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SIX News-Bits of Reading-Berks historical interest..... ============================================ 1- The tunnel in Pendora that takes Rose Valley Creek-water away 2- St. Michael’s Epis., Birdsboro: interior views and misc. info 3- Free concert this Sun., Feb. 2 at 3 at Grace Luth., Shillington 4- Society’s BCTV program this coming WED., Feb.5, at 7 5- First Thursday program--Feb. 6 at 9 a.m.--"Voices of Berks Poets" 6- Youth Concert at Hist. Society--Sat., Feb. 8th at 7:30 ============================================ 1- We received numerous emails concerning the 19th century tunnel that carries the creek water from Mineral Spring Park--underground through east and southeast Reading--to the Schuylkill River below the Bingaman St. Bridge. A further explanation follows: When the water leaves Mineral Spring Park, just below the East End Club (formerly the Mineral Spring Hotel), it is carried underground a short distance (below a roadway beneath the Lindbergh Viaduct) to what resembles a high waterfall. From here it makes a big drop and then is flows maybe 200 feet into a tunnel that carries the water beneath the Pendora athletic field to a second opening near the fieldhouse. >From there is flows at grade level--maybe 200 feet--to the spot where the water drops down underground--at 18th and Forest Sts.-- into the main tunnel that carries the creek subterranially to the Schuylkill. The view below, taken at 18th and Forest, shows where Rose Valley Creek enters the long tunnel. ========================================= 2- A week or so ago we presented a number of exterior views of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church of Birdsboro which was designed inside and out by the famous Victorian-era-architect Frank Furness. This was the only surviving UNALTERED Frank Furness-designed church in existence. Nothing was changed since completion in 1885. Miraculously, the interior, with the original Furness color scheme escaped repainting. Some church members, around 1979, wanted to paint over the darkish green and gold colors with white paint-- to make the sanctuary brighter. The old guard, at that time, firmly resisted, so the interior remained as Furness designed it 118 years ago. On July 11, 2002, the Rt. Rev. Paul V. Marshall (Bishop) sent a letter to congregation members informing them that he was closing the church immediately because the pastor had resigned (cough, cough), the building needed many repairs, and the congregation was numerically weak. As noted in an earlier News-Bits, on Tuesday, Jan. 14th, workers began removing everything in sight inside the church. it was being gutted. In an article prepared by Diane Van Dyke for "The Southern Berks News," (Jan. 29th issue) she reported that Rev. Canon William Lewellis, spokesman for the Episcopal Diocese in Bethlehem (Diocesan House, 333 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem, PA 18015) stated that the stained glass windows, pews, altars, pipe organ, etc. were removed by Liturgical Arts in New York. "They sell items to churches which need them. Proceeds from the sale of the items will be used to benefit the ministry of the diocese throughout the community." Rev. Lewellis observed that the gutted building will be sold as there was an interested buyer....and the reuse would be "a positive addition to the Bridsboro community." (Wouldn’t that news warm the cockles of the Brookes’ hearts!) When reminded that the Reverend Paul Hewett of the Church of the Transfiguation in Phoenixville had expressed an interest, in Sept. 2002, in starting a new congregation and possibly buying St. Michael’s, Rev. Lewellis had no comment other than "the diocese did not receive any serious offers to use the building as a church." St. Michael’s was considered by architectural historians to have been one of the 8 most significant structures in Berks County. Unfortunately, it was worth more in pieces than it was intact on Mill Street in Birdsboro. Anyone want to hazard a guess what the enormous Tiffany window will bring on the auction block? Or the Furness-designed pews? And while you’re hazarding guesses, what will become of the shell that remains? Maybe an old folks’ home, with a nice white interior, complete with modern dropped ceilings? ====================================== 3- The Music Arts Committee of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 30 Liberty St., Shillington, hosts a free concert this Sunday, February 2, at 3 PM. The Chandler Chamber Ensemble will make its debut there. The group consists of clarinetists Beverly Butts and Maryjean Purdy, bassoonists Carol Schwanger and Kurt Schneiderhan, and French Horn players Judy Ebersole and Erwin Chandler. This recital consists of various works by Beethoven, Weber and Erwin Chandler. A free-will offering will be taken. For more information or directions to the church, call 610-777-7885. ========================================== 4- The Historical Society’s monthly television show will be THIS coming Wednesday, Feb. 5th, at 7 p.m. In addition to the usual features, James L. Shulman will present an historical overview of the Reading Symphony Orchestra’s 90 years in existence. Musical excepts and lots of good pictures make this presentation especially interesting. The earliest views show Carsonia Park, interior of the old Academy of Music, and other such sites that had an RSO connection. If you have an up-to-date computer, see a sample of our tv show. Access: http://www.berkshistory.org/realaudio/hill.ram ======================================= 5- The FIRST THURSDAY program for this coming Thursday, Feb. 6th at 9 a.m., features Prof. Harry D. Eshelman, editor of "Bookends" and president of the Wallace Stevens Poetry Society. Mr. Eshelman’s topic is "Voices of Poets of Berks County." As with all FIRST THURSDAY programs, everyone is invited. A light breakfast is served from 8:30 to 9. The program itself is from 9 to 10. Come and bring a friend! ========================================= 6- Locals with an interest in music, mark Saturday, Feb. 8th, on your calendar. At 7:30 on this evening, in the auditorium of the Historical Society, the Society's annual Youth Concert will be presented. All the participants are of high school age and incredibly talented. All are winners in a Reading Symphony Orchestra League’s musical competition. You’ll hear flute, piano, violin, and clarinet. Two of the students will be playing with the Reading Symphony Orchestra next October---so you KNOW they are good! Bridget Johnson, flute player, who will appear on the program: Those who attended last year can attest to the fact this is always a really special program. Last year we had a full house. YOU ARE INVITED. It’s free....and we’ll even ply you with food and drink at the program’s conclusion! Come and bring friends! It should be mentioned that this program is made possible by the cooperation of three organizations: The Historical Society of Berks County, the Music Club of Reading-Berks, and the Reading Symphony Orchestra League. Hosts for the evening are Debbie Pyle and Geo. M. Meiser, IX. ============ gmmix ============ end =====

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