USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > School history of Berks County in Pennsylvania : by Morton L. Montgomery > Part 13
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In 1793 the "State-House" was erected on the northeast corner of Penn and Callowhill (5th) Streets, to provide offices for the county clerks, treasurer, and commissioners. Upon the erection of the new Court-House, the offices were removed thither, and the building was sold.
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When the town was incorporated into a borough, there was only one Market-House. It stood in Penn Square, above Callowhill Street. About 1799, a second was built after the same plan, below Cal- lowhill Street. They were both rebuilt at the close of this period.
There were no halls for the accommodation of public entertainments. Balls, amusements, etc., were carried on in large rooms of certain inns. Two places were conspicuous : Weldy's, adjoining the "Harrisburg Bridge" on the south side; and Fricker's, on the southwest corner of Penn and 6th Streets.
Streets - Change of Names .- Upon the laying out of the town, the streets were named as follows :
East and West .- Penn, extending through the centre of town ; to the north, Thomas' and Mar- garet ; to the south, Richard and Hamilton.
North and South (crossing the streets named at right angles). - King, Queen, Callowhill, Prince, Duke, Earl, Clement, Lord, Vigour:
These names were continued until they were ordered to be changed by the Borough Council in 1833. The names then substituted were as follows, Penn having been retained :
North of Penn .-- Liberty, Washington, and Wal- nut.
South of Penn .- Cherry, Franklin, and Chest- nut.
Across Penn .- 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, Ioth, and 11th.
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Those that had been for a time called Bridge and Treat were then changed to Front and 2d.
A year previous, (in 1832,) the streets of the bor- ough were graded, according to regulation, by Enoch Lewis.
On October 18, 1845, the Councils named the following alleys, extending,-
North from Liberty .- Pear, Thorn, Rose, Ash, Church, Reed, Poplar, Cedar, Moss, Black.
South from Cherry .- Oak, Apple, Carpenter, Wood, Pear, Plum, Lemon, Peach, Orange, Maple.
Laurel and Willow (south of Bingaman) were also named then.
CITY FROM 1847 TO 1889.
Review of Reading in 1847.
Manufactures .- When Reading came to be incor- porated as a city in 1847, it was in a flourishing state in every department of life, and well prepared to enter a new, larger, and more responsible period of municipal existence. This condition was caused by diversified industry and manufactures. Natu- rally, this feature of the place stood out above every other with great prominence. Shops, factories, and stores were numerous. These gave it activity and thrift, and attracted increasing trade and wealth. The population numbered about 12,000. The ten- dency of local development was to the south of Penn Street, and to the west of Ninth ; and the erection of churches followed this development. At that time there were thirteen churches: seven north of Penn,-Friends, Lutheran, Reformed, Episcopal,
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Presbyterian (colored), African Methodist Episcopal (colored), and Evangelical (Salem's) ; and six south of Penn,-Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Bap- tist, Universalist, and Lutheran.
Railroad .- The railroad deserves especial men- tion for its great influence over all the local affairs of the community. A decade had not fully elapsed since its introduction, yet it demonstrated its power in accelerating the growth of everything. As a stimulating agent it was inestimable, not simply for its direct action upon manufactures and traffic, but also for its indirect action upon the people and their various business enterprises. Lands and buildings increased in value. Inter-communication was as much facilitated thereby on the one hand as it was encouraged on the other. It brought villages and towns to the north and to the southeast nearer to Reading, not in respect to distance but to time, and this was a wonderful accomplishment in the onward march of our development. And what a teacher it was in quickening the intellect ! It was the fore- runner of increased education-having prepared the way for the more general introduction of the system which was then gradually working its way into the affections of the people. This railroad extended in a southeasterly direction to Philadelphia, and in a northerly direction to Pottsville. Another railroad had been projected, to extend westward from Reading through Lebanon Valley to Harrisburg, but it was not as yet begun. The canals and stages must be mentioned in this connection, for they, too, still occupied a prominent position. The former
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consisted of two lines, the "Schuylkill" and "Union ;" and the latter of three lines, -to the northeast to Easton, to the west to Harrisburg, and to the southwest to Lancaster.
Secret Societies .- A prominent social movement was then perceptible. This was the secret society. Though not practically in its infancy, it had, never- theless, not begun to make a marked impression till towards the close of the second period of Reading. The Independent Order of Odd-Fellows was partic- ularly active. As a beneficial organization it ex- tended its branches in various directions with re- markable activity. People of all trades, all classes, and all denominations fairly ran to it, for the friend- ship that it engendered, and especially for the char- ity that it dispensed amongst its members in sick- ness and distress. And the Free and Accepted Ma- sons, Lodge No. 62, instituted in 1794, kept up a successful organization, notwithstanding there had been for a time, from 1830 to 1840, much opposition to them by a political party styled the "Anti-Ma- sons." In 1832, the Anti-Masonic vote in Reading exceeded the Democratic vote. Fortunately for the Lodge, its list of members included the most influ- ential men of the place, and they preserved the so- ciety. In 1840, the feeling began to grow less ; and by 1847, it had subsided.
Saving Association .- The Building and Saving Association had just arrived as a great financial in- stitution in this growing community. The idea of saving money in small sums by numerous members of a common society, and erecting dwellings from
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the total accumulations by and for the working peo- ple, was simply forinulating. It was a public con- ception which was extending itself favorably amongst the laborers and middle classes, and obtain- ing a permanent hold upon them. It was a project for providing homes through economy in the daily affairs of life, just as the "Secret Society" was a similar project for providing relief to its members and their families. Both were akin.
· Fire Company .- The fire company was in an ac- tive, if not in a flourishing, state. Four volunteer or- ganizations were being conducted successfully (Rain- bow, Junior, Reading, and Neversink), partly through pecuniary assistance from the municipal government, but mainly from the spontaneous efforts of their members. It was a useful body ; but its usefulness was sacrificed to a considerable degree in the estimation of many property-holders by the boisterous conduct of some of its members about that time. It had not yet come to possess friendly unity in a common cause, and especially to realize its importance as a political factor. It was still without a head. Each organization acted for itself. All the organizations responded to alarms from im- pulse towards accomplishing the object of their ex- istence, in which they always displayed a commend- able pride in reaching the fire first. This perform- ance provided them with amusement in a certain sense, but they obtained it only by great exertions and risk of life. They still pulled their apparatus by hand ; and after exhausting themselves some- what in this manner on their way to the fire, they
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were there compelled to further exert their physical powers towards extinguishing the flames. When we consider that these companies were composed of men generally in ordinary circumstances, with a limited common education, and continued their or- ganizations year after year, in spite of gratuitous labor and of monthly dues, we cannot help but feel a high respect for their persistent devotion for the common welfare ; particularly upon comparing them with literary societies, which were then in a feeble existence and struggling unsuccessfully, though composed of professional gentlemen who possessed a high order of intellect and were in good circum- stances.
Common Schools .- The system of common- school education was actively conducted in the two school wards of the city. There were 17 schools, 31 teachers, and 2064 scholars. The following 10 districts in the county, besides Reading, had also accepted the system previous to 1847 : Caernarvon, Colebrookdale, Hamburg, Hereford, Kutztown, Marion, Robeson, Ruscomb-inanor, Union, and Womelsdorf. Progress was perceptible, but public energy was necessary to maintain the increasing hold of the system of 1834 upon the citizens. In - the beginning it had encountered opposition so strong as to have been a prominent factor in poli- tics. This was especially the case in the country districts. About that time the power of the County Court was directed, upon petition, towards the en- forcement of the system in certain districts in which directors had been elected, but who had
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failed to perform their duties. Such a spirited agitation of the subject increased the general move- ment in its behalf.
Newspapers .- The newspaper was in a flourish- ing condition at that time. Advertising was a con- spicuous feature. When the city began, there were six strong and well-conducted newspapers, viz .: Readinger Adler, Berks and Schuylkill Journal, Berks County Press, Liberale Beobachter, Reading Gazette, and Jefferson Democrat. The political sentiment of the inhabitants was favorable to the Whigs in relation to the local government, but to the Democrats in relation to the State and National governments.
Markets .- The markets were conducted success- fully in Penn Square. The "market-people " .came to Reading with their produce regularly twice a week-Wednesdays and Saturdays-and sold it dur- ing the early hours of the morning. They stood in the market-houses and round-about them through all the seasons of the year, without regard to the condition of the weather. Convenience to them and to the purchaser was not as yet a subject of consideration. The Town Council proposed no improvement beyond the public advantages first afforded four-score years before; and they still levied and collected rents. About that time they even rebuilt the market-houses, apparently indi- cating that the "old style" should prevail for a score of years more, notwithstanding the wonderful developinent of the place and the increase of its in- fluence as a centre of trade and wealth.
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Fairs .- The semi-annual "Fairs " were still kept up; but they were without profit or advantage of any kind. They were useless ; indeed, injurious to public morals. Hence, they were not only dis- couraged, but denounced by the press and by the people generally. Amongst the customs of the in- habitants, its hold was almost entirely gone. Danc- ing, drinking, and fighting were conspicuous fea- tures, these having been indulged in by the lower classes of the people. Military affairs, however, maintained their activity. "Exercise" was car- ried on annually in May; and it was known as " Battalion day."
Customs .- The great majority of the people were still domestic in their daily life. Gardening was commonly carried on either in the lots upon which the dwellings stood, or in out-lots. Fruit-trees were numerous in every quarter. Peaches, cherries, quinces, plums, and apples were plentiful. The first three were "preserved," not "canned," as now; and nearly every family boiled apple-but- ter in an open fire-place in the Fall of the year. "Butchering" was observed by all, and home-made sausage, pudding, scrapple, hams, and mince-meat were common in every household. About Christ- mas all the cellars of housekeepers were well stocked. Wood was still mostly used for fuel; and sawing upon the highway was a common occupation. It was commonly called "cord-wood," because it was delivered by the cord on a wagon with ladders. It consisted of pieces of hickory, oak, and chestnut (mostly the first), cut four feet in length. These
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pieces were sawed into two or more parts, and then split and piled away ready for use. The "ten- plate " stove was almost wholly used for cooking and heating purposes. Coal had been known to the community for nearly forty years, but it was not yet generally utilized, especially for domestic purposes. Its consumption was principally in pub- lic places, shops, factories, etc.
Light .- The light was produced from fluid, oil, and tallow, even common fat, the first two having been used almost wholly in stores, and the last two in dwellings, especially of the poor inhabitants. Gas was not yet introduced. The streets were not lighted up in the evening ; and the persons, whose business or pleasure called them away from their homes during the night, had to go in darkness. Lanterns were frequently carried to shed light upon the roadway. Walking then was no easy matter, for pavements were few and irregular, and did not facilitate the way of pedestrians. There were no "street-crossings " at the intersections of streets.
Amusements .- The customs of the residents had not as yet converted night into day for amusements of various kinds ; their morals would not have tol- erated such a practice, especially on the part of the young people. Dramatic entertainments were just starting out in earnest; and the demands for an improved light were gradually growing stronger. The extent of the borough was not large-the prin- cipal portion lying between Walnut Street on the north and Chestnut on the south, 9th Street on the east and 3d on the west. Business of all kinds was
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almost entirely done during the day-time, and mer- chants derived their chief support from the farmers. The streets were, therefore, quiet after sunset. Two constables were watchmen of the night, and for several hours before and after midnight they called out the hour and the condition of the weather in a monotonous, low tone of voice.
Pump .- The pump was still a common thing throughout the city, notwithstanding the general supply of superior water afforded by the " Reading Water Company." It was convenient in every block, and at least 100 of them were in daily use. Penn Street was especially well supplied. Ice had come to be furnished in small quantities for about 10 years, but not for drinking purposes. Cool water, freshly pumped from the wells, was satisfactory to all.
Incorporation of City .- The borough was incor- porated into a city by an act of Assembly passed on March 16, 1847. This act, besides investing the corporation with certain powers and privileges common to all municipalities, preserved the divi- sion of the territory into 5 wards, -Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Spruce. It provided for the annual election of mayor, treasurer, and three auditors, and also for the election of Select and Common Councilmen, the former for three years and the latter for one year ; and for the an- nual appointment by Councils of a solicitor, street regulator, street commissioners, market commis- sioner, high constable, scavenger, and president and clerks of Councils. It divided the city into
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2 districts for aldermen-Penn Street having been % the dividing line; and each district became entitled to two aldermen, with the term of office and powers of a justice of the peace. The day of election was . fixed on the third Friday of March.
A second charter was provided by an act passed on March 13, 1861. In it, among other things, the names of the wards were changed, as follows : Spruce to Ist Ward; Southwest to 2d; Southeast to 3d; Northeast to 4th; Northwest to 5th; and the terms of office of the mayor and treasurer were increased to two years, and city auditors to three years.
A third charter was provided by an act passed on April 26, 1864. The city was then divided into 9 wards, numbered respectively, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. The day of election was changed to the second Friday in February, and the term of Common Councilmen was increased to two years, one-half of the number to be elected alternately every two years.
The act of May 23, 1874 was accepted as a fourth charter which introduced additional changes. Each ward became entitled to one alderman. It sub- stituted a " city controller," with a term of office for two years, in the place of the three auditors, and increased the terms of office of engineer and solicitor to two years. And the. Common Council- men were to be elected every two years. This act has since been modified particularly as to the mayor, enlarging his powers and increasing his term of office to four years.
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Development of City.
1847 to 1857 .- From the time of incorporating Reading into a city till now, the general develop- ment of the place from decade to decade has been remarkable. Its history began whilst the Mexican War was being carried on; in which there was a company of volunteers from Reading, called the "Reading Artillerists." During the decade from 1847 to 1857, business affairs grew more active, and continued to do so till towards the close, when a panic ensued. Gas was introduced for lighting pur- poses ; and the first large hall was provided for the accommodation of the public in respect to entertain- ments, dramatic performances, etc. The "Charles Evans Cemetery" was founded, and other ceme- teries were established, to which the dead were then removed from the grave-yards in the central portion of the city, and in which burials were made from that time. Numerous buildings were erected, both dwellings and industrial establishments, the latter including prominent enterprises which have been continued in operation almost constantly till now, affording employment to hundreds of men, and yielding to the community thousands of dollars. Two railroads were constructed, -the East Penn to the northeast, and the Lebanon Valley to the west, -and these stimulated the energy of the people. The militia system was still prominent, and bat- talion days were devoted to general military exer- cise ; but the "fair days" at the market-houses passed away without regret from any one, and the
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Agricultural Society substituted a county fair for an improved annual exhibition of goods, live-stock, etc. About 1850, many citizens became excited upon the subject of migrating to California, and several parties proceeded thither under the hopes of realizing great profits from adventure and speculation ; but their doleful letters and early return dispelled the charm which had been thrown over the community, and the excitement subsided. And political questions also agitated the people,-one question, that of slavery, having been brought prominently to their notice, and caused the Presidential campaign of 1856 to be particularly enthusiastic. A public "High School" was discussed and successfully established ; and the tax-payers realized the promises of its pro- jectors in affording a means of advanced education to children who attended the common schools.
1857 to 1867 .- In the next decade, from 1857 to 1867, the Civil War was the most prominent subject which engaged the attention of the people. The streets were regulated by a topographical survey, from 1864 to 1868, which, by the establishment of lines and grades, encouraged building operations, especially in the northern section of the city; and the houses were numbered in 1863 by an admirable system along all the streets. The "water-works" became the property of the people in 1865 ; efforts were made. to improve the city charter by two amendments; and the wards were differently ar- ranged and increased in number. A "Firemen's Union" was organized in 1861 ; and several years afterward another union was effected which related
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to a public measure of equal importance. This was the consolidation of all the wards in the city for school purposes into one district, under the name of the "Reading School District,"-a movement which soon demonstrated its utility in giving to the chil- dren of the tax-payers better advantages for obtain- ing a good education. The feeling of union was also shown in another direction, the co-education of boys and girls in the High School, having been started in 1859. The people were active and ener- getic in every departinent of life, and the wealth of the community was increased millions of dollars. Weekly newspapers became more thoroughly circu- lated, and the daily newspaper was established. Postal facilities were increased, to the great conve- nience of the people. A fourth railroad from Read- ing was extended to the southwest, affording direct communication with Lancaster and Columbia. Po- litical excitement reached the highest point which the community was able to bear without resulting in a serious social disturbance.
1867 to 1877 .- During the third decade, from 1867 to 1877, general enterprise was active in the beginning and continued so for several years ; but then it began to decline and finally showed marked effects from the panic which prevailed throughout the country. Fire elsewhere destroyed much prop- erty, resulting in enormous losses which amounted to many millions of dollars; and it seemed that some evil genius possessed this community also, by the numerous acts of incendiarism in the most pop- ulous parts of the city. Fortunately for us, the vol-
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unteer fire companies were not. only prompt but vigilant. They were interested in the preservation of property and therefore moved by the noblest impulses to prevent losses from fire. Then the "Electric Fire Alarm " was introduced, which soon demonstrated its incalculable value to the commu- nity ; and the water supply was largely increased by the appropriation of the water of Antietam Creek, and the construction of a lake to be used as a stor- age reservoir, with a capacity of many million gal- lons. The "Centennial " was a prominent subject for several years, especially during the year 1876 for six months, from the 10th of May to the Ioth of November, when our people patronized the "Great International Exhibition " at Philadelphia very ex- tensively, having traveled repeatedly to and fro in regular and excursion trains. Many people of the county had articles on exhibition, and they distin- guished themselves by their zeal for the success of the great enterprise. In two respects they were particularly complimented ; one was the production of superior fruit, and the other was the display of educational work by scholars of certain school districts in the county. The railroads were busy, and their activity led others to be extended from Reading ; the Wilmington and Northern, and the Berks County. Street railways were also intro- duced and operated through the length and breadth of the city. The old market-houses became objec- tionable, and upon the erection of fine, commodious, and pleasant buildings in the several sections of the city by private enterprise for market purposes they
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were removed. New and modern halls were pro- vided, not only to encourage but to gratify the pub- lic desire for amusement. Foundries and factories were extended in different branches of industry, showing the increasing enterprise and wealth of manufacturers, and the employment of a larger number of mechanics and workingmen. Merchants and business men generally began to appreciate more the value and the necessity of advertising in various ways, especially in the newspapers ; and just as they here endeavored to attract the attention of the people of Reading and the districts through- out the county, so did the merchants at Philadelphia endeavor, through the newspapers, to draw trade away from the growing stores here to the business places there. Competition became an active feature of business life, and a state of trade was produced far in advance of previous decades. The city was · extended northward in 1871, increasing the area to over 3200 acres ; and a new charter for the city was obtained, by accepting the general act of 1874, for the government of cities of the third class. In the previous decade the militia system was obliterated by the Civil War ; and though a new system was then provided, it did not exhibit any strength in our community during this decade. The feeling and the general situation of the people in this re- spect were altogether different. We had no "bat- talion days," no military exercises. During the decade before 1857 there were 24 companies of militia which exercised frequently every year in the several sections of the county ; but in this decade
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