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News-Bits of Reading-Berks historical interest.... =========================================== 1- Report email address changes so that we can keep in contact. 2- Our cemetery and church data changes daily. Keep checking! 3- Hendel Mansion opens to Society members Saturday, Sept. 21st 4- Historic Preservation Trust of Berks recommits... =========================================== 1- Daily we receive notification from those on this email service concerning change of email address, mainly because many of you are taking the leap and getting DSL or other high-speed Internet lines. When you change providers, be sure to inform us--giving us your OLD email address AND the new one. We need the old one to find same in our master listing of 1,400 entries so that it can be deleted. Thanks! =========================================== 2- Apparently, MANY checked our cemetery and church on-line database made available to you in the last email. The number of hits to our website set an all-time record. I sent out the News-Bits at 11 p.m., Monday, Aug. 5th. By Friday, the total number of hits had reached 4,076! The big day was Tues., Aug. 6th, with 1,664 hits. All that aside, be aware the cemetery/church members/vital statistics database increases DAILY. Five days a week we have volunteers at the Society poring through old newspapers, church records, and other sources to prepare file cards with data that is then put into the system by a battery of computer operators. Associate librarian Bev Tetley inputs all current vital statistics, from the Reading Eagle, on an on-going basis. The point being made is that if you are checking for certain names, regardless of the era involved, and you cannot find them now, keep checking from time to time because they could well show up later. Hundreds of entries are added weekly covering all periods of time. http://www.berkshistory.org/histsoc/cem.html http://www.berkshistory.org/histsoc/churches.html =========================================== 3- The Hendel Mansion at Centre Avenue and Douglass will be opened to members on Saturday, Sept. 21st, from 10 to 2 p.m. As has been noted previously, this magnificent 1877/1897 Victorian residence came to us through the munificence of Marjorie Hendel-Perfect whose dad bought the property in 1897, doubled the size of the home, and turned it into one of the showplaces of what is now the Centre Park Historic District. It's situated two short blocks south of the Historical Society's main headquarters. As of this writing, the first floor has been restored to its former elegance and is fully furnished and decorated with period pieces, some from the Hendel family. The basement and upper story will be used for critically needed storage space. Much has already been deposited there. The building is handicapped accessible...and is totally climate controlled. =========================================== 4- The July newsletter of the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County is of great interest. Talk had been circulating that financial difficulties might force the Trust to sell off some of its historic holdings...and that it might, by necessity, merge with another organization. Incoming president John Hibschman, a Wyomissing attorney with a commendable interest in Mouns Jones and old Morlotton, set forth the following goals for the Trust: + Continue to preserve, protect, and use the Trust properties. + Use the interest and concern evidenced at the annual meeting, and the addition of new board members, to enhance the position of the Trust and its properties in the community--accompanied by greater community recognition and support. + Make a major effort to continue and increase the involvement of knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. + Aggessively address the Trust's financial situation. + Keep the Trust an independent entity which can pursue the goal of the preservation of historic properties in Berks County and provide living history to make those properties live. - - - - - At the annual meeting on June 5th, the Board of Directors was increased from 21 to 25. President officers, in addition to John Hibschman, are Linda Huges, secretary; Meg Stein, treasurer; and Lou Smroczek, financial secretary. Twelve board members were elected at that meeting. Among the new ones are Matt Barnhart, Anne Stewart Coldren, Mike Emery, Pat Follweiler, Phoebe Hopkins, Jim Lewars, Philip Pendleton, Victor Yarnell, and Susan Yoder. The Preservation Trust deserves all the support that can be mustered. Restoring historically significent buildings and maintaining them is a perpetual financial burden. The Trust's major fund raiser is the MOUNS JONES ANNUAL COUNTRY FAIR, this year being held SEPT. 28 and 29 at Old Morlatton Village, at Douglassville. They need lots of help to make this event a success. For information, call 610 - 385-4769. A handsome 48- x 68-inch coverlet has been created--in either Williamsburg blue and natural....or cranberry and natural. It shows the White Horse tavern, Bridge-keeper's house, Mouns Jones House, George Douglass Mansion, and old St. Gabriel's Church. See and buy it at the fair at $50. Get it now by mail for $56. Order from Pat Oxenford, 805 Hill Drive, Douglassville, PA 19518. ========================= gmmix ===== end =======

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