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Authored by Society president George Meiser IX |
Mount Penn Gravity Railroad
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| Station in Mineral Springs Park, within easy access by street cars from all parts of the city and railroad stations. A mountain climb behind a powerful engine (itself a novelty), two and a half miles to the summit of Mt. Penn, 1200 feet above the sea-the Black Spot. A lofty solid Stone Tower on the mountain top, from which appears a magnificent view of the city of Reading, the broad and fertile Schuylkill and Lebanon Valleys, the distant ranges and peaks of the Blue Mountains, to the hor izion-30 miles in every direction. Large pavilions for shelter and rest and a well-conducted restaurant. From the summit a rapid flight BY GRAVITY, 5 miles, over a road of light grades, through groves, vineyards, and mountain farms to the starting-point. Along the road, attractive s ummer resorts and picnic grounds. Accomodation for excursions of any size. For further information and rates, apply to | |
| C.M. DECHANT, Supt., Reading, Pa. 1890 | |
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A map from 1890 showing the course of the Mount Penn Gravity Railroad. |
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Some dignitaries sit for a picture in the Mt. Penn Gravity Railroad ticket office. 1890's |
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One of the Mt. Penn Gravity Railroad's locomotives in the station at Mineral Springs Park. |
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One of the two Shaygeared Locomotives that moved the cars up the mountain until 1898 when the Gravity Railroad was electrified. |
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The Stone Tower at the Black Spot on Mount Penn. Built in 1889. |
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The Summit House on Mount Penn. (image from a postcard) |
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A Mt. Penn Gravity Railroad car loading up for the trip down Mount Penn. 1923 |
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A Gravity Railroad car coasting down Mount Penn. |
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The remains of the Stone Tower after it was destroyed by fire. |
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The William Penn Fire Tower is near where the Stone Tower stood. Skyline drive has replaced the Gravity Railroad. Only the the Summit House remained. It was demolished in 1959. |
Images from the Historical Society of Berks County Pa archives
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