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Authored by Society president George Meiser IX |
| Posted 05-17-2003
THREE News-Bits of Reading-Berks historical interest… =============== ============== =========== 1- Arson-caused fire destroys Exeter's 1850's Centre House 2- Fegely's 1935 Restaurant in Exeter to close Monday evening 3- Society annual fund raiser at 1733 Boone home at Oley Line ============== ============== ============ 1- In our last News-Bits, we reported the fire at Exeter Twp.'s landmark Centre House Hotel building, a brick structure probably dating from the 1850's. Prior to 1900, it was converted to a farmhouse. The last resident moved out perhaps 5 years ago. Juveniles were seen in the place prior to "the suspicious fire" which occurred Thursday around 3:30 p.m. and closed the Boyertown Pike east of Jacksonwald---near Farming Ridge. Because the former hotel building, pictured in our last News-Bits, was slated for demolition, to make way for a new church, firemen allowed it to burn. Friday morning we decided to take a photo of what was left. Here is what greeted your editor:-  ============== ============== ============= 2- Patrons entering the landmark Fegely Restaurant---east of Reiffton, in Exeter Twp.---were stunned to read a note attached to the front door which TODAY informed diners that the 68-year- old enterprise was shutting its doors forever this coming Monday evening at closing time. Waitresses and others employed there were told yesterday, Friday, at 9:30 a.m.  H. S. Fegely started the business in 1935 on a site almost directly across the highway. An old-timer reported that Fegely wanted a larger lot, on a corner, so bought the property across 422 and moved the building to the new site, beside the road leading back to Gibraltar. At the back of the present parking lot once were small cabins which were rented out to travelers. The coming of modern motels in the area rendered Fegely's cabins obsolete so they were removed, perhaps 20 years ago.  For those unfamiliar with Fegely's, be apprised this place was very popular, especially with senior citizens, as the food was good and plentiful---and "priced right." There were crowds all the time, which is why patrons just can't believe that not only is Fegely's shutting down---it's being torn down. Rumor has it that the corner was sold to make way for a new bank. We should know the truth within the next few days. Those interested in seeing the 1935 interior---which includes the original, fully functional, antique, built-in wooden refrigerator---you have until Monday evening to stop by.  ================= ============= =========== The Society's annual fund-raising event, conducted to help support special exhibits, is scheduled for Saturday, June 7th, from 4 to around 8. Besides musical entertainment by vocal stylists Maria Damore and Mike Kurowki, those attending will be given a full tour of the landmark 1733George Boone plantation and its complex of structures, today called "Boonecroft."     This event is open to the general public. Questions? Call the Society at 610- 375-4375. ============ gmmix ============ end ====== |
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