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Authored by Society president George Meiser IX |
| Posted 07-24-2003
SEVEN News-Bits of Reading-Berks historical interest….. ============= ================ ============ ============= ================ ============ 1- More info on that Washington Twp. log structure 2- Rdg.-made Mt. Penn Stove Works "Pennola" on eBay 3- Ringgold Band plays at Bernville's Umbenhouer Park Saturday 4- Barn dance at Kempton this Saturday, July 26 5- PA Civil War records now online: www.phmc.state.pa.us 6- Unionville Hotel -and-- Geigertown R.R. information 7- "Step Back in Time" this Saturday at the Berks Heritage Centre ============= ============= ================ ============= ============= ================ 1- In our last News-Bits ezine/newsletter, we made mention of an ancient-looking log structure just off the east side of new Route 100, near what had been Shultzville but now is considered by many the eastern extremity of Barto---near the approach to the Padre Pio shrine.  Michael A. Miller, who was largely responsible for a recently compiled history of Washington Twp., "Worth Remembering," emailed to provide more information about what we'll call "the Frey log cabin," even though it's substantially larger than most log cabins as we picture them. Of the former residence at Hoffmansville and Passmore Roads, Mr. Miller informs us that…. When Henry Frey died in 1821, he left a widow, Margaret and children. He also left a "plantation" of 201 acres, which extended from present-day 100 to County Line Rd. and lay southwest of Hoffmansville Road. On the Henry & Boyer map of 1854, the area is designated Frytown. (Never mind the spelling variation; the H&B maps are notoriously inaccurate.) In a draft of the plantations' subdivision, a house is shown on each of the parcels. The house depicted on Lot "B" corresponds with the old log house along Hoffmansville Rd. Since the house appears on the 1821 document, it most assuredly predates 1821. Very likely it's an 18th century structure. We thank Mr. Miller for writing to provide us with more data on the property's history. ================= ================ ============= 2- On eBay, at present, is a fascinating piece of local history: a Mt. Penn Stove Works "Pennola," that company's version of what often was called "a heatrola." As photos on eBay disappear very soon after the sale, I'm including them herewith for the benefit of readers who might not read these notes immediately. The Mt. Penn Stove Works complex survives to some degree. It sits on the east side of N. 3rd St., between Buttonwood and Greenwich, in Reading. Old ads gave the address as "3rd and Lebanon Valley R.R." The dealer describes the stove thusly: "This is the great Pennola #116 stove, made to look like a floor model Victrola. It's in very good, lightly used condition, with all the extra parts. It has a lower and upper chamber. It measures about 4' tall by 25" square. Winner pays shipping, it weighs about 500 pounds Starting bid is $799.99.    Those who want to see the eBay entry, access: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2184433372&category =1442 What is given above must all be on the same line for the direct access to work. =========== ================= ============= 3- This Saturday evening the Ringgold Band will be giving an outdoor concert at Bernville's Umbenhouer Park, which dates back to 1907 and is located at the south end of what was the early Umbenhouer farmstead. Herewith is a photo of the farm property as it appeared in 1976. The barn now is a pizza restaurant! The 2nd photo is the entrance to the park as it looked years ago.   This concert is free and open to the public. All kinds of good food will be available. The band plays between 6:30 and 8:30. As you come from Reading, Umbenhouer Park sits to the right of 183 and Bernville's main street. Turn RIGHT at the first main intersection in Bernville (watch for gas station on your left). If you miss that street, you can turn right at the next street---at the fire company. Proceed one block and turn RIGHT (south). Follow this main street directly into the park. Take the first driveway to the left as you enter the park. You'll see the stage near the park entrance. There's plenty of parking. ================= ============== =============== 4- Albany Township Historical Society will hold its Sixth Annual Hoedown & Potluck Supper this Saturday July 26 from 6 to 11 PM at the Kempton Community Center Bank Barn in Kempton. Music will be performed by The Toad Creek Ramblers. Bring a covered dish of your favorite recipe to share, your dancing shoes and lawn chairs for a fun night under the stars. The Historical Society will provide cool beverages. Please be advised that alcohol is not permitted. Donations for the band will be appreciated. Everyone is welcomed. =============== ================ ============= 5- PA Civil War records now online: www.phmc.state.pa.us ============= =============== ================ 6- Robeson Twp. historian Tony is working on a research project involving the former Unionville Hotel building along Route 724 at Unionville Road, in Union Township, Berks County. A vintage photo of the landmark would be very helpful. Contact the Amity Heritage Soc. at 610-582-2070. Or email Tony at mgt67@aol.com Mr. Matassa informs us that there is a rebirth of the "Geigertown Central Railroad Museum, Inc." along Geigertown Rd, just off Route 82 in Geigertown. Contact David Shirey at 610-286-9835; fax# 610-286-7221. Mailing address: P.O. Box 201, Geigertown, PA 19523. Note: Your editor knows nothing specifically about this museum but will check into it. For years there have been major pieces of railroad memorabilia lying about at the site, including rolling stock---which hasn't rolled for a long time. More about this later. ================= ================ ============= 7. The Berks Heritage Center is located one mile north of Rdg. Regional Airport, off Route 183---along Red Bridge Road. From Rdg., after you pass the Airport, turn left at what was a service station years ago---on the left side of the road.  =============== END ========= gmmix =========== |
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