USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Reading, Pennsylvania, and the anniversary proceedings of the sesqui-centennial, June 5-12, 1898 > Part 9
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BICYCLES.
The credit of introducing the bicycle business at Reading is due to W. Irving Wilhelm. He began making repairs to bicycles in 1886, in the machine shop of his father, W. Harry Wilhelm, at the foot of Bingaman street, and in 1889 the establishment turned out the first bicycles, called the "Wilhelm." The busi- ness was carried on there until 1894, when he re- moved to Hamburg and erected a factory at that place.
John G. Xander was in Wilhelm's employ for a while; then started a bicycle repair shop. After continuing this for several years, he began making a bicycle called the "Neversink" in a small factory at Fourth and Cherry streets. This was in 1891. And
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BICYCLES.
in 1892 the Acme Bicycle Co. was formed by James C. Reber for manufacturing the "Stormer." From this beginning, a business was instituted at Reading that developed wonderfully, and in ten years the capi- tal invested was nearly $400,000; employees, 1,200; wages, $500,000; production, 58,000 bicy- cles worth $1,750,000, which were shipped by the several establishments to all parts of the world.
The bicycle was introduced at Reading in 1880; and the first five were brought here by Edward E. Stetson, Frederick H. Muhlenberg, Paul D. Millholland, Charles G. Willson and Harry O. Koller, in the order named. Now it is believed that there are 5,000 in use. The first woman rider here was Mrs. W. Irving Wilhelm, and the next, Miss Abdullah Jack, (now the wife of Charles R. Guldin) who became a very expert rider.
In 1883 the first bicycle club was organized, called the "Reading" and when it disbanded in 1888, it had sixty mem- bers. It was succeeded in that year by the "Penn." The "Electric" was formed in 1895; the "American" and "South End" in 1897. All of them have a large membership.
The first bicycle meet was held by the "Read- ing" club in the Fair Grounds at the head of Penn street in 1885. Others were held since, which were largely patronized.
Acme Manufacturing Co. was organized in 1892 by James C. Reber and the manufacture of the "Stormer" bicycle was started in a factory at Fourth and Cherry streets. In 1894 the factory was transferred into larger quarters on Court near Tenth street to accommodate the increasing business, and the company was incorporated with a capital of $100,000. In 1896 a supe- rior large brick structure was erected by the company at Elm and Poplar streets to supply the great demands for its bicycles, evidencing their popularity in all parts of the world. Employ-
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HISTORY OF READING.
ees from 500 to 600; annual wages over $250,000; production for 1897, 31,000 bicycles. Officers: James T. Reber, president;
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STORMER BICYCLES
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ACME MEG. CO
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Morris B. Reber, secretary; James C. Reber, treasurer and manager.
ACME BICYCLE WORKS.
BICYCLES.
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Relay Manufacturing Co. was organized in 1892 by John R. Miller and George Ziegler and started with 6 hands, making the "Relay" bicycle on Cherry near Fourth street. The business increased rapidly and the factory was removed to 753 Cherry street in 1893. After remaining there two years, larger quarters had to be provided, and a brick building at 208 Maple street was purchased, improved and equipped with the best machinery, where the business is now carried on. The product is shipped to all parts of the world. Annual production, 10,000 bicycles; employees from 150 to 200; annual wages, $65,000. Pres., John R. Miller; sec., Keyser Fry; treas., J. W. Minnig.
Reading Standard Manufacturing Co. was organized in 1896 for the manufacture of the "Reading Standard" bicycle. The factory is situated on River street above the Lancaster bridge, in the Remppis Iron Works building. Investment $100,000 ;
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READING STANDARD MANUFACTURING CO.
employees, 150; annual wages, $55,000; annual product, 10,000 bicycles, which are forwarded to all parts of the world, but principally United States, England and Germany. Officers: William F. Remppis, pres .; Thomas P. Merritt, treas.
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HISTORY OF READING.
Packer Cycle Co .- G. D. Packer, of New York, came to Reading in 1895, and began manufacturing bicycles on Cherry near Eighth street, trading as the Packer Cycle Co. During 1897, the factory employed from 50 to 75 hands, and produced 3,000 bicycles, which were forwarded to all parts of the United States. Investment, $20,000; annual business, $75,000; an- nual wages, $13,000.
Keystone Cycle Co. was organized in 1895, by Evan L. Shomo, Milton L. Ritter, D. Wellington Dietrich, Frank R. Wagner and Herbert R. Green, for the manufacture of bicycles. Their particular makes are the "Spin-away" and "Kyte." The fac- tory is situated in West Reading. They manufacture 7,000 wheels annually, which are shipped to all parts of the world. Investment, $40,000: employees, 75; and annual wages, $20,000. Officers: Evan L. Shomo, pres .; D. Wellington Dietrich, sec .; M. L. Ritter, treas.
Reading Cycle Manufacturing Co. was organized in 1896 for the manufacture of bicycles named the "Vindex" and "Vindex Grand." The company has manufactured 5,000 annually, and shipped them to all parts of the world. Employees, 150; an- nual wages, $75,000; product, $200,000; investment, $75,000. The factory is located at Tenth and Exeter streets. Officers: H. C England, pres .; D. J. Driscoll, treas .; and George A. Heckman, sec.
Millholland Tube Works .- In 1893, this company was in- corporated with a capital of $20,000 for the manufacture of high grade bicycle tubing and established its works along the Leba- non Valley railroad at Gordon street. It employs 50 hands and has an annual product of $100,000, which is disposed of mostly to bicycle establishments at Reading. Many orders are also shipped to different parts of the country. Officers: W. Brayton McKnight, president; Henry Millholland, treasurer and general manager.
Mc Connell Bicycle Bell Factory .- In 1893 Joseph F. McCon- nell and Miller M. Deem began nickel-plating, polishing and manufacturing brass castings and metal specialties on Court be- low Second street in a limited way. In 1894 they removed to Eighth and Oley streets where the business is now carried on by Mr. McConnell. In 1897, the McConnell bicycle bell was
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BOOK BINDING.
added to the list of specialties. Orders are shipped to all parts of the United States and Europe. Investment, $6,000; employees, 30; annual wages, $12,000; product, $30,000.
BOAT BUILDING.
Before the completion of the Schuylkill canal, grain, wool hats, whiskey and various manufactured articles were shipped by flat-bottomed boats on the river to Philadelphia, which were generally floated down by the current of the stream. These boats were made at Reading but the business was limited in ex- tent. After the canal had been put into operation, boat-build- ing became an established industry, and a number of docks or yards were carried on successfully for many years. The boats varied in size, extending in capacity from 80 to 200 tons. The docks were located along the canal from a point several hundred feet beyond the Leb. Val. R. R. bridge to Jackson's Lock at the foot of Sixth street. The prominent builders were Samuel Krauser, David Ely, Wm. Hiester, Peter Krick, Adam Waid, Wm. Call and Jerome Ringler. Hiester's son John has continued the business until now. His dock is opposite the gas works. He built the last boat in 1889. Since then he has been engaged mostly in repairing boats. He built several steam-boats for excursion purposes in conveying persons to the several resorts along the river between Reading and the big dam, and runs them every year during the summer season.
BOOK BINDERIES.
Isaac W. Harper moved from Philadelphia to Reading in 1835 and established the first book bindery which he conducted until his death in 1874. His place of business was at 647 Penn street for 35 years. Mr. Harper also established the first cir- culating library at Reading, and carried it on until he died. He had from 3,000 to 4,000 books.
George Kesserling was next to engage in the business. His place was on South Sixth street near Penn, and he continued there until 1858. He then sold out to Christian Fried who car- ried it on until 1886. His factory for the greater part of the time was on Cherry near Seventh street.
Taenzer Bros .- Engel Bros. came from New Orleans to Reading in 1869, and were extensive book-binders until 1885.
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HISTORY OF READING.
They were located on Penn street below Fourth. Taenzer Bros. succeeded them, and have been engaged in the business until now at 420 Court street.
Heller .- John L. Oberlies established a book-bindery in the rear portion of the Keystone hotel on the second floor in 1881, and carried it on for two years when he sold the business to Charles F. Heller who conducted it there until 1889, when he removed to 632 Washington street. He started with 3 hands and now employs from 15 to 20. He manufactures all kinds of blank, printed and general book work. Investment, $10,000. His factory is equipped with the latest machinery and appliances. It is the largest in Reading.
Wonnberger .- Herman C. Wonnberger began in 1894 at Sixth and Walnut streets, and continued there until February, 1898, when he removed to 47 Reed street. He started with 4 hands, now he employs 14. He manufactures blank books of all kinds, and does the business of a general book binder. In- v estment, $4,000; annual product, $6.000.
BOX FACTORIES .- CIGAR BOXES.
Thalheimer Factory. - Albert Thalheimer learned the manu- facturing of cigar boxes at Philadelphia with Frederick Brecht. He came to Reading in 1866, and began business for himself in a small way at Ninth and Elm streets. He traveled through different sections of this and the adjoining counties, soliciting orders which he filled upon returning home. In 1868 he located at 143 Cedar street; employed 6 hands, and produced 800 boxes weekly. He has continued there until the present time, having enlarged the factory four times to meet the growing de- mands of his trade. He now employs 60 hands and produces 12,000 boxes weekly. Investment, $40,000; annual wages, $12,000; and product, $50,000. In 1895, his son Emanuel became a partner, the firm trading as A. Thalheimer & Son. Their trade extends through Pennsylvania and a part of New York. They have secured various patents for manufacturing cigar makers' supplies, in which they do an extensive business.
For a number of years, Frederick Brecht was the oldest cigar- box maker in the United States and Mr. Thalheimer the second oldest. Mr. Brecht died in the Fall of 1847 and since that time Mr. Thalheimer has been the oldest.
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BOOK BINDERY
ENELLE
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BLANK BIEN
C.F.HE'LLER
BOOK BINDER.
Commercial
Stationery/
OF ALL KINDS ON HANDAND
MADE
TO ORDER
TALIT
BLANK BOOKS.
Reading Eng Co
BOOK BINDERY OF CHARLES F. HELLER.
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PAPER BOXES.
Fichthorn Factory .- E. R. Fichthorn engaged in the manu- facture of cigar boxes in 1878 on Cherry near Third street. In 1892 he removed to 145 Pearl street, and has continued there until the present time. He produces 4000 boxes weekly, which are supplied to local cigar manufacturers. Investment, $5,000; annual product, $10,000; and wages, $3,500.
Boyer & Heilig Factory .- In 1886, Andrew S. Boyer and George W. Heilig, trading as Boyer & Heilig, started making cigar boxes with 2 men, and a daily production of 300 boxes. The factory is at 202 Cedar street. They now employ 25 per- sons and produce 1500 boxes daily. Investment $10,000; an- nual wages, $5,000; product, $30,000. Trade local.
Brown Bros .- In 1890 Nathan Y. Brown and Willard Edgett began manufacturing cigar boxes, and continued until 1893, when they dissolved, Edgett remaining at Seventh and Court streets, and Brown removing to Sixth and Cherry streets where he continued the business as N. Y. Brown & Co., until 1897. He employed 20 to 25 hands and produced daily 1200 boxes. In May, 1897, the factory was removed to Eighth and Spring streets, where it has remained until now with the same number of hands and the same production. Investment, $2,500; annual wages, $8,000; product, $18,000. Business mostly local.
Edgett Factory .- Willard Edgett began in 1893. His factory is at Seventh and Court streets: 'He turns out daily from 1200 to 1500 boxes, and employs 15 hands.
PAPER BOXES.
Weber Factory .- In 1853, Julius Weber began making paper boxes for packing and shipping hats, and this business has continued until now, being carried on in connection with Badge-Making. Employees, 10; product, 50 dozen daily, which are supplied to hat manufacturers at Reading.
Standard Paper Box Co .- In 1875 Abraham Trate began making paper hat boxes at 627 South Sixth street, and continued the business until 1890. He was succeeded by his son-in-law John H. Johnson, who removed the factory to 517 South Fifth street and carried it on until 1894, (excepting several months by Dotts & Jennings.) The Standard Paper Box Co. was then
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HISTORY OF READING.
formed by Daniel, Irwin, Ella and Lucy Huyett. They purchased the plant and have conducted it until now. They manufacture all kinds of paper boxes; produce 30,000 weekly and employ 30 hands; annual business, $20,000.
Engle Factory .- William H. Engle started making all kinds of paper boxes in 1886, at 443 South Fifth street, employing only 2 hands, and producing 600 boxes monthly. In 1893, he established his factory in the Yocum building, Seventh and Wal- nut streets. He employs 40 hands and operates 14 machines and makes exclusively boxes for small hardware. Annual wages, $6,000; product, 125,000 boxes, which are delivered to the Reading Hardware Co.
Reading Paper Box Co. was formed in 1892 by Louis Kraemer, Louis F. Kraemer, George A. Wanner, J. Edward Wanner, Howard P. Wanner, F. S. Livingood and Charles M. Steinmetz for manufacturing paper boxes of all kinds. A large local trade has been developed, and 30 persons are employed. The business is carried on at 239 Cedar street. The com- pany was incorporated with a capital of $12,500. Officers :- J. Ed. Wanner, pres .; George A. Wanner, sec. and treas .; C. M. Steinmetz, manager.
Mt. Penn Paper Box Co. was organized in 1894 by Reuben Sindel, J. A. Sindel, E. H. Sindel, John Stott and William D. Jesberg, for the manufacture of paper boxes of all kinds and sizes. They began operations with 15 hands at 527 South Sixth street, producing 10,000 boxes, weekly. In 1895 they removed to a large factory at 311 Bingaman street. They employ 22 hands, and produce 15,000 boxes weekly, which they deliver mostly to local trade.
WOODEN BOXES.
Deysher Factory .- Jacob H. Deysher was a lumber dealer at Reading from 1845 to 1860; then he started a box factory on Third street below Pine and carried it on until his decease in I888. He started with I hand and in 1888 he had 15 hands. His widow, Mrs. Annie K. Deysher, continued the business until 1894 when it was transferred to their son, Abner S. Deysher. The product is wooden boxes, used for shipping hats; also crates for bicycles.
NATIONAL BRASS AND IRON WORKS.
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BRASS WORKS.
BRAIDS AND TRIMMINGS.
Reading Braid Co. was organized in 1894 by the persons constituting the Reading Paper Box Co., for making braids and trimmings of all kinds. Their place of business is in the factory of that company, and they have developed a large trade which extends throughout the United States. Investment, $30,000; employees, 75; annual wages, $10,000. The company was in- corporated. Officers: F. S. Livingood, pres .; C. M. Stein- metz, sec. and treas .; Frederick W. Klein, superintendent.
BRASS WORKS®
Brass foundries have been carried on by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad company at Seventh and Franklin streets in connection with the machine shop since its erection there in 1838. Besides the general brass work done, all the engine bells used on the roads were cast there. Calvin Goodman was fore- man of that department from 1860 to 1886, when he resigned to fill the position of postmaster of Reading.
A foundry of this kind has been conducted with the machine shop of Davies, Printz & Co., since its erection; also by the Reading Hardware Works, and Penn Hardware Works.
Connard Foundry .- In 1853 James L. Douglas, an expert machinist of Reading, began the manufacture of brass castings and general machinery at Sixth and Chestnut streets. In 1854 Henry Connard associated with him and from that time until 1896 they carried on business under the name of Douglas & Connard, when Mr. Douglas withdrew from the firm. The enterprise was started with two brass furnaces, which were in- creased to seven. Previous to 1860 there was a much greater variety of general machinery work done than since that time. Men employed, 15; investment, $50,000; annual wages, $10,000.
National Brass and Iron Works was incorporated in 1891, by Hiram K. Getz, Harvey H. Shomo, John G. Mohn, William H. Mohn and W. W. Light, for manufacturing art metal goods such as lamps, tables, cabinets, mirrors, frames, decorative globes, statuettes, etc. and electroplating in all its forms. They established a large plant at Green and Tulpehocken streets, ad- joining the Lebanon Valley railroad, with an investment of $185, - 000; annual product, $225,000, and wages, $50,000. They
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HISTORY OF READING.
employ 150 hands and ship goods to all parts of the United States, also Great Britain and colonies, with a foreign office at London. John G. Mohn is president and Harvey H. Shomo secretary and treasurer.
Reading Brass Foundry Co .- George W. Miller and Heber Buckwalter began January 1, 1897, manufacturing all kinds of brass gas fixtures at 120 Penn street for local trade. Employees 8; investment, $1,500; annual product, $10,000.
Excelsior Foundry .- Charles K. Dick and George A. Wick- lein began January 1, 1897, trading as the Excelsior Brass Foundry and Pattern Works for the manufacture of all kinds of fancy brass castings, and soon developed a trade that extended into all parts of the country. Location on Eighth below Chest- nut street; employees 5; product $10,000.
Kline Foundry .- J. W. Kline started a brass foundry at Second and Beech streets in 1897, for manufacturing all kinds of aluminum and brass castings. Fine chandeliers are a specialty. He employs 10 hands.
BREWERIES.
The brewing business was carried on at Reading before 1770, but the beer was light in character, limited in quantity and wholly for local consumption. It was not carried on extensively until after 1847.
Lauer Brewery .- In 1823 George Lauer, a German from Bavaria, settled at Womelsdorf in Berks county, and began brewing beer and ale at that place. He removed to Reading in 1826, and established a brewery at Third and Chestnut streets, which he operated until 1835, when his son Frederick became the proprietor. The plant was enlarged gradually, and in 1866 an additional plant was started at Third and Elm streets. Mr. Lauer was a very enterprising man and showed much interest in the development of Reading. . He died in 1883, and his sons, Frank P. and George F., succeeded him. The plants together constitute the largest brewing establishment at Reading. They are operated by the Lauer Brewing Co. An ice plant is carried on in connection with the brewery which produces about 50 tons of ice daily for local consumption. Total annual production of beer, porter and ale is 60,000 barrels, which are mostly delivered
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BREW HOUSE
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SCOLD STORAGE
REFRIGERATING
F
ICE PLANT
MALT HOUSE
BREWERY OF P. BARBEY & SON.
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BREWERIES.
to customers at Reading, some being forwarded to Schuylkill county. Employees, 50. Investment, $500,000.
Deppen' s Brewery .- Nicholas A. Felix started a brewery in 1845 at Tenth and Chestnut streets, naming it "Spring Garden," for manufacturing beer, porter and ale, and conducted the same until his decease in 1874. The estate carried on the business for five years when Dr. William P. Deppen, his son-in-law, be- came the owner and he has operated the plant until now.
Keystone Brewery .- In 1850 Aaron D. Hoyer erected a brewery on Fourth near Elm street and he and his brother . Joseph carried it on for some years. In 1877 Samuel C. Keller became the owner and after conducting it for seven years, Otto Eyring associated with him, trading as Keller & Eyring. The brewery is now operated by John Roehrich and George J. Raab. Employees 12; product, 9000 barrels of beer and porter which are sold in Reading and vicinity.
Barbey's Brewery .- Peter Barbey emigrated from Bavaria, Germany, to Philadelphia in 1857, and settled at Reading in 1859. In 1861 he started in the brewing business, establishing his plant at River and Hockley streets in 1869. His son John became a partner in 1880, the firm trading as P. Barbey & Son. The father died in 1897. The annual product of the brewery is 50,000 barrels of beer and porter, 75,000 bushels of malt, and 18,000 tons of ice, all delivered to customers at Reading and vicinity. Employees, 35.
Reading Brewing Co .- Henry S. Eckert, Jesse G. Hawley, Wm. Nolan, Lewis Kremp, Philip Bissinger and several others organized and incorporated the Reading Brewing Co., in 1886 with a capital of $150,000. They established a superior plant on Ninth below Laurel street and have carried on the business until now. Employees 20; annual product 25,000 barrels, which is disposed of mostly to local customers, some being shipped to surrounding counties. Officers: Philip Bissinger, pres., Ferdinand Winter, treas., D. A. Wiegner, sec.
Stockers's Brewery .- John C. Stocker and John Roehrich be- gan brewing in 1885 in Schuylkill county. They removed their business to Reading in 1891, establishing a plant at the north- ern boundary opposite the Fair Grounds. Mr. Roehrich retired
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HISTORY OF READING.
from the firm in 1897. Employees, 12; product, 7000 barrels of beer and porter, which are delivered to local customers.
Muhlenberg Brewery .- Simpson Becker, N. G. Rothermel, H. J. Seidel and others organized a brewing company in 1895 and had the same incorporated with a capital of $75,000 under the name of Muhlenberg Brewing Co. They established their plant on the Kutztown road, within a mile beyond the northern limits of Reading. Employees, 12; product, 9,000 barrels of beer and porter which are delivered to customers in Berks and adjoining counties.
BOTTLING WORKS.
Fett & Son. - John Fehr was engaged in the bottling business on Cherry street below Seventh for some years previous to 1855, when he sold out to Herman Floto who removed the establish- ment to Seventh street above Franklin. He increased the busi- ness, added a brewery and continued until 1864, when he sold out to Christian Shick and John H. Fett. In 1865, they trans- ferred the works to 31 and 35 North Ninth street. In 1887 Mr.
Schick retired. Mr. Fett conducted the business two years, and then introduced his son John as a partner; who from that time have been trading as J. H. Fett & Son. They have 4 teams, and their trade extends throughout Berks County. During the summer season they bottle weekly about 30 barrels and manufacture 500 dozen bottles of sarsaparilla, ginger ale, soda, etc. Investment, $22,000; annual wages, $5,000.
Fries & Croessant .- G. William Fries and Herman J. Croessant began at 640 Cherry street in 1882. After remaining there a year, they removed to 215 Moss street. They employ 7 hands and 3 teams; bottle 20 barrels of beer, porter, etc .; and manufacture 500 dozen bottles of sarsaparilla, etc., weekly. Their trade is local. Investment, $12,000; annual business $10,000.
Fisher .- Adam W. Fisher started at 114 Penn street in 1887 with three hands, and bottled 10 barrels of beer, porter, ale, etc., weekly. He has continued the business until now, bottling the same quantity. Investment, $6,000.
Excelsior .- T. J. Fessler and S. G. Dunkelberger, trading as Excelsior Bottling Co., began in 1894 at 37 Maple street.
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BUILDING BRICK.
They bottled weekly from 20 to 25 barrels of beer, porter and brown-stout, besides manufacturing 2,000 dozen bottles of ginger-ale, seltzer and carbonated drinks. Employees, 8; teams, 5; investment, $17,000; annual business, $25,000; wages, $2,800.
Reading .- Frank B. Hay began bottling beer, porter and ale in 1895 at Fifth and Washington streets, trading as the Reading Bottling Works. Employees, 4 to 8; investment, $14,000; trade throughout Eastern Pennsylvania.
Schaufert .- Jacob Schaufert started a bottling works on Madison avenue near Elm April 1, 1898. He employs 4 hands- and bottles 10 barrels of beer, porter, &c., weekly, which are de- livered to customers in Reading and surrounding districts.
BUILDING BRICK.
The business of manufacturing brick at Reading for building purposes was started about 1790. The buildings previous to that time were constructed of log, stone and frame; then brick began to be introduced. The first building of this material was a small one-story house on the southwest corner of Seventh and Washington streets, It was occupied by the First Reformed congregation for school purposes for many years. The next was the Trinity Lutheran church in 1791, afterward the "State House," the "Branch Bank," and the "Evans House" (125. South Fifth street. )
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