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Authored by Society president George Meiser IX |
| Posted 05-13-2006
TEN News-Bits of Reading-Berks historial interest.... ============================ =================== ============================ =================== ============================ =================== 1- Tues., May 16 on History Channel--MOVING FEGELY's! 2- Hist. Preservation mtg. this WED., May 17 at 7 p.m. at Hist.Soc. 3- County Commissioner Thomas Gajewski provides an update 4- Antiques in the Valley - at Oley Village - Fri/Sat - June 16/17 5- The 4th Annual Nicholas Stoltzfus House Benefit-Auction - Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 9:30 A.M. 6- Preservation Trust's VOLKSMARK - Sat., May 20 at 10 a.m. 7- Rdg. Cold Store, Reed & Elm sts. - 1910 illustrated letterhead 8- Fleetwood Auto Body's former factory SIGN restored 9- Sinking Spring Area H.S.'s Sundae in the Park--Sun., June 4th 10- SAMPLER exposition at H.S. of Berks County now open daily ============================ ================ ============================ ================ ============================ ================ 1- This coming TUESDAY, May 16th, the HISTORY CHANNEL will show the moving of Fegely's trolley-type diner that used to sit along Perkiomen Ave. in Exeter Twp. 
Those who watched the moving process surely noticed all the big-time video cameras documenting the transfer. Depending where you live in the U.S., tv show times might vary. Check your tv guide for the time the History Channel will air its popular series....MEGA MOVERS.....in your area. ================================ 2- VERY IMPORTANT Berks County Historic Preservation Meeting - this WED., May 17th at 7 p.m. at the Historical Society of Berks County of Berks, 940 Centre Ave., Rdg. The Berks County Planning Commission, as a part of the Open Space and Recreation Plan is mapping and developing an inventory of historical buildings. This is a CRITICAL first step in creating zoning ordinances to protect these assets. Zoning and land use decisions are made at the local government level, but there are measures that can be taken so that informed decisions can be made and communities can work cooperatively to save the historical assets they wish to preserve. You will be provided with maps of your area and a folder of information. All of the historical preservation and land use/ conservation organizations in the county are asked to participate in this effort. Please feel free to bring several representatives from your organization to attend this meeting. Local News-Bits readers are invited to attend this important meeting. ================================== 3- County Commissioner Thoms Gajewski sent an email to News-Bits to report that.... "We approved $49,000 in Community Development funds for use in rehabing the former Fegley's Diner, now at its new location along Carsonia Avenue, in Pennside, opposite Redner's. "The Archbury Foundation plans to keep it as an historical site and to eventually add a community meeting room behind it. James Swope, a local educator at Wilson Senior High School, is president of Archbury Foundation, the entity that moved the trolley car-type restaurant and and plans to restore it. "Concerned about serious squirrel damage to Gruber Wagon Works, I have written to both Senator Mike O'Pake and to Congressman Jim Gerlach to request that they contact the PA Historical and Museum Commission and the National Park Service to inquire about the materials and manner of repair best suited to restore this historially significant structure." ================================== 4- ANTIQUES in the VALLEY 
================================== 5- The 4th Annual Nicholas Stoltzfus House Benefit-Auction..... Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 9:30 A.M. Get the details by accessing:-- (Then click on AUCTION) ================================== 6- The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County is holding a special event to kick off its summer programs at Old Morlatton Village---on Saturday, May 20 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a "Volksmarch" featuring a walk along the Thun Trail between Morlatton Village (along the Schuylkill at present- day Douglassville) and Monocacy. This section of the Trail starts at the new Trailhead at Morlatton Village, the first settlement in Berks County. It proceeds westward along the bed of the former Penn'a Railroad, crossing the Schuylkill River Railroad Bridge from Amity into Union Township, Families and groups can walk as far as they wish toward Monocacy--then return to explore Old Morlatton Village. Three historic buildings will be open: the 1716 Mouns Jones House, the Covered Bridge Keeper's House ,and the White Horse Tavern. Food and beverages will be available. Participants will receive a trail map and brochure on Old Morlatton Village. The charge is $2.00 per person. ==================================== 7- Sandra Stief, secretary of the Historical Society's Trustee Board, uncovered a wonderful letterhead showing various views of the Reading Cold Storage complex at Reed and Elm sts. in Reading. 
Some months ago in News-Bits, there were photos and information on this historical site, with the admonition to take photos NOW, as its future is BLEAK. Reading Fire Chief William H.Rehr III recently reported that this architecturally impressive building is in the throes of rapidly advancing decrepitude. Sections of the roof are falling in, which is the structural kiss of death. It should be noted that Chief Rehr is an advanced local history buff whose knowledge of Reading's buildings is impressive in the extreme. ================================= 8- Dennis Becker, a guiding light of the Fleetwood Area Historical Society, supplies a good view of the restored sign on the former factory of the Body Works. History buff and restoration specialist Charlie Miller of Douglasville did the restoration work. 
Charlie was the person who oversaw reconstruction of the landmark trolley shelter at Reiffton---the one severely damaged by an errant vehicle. =================================== 9- Sinking Spring Area's Historical Society hosts “SUNDAE IN THE PARK” MUSEUM DAY AND OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2006 - FROM NOON UNTIL 5PM RAIN OR SHINE FREE ADMISSION Program of Events: 1PM: Historical Walk along Penn Ave., Sinking Spring. Learn about historical sites of the past and present. Meet at St. John’s Reformed Church parking lot, next to the church (weather pending). 3PM: Armchair historical slide tour of yesteryear--- photographs around Sinking Spring and its history. This will be held in the Freight House in Heritage Park. 1872 Passenger Station, 1858 Freight House, and 1900 office building open all afternoon. Enjoy museum memorabilia relating to Sinking Spring and Spring Twp. , railroad history, Indian artifacts and more. Enjoy original recordings of yesteryear, including Sinking Spring’s Paul Specht, internationally renown orchestra leader. Refreshments, food, make your own sundae Direction to Heritage Park and Sundae Site: Penn Ave. to Park Ave to Clematis Ave.---follow lane to park- watch for signs! Call 610-678-4219 for information and additional details. ================================= 10- The SAMPLER EXPOSITION at the Historical Society of Berks County includes some of the finest and rarest specimens in the genre. Kathryn Lesieur of Bechtelsville is guest curator for this exceptional showing. The splendid sampler featured on the cover the our current issue of the Historical Review is from the collectino of the Kutztown Area Historial Society and was stiched by Helena Kutz in 1842. Shown are the old Franklin Academy (still standing) on the left. The church is old St. John's Union, since replaced. 
BE AWARE there are samplers on TWO LEVELS.... in Exhibition Hall on the first floor....and on the auditorium's balcony. ================================ ============ ================================ GMMIX == END |
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