USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Reading, Pennsylvania, and the anniversary proceedings of the sesqui-centennial, June 5-12, 1898 > Part 8
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94
HISTORY OF READING.
EMPLOYMENTS.
I Artist.
7 Bakers.
6 Barbers.
16 Blacksmiths.
I Blind-maker.
3 Boat-builders.
17 Brick-layers.
14 Butchers.
8 Cabinet-makers.
30 Carpenters.
4 Cigar-makers.
9 Clock-makers.
6 Coach-makers.
6 Coach-trimmers.
I Coffee-mill maker.
2 Coopers.
4 Coppersmiths.
3 Plasterers.
I White Sweep.
MANUFACTORIES.
I
Auger Factory.
I Blacking Varnish Factory.
I Brass Foundry.
3 Breweries.
Lime Kiln. I
.
2 Machine Shops.
I Piano Factory.
I Rope Factory.
I Distillery.
I Stove Foundry.
I White and Morroco Tannery.
5 Windsor Chair Factories.
14 Wool Hat Factories.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND ENTERPRISES.
3 Banks.
7 Newspapers.
13 Private Schools.
13 Public Schools.
12 Churches.
4 Public Libraries.
5 Coal Yards.
6 Fire Companies.
4 Store Houses.
I Green House.
89 Stores.
4 Livery Stables.
8 Sunday Schools.
3 Lumber-yards.
5 Vineyards.
2 Market Houses.
I Waterworks.
3 Military Companies.
4 Dentists.
I Pump-maker.
I Reed-maker.
3 Drovers.
4 Saddlers.
4 Druggists. I Scissors Grinder.
26 Shoemakers.
4 Dyers.
2 Gunsmiths.
2 Silver-platers.
5 Slop-shops.
5 Stone-cutters.
3 Stone-masons.
34 Tailors.
5 Tallow-chandlers.
32 Tavern-keepers.
7 Tinsmiths.
4 Turners.
7 Painters, (house).
13 Weavers.
2 Painters, (sign).
6 Wheelwrights.
3 Curriers.
3 Plumbers.
Gun Barrel Factory. I
I Iron and Nail Works.
I Iron Foundry.
9 Brick Kilns.
I Brush Factory.
I Coffee Mill Factory.
I Comb Factory.
I Saw Mill.
3 Farming Implement Shops.
8 Fur Hat Factories.
2 Glue Factories.
2 Grist Mills.
2 Locksmiths.
24 Mantua-makers.
12 Milliners
I Millwright.
3 Painters, (coach).
I Horse Farrier.
. 3 Jewelers.
26 Lawyers
II Doctors.
2 Bridges.
2 Canals.
I Railroad.
4 Wood and Coal Yards.
95
DEVELOPMENT.
The foregoing list is not complete, for it is known that many men were engaged in other occupations which contributed their share towards the enrichment and development of Reading, such as wool-hat-makers, boot and shoemakers, molders, ma- chinists, chainmakers, nail workers, potters, wheelwrights, dis- tillers, brewers, rope-makers, and boat-builders.
PART II .- DEVELOPMENT OF READING.
1783-1847 .- Between 1783 and 1847 the energy of the people was constantly shown in various directions. In the course of local events, it appears prominent in patriotism, in religious zeal, and in business intercourse. The erection of churches by different denominations would seem to have been accomplished mostly by first efforts; but the erection of bridges, turnpikes and canals required much perseverance under adverse circum- stances, extending through many years.
The growth of the population of Reading was surprising, especially considering it as an inland borough. The stage- coach and turnpike contributed the greater proportion of this growth until 1825, and the canal and railroad from that time un- til 1847. Coal became the principal factor in this development after 1825. It was discovered about 1770, but it was not appre- ciated for heating purposes until after 1810, and for creating steam until after 1825. The first practical use of it in a stove at Read- ing is said to have been made in the Branch Bank about 1810. When the canal was opened for transportation from the coal regions in 1824, it began to be introduced in large quantities. Then factories were erected and they were operated by steam power. When the railroad was extended to Pottsville in 1842, the influence of coal in accelerating the development of Reading was felt in a marked degree. Iron must also be mentioned in this connection. It was the great constituent in machinery for factories, shops and furnaces, and in a substantial track for the railroad. Coal, steam and iron were each necessary to complete the great combination for power, despatch and economy, and they contributed largely to the rapid development of Read- ing from 1825 to 1850. This appears from the census enumer- ation, as follows: from 1820 to 1830, thirty-five per cent; from
96
HISTORY OF READING.
1830 to 1840, forty-six and six-tenths per cent, and from 1840 to 1850, eighty-seven and two-tenths per cent.
1847 to 1897 .- As near as it can be ascertained, Reading in 1847 contained thirty-seven different kinds of industrial estab- lishments; also one hundred and thirty mercantile houses for which county licenses were issued. The following statement in- cludes the names of the more prominent persons who carried on business here at that time:
Bakeries: Henry Drum, John G. Eben, David Mitchell and Daniel Moyer.
Blacksmith shops: John Drenkel, Aaron Getz, Peter D. Getz, Jacob Jones, Daniel Miller,' Thomas Rambo and Wil- liam Stoltz.
Boat-yards: William Krick, Samuel & Adam Krauser, Wil- liam Hiester, Savage & Call, and Corbett & Stratton.
Breweries: Frederick Lauer, Nicholas Felix, John Borrell.
Brick-yards: John Darrah, Adam Diehm, Thomas Diehm, John Hoff, Benjamin Fink, Jacob Geiger, Henry Graul, George S. Levan, William Yeager, Jacob Young. All produced an- nually over 500,000 brick; seven others produced less than 500,000. Total for 1846, over 9, 200, 000.
Brush Factories: Benjamin Witman, Helms & German, William Sage.
Cabinet Factories: John Bertolet, Henry Haberacker, Josiah Hearing, Henry Rhein, Daniel Spang.
Candy Factories: P. K. & H. L. Miller, G. W. & A. M. Souders, Amos B. Yeager.
Carriage Factories: Ephraim Booth, Samuel Filbert, Jacob Hessler, Godfrey Simon, Isaiah Thomas.
Chain Factory: Nicholas Rapp.
Chair Factories: Owen Bitting, John Brown, Frederick Fox, James M. Lewis, Gustavus Leslie.
Cigar Factories: John Beadencup, Charles Breneiser, J. & E. Eyrich, Franklin Frantz, J. M. & G. W. Hantsch, John Maltzberger.
Clothing Shops: James Jameson, William McFarlan, George Newkirk.
Comb Factory: Viven & Behm.
Cooper Shops: Peter Barbey, Daniel Engel, Morton Righter, William Sands, Henry B. Shearer, Thomas Willson.
97
INDUSTRIES.
Distilleries: Philip Bushong, Riah Gillson.
Farming Implement Works: Adam Waid, Montgomery & Armstrong.
Fire-Brick Works: William Wells.
Glue Factories: Daniel Levan, Samuel Levan.
Green House: Michael Hauser.
Grist Mills: Frees & Kissinger (steam), George Smith (water. )
Hat Factories: Henry Brown, George Drenkel, Levi Hilde- brand, Henry Henritze, John Kutz, John Lotz, Isaac W. Levan, Jacob Maurer, Adam Rightmeier, Charles W. Ringgold, Jacob Sauerbier, M. & J. Siegel, John Yerger, William Yerger.
Iron Works: Bertolette's Rolling Mill [Enterprise], Darling, Dotterer & Co's Machine Shop, Eckert's Furnace [Henry Clay], Johnston's Foundry [Franklin], Philadelphia & Reading R. R. Co. Shops, Sabbatin's Forge, Seyfert, McManus & Co's Rolling Mill.
Locksmith Shops: John Mellert, John Miller.
Marble Works: John F. Moers, John T. Craig, Ferdinand H. Strecker.
Organ Factories: Daniel Bohler, John Schoener.
Potteries: Asaph Shenfelder, William Wells.
Rope Walks: Thomas Jackson, Stephan Orth.
Saddleries: George Frees, Jacob H. Hain, Andrew Fich- thorn, Henry Hahs, Gideon Weiser.
Saw Mills: Boas & Spangler, J. V. Craig, Foos & Bingaman.
Shoe Factories: H. F. Felix & Co., Henry Fry, Jacob Goodhart, O' Brien & Foster.
Silversmith Shops: Frederick Grotevent, Charles L. Heiz- mann, George Heller, Levan Mannerback, Otto Ralle.
Soap and Candle Factories: John R. Klein, Albert Fischer.
Tanneries: Henry Connard, Andrew, Charles & William Fichthorn, Abraham Kerper, George Winters.
Tin and Copper-smith shops: F. & W. Bright, Jacob Long, Morris Pauli, Charles K. Snell, Daniel Smith.
Turner Shops: Joseph Bitting, Charles Young.
Wheelwright Shops: Jacob Goodman, Henry Goodman, Reu- ben Goodman.
Weaving Shops: George Goodman, George Price, Philip Rush.
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98
HISTORY OF READING.
The following must also be mentioned, because they contrib- uted a great deal towards the prosperity of Reading :
Banks: Farmers' Bank, and Branch Bank of Pennsylvania. Builders: William Call, N. M. Eisenhower, George Foos, Benjamin Fink, John Fink, Jacob Fritz, Wm and Joseph Henry, Wm. B. Hertzel, John and Frederick Printz, and Solo- mon Spohn.
Merchants: Philip Albright, John Allgaier, Marks John Bid- dle, Boas, Lott & Co., D. R. Clymer, William and Peter Coleman, Lewis Briner, Baum & Sands, Samuel Ermentrout, Wm. Ermentrout, Fasig & Henry, Wm. S. Fisher, Fricker & Stout, John Green, Hoff & Bro, George Feather, Hart & Mayer, Johnson & Templin, Keely & Kerper, Wm. & John Keim, Michael Keffer, Frank Miller, J. & C. M. Pearson, Alexander Peacock, Wm. Rhoads & Son, Francis Roland, Stichter & McKnight, John Ritter & Co., Seyfert & Miner, Frank B. Shalters, David R. Schultz, E. D. Smith, Weitzel & Bro., Philip Zieber.
The following women were in business then, all conducting millinery establishments, and several including trimmings and notions: Mrs. Catharine Andrews, (Barbara) Babb & (Catha- rine) Wanner, Mrs. Rachel Boyer, Helen Dwight, Mrs. Amanda Heller, Mrs. Mary Marsh, Mrs. Hannah Phillippi, Catharine Price, Deborah Potts, Mrs. Elizabeth Reamer (Nor- ton), Ellen Richards, Mrs. Red, Mrs. Runyeon, (Mrs. Susan) Rapp & (Mrs. Catharine) Harvey, Mrs. Harriet Smith (Kutz.)
Hotels: Herman Beard, Wm. Behm, John W. Burkhart, John Darrah, Andrew Davis, Wm. L. de Bourbon, Isaac Enis, Jacob Frill, George Gernant, Samuel Graul, Daniel Herr, John Mellon, John Messersmith, John Moyer, Michael Nunnemacher, Philip Orth, Peter Phillippi, Wm. Rapp, Solomon Spohn, Harry Weldy.
Surviving Business Men of 1847 .- There are still at Read- ing the following men who were engaged in business here before 1850, and have continued doing business until the present time:
William Behm, Adam Bertrand, John F. Boyer, Charles Breneiser, Henry Bushong, William N. Coleman, Henry Drum, F. G. Dwight, Jeremiah Hagenman, John M. Hangen, Henry A. Hoff, Samuel R. Lessig, Matthias Mengel, Jacob Miller,
99
CAUSE OF DEVELOPMENT.
Henry Rhein, Simon Seyfert, David Schultz, S. S. Stevens, Horatio Trexler, Jacob Walters, Samuel L. Young.
And the following were in business here before 1850 but, after having followed their respective callings for many years afterward, they are now living in retirement:
George Ammon, D. Llewellyn Beaver, David E. Benson, William Bingaman, William Call, Henry Crouse, J. Depuy Davis, William Donahower, Peter S. Ermold, Andrew Fich- thorn, John Fink, Franklin Fricker, George W. Garst, Reu- ben Goodhart, William Hagy, George W. Hantsch, Adam Heilman, Benneville Hemmig, Charles Henninger, William B. Hertzel, Jacob C. Hoff, William Keely, John Keppelman, Sr., Henry Kerper, John Kissinger, John M. Kissinger, William H. Norton, Artemus Orth, Henry A. Otto, Francis Rambo, Owen O'Reilly, Adam Schwenk, Edward D. Smith, Ernst Strohdach, John Strohecker, William Templin, Solomon Weida, George Yeager, John E. Yeager.
Cause of Development .- By the foregoing details it is ap- parent that the community then possessed a remarkable spirit of enterprise, and that this spirit, stimulated by coal, steam and iron, caused the development of Reading in its industrial, financial and social affairs. The shops and factories were nu- merous and diversified, and they together transacted annually a large volume of business. The establishments were mostly small, and employed only several mechanics. The iron works, however, were large and afforded employment to a considerable number of hands, especially the Philadelphia & Reading Rail- road Co. shops, and the Seyfert, McManus & Co. rolling mill. The major part of their production was shipped away by rail- road, canal, stage and private conveyances, more particularly cigars, iron articles and wool hats.
From 1850 to. 1860, a number of large establishments were erected, notably the cotton mill, woolen mill, and iron works of different kinds. When the Civil War arose, there was a sudden increased demand for all kinds of articles, and necessarily the factories and shops were enlarged, besides being increased in number. The statistics for the decade from 1860 to 1870, if published, would show an enormous volume of business. The railroad facilities for shipping goods were improved to answer the increasing demands of the manufacturers.
IO0
HISTORY OF READING.
It would be very interesting to describe in detail the develop- ment of the industrial life at Reading in its various channels un- til the present time, but the space allotted to this chapter will not permit it to be done. The status at the beginning of 1898, fifty years after the incorporation of the city, is far beyond that of 1847. This will be made apparent by comparing the fore- going statement with the following. The improvement is truly wonderful, and the people of Reading can show a pardonable pride in its manufacturing concerns to which it is chiefly in- debted for the great increase of its wealth and population.
It must be stated in this connection that a similar improve- ment was made in the dry goods establishments. Some of them have grown into large department stores, notably Dives, Pome- roy & Stewart, C. K. Whitner & Co., Kline, Eppihimer & Co., J. Mould & Co., J. C. Illig & Bro., J. S. Shade & Sons. Most of the stores at Reading from 1750 to 1825 were practically what the large department stores are to-day, the difference being in the amount of stock carried. Then the value was from $3,000 to $30,000; now it is from $30,000 to $300,000. After 1825, as population increased, they carried distinct lines of goods, and this has been continued until now. The department stores began here in 1876.
PART III. - INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS,
The following tabulated statement is presented to give the reader an idea of the varied character of industries at Reading in 1898. The several enterprises are briefly described to show when they were introduced, and how and by whom carried on, as near as the facts could be ascertained by interrogating nu- merous persons who were actively engaged in business both before and after 1847. They will be treated in the order in which they appear in the table. In many instances, information was not furnished as to investment and annual volume of business, and on that account the total capital and production in the manu- facturing business at Reading are not given, much as it was de- sired by the compiler to do so. The figures given were correct at the time of describing the respective industries. In many cases, however, they are known to fluctuate more or less, this being caused by parties embarking in enterprises and then suspending operations. The total number exceeds five hundred.
IOI
INDUSTRIES.
TABLE OF INDUSTRIES IS98.
Agricultural Implements 2
Badges
2
Baking, Bread etc. 53
Glass
I
Glue
I
Green-houses
6
Gun making.
2
Bending Works
I
Hats and Caps
Wool 6
Fur
5
Caps
I
Boxes, Cigar
5
Boxes, Paper
5
Boxes, Packing cases
I
Ice Cream
7
Braids and Trimmings
I
Iron (48) .
Boilers 6
Boiler plate
I
Bolts, Nuts, etc.
3
Cutlery and Edge Tools 2
Engines .
4
3
Brushes
4
Candies
5
Carpets
8
Furnaces
3
Hardware
3
Knitting Machines
2
Machinery .
5
Nails
I
Cold Storage
2
Cotton Goods
Pig
2
Pipes 2
Projectiles and Steel I
Radiators
I
Sheet
I
Handkerchiefs
I
Stoves and Heaters
2
Jewelry
3
Laundries
I5
Leather (tanned) 3
Malt
2
Marble and Granite Works
4
Mattresses .
I
Metallic Cornices
3
Oil Refinery .
Optical Instruments
I
Organs and pianos
Paints .
4
Furniture
Galvanizing and Nickel-plating
2
Gas
I
Baking, Bretzels
5
Baking, Crackers
2
Baskets and Willow ware
2
Bicycle Works 8
Boat-Building
I
Book-Binding
3
Horse collars
2
Ice
6
Brass Works .
7
Breweries and Bottling Works. I3
Brick, Building and Paving 8
Brick, Fire 2 2
Brick, Vitrified
2
Carriages, Wagons and Wheels 7
Cement Paving 3
Cigars . IIO
Clothing 5
P. & R. Works
4
Muslin I
Batting
I
Hosiery
18
Underwear
I
Aprons, dresses and waists I Overalls I
Creameries 3
Department Stores . 6
Electricity, Construction
9
Electricity, Light and Power I
Express Companies 2
Express, Local . 20 Fertilizers I
I
Fire Apparatus I
Flour
2
Paper, Book and Manilla
3
NN HHHN
Brooms
IO
Fences and Grill work . Files I
Fire escapes
I
IO2
HISTORY OF READING.
Paper Bags
2
Soap and Candles
2
Patterns
I
Spalls and Sand .
5
Perfumery
3 Spectacles I
Photographs and Portraits 8
Spices
I
Picture Frames, Gilding, etc. . 2
Stained Glass
2
Planing Mils . .
7
Steam Heating
I
Potteries
I
Stencils and Rubber Stamps
2
Pulleys
I
Terra Cotta Ware
I
Ropes, Cordage, etc.
I
Tin Plate
I
Rubber Tires
Trunks I
I
Shirts
7
Umbrellas I
Shoes
I
Washing Machines 3
Silk
I
Woolen Goods
3
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.
Agricultural implements were made at Reading at an early period and continued to be for one hundred and twenty-five years. Before 1840 this branch of industry was carried on exten- sively by different individuals; among them Adam Waid, Jacob Ahrens and M. Kirkpatrick. Samuel Lessig began in 1849, and continued until 1887.
Lessig Bros .-- In 1858, Matthias Raser, of Reading, invented the first lever horse-rake. Lessig then obtained a half interest in the invention, and in 1859 improved it. For ten years he manufactured and sold large numbers of them. He was suc- ceeded by his sons, George and Charles, in 1887, and they have carried on business since then. By competition and the intro- duction of implements from the west, their productions are con- fined to fodder-cutters and cultivators which they produce in limited quantities. Their business is mostly general repairs.
Knoll & Althouse .- James H. Knoll and Nathan S. Althouse, trading as Knoll & Althouse, have made cultivators and fodder cutters since 1886. For some years, they produced large quan- tities and shipped them to different parts of the country; but since 1895 they have gradually directed their attention to wash- ing machines, in which connection the plant is described. Their annual production in implements amounts to $3000.
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BADGES.
Reading Ribbon Badge Co .- Julius Weber began the manu- facture of badges in Exeter township in a limited way before 1860. In 1876 he removed to Reading and established the business at Eleventh and Spruce streets, where he erected a two-
103
BAKERIES.
story brick factory, adding the making of flags and banners. The business was carried on under the name of Reading Ribbon Badge Co., and, Mr. Weber dying in 1896, has been continued since by his widow, with their son, Harry C. Weber, as mana- ger. The factory is equipped with the finest machinery, and has a capacity for 10,000 badges a week. During 1897 the total number manufactured for various societies and parades was 250,000. The amount invested is $15,000. Twenty hands are employed constantly, this number increasing occasionally to thirty. Hot press, steel and copper-plate printing, lithograph- ing, embossing and stamping are also carried on extensively in the same building, for which the best machinery is used. In this department there are 10 employees.
Keystone Ribbon Badge Co .- Richard H. Bortle and James E. Norton began making ribbon badges in 1893 and traded as the Keystone Ribbon Badge Co. until January 1, 1898. They manufactured all kinds of society emblems and jewels, silk flags, banners and regalias and employed six hands. Mr. Bortle then became sole proprietor and he has continued the business.
BAKERIES.
From the beginning of the town until the canals were put into operation for traffic, the baking of bread, pies and cakes was a common custom with all the housekeepers; then the business of supplying the public with these articles was introduced and regularly carried on. In the past sixty-five years, it has grown to great proportions, there being now 53 bakers. The estab- lishments described are the largest and most important of the kind at Reading.
One of the first persons at Reading to make and sell bread, pies and cakes was J. Gottfried Eben and his bakery was situ- ated on the northeast corner of Second and Penn streets. He emigrated from Germany in 1831 and then located at Reading. He conducted the business successfully at that place, and on premises now 637 Penn street, until his decease in 1857.
Other persons early in this business were Mollie Beyerle, Charles Francis and David Goodfellow, who mostly supplied boatmen. Daniel Mayer and Christian Mayer carried it on extensively for many years.
104
HISTORY OF READING.
BREAD MAKING.
Henry Schofer Bakery .- Henry Schofer began baking in 1875 at 219 North Eighth street in a small way, delivering bread, pies and cakes with a hand cart. He gradually extended the business until he has made it the largest of the kind at Reading. He employs 35 hands; also 9 teams for delivering the production in Reading, and in Berks and the adjoining coun- ties. The actual out-put for 1897 was 873,645 loaves of bread, 225,760 pies, 62,450 dozen raised buns, etc., and large quanti- ties of fancy and wedding cakes, which required 4, 163 barrels of flour. He has in use the most improved machinery.
Mertz Bakery .- In 1846, George Groetzinger established a bakery at Chestnut and Plum streets. He died several years afterward, and his family carried it on until 1873, when the business was sold to G. Frederick Mertz, who had worked in the establishment for five years previously, serving his appren- ticeship there. Two hands were employed then and one de- livery wagon. Mr. Mertz continued the bakery until April I, 1898, during the 25 years enlarging the plant and coming to employ 7 hands, to run 4 teams and to consume over 20 barrels of flour weekly. He then transferred the business to his son, Albert. The trade is entirely with customers at Reading.
Deem Bakery .- C. M. Deem, after serving one term as Alderman of Second ward, from 1880 to 1885, embarked in the general baking business at 710 Chestnut street. He has con- tinued until now. He employs 4 hands, runs 2 teams, and con- sumes about 15 barrels of flour weekly. Trade is local.
Goodman Bakery .- Howard L. Goodman began a general bakery in 1882 at Franklin and Lemon streets. Since then he has been very successful, employing now 16 persons, and deliv- ering bread, etc., in Reading with 5 wagons.
Miller Bakery .- In 1889, James A. Schofer and William S. Miller, as Schofer & Miller, started a bakery at 931 Douglass street, and carried on the business until 1891, when they dis- solved partnership. Mr. Miller has continued it until now. He employs 8 men, has 3 delivery teams, and consumes 20 barrels of flour weekly.
James A. Schofer Bakery .- James A. Schofer engaged in the bakery business in 1894 at 108 South Fifth street, directing his
-
SCHOPER'S
BAKERY
CHOFER THE
CHOFER'S
CATER
BAKERY
229 -231 NAU:51
BAKERY OF HENRY SCHOFER.
105
BAKING.
attention chiefly to pastry and fancy cakes, and also catering. Hands employed, II; teams, 3; flour consumed, 7 barrels weekly.
CRACKER BAKING.
Wertz Factory .- Frederick S. and Augustus C. Wertz, trad- ing as F. S. Wertz & Co., started the manufacture of crackers and cakes at 120 South Third street in 1879 with 5 hands, and they consumed about 4 barrels of flour daily. They continued the business successfully until February, 1898, greatly increas- ing their production and extending their sales through Pennsyl- vania, Delaware and Maryland. Employees, 40 to 50; invest- ment, $45,000; annual wages, $15,000; and annual product, $100,000. They then sold their business to the National Biscuit Co. of Chicago, Ill., with A. C Wertz as manager.
Mitchell Factory .-. David Mitchell began the manufacture of crackers and confectionery in 1853, and the business has been carried on until now. The production is sold in all parts of Pennsylvania. Employees, II.
Others, engaged in this branch of baking business, are C. A. Muntz, Andrew Denschielmann and Addison Geyer.
BRETZEL BAKING.
Lichtenthaler Factory .- In 1860, Benjamin Lichtenthaler began the manufacture of cracker bretzels of a superior char- acter which became very popular and he carried on the business at 37 Apple street successfully until his decease in 1893. Dur- ing that time he developed a very large trade with an annual product of about 2000 barrels. Since his death, the business has been continued by the Lichtenthaler Bretzel Co.
Hendricks & Adams Factory. - John S. Hendricks and John T. Adams were employed in the Lichtenthaler factory for many years until 1893, when they started in the business for themselves at 335 Cherry street and there they have carried it on successfully until now. They employ 8 men, operate 2 ovens and manufacture over 4000 barrels annually. Invest- ment, $5,000; annual product, $12,000.
BASKETS.
Cook Factory .- In 1867 John Cook began making baskets of all kinds and sizes out of willow, reed and rattan. In 1872, he
IO6
HISTORY OF READING.
took his son George S. into partnership and they have traded since as J. Cook & Son. Their trade is local. They employ two hands and produce annually 5000 baskets.
Wunder Factory .- William L. Wunder began making willow ware, consisting of baskets and baby carriages, in 1883 at 529 Penn square. He has continued in the same location until now, employing 3 hands and forwarding large quantities into all parts of the country.
BENDING WORKS.
Leippe Works .- In 1859 Jacob A. Leippe started a bending works at Lancaster, and, after carrying it on until 1880, removed to Reading where he established his enterprise at Second and Franklin streets. He manufactured carriage shafts and rims. He died in 1888 when his sons, J. Harry and Charles E., suc- ceeded him, who have since traded under the name of Jacob A. Leippe's Sons. They selected the "anchor" as their trade mark, and so named the works. Their business has been ex- tended until now they ship goods to all parts of the United States, South America, Europe, Africa and Australia. Invest- ment, $40,000; employees, 50; annual wages, $20,000; and product, $60,000.
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