USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > School history of Berks County in Pennsylvania : by Morton L. Montgomery > Part 16
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On June 26, 1806, they published a scheme for second-class, same as the first. They presented a petition to the Court of Quarter Sessions, praying "that the Grand Jury authorize the county com- missioners to take a number of tickets." On April 6, 1808, authority was given "to take 200 tickets of the second class of the 'Reading Church
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SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
and Academy Lottery,' to hold them for the profit or loss of the county." The profits to the commis- sioners on the lottery enterprise were devoted to the "Reading Academy."
In 1832, another donation was received from the State, amounting to $3000-" Upon the condition that four students in indigent circumstances should be educated for 5 years in such a manner as to be- come teachers in Common English schools." The trustees also received considerable money from the "Reading School-House and Church Lottery." All these several sums of money were expended by the trustees ; but the institution was left in debt. This caused great dissatisfaction in the community, and public meetings were held in relation to it. A sale of the Academy was considered at a public meeting in 1835, and deemed inexpedient and im- proper ; and in 1836 another meeting was held, when the same opinion was expressed. A commit- tee was appointed by the meeting to confer with the trustees as to the sale. Complaint was then made to the State Legislature. In 1837 an investi- gation was demanded and given. Many communi- cations appeared in the local newspapers about the matter. The Academy building, with one acre of ground, was finally sold in 1838 .* Then the trustees of the Academy, in 1839-40, erected the two-story brick building now standing at the northeast corner of 4th and Court Streets, and a school was opened in it May 4, 1840, by Rev. J. R. Goodman. The
* Situated on S. W. corner of 7th and Chestnut Streets, and sold to Philadelphia and Reading R. R. Co.
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READING.
course of instruction embraced all the branches of a classical education ; and scholars were prepared for college. Young men from distant parts were accommodated with boarding. The cost of board- ing and tuition was $175 a year. Day scholars, for tuition only, was $6 a quarter. The trustees held the Academy building till 1850. By virtue of an act of Assembly passed in 1848, they sold it to the school directors of Reading for the purpose of a "High School," in 1850.
Common-School System .- Immediately after the passage of the act of 1834, the people of Reading ex- erted themselves in behalf of the common-school
system. In May, 1836, a meeting of delegates from the various districts of Berks County was held in the Court-House, for the purpose of accepting or re- jecting the system. Twenty-nine districts were represented. The following voted for it: Reading
260 SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
(two districts), Amity, Caernarvon, Robeson, Rus- comb-manor, Union, Windsor, and Womelsdorf. 1 All the others voted against it.
At first the school-houses in Reading were small and inconvenient. They improved as the popula- tion and wealth increased. The first school direc- tors of Reading were elected without opposition on March 20, 1835.
The first school-house in Reading, as a result of the advocacy and adoption of the common-school system, was a small one-story brick building erected in 1838 at the southwest corner of 6th and Walnut Streets. Previously, the schools were conducted in buildings rented for the purpose. Subsequently, three additional buildings were erected, viz. :
One-story brick, 42 by 30 feet, on Washington, between 8th and 9th, erected in 1838.
Two-story brick, 45 by 55 feet, on Franklin, between 8th and 9th, erected in 1839.
Two-story brick, 45 by 55 feet, on Chestnut, between 3d and 4th, erected in 1840.
School Statistics .- The following statistics are presented to show the progress of the system of education in Reading :
Schools.
Teachers.
Scholars.
1835
I7
I7 .
I439
I865
82
83 .
6449
1885 .
152
I62. 7113
High School .- The first effort to establish a High School proved a failure, "through the remissness of one of the wards" (Northeast), and it was aban- doned for a while. A meeting of the directors of three wards was held December 6, 1849, and
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READING.
they decided to organize a "City Union High School," which was to be opened with 75 scholars. The subject of a "Reading High School" was again agitated in 1851, and it was finally organized on No- vember 2, 1852. William H. Batt was the princi-
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HIGH SCHOOL, 1852.
pal. There were 35 scholars admitted, all boys, sent from the several wards as follows : Northeast, 5 ; Southeast, 5; Northwest, 10; Southwest, I0; Spruce, 5. In September, 1853, it opened with 63 scholars. The first "High School Commencement " was held July 3, 1856.
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SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
The "Female High School " was organized in September, 1857. The second floor of the building was occupied for this purpose.
The co-education of boys and girls began August 15, 1859, and continued until 1881, when the Board of Controllers decided upon a separation. The fe- male department remained in the "High School" building, and the male located in the building at the southeast corner of 8th and Penn Streets, third floor.
The fine, commodious "Boys' High School," at the southeast corner of 8th and Washington Streets, was erected in 1883 and 1884. The total cost, in- cluding equipment in all its departments, was $65,500. Possession was taken, and the school began to be conducted there, in April, 1884.
The successful management of these High Schools reflects much credit upon the School Con- trollers of Reading ; and also upon the liberal sen- timent of the taxpayers in permitting increased taxes to be levied for this purpose. They have for thirty years afforded a means of obtaining at home an extended education, much beyond that generally afforded in the common schools, and in this time they have demonstrated their incalculable value. The numbers in attendance have increased three- fold. Both sexes have been fitted to conduct them- selves as people of this community with propriety in a social sense, and with success in a business sense. Nearly all the female teachers in the schools of the city have been scholars. . This fact is worthy of special mention, for it proves the value of the
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READING.
school system as encouraged and conducted here in developing the daughters of our people into compe- tent teachers. In an intellectual sense the average of our children is equal to any in the whole coun- try, and so it can be said of them in a moral sense. This is attributable mainly to the superior charac- ter and devotion of our own daughters ; and by continuing our school affairs in this manner, we can look forward to the coming generation with hope and confidence for a condition which will as- sure the people of a higher political freedom and a nobler social equality.
The following statistics are presented to show the increase of the High School scholars in Read- ing :
Male. Female.
Total.
1857 . .
75
38 .
. II3
1872 ..
. 106
· 140
246
1885 . .
162.
. 206
368
Female Seminaries .- The first institution at Reading for the education of young ladies was in 1835. A seminary was then begun by Mrs. M. E. Shaw, who came highly recommended. Her school was in five departments ; and besides English and French, her course of education embraced music, drawing, and needle-work. Her terms were,- board and washing, twelve weeks, $32.50 ; music, French, and drawing, each $8 ; use of piano, $1 ; pew-rent in church, .50. She was succeeded by a Mrs. Clarke, of Lancaster.
In 1838, a female school at Reading was erected into a seminary for the education of female youth in the arts, sciences, and useful literature. It was en-
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SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
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dowed by the State, according to the number of teachers and pupils, from $300 to $500. Eighty shares of stock were authorized to be issued at $25 each, and only two shares were allowed to one person. It was opened on September 3, 1838, with three teach- ers and sixty pupils, and successfully conducted for some years afterward.
In 1850 three female seminaries were carried on, -one by Mrs. Dechert and daughters, on Penn above 6th Street; a second by Mrs. Orrick and Mrs. Young, at corner of 5th and Walnut Streets ; and a third by Miss M. Jackson, on 5th between Franklin and Chestnut Streets, whose course em- braced English education, wax, worsted, and zephyr-work, and Polish and silk embroidery.
The St. Peter's Roman Catholic congregation established a superior school for young ladies in 1859, naming it "The Academy of the Immacu- late Heart," and has conducted it since with suc- cess.
A "Winchester Female Academy" was insti- tuted in 1867 and carried on for some years on Penn above 8th in the building now used as Union Hotel.
The "Stewart Academy" was instituted in 1881 by Prof. John A. Stewart, and is worthy of special mention from the long connection of its proprietor with public education in Reading, having been pre- viously a teacher in the High School for 26 years, the last 14 years as principal.
The "Reading Seminary" was begun by Mrs. S. I. B. Wisener in 1884, and since 1885 has been carried on successfully by Miss C. J. Brown.
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READING.
Military and Other Institutions .- A "Military and Scientific Collegiate Institute" was organized by Capt. Alden Partridge in 1850, and carried on in the Academy building for several years. The cost of tuition was as follows : Primary, under 10 years of age, $4 a quarter ; Junior, from 10 to 14 years, English, $6 a quarter ; classical, $7 a quarter ; Sen- ior, over 14 years, English, $8 a quarter ; classical, $10 a quarter. Gen. William H. Keim was chiefly instrumental in its establishment. It was incorpor- ated under the name of "Pennsylvania Military In- stitute of Reading" in 1852. Then it had 69 scholars.
About the time of its discontinuance, Rev. Wil- liam A. Good began the "Reading Classical Acad- emy," which is still conducted under the name of "Reading Business College" by Prof. D. B. Brunner.
In 1875, the Protestant Episcopal Church of Cen- tral Pennsylvania founded in Reading a school for boys, naming it "Selwyn Hall." It is under the immediate direction of the Bishop of the Diocese. Military training is part of its curriculum.
Carroll Institute was established by Prof. Edward Carroll in 1880; and the Inter-State Commercial College by Prof. H. V. Stoner in 1885.
Schools have also been conducted for young chil- dren. An organized society began an "Infant School " in 1832, and this was conducted success- fully by certain prominent ladies of the borough who solicited funds to defray the expense. It was discontinued when the common-school system was introduced. From that time till now numerous
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SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
private schools have been carried on successfully for boys and girls under 14 years of age.
Parochial Schools .- Three parochial schools are conducted in Reading : one by St. John's German Lutheran Congregation, instituted in 1865 ; and the other two by St. Peter's and St. Paul's Roman Cath- olic Congregations, instituted in 1859 and 1869. The scholars are children of members of the churches, and the expense is defrayed by the congregations. All of them are under superior management.
CHURCHES.
The religious education of the community is car- ried on in churches for both adults and children. Three denominations were organized immediately after the town was laid out, -Lutheran, Reformed, and Friends-and they then caused churches to be erected. Afterward other denominations were formed, and they too then erected churches. They continued to increase during each period. Now the city of Read- ing comprises 14 denominations and 44 churches. They are classified as follows, with the date showing the time of organization ; all being Protestant ex- cepting the last two-Roman Catholic and Hebrew.
Lutheran.
Trinity .
175I
St. John's Chapel . 1874
St. Matthew's.
1842
Grace . . 1878
St. James' .
1850 Hope-Trinity Chapel . . 1885
St. John's .
. 1860
Peace-
. 1885
St. Luke's. .
I869
Reformed.
First
1751
Zion's . 1881
Second .
1848
St. Stephen's . 1884
St. John's
1871
Calvary . 1888
St. Paul's
1872
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READING.
Friends-1751. Episcopal. . 1763 | St. Barnabas'
Christ's .
. 1859
Presbyterian.
First .
I8II Bethany Chapel . 1870
Washington Street I823
Olivet . 1889
Methodist .*
Ebenezer I822 St. Peter's 1848
African . 1837
Covenant 1869
Evangelical .*
Salem
1844 -
Immanuel . 1861
Ebenezer .
1870
St. Matthew's I883
United Brethren .*
Zion's . 1847 | Otterbein 1856
Baptist.
First
1828 | Berean
I879
Universalist-1831. Free Church-1833. Mennonite-1884. Roman Catholic.
St. Peter's (English) . . $1791 - St. Joseph's (English) . . 1887
St. Paul's (German) . . 1860 St. Mary's (Polish) . . . 1889 Hebrew-1864.
Sunday-Schools .- Each of the denominations mentioned conducts a Sunday-school in its church building. The first Sunday-school in Reading was organized about 1816. In 1828, the several denom- inations united and formed an association to carry on successfully the religious education of the chil- dren of Reading. In 1829, the Lutheran and Re- formed denominations organized an association for themselves, but several years afterward they sepa-
* In the entire County the Methodist denomination numbers II churches, and 1500 members ; Evangelical, 35 churches and 2800 members ; United Brethren, II churches and 1000 members. t A log church had been occupied for some years previously.
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SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
rated, and each from that time conducted a school for the children of its own members. Subsequently, the other denominations pursued the same course. This work is one of the great features of religious life in the community.
ASSOCIATIONS.
PROTECTIVE.
The associations of Reading, which have been created for the protection of the inhabitants from losses by fire, comprise those which are called "Fire Companies." The first company for this purpose was the " Rainbow." It was instituted in I773. An organization of this nature existed here for some years previously ; but no definite informa- tion was obtainable. The "Rainbow" was the only company for nearly 30 years. In March, 1800, a company was organized under the name of the "Sun." Some time afterward another was organ- ized under the name of "Union." These two were disbanded about 1812; possibly they merged into a new company, which was organized in 1813, and called the "Junior." Since 1813, nine companies have been formed, namely : Reading, 1819; Never- sink, 1829; Friendship, 1848; Liberty, 1854; Washington, 1855; Keystone, 1856; Ringgold, * 1856; Hampden, 1867; and Marion, 1884. The "Reading " and "Washington " were organized as "Hose Companies ;" but the former became an "Engine Company" in 1860. The "Washing-
* Ringgold disbanded in 1871, members going mostly to Junior Company.
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READING.
ton " added a hook-and-ladder truck in 1873. The "Keystone " was organized as a "Hook-and-Lad- der Company," and in 1880 it added a "Salvage Corps." These several companies are incorporated bodies.
A meeting of the firemen of Reading was held in 1833, for the purpose of considering the propriety of calling upon the Borough Council " to pay the expenses of keeping up the Fire Department." Previously the companies were compelled to beg assistance from the citizens to enable them to carry on successfully the object of their association. But this continual begging came to be regarded by the people as a nuisance in one respect and as unjust and unequal in another, for some citizens gave con- tributions of money and others would not give any, yet all were benefited alike by the common pro- tection which the fire companies afforded. This meeting was held in order "that the burden should be removed from the few." The local government thereafter made annual appropriations, and subse- quently came to own the fire apparatus and build- ings.
The first steam fire-engine was introduced in 1860 by the Reading Hose Company. Before 1870 four additional engines were added to the Fire De- partment by the following companies in the order named: Rainbow, Junior, Liberty, and Friendship ; and in 1872 two more by the Neversink and the Hampden. There are now altogether eight in the service of the department.
Firemen's Union .- Representatives from the
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SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
companies named assembled on March 18, 1861, and formed a Firemen's Union, "in order to pro- mote harmony and friendly intercourse among the firemen, to establish those just relations which ought to exist among institutions whose views are similar, and to enable them more effectually to per- form those philanthropic duties which devolve upon them." This Union was an ordinary association for four years, composed of five delegates from each company represented. Finding its powers inade- quate for the purposes for which it was formed, an application was made to the Legislature of the State for a charter of incorporation; and it was accordingly incorporated on March 15, 1865, under the name of the "Firemen's Union of the City of Reading.'' It has since acted under this charter, and performed its functions in an admirable manner. And it has been to the people of the city through these years a strong assurance of protection to their property and lives from fire. The management is vested in a board of trustees, elected by the Union annually in October, and serving from the third Monday of January following. It is composed of one member from each company represented in the Union, and it is authorized to elect such offi- cers at such salaries as the trustees shall deem ex- pedient.
The volunteer Fire Department has now been an active institution here for over 100 years, and it has through this long time not only defended, but also promoted the public welfare. The companies have always occupied a prominent place in the
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READING.
municipal affairs of Reading, more especially since the establishment of the Firemen's Union.
Fire-Alarm .- Immediately upon the breaking out of a fire, an alarm was given to summon assist- ance. This alarm was struck on the bells of Trin- ity Lutheran Church for many years until 1840; then upon the bell of the Court-House for the next 33 years. The locality of the fire was indicated by a number of strokes on the bell to correspond with the number of the ward in which the fire was. In 1873, the "electric fire-alarm " was introduced. It has proved invaluable. Previous to 1873, the fact that a fire had broken out was carried to the janitor of Trinity Church, or of the Court-House, who would ascend the steeple and strike the alarm. This was a proceeding slow and tedious, and fre- quently delayed by the absence of the janitor. Joseph Ritter (janitor of the Court-House and court-crier of the County Courts from 1840 until his death in 1880,) was active in this important ser- vice. At all hours of the night, as well as during the day, and in all seasons, for 33 years, he re- sponded promptly and willingly to give the alarm ; and upon sounding it on the superior, clear-toned bell, he awakened the whole community. Fireinen of the several companies proceeded first to their respective engine-houses and then with their en- gines to the fire; men and boys from all parts ran, many taking hold of the ropes attached to the engines and hose-carriages and assisting in drawing them to the fire. On the way the fire- man's horn sounded, "Roll her, boys ; roll her !"
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SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
and excited voices cried out repeatedly, "Fire ! fire ! ! " Such a demonstration naturally collected a large crowd at the fire. When the hand-engines were in use, many of the bystanders assisted; and the pumping process afforded them much amuse- ment. But progress has brought change. Men and boys are no longer seen tugging away, nearly breathless and exhausted, or running out of line on account of "stitches " in their sides, to rest on the curb-stone half-way to the fire, or rolling out of the way after a stumble from weak knees to prevent a "run over." Horses, with ambitious, in urma fearless drivers, have been sub- stituted in their stead, and these now gallop onward as if sporting with the heavy engines drawn after them ; and ex- cited people are no longer heard crying "Fire !" whilst running to the scene of the conflagration.
During the decade from 1857 to 1867, the im- provement from the hand-engine to the steam-en- gine was great ; but the introduction of the electric fire-alarm in 1873 was a greater improvement. By it, many places were substituted for one place, at all of which the signal could be given with equal facil- ity. These were located in different parts of the . city, so as to be convenient in case of fire, and to enable the alarm to be given promptly. Its opera-
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READING.
tion came to be understood and its utility recog- nized immediately. In the old way, much valua- ble time was frequently lost in causing the alarm to be given, whereby the fire reached a stage beyond control ; but in the new way, the alarm was trans- mitted to all parts of the city without loss of time, and its promptness enabled the chief engineer and responding department to arrive at the place before the fire obtained much progress beyond ignition. The alarm was struck at first, for some years, on the bell of the Presby- terian church, and then fire-gongs were introduced in the buildings of the several fire com- panies. And this electric communication has been carried on so far as to open the stable-doors and permit the horses to run into position at the engines and carriages without assistance. In 1877, a hand- some, substantial brick fire-alarm tower was erected on the premises of the Rainbow Fire Company. It is 114 feet high. The alarm-bell weighs over 3000 pounds and is elevated go feet. The money for this improvement was raised by contributions and sub- scriptions through the energy and liberality of its members. The system of fire-alarm is regulated by a powerful battery which is situated in the City Hall. It is attended by a superintendent. Wires extend from this battery in eight circuits through-
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SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
out the city and alarm-boxes for public convenience are located along these wires at or near the intersec- tion of streets, several squares from one another, now numbering 50 .*
Parades, Etc .- The fire companies have had nu- merous parades, in which they exhibited their re- spective organizations in full dress. The number of their members was an imposing feature, and their appearance won general admiration. The success of these voluntary associations for the general wel- fare was thereby satisfactorily demonstrated. An annual ball has been given by each company for many years, especially by the older companies. It is an event which has awakened much interest and afforded much pleasure ; and the members have dis- played energy and ability in its successful man- agement. General sociability has always stood out prominently upon this occasion. Previous to 1860 the general deportment of the companies as bodies was not at all friendly towards one another. It was rough and frequently resulted in demonstrations which elicited public concern. Water fights were occasionally indulged in after a fire was extinguished. Such battles required much courage and perseve- rance. The water was driven with great force into the faces of the respective factions, especially the leaders, who held the branch-pipes; and the per- formance offered much amusement to the by-stand- ers. Since 1860, the general conduct of the firemen, especially their friendliness towards one another,
* These circuits and alarm-boxes are increased according to necessity.
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READING.
has improved very much. There have been no fights for many years. The "Union " has exer- cised a beneficial influence over them.
SECRET.
Secret societies have flourished in Reading, espe- cially since the Civil War. The first society was the "Free and Accepted Masons," instituted here in 1794 as Lodge No. 62; and the next was the "Odd Fellows," instituted in 1838. Until 1861, the former only increased to 2 lodges ; but the latter to 17. Previously they were the only organizations of promi- nence in the place; but since that time many different kinds have been instituted, number- ing over 100, with a member- ship aggregating many thou- sands. Most men belong to several kinds of organ- izations. The idea of a secret society was at first deemed inimical to the public welfare, particularly the religious welfare, of the people; but this has come to be so much modified that the great major- ity of the people, more especially in cities, regard them as a necessary feature of social life. They are mostly beneficial, providing the means of relief in times of sickness and distress.
BANKS AND BANKING.
The first public financial institution of this coun- try was the "Bank of North America." It was incorporated by the United States Congress on De- cember 31, 1781. The idea was suggested by Rob-
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