History of Reading, Pennsylvania, and the anniversary proceedings of the sesqui-centennial, June 5-12, 1898, Part 23

Author: Montgomery, Morton L. (Morton Luther), b. 1846. comp. cn; Board of Trade of Reading (Reading, Pa.) cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Reading, Pa. : Times Book Print
Number of Pages: 375


USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Reading, Pennsylvania, and the anniversary proceedings of the sesqui-centennial, June 5-12, 1898 > Part 23


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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J. C. Lindsey, of Philadelphia, trap, decorated, with driver.


Daniel J. Hendel and son Stanley in top buggy with rubber tires.


C. W. Edwards, and dog, in trotting buggy with rubber tires.


John G. Niethammer with bicycle sulky drawn by trotter "Major N."


D. Wellington Dietrich, accompanied by Solomon Brumbach, in ball bearing buggy; and another buggy occupied by Abraham Klopp with Eugene Copenhaver, from Washington, D. C.


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HISTORY OF READING.


C. A. Dougherty, superintendent of Union Transfer Co., had three cabs, with drivers, decorated with red, white and blue trimmings.


Harry W. Crooks, buggy occupied by Henry and Thomas Heckman, employees.


Bert G. Bubp and Harry Ahrens, top buggy.


Harry Shick and wife, top buggy.


Robert H. Reith and pet dog "Uno," in decorated top buggy.


Wm. M. Fulton's carriage occupied by Mrs. Fulton and daughter Jennie and Mrs. R. Weber and daughters Lottie and Elsie.


Joseph Z. Rowe and family in decorated two-seated carriage.


1


John E. Steinel and family in decorated two-seated carriage.


John D. Missimer, phaeton, decorated, occupied by wife and daugh- ter Grace.


Joseph S. Becker, trotting buggy with rubber tires.


Dr Daniel G. Long, phaeton, occupied by daughter Ella and Miss Elizabeth Mertz.


James M. Miller, buggy, accompanied by daughters Beatrice and Mabel.


Dr. M. L. Bertolette, top buggy, and Wm. B. Albright.


Edward Ganter, buggy, and A. J. Gless, of Newark, N. J.


George B. Albright, buggy, and Philip Rufe.


Dr. H. D. Stryker and wife, drag decorated.


George W. Biehl, cart occupied by son Albert and Edwin Sharp; and phaeton occupied by daughter Bessie and Amy Newlin of Pottstown.


Jacob A. Strohecker, buggy, and George Hertwig.


Abner S. Deysher, two decorated buggies, one driven by himself and the other by John Sharp.


Wm. B. Angstadt, phaeton, and daughter Jennie.


Hunter Eckert, trap, with driver.


D. P. Schlott, buggy, with little girl Marguerite Geiger.


Emanuel Thalheimer, cart, and Allen Levan, foreman of box factory. Dr. John N. Becker, carriage, and family.


Charles E. Schrader, two-seated carriage, decorated and bay horse, accompanied by daughter Annie, Mamie Clark of Pittsburgh, and Leon Wittich, of Reading


Wm. M. Schrader, top buggy, decorated and bay horse, accompanied by Morris Gehry.


Franklin Ganter, two-seated carriage, occupied by daughters Mamie and Carrie Ganter, Loretta Reisinger and Nettie Kroener.


C. M. Deem, carriage, and grand-daughter, Sarah Foreman.


G. F. Steckline, carriage, and three children.


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BICYCLE RACES.


THIRD DIVISION.


Marshal, Jerome I. Kline; aids, Charles I. Angstadt, John E. Harb- ster and J. G. L Brownwell.


Athletic band with 20 musicians in a decorated wagon drawn by four horses.


The third division comprised the cavalcade, with the following in the line riding four abreast:


Custer Ammon, Irvin S. Brant, David Delcamp. H. S. Eckel, Conrad Fisher, E. E. Freehafer, William Fritz, C. Q. Guldin, John E. Harbster, Hunter Henninger, Frank Hartman, Frank Hain, F. S. Kelley, John Kutz, Charles Kerchoff, Franklin Lash, L. D. Lichty, Frank Maurer, John E. Nunnemacher, J. R. Painter, W. S. Phillips, Conrad Peters, Thomas Roberts, D. L. Reber, Paul A. Rick, Charles Smith, E. B. Slichter, John A. Savage, Herbert Seidel, Calvin Seidel, Willian Weitzel, J. G. Willits.


Erwin J. Rutan impersonated a female character, mounted on a fine bay horse, with M. Luther Rutan as an escort. The disguise was per- fect and much applause was given along the entire route.


The division ended with two road carts, driven by Frank Bitting and David M. Hinkle; and a bicycle sulky drawn by John G. Niethammer's black trotter with attendant as driver, decorated with red ribbon and floral wreath.


FOURTH DIVISION.


Marshal, Harry C. Boyer; aids, Calvin Obold and Herbert Miller.


Drum corps of Germania band in large decorated wagon drawn by four horses.


This division comprised pony carts, beautifully decorated, driven by children, and the following were in line, who attracted much attention: Guy Britton, Edgar High, Sallie B. Rowe, Charles Sartorius, Frank Selak, Mabel Shick, F. L. Smith and Jacob K. Swenk.


BICYCLE RACES.


At three o'clock in the afternoon, the race meet under the auspices of the Associated Cycle Clubs opened at the Three- Mile House driving park.


Officers :- The officials of the meet were: referee, Charles G. Willson; starter, Geo. Eckert; timers, Wm. Fulmer, Harry Crecelius, Morris Reber and W. Storm Miller; judges, Frank Heilman, A. J. Geiger, J. G. Neubling, Wm. Schmucker, G. W. Graeff, Neff H. Rhode; clerks of course, G. J. Althouse, Harry Swartz, John Martin, H. Eberhart, Heber Ermentrout, Robert Heilman, George Wittich, P. G. Herbine; an- nouncer, P. J. Moyer; umpires, Benj. Weil, William Anderson, Marshall H. Huey, J. B. Snyder.


Penn Wheelmen Race Committee :- W. Storm Miller, chairman; Frank Heilman, secretary; Harry Crecelius, Daniel Y. Klapp, George Eckert, A. J. Geiger.


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Electric Wheelmen Race Committee :- George Graeff, chairman; E G. Herbine, secretary; Neff H. Rhode, treasurer; \'m. S. Ribble, H. T. Eberhart.


American Wheelmen Race Committee :- Howard J. Borkert, chair- man; Harry F. High, secretary; Neff H. Rhode, Glenson J. Althouse, Harry Labe.


Race Events :- First event was a one-mile novice race. It was run in three heats, resulting as follows:


First heat :- Jacob R. Eagle, of Pottstown, ist; Harry E. Bentz, West Reading, 2nd; Wm. M. Ruth, pacemaker, 3rd. Time, 2 minutes, 31 seconds.


Second heat :- A. Freese, Reading, Ist; L. A. Gerrett, Reading, 2nd; Walter A. Russell, pacemaker, 3rd. Time, 2.40.


Final heat :- L. A. Gerrett, Ist; A. Freese, 2nd; Jacob R. Eagle, 3rd, Time. 2.38.


After the final heat of the novice race, Harry Greenwood, of the bicycle department of John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, rode a mile on a motor cycle with a flying start in 3.50.


Second event-One mile open, resulting as follows:


First heat :- Harry Hamilton, Harrisburg, Ist; Charles W. Krick. Reading, 2nd; E. Thoma, pacemaker, 3rd. Time, 2.26. .


Second heat :- William T. McMichael, Berwick, Ist; Craig G. Stewart, Harrisburg, 2nd; James H. Swartz, pacemaker, 3d. Time, 2.24.


Final heat :- McMichael, ist; Stewart, 2nd; Swartz, 3rd. Time. 2.24.


Third event :- Boys under 16 years of age, I mile, resulting as follows: Charles E. Haas, Ist; Charles E. Heim, 2nd; Claude Tigh, 3rd Time, 2.41.


Fourth event-Club race, one mile. The entries were: James H, Swartz, Janden Miller, Clinton Earl, of Penn Wheelmen; Wm. M. Ruth, David Mercer, and Marshall H. Huey, of American Wheelmen; William Murskey, of Century Wheelmen. The race was awarded to the team representing the Penn Wheelmen, who crossed the tape in the following order: Swartz, Earl, and Miller. Time, 2.34.


Fifth event. - Half mile open, resulting as follows:


First heat :- Charles W. Krick, Ist; Harry Hamilton, 2nd; J. Oscar Barto, pacemaker, 3rd. Time, 1.09.


Second heat .- William T. McMichael, ist; James H. Swartz, 2nd; and Craig G. Stewart, pacemaker. 3rd. Time, I. II.


Final heat .- Stewart, Ist; McMichael, 2nd; and Krick, 3rd. Time, 1.08 1-5.


Sixth event. - Two-mile lap-race, resulting as follows:


Charles W. Krick, Ist, 13 points; Craig G. Stewart, 2nd, S points; and D. R. Hart, Reading, 3rd, 4 points. Time, 5.04. The race was awarded to Krick.


Seventh event -Messenger boys' race, one mile, resulting as follows: M. Palm, Ist; Connell Wertz, 2nd; Francis Mitchell, 3rd. Time 2.50.


27 I


BICYCLE PARADE.


Eighth event .- Two-mile handicap, resulting as follows:


James H. Swartz, 125 yards, Ist; E. Thoma, 225 yards, 2nd; J. Oscar Barto, 125 yards, 3rd; Harry Hamilton, 150 yards, 4th. Time. 4.34.


Prizes .- The prizes were as follows:


One-mile novice-First prize, gold medal, $15; second prize, silver medal, $10.


One-mile open-First prize, diamond, $35; second prize, diamond, $20; third prize, six bottles of wine, fine pipe and hat.


One-mile boys' race-First prize, silver water pitcher; second prize, pants pattern and inkstand; third prize, bicycle lamp.


Half-mile open-First prize, diamond, $25; second prize, diamond, $15: third prize, three bottles wine and fine parlor lamp.


One-mile team, city clubs, three to enter, who never won a first prize, fine reclining chair, costing $25.


Two-mile lap-First prize, diamond, $35 ; second prize, diamond, $20; third prize, hat, card case, pipe, shoes; fourth prize, pipe and bottle of whiskey.


One-mile, messenger boys-First prize, medal, $10; second prize, pump, cyclometer, pedals and three dozen bottles oil; third prize, cycle hat, bell and three dozen bottles oil.


Two-mile handicap-First prize, diamond, $35; second prize, clock, shoes, hat, cane and 100 cigars; third prize, pair tires; fourth prize, lamp, music stand, witch hazel and cyclometer.


The attendance was about 400, the number being so small on account of the great parade at Reading at the same time. The track was not in good condition. The Lewis Cadet band furnished the music for the occasion.


BICYCLE PARADE.


Evening .- In the evening the Flambeau Bicycle Parade was held. It started at 8 o'clock, proceeding over the following route: On Penn street from Second to Eleventh, out Perkiomen avenue to Chestnut, countermarch to Penn square, then down Fifth to Pine, countermarch to Franklin, to Fourth, to Penn square where a grand circle was formed.


LINE OF PARADE.


Chief of Police, Jacob-Etzel and First Serg't, Charles L. Kenderdine, in a carriage; and the Executive Committee also in carriages.


Chief Marshal, Charles G. Willson, (President of Penn Wheelmen); aids, Glenson J. Althouse, (President of American Wheelmen); John Bryson, (President of Electric Wheelmen); Weston W. Westley, (Presi- dent of South End Wheelmen. )


FIRST DIVISION.


Penn Wheelmen, 115 men, of which 76 were dressed as William Penn. George Eckert, captain; William Fichthorn, Ist lieutenant; Howard Deem, 2nd lieutenant; Harry Landis and Edward Darlington, buglers;


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HISTORY OF READING.


James Rambo, color-bearer. Each member had his wheel tastefully decorated in orange and black, the club colors, (which were also the city colors. ) This club was awarded the first prize.


Electric Wheelmen, 68 men in line. C. C. Ludwig, captain; George Graeff, E. Herbine, Joseph Neff, lieutenants; Harry Reber, color-bearer. The members were in citizen's dress but their wheels were finely decorated in the colors of their club, orange and maroon.


American Wheelmen, 60 men in line. Howard J. Borkert, captain; Harry E. High, Ist lieutenant; George W. Wertley, 2nd lieutenant; Charles Bowman, bugler; Harry Labe, color-bearer. Their bicycles were decorated in the club colors, yellow and blue, and also in national colors. The members wore white hats, blue coats and white duck trousers.


South End Wheelmen, with 20 men in line. Henry Seiders, captain; Walter Schmehl and Charles Dougherty, lieutenants; Samuel Clark, flag-bearer; John Graham and Arthur Westley, buglers. Their wheels were artistically decorated.


SECOND DIVISION.


The second division consisted of the Boys' Brigade and floats. Dan- iel Y. Klapp, marshal, and William Harper, assistant.


At the head of the division were 25 members of Co. E. Boys' Brigade in charge of Capt. Harry G. Johnson. All wore uniforms and carried their rifles over their shoulders while riding bicycles. They were awarded the second prize.


Ten floats were next in order, those worthy of especial mention having been the following:


John German and William Good, tandem, canopy of roses, ribbons, lanterns and national flags. They were awarded the 5th prize.


Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kramm, of Reading, and Miss Ethel Geise, a sister of Mrs. Kramm, of Philadelphia, float, a bower of roses. They were given the sixth prize.


Float representing the battleship "Maine," by Thomas Evans and Thomas King.


The last two floats were furnished by the Reading Standard Manufac- turing Co.


THIRD DIVISION.


The third division comprised wheelmen from three large industrial establishments of the city. John E. Harbster, marshal, and George E. Tyson, William Adams and Samuel Richards, aids.


The Reading Hardware Co. had 97 men in line. All wore dark trous- ers, white coats and caps and yellow badges. They were awarded the eighth prize.


The Reading Standard Mant'g Co., about 80 men in line, some with bicycle suits and others with citizen's dress.


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BICYCLE PARADE.


The Relay Bicycle Co. had a float in line representing a ship. It was built on a tandem bicycle which was ridden by William and Edward Hafer, employees.


FOURTH DIVISION.


In the fourth division were wheelmen of all social organizations who were not members of the clubs mentioned in the first division. Joseph Martin, marshal, and Neff H. Rhode, aid.


Mr. and Mrs. Albert R. Miller, and two children, Alice and Fisher, on single wheels.


"Sasparill Club, " in charge of John M. Archer, with 15 in line.


Dora Reber and Helda Ludwig, single bicycles nicely decorated with laurel and flags.


Maria Black impersonated the Goddess of Liberty.


Wm. R. Pike and wife, in stage costume as Romeo and Juliet.


In this division, there were altogether 250 in line, including women on single bicycles and tandems, numbering 30.


FIFTH DIVISION. -


All the comical riders in masks and grotesque costumes, and the un- attached riders, were in the Fifth division, numbering about 300.


John Neubling, marshal, and Thomas De Moss, William Hain, Chris- tian J. Geist, Harry Brouch and William Buel, aids.


The following riders are worthy of special mention:


Clyde Eisenberg, a five year old boy, dressed as Uncle Sam.


Martha Smith and Lillie Miller, riding single wheels and wearing white duck suits.


Joseph Grimes, the heaviest bicycle rider in the United States while on a visit to Reading, weighing 543 pounds, rode in the parade over part of the route.


John Hoffman and Frederick Rollman, impersonated Uncle Sam, riding a tandem, made of cheese boxes.


James Labe, as bowery girl; John Briner, as colored girl; Arthur Shade, as a tramp; Milton H. Knabb, as yellow kid.


Harry Reich, as a colored sport; Frederick Link, as circuit rider; W. O. Large, as Admiral Dewey; Ammon High, as Greater Reading.


Wm. Miller, as clown; Harvey Hohl and Harry Seyfert, as Indians; Walter Young, as "Flying Dutchman;" Albert Heath, as tramp, on old style bicycle.


J. O. Brant, as a farmer on old Columbia bicycle, awarded the seventh prize; Wm. A. Tobias rode on a wheelbarrow, with two large wheels attached to the handles.


Wm. Corbett, as a cow boy; J. Frank Lutz and Charles Heffelfinger, canopy of Japanese lanterns; Ammon High, as Little Red Riding Hood.


John Kupp and Frank McCarthy, as old southern couple; Wm. A. Wentzel, as an ape; Howard Rhoda, as a Dutchman.


William Kerns, as a fireman; Arthur Westley, as a jockey; Aaron and Melvin Adams, as coons; Frank Heffner and Irvin Rhode, as dudes;


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HISTORY OF READING.


Wm. Hough, as trilby and her big feet, riding a tandem with J. Boyd Mishler.


Paper wheelmen, Thomas Wiston, captain; Wm. H. Peter, Ist lieut .; Joseph Cook, 2nd lieut .; John Lorah, color bearer; 12 members in line, all wearing comical costumes.


Prizes Awarded .- The Committee on Bicycle Parade, Charles G. Will- son, chairman, decided to give the following prizes:


I. Silver loving cup to regular organized bicycle club of the city having the best costumed and largest number of men in line.


2. Large lamp to out-of-town bicycle club, having best costumed and largest number of men in line.


3. Men's best costumed and decorated single wheel, cyclist's revolver.


4. Women's best costumed and decorated single wheel, riding boots, and gloves.


5. Best costumed and decorated tandem, pair of pictures.


6. Tandem or single wheels, best couple, pair of vases.


7. Most comical effect, women or men, onyx table.


8. Largest number of men, industrial establishment, 200 cigars.


The following Committee were selected as judges to award the prizes:


Thomas T. Eckert. Jr. of New York, K. L. Rymen, of Newark, and John D. Mishler. They were stationed in the centre of Penn square and the riders rode by in a circle. After having viewed the parade, they retired to the Mansion House, and after some deliberation, an- nounced the following winners:


First prize to Penn Wheelmen.


Second prize to Co. E, Boys' Brigade, for fine appearance, no out-of- town club having been in line.


Third prize to A. Frothingham MacLean, impersonating a page in time of Henry VIII.


Fourth prize to Mrs. Henry T. Eberhardt, impersonating American heroine.


Fifth prize to William Good and John German, canopy of roses.


Sixth prize to Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Kramm, bower of roses.


Seventh prize to John O. Brandt, as tramp farmer on an old high wheel.


Eighth prize to Reading Hardware Co., having had 97 in line.


Concert in Penn Common .- The Germania band gave a de- lightful concert during the evening from 8 to 10 o'clock in Penn Common. They were stationed on the choral platform. The program comprised classical selections, and patriotic and popu- lar airs. Several thousand persons were in attendance, not- withstanding the Bicycle Parade, all of whom appreciated the entertainment very highly.


The Committee on Fireworks gave a second display of fire- works from the same place occupied on Monday evening, con-


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REGATTA AND SERENATA.


sisting of rockets and bombs. The search lights were in opera- tion and the Eddy kites flying to add interest to the occasion.


REGATTA AND SERENATA.


SATURDAY, JUNE IITH.


The Regatta and Serenata, under the auspices of the Read- ing Boat Club, were held on Saturday afternoon from 1.30 to 5.30 o'clock. The course was on the Schuylkill, and extended for one mile from "Pigeon Rock" up the river to the Bingaman street bridge. The Committee on Regatta, M. Brayton Mc- Knight, chairman, had made the necessary arrangements for this concluding entertainment of Reading's Sesqui Centennial and it was a complete success. Both banks of the river at and below the bridge were crowded with people, and also the bridge. The total number present was estimated at near 10,000. The weather was ideal for the occasion. The Germania band and Independence Drum and Flute corps furnished a fine program of music, having been stationed in the grove on the west bank of the river opposite the club's boat-house.


Officers .- The officers of the Regatta were as follows: Referee, Walter G. Roland; starter, J. Edward Wanner; judge, Wm C. Hinkley; timers, Norman B. Wamsher and Arthur Fink; judge of swimming race, Hans Goetz. The referee, starter and timers were on the steam tug "Cat Fish," kindly provided by the Canal Department of the Reading Railway Co., and the judge on the west bank of the river at the finish.


Events :- First event, a single shell one mile race; contestants, Harry B. Steffe and Henry Jucker. After rowing in the course together for about 100 yards, Steffe's rigging broke, causing him to upset. He was promptly rescued by a small steam launch and taken to the club house. Jucker rowed over the remainder of the course alone, and was loudly applauded at the finish.


Second event, a swimming race across the river at the club house, in which there were the following seven entries: Robert Haggerty, Jacob Snyder, George Williams, William R. Schaeffer, W. Kilmer, H. Ould, and T. Greeman. Schaeffer was ist, in 1.4372; Ould, 2nd, in 1.50; Haggerty, 3rd.


Third event, double shell one-mile race, with two entries, Fred. Fich- thorn and Henry Jucker comprising one of the crews, Harry B. Steffe and Harry Babb the other. The former won by 100 yards. Time, 7.31.


Fourth event, tub race across the river and return, with the following seven entries: Charles Burkey, Frank Fry, Wm. Weitzel, John Ziemer, Wm. Reedy, James DeLoy, and Blain Jones, all boys. The race was won by Weitzel, closely followed by Jones. This contest afforded much merriment for the multitude of people assembled there.


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HISTORY OF READING.


Fifth event, four-oared shell race, one-mile, in which there were two entries, one crew comprising Fred Fichthorn, Irvin Herbein, Bert Shan- aman and Charles Moore; the other Harry Brandt, Wm. Longacre, Douglass Anderson and Harry Babb. The former won the race. Time, 7.35 3-5. A sliding seat of the latter crew broke down shortly after the start, which virtually threw them out of the race and prevented what would otherwise have been a close contest.


Sixth event, batteau race, one fourth mile, in which there were eight contestants: Victor S. Garman, Chester Burnish, Benton Reamer, Albert Griffith, Edward Mills, Charles Burkey, Harry Flowers and Wayne S. Flicker. The race was won by Mills. Time, 6 minutes.


Seventh event, handicap steamboat race two and a quarter miles scratch, with the following five entries: Atlantic, by John A. Hiester; Curlew, by Joseph Waid; Monitor, by Bert Shanaman; Maine, by Amos Kissinger; and Trilby. by Harry Phillippi. The Atlantic was at the scratch (near the breast of the Little Dam,) and Trilby was given the limit, about Ioc0 feet. The Trilby reached the goal first; time, 14.35. But it was immediately contested by Capt. Hiester and the others, alleg- ing that the Trilby was started before the signal. After due deliberation, the referee awarded the race to the Monitor.


Prizes-The following prizes were offered and awarded: To the win- ners of the single-shell, double-scull, and four-oared shell races, hand- some individual medals of gold, enameled in the colors of the city of Reading and of the Reading Boat Club, and suitably inscribed; for the swimming race, Ist prize, gold enameled badge, and 2d prize, silver enameled badge; for the batteau and tub races. cash money prizes; and for the steamboat race, a silk pennant with suitable inscription thereon.


Conclusion .- The Executive Committee were present in the grove. At the conclusion of the Regatta, the President, James P. Sellers, called upon the youngest member of the Committee, Harvey F. Heinley, Esq., to make a few closing remarks, who responded as follows:


"On behalf of the Executive Committee, at the request of their presi- dent, I now declare the festivities of Jubilee Week at an end. This week has certainly been the greatest in the history of our city, and it is fitting that its celebration should be brought to a close on the banks of this noble Schuylkill, which has flowed unceasingly from the founding of the city, and under these great trees which perhaps witnessed its birth.


"It is a matter of great congratulation to our Committee that the Sesqui-Centennial has been successful beyond all expectation. The work, begun by men chosen from all the walks of life, has been har- moniously and zealously carried on to a successful end. The perfect weather, the lack of accident, the general and wholesome enjoyment have been favors which point to a Divine sanction of our work. Each day's celebration has been simply a new cause for wonder at the re- sources and blessings enjoyed by our city.


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ESCUTCHEON AND FLAG.


"We have to thank the people for their hearty co-operation; the public, both resident and visiting, for the excellent order maintained during the week. And now we turn our faces toward the future, expressing the hope that at the celebration of the Bi-Centennial of our city's history, many of us may meet under auspices equally pleasant and inspiring."


Entertainment of Distinguished Visitors .- It is just to mention in connection with the celebration of the Sesqui- Centennial that many visiting friends and strangers were hospitably entertained by numerous families, and also by insti- tutions of different kinds. The most prominent in this respect were Mr. and Mrs. George F. Baer, who displayed a remark- able spirit of liberality in welcoming distinguished visitors at their superb home "Hawthorne," and affording them unusual opportunities of seeing and knowing the social, industrial and municipal affairs of Reading, and of realizing its growth, wealth and importance as a promising centre of population.


Escutcheon and Flag .- The Committee on Colors.designed an escutcheon and a flag for the Sesqui-Centennial. After much discussion they were adopted by the Executive Com- mittee, and afterward by City Councils but by resolution simply.


Explanation of Escutcheon :- The black shield and the gold band combine the colors (black and gold) of the old German empire, from whence came the large majority of the city. The Arms of the Penn family, displayed in the centre of the shield, represent the Province of Pennsylvania in which they settled, as well as the Proprietors of Reading and those who laid it out. The bee-hive indicates the busy manufacturing centre which the city has now become, and PEO ADJU UVANTE LABOR PROFICIT the salamander, in the midst of a flame, shows that its business and its prosperity are principally dependent upon the furnaces and fires of every description in which its iron is worked.


Supporters :- The figures supporting the shield on either side are emblematical of Labor, which has always been the pride


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HISTORY OF READING.


and support of Reading and the source of its prosperity. Thor and Vulcan have been selected to represent Labor, in this in- stance, because of their association with fire and metals.




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