USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Reading, Pennsylvania, and the anniversary proceedings of the sesqui-centennial, June 5-12, 1898 > Part 6
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65
ASSOCIATIONS.
G. A. R .- The following societies have been organized at Reading by men who were enlisted in the Civil War, or by mem- bers of their families:
GAR
OUR FALLEN COMRADES
SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
McLean Post, No. 16, instituted 1866; members, 500; and Women's Relief Corps.
Keim Post, No. 76, instituted 1878; members 100.
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HISTORY OF READING.
Meade Camp, No. 16, Sons of Veterans, instituted 1881; members 250; and Ladies' Aid Society, No. 6.
Union Veteran Legion Encampment, No. 43, instituted 1889; members 200; and Ladies' Auxiliary.
Ladies of the G. A. R. instituted 1883; members 128.
Ringgold Light Artillery, First Defenders, organized at Reading in 1892 with the four other companies which were the first to respond to the call of President Lincoln for troops in I861.
Through the efforts of the members of the two Posts, an im- posing granite soldiers' monument was erected in Charles Evans Cemetery, and dedicated with interesting ceremonies in 1887.
P. O. S. of A .- The Patriotic Order Sons of America was instituted at Reading in 1860, and has come to be the strongest secret beneficial society here, comprising 14 camps, with a total membership exceeding 3400. In June, 1888, the National and State Camps held their conventions at Reading, and to signalize the extraordinary occasion, the order gave a monster parade, which, in respect to the great number in line, and to the public decorations, exceeded all demonstrations of every kind thereto- fore given. In August, 1897, the semi-centennial of the order was celebrated at Reading. The first camp had been instituted at Philadelphia in 1847, but it was obliged to suspend on ac- count of the members enlisting in the Civil War. Camp No. 61, at Reading, maintained its organization, notwithstanding many of its members had enlisted also, and kept the order in existence, for which reason Reading was selected by the State Camp, and also by the National Camp, as the proper place for the celebration.
I. O. R. M .- This society was established at Reading in 1854 by the name of Ancient Order of Red Men, but this was changed to Independent Order in 1867. It now comprises 6 councils and 1200 members; also 2 auxiliary councils for women, with 450 members.
Jr. O. U. A. M .- The Junior Order United American Me- chanics was instituted at Reading in 1867. It has now 7 coun- cils and 1400 members. For some years past it has been noted chiefly for presenting the national flag to the school authorities for display over the public school buildings.
67
ASSOCIATIONS.
Other Societies .- Other secret societies, worthy of mention, with the time when first instituted at Reading, are the following: Order United American Mechanics, 1847; German Order of Harugari, 1849; American Protestant Association, 1857; In- dependent Order of Good Templars, 1858; Brotherhood of the Union, 1864; Knights of Pythias, 1867; Knights of Friendship, 1871; Knights of Mystic Chain, 1871; Royal Arcanum, 1880.
Club Houses .- Five club houses have been established at Reading: Wyomissing, 1890; Ivy Leaf, 1891; Independent Gun Club, 1891; Combine, 1891; and Nursery, 1892.
FINANCIAL.
Banks .- The first bank at Reading was established in 1808. It was a branch of the Pennsylvania Bank and continued until 1857, when it suspended. Its place of business was in the building now occupied by the National Union Bank.
The next was the Farmers', organized in 1814, which has been continued in the same build- ing where it started. [See p. 15] The Eckert family have been prominently identified with it since 1836.
The following list embraces the BRANCH BANK BUILDING. banks at Reading, showing the time of organization, capital stock, &c., in April, 1898, all being national banks, excepting the last two. which are state banks:
Year.
Capital Stock.
Surplus and undi- vided profits.
Deposits.
Farmers'
1814
$400,020
$480 473
$ 969,092
Union
1857
200,' 00
448.390
1,034,117
First National
1863
250,000
239,02 I
575.265
Keystone
1871
100,000
129.952
443.370
Second Nat'l
ISSI
200,000
202,254
460,000
Penn
1883
100 000
111,558
580,900
Reading
1893
200,000
120,294
397.730
Citizens'
1888
125,000
48,500
1 60,45I
Schuylkill Val'y
1890
100,000
72,927
267,052
$1,675,020
$1,853,369 .
$4,887,977
B. & S. A .- The building and savings association as an insti- tution for the acquisition of property or accumulation of money
68
HISTORY OF READING.
out of savings by working people was organized at Reading in 1848, and it has been kept up for fifty years. At least fifty ran out during this period. But they have not been so suc- cessful lately owing to the depressed condition of the times. Previous to 1876, the associations received moneys only and made them profitable on mortgage securities; then they began not only to erect dwellings, but also market houses and business places. In 1897, there were 53 associations at Reading.
Insurance Companies .- The first fire insurance company in Berks County was organized in 1844, and the first at Reading was in 1867. The Reading Fire Insurance and Trust Company was incorporated in 1868; the Trust company was incorporated as a separate institution in 1886, and since then the Insurance company has carried on business by itself. It carries policies on properties throughout the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Assets, $844, 165; surplus, $551,064; amount at risk, December 31, 1897, $40,828,794. S. E. Ancona has been secretary and treasurer since 1868.
The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Reading was organized in 1870, and since then it has not levied a single assessment. Its insurance extends throughout Pennsylvania, and amounts to $4,500,000; the policies number 20,000.
Trust Companies .- The Reading Trust Company was incor- porated in 1886. Stock, $250,000; assets over $500,000. Trust officer, Jos. W. Day.
The Pennsylvania Trust Company was incorporated in 1886. It erected a superior building as a place of business, the first five story structure with an elevator at Reading. Stock, $250,000; assets over $1,000,000; trust funds over $300,000. Trust officer, D. W. Stehman.
INDUSTRIAL.
The first board of trade at Reading was formed in 1807, for the purpose of considering the possible navigation of the Schuylkill, a number of prominent men having at that time founded an association under the name of The Society for Promoting and Cleaning the River Schuylkill. The same men were interested in other local improvements, such as turnpikes, canals, bridges and railroads; and they accomplished great good in the development of Reading.
69
ASSOCIATIONS.
A second board was started in 1870, but it had a short exis- tence. The third, which is the present board, was organized in 1881, and it has kept up a successful existence, accomplishing much good in behalf of industrial affairs. The first steps towards a proper observance of Reading's Sesqui-Centennial
BOARD OF TRADE
PHILA.A RAIL FREIGHT
READING OFFICE
SESQUI-
CENTENNIAL
233
PENNA |R. R. TICKET OFFICE
BAGGAGE EXPRESS
BOARD OF TRADE BUILDING.
were taken by the Board, and the subject was agitated by the members until the co-operation of City Councils was obtained, and a thorough organization for that purpose effected. Its meetings were held in different buildings on Penn square for a number of years. Its quarters are at No. 25 north Sixth street.
70
HISTORY OF READING.
LITERARY.
Libraries .- The Reading Library was organized in 1808. It contained 1000 volumes in 1842, and 1500 volumes in 1850. A reorganization was effected in 1868, when it purchased the Odd Fellows' hall. It was made free January 1, 1898, through
~LIBRARY
READING
READING ENGEN
READING LIBRARY.
the liberality of twenty-three men who each contributed $500 towards extinguishing the debt on the hall. The present num- ber of volumes is about 9500.
Reading German Library was organized in 1808, and be- gan with 685 volumes. Subsequent additions were made until.
7I
ASSOCIATIONS.
it had 1500, The society disbanded in 1847, and the books were distributed amongst its members.
Berks County Law Library was organized in 1843 and kept up by appropriating certain fines allowed by law. The books are arranged in three compartments on the second floor of the court house between the two court rooms. The collection of reports, text and miscellaneous books number 3500.
Harmonie Maennerchor Library was started when the Read- ing Mænnerchor was organized in 1847. The nucleus was the collection of books of the German library, which disbanded about that time. An addition of 1200 volumes was made in 1877 by the disbanding of the Schiller Verein. The present number of volumes is 3200.
Washington Library .- A society was formed in 1854 for social purposes, and several years afterwards it was named the Washington Library. The society was incorporated in 1870; and in 1876, it erected a superior three-story marble front build- ing at 640 Penn street, the second and third stories being handsomely fitted up for the members. It possesses a library of 500 volumes. Property investment $25,000; active mem- bers 60; contributing members 100.
Historical .- A historical society was formed in 1840, but no record of its transactions was preserved. In 1869, a second society was incorporated under the name of Historical Society of Berks County, but only several meetings were held. From that time until February, 1898, nothing was done; then a reor- ganization was effected with A. G. Green, Esq., as president, and George M. Jones, Esq., as secretary, and quarters were secured in the court house, third floor, for its meetings and for storing its papers. Membership, 80.
PROFESSIONAL. .
Medical .- A medical society was organized at Reading in 1824. It was the second society of this nature formed in Penn- sylvania, the first having been at Philadelphia. Dr. Isaac Hiester was the first president and he continued to fill this position for twenty-five years. In 1849, the second annual con- vention of the State Medical Society was held at Reading, and in 1891 another was held here. In 1866, the name was changed to Berks County Medical Society, which it has held until now.
72
HISTORY OF 'READING.
The transactions began to be published in 1896. The members number 75.
The Reading Medical Association was organized by physi- cians of Reading in 1850. It was chiefly instrumental in estab- lishing the Reading Dispensary, and the Reading Hospital. The membership is 43.
Legal .- Men learned in the law have been admitted to prac- tice in the several courts of Berks county since 1752, but no society was organized until 1867. Then the Legal Association of Berks County was established. All the members of the bar have resided and continue to reside at Reading, with only sev- eral exceptions.
VOCAL MUSIC.
Beethoven Society .- The first singing society at Reading was organized about 1832. It was called the Beethoven Society. The first concert was given in the "State House" which was a great success. Concerts were given by the society for a number of years afterward.
Harmonie Maennerchor .- The second was the Reading Maennerchor, organized in 1847. This has maintained an active existence ever since, and is now one of the oldest singing so- cieties in the United States. The first National Saengerfest was held at Philadelphia in 1850, and William Rosenthal, (then liv- ing at Philadelphia, but at Reading since 1860,) was the presid- ing officer. There were only four societies in attendance, the Reading Maennerchor being one of them. The first Saenger- fest at Reading was given under the auspices of the society in 1868. It was attended by seventeen German singing societies and the concerts were given in the exhibition building of the Agri- cultural Society (then adjoining the Berks county jail. ) In 1874, the Harmonie Maennerchor, (which was organized in 1866,) consolidated with the Reading Maennerchor, and the former name was adopted. In 1878, the society secured quar- ters in the large structure on Sixth street near Walnut, on which account the building was named Maennerchor Hall, and there the society has remained until now. In 1884, the second Saengerfest was given at Reading and it was attended by several thousand Germans from different parts of the country. The National Saengerfest at Newark in 1891, at New York in 1894,
73
ASSOCIATIONS.
and at Philadelphia in 1897, were attended by the society and the members acquitted themselves most creditably, being tenth amongst thirty-seven competing societies at the last named and winning a prize. The third Saengerfest at Reading was in 1892, known as the "First Pennsylvania Saengerfest," because only societies from the State were allowed to participate. On August 5, 1897, the society celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, there being present many delegations from German singing so- cieties from the eastern and middle states, besides delegations from all the German societies at Reading. The active member- ship is 32; contributing, 300.
Reading Musical Society .- The third musical society was formed in 1855 by H. D. Torrey, an artist, and named the Read- ing Musical Society. Annual concerts were given and the or- ganization was maintained until 1860.
Mozart Musical Union .- The fourth was formed by James M. Lyons in 1862. It was called the Mozart Musical Union. Concerts were given annually here and elsewhere until 1872.
Reading Choral Society .- In 1875, Prof. Edward A. Berg organized the fifth, by the name of Reading Choral Society. It participated in the May Musical Festival at New York City in 1882, which was given under the leadership of Theodore Thomas. The grand chorus comprised 3500 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 commendation of Thomas himself. The society was represented on that occasion by 103 members. Numerous concerts were given by the society at great expense, at which nearly all the renowned oratorios were rendered. The members, numbering 119, reorganized in October, 1897, and participated in the Eisteddfod at Allentown, Pa., on Thanksgiving Day, where they won four cash prizes: mixed chorus, female chorus, soprano solo by Evelyn Essick, and alto solo by Hannah Yoder. Prof. E. A. Berg was the musical director.
Reading Liederkranz was organized in 1885. Its first festival was held in Deppen's Hall in 1890; on which occasion, German societies were in attendance from Reading, Pottsville, Allentown and Wilmington. In 1891 its quarters were established in Library Hall. In 1894 the society participated in the singing
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HISTORY OF READING.
contest at Allentown and won the first prize, scoring the highest number of points. Membership, 200.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.
The first brass band at Reading was organized in 1814. From that time until 1852, several bands flourished for a while, the Reading Military Band and afterward the Mechanics' Brass Band, having been quite prominent.
Ringgold Band .- In 1852, eighteen men of Reading, who were mostly mechanics but fond of instrumental music, asso- ciated 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 ten- dered to the government. Mr. Hook was still the leader, but nearly all the other original members had withdrawn. It was connected with the 25th Regiment, P. V., and served the term of its enlistment, three months. Joseph Winter became the musical director in 1868, and he has filled this position ever since. It accompanied the State Fencibles of Philadelphia to the cen- tennial celebration of Bunker Hill; and by special request of the commissioners, it participated in the opening ceremonies 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 Ist Brigade, N. G. P., with 35 members; and in that year it was detailed to accompany a provisional brigade as an escort to the Governor and members of the Legislature at the centennial celebration at Yorktown, Va. In 1888, it par- ticipated in the 100th anniversary of constitutional government at New York city; in 1896, in the centennial celebration at Huntingdon, Pa .; and in 1897, in the centennial celebration at Waynesboro, Pa. Besides these great occasions, it led politi- cal clubs in parades at nearly all the inaugurations of the presi- dents of the United States, and of the governors of Pennsylvania since 1852. The band now numbers 40 members.
Germania Band .- The Germania band was organized in 1887 with 18 members and Prof. Monroe A. Althouse as leader. It has been very popular, especially with the several fire compa- nies and the Knights Templar of Reading, attending the state tournaments of the former, and the national and state conclaves
75
ASSOCIATIONS.
of the latter. It also accompanied various bodies on trips to prominent cities in different parts of the United States.
Liberty Cornet Band was first organized in 1882 with 26 members, and Prof. O. H. Unger as leader. It was reorgan- ized in 1895 with 25 members and Prof. O. F. Kauffman, leader.
Independent Drum and Flute Corps was organized in 1890 with 14 members. It has now 22 players, comprising flutes, piccolos, tenor and bass drums, and cymbals. Prof. Geo. A. Homan is musical director.
Other Bands .- The other musical bands now at Reading are Athletic, Riverside and Boys' Brigade; and drum corps, Big Six, and Boys' Brigade; these, however, are of recent origin.
CHARITABLE.
Soup Society .- The first public association for indigent per- sons of Reading was formed in 1823. Owing to the construc- tion of the Schuylkill canal much sickness and distress arose in numerous families at Reading, and also along the canal to the county line beyond Birdsboro. It was called a "soup society," and much relief was afforded. After the prevailing epidemic subsided the society disbanded.
Benevolent Society .- In 1835, the Reading Benevolent Society was established. The first annual meeting was held on January I, 1836, and annual meetings have been held regularly ever since. The regular meetings of the managers were held in private houses until 1874; since then the building of the Relief Society has been occupied.
Relief Society .- In 1866, the Reading Relief Society was organized for distributing soup to the poor. It co-operates with the Benevolent Society. In 1874, its fine building at Franklin and Plum streets was erected.
Bureau of Employment .- The Bureau of Employment 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 estab- lished in the Relief Society building. During the first winter, over 200 women were supplied with work. The following sta- tistics show the work accomplished :- wages paid, $10,000; gar- ments exchanged for work, 900; articles made up, 55,000; ma-
76
HISTORY OF READING.
.......
READING HOSPITAL.
77
ASSOCIATIONS.
terials purchased, $10,000; clothing sold, $12,700; garments distributed, 5, 144; receipts from various sources, $7,600.
Reading Hospital .- A society was organized in 1868 to pro- vide medical aid to the indigent sick and wounded people of Reading, and in 1869 it was incorporated under the name of
88000000422
ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL.
Reading Dispensary. In 1883, this name was changed to the Reading Hospital. Then the directors raised $25,000, and the State appropriated $20,000 towards 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' Auxiliary. Annual contributions have been re- ceived from the State since its erection. The medical staff is selected from the Reading Medical Association and consists of six surgeons, six physicians and a resident physician, who are elected annually. Total cost, $75,000; total number of cases treated, 3,730. In 1897, cases treated were 542; prescriptions for patients in hospital, 8,621; and prescriptions for dispensary cases, 1,566.
78
HISTORY OF READING.
St. Joseph's Hospital .- In 1873, the Vollmer property at Twelfth and Walnut streets was purchased for hospital purposes by Rev. George Bornemann, and a small brick dwelling thereon was placed under the charge of the Sisters of St. Francis. 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 contributions from the community, solicited by the Sisters. It comprises 12 wards and 28 private rooms. Total patients treated, 5,865; and prescriptions filled, 20,527. Patients treated during 1897, 673; and prescriptions filled, 1, 682. The medical attendance is supplied from the physicians at Reading, the staff, (including the resident physician, ) numbering 16.
Homeopathic Hospital .- In 1888, seventeen women started the Homeopathic Hospital and Dispensary Association, and
7
HOMEOPATHIC HOSPITAL.
for its maintenance funds were obtained from parlor entertain- ments, donations and membership dues. The demands for treatment increasing, a board of trustees was organized two
79
ASSOCIATIONS.
years afterward, and premises 126 North Sixth street were pur- chased for $21,000. The building was completely furnished by the Ladies' Auxiliary, and the hospital was formally opened July 1, 1891. During the first six months, 26 patients were treated in the hospital, and 518 cases in the dispensary; and 1, 862 prescriptions were filled gratuitously. During 1897, there were 41 I patients, 1, 298 dispensary cases and 4,694 prescriptions.
Widows' Home .- The society of the Home for Widows and Single Women was established in 1874, for the purpose of af- fording humane and charitable relief, assistance and support to widows and single women of Reading. 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 contin- ued until 1886, when it was removed to the present structure at Sixteenth and Hawk streets. The treasurer, from the beginning until now, has been Susan E. Benson. Rachel E. Griscom was secretary from 1874 to 1890; and Mrs. Eliza W. Howe, first di- rectress from 1874 to 1895.
Home for Friendless Children .- The Home for Friendless Children began as a day nursery in May, 1884, under the auspi- ces of the Bureau of Employment at 236 Franklin street, and a widow as matron and five children were then placed there. The Home becoming too small, a lot was purchased on Centre avenue near Spring street, and a fine double two-story building erected, which was dedicated on Thanksgiving day, 1888. The number of children averages from 35 to 40. The society en- deavors to secure private homes for these children, and there they are kept until 18 years of age.
St. Catharine' s Female Orphans' Asylum was founded by Mrs. Catharine Madary, who, in 1871, devised her property at Frank- lin 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 Emmittsburg, 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 present number of girls in the asylum is 88; total number cared for is 407.
House of Good Shepherd was established at Fourth and Pine streets in 1889 by the Roman Catholics at Reading, and a col- ony of Sisters from the Provincial House at Philadelphia came to
80
HISTORY OF READING.
Reading to take charge of it. 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 13 Cloistered Sisters, 3 out-door Sisters and 13 Magdalens connected with the institution. Total num- ber of girls cared for is 228; present number, 44.
St. Paul's Orphan Asylum for Boys was established at 137 North Ninth street in 1889 by the St. Paul's Roman Catholic congregation, and 16 boys became its first inmates. Now it harbors 56 boys; total number cared for, 141. In 1897, the in- stitution . was enlarged. It is supervised by the Rector of St. Paul's church and supported by voluntary contributions.
Canstatter Volks-Fest Verein was organized in 1882, for celebrating annually the "Canstatter Volks-Fest," and since that time it has been very successful, the celebrations attracting many people, contributing much pleasure, and developing great sociability. The members are almost entirely Germans and number now 275.
S. P. C. A .- The society for the prevention of cruelty to animals was organized in 1891. It has been maintained success- fully until now, with Henry Martz as its detective and prosecu- ting officer. Theretofore cruelty to animals was a common oc- currence in Reading but after a number of inhuman persons had been prosecuted and fined for their cruelty to horses and cattle (about 100, mostly persons from the country districts, ) a much improved public sentiment followed. As a consequence cruelty to animals is seldom seen upon the streets and complaints on that account are rare.
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