1 - Below is a display ad prepared for Passing Scene--Vol. 18.
It's being forwarded to give an idea what will be included in
the forthcoming publication. Be aware the subject/ place
listing provides only a general overview. For reasons of
space, numerous features and photos were unlisted.
Among these are two super-rare photos of bootlegger Max Hassel
(at 14 and in his 20's), and two prize-winning views of the
old Black Bear Hotel, northwest corner of Oley Turnpike and the
Phil'a Pike (Route 422)....razed in 1959.
The bookkeeping system for Volume 18 has not been finalized.
Accordingly, do not send orders and/or payment as yet. Hold off
for about 15 days. The next News-Bits will give the "go signal."
Incidentally, two volumes of The Passing Scene (7 and 11)
recently sold on eBay for over $200. each. The 11 went for
$202.50!
2- April 10 was the grand opening of the Members' Treasures exhibit.
If you missed the opening, you have plenty of time left to see
the wide range of artifacts from Berks County's history from
more than three dozen of our members.
Come see the wonderful selection of treasures, from rare maps to
artwork and items made by local businesses and artisans, most,
if not all, never on public display before.
This exhibit remains open until February of 2011.
3- "Mannerbacks," Reading's Master Silversmiths 1785-1870....
HSBC, 940 Centre Ave., Reading, PA
Those who missed the grand opening on May 1 still have ample
time to see the beautiful exhibit that features the Mannerback
Silversmiths who plied their art on Penn Square, Reading.
The exhibit features scores of artifacts on loan from 10
museums and 10 private collectors.
This is an extremely beautiful and scholarly exhibit on a subject
never previously addressed by HSBC, yet one that has earned
a reputation of high esteem around the world among those
knowledgeable in the field.
Don't miss this elegant and comprehensive exhibition, which runs
until December 31, 2010.
“The Mannerbacks: Reading’s Master Silversmiths – 1785 to 1870 –
Exhibition Catalogue 2010,” text by Polly Allison du Pont and
Terry Royal West; produced through the auspices of the Historical
Society of Berks County; printed by Reading Eagle Press; 8 ½ by 11
inches; softbound; high-quality encyclopedia-type paper; 60 pages;
162 photographs of superior quality by the catalogue’s co-compiler,
Terry Royal West. Included are Acknowledgments, Sponsorship Credits,
Preface, Mannerback biographical overviews (of William Mannerback,
Prisca Levan Mannerback, and William Levan Mannerback); and
Manuscript and Archive photographic facsimiles (receipts,
advertisements, letters, burials plots, signatures, etc.).
Copies of the catalogue are available at the Historical Society
of Berks County’s Museum Shop at $ 12.72, tax included.
Copies may be had by mail for $17.72.
As a recent issue of our Historical Review of Berks County carried a
major feature, copiously illustrated, of the Mannerbacks’ life and
work in Reading, Society members are probably well aware of the
silversmiths’ biographical history.
What this publication offers, additionally, are illustrations of
virtually every piece of silver in the exhibit—and interesting and
incredibly rare ancillary artifacts and original printed materials.
A conscientious effort has been made to present visitors and
catalogue purchasers with every practical piece of Mannerback
memorabilia known to exist.
Never again will such an assemblage be available for exhibition.
