Wyomissing in Berks County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute
Historic Site
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 20, 2020
1. Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute Marker
Inscription.
Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1927 by Henry Janssen and Ferdinand Thun, stood at this site until 1958. Prior to 1930, it had been the Sacred Heart Church, built in 1917. WPI's rigorous curriculum trained certified textile technicians for Textile Machine Works, Narrow Fabric Company, the Berkshire Knitting Mills and other local industries. In 1958, WPI facilities were offered to Penn State University to establish the Penn State Wyomissing Center. Renamed the Berks Center in 1964, it remained here until 1972 when the Center, now the Penn State Berks Campus, moved to Spring Township.
Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1927 by Henry Janssen and Ferdinand Thun, stood at this site until 1958. Prior to 1930, it had been the Sacred Heart Church, built in 1917. WPI's rigorous curriculum trained certified textile technicians for Textile Machine Works, Narrow Fabric Company, the Berkshire Knitting Mills and other local industries. In 1958, WPI facilities were offered to Penn State University to establish the Penn State Wyomissing Center. Renamed the Berks Center in 1964, it remained here until 1972 when the Center, now the Penn State Berks Campus, moved to Spring Township.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania State University series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 40° 20.212′ N, 75° 57.261′ W. Marker is in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, in Berks County. Marker is on Hill Avenue just east of Park Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Hill Ave, Reading PA 19610, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1932 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1924 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome To The Knitting Mills (about
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400 feet away); 1906 (about 400 feet away); 1941 (about 500 feet away); 1896 (about 600 feet away); 2016 (about 600 feet away); 1969 (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wyomissing.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 20, 2020
2. Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 22, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
