent Society. In 1874, a fine building at Franklin and Plum streets was erected for the society. It operates two build- ings during the winter months, the other being on Spring street at Moss.

Bureau of Employment .- The Bureau of Employ- ment was formed in 1875 by a number of women who were connected with the Benevolent Society, for employing deserving and self-respecting women at sewing and paying them fair prices for their work, either in money or clothing. Quarters were established in the Relief Society building. Dur- ing the first winter, over two hundred women were supplied with work.

This society has had a successful existence until the present time. William M. Stauffer, a generous and public-spirited man, has served as president since its organization, and the society has had its quarters in his building at Sixth and Franklin streets since its erection in 1898. The society an- nually secures employment at household work for upward of five hundred women, which evidences the extent of its usefulness to the community. Mrs. James B. Brusstar has been its secretary since 1900; and its superintendent, since 1907, Miss Sarah Wentzel. The previous superintendent for seven years was Mrs. Anna E. Weissflog.

Reading Hospital .- A society was organized in 1868 to provide medical aid to the indigent sick and wounded people of Reading, and in 1869 it was in- corporated under the name of Reading Dispensary. In 1883, this name was changed to the Reading Hospital. Then the directors raised $25,000, and the State appropriated $20,000 toward a building which was erected in 1884 at Front and Spring streets, which was opened in 1886. An addition was made to it in 1890, called the Wootten Wing (John E. Wootten) at a cost of $20,000, and a Training School was erected on the lot for student nurses in 1896, by the efforts of the Ladies' Aux- iliary. Annual contributions have been received from the State since its erection. The medical staff is selected from the Reading Medical Associa-

Soup Society .- The first public association for tion and consists of six surgeons, six physicians indigent persons of Reading was formed in 1823. and a resident physician, who are elected annu- Owing to the construction of the Schuylkill canal, ally. Total cost, $75,000. Annual reports have much sickness and distress arose in numerous fam- been issued showing its superb management. The ilies at Reading, and also along the canal to the board of managers comprise some of the most in- county line beyond Birdsboro. The organization fluential men of Reading.

READING HOSPITAL

WIDOWS' HOME, READING

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READING ING CO.

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READING

A training school was established in 1890 for opened July 1, 1891. A fine, large and substan- professional nurses and since 1891 there have been tial annex was built in 1905. graduates annually, numbering altogether eighty- three. The number of beds in the hospital is sixty-five.

Patients treated during 1908 numbered 886, the tagious ward.

largest since the opening of the hospital in 1869. The next largest number was 769, in 1898.

The number of patients treated have been as 000. follows :

In-patients previously reported .11,038

During 1908 886

11,924

Out-patients previously reported 27,418

During 1908 1,405

28,823

Total treated 40,747

Officers of the Hospital :

President, Charles Kessler, 1867-72; Dr. Joseph Coblentz, 1872-81; W. E. C. Coxe, 1881-91; William D. Smith, since 1891.

Treasurer, H. H. Muhlenberg, 1867-69; A. F. Boas, 1870- 72; Dr. W. M. Weidman, 1873-74; Dr. P. M. Ziegler, 1875-88; P. R. Stetson, 1889-1905; Frank S. Livingood, since 1905.

Secretary, Dr. P. M. Ziegler, 1867-72; Dr. J. B. Brooke, 1872-81; Dr. William F. Muhlenberg, 1882; Dr. Israel Cleaver, since 1883.

St. Joseph's Hospital .- In 1873, the Vollmer property at Twelfth and Walnut streets was pur- chased for hospital purposes by Rev. George Borne- mann, and a small brick dwelling thereon was placed under the charge of the Sisters of St. Fran- cis. In 1885, a superior large brick building was erected costing $60,000, and in 1895, an addition was made to it costing $85,000, all paid by contribu- tions from the community, solicited by the Sisters. A large, superior and attractive annex was built in 1904. The medical attendance is supplied from the physicians at Reading.

The total number of patients treated has been 14,512 (in 1908 being 992, and in 1907, 975).

Sister Anastasia was the Mother Superior from 1885 to 1887; Sister Julianna, from 1887 to 1907; and Sister Fulgentia, from 1907 to the present time.

A. training school for graduating nurses was established in 1905; three nurses were graduated in 1906, two in 1907, and three in 1908.

James Nolan has officiated as president of the board of managers since 1908, and Frederick Steph- an as secretary since 1901.

Total number of beds in the hospital is seventy- five. There are four public wards; two private wards; and thirteen private rooms; also a con-

It is equipped with all the most recent medical and surgical appliances. Cost of institution, $75,

The following statistics are presented to show the extent of its services to the community :

In-patients, 1905 to 1908 1,241

Out-patients, 1905 to 1908 8,048

Prescriptions, etc., 1905 to 1908 16,548

Accident cases, 1900 to 1908 8,146

A training school for nurses was established at the Hospital in 1895, and since then annually, ex- cepting 1896, 1903 and 1907, nurses have been graduated, numbering altogether twenty-six.

Officers of the Hospital : -

President, Isaac McHose, 1890-94; C. H. Ruhl, since 1894. Treasurer, James L. Douglas, 1890-92; Jerome L. Boyer, 1892-1896; Charles E. Leippe, since 1896.

Secretary, C. H. Ruhl, 1890-94; W. W. Light, since 1894.

Dr. Lewis A. Shollenberger has been the super- intendent of the hospital since 1897; and he has been serving on the medical staff since 1887.

Widows' Home .- The Society of the Home for Widows and Single Women was established in 1874, for the purpose of affording humane and charitable relief, assistance and support to widows and single women of Reading, and incorporated Jan. 11, 1875. A building was rented for a time; then a property on Eighth street near Chestnut street in which a "Home" was established, and there it continued until' July 7, 1886, when it was re- moved to the present place at Sixteenth and Haak streets. The superior building then erected was occupied until Feb. 5, 1905, when it was destroyed by fire. It was immediately rebuilt at a cost of $15,000. It has been managed in a most success- ful manner, many people of the city contributing annually toward its support, and the spirit con- stantly displayed is truly admirable. The officials from 1875, who have carried on this charitable institution, are the following :

First Directress, Mrs. M. A. DeWolfe Howe, 1875-94; Mrs. H. H. Muhlenberg, 1895-1901; Susan E. Benson, 1902-09.

Treasurer, Susan E. Benson, 1875-1900; Mrs. Jerome L. Boyer, 1901-07; Mrs. G. A. Schlechter, 1908- 09.

Secretary, Rachel D. Griscom, 1875-89; Mrs. P. M. Ziegler, . 1890-1909.

Matron, Elizabeth R. Lea, 1877-78; Mrs. Elizabeth Knox, 1878-80; Mrs. Emma Silheimer, 1880-81; Pamelia P. Draper, 1881-84; Mrs. Mary A. Filbert, 1884-87; Miss Sarah R. Filbert, 1887 (June-Nov.) ; Emily T. Hamlin, 1887-98; Mrs. Margaret Nevin, 1899-1903; Mrs. Belle Wor- rell, 1904-09.

Homoeopathic Hospital .- In August, 1887, sev- enteen women started the Homoeopathic Hospital and' Dispensary Association, and for its maintenance funds were obtained from parlor entertainments, donations and membership dues. The demands for treatment increasing, a board of trustees was organized two years afterward, and premises No. From 1875 to 1908, the society had secured forty- 126 North Sixth street were purchased for $21,- three life members. The inmates who died in this 000. The building was completely furnished by time were 56; and the inmates during the year the Ladies' Auxiliary, and the hospital was formally 1908 were 36.

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HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Home for Friendless Children .- The Home for the St. Paul's Roman Catholic congregation, and Friendless Children began as a day nursery in May, 16 boys became its first inmates. Now it harbors 1884, under the auspices of the Bureau of Employ- 70 boys; total number cared for, 200. In 1897, ment at No. 236 Franklin street, and a widow as the institution was enlarged. It is supervised by matron, and five children were then placed there. the rector of St. Paul's Church and supported by The Home becoming too small, a lot was purchased voluntary contributions; 10 sisters are in charge. on Centre avenue near Spring street, and a fine Canstatter Volks-Fest Verein was organized in 1882, for celebrating annually the "Canstatter Volks-Fest," and for fourteen years was very suc- cessful, the celebrations attracting many people, contributing much pleasure, and developing great sociability. The members were almost entirely Germans and at one time numbered 275. It was discontinued in 1903. double two-story building erected, which was ded- icated on Thanksgiving Day, 1888. The number of children averages from 35 to 40. The society endeavors to secure private homes for these chil- dren, and there they are kept until eighteen years of age. Two additions were built to it, the north wing in 1903, "the gift of that staunch friend of the Home, Mr. William D. Smith," and the south wing in 1906, also the gift of Mr. Smith, who, at the same time, presented a kindergarten outfit and swings for outdoor amusement.

The incorporators in 1888 were Margaretta C. Ermentrout, Elizabeth S. Richards, Emma A. End- lich, Amelia D. Leaf and Hannalı Cotterel.

The first named served as president from 1888 to 1894, and the second from 1804 to 1898. Mrs. Rev. B. Bausman has served this position since 1898. Miss Cotterel has served as treasurer since 1888; and Miss Endlich served as the secretary from 1888 to 1908, when she was succeeded by Miss Addie C. Owen.

The matrons of this most commendable insti- tution have been: Mrs. Lucy Frankum, 1888-96; Miss Kate Williams, 1896-98; Miss S. R. Hem- perly, 1898-1904; Mrs. Flora C. Bricker, 1904-06; Miss Margaret J. Durr, 1906-10.

St. Catharine's Female Orphans' Asylum was founded by Mrs. Catharine Madary, who, in 1871, devised her property at Franklin and Maple streets to Archbishop Wood in trust for the rulers of the Mother House of the Sisters of Charity at Em- mittsburg, Md. Three sisters came from Emmitts- burg, and took possession in April, 1872. In 1873, a superior large brick edifice was erected, and in 1887, a large addition was built to it. The pres- ent number of girls in the asylum is 90; total number cared for is 410. Eight sisters are in the institution.

House of Good Shepherd was established at Fourth and Pine streets in 1889 by the Roman Catholics at Reading, and a colony of sisters from the Provincial House at Philadelphia came to Reading to take charge of it. It continued there until January, 1900, when it was removed to Glen- side, where a superb institution was established on eight acres of ground at a cost of $180,000. The object is to reclaim fallen girls and women, and teach them sewing and laundry work, so that when they leave the place they can earn a living. They are allowed to remain if they wish to do so, and then they become Magdalens. There are 25 cloistered sisters, 3 outdoor sisters and 13 Mag- dalens connected with the institution. Total nuim- ber of girls cared for is 228; present number, 160.

S. P. C. A .- The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was organized in 1891. It has been maintained successfully until now. Thereto- fore cruelty to animals was a common occurrence in Reading, but after a number of inhuman persons had been prosecuted and fined for their cruelty to horses and cattle (about one hundred, mostly persons from the country districts,) a much im- proved public sentiment followed. As a consequence, cruelty to animals is seldom seen upon the streets and complaints on that account are rare. This was succeeded by the "Humane Society of Berks County," incorporated in 1900 to protect children, as well as animals, from cruel treatment ; it has since exerted much influence. Hon. H. Willis Bland was president until 1903, and George J. Gross has filled this office since then. The society established comfortable quarters at No. 114 South Sixth street ; its membership is 250.

Beulah Anchorage .- This noble institution was founded at Reading in 1907 by Mrs. M. L. Lan- dis. Its purpose is to rescue wayward and erring girls and women, and help them to secure positions of honorable self-support. The building is situated on Fifth street below Bingaman, having been sectired at a cost of $6,000. Mrs. Kate L. Schultz is the matron. It has upward of six hundred con- tributing members and is generously assisted by donations. Through its influence, many girls and women have been reformed and found comfortable homes.

RELIGIOUS

Y. M. C. A .- The Young Men's Christian As- sociation began at Reading in 1860, but it did not continue long in existence. A second attempt was made in 1869, and the organization then effected has continued until the present time. From 1879 to 1895, it was situated in the Breneiser building at Eighth and Penn streets. Its quarters were es- tablished at No. 626 Penn street in 1895, at a total cost of $75,000. The exterior appearance is im- posing and the interior compartments for reading, lecturing, educational, athletic and entertainment purposes are complete. F. S. Livingood, Esq., has been president since 1886; James H. Edwards, secretary since 1889. Special efforts were made to increase membership in 1909, with great success.

IV. C. T. U .- In 1884, Frances E. Willard vis-

St. Paul's Orphan Asylum for Boys was estab- lished at No. 137 North Ninth street in 1889 by ited Reading in behalf of the Women's Christian

HOME FOR FRIENDLESS CHILDREN, READING

PLAY GROUNDS-HOME FOR FRIENDLESS CHILDREN, READING

READING

215

Temperance Union and through her influence a they have been presented in the following class- society was formed which has been kept up since. ification. They are indeed numerous and it is The members number 360. In 1904 a granite drink- ing fountain was erected on the north side of Penn Square in memory of Miss Willard.

The Boys' Brigade was originally started in Scot- land in 1883. The first company in the United States was organized in California in 1889, and the first at Reading in 1895. The object of the brigade is to advance Christianity amongst boys through military organization. All religious de- nominations are represented in it. Some years ago, there were at Reading eighteen companies, which constituted the 5th Regiment of Pennsyl- vania, and the total membership was 800 boys over eleven years of age. Each church supplied the equipment for its respective companies. Re- cently, however, the enthusiasm has subsided and the regiment has dwindled to two companies con- nected with the First Baptist Church, numbering about 125 members.

P. & R. Y. M. C. A .- On March 15, 1896, ten men met at the home of Samuel Monasmith . in response to a call from Edward A. Homan to discuss the question of engaging in religious work among their fellow employees of the P. & R. Rail- way Company, and of providing a place where influences and surroundings would prove morally and physically beneficial.

Through the kindness of George F. Baer, Esq., then president of the Reading Iron Company, the building and grounds familiarly known as "Green- Willow Park" (on Eighth street, just beyond Green) were set aside for the use of the new or- ganization, which became the P. & R. Railway Department, Young Men's Christian Association.

The purpose of the Association was to provide an attractive place for the intellectual, social, physi- cal and spiritual welfare of the employees and it has been productive of beneficent results to all such individuals who have come under its influ- ence. The Association is controlled by a Com- mittee of Management, elected annually by the members.

Any male employee, or male member of his fam- ily, in the service of the Reading Railway, Read- ing Iron Company, or affiliated lines of service, resident in or near, or running into Reading, not less than sixteen years of age, may become a mem- ber. On March 1, 1909, there were 524 members, including men of all creeds.

E. J. Dunlap became the first secretary in March, 1898. He was succeeded by James W. Leach in September, 1902; by Henry E. W. Simon in Jan- uary, 1905; and by Edwin R. Gobrecht on Oct. 1, 1908; who served efficiently until March 31, 1909, when he resigned to become the general sec- retary of the Y. M. C. A. at Empire, Panama Canal Zone, under the auspices of the Panama · Canal Commission.

VARIETY OF ASSOCIATIONS .- In order to show the great variety of the associations at Reading,

apparent from the extent of the variety that very few of the citizens are not connected with any of them. No attempt has been made to give the membership; and the compiler can not even pre- tend to have given the names of all the associa- tions.

Agricultural

Athletic and Sporting Baseball

Basket-ball

Bicycle

Boating

Quoiting

Bowling

Tennis

Foot-ball

Charitable Associated Charities

. Humane

Reading Benevolent

Reading Relief

W. C. T. U.

Hope Rescue Mission

Y. M. C. A.

Hospitals, Reading, Hom- eopathic, St. Joseph's

Y. W. C. A.

Financial Banks 9

Trust Companies 5

B. & S. Associations 2

Historical . Historical Society of

Berks County

Medical Berks County Medical Reading . Medical

Military Baptist Boys' Brigade

Reading Artillerists ( Com- pany A, 4th Regt., N. G. P.)

Reading Rifles (Company I, 4th Regt., N. G. P.)

Miscellaneous .50

Musical-Instrumental Amphion's Musical Club Big Six Drum Corps

Cadet Band Colonial Band

Drexel's Orchestra

Fahrbach's Orchestra

Germania Orchestra

White Eagle Band

Italian Band Ladies' Symphony chestra

Or-

Musical-Vocal Harmonie Maennerchor Reading Choral Society

Patriotic Daughters of American Revolution

Political Americus Club

Eleventh Ward Democra- tic Club Fifth Ward Democratic Club Jackson Democratic Club Lincoln Republicans Mckinley Club

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Historical and biographical annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania, embracing a concise history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I, Part 50

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1018

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846; J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1018