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Authored by Society president George Meiser IX |
| Posted 02-03-2007
TEN News-Bits of Reading-Berks Historical Interest…. ====================== ==================== ====================== ==================== 1- Womelsdorf historian Ibach’s new book: “Tulpehocken Cigarama” 2- Stouchsburg-made Gruber Organ given to Society 3- Wyomissing collectibles available as a remenbrance 4- Wyomissing tv special to have sneak preview locally 5- Tony Moran book in the offing by Society member 6- Don Miller’s Society appearance a rousing success 7- Ground Hog Day observance at the Pagoda last Friday 8- Pagoda’s 100th birthday commemoration being planned 9- LOVE LETTERS to be given at Hendel House 10- Society’s ANNUAL YOUTH CONCERT Sat., Feb. 24—7:30 ====================== ================== ====================== ================== 1- After 45 years of gathering vital statistics, cigar memorabilia and related photos, Earl W. Ibach’s new book, TULPEHOCKEN CIGARAMA, has finally been completed and currently is available from the author. 
The end result is a masterwork, the type of publication that could not have been produced with the same degree of mind-boggling comprehensiveness by anyone other than Mr. Ibach. Those familiar with his “Hub of the Tulpehocken,” which today can bring $300 at auctions and on eBay, know fully well the Womelsdorf compiler never does anything by halves. Who else would have decided to bind his latest book in real leather, tobacco-brown in color, with gold-leaf lettering across the front cover? 
Earl’s compilation contains nearly 600 illustrations, mostly in color. While the casual observer might declare the work a gorgeous coffee-table kind of book, it is much more than that. Genealogists will be dazzled by the extraordinary number of names included in the text and tables. Others will be impressed by the wealth of high-quality old-time photos, all fully identified and explained. The interwoven text would probably fill an 80-page book. In truth, when I first learned of the proposed nature of the volume, it seemed to me the appeal would primarily be for men—and/or those with ties of some sort to the Western Berks tobacco industry of yesteryear. Such is not the case. The sheer attractiveness of this volume will induce nearly everyone to page through it, at which time it will be discovered the true breadth of information included— regarding factories, proprietors, and workers from villages and towns from Womelsdorf to, and including, Reading. 
It must here be stated that production of this book was a labor of love to the enth degree. No profit motive was involved. The 85-year-old historian-compiler hopes there will be sufficient sales to cover his costs, for which one could buy two row homes in downtown Reading. Color photos are expensive to prepare and print. That Mr. Ibach determined to include a half-thousand staggers the practical mind. “Tulpehocken Cigarama,” 316 pages, 8.75 by 11.125 inches, hardbound in leather, is available from Earl W. Ibach, 539 West Franklin St., Womelsdorf, PA 19567. Price until February 28th is $68.55 delivered. ================ ================ 2-Some years ago, our Society was able to purchase an ornate GRUBER PARLOR ORGAN made around the turn of the last century by John and George Gruber of “main street” Stouchsburg. In a restored condition, it can be seen and heard in the assembly room at Hendel House on Centre Ave. and Douglass St., Rdg. The woodworking Grubers produced a variety of cabinet styles, but not a great number of instruments. Thus far, we have not seen two alike although, based on casual observation, all appear to have identical “innerds.” Recently, the Society was offered another Gruber by Glenda Pfeiffer of Lebanon. Out of curiosity, Society curator Joshua Blay and I drove to an old farm property north of Myerstown to see what we could see. Our initial reaction to the offer was, “Well, we already have one……. but let’s take a look anyhow.” Incidentally, the unit, if taken, would be given in memory of Bessie Stickler-Schadler, the grandmother of the potential donor. The organ stood, long secreted behind stacks of storage, in an out-building. After moving things away from the specimen so that it could be seen, we were surprised to discover this Gruber was different from all others previously seen. It sported a nicely preserved mahogany cabinet with carvings: a top-of-the-line model---the kind people bought years ago who desired a piece of living room furniture more impressive that a regular parlor organ but cheaper than a piano. Typically, a piano ran two or three times more. 
Bottom line: Thanks to Society Trustee Brent Atkins and his men from Reading Box Co. of Glenside (Reading), we now have that Gruber at 940 Centre Ave. The bellows are in surprisingly good condition. It plays well (but needs a tuning) and came with an attractive old-time adjustable stool. Below, Mr. Blay is seen playing the instrument. For the record, he really can play an organ. ================= ================ 3- As part of Wyomissing’s Centennial observation, two momentoes of substance were created: a history of the borough and a 27-minute commemorative DVD (video). Both are of a quality well worth adding to any history buff’s collection. For those with a Wyomissing connection, the two are a must! The next forthcoming issue of the Historical Review of Berks County will carry an extensive review of “Wyomissing-- An American Dream: Enterprise Shaping Community” by George H. Edmonds; Printed by Flagship Press, Inc.; 11.7” H by 8.5”W; 177 pages; black and white images. Soft bound; $25, available at the Reading Public Museum & Art Gallery gift shops and Borders Books in Wyomissing. It is also available by mail at $30, directly from the author, George Edmonds < gandped@msn.com > Send check to GHE Books, 45 Martingale Lane, Andover, MA 01810 Society member Mike Reinert oversaw the creation of THE WYOMISSING STORY, a DVD that traces the history and development of the borough with graphics equal to the best of any commercially-made “fun documentary.” More to the point, the photos and general format are genuinely impressive and so pleasantly presented that one feels compelled to immediately watch it a second time. 
As might be expected, the Wyomissing Industries are appropriately covered---in capsule form. “The Wyomissing Story” DVD is available by mail for $10--- or $7.50 at the Society. Obtainable by check, plastic, or cash from the Historical Society of Berks County, 940 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601 ==================== ================== 4-WITF’s latest entry in the OUR TOWN series is “Our Town: Wyomissing” will be given a screening locally. You are invited to attend. This note was just received about the sneak preview: “Hello! I want to let you know that the date of Sneak Preview for "Our Town: Wyomissing" will be Tuesday, February 27 from 7:00 to 9:15 at Wyomissing Area Junior-Senior High School "We suggest you arrive at about 6:45 to register; the program will roll at 7:00. We will have some refreshments afterwards. "I hope you'll be able to attend. The show is coming along very well. You gave us some great material to work with. Sandy Kern, Producer WITF-TV - 4801 Lindle Road - Harrisburg, PA 17111 ===================== ================ 5- A request from a Society Trustee and history (and opera!) buff: “As you may or may not know, I am curently writing a book on the life and death of the infamous Anthony Mirenna, AKA "Tony Moran." I have been researching it for years and finally felt like putting my findings into a book for posterity. “I have interviewed a number of informative people but would always like to talk to more people who might have bits of information not yet uncovered. “If any readers of “News-Bits” have any material they think should be included to make this bio of greater value, kindly get in touch with me. “My home e-mail address is JKDelCollo@comcast.net ---or they could call me at 610-372-3009. Thanks! --- Jon Del Collo” ============== ================ 6- Well-known author, professor, and tv documentary personality DONALD L. MILLER addressed a capacity audience at the Historical Society on Sat., Jan. 27th at 1. Actually, Mr. Miller attracted an over-capacity audience that probably numbered around 175. Every seat in the auditorium was taken, the balcony was filled, and people were standing anywhere on the first and 2nd levels where it was possible to see and hear Don Miller’s presentation. Publication of his latest book, “Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany,” ocassioned the author’s visit to Reading, where he was born and reared. Special thanks to Larry Miller, a valued Society member, who did much to make his brother’s appearance at the Society possible. Photo: Larry Miller, Mother Miller, Don Miller, and Sime Bertolet, Society Executive Director, who served as MC. 
================ ============== 7- On Friday, Feb. 2nd, at 7:15 a.m. (Ground Hog Day), Reading’s lovely Grundsow Patty Pagoda, a bevy of public officials, and “the Patty Girls” made their 2nd annual public appearance on the balcony of the Pagoda to determine whether winter is on its way…or whether it will be around for at least another six weeks. 
Patty determined we’re in for more winter! Mike Reinert of Channel 69 News served as MC for the event. 
This continues to be a fun event. ============== =============== 8- In regard to the above event, it should be noted that things are gearing up for special events and considerable improvement to and around the Pagoda to commemorate the Pagoda Centennial in 2008. 
Construction of the area’s most recognizable landmark took place between 1906 and 1908, at which time work ceased. In actuality, the Pagoda was never really finished; 1908 marks the year when further improvements to the site were curtailed. =============== ================ 9- The Society monthly BCTV program, this coming WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7th at 7 p.m. to feature “Old-Time Reading and Berks Views You’ve NEVER Seen Before.” Guests will include veteran actors Chuck Gallagher and Jeri Devlin who will be starring in “Love Letters,” a theatrical offering planned for presentation at Hendel House--two weeks hence. Tickets are $25 each, proceeds from which are earmarked for continued restoration of the Hendel House. Particulars of this SPECIAL EVENT will be given in the next News-Bits release. ================= ================= 10- MARK YOUR CALENDAR: At 7:30 on Saturday, February 24th at 7:30, we will again present our Annual Youth Concert in the Connor Auditorium. This free concert, a benefit of Society membership and an offering to the general public, marks around the 10th year this premimum musicale has taken place under the sponsorship of the Historical Society, in cooperation with the Music Club of Reading-Berks and the Reading Symphony Orchestra League. What makes these concerts so outstanding is that the participants are the best young musicians in the country, as determined by audition overseen by a select committee of the Reading Symphony Orchestra League. Among those who appeared at a Society Youth Concert a number of years ago is Joshua Kohl, formerly of Wyomissing, who was a featured star at the Ohio Light Opera Festival two years ago. Later that same year he had a major role in Donizetti’s opera “Lucia,” given by the Boston Opera Co. 
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