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Authored by Society president George Meiser IX |
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SIX News-Bits of Reading-Berks historical interest.....
================================== 1- Balthaser’s 1925 Berks history reprint is sold out! 2- Bolich’s 1874 Eckville church just photographed 3- Oley Furnace grist mill visited/photographed today 4- Albright College commencement honored Berks! 5- "Historical Review" to be mailed out this Tuesday 6- The new Berks250 "year-long celebration" VHS tape is $10 =================================== 1- All available copies of the Society’s reprint of Balthaser’s 1925 Berks County history book, mentioned a few days ago, have been sold. The volume is now officially "out of print." This splendid reference text was reprinted as the Society’s contribution to the Berks250 commemoration, which is why it was sold at such a modest price. =================================== 2- Society member Bob Compton of Breinigsville, a steady reporter to this email service, recently took several photos of the roof of Bolich’s church to show the current status of the bell tower on the 1874 former Evangelical church in western Albany Twp., near Eckville. Those capable of opening photos with their computers will be able to see the precarious positioning of the bell on the roof--as show below. Notice, too, to what degree the building now is supported by props. 
Be aware that when erected, this was Salem Evangelical Church, erected largely through the efforts of George Bolich. During the Evangelical schism of 1894, many of the congregations in Berks sided with the wrong bishop in the Esher-Dubbs dispute and lost control of their buildings--and were obliged to buy them back! As a consequence of this anomaly, many congregations renamed their churches. That happened here---and Salem became Zion! As an aside, the same thing happened with the Evangelical church in Oley Village. It, too, changed names from Salem to Zion. Years ago, yours truly visited someone in Oley Village, formerly an Oley bank official, who had the church’s date-stone stored under his sofa in the parlor. It had Salem 1881 on one side and Zion on the other! (Wonder where that stone is today?). For the record, Oley’s Salem/Zion church stood on the right side of the National Penn bank in the village--where the parking lot is located. =============================== 3- Some months ago, we noted that the grist mill at Oley Furnace was badly neglected; the roof was in a state of collapse. We feared the structure was nearing the point of no return. We were notified recently that an effort is being made to stabilize the building and a new roof is being installed. We visited the site today and were greatly surprised to see how much work has already been done. A new metallic roof now covers about 75 percent of the mill and weeds shrubs, and debris have been removed all around the building. Oley Furnace and the grist mill were powered by Furnace Creek, a branch of the Little Manatawny. The first improvements at the site were affected by Dietrich Welcker around 1765. In time, "General" Daniel Udree acquired the estate and ran it for decades--until his demise in 1828. A full-length portrait of Udree can be seen in the Society’s auditorium. 
Next time you visit Oley Furnace, look at the nearby Reading street car that has been sitting along the road for many years. It seems to be part of a bungalow complex. 
================================== 4. At 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14th, a mid-year commencement was conducted at Albright College that included a salute to Berks County and its 250th anniversary commemoration. County Commissioner Judith L. Schwank and Carey M. Kaucher, chairman of Berks County’s 250th Anniversary Commission, were called upon for remarks appropriate to the occasion. A part of the commencement exercises included the conferring of degrees to two longtime officers of the Historical Society. Terrence E. Connor, Esq., class of ‘51 and Society president some 33 years, received a Doctor of Laws degree, Honoris Causa. George M. Meiser, IX, president of the Society at present, received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree, Honoris Causa. The two, so honored, delivered commencement addresses. 
Included in the academic procession was William G. Koch, an Albright grad and longtime treasurer of the Historical Society. We are pleased to note that college president Henry A. Zimon, Ph.D. and college provost David Stineback, Ph.D. are members of our Society. ================================== 5- Some 3,400 copies of the "Historical Review of Berks County" were delivered on Friday. Plans are to have them mailed Tuesday, which means that those living close by might receive their copies Wednesday or Thursday. 
===================================== 6- Recently, we announced the release of a new VHS tape--with impressive production values--that provides an overview of the the major activities that occurred during this past commemorative year. It's the work of Mike Reinert of Channel 69--and Video Works. Hundreds of folks who were involved are seen here and there in clips. Nice coverage of the big parade, too. ONLY 250 copies of this tape were produced--and ALL copies are at the Society’s gift shop--at only $10, tax included. By mail the price is $13.50. As only 250 of these tapes have been made, they will probably be sold by Christmas. Act now if you have any interest. An impressive number already have been sold--on Friday and Saturday. 
If you’d like the two Berks250 video tapes as a combination deal, the price is $24 postpaid. The other tape (also available as a DVD at the same price) is “Berks County: The First 250 Years,” which is an historical overview of the county with lots of rare old photographs. Produced by Paul Druzba of WEEU radio. ============== gmmix======== end === |
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