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Authored by Society president George Meiser IX |
| Posted 01-23-2007
18 News-Bits of Reading-Berks historical interest…. ==================== =================== ==================== =================== 1- Exeter Twp.’s historical commission reactivated 2- Don Miller’s talk on his latest WWII book – Sat., Jan. 27 at 1 3- An Evening of John Philip Sousa & Ringgold Band – March 6th 4- First Thursday program Feb. 1 – Kutztown’s Old-time Neighborhoods 5- Brendan Strasser’s Kutztown history #3 now available; it’s a gem 6- Berks’ groundhog observance – 7 A.M. at Pagoda – Friday, Feb. 2nd 7- Historical Society’s monthly BCTV program WED., Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. 8- Wyomissing Centennial’s commemorative DVD a winner! 9- Omega Club razed. Anyone know anything about it? 10- Rdg. Museum’s HOLOGRAPHY exhibit opens Feb. 3 11- EARLY Shearer, Hoch, Kemp, Hiester wills/ papers to be available 12- Mohnton history book in the works 13- Little Swatera Church history in the works 14- The Harriet Tubman Story - puppet show-FREE- Sun., Feb. 11 at 3 15- Regina Leininger, German Indian Captive – Tues., Feb. 13 at 1:30 16- Annual YOUTH CONCERT at the Society – Feb. 24 at 7:30 17- Muhlenberg Family History book, in full color, now available 18- Black History Museum at Reading worth seeing ======================== ==================== ======================== ==================== ======================== ==================== 1- At the instigation of township manager Troy S. Bingaman, Exeter Township’s Historical Commission was reactivated at an open meeting held on Wed., January 17th at 7 p.m. The first act of the commission was to begin formulating a comprehensive listing of local historical sites of significance, based on a somewhat comprehensive historical survey prepared in the early 1990’s. The 5-member group will meet again in February at the township hall. Michelle Lynch was elected Chairman; Geo. M. Meiser, IX, Vice-Chairman; and Rev. James Killian, Secretary. ======================== ==================== 2- Reminder that Donald L. Miller will be at the Historical Society this coming Saturday at 1 p.m. to give a talk based on his new book, “Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany.” 
We are indeed fortunate that Don Miller agreed to include the Historical Society on his book tour. The last time he appeared here, quite a few years ago, he proved to be a fascinating speaker. If memory serves correctly, the question-and-answer-and comments portion of the program, at the end, was exceedingly interesting. ======================== ================== 3- A recent News-Bits dispatch informed readers about the “Evening of John Philip Sousa” at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 5th and Washington, on TUESDAY, MARCH 6th at 6:30 p.m. 
The event commemorates the date, 75 years ago, that Sousa died in Rdg. in his room at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel. The Ringgold Band will play the exact program “the March King” rehearsed the night before….and the menu being served is exactly that which was prepared for the dinner held to fete Sousa after the rehearsal. Tickets for this event are $100 a ticket ($60 is tax-deductible). Reservations are limited to 250 guests. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have a genuine interest in this event, act immediately as, at this writing, about 35 tickets remain. Checks are made payable to Historical Society of Berks County and sent to 940 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601 Payment may be made by credit card by telephone: 610 – 375 – 4375 ======================== =============== 4- The FIRST THURSDAY program for February--- Thursday, February 1st at 8:30—features Dr. Brendan Strasser, compiler of “A Most Agreeable Town # 3,” described in the following News-Bit. 
This program is open to anyone and everyone interested in seeing a collection of rare Kutztown views, ranging from scenes from the 1800’s up to nearly the present time. There’s something here for everyone. Come…and bring friends! ===================== ================= 5- The Kutztown Area Historical Society now has available Book 3 in the popular series “A Most Agreeable Town: A Photographic History of the Borough of Kutztown: The Neighborhoods.”
Published on high-quality glossy paper in a limited hardcover edition consisting of 1500 copies, this 210-page 8.5- by 11-inch volume contains more than 350 vintage black-and-white photographs, most previously unpublished, of the Borough’s original residential neighborhoods along Greenwich, Noble, Whiteoak, West Walnut, and Baldy Streets, as well as Normal Avenue and Sander and Sacony Alleys. Authored by society librarian-archivist Brendan D. Strasser, with the assistance of the library committee, “A Most Agreeable Town, Volume 3” continues the saga of the development of the Borough of Kutztown by focusing attention on its homes and families, from what is reputedly the oldest residence in town along the Hinnerschtross (literally, “back street,” later renamed Walnut) to the newer subdivisions built in the expansion years after World War II. 
Ranging from the mid-18th century well into the 20th, Volume 3 works from the assumption that Kutztown has been so agreeable a place -- the ideal American small town -- through its history due to the spirit of its citizens, who have proved resilient to floods, epidemics, economic hardship, out-migration, student housing, and other threats to home, safety, or quality of life. 
As in previous volumes, the compiler traced the histories of Kutztown’s business district and its industrial corridor, many of the photographs date to the first decades of the 20th century, including a marvelous array first produced as real photo post- cards by the Rev. Dr. W. W. Deatrick, a KSNS professor whose images are nationally recognized for their composition, clarity, and brilliance. Also, as was true in Brendan Strasser’s previous volumes, this publication is about as good as it gets in the realm of local history. He includes all elements generally found in any good reference book: table of contents, copious acknowledgments, preface, sources, and a comprehensive index. Unlike that which is too often found in local histories, his photo- captions provide the reader with exact locations and comprehensive and accurate commentary. Each image is accompanied by a full caption providing historical details about the properties pictured and many other details about Kutztown’s establishing families and their descendants. As a special feature, this volume’s introduction captures the development of modern Kutztown as glimpsed in the photo albums of the Ritzman, Fegely, and Mertz families. 
The book may be purchased for $40 (tax included) at Sacony Book Shop, 41 West Main, Kutztown 19530. It is also available by mail, from the same address, for $45. Checks are payable to Kutztown Area Historical Society. Questions? Contact Dr. Strasser at 484-646-9097 or at brendan@hometownu.com ===================== ================ 6- The Second Annual Berks’ groundhog observance will occur at 7 A.M. at the Pagoda atop Mount Penn– on Friday, Feb. 2nd. 
As the event takes place on the Pagoda’s balcony, it’s easily seen by everyone regardless of size. Come and bring your camera! ===================== =============== 7- The Society’s monthly BCTV program will be on WEDNESDAY, February 7th, at 7 p.m. Two interesting guests will appear…and, as usual, there will be a collection of good old-time views for your visual delectation. ===================== =============== 8- This past Saturday, January 20th, Wyomissing Borough concluded its yearlong observation of the municipality’s 100th anniversary---at the Wyomissing Public Library, at 1 p.m. Remarks appropriate to the occasion were delivered by various borough officials and co-chairs Mike Reinert and Cindy Kauffman. Highlight of the event was the sealing of a time capsule specially made by a firm located north of Pittsburgh. The capsule was 3/8”-thick stainless steel. Papers and other mementos inside have a projected life expectancy of several hundred years due to the introduction of argon gas and some other substance. 18-square-inch units such as this run around $2,000. Very impressive! Equally impressive is the DVD created for the Centennial under the supervision of Society member Mike Reinert, a Channel 69 (WFMZ) TV official. 
The DVD, which runs around 27 minutes, is the finest of its kind your reporter has seen. The graphics are professional in every way. Lots of good history and photographs here…and many you’ve never seen previously. This DVD can be purchased at the Historical Society’s gift shop at $7.50 plus tax. Copies are available by mail for $10, even money. =================== ================== 9- About two weeks ago, headquarters of the defunct Omega Club were razed. 
The location was on the east side of Pendora Park, along Cemetery Lane. The front of the building faced the western extremity of Aulenbach’s Cemetery. Rear of the structure could be seen along Perkiomen Avenue. Can any reader supply information about the Omega Club? Was it strictly social? How long has it been defunct? We have good photos and wish to include valid information when the views are filed. ====================== =============== 10- On Saturday, February 3rd, “The Nature of Holography” exhibit will open at the Reading Public Museum, 500 Museum Road, Reading. 
Fifteen or 20 years ago, the Reading Museum held a similar exhibit that was sensational. Around 30 were on display. The same number will be showing this time as well. I urge you to attend. You’ll be fascinated. A friend who attended the show with me was so taken by the process and effect that he made a trip to some venue in Texas where personalized holograms can be made. He obtained one of his face. At that time, he paid around $300. ==================== =============== 11- The other day we received an email from George Seifrit that reported that stated that…. “Recently I have acquired a lot of very old documents concerning various 'estates' in early Berks County. These documents concern mostly the Shearer family history in the County of Berks. ”I will most likely sell these documents in an auction. They date from 1750's to 1840's. Can you suggest someone that may be interested in these documents before I commit these to auction?” Realizing that many News-Bits readers are into genealogy as well as “pure history,” I thought I’d pass Mr. Seifrit’s message on, as the papers deal with local families of general interest. His email address is < pocketges@msn.com > and his phone number is 610 – 670 – 1339 ==================== ================= 12- In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Mohnton Boro, a 248-page picture volume will be issued. 
The book is currently at the printer and will be ready for the start of celebrations on March 18, 2007. The price is $40 ($47 postpaid). Mohnton’s history will be available at the centennial events and can be preordered by using the form at This will be a limited printing; reserve yours now before they sell out! ======================== ================= 13- Sandra Kauffman forwarded the following: I have been part of a committee who has researched and compiled the History of Little Swatara Church of the Brethren 1757-2007. It is currently getting ready for printing at Masthof Press in Morgantown, Pa. The first ever-printed history of this congregation has gone to press. The Little Swatara Church of the Brethren (Rehrersburg area) will be celebrating 250 years as a congregation in June 2007. In preparation for this event, the Historical Committee has written a history of the congregation. This volume, 8 ½ x 11 inches in size, contains 480 pages with over 200 pictures, fully indexed with hardcover in color. It includes the early history of the congregation, biographical sketches of fifty free-will ministers and paid pastors, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Church Council, Love Feast and the music program. Also included is a church membership list dating back to the mid 1800’s. All of the tombstone inscriptions of local Brethren Cemetery’s associated with the church have been included in this volume. Numerous other articles are also included. This book is a must have for genealogists, history buffs or church historians, and is well worth the asking price of a $25.00 donation to the church for orders before April 30, 2007. The donation after this date will be $30.00, which is still a bargain. Postage is $8.00 per book. We expect the books to be available by about April 30th. It book can be ordered by sending a check made payable to Little Swatara Church of the Brethren… to Sandra Kauffman, 7326 Bernville Road, Bernville, Pa. 19506. Our 250th Celebration will be the weekend of June 16-17. Many exciting events are planned for these two days. The four old Meetinghouses used for rotation services before our present church was built will be open for tours Transportation to each of them will be provided from the present church near Rehrersburg. A German worship service, dinner theater and other events are planned during these two days. Please plan now to attend the celebration. Questions? Call Sandra Kauffman, at 610-488-0843 or Richard Frantz, at 717-933-4719. ===================== ================== 14- Harriet Tubman program: 
======================== =============== 15- On Tuesday, February 13th at 1:30 p.m., Society member Pastor Philip K. Smith will present a talk titled “Regina Leininger, German Captive of the Indians.” Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg recorded this fascinating story from Regina in 1756. Regina lies buried in the old cemetery at Pastor Smith’s church, Christ (Tulpehocken) Lutheran, near Stouchsburg. This program is free and open to the general public. Not incidentally, Pastor Smith is an engaging speaker. ====================== ================= 16- Youth Concert at our Historical Society: 
======================== =============== 17- “The Muhlenberg Family: Their Significance in Colonial America” by William Muhlenberg Wagner, Jr. is now available through the author, a member of our Society. 
This soft-bound, 8.5- by 11-inch, 66-page volume contains a great number of full-color illustrations, a costly compilation to produce. The end result is pleasing to the eye. Included is a brief history of Conrad Weiser, who was Henry M. Muhlenberg’s father-in-law. Anyone with ties to the Muhlenberg family will find things of interest in this publication, which is available for $38 postpaid by forwarding payment to William M. Wagner, Jr. at 55 Grandview Blvd., Wyomissing Hills-West Lawn, PA 19609 His email address is < wwagner@enter.net > Phone 610 – 678 – 7031 ====================== ============== 18- Reading’s African-American Museum on N. 10th Street is genuinely worth seeing. You’ll be amazed what artifacts and photos are on display there. There are a thousand things to see!~ 
A new web-site has been established as an intro: Do check it out! ====================== =============== ====================== =============== |
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