USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > School history of Berks County in Pennsylvania : by Morton L. Montgomery > Part 17
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276
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
ert Morris, and he also submitted a, plan for its management. It arose from a conviction that the public finances would be supported thereby, and that the exigencies of the government rendered its establishment indispensable. Its operations began on January 7, 1782, when Robert Morris wrote to the president of the Executive Council of Pennsyl- vania "that it would have a tendency to increase both the internal and external commerce of North America, and would undoubtedly be infinitely use- ful to all the traders of every State in the Union, if properly conducted." This project necessarily stimulated the idea of a State bank. The "Bank of Pennsylvania " was incorporated March 30, 1793, and was empowered to es- tablish " Branch Banks." One of these was estab- lished at Reading in 1808, and continued until 1857 ILEEE in the building occupied by the "Union Bank." Upon its suspension then, the "Union Bank" was organized, and the latter "BRANCH BANK," 1808-1857. has been continued until now in the same building
with great success. The second bank organized at Reading was the "Farmers' " in 1814, which has continued in successful operation till now, three- quarters of a century, and in the same building which it then purchased.
The banks now doing business here besides the
277
READING.
"Union " and "Farmers' " were organized as fol- lows : First National, in 1863; Second National, Penn National, and Keystone National, all in 1883.
LIBRARIES.
Two libraries were instituted at Reading about the year 1808 ; the one was German and the other English. The former was established first. It was organized by 26 prominent citizens of Reading, under the name of "Reading German Library Com- pany." By-laws were adopted and a successful management was carried on for many years. It be- gan with 685 volumes; and by additions came to have 1507 volumes. These additions would indicate that the library was in a flourishing condition. The company disbanded about 1847 and distributed its books among its members.
The "Reading Library" was organized at a public meeting held on March 16, 1808, at the pub- lic-house of Conrad Foesig. The name then adopted was "The Society of the English Library of Read- ing." Seventy persons subscribed its constitution. Upon its organization, 84 volumes of books were ob- tained from a "Library Company" which had been previously established-the former having evidently - taken the place of the latter. On the 16th of May following, its name was changed to "The Library Company of Reading;" and on December 14, 1819, it was incorporated. In June, 1832, the library con- tained about 1000 volumes. At that time it was in successful operation, and continued active for a number of years. For some time before Reading
278
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
was incorporated into a city, it had not been in a flourishing condition ; in fact, it had become rather abandoned. The citizens, in respect to trade and buildings, were making great strides onward since the establishment of the city ; but, notwithstanding their earnest efforts in these directions, they could not forget this struggling institution whose object was the general welfare of the people through read- ing and good literature. After the incorporation of Reading, it was revived and mnuch interest was shown in the organization for some time. In 1868 a re- organization was effected, and the company pur- chased the "Odd Fellows' Hall" for $10,000. It was actively conducted until 1879; then it was closed for four years. In 1883 it was re-opened and since that time it has been open to members on al- ternate days (excepting Sunday), every afternoon and evening. The present number of volumes is about 6500. It is also supplied with weekly papers and monthly periodicals.
Washington Library Company had its origin in the Fall of 1854 as a social body, but after a number of years it was permanently organized with the above name. On October 22, 1870, it was in- corporated. In 1876 a hall was erected by the company on Penn between 6th and 7th Streets.
MUSICAL.
Musical associations had an early beginning in Reading ; and organizations, both instrumental and vocal, have been carried on continuously until 110w. Bands have been more or less prominent for over
279
READING.
70 years. The recent bands worthy of mention are the Ringgold, Liberty, and Germania, -the former instituted in 1852.
Vocal societies have been maintained since 1832. The first was entitled "Beethoven Society of Read- ing." In 1847, the Reading Mænner- chor was organized, having been compos- ed mostly of the proin- inent Germans of the city. It continued its organization until 1874, when it united with the Harmonie Mænnerchor (a society begun at Reading in 1870), since which time the two organizations have been one, under the latter name. It has been located in its present quarters in the hall 01 6th Street near Walnut since 1878, where pleasant rooms have been furnished. It has a li- brary of classical and other works, both English and German, numbering 2500 volumes.
Reading Choral Society was organized in April, 1875, and has had a successful existence since.
CHARITABLE.
Charity has been prominent in the various public affairs of Reading for over 60 years. The citizens, as a whole, have not displayed any noteworthy en- terprise whose object was the promotion of the common welfare; but throughout their entire his- tory they have exhibited active benevolence. It assumed definite proportions about the time when the common-school system of education was firmly
280
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
introduced ; and as time advanced it ran into differ- ent useful channels. The several associations of this nature which have been established are the following : Benevolent organized in 1835 ; Relief in 1866 ; Dispensary in 1867 ; Widows' Home in 1874; Hospitals, the Reading in 1868, and St. Joseph's in 1873; and St. Catharine's Female Orphan Asy- lum in 1872 ; all of which occupy superior struc- tures excepting the first named.
Young Men's Christian Association was organ- ized in 1869. It occupied its first rooms in Earl's building, northwest corner of 5th and Penn Streets, and shortly afterward removed opposite into the Crouse building, where it remained six years. Since 1879 it has been in its present quarters, corner of 8th and Penn Streets. In 1879, the first general secretary was employed to look after the work and interests of the association, and this officer has been continued since. It was incorporated in 1882. Its rooms are spacious and well-furnished for worship, recreation, and literary culture. The reading-room is supplied with numerous daily, weekly, and monthly newspapers ; also periodicals.
INDUSTRIAL.
The Board of Trade was organized in 1881, to enhance the material interests of the city. Its spe- cific purposes are to promote the trade, commerce, manufactures, and mechanic arts ; to establish and maintain uniformity in commercial usages and to inculcate principles of justice and equity in busi- ness relations ; to disseminate valuable commercial
281
READING.
and statistical information; to facilitate the adjustment of controversies in trade ; and to foster, protect, and advance the best interests of the business community. These aims have enlisted the sympathy and secured the co-operation of most of the energetic business inen of the city, who have enrolled themselves as members of the association. Committees have been appointed in accordance with the above purposes, and their efforts have produced gratifying results.
Building, loan, and savings associations have been important factors in promoting the growth of the city, and have assisted many worthy citizens to the ownership of homes, or given them financial aid in transacting their business. The moneys handled by them count into millions of dollars. The building association as an organization did not begin to erect buildings until about 1876. Pre- viously, it simply received moneys and mnade the same profitable by disposing thereof to parties on mortgage securities. When the amounts on hand became so large as to be unproductive, measures were instituted to make them productive, and the directors then turned their attention to building operations. From 1876 to 1886, it is estimated that the several building associations of Reading erected altogether about 800 buildings, almost entirely dwellings for the working people. Many men have been active in this matter for a number of years, and they have contributed greatly to the permanent improvement of Reading. Lewis Kremp, Esq., has been prominently connected with this branch of business in our community for thirty years.
282
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
GOVERNMENT.
The government of Reading is prescribed by Acts of Assembly enacted by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, and by ordinances passed by the City Councils in pursuance of said Acts. The fundamental law of the city was the act of in- corporation passed in 1847; but this has been changed by a number of acts passed since, giving the municipality increased powers. These acts have established certain rights and powers, and also created certain offices, which are either filled by elec- tion of the tax-payers, or by appointment of the mayor and Councils ; and through these officers the regulation of the municipal affairs is properly carried on for the welfare and progress of the people.
Three departments have been established, some- what similar to the State and National governments, which are-Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
Legislative .- The legislative department is vested in the City Councils, and consists of two branches, Select and Common, which pass the necessary ordi- nances to make the laws operative. Committees are appointed from the members of the two bodies for the purpose of examining matters within the scope of their appointment, and of presenting such reports and recommendations as may be deemed necessary ; upon which the Councils take such action as they consider advisable. In this manner all the municipal affairs are regulated. Four sub- jects are particularly prominent before the tax- payers : highways, police, water, and finance. The
283
READING.
expense of carrying on the government is raised by - levying and collecting taxes from the people. The two principal sources are from taxes on real property and from water rents ; the latter are fixed by rates of consumption, but the former are levied by Coun- cils, being rated on the county assessment according to the demands for appropriations. Both are paid by the tax-payers directly to the treasurer. Coun- cils are composed of members from the several wards of the city, one from each ward for the Select branch, and a number from each ward for the Com- mon branch apportioned according to population. The city is now divided into thirteen wards, which have been created either by Act of Assembly, or by the Court of Quarter Sessions upon petition of the tax-payers and favorable election.
Executive .- The executive department is vested in a mayor, who is elected by the tax-payers every four years. His duties are principally those of a police magistrate ; also recommendations to Coun- cils, and the approval or disapproval of ordinances passed by them. The police department is under his direct control, he appointing the policemen, subject to the confirmation of Councils. The police force is composed of a chief, two sergeants, and patrolmen, who preserve the peace of the commu- nity and arrest offenders. Persons arrested are either admitted to bail or imprisoned ; then heard and, according to the circumstances of each case, discharged, fined, or sentenced to the county prison for a fixed time not beyond thirty days.
Judicial .- The judicial department is vested in
.
284 SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
an alderman, resident in each ward, and elected by the tax-payers of the district for a term of five years. The aldermen of the several wards do not act to- · gether as a body, but each for himself. His duties and powers are similar to those of a justice of the peace. His jurisdiction extends over the entire county-though elected for a ward-and compre- hends personal actions to recover money not exceed- ing $300 in amount, and also complaints for the arrest of persons alleged to have committed some offence against the law. His summonses are served, and his warrants for the arrest of offenders, and his writs for the collection of money or the sale of per- sonal property are executed, by a constable, who is elected by the tax-payers of each ward for a term of three years. Each is obliged to enter into a bond with surety for the faithful performance of his duties.
Other Officers .- The elective officers, besides those required for the three departments named, are a trea- surer and a controller. The former receives all the moneys belonging to the city and pays out the same upon warrants ; and the latter examines and counter- signs all warrants drawn upon the treasurer by the city clerk by order of Councils. Both are elected for a term of two years. There are also certain ap- pointed officers, the more important being a city clerk, appointed by Select Council ; and solicitor, engineer, and two highway commissioners by both branches of Councils. The clerk records all the proceedings of Councils and of the several commit- tees, "and draws all warrants for money due by the
--
285
READING.
city. The solicitor is the advisor of Councils, and attends to the law business of the city. The en- gineer regulates the highways and buildings ac- cording to established grades ; and the commissioners -two (one for the section of the city east of 7th Street, and the other for the section west of 7th Street)-attend to the construction and repair of the highways.
The city is divided into . four districts-6th and Penn Streets being the dividing lines-for the purposes of supplying water and of protect- ing health. The Water Board was established in 1865, and consists of four commissioners, one from each district, who are appointed by Coun- cils for four years. The Health Board was estab- lished in 1874, and consists of five members, one from each district and one at large, who are also appointed by Councils with an indefinite term. Each board appoints a clerk-they having till now appointed the same person. The latter board ap- points annually a commissioner to investigate and report upon all complaints.
Educational .- A fourth department is worthy of special mention in this connection. It relates to the school system. This is carried on separately from the other departments, and is in no way con- nected with the municipal government. The School Board was established by an act passed in 1864. Previously the several wards had acted sep- arately. Each ward is represented by four con- trollers, who are elected by the tax-payers for a term of four years-two being elected every two
286
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
years. Every voter in the ward is entitled to vote for one controller, and the two having the highest number of votes are declared elected. This provi- sion was made to preserve political equipoise in the Board.
The Board levies and collects a school tax, which is rated on the county assessment, according to the demands for appropriations, and the moneys thus realized are appropriated to satisfy the expense of conducting the system. Buildings are erected and teachers are employed by the Board. The system is called "free " because the schools are open to all children in the city between the ages of six and twenty-one years ; and it is called "common " be- cause the system has been created by law for the whole State. Parents send their children volun- tarily, without any compulsion, from a sense of duty.
The management of the school affairs of the city since 1865 has been very successful. Large, com- modious, and handsome school buildings have been erected in every section of the city, and general education has been so thoroughly introduced as to render the average ability of the many children in the city equal to that of any other city in the entire country.
The school buildings here and elsewhere through- out the State are the pride of the people, and the system of education which is carried on in them contributes a well-being to the general community that cannot be estimated. They are truly monu- ments which celebrate daily the rise and progress of the people, particularly the advancement of many
287
READING.
children, with little or nothing to recommend them to the favor of the world, into noble, industrious, and law-abiding men and women. *
The Board elects annually one of its members to be president ; and appoints a secretary, treasurer, and superintendent of repairs, who are not members. The presidents of the Board have been :
John K. McCurdy . . 1865-67 Henry S. Eckert . . . 1872-88
John S. Richards . 1867-72 | J. Howard Jacobs . 1888 --
John S. Richards, one of the officers named, manifested a most praiseworthy interest in the cause of education in Reading for near- ly 30 years. Before 1854 his courage and ability contrib- uted much towards the establishment of the common-school system in the coun- He was born in Robeson township, this county, in 1815 ; published the Berks and Schuylkill Jour- nal from 1838 to 1860 ; was admitted to the Bar in 1837, and practiced his profession until his death in 1872.
. ty.
* The number of public buildings for school purposes in June, 1889, in the city was 28; the number of schools, 170 ; the num- ber of teachers, 179 (all females excepting 7) ; and the num- ber of scholars, 8000.
288
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
· James M. Lyons has officiated as secretary since 1879, and Ephraim Armstrong as treasurer since 1880.
Before 1867, the system was under the direct supervision of the Board; then it was found neces- sary to employ a competent person for that pur- pose. In that year, the school directors of cities containing a population. exceeding 10,000 were authorized to elect a city superintendent for three years ; and the directors of Reading accordingly elected this officer from that time till now. The superintendents have been :
Name.
Term.
Name.
Term.
John L. Barnes
. 1867-69
Samuel A. Baer . . 1881-84
Thomas Severn
. 1871-78 Joseph T. Valentine . 1884-85
Robert K. Buehrle .
. 1878-80 Thomas M. Balliet . . 1885-87
David B. Brunner
. 1880-81 Zachariah X. Snyder . 1888-
City Institute .- In 1885 an act was passed, di- recting the holding of "City Institutes " in cities of the third class. The first institute of this kind was held at Reading during the last week of November, 1885, in the Grand Opera-House, and since then in- stitutes have been held annually.
Representatives .- Reading is under the general government of the State. In the enactment of laws by the Legislature, it is entitled to a voice by representation. It was made a separate district for representatives by act of May 19, 1874, and authorized to elect two members, this number being apportioned by reason of its population. This is the highest elective representative position to which Reading has become entitled. The fol-
READING.
289
lowing persons from Reading were elected to this position :
Amos B. Wanner 1875-76
Jacob Miller . 1875-78
Jeremiah Boone 1877-80
George McFarlan 1879-82
.John S. Wagner . 1881-82
Asa G. W. Smith
1883-86
Henry D. Green . . 1883-86
James L. Douglas 1887-88
Spencer H. Smith . . 1887-88
Samuel D. Missimer . 1889-90
Allen S. Beck . . 1889-90
·
-
19
.
290
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
CHAPTER XII.
CENSUS OF COUNTY.
Legal Provision .- There was no regular enumer- ation of the inhabitants of Pennsylvania previous to 1790. The first provision was inade by the Con- stitution of the United States, adopted September 17, 1787 ; also for the apportionment of representa- tives from the several States to Congress, and of direct taxes ; and to effect a just apportionment, "the actual enumeration " was required to be made in three years after the first meeting of Congress, and every subsequent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct.
The first census of Pennsylvania was taken on September 7, 1791 ; and subsequent enumerations were made every 10 years. The returns of the first enumeration in 1791 were so made that the number of inhabitants for the several districts in the county was not ascertainable.
In 1760 the taxable inhabitants of the county numbered 3016 ; and in 1770, 3302. The popula- tion in 1760 was about 15,000; and in 1770, about 17,000.
Rate of Increase .- The per centum of increase of Reading and the county of Berks, for the several decades is as follows :
291
CENSUS OF COUNTY.
INCREASE OF READING.
1790 to 1800
1800 to ISIO
1810 to 1820
1820 to 1830
1830 to 1840
IS40 to 1850 87.2
1850 to 1860
1860 to 1870
1870 to 1880
18IO to 1880
6.8
45
25
35
43.6
47
46.5
27.5
II50
INCREASE OF BERKS COUNTY.
7.4
33
22.3
14.9
21.5
19.5
22
13.7
14.9
224
INCREASE OF STATE.
38.7
34.5
29.3
28.7
27.9
34.9
25.7
21.2
21.6
1. 429
Reading had the surprising increase of 1150 per cent. in 70 years, or about two generations, from 1810 to 1880. In this period, the increase at no time in any decade fell below 25 per cent. After 1830 a marked increase is perceptible. This arose principally from the introduction of the railway, and manufactories of iron goods after 1836. From 1840 to 1850 the increase was 87 per cent. ; and for 20 years following it kept near 50 per cent. The increase in the county for 70 years was 224 per cent. In the decade before 1860, the increase was 22 per cent. ; but in the decade after, only 13 per cent. The effects of the Civil War, 1861-65, are ap- parent.
The blank spaces opposite certain districts in the table indicate non-existence of those districts at the time of enumeration. Large decrease of population in certain districts for the next succeeding census is observable. This indicates reduction of the dis-
292
SCHOOL HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY.
tricts by the erection of others. For instance, Al- sace in 1850 had a population of 2697 ; but in 1860 it had only 1299. The township of Muhlenberg was cut off in 1850 and erected into a separate district. Also Windsor in 1870 had 1211, but in 1880 only 830. The township was reduced in area by the extension of the limits of the borough of Hamburg in 1871.
The following statement is presented in order to show when the districts with the blank spaces were erected, and from which districts they were taken :
Bernville * taken from Penn in 1851.
Birdsboro' taken from Union and Robeson in 1872.
Boyertown taken from Colebrookdale in 1866.
Centre taken from Bern and Bern Upper, in 1842. Fleetwood taken from Richmond in 1873.
Hamburg t taken from Windsor in 1830.
Heidelberg Lower, taken from Heidelberg in 1842.
Heidelberg North, taken from Heidelberg in 1844.
Jefferson taken from Tulpehocken and Tulpehocken, Upper, in 1851.
Kutztown į taken from Maxatawny in 1815. Marion taken from Tulpehocken in 1843.
Muhlenberg taken from Alsace in 1850.
Ontelaunee taken from Maiden-creek in 1850.
Penn taken from Bern and Bern Upper, in 1840.
Perry taken from Windsor in 1849. Pike taken mostly from District in 1813. Spring taken from Cumru, in 1850. Topton taken from Longswamp in 1877. Tulpehocken Upper, taken from Tulpehocken in 1820.
Washington taken from Colebrookdale and Hereford in 1839. Womelsdorf taken from Heidelberg in 1833.
1
* Bernville was not enumerated separately till 1870.
+ Hamburg not enumerated separately till 1850.
# Kutztown not enumerated separately till 1840.
293
CENSUS OF COUNTY.
CENSUS TABLE OF COUNTY, 1800 TO 1880.
1800.
1810.
1820. 1830. 1840.
1850. 1860.
1870.
1880.
Reading (city)
2,386
3,462
4,332
5,856
8,410 15,743 23, 162
33,930
43,278
Albany
858
995
1,182
1, 129
1,057
1,406
1,586
1, 510
1,603
Alsace .
890
1,275
1,640
1,942
2,498
2,697
1,299
1,294
1,523
Amity .
817
1,090
1,279
1,384
1,664
1,566
1,596
1,646
1,598
Bern
2,049
2,266
1,791|
2, 154
3,149
1,734
2,516
2,124
2,176
Bern, Upper
1,342
2,017
2,117
2,906
1,747
2,027
2,008
2,179
Bernville (bor.)
817
924
1,294
1,482
1,458
1,871
2,159
2,285
2,329
Birdsboro' (bor.)
1,705
Boyertown (bor.)
338
495
536
866
935
876
844
813
923
Caernarvon
453
723
829
862
813
977
953
927
951
Centre .
671
792
1,046
1,229
1,124
1,102
1,359
1,660
1,150
Cumru
1,413
2,017|
2,462
2,638
2,939
3,853
2,182
2,573
3,064
District
753
805
509
562
583
842
786
724
798
Douglass
450
660
709
839
1,133
1,018
1,120;
1,072
1,151
Earl .
489
794
934
990
1, 158|
1,047
1,143
1,022
1,14I
Exeter
802
1,194
1,38I
1,455
1,9II
2,074
2,308
2,239
2,469
802
Greenwich
1,004
1,104
1,337
1,407
1,629
1,842
2,041
2,151
1,988
Hamburg (bor.)
329
2,802
3,605
4,124
3,539
805
1,013
1,193
1,28I
Heidelberg, L
2,144 844
956
979
950
Hereford
923
1,140
1,43I
1,709
1,235
1,244
1,372
1,260
1,406
Kutztown (bor.)
203
·
998
1,37I
1,695
1,836
1,868
2,217
2,913
3,426
Maiden-creek
770
918
1,192
1,350
1,749
1,284
1,53I
1,615
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