USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > School history of Berks County in Pennsylvania : by Morton L. Montgomery > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
When steps were being taken, looking to the abandonment of the public market-houses, private individuals erected substantial and commodious buildings to accommodate the market people; which were opened to the public on May 10, 1871. The following three buildings were erected shortly be- fore : South Reading, 6th and Bingaman ; Farmers', on Penn between 8th and 9th; West Reading, on Penn between 3d and 4th. In 1874, two additional market-houses were erected, -Northeast, at 9th and Buttonwood, and the Keystone, on 6th near Wal-
241
READING.
nut; and in 1884, a sixth was erected at 10th and Chestnut. In 1886, the Keystone was converted into a theatre, and the market-house at 5th and Buttonwood (which had been erected and occupied for a time as a skating rink) came to be used in its stead.
Market-Days .- The charter established two mar- ket-days for every week-Wednesday and Saturday. The weekly markets began during the Fall of 1766. Butchers and farmers attended regularly for the sale of meat, vegetables, butter, eggs, etc. ; some twice a week, others once. The markets opened in the morning. No regular hour was fixed at which to begin sales. The market people were generally at their stalls very early, some soon after midnight, and so timely as to be able to take a nap in their wagons before the town-people came to buy their articles; and this they did with wonderful persistence through all seasons of the year. We cannot imagine what trials they frequently endured through the cold Winter mornings for the sake of selling their goods to get a little cash. What labor to produce them, what energy to carry them to market, what patience to sell them ! And this cus- tom of selling goods at the market-place in the highway, mostly without shelter, continued decade after decade for over 100 years, from the time when the town contained about 1000 inhabitants till the number had grown beyond 33,000. This was a long period to continue going to the same place for the same purpose, without any improvement in re- spect to comfort and convenience of both the seller
16
242
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
and the buyer. The subject of private market- houses in the several sections of the city was agi- tated for some years, but the movement met with general opposition from the property-holders and business men on Penn Square. After considerable discussion, the Councils passed an ordinance on April 30, 1870, favoring the removal of the public market-houses. This action encouraged private enterprise, and steps were then taken towards the erection of private inarket-houses. Their utility and excellence were practically demonstrated im- mediately after their completion.
Fair-Days. - By the charter, the semi-annual fairs were held on the 27th day of October and the 4th day of June of each year. These fairs were insti- tuted for the exhibition and sale of all kinds of pro- ducts, manufactures, and merchandise. And they were not alone for the town-people, but for the farmers. The eastern market-house was the most popular. The first fair was held in October, 1766. Dancing was carried on by men, women, and young people at certain taverns in the town, the "Green Tree " (now Hotel Penn) having been conspicuous in this respect. Besides dancing, there was much general jollification. Two days were usually spent in this manner, the first day having been by common consent for the "country folks" and the second for the "town folks." Fighting was a common practice, and "rowdies" and "bul- lies" were conspicuous. This rough and boisterous element in public brought the fairs gradually into disrepute. About 1836, they began to be so objec-
243
READING.
tionable that the better class of people of the town uttered complaints. The noise and disturbance was 110t caused by men alone. Boys took part in the demonstration by shooting off and exploding fire- crackers and yelling vociferously till midnight. Just then the common school was making its way into public favor ; and as the school came nearer to the people, the fair-day with its hilarity and profan- ity departed. Year after year these great days lost respect until 1850, when they were abandoned. A new institution arose to take its place, which was more adapted to develop respectful behavior and en- courage agriculture and manufactures. This was the Agricultural Society. And from the highway at the market-houses the exhibition was transferred to the "Commons." The selling feature of "fair- day" was discontinued, and the semi-annual town fair became an annual county fair.
Postal Service .- The post-office at Reading was established in 1793. The letters were called for until about 1835; then a man by the name of Shei- rer began to carry letters of many individuals not in business throughout the borough at a cent a letter. He was succeeded by William Taylor, Hamilton Mills, and Joseph Barrett. William Ruckman en- tered this service in 1848 and continued until 1861. He charged two cents for each letter, and earned from $12 to $15 a week. Samuel B. Ruth, Albert Miller, Christian Schultz, and Benjamin Guinther succeeded him, the latter two carrying until 1864, when the government established the free delivery system. These men were recommended by the
244
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
postmaster, and appointed by the department at Washington.
Letter-boxes were put up in August, 1864, at 5 places in different sections of Reading, for the pur- pose of enabling the citizens to drop letters to be collected by carriers. The first collection was made on August 22d. Two collections were made daily, 9 A.M. and 3 P.M. All letters had to be stamped with a 3-cent stamp. And there were then two letter carriers-one for delivery north of Penn and the other south. This postal accommodation was introduced by the postmaster, Jacob Knabb. The boxes and carriers were subsequently increased as necessity required. The money-order system was introduced about the same time.
In 1887, the United States government appropri- ated $180,000 for a public building at Reading. It was erected on the southeast corner of 5th and Wash- ington Streets during the years 1887, 1888, and 1889.
Water-Works .- For over 70 years, the inhabitants of Reading were almost entirely supplied with water from cisterns, wells, and pumps. The water was mostly limestone in quality and generally unpalata- ble, especially to those persons who were not accus-' tomed to its peculiar taste. It was unfit for wash- ing purposes, and those who had no cisterns were compelled to fetch water from the Schuylkill. After the borough contained a population of 4000, these sources were too limited for convenience and certainty of supply. Accordingly, in 1819, the sub- ject of "water-works" was agitated ; and this re-
245
READING.
sulted in the incorporation of the "Reading Water Company" for supplying the people with water. The company purchased land in Alsace Township, along the western declivity of Penn's Mount, lying northeast of Reading, which included a large and inexhaustible spring of water, commonly called "Hampden Spring," and proceeded without delay in the construction of a reservoir at the head of Penn Street, into which they conducted the spring water by gravity through earthen pipes 21/2 inches in diameter, laid 3 feet below the surface. Some of the pipes were of logs. The pipes through the streets were mostly of iron, varying from 2 to 4 inches in diameter. This was accomplished by October, 1821. By 1833, the money expended in this great improvement exceeded $20,000. Then 250 families were supplied with water, and the an- nual income was about $1500. The population was about 6500. About one fourth of the inhabitants were supplied. This would indicate a considerable encouragement of the enterprise. The company in- creased its capacities and facilities with the growth and demands of the borough, and continued to sup- ply the people till the borough grew into a city, and for 18 years afterward, when the company sold its rights and properties to the "City of Reading" for $300,000. In this sale there were included the Edelman Spring introduced in 1838, the Mineral Spring in 1853, and the Bernhart Dam in 1858.
The City Reservoir was constructed by the Read- ing Water Company,-the first basin in 1821, and the second in 1848, and was included in the transfer
246
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
by the company to the city on April 1, 1865. These basins were enlarged in 1872, at an expense of about $17,000. Their total capacity is 5, 132,- 000 gallons,-northern basin, 2,087,000 gallons ; southern basin, 3,045, 000 gallons.
Immediately before the purchase of the water- works, Councils had obtained the Ohlinger Mill property in Alsace Township, with the view of eventually constructing water-works at that point. This purchase induced the water company to sell their properties for $300,000, having shortly before demanded from the city more than $500,000. The price paid for the Ohlinger property was $7000. For some years afterward, the subject of an increased water supply was discussed very earnestly by Coun- cils and by the citizens generally, in order to ac- commodate the demands of the rapidly increasing population and the manufacturing establishments. After investigating all the surrounding streams of water, Councils determined to appropriate the waters of Antietam Creek, and to convert the mill property into a large reservoir, for which purpose it was, by its situation, well adapted. The improve- ment was made during the year 1874, affording to the city a storage reservoir with a capacity for 30,000,000 gallons. In 1880, the dam was height- ened and the capacity increased to 60,000,000 gal- lons, -supposed to have a capacity for 100,000,000 gallons. A large sum of money as damages was paid to the several property-holders situated below the lake on the creek. The total expense to the city exceeds $100,000.
·
247
READING.
The Hampden Reservoir is a large storage basin in the northeastern section of the city. It was con- structed during the years 1882, 1883, and 1884, at an expense of over $100,000.
The daily minimum flow of the streams and springs of water which supply the city is estimated to be nearly 2,000,000 gallons ; and the total storage ca- pacity is over 130,000,000 gallons.
The supply was increased in 1889 by the intro- duction of the water of Maiden Creek.
City Hall .- The Borough Council organized in the old Court-House in 1783 ; and there it assembled year after year until the new Court-House was erected, when it reinoved its place of meeting into that building. In 1847, the City Councils organ- ized on the third floor, and continued to meet there till the city of Reading purchased the property on the northeast corner of 5th and Franklin Streets- then an old-fashioned, low, two-story brick building. City Hall was erected by Councils in 1870. The total expense was about $26,000. It comprises the "lock-up," the battery for the electric aların, offices for the several city officials, Council chambers, and a large hall.
Fire Company Buildings .- For many years the _ early fire companies owned their own buildings in which they kept their apparatus; but when the city government began to contribute more liberally towards their encouragement, it became the owner of the buildings. Now it owns all the buildings of the several companies, 10 in number, excepting that of the Liberty Fire Company. The buildings
248
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
are all fine, 'substantial structures, elegantly fur- nished.
Commons .- A large tract of land, which lay at the base of Penn's Mount and contained about 50 acres, was "reserved by the proprietaries of Penn- sylvania as a free and public Commons for the dwellers in said town," when they laid out Reading in 1748. Notwithstanding the land belonged to the town and had been occupied by the dwellers as a "Commons" for 50 years, the authorities of the borough permitted a sale thereof, by the at- torney for the Penns, to the commissioners of Berks County on November 19, 1800, for the nominal consideration of $440. And from that time until 1886 the county claimed to own it. In June, 1850, about 30 acres were inclosed by a fence, the inclos- ure extending from the "Hill Road " to Washing- ton Street, and from IIth Street to the eastern boundary line (excepting the reservoir property and the County Prison), and upon the organization of the Agricultural Society, the county commissioners leased the tract to them for the purpose of holding an annual "Fair;" which then erected exhibition buildings, and constructed a circular race-track (one- third of a mile in circumference). In 1865 the track was increased to a half-mile in length, and then the remaining part of the "Commons" to Walnut Street on the north was inclosed, making the total area nearly 50 acres.
In 1878, a movement was made by property- holders in the vicinity to improve that part of the Commons which lay between the prison, the turn-
249
READING.
pike, and the Hill Road. Over $6000 was collected by them and appropriated towards the improve- ment. The sheds of the Agricultural Society were removed to the northern portion of the "fair- ground," and the small triangular tract was in- closed. In 1884, legal proceedings were instituted by City Councils to obtain a deed from the County Commissioners for the entire tract of land known as the "Commons," but the Court of Common Pleas refused to award a writ of mandamus to com- pel them to execute the deed prayed for. The matter was carried to the Supreme Court and the judgment was reversed. The deed was finally exe- cuted and delivered on November 22, 1886. Coun- cils afterward established a "Park Commission," and since that time the "Commons" has been rec- ognized as public property and has received annual appropriations for its improvement under their supervision.
Halls .- The people of Reading had a natural fondness for amusement from the beginning of the town. During its first period there were no build- ings set apart expressly for meetings and amuse- ments. Every tavern had a large room, in which the landlord encouraged parties to assemble for dancing, an amusement which was indulged in frequently during the year by the young people, and which was especially conspicuous on "Fair- Days.' Public meetings assembled mostly at the Court-House. And during its second period, the situation in this respect was not much improved. The "State-House " included two large rooms on
250
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
the second floor ; but these rooms were never con- verted into "halls" for dancing, theatres, etc.,- the one having been mostly used for a lodge-room by the "Masons," and the other for a Sunday- school from about 1820 until 1846, when the build- ing was sold by the county. Theatres and per- formances of all kinds were still conducted in large rooms of certain taverns. But its third period had hardly begun before a change was effected to ac- commodate the public.
The first enterprise for this purpose was projected in 1842, when steps were taken by the "Free and Accepted Masons" to erect a large and commo- dious three-story hall on the east side of 5th Street near Franklin ; but it failed, notwithstanding a large room was much needed. The "Reading Academy " had been closed to entertainments, even concerts. In 1846, a second effort was made. This was by the " Odd Fellows." They purchased the lot on the southwest corner of 5th and Franklin Streets, began building operations in April, 1846, and dedicated the "Odd Fellows' Hall " on Octo- ber 26, 1847. The procession of Odd Fellows upon that occasion presented one of the finest pageants ever witnessed in Reading. Concerts and enter- tainments began to be held immediately after its dedication in the auditorium on the second floor.
The next was the "Keystone Hall," an addition erected at the rear of the Keystone House-north- west corner of 6th and Penn Streets, by the owner, Tobias Barto. Its completion was signalized by a "Grand Dedication Ball," on October 19, 1854.
251
READING.
Its capacity was about 500. Many entertainments, balls, and public meetings were held in it during its continuance. In 1866 it was enlarged and much improved, when it was called Keystone Opera- House. It was discontinued upon the enlargement of the hotel.
The third was "Aulenbach's Hall," on the south side of Penn Street, above 6th, erected by John S. Aulenbachı in 1862. Its capacity, including gallery, was about 800.
The fourth was "Breneiser's Hall," on the north- east corner of Penn and 8th Streets, erected by Charles Breneiser in 1869. From 1879 until now it has been known as Association Hall, after the Young Men's Christian Association. The third floor is occupied by societies of Odd Fellows.
Mishler's Academy of Music was erected by Joseph Mishler, of Reading, and opened to the pub- lic October 1, 1872. It was the first modern theatre erected in Eastern Pennsylvania, outside of Phila- delphia. Its seating capacity was over 1000 per- sons. The cost exceeded $100,000. The interior arrangements were complete, and the ceilings and walls were magnificently frescoed. After a success- ful career of 14 years, it was closed February 27, 1886, when it was converted into a hall for the use of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is now oc- cupied by McLean Post, No. 16.
In 1871, the West Reading Market-House Com- pany erected a fine market-house on Penn Street, between 3d and 4th Streets, and in 1873 added an "Opera-House" to the front part with a seating
252
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
capacity for 1000 persons. It was opened in that year to the public as a place of amusement. The cost was $40, 000.
A "Masonic Temple " was begun in 1873, on 6th Street near Walnut, but the project failed after the completion of the market-house at the rear. Then several individuals purchased the property and com- pleted the building. It was opened in 1877, and named Mænnerchor Hall after the prominent sing- ing society of Reading. The market house was torn down in 1886, and the owners erected a superior theatre, to take the place of the "Academy of Music."
Gas and Electric Light .- Our forefathers used a very simple sort of light. It was produced from tallow and oil. Candles were in universal use. And they continued in use during the first and second periods of Reading. The inhabitants did not require a superior light, for they performed their labor and transacted their business during the hours of the day in which the sun shone, --- from "sun-rise" to "sun-set,"-carrying out the divine injunction, "work while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work." Fromn this, how- ever, we are not to infer that the night was not used to some extent as it is now, for amusement at least, if not so much for labor and business. "Country life," as distinguished from "town-life," clung to the inhabitants with remarkable tenacity. This
arose from their condition. They were mostly of the laboring class, and had simple habits. A great proportion also carried on agriculture in connection
253
READING.
with their trades and occupations. Generally in- clined to exercise economy, they avoided expense beyond the necessaries of life. Naturally, a simple, cheap light was sufficient for their purposes. A de- mand for an improvement did not arise ; hence, it was not thought of. If, perchance, it occurred to some men of enterprise and advanced thought, it was certainly during those periods impracticable. The time had not yet come, and the population had not yet reached the number, to justify the experi- ment and expense. Immediately after the erection of the borough into a city, an improvement was made. And this was by the introduction of gas, for which a company was formed in 1848, under the name of the "Reading Gas Company." It con- tinued to supply many citizens and business places and the streets of the city with gas from that time until November, 1885, when the "Consumers' Gas Company " took possession of its extensive and costly plant under a lease. The latter company is now supplying gas to the community.
A company was formed in 1883 for the purpose of supplying Reading with electric light and power, and it has been in successful operation since. It began to supply the city with light at the more prominent intersections of streets in September, 1883.
Street Railways .- In 1873, the Reading City Passenger Railway Company was incorporated and the railway was laid in 1874 on 6th Street, from Canal Street northward to Robeson, and thence to the Cemetery. The first cars were run in August
254
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
of that year. The company has continued to oper- ate the road successfully since. In 1886, it con- structed two branches, - one on Laurel and Cotton Streets, and the other on Walnut and IIth Streets ; and in 1887 and 1888 they extended branches on other streets.
A company was incorporated in 1873, under the name of Penn Street Passenger Railway Company, to operate a railway on Penn Street ; and the right was given to construct a street railway on Penn Street from Front to IIth, thence on Perkiomen Avenue to 19th Street. The railway was laid in 1874; but the road was not operated successfully for a number of years. Then it passed into the possession of the Central Passenger Railway Com- pany, which also failed to carry it on to advantage. In 1881, the Perkiomen Avenue Passenger Railway Company was organized, and it purchased the road, cars, etc. In 1886, it constructed a branch road on Ioth to Centre, to 9th, and to Penn. It operated the road until 1888, when the first-named company became the owner.
These street railways have been of great value to Reading in various ways, especially in causing buildings to be erected and more generally distrib- uted throughout the several sections of the city, and in facilitating the movements of the people, whether in traveling to and fro in their daily employments or in carrying on the social affairs of life. They extend through the main thoroughfares from one end of the city to the other, and being so convenient to the people, they are well patronized. The cars
255
READING.
have been drawn by horses from the beginning till now.
A line of railway, on which the cars are pro- pelled by electricity, was constructed in 1888, ex- tending from East Reading to " Black Bear Hotel." It is operated very successfully. This enterprise was immediately appreciated by the residents of Alsace and Exeter townships, and it will be not only a strong and sure means of improving the value of their property, but also of uniting them more closely with Reading, and its inhabitants.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES. SCHOOLS.
Education began in Reading at the very begin- ning of its settlement. Churches were erected in 1751 ; and in connection with the churches there were schools. The oldest building used for school purposes for nearly a hundred years, now standing in Reading, is the one-story stone building at the southwest corner of 6th and Washington Streets (the southern half of the building having been torn away). This was owned and carried on by the "German Lutheran" (afterward Trinity) congre- gation. It was erected, it is supposed, in 1763, when the lot was purchased. Two of the early teachers were Joseph Fleischer and Paul Fuegner. A cultured German by the name of Staudt taught for 30 years till 1820. He was succeeded by Christian Deininger (father) and E. Jonathan Dein- inger and Constantine J. Deininger (sons). In 1844, the week-day school was still active, though not
256
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
so numerously attended as previously. Education was conducted in German. The teacher last named discontinued the school in 1858. The room was situated in the lower (left-hand) side of the building,
facing on 6th Street. The desks and benches were high and long, to accommodate a number of schol- ars ; just the opposite of the desks and chairs used to-day, which are low and arranged separately for each scholar.
The "German Reformed " congregation pur- chased a lot on the southwest corner of 7th and Washington Streets in 1776, and about that time erected a brick building and used it for school pur- poses for many years. The building is still stand- ing. One of the early teachers was John Philip Foesig. His name has been traced back to 1751. He died in 1805, having served the congregation as their schoolmaster for 54 years.
The "Friends" were also active in the matter
257
READING.
of education from the beginning of Reading. Their building stood on the southwest corner of Washing- ton and Wood Streets, and they continued on that lot until 1868, when they removed to 6th Street north of Washington. The last teachers were the Misses Griscom, who are two of the oldest surviv- ing teachers in this community after a long period of useful service in the profession of teaching.
Reading Academy .- The Reading Academy was the most prominent educational institution at Read- ing for about 30 years, during its second period. The association was incorporated in 1788. For 20 years, however, its history is unknown. In 1805, the State made a grant of 4500 acres of land to it, and in that year a board of trustees was organ- ized. Two years afterward, the board received a donation of $2000 from the State for the purpose of erecting a suitable building. And in that year commissioners were appointed to conduct a lottery, for the purpose of raising money to erect "a build- ing for English worship and for a school-house in the borough of Reading." They advertised the scheme ; and on July 15, 1806, published the draw- ing of prizes. The highest prizes were for $1000, $500, and $200.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.