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Authored by Society president George Meiser IX |
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FOUR News-Bits of Reading-Berks historical
interest.... =========================================== 1- Fascinating web-site on the history of Christmas tree lighting 2- Death of Jake Esser, 85, Kutztown publisher; local history buff 3- Two interesting local-history web-sites: Mohnton....and Boone 4- Berks250 commemoration ending with New Year's Eve celebration ============================================ 1- Secretary of the Society's Board of Trustees Michelle Lynch apprised us of a FASCINATING and colorful web-site (with rare old photos) dealing with the history of Christmas tree lighting, which, of course, has an Edison beginning. Edison was no stranger to Berks because of visits to his iron mine operation near Bechtelsville and overnight stays at the Union House Hotel in Bechtelsville. The history of tree-lighting web-site is colorful and impressive. See it:- http://www.oldchristmaslights.com/history.htm =========================================== 2- We note with regret the passing on Thurs., Dec. 19th, of Jacob R. Esser, age 85, of Kutztown, retired owner of Kutztown Publishing Co. and former publisher of "The Patriot," a weekly newspaper with an impressive history. Both Jake and his dad (Charles) were longtime members of the Historical Society. It was, in part, through Jake's interest in local history that the Berksiana Foundation was formed around 1975 with the goal to publish several books on Berks history to commemorate the Bicentennial. Four materialized:- Berksiana, Musical Remembrances, Photo Berksiana, and Echoes of Scholla-- Illustrated. Mr. Esser was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Kutztown. Over the years, he and his dad published much dealing with aspects of Lutheranism. For the better part of a century, these men produced local histories that became standard references. One of the best is the 1915 Kutztown history. Jake had a degree in printing technology from the Carnegie Institute of Technology. He achieved the rank of major in WWII, was an Eagle Scout, a dedicated Rotarian and Torch Club member, and sat on numerous civic boards. When Jake belonged to an organization, he was a positive force and actively involved. Mr. Esser is survived by wife Jeane, a daughter, three sons, and a sister, Jane Esser-Gottlund of Wyomissing. Mrs. Gottlund, like her brother, has done much for the cause of local history. ==================================== 3- Doug Reinert of Mohnton, who has done much to make the Society's web-site the gem that it is, calls your attention to the following:- MOSES BOONE, tanner of Exeter Township:- http://berkshistory.org/histsoc/articles/mboone.html and MOHNTON and its history:- http://www.harpweb.com/mohnton/history/ ======================================= 4- The close of Berks County's 250th anniversary commemoration occurs New Year's Eve--at the Sovereign Center on Penn Street-- from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There will be all kinds of activity and music. The cost is $10. Children under 6 get in free. Parking in all the city-operated lots will be free. Fireworks, courtesy of Sovereign Bank, will be ignited from atop Mount Penn at midnight. 
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