HISTORY: New City Hall Dedication, 1929, City of Reading, Berks Co, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2001. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/berks/ _________________________________________ CITY OF READING PENNSYLVANIA <[1]> [photo] CITY HALL READING, PENNSYLVANIA DEDICATED JULY 10, 1929 [seal] SEAL OF THE CITY OF READING PENNSYLVANIA <[2]> Foreword THE dedication of the new City Hall of Reading marks an important step in the march of the municipality's progress. As the older structure, long since outgrown, gives place to a new seat of civic administration, incorporating every modern factor required for complete efficiency, it is fitting that public information relative to it should be inscribed on these pages. In the hope that a wider interest in civic affairs and a more comprehensive knowledge of our city's government may be generally promoted, this volume has been prepared for public distribution. It is the sincerely wish of the present administration that the creditable history of Reading, up until this time, may be overshadowed in accomplishments only by the years that are to follow. <[3]> Historical Sketch THE DEDICATION of our new City Hall offers not only an opportune but a very appropriate time to give a brief history of our City and County. In 1748 Thomas Penn, son of William Penn, selected the site of Reading (Redding). In 1750 there was but one house in Reading, two years later there were 130 dwellings and 136 families numbering 378 persons. In 1752 the inhabitants of Reading petitioned the Assembly to erect part of the Counties of Philadelphia, Lancaster and Chester into a separate and new County to be named Berks, the seat of the Court of Justice of this new County to be fixed within the said town of Reading. On March 11, 1752, the Assembly took favorable action and the new County was named Berks. On September 12, 1783, the town of Reading was incorporated into a borough. Its first Burgesses by appointment were Daniel Levan and William Scull, and Charles Biddle its first Burgess by election. The original population were principally Germans, and the administration of public affairs was chiefly in the hands of the Friends (Quakers). By 1806 the population of Reading was 2,500, by 1830 it had increased to 5,631. Not until March 16, 1847, was Reading incorporated as a City. Reading, at that time, had five wards, Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast and Spruce Ward, and boasted of a population of 14,000. Since then the City has had 31 Mayors, who have served terms of from one to six years. <[4]> Mayors of Reading Since 1847 1847 PETER FILBERT 1848 WILLIAM H. KEIM 1849-52 GEORGE GETZ 1853 DANIEL R. CLYMER 1854 JOHN S. RICHARDS 1855 WILLIAM M. BAIRD 1856 JOEL B. WANNER 1857 A. JORDAN SWARTZ 1858-60 BENNEVILLE KEIM 1861-62 JOEL B. WANNER 1863-64 JOSEPH S. HOYER 1865-66 NATHAN M. EISENHOWER 1867-70 WILLIAM H. GERNAND 1871-72 SAMUEL C. MAYER 1873-78 CHARLES F. EVANS 1879-80 HENRY A. TYSON 1881-84 WILLIAM G. ROWE 1885-86 JAMES K. GETZ 1887-89 JAMES R. KENNEY 1890-92 THOMAS P. MERRITT 1893-95 WILLIAM F. SHANAMAN 1896-98 JACOB WEIDEL 1899-01 ADAM H. LEADER 1902-04 EDWARD YEAGER 1905-07 EDWIN R. GERBER 1908-11 WILLIAM RICK 1912-15 IRA W. STRATTON 1916-19 EDWARD H. FILBERT 1920-23 JOHN K. STAUFFER 1924-27 WILLIAM E. SHARMAN 1928 - J. HENRY STUMP [drawing] The 175th Anniversary of the founding of Reading, Pa. and the 150th Anniversary of the Reading Volunteer Fire Dept. Sept. 30th - Oct. 6th, 1923 <[5]> [photos] HON. J. HENRY STUMP, MAYOR GEORGE W. SNYDER, COUNCILMAN, SUPT. DEPT. OF PARKS AND PUBLIC SAFETY JAMES HUDSON MAURER, COUNCILMAN, SUPT. DEPT. OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE JACOB H. MCCONNELL, COUNCILMAN, SUPT. DEPT. OF STREETS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS WILLIAM J. SMITH, COUNCILMAN, SUPT. DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY <[6]> Our Present City Government There are few people who really know anything about the City Corporation of which they are stockholders. Not many have the time or inclination to read or ponder over the conglomeration of figures that fill municipal reports which are issued annually by city officials. On June 27, 1913, Governor Tener signed the Clark Commission Form of Government Act, which became operative December 1, 1913, and which at the same time abolished the old form of city governments for third-class cities. The Commission Act under which our city government operates, provides for the election of a mayor and four city commissioners to serve four-year terms. These commissioners occupy dual positions, legislative and executive. The mayor has no veto power, but like the commissioners, has executive and legislative powers. As an executive, each commissioner is given a department by council. The following is a list of the various city departments and the names of the present executives: [drawing] CORNER OF COUNCIL CHAMBER <[7]> Department of PUBLIC AFFAIRS Bureau of Administration HON. J. HENRY STUMP, Mayor BERTHA M. BEYERLE, Secretary Bureau of Police WALTER S. SCHEARER, Chief of Police HAYES MCKINNEY, Captain of Police HARRY BOWMAN AND JOHN LLOYD, Lieutenants of Police FREDERICK MECHLER, Executive Clerk 13 Sergeants 115 Patrolmen 1 Policewoman 2 Traffic Mechanics 4 Patrol Drivers 4 Police Operators 3 Turnkeys 8 Detectives The total annual cost of the Police Department is $274,740.00 Bureau of Civil Service JESSE E. GEORGE, Chairman DR. A.N. SEIDEL CHARLES F. SANDERS GEORGE D. SNYDER, Secretary The duty of the Civil Service Board is to examine applicants for positions in the Bureau of Police. Each applicant must be between the ages of 21 and 35, not less than 5 feet 8 inches in height, a registered voter of the City of Reading. He must pass a mental test as to knowledge of local affairs and conditions and knowledge of a policeman's duties, and a medical test showing him to be in proper physical condition. All members of the Bureau of Police are protected by the Civil Service Law which in itself is an inducement to attract men of good character and intelligence. <[8]> The Civil Service Board for the Department of Engineering, Building Inspection and Electrical Department is composed of the following: Members DR. CHARLES P. HENRY WALTER F. BUSH GEORGE D. SNYDER, Secretary The duty of the Board is to examine all applicants for positions in the following Bureaus of the City: Bureau of Building Inspection Bureau of Engineering Bureau of Electricity The applicants for positions in these bureaus must all take technical examinations showing their fitness for the particular position for which they apply. Special technical examiners are engaged by the Board to conduct these examinations. Bureau of City Clerk City Clerk J. ARTHUR GLASSMOYER Secretary ESTHER M. AUMAN Bureau of Law City Solicitor JOHN G. ROTHERMEL Assistant City Solicitor DARLINGTON HOOPES Law Clerk GEORGE MANDERBACH Lien Clerk GEORGE B. BALMER 2 Clerks to Solicitor and Staff Bureau of Weights and Measures Inspector JOSEPH T. HAYES <[9]> INDEPENDENT BOARDS Public Library Statistical Summary - 1928 Reading Public Library founded 1898. Population served, 114,500. Building represents an outlay of $130,000. Agencies Main Library, Fifth and Franklin Streets. Northwest Branch, 524 Schuylkill Avenue. Southeast Branch, Perkiomen at Fifteenth. Northeast Branch, Spring and Moss Streets. Number of Volumes in Library, 60,877 ; Periodicals currently received, 115 titles, 166 copies; Total number of registered borrowers, 21,241. Board of Trustees HON. J. HENRY STUMP, Mayor of City of Reading, Ex-Officio CHARLES H. HUNTER, 1929 JOHN J. KUTZ, ESQ., 1929 J. WILMER FISHER, ESQ., 1930 DR. DANIEL N. BERTOLETTE, 1930 CYRUS G. DERR, 1931 FRANK S. LIVINGOOD, ESQ., 1931 LEVI W. MENGEL, 1932 ALEXANDER F. SMITH, 1933 RAYMOND S. HOFSES, 1933 GEORGE M. JONES, Reading Library WILLIAM H. LUDEN, Reading Library JOHN B. STEVENS, ESQ., Reading Library NATHANIEL FERGUSON, Reading Library CHRISTIAN H. RUHL, Esq., Reading Library Officers President FRANK S. LIVINGOOD, ESQ. Secretary-Treasurer CHARLES H. HUNTER Present Staff Librarian ALFRED D. KEATOR Assistant Librarian FLORENCE HERGESHEIMER 17 Assistants <[10]> City Planning Commission Members A.H. KRETZ EDWARD H. KNERR FREDERICK WILLSON CHARLES H. MUHLENBERG CLINTON F. EARL Officers President A. H. KRETZ Secretary GEORGE D. SNYDER Engineer EMIL L. NUEBLING The City Planning Commission was created by Act of the Legislature in 1913. It is a separate executive department of the city government and its function is to provide for the orderly and proper growth of the city by seeing that all new building developments provide streets of proper width that connect with present City streets and in accordance with a comprehensive plan of a City as a whole. Another important function of the Commission is to pass upon all ordinances introduced into City Council making changes in the topographical survey, to the location of public buildings, bridges, tunnels, subways, etc. The disapproval of the Commission does not operate as a veto of these ordinances, but is for the guidance and information of council. The City Planning Commission has jurisdiction of all plots of land laid out in building lots in the territory extending three miles beyond the City limits in all directions. The Commission has recently compiled a master map showing the entire jurisdiction of the Commission and the many subdivisions of lot developments included within that jurisdiction. The City Planning Commission has adopted certain rules and regulations governing its procedure. In the adoption of its rules and regulations it has aimed to improve the character of lot developments, to look after the interest of the lot purchaser and provide for proper future housing conditions with adequate park and playground facilities. <[11]> DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PLAYGROUNDS AND RECREATION Board of Recreation DR. MARGARET HASSLER President MRS. JOHN C. SELTZER Vice-President EDWIN L. HETTINGER GEORGE D. SNYDER DAVID J. BREEN Staff THOMAS W. LANTZ Superintendent Public Playgrounds and Recreation MARY J. BREEN Assistant Director of Activities, Secretary of Board SUE KIRKHOFF Office Manager MADOLYN HOYER Stenographer (part time) SUMMER STAFF - 1929 Supervisors RUTH E. HINTZ, Supervisor Girls' Activities G. CLIFFORD SINGLEY, Supervisor Boys' Activities CLAUDE R. BUCK, Supervisor Handcraft EDWIN M. MILLER, Construction and Maintenance C. ROBERT BUCK, in charge of Warehouse and Supplies Play Leaders Mrs. Morton Katz, Traveling Play Leader Elizabeth Kelly, Traveling Play Leader Marvin Schmehl, Bingaman Bridge M. Evelyn Hursh, Bingaman Bridge Mary E. Honsberger, City Park Emma Peck, City Park E. Geier Freehafer, City Park Hazel Hill, 15th and Perkiomen Catherine Miller, 5th and Spring Warren Templin, 15th Ward Frances Rex Brand, 15th Ward Ethelbert Wanner, 14th and Buttonwood Edith Mae Hanna, 14th and Buttonwood Frances Broderick, Glenside Helen McSparren, Junior League Miriam Klopp, Millmont Peter Forliano, Millmont Anna Kowalska, Northeast Haidee Wilson, Northeast William Yeager, Northeast Mrs. Eva Miller Mosser, Northmont Paul Landis, Northmont Grace Fridinger, Oakbrook L. Archie Lutz, Oakbrook Joseph E. Devine, Pendora Catherine Allwein, Pendora Carolyn Flatt, Pendora Catherine Rhodes, Penn Bridge Herbert Kaplan, Penn Bridge Herbert A. Hearne, Penn Bridge Grace A. Rosenberger, Penn Bridge Anna M. Phillips, Reading Iron George A. Rusnock, Reading Iron Buelah Wanner, Reading Iron Samuel Kramer, Riverside Bernita Strebig, Riverside Max Landis, Sixth and Amity Ann E. Heere, Sixth and Amity Mary Jane Rambo, 16th and Haak Miriam Mendelsohn, 10th and Chestnut Elizabeth Leiby, Lance Place Mary Moll, Mineral Springs <[12]> The Department of Public Playgrounds and Recreation administers Reading's adult recreational programs and children's playground activities. It has jurisdiction over the 3 city-owned playgrounds, 5 play sites loaned by the Park and Water Boards, and playgrounds, gymnasiums, and athletic fields loaned by the School Board. The summer staff includes 6 supervisors, 2 travelling play leaders, 40 play directors, and 10 substitutes. The playground attendance for the summer of 1928, according to the daily county made by the play leaders, was 219,301 children and adults. The program for adults, which the Board stressed as its particular objective for the year 1929, includes basketball, baseball and quoiting leagues, track and field and swimming meets, a municipal Hallowe'en, Christmas and Mother's Day celebration, and a weekly Community Dance. A statistical report of participants in the programs held since January follow: Mother's Day, 2,500 in attendance 23 Community Dances, 11,357 in attendance Baseball, 4 leagues, 26 teams, 412 players Basketball, 3 leagues, 18 teams, 170 players The Department maintains for the use of the public, a Party Consultant Service; Holiday Bulletin Service; an Information Bureau on Amateur Dramatics, on the planning, construction and layout of back yard playgrounds, swimming pools, and tennis courts; and a Loan Service of Party and Picnic Kits, and books on games, stunts, and recreation generally. For the Fall of 1929, the Department plans an elaborate extension of Adult Recreation, and the inauguration of a program of recreational activities for women and working girls. [drawing] MAYOR'S OFFICE <[13]> Department of ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE Bureau of Administration JAMES HUDSON MAURER, Superintendent KATHRYN R. GATES, Secretary Bureau of Tax Assessment MILTON E. BORTZ, City Assessor JOHN KOCH, Assistant City Assessor 3 Transfer Clerks 1 Stenographer Bureau of Revenue Control GEORGE D. SNYDER, Control Clerk 6 Assistant Control Clerks Bureau of Treasury CHARLES H. KERSHNER, City Treasurer LEWIS N. LOWE, Chief Clerk 2 Assistant Clerks Bureau of Accounts WALTER R. HOLLINGER, City Controller JOSEPH A. BRAUN, City Accountant 3 Clerks [photos] MILTON E. BORTZ, City Assessor CHARLES H. KERSHNER, City Treasurer WALTER R. HOLLINGER, City Controller <[14]> Bureau of Supplies L. BIRCH WILSON, Purchasing Agent 1 Stenographer Bureau of Municipal Machine Shop CHARLES F. SANDS, Supervisor 7 Machinists Bureau of Paved Street Cleaning MILES WILLIAMS, Superintendent CHARLES BRAHM, Operator of Sweeper FREDERICK MAURER, Operator of Flusher WILLIAM WARREN, Operator of Truck 18 Street Sweepers Forty miles of paved streets and about 80 miles of macadam and unimproved streets. [drawing] PANEL IN HISTORICAL WINDOW, READING CITY HALL, MOTHERHOOD <[15]> Department of Streets and Public Improvements Bureau of Administration JACOB H. MCCONNELL, Superintendent LEROY H. FREESE, Secretary E. CLINTON WEBER, City Engineer HARRY L. BEGGS, Asst. City Engineer ROBERT B. O'BOYLE, Clerk to City Engineer 2 Draughtsmen 5 Transitmen 6 Rodmen 4 Highway Inspectors Registry Clerk CALEB WEIDNER 1 Ast. Registry Clerk Permit and Sewer Clerk SAMUEL A. L. GENSEMER General Foreman JAMES HOWE 1 Paver 12 Laborers District No. 1 P. W. MCDONOUGH, Foreman 1 Truck Driver 1 Paver 10 Laborers District No. 2 A. G. SALLADE, Foreman 1 Truck Driver 1 Paver 8 Laborers District No. 3 A. J. FITTERLING, Foreman 1 Truck Driver 1 Rollerman 8 Laborers District No. 4 H. H. SCHMECK, Foreman 1 Truck Driver 1 Paver 15 Laborers [photo] E. CLINTON WEBER City Engineer <[16]> Roller Engineer and Asphalt Foreman CHARLES CHIARELLI 1 Asst. Foreman 2 Tampers 2 Smoothers 5 Laborers 2 Rakers 3 Roller Engineers 10 Asphalt Repairers 1 Watchman Asphalt Plant Supervisor GEORGE R. GREGORY 1 Mechanic 1 Conveyor Man 1 Cold Patch Man 2 Watchmen 1 Fireman 2 Mixermen 9 Laborers Foreman Sewer Department THOMAS C. BAUSHER 2 Sewer Repairmen 8 Caulker Helpers Chief Engineer, Sewerage Pumping Station WILLIAM J. MORRIS 2 Assistant Engineers 3 Pitmen Foreman, Sewerage Disposal Plant JOHN B. LAFFERTY 3 Filter Tenders 1 Laborer Chief Truck Operator THOMAS A. ROBERTS 1 Truck Driver Comfort Station 5th and Penn Streets 4 Caretakers [drawing] INFORMATION BOOTH AND ENTRANCE TO AUDITORIUM <[17]> Department of PUBLIC SAFETY Bureau of Administration WILLIAM J. SMITH, Superintendent MARIE E. STONER, Secretary Bureau of Fire JOHN G. NIETHAMMER, Chief EDWARD O'BRIEN, Assistant Chief WILLIAM H. STROUSE, Assistant Chief FIRE COMPANIES Rainbow Fire Company Instituted March 17, 1773 Drivers: Herman Perchonic, George Little, Wm. Bixler, Harry Cleaver Junior Fire Company (Ambulance) Instituted December 2, 1813 Drivers: Henry A. VanReed, Adam Miller, Irvin Kramer, Edward Reifsnyder, Harry Nagle, Chas. Bowers Reading Hose Fire Company (Ambulance) Instituted July 14, 1819 Drivers: John W. Kreider, Stanley M. Raezer, Daniel M. Raudenbush, W. Seibert Jr., Robert L. Ehrgood, Frank J. Sedlack Neversink Fire Company Instituted April 14, 1829 Drivers: Charles Weitzel, Clarence Ramsey, Daniel Lengel, J. Harvey Miller Friendship Fire Company Instituted March 4, 1848 Drivers: Howard Grove, John A. Adams, Harold D. Ditlow, Paul E. Hafer Liberty Fire Company Instituted January 21, 1854 Drivers: Howard Marsh, William Meiram, Irvin Rathman, Paul Wagner Washington Fire Company Instituted September 17, 1855 Drivers: John Miller, Wm. Weldy, Warren Berg, Harry Brown Tillermen: Harry Ruth, Henry Grund, Jr. Keystone Fire Company Instituted January 19, 1856 Drivers: Wm. George, David Duffy, George Ream, Floyd Simon Tillermen: Harry Focht, Harry Bear Hampden Fire Company Instituted September, 1867 Drivers: Edward Dell, Fred Deppen, Harry Zieber, Herbert Bush Marion Fire Company Instituted 1881 Drivers: Howard Rapp, Calvin Trievel, Harry Borrell, Wm. Goodhart Tillermen: Howard Graul, Leroy Harbach Riverside Fire Company Instituted January 6, 1890 Drivers: Paul Mogel, Edward Smith Schuylkill Fire Company Instituted February 2, 1892 Drivers: E.W. Kissinger, Arthur DeLong, John D. Abel, Fred R. Steinle Union Fire Company Instituted March 18, 1898 Drivers: Elmer Foreman, Stanley Bechtel Oakbrook Fire Company Instituted 1905 Drivers: James Hampton, Harry Steffy <[18]> Bureau of Building Inspection ANDREW J. GROVE, Inspector ARTHUR F. BRUNNER and GEORGE W. KLINE, Assistant Inspectors Bureau of Electricity THOMAS R. LAWRENCE, Chief JOHN RINKER and THOMAS H. MCDEVITT, Linemen Bureau of Health DR. IRA J. HAIN, Health Officer LINN W. BARR, Clerk JAMES E. DAUTRICH, Scavenger Inspection of Food EARL E. ROMBERGER, V.M.D., Inspector H.H. COLLINS, V.S., Assistant Inspector CHARLES A. WAGNER, Lay Meat Inspector Child Welfare and Care of Indigent Sick MRS. ANNA R. BARLOW, R.N., Superintendent MISS MARY M. RUTH, R.N., Maternity Nurse MISS SARA LUTZ, Clerk Nurses: Miss Maude Neiman, Miss Estelle Dry, Miss Maud Kains, Miss Josephine Peirce, Miss Stella Ditzler, Miss Caroline Miller, Mrs. Emma Reist, Mrs. Maud Tollett, Miss Anna Starr, Miss Miriam Weyant, Miss Martha Adam, Miss Catherine Berkheimer Physicians: Dr. Sydney Sondheim, Dr. George Overholser, Dr. Margaret Hassler, Dr. W.J. Yutske, Dr. Thom. Erdman, Dr. Morris Cahm, Dr. W.W. Becker, Dr. Kenneth P. Lanz, Dr. Sarah Worob Sanitary Inspection PAUL P. MERKEL, Chemist MARK S. TAYLOR, Assistant Chemist Sanitary Inspectors: ALVIN S. SCHROEDER, E.C. ACHENBACH, EVERETT C. ROTE LILLIAN M. PETER, Nurse Plumbing Inspection LEROY H. SMITH, Plumbing Inspector ELMER J. CAKE and CHARLES W. BARBOUR, Assistant Plumbing Inspector Bureau of Refuse Disposal SALEN J. BOCK, foreman ZEBULON E. BARKALOW and WILLIAM L. BEARD, Inspectors 10 Employees <[19]> Department of PARKS AND PUBLIC PROPERTY Bureau of Administration GEORGE W. SNYDER, Superintendent NELLIE L. HORST, Secretary Bureau of Public Buildings and Offices 1 Custodian 1 Elevator Operator 3 Janitors 3 Janitress 2 Telephone Operators 1 Relief Operator 1 Information Clerk Bureau of Parks WILLIAM I. HOCH, Engineer in Charge ROBERT PEIRCE, Gardener 5 Gardener's Helpers JOSEPH KERN, Labor Foreman 18 Laborers 1 Driver and Garageman Comfort Station, 4 Caretakers Park Guards 3 All-Year Guards 1 Motorcycle Guard, all year 2 Watchmen at Pagoda, all year 5 Eight-Month Guards 1 Eight-Month Watchman at Pagoda Our City Parks cover an area of over 600 acres. In addition, the City owns 2,487 acres of water shed and about 3,500 acres of mountain land. [photograph] Dam Breast at Lake Ontelaunee <[20]> Bureau of Water The following statistical information pertaining to the Bureau of Water, together with the employment force for the operation of the same, will, we believe, be of great interest to the reader: Total Amount of Water Furnished During 1928 5,208,367,633 gals. Maidencreek 64.67% 9,202,633 gals. Daily av. Antietam 17.32% 2,465,260 gals. Daily av. Bernhart 14.31% 2,035,686 gals. Daily av. Egelman 2.64% 376,315 gals. Daily av. Hampden Springs and Drift 1.06% 150,918 gals. Daily av. Total Consumption of Water during 1928 5,213,657,018 gals. Daily Average 14,244,964 gals. Per Capita Consumption 114.0 gals. The present sources of supply can furnish a total of 19,000,000 gallons per day. The impounding reservoirs, when full, will hold 149,990,000 gallons exclusive of Lake Ontelaunee, which at is present overflow will store 400,000,000 gallons. The storage reservoirs and stand pipes will hold 36,043,000 gallons. Financial Report Total Cost of Plant to January, 1929 $7,712,246.78 Present Replacement Cost Estimated at 13,000,000.00 Bonded Debt 1,020,000.00 Sinking Fund Value 51,766.52 Net Debt Jan. 1, 1929 968,233.48 Expended for Improvement, 1928 504,938.78 Expended for Management and Repairs, 1928 255,327.48 Total Revenues from Consumers and Misc. Sources 774,506.08 To this total revenue should be added the free service rendered hospitals, charitable organizations, Y.W.C.A. and Y.M.C.A. and twenty other organizations of a similar nature, all receive their water supply for nothing, besides all our public and parochial schools, fire engine houses, City Hall, 1365 fire hydrants, drinking fountains, park display fountains, comfort stations, street flusher, etc. If this used water were all paid for, the annual bill for this service would exceed $60,000. The cost of pumping water per million gallons pumped, figured on pumping station expenses, was $11.28. The total cost of furnishing water per million gallons, figured on total maintenance, including interest on bonds, was $59.06. The services are 100 per cent. Metered with 26,227 meters in use at beginning of year, and the rate to consumers is 12 cents per 100 cubic feet, plus a monthly readiness-to-serve charge of from 50 cents on a 1/2" to $40.00 on an 8" meter. <[21]> WORKING FORCE IN CHARGE OF MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF WATER BUREAU General Operation of Plant Anthony R. O'Reilly, Chief Engineer Harry K. Brown, Assistant Engineering Force Francis A. Heine, Construction Engineer; 2 Assistants J. Fred Witman, Maintenance Engineer; 1 Assistant Laboratory Work Walter Strockbine, Chemist; 1 Assistant Accounting Fred Printz, Jr., Accountant Edith Friday, Bookkeeper Russell Boughter, Record Clerk Shop Force Harry Hartman, Shop Foreman 1 Clerk, 1 Blacksmith, 1 Tapper, 1 Meter Repairman, 5 Helpers Inspection Work Thomas Devine, Chief Inspector 2 Inspectors, 5 Meter Readers Maidencreek Pumping Station Irvin Alspach, Chief Engineer 2 Assistant Steam Engineers, 4 Oilers, 3 Firemen, 6 Laborers High Service Pumping Station, No. 1 and No. 2 1 Engineer Filter Plants Maindencreek - John Buckley, Filter Keeper; 12 Laborers Antietam - Harry J. Beaver, Filter Keeper, 6 Laborers Bernhart - George C. Longacre, Filter Keeper; 8 Laborers Egelman - Reuben Sallade, Filter Keeper; 4 Laborers Storage Reservoirs 7 Reservoir Patrolmen - Hampden, 3; Buttonwood St., 2; Penn St., 2 Impounding Reservoirs 4 Caretakers - Lake Ontelaunee, F.W. Bonner; Antietam, James Bixler; 1 at Bernhart (also operates filters); 1 at Egelman (also operates filters) Planting and Care of Forests on Watershed Herman A. Strohecker, Forester 18 to 30 Helpers Distribution system and Field Force Philip Bixler, General Foreman 7 Gang Foremen, 3 Painters, 50 to 150 Laborers [photo] A. R. O'REILLY Engineer, Bureau of Water <[22]> Summary This very brief description of our various City Governmental Departments will, at least, give the reader some idea of the Municipal Government of which he or she is a part. There are on the city payroll the year 'round an average of 825 people, to whom was paid last year salaries and wages amounting to $956,940.00. This does not include the employees of the various fire departments, nor does it take into consideration the services rendered by the 25 citizens who serve on Boards and Commissions without pay. City Assets Present replacement estimated cost of water system $13,000,000.00 Total cost of 170 miles of house sewers 1,747,445.00 Total cost of 40 miles of storm sewers 2,100,000.00 Replacement cost of paved streets 4,200,000.00 Assessed value of 12 fire engine houses 361,000.00 Book value of 15 fire pumping engines, 6 combination wagons, and 3 hook and ladder trucks 230,000.00 Asphalt plant 70,000.00 57 automobiles and trucks 75,000.00 6 road rollers and other highway machinery 65,000.00 Machine shop tools and equipment 30,000.00 House sewer pumping station and filter beds, including present improvements and additions 1,100,000.00 Miscellaneous highway equipment 20,000.00 Garbage disposal plant and land 100,000.00 Assessed value of park, mountain land and buildings (not including any part of water shed land) 1,974,922.00 Comfort station (Fifth and Penn Streets) 50,000.00 Old City Hall 95,000.00 New City Hall 750,000.00 Furniture and office equipment 35,000.00 Fire alarm system 195,000.00 Sweeper and Flusher 12,500.00 ____________ Total property value $26,210,867.00 Total bonded indebtedness 5,015,361.00 ____________ Value above bonded debt $21,195,506.00 While the above figures give a fair estimate of the value of City property, it does not tell the whole story. Although due allowance has been made for depreciation of City owned property and equipment, no allowance has been made in these estimates for the increase of the City's 6,587 acres of land values. <[23]> WHAT DOES THE TAXPAYER GET FOR HIS DOLLAR == CITY TAX Averaging five to a family, and assuming that the family pays $50.00 a year City tax in accordance with the 1929 budget, the head of the family for this sum pays, on the basis of a monthly rate for eight municipally furnished services and utilities, the following: Cost per month to $50.00 a year taxpayer (1) Police $ .44 (2) Fire Protection .25 (3) Garbage Removal .17 (4) Street Lighting .16 (5) Sewers Maintenance, Pumping and Purification .14 (6) Highway Maintenance .35 (7) Cleaning Paved Streets .06 (8) Parks and Recreation .14 _____ Total cost per month $1.71 In other words, for these eight municipally furnished services and utilities, the $50.00 a year City taxpayer pays $1.71 a month or $20.52 a year. Comparing this public service rendered and its cost to what the taxpayer pays to privately owned public service corporations and individuals, we have: Cost per month (1) Removal of ashes $ .20 (2) Five tons of coal per year at $10.00 a ton 4.17 (3) Gas 2.25 (4) Electric Power 2.00 (5) Theatre, four attendances a month 2.00 (6) Telephone 2.50 (7) Insurance 2.50 (8) Trolley fare for family of five - four rides a day 7.00 ______ Total $22.62 The expense of operating the automobile 300 days a year and five miles a day at 7 cents per mile will cost per month $8.75. Compare this cost to the municipally furnished filter water that the whole family uses every day in the year at an average cost of $1.25 a month. <[24]> and <[25} [photo] AIRPLANE VIEW OF THE CITY OF READING, PENNSYLVANIA, LOOKING EAST, SHOWING BUSINESS SECTION, WITH MT. PENN IN BACKGROUND. <[26]> An Appreciation When the administration's plan to purchase and remodel the Boys' High School Building became an actuality, the Hon. James Hudson Maurer volunteered his services as Supervising Construction Engineer. As a consequence of his tireless energy and unceasing efforts, the City of Reading possesses a municipal structure that the citizens may point to with justifiable pride. It is fitting, therefore, that his colleagues, in behalf of the citizens of Reading, thus publicly express their deepest appreciation for the faithful and unselfish labors of Mr. Maurer for his part in the completion of what critics declare to be an outstanding example of municipal building construction. J. HENRY STUMP JACOB H. MCCONNELL GEORGE W. SNYDER <[27]> Reading's New City Hall The dedication of the new City Hall brings to completion a task of great magnitude. The building as it now stands represents the co-operative enterprise of common laborers and skilled craftsmen. By their efforts crude raw materials were combined with delicate glass and marble to bring to the finished structure the touches of dignity and beauty which rightfully distinguish it as a fitting seat of government for Reading's 120,000 citizens. The new City Hall replaces the old one at Fifth and Franklin Streets, which for many years was known to be inadequate for the City's needs. In 1925 the voters by referendum decided upon a $750,000 bond issue for the purpose of securing a site and erecting a new building. For some reason no action was taken until 1928, at which time the present City Council bought the old High School for Boys at a cost of $510,000. The building, which at the time vacated housed some 800 students, was built by Seidel & Fink, Contractors, in 1904, and was designed by Davis & Davis, Architects, of Philadelphia. It has a 210 foot frontage on Washington Street, reaching from Eighth to Cedar, and extends north 102 feet. At the rear of the building is a ten-foot driveway. The new Hall is more than three times as large as the old one, and contains 67,000 square feet of floor space as compared with the 22,200 square feet of the one vacated. This footage in the latter building included the annex and garage added a few years ago. The $510,000 paid the School District by the City is being <[28]> used to erect two new buildings, one at 13th and Union, the other at Chestnut and Carpenter Streets. The remaining $240,000 was used by the City to make the necessary alterations. Structurally, the exterior of the building remains unchanged. The unbroken lines, the imposing granite façade, the heavy attached columns and ornamental pediment which surmounts the main entrance, the terra-cotta cornice which tops the buff brickwork of the second and third stories, all give that feeling of strength and solidity needed in a building of this type. The structure is thoroughly fireproof. The floors are of reinforced concrete, and all walls and partitions are of either brick, stone or tile. Including the fire escapes, there are sixteen exits from the building, four on the first floor excluding those of Cedar and Washington Streets, four in the basement, two on the second, and two on the third. In addition, there are six 2 1/2" fire hydrants and twelve 2 1/2-gallon fire extinguishers distributed throughout the building. The twelve vaults are fireproof. They cover a floor space of 1,636 square feet and contain 18,392 cubic feet, which those in the old City Hall covered but 286 square feet and contained but 2,942 cubic feet. The main entrance to the building leads up a broad flight of granite steps, past heavy wrought iron gates, into two large vestibules, and then on into the lobby and main hall. Just beyond the entrance is [drawing] FIRST LUTHERAN SCHOOL HOUSE 1754, SOUTHWEST CORNER SIXTH AND WASHINGTON STREETS <[29]> the large, well ventilated Auditorium, seating 1,000 people, and covering a floor space of 6,000 square feet. Like the rest of the building, the Auditorium has been made fireproof throughout. From it lead five exits, three large double doors, one opening into a 15-foot-wide corridor on the south side, one opening into a 9-foot corridor on the east, and one leading to two iron stairways on the stairways on the north. In addition the Auditorium, corridors, and exits have been equipped with an auxiliary lighting system, which is turned on automatically the instant anything goes wrong with the regular one. To the right of the Auditorium is the information booth of gleaming white Alabama marble, with the bronze doored entrance to the elevator just ahead. To the east are the offices of the Playground and Recreation Department, Purchasing Agent, Captain and Lieutenants of Police, Chief of Police, Desk Sergeant, Detective Bureau, Court Room No. 2, Lavatory, and stairway to the basement. To the west of the Auditorium entrance is the large iron stairway, with Alabama marble wainscoting, gray Tennessee marble stair treads, and wrought iron railing. Beyond the stairway, on the south side of the corridor, are the communicating offices of the Treasurer and of the Revenue Control. Beautiful, modern, adequately equipped, these two offices, with their terrazzo flooring, and their counters of white marble with grilled tops of Belgium black marble and bronze, are the rival of those of any up-to-date banking institution in the city. Adjacent are those of the City Assessor and Building Inspector. Between the offices of the Building Inspector and of Revenue Control is a store room containing 1,330 square feet of floor space. All corridors on this floor are of varicolored terrazzo, laid in formal designs with narrow brass dividing strips, and are wainscoted in white marble to a height of seven feet. <[30]> On the second floor, the first room toward the west end of the corridor, is the Council Chamber, one of the show places of the building. It is 38 feet in width, 60 feet in length and has a 28-foot ceiling. This ceiling is ornamented in decorative detail, and is artistically shaded. The upper walls, also of plaster in a panel design, are delicately tinted and are set off to advantage by the wood panelling of the lower walls. The furniture, consisting as it does of mahogany tables, and walnut, leather covered chairs and benches, harmonizes with the general artistic atmosphere of the room, and produces just the background necessary to fittingly display the historical windows in this chamber. HISTORICAL WINDOWS The series of windows installed in the Council Chamber comprises an unusually interesting group of historical illustrations. The large window in the north end of the chamber is twenty feet wide by twenty-two feet high. This large area is divided into twenty-six smaller lights, many of which are pivoted to provide ventilation. About six months elapsed from the time that the window was first considered, until its final completion. The first step was to make a water color sketch drawn to scale of one-half inch to the foot. The series of subjects suggested by the designer was then referred [drawing] CONRAD WEISER'S STORE, 1750, FIRST STORE IN READING <[31]> to Mr. J. Bennett Nolan and the Berks County Historical Society for criticism and confirmation of historical data. The society furnished photographs of many of their old portraits and engravings of historical buildings. There are in all fourteen pictorial panels. In the center panel at the top of the window is the City Coat of Arms. This is on a very large scale, being the dominant feature of the window. The shield is divided into three parts; the central portion being a gold band bearing the arms of the Penn family, the Founders of the City. The upper portion of the shield on a black ground, represents a bee-hive, indicating that the city is a busy manufacturing center. In the lower portion of the shield, also on a black ground, is a salamander in the midst of a flame, showing that the prosperity of the city is principally dependent upon the furnaces and fires in which metals are worked. Above the shield is a mural crown signifying Reading's status as a city and above that, the staff of Mercury, representing constant activity. Supporting the shield on either side are figures of Thor and Vulcan, emblematic of Labor upon which the progress of the city rests. On the right side of the City Arms is represented the Arms of the United States, and on the left, the earliest form of the Arms of the State of Pennsylvania. This carries out the idea that the city is part of the State, and the State a part of the nation. The next lower series of pictures represent three of the most prominent citizens of Reading. First, Thomas Penn, son of William Penn, who selected the site of Reading in 1748. Behind him on the wall is found a map of the city as originally surveyed. Second, Charles Biddle, first Burgess of the City, elected in 1784. No pictorial history of Reading would be complete without Col. Conrad Weiser, 1696-1760, who is given the title, Pioneer, Judge and Interpreter. <[32]> The next lower tier of panels represents five landscape views of Reading in its earliest days. The subjects are as follows: Ferry at Penn Street Ford, established 1783. Old Trinity Church, founded in 1751. The first Court House at Penn and Callowhill (now Fifth St.). This Court House was built in 1762 and the picture is taken from an old print. The first Friend's Meeting House, built 1765, a rough building, built of logs, reproduced from an early engraving. Next is shown the Covered Bridge at the foot of Penn Street, built in 1815. The lowest tier of panels is exceptionally interesting. In the center is shown the Town Watchman of the Revolutionary Period. In the background is represented the community pump, which is the forerunner of the present elaborate water system. It was desired to pay an especial tribute to the women of the community, whose work is so often overlooked because of the quiet way in which it is performed. The two greatest phases are illustrated. First, Motherhood, and second, The Teacher. The mother shown [drawing] PANEL IN HISTORIC WINDOW, READING CITY HALL, THE CONESTOGA WAGON <[33]> is of the period of the Colonial Pioneers. She is shown going about her household duties, by the large kitchen fireplace; the child in the cradle by her side. The inscription below this panel is as follows: "Dedicated to the Mothers of Reading." The teacher represents a little later period, about 1830, when the schools of Reading were established on a sound basis. The group of school children in the picturesque costume of that time is very charmingly represented. The inscription of this panel is: "Dedicated to the Teachers of Reading." In the upper portion of the east side of the Chamber is a group of five small windows. The subject of these windows is Five Stages of Transportation. Transportation has always been vital to the City and it practically determined its growth, and it was considered very appropriate to portray these different phases. First is shown the Indian Drag, used by the First Americans before the coming of the White Settlers. Next is shown the Conestoga Wagon which carried the pioneer white men. The third stage represents one of the boats on the Schuylkill Canal which was opened in the year 1818. The next stage represents mechanical transportation, "The Rocket². This, the first steam locomotive to pass through Reading in 1838, is taken from a photograph of the locomotive which is still preserved by the Reading Company. It is shown at the corner of Seventh and Penn, among buildings of that time, from actual prints of the period. The final stage represents modern transportation and shows in an impressionistic manner the most modern means of rapid travel, with a large modern locomotive, while on the road which parallels the track are shown a number of automobiles. The sky overhead is dotted with airplanes and dirigibles. The window was designed by Paul G. Kase and executed under his direct supervision in the studios of J. M. Kase & Company. <[34]> At the extreme northwest corner of the corridor is the City Controller's office, adjoining that of the City Accountant. At the southwest corner is the Mayor's office. This room, like the Council Chamber, is in its well-balanced design and artistic furnishings and decoration all that the most fastidious might desire. Going east, next to the Mayor's office is the City Clerk's office, then an unassigned room, Superintendent of Accounts and Finance, office of the Superintendent of Parks and Public Property and the Bureau of Water, general office of the Bureau of Water, Assistant Engineer of Bureau of Water, Engineer of Bureau of Water, City Machinist, Street Cleaning, Fire Alarm Switch Board, Police Operator and Telephone Operator. THIRD FLOOR At the extreme northwest corner is the large drafting room, the blue print and the dark rooms. To the south of these are the offices of the Assistant City Engineers and the City Engineer, the Bureau of Real Estate Registry, Bureau of Street Permits and Records, Superintendent of Streets and Public Improvements, an unassigned room, Plumbing Inspector, Health Officer, Superintendent of Public Safety, Milk and Meat Inspectors, and Bureau of Chemistry. [drawing] PANEL IN HISTORIC WINDOW, READING CITY HALL, EARLY CANAL BOAT <[35]> BASEMENT In the basement is located the Turnkey's office, Cell Rooms, Juvenile Delinquent Rooms, Court Room No. 1, Police Lobby and Locker Room, Boiler Room, Fire Alarm Battery Room, Plumbing School, Inspector of Weights and Measures' office, City Electrician's office, Playground and Recreation Store and Supply Headquarters, Main Electric Switch Board Room, six large store rooms. In all there are 65 office rooms available and 10 rooms that are designated by such names as Council Chamber, Court Rooms, Mayor's office, etc. Transformation To bring about this wonderful transformation from the old Boys' High School to a modern City Hall required eleven months of labor. The entire old heating and lighting systems were scrapped; and floors, partitions, smoke and air ducts, etc., removed. In fact, the greater part of the inside of the building was either scrapped or changed. In doing this work the City acted as its own contractor, and by resolution designated one of its members to superintend the work. Plans were prepared under the direction and according to the ideas of Councilman James H. Maurer, who in addition gave constant supervision to the work during the whole of its progress. Supervising Director, JAMES H. MAURER Architect, ALEXANDER F. SMITH Heating Engineer, ALEXANDER W. LUCK Foreman, FRANK FISHER <[36]> Sub=Contractors and employees who worked on remodeling contract at New City Hall Bricklaying Contractors W. H. & M. H. ESHBACH Reading, Pa. Bricklayers H. Springer, Foreman E. Eshbach G. Haggerty H. Zweizig A. Kulp J. Ramer A. Leh W. Hetrick J. Kemp H. Haas L. Ormsbee W. Borkert R. Ludwig C. Weiss E. Enoch H. Sonnor G. Fleishoot R. Sands J. Wood L. Witmyer H. Schaeffer H. Hartman J. Enoch Nate Wood, superintendent of setting terra cotta cornice. Bricklayer Apprentices Wm. Eshbach I. Eshbach C. Eshbach Hod Carriers R. Hauger C. Hoffman A. Garr W. Jenklins J. Haas G. Burgess J. Edwards E. King E. Pengle R. Swoyer E. Reider Laborers M. Moyer G. Eshbach C. Zimmerman C. Welder H. Connor W. Conner W. Wann Marble Contractor DeTAR MARBLE COMPANY, Reading, Pa. Mechanics Kenneth J. Tarves William Muntz Apprentice Harry J. Tarves [drawing] FIRST JAIL 1752, NORTHEAST CORNER, FIFTH AND WASHINGTON STREETS <[37]> Mechanics' Helpers George Conrad Howard Troxel William DeTurck Tile and Terrazzo Contractor ROBERT I. DeTURCK, Reading, Pa. Mechanics Russel J. Levan Herbert Dinkel Oliver Landis Emil Bernardini John DeMichiel Apprentices Robert DeTurck, Jr. James Lutz William Conrad Dario Bernardini Mechanics' Helpers Charles Stoltz Frank Vittorelli R. DeTorzi Cabinet Work READING CABINET WORKS, Reading, Pa. Cabinet makers C.A. Reinert Andrew Woerle Thomas Kalbach John Bloch Plastering Contractors KEGERISE BROS., Reading, Pa. Plasterers S.D. Kegerise W. Geiger J. Forred E.M. Kegerise E.E. Kegerise J. Krick W. Acker R. Stuber G. Laucks H. Stuber H. Shade L. Hart E. Hart W. Stuber R. White Hod Carriers J. Livenhouse C. Livenhouse H. Himmelberger H. Faust Laborers J. Lucas W. Wilson M. Mitchell W. Barto W. Long W. Scales G. Derry Lathers L. Kautz G. Kautz J. Schaeffer L. Rohrbach S. Esterline H. Brubaker H. Adams L. Wentzel Painting and Decorating READING DECORATING CO., Reading, Pa. Painters Frank J. Sosh, Foreman Weiner W. Kuraez Michael Yesnochen James Clyde Grose Adam Neider Edward P. Helfrich Raymond Liggett Andrew Bordic Charles H. Fasig Henry R. Baker Horace J. Wickel Harvey Keller George Frede Horst George N. Stofonich Samuel Miller Howard Wolff Harold M. Seibert Thomas C. Vogel Robert J. Sholley James Burrowes Donald Seidel Charles Kleinfelter John Klusewitz Sand Blasting and Brick Cleaning EDMOND B. EPP, Reading, Pa. Mechanics James Keating Joseph Keating Herman Epp Steam Heating Contractor W.A. HECKMAN'S SONS, Reading, Pa. George A Heckman Clarence W. Heckman Steam Fitters Lew Benns, Foreman Claude Egolf Paul Essig <[38]> Plumber Charles Maurer Helpers George Eyrich Robert W. Heckman M. Swavely Decorator Geo. W. Heckman Apprentice Richard A. Heckman Plumbing Contractors CORBIT BROS, Reading, Pa. Mechanics George P. Goodman Charles Huber Thomas Walters S.L. Evans Robert Glass Mechanics' Helpers Russell A. Sands Charles Johnston William Kite Spencer Evans Joseph Seaman Steeple Jack ELMER C. WOLFSKILL, Reading, Pa. Cleaning Hardwood Floors ALBERT N. HAAS, Reading, Pa. Mechanics Raymond Meinholz Stanley Meinholz Cameron E. Morrison Orville J. Weigand Ralph Corrison John J. Nickolaus J.A. Haas Jesse A. Hays Elevator ATLANTIC ELEVATOR CO., Philadelphia, Pa. Erectors Herbert C. Trout Louis M. Michoux Helpers H.C. Ames A. Williams Chemical Laboratory ALBERENE STONE COMPANY, New York City Mechanic Michael McGrath Ornamental Plaster Work ORNAMENTAL PLASTER CO., 514 Spring Street, Reading, Pa. Pompy Iezzi, Manager Roofing Contractor J.K. MOHLER CO., Ephrata, Pa. [drawing] FIRST COURT HOUSE, PENN SQUARE <[39]> General Manager J. K. Mohler Approved Roofers LeRoy S. Mohler Clarence S. Mohler General Mechanics David Miller Adam Lausch Harry Steely Harry Deem Linoleum and Window Shades R.W. DONDORE, Reading, Pa. Mechanics Samuel C. Dundore Justin S. Dundore Raymond Rebholz Helpers Earl Price George Malsberger Steel Windows and Sheet Metal Products J.S. THORN COMPANY, Philadelphia, Pa. Mechanics John Greenfield Joseph Kiley Mechancs' Helpers H. Rohrman Thos. Keenan Mail Chute CUTLER MAIL CHUTE COMPANY, Rochester, N.Y. Erectors George Foster, Foreman M.S. McCallum F. Foretich Lighting Fixtures Designed, manufactured and installed by METAL CRAFTSMAN CO. of New York City under personal supervision Theodore Shapiro Historical Windows J.M. KASE & CO., Reading, Pa. Paul G. Kase, Designer Gertrude Metcalf, Assistant Designer Richard Fatiguant, Figure Cartoons Gustavus C. Widney, Figure Painter Leon Smith, Painter Edward Lamson, Painter Bernard Badura, Painter Eugene Kelley, Lettering Frank Buehrer, Glass Cutting Thos. Sheehan, Glass Cutting Leroy Kelley, Lead Glazing Anthony Buser, Foreman of Installation Crew Hauling Contractors Joseph S. Adams Milton D. Bobst Fred Maurer Structural Steel, Ornamental Iron, Brass and Bronze Work PROGRESSIVE IRON WORKS, Reading, Pa. August C. Loehrig, Jr., Superintendent Mechanics Edwin Koch Jacob Kirschman Russell Moyer Draftsmen Raymond Hardinger Quenten Weidner John Hoffman Charles Ruth Metal Radiator Enclosures GEISSLER BROS., Reading, Pa. Terra Cotta Cornice ATLANTIC TERRA COTTA CO., Philadelphia, Pa. <[40]> Hardwood Floor Covering INDIANA FLOORING COMPANY, New York City Mechanic Frederick Lindblad Lumber and Mill Work NORTHEASTERN LUMBER CO., Reading, Pa. SHILLINGTON HEIGHTS BUILDING YARDS, Reading, Pa. Vault Doors YORK SAFE & LOCK COMPANY, York, Pa. Metal Doors JOSEPH URBAN SHEET METAL WORKS, Reading, Pa. John Hartman, Foreman Mechanics Lester Brumbach Claude Lenhart Electrical Contractor READING ELECTRIC COMPANY, Reading, Pa. Electricians Thos. R. Lawrence Ray Seltzer Thos. McDevitt Clarence Weaver Samuel Augustine John Bear Reno Burger George Anspach Edgar Leibold Arthur Buckwalter Milton Popp Harry Shultz Structural Iron Workers James Bossler Calvin Goodhart Clayton Hain Robert Raybuck Arthur Button Albert Koeppe Joseph Tracy Clinton Heck Phillip Schramm Charles Wanner Isaac Hain Wm. H. Denny James McDonald Wm. Denny, Jr. Hardware READING HARDWARE COMPANY, Reading, Pa. [drawing] FEDERAL INN, HALTING PLACE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON <[41]> Fire Alarm Central Station Equipment, Police Signal Equipment, Underground Cable, Laterals, Pedestals, Alarm Boxes, Etc. THE GAMEWELL COMPANY, Newton Upper Falls, Mass. Gold Leaf Lettering ARTCRAFT STUDIO, Reading, Pa. Furniture and Rugs for Council Chamber and Mayor's Office GIMBEL BROS., Philadelphia, Pa. Office Furniture HELLER BINDERY, Reading, Pa. OFFICE SERVICE CO, Reading, Pa. H.C. SHAABER, Reading, Pa. LIT BROS., Philadelphia, Pa. Interior Decorator JAMES L. HAFER, Reading, Pa. Carver Olaf Wallin Flag and Flag Pole Decorations Through the courtesy of ISAAC RAMBO Sixth and Washington Streets, Reading, Pa. Carpenters Frank Fisher, Foreman Henry Drumm John Lueken William Hart Charles Freida Wm. W. Rutter John Freida Wm. Rutter, Jr. Albert Blessing Ernest Schwemer Thomas Bossler Alsons Werte Frank Huber Newton Herr Thomas Paine Laborers Samuel Sands John Nies Howard Bright Gary Lueken Charles Mervine Russel Hoverter Harrison Wickel Albert Rogers Thomas Martin Charles Ringler Howard McDonough Harvey Litch Cyrus Reifsnyder Edwin Chalfant Eugene Shaffer Harry Steffy James Roslin Leroy Madara Walter Brown Cuseppi Lapi Stanley Golskinski Walter Belles Harvey Bowers Edwin Eisenhower Clarence Bouchat Horace Kinsey Stanley Shultz William Lascomb Clyde Eisenhower James Reis George Parker Joseph Martin William Clark John Saylor Thomas Furrell Hiram Heist William Kessler Joseph Lucas Henry Hartman James Smith Walter Conner Herman Conner George Seltzer Fred Fritchey William Minnis Mahlon Meck Joseph Gabbler Robert Hanger Edwin Finkbone William George Fred Schussler Otto Sattler Charles Shaffer Edwin Templin Henry Leas Dill Wesner William Rutter Charles Nies <[42]> [drawing] Reading in 1839 <[43]> Reading - its History, Geography, Industry, Etc. HISTORY. The City of Reading, Pennsylvania, county seat of Berks, as mentioned before, was founded in 1748 by Thomas and Richard Penn, sons of William Penn. It developed rapidly and was incorporated into a city March 16, 1847 (population 12,000). In the French and Indian Wars which quickly followed its founding, it became a military base for a chain of forts along the Blue Mountains. During the whole period of the Revolution, Reading was a depot of military supplies, a center of patriotic effort and the site of the camp in which were detained the Hessian prisoners captured at the battle of Trenton. Reading fighting-men who sustained the Patriot cause on every battlefield, earned by their valor and devotion the special praise of Washington. Pioneer in American Iron Industry - The early industries of Reading had their inception in the manufacture of iron and its products. Reading was the center of a region that was among the very first in America to produce iron, and for nearly a century this region maintained a position of supremacy in that line. As early as the Revolution, this industry was sufficiently well advanced to be able to produce cannon for the patriot army. It was one of the earliest producers of stoves and castings and at the time of the Civil War the shops of Reading were called upon for much of the heavy ordnance used in that conflict. GEOGRAPHY. Location - In Eastern Pennsylvania, 58 miles north of Philadelphia, 126 miles west of New York and 50 miles east of Harrisburg. It is situated in latitude 40º 20' N., and longitude 75º 55' W. It is the county seat of Berks. Elevation - 242 feet to 1,100 feet above sea level. Area - 6,090 acres (9 square miles) 7 * acres of water. Climate - For the winter months (October to February, inclusive) the average temperature is normally 40 degrees. The summer months (March to September, inclusive) is 62.2 degrees. Annual precipitation 43 inches, well distributed throughout the year. Prevailing winds, northwest. POPULATION. Reading's population is 117,500 as of July 1, 1929. Character: Native white, 105,529; foreign-born white, 10,976; Negro 985; Chinese, Japaese, etc. 10. Families, 26,202. Dwellings, 23,759 (46.6% owned by occupants; 53.4% rented). Seventh city in the United States in home ownership. <[44]> TRANSPORTATION. Steam Railroads - Reading Company System, Pennsylvania Railroad. Electric Lines (Passenger and Express) Direct to Boyertown, connecting for Pottstown, Norristown and Philadelphia. Direct to Allentown with connections to Nazareth, Slatington, Bethlehem, Easton and Phillipsburg, N.J., and via Quakertown to Philadelphia. Direct to Adamstown, with connections for Lancaster and Columbia. Also lines running to Womelsdorf. Inter-City Bus Lines - To Hamburg, Pottstown, West Chester and Wilmington; Bernville, New York City; Chicago; Baltimore. Motor Truck Lines - Daily service to New York, Philadelphia and other points. Airport - Whander Field, on Pottsville Pike, six miles north of city. Reading is located on the direct Pittsburgh to New York freight and passenger air line operated by Reading Airways, Inc. State Highways - William Penn Highway, Benjamin Franklin Highway, Black Bear Trail, Pike's Peak, Ocean to Ocean Highway, Lancaster Pike (U.S. Route 148), and Pottsville Pike (U.S. Route 160) with network of paved roads throughout county. [photo] MOTHER'S TREE AT LAKE ANTIETAM WATER SHED <[45]> MUNICIPAL, Government - Commission form, Mayor, four councilmen and usual municipal official personnel. Assessed Valuation - $169,000,000. Estimated at 60% of the true value. Tax Rate - City, 10 mills; school, 12 mills; State and county; 5 mills - 1929. Health - City Health Officer, Health Inspector, five hospitals and four dispensaries, including Tuberculosis, Genito-Urinary and Dental. Red Cross Service, Visiting Nurse Association, Sanitarium for the treatment of tuberculosis, mental health clinic, modern public comfort stations, and 150 miles of house and storm sewers. EDUCATION. Public School System, recognized by educators as one of the most progressive and efficient in the United States. Colleges - Albright College is Reading's foremost institution of learning. Extension branches of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and Engineering Department, Pennsylvania State College, are also located here. Many private schools offer additional educational opportunities. Public Museum and Art Gallery ranking among the best in the United States. Carnegie Public Library - over 60,000 volumes listed, with sub-stations in the city. Historical Society maintains a fine building, exhibiting a wonderful collection of relics of historic interest. RECREATION. Amusements - Carsonia Park, a popular resort; International League baseball, college football, etc. Crystal and Onyx caves, natural wonders, are near Reading. Mountain Resorts - Within easy reach are many resorts of national reputation. The Pagoda on Mt. Penn is a unique structure, splendidly situated. Streams - Schuylkill, Tulpehocken and Maidencreek are noted for bathing, boating and camping. Theatres - 20 theatres and moving picture houses. INDUSTRY. Reading is the home of the largest plants in the world producing full-fashioned hosiery machinery, single-thread lace machinery, high-grade alloy steel, glove silk underwear, full-fashioned hosiery, Holland window shades, small steel castings, menthol cough drops, heat-treated automobile frames, wrought iron pipe, goggles, children's shoes, glass door knobs, narrow fabrics and optical goods, the largest foundry under one roof in the United States, the largest brick-burning kiln in the country, and the Reading Railroad locomotive and car shops. Reading is America's second largest center of hosiery and builders' hardware. Fuel - The city's location is only a few miles from the largest coal fields in the world. <[46]> The Program ~ * ~ WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1929 DEDICATION NIGHT * EUGENE F. HENDRICKS, Chairman President of the School Board MUSICAL SELECTIONS FURNISHED BY EARL BOYER'S ORCHESTRA VOCAL SELECTIONS - 7.30-8.00 P.M. "Unfold, Ye Portals" Charles Gounod "Hallelujah Chorus" from "The Messiah" Handel "Glorious Is Thy Name" Mozart Rendered by THE COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHORUS J.A. Heck, Director REMARKS J. HENRY STUMP, Mayor JACOB H. McCONNELL, Superintendent of Streets and Public Improvements WM. J. SMITH, Superintendent of Public Safety FORMAL DELIVERY OF BUILDING JAMES H. MAURER, Superintendent of Accounts and Finance ACCEPTANCE GEORGE W. SNYDER, Superintendent of Parks and Public Property HISTORICAL READING J. BENNETT NOLAN ADDRESS GEORGE M. JONES <[47]> THURSDAY, JULY 11, 1929 EMPLOYEES' NIGHT * HON. J. HENRY STUMP, CHAIRMAN Mayor of the City of Reading MUSICAL SELECTIONS FURNISHED BY WIN SNYDER'S ORCHESTRA REMARKS JAMES H. MAURER, Superintendent of Accounts and Finance JACOB H. McCONNELL, Superintendent of Streets and Public Improvements WM. J. SMITH, Superintendent of Public Safety GEORGE W. SNYDER, Superintendent of Parks and Public Property E. CLINTON WEBER, City Engineer ~ * ~ FRIDAY, JULY 12, 1929 CIVIC NIGHT * ANDREW P. BOWER, Chairman Secretary-Treasurer Federated Trades Council MUSICAL SELECTIONS FURNISHED BY DORWIN'S ORCHESTRA READING HOSPITAL NURSES' OCTETTE REMARKS WALTER R. HOLLINGER, City Controller CHARLES H. KERSHNER, City Treasurer JOHN G. ROTHERMEL, City Solicitor J. ARTHUR GLASSMOYER, City Clerk ANTHONY R. O'REILLY, Chief Engineer, Bureau of Water FRED. H. LUDWIG, President, Visiting Nurse Association DR. IRA J. HAIN, City Health Officer EARL E. ROMBERGER, City Meat and Milk Inspector THOMAS W. LANTZ, Superintendent, Recreation Department A.D. KEATOR, Librarian, Reading Public Library DR. FREDERICK WILLSON, Member of City Planning Commission JESSE GEORGE, Chairman of Civil Service Board ADDRESS HON. PAUL N. SCHAEFFER, President Judge (<[49]>) ALLIED PRINTING TRADES COUNCIL, READING, PA. READING EAGLE PRESS, READING, PENNA, USA