Dedicated Nov.11. 1986 to the minutemen of the 148th Fighter Sqdn, PA's first Air National Guard Sqdn, formed Feb. 27, 1947 at Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Field with 10 officers & 13 enlisted men. They flew propeller planes, and later jet aircraft. Over 300 . . . — — Map (db m208902) WM
On Hill Road west of Constitution Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.
Scotch Elm (Ulmub Latifolia)
planted October 27, 1911
by the
Boys High School
in memory of
Admiral Winfield Scott Schley U.S.N.
— — Map (db m160580) WM
On Constitution Boulevard just north of Hill Road, on the left when traveling north.
To the Patriots of Berks County who served the cause of Liberty in the War for American Independence
1775 - 1783
Erected in the 233rd year of American Independence — — Map (db m160600) WM
On Saint Bernardine Street 0.2 miles west of Morgantown Road (Pennsylvania Route 10), on the right when traveling west.
Site History
Historically, Angelica Creek collected surface runoff and groundwater from a predominantly forested watershed and conveyed this flow to the Schuylkill River, a tributary of the Delaware River. During the Industrial Revolution, . . . — — Map (db m160556) HM
Near Parkside Drive South 0.2 miles west of Museum Road, on the right when traveling west.
When the Reading Public Museum opened to the public at this location in 1928, John Nolen, a prominent landscape architect from Harvard University, transformed the grounds into a beautiful 25-acre park and arboretum. For decades the Arboretum has . . . — — Map (db m161112) HM
On Hill Road just west of Constitution Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.
Planted October 23, 1919 as a living memorial for those who in war and in peace have ceaselessly kept alive the spirit of patriotism by the Reading Artillerists since 1794 — — Map (db m160595) WM
On Red Bridge Road at Red Bridge Road, on the left when traveling north on Red Bridge Road.
Hereby dedicates this memorial with deepest respect and gratitude in honor of all our fallen K9 partners who have served their community faithfully,
Rex
Bear
Kerov
Ginger
Rosco
Dolfo
Rambov
Ande
Manto
Wim
Dux . . . — — Map (db m210341) HM
On N. 10th Street at Hinnershitz Street, on the left when traveling south on N. 10th Street.
Berks County's oldest Black church building. Erected 1837 by free African Americans; became an Underground Railroad station for escaped slaves seeking freedom. Rebuilt 1867; remodeled 1889. Congregation, dating from 1822, moved to Windsor Street in . . . — — Map (db m25205) HM
On Washington Street (Business U.S. 422) at North 5th Street (Business U.S. 222), on the left when traveling west on Washington Street.
Master of Arts, Dickinson College 1843
M.D. Philadelphia College of Medicine, 1848
Organizer of U.S. Geological Survey, 1879
U.S. Commissioner of Fisheries, 1871-87
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution, 1878-87
Died, Woods Hole, Mass. Aug . . . — — Map (db m160641) HM
Near Red Bridge Road 0.1 miles north of Tulpehocken road, on the left when traveling north.
In 1976, Charles Howard Hiester donated his unique private collection of canal memorabilia
to Berks County. Howard was a fourth generation canalman that grew up in his grandfather's
boatyard at the foot of 6th Street in Reading, PA. In 1986, the . . . — — Map (db m211928) HM
On Centre Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 61) at Green Terrace, on the right when traveling north on Centre Avenue.
The 8" Rodman Gun and 40 Columbiad shells have been a fixture at the intersection of 5th Street and Centre Avenue next to the Lebanon Valley Railroad since 1922 when they were brought to Reading to recognize city residents for their support to . . . — — Map (db m160642) HM
On 5th Street (Business U.S. 222) near Penn Street, on the left when traveling south.
In memory of
Col. Conrad Weiser,
Pioneer, soldier, diplomat, judge. As interpreter and Indian agent he negotiated every treaty from 1732 until near the close of the French and Indian War.
—————
The Weiser . . . — — Map (db m25272) HM
On Penn Street at 5th Street (Business U.S. 222), on the right when traveling west on Penn Street.
A hewn-log building, erected on this site about 1750; operated until 1760 by Conrad Weiser, distinguished pioneer settler, treaty maker, Indian agent and interpreter, and first Berks County lay judge. — — Map (db m25270) HM
Near River Road at Ashbourne Drive, on the left when traveling north. Reported unreadable.
The First Felix Dam
To create the 108 mile Schuylkill Navigation system, a series of dams, locks, and canals were constructed along the River. Felix Dam (No. 16) and Rothermel's or Ritz's Lock (Lock No. 42) were built north of Reading past . . . — — Map (db m161128) HM
On Schuylkill River Trail 0.1 miles east of Lancaster Avenue (Business U.S. 222), on the right when traveling west.
The Fix Gerber Cemetery - From 200 Graves to 51 Tombstones
Imagine standing here in the early 1800's looking towards Reading across the Schuylkill River. Travel was by foot, horse and buggy, or by stagecoach. To your left, a wooden covered . . . — — Map (db m160559) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of West Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
Savage 61
Remembering
Those Who Have Served
Sunday, July 15, 1951
The Stadium which we dedicate here today will preserve the memory of the men and women of our community who served in the armed forces of our Nation in times of . . . — — Map (db m161061) WM
On this site was the house occupied by Dr. Jonathan Potts; Deputy Director General, 1777-1780, of Northern and Middle Departments of the Continental Army. — — Map (db m25247) HM
Site of the home of Dr. Bodo Otto, Military Surgeon in Continental Army, 1775-82. Served as Surgeon-in-Chief at Valley Forge, 1777-78; Physician and Surgeon of the Continental Hospitals. Died, 1787. — — Map (db m25225) HM
On Clymer Street at Hill Road, on the right when traveling north on Clymer Street.
Named in honor of Charles E. Duryea, inventor and builder of first successful hill-climbing gasoline automobile in U.S. Duryea Drive, extending from City Park to the Pagoda, is the course used by Duryea for testing his cars, 1900-1907. — — Map (db m25168) HM
On Skyline Drive at Duryea Drive, on the right when traveling south on Skyline Drive.
Reading, Pennsylvania
honors
Charles E. Duryea
Inventor and builder of
America's first gasoline automobile
1892
in Springfield, Massachusetts
The Duryea automobiles
which were manufactured in Reading
1900 - 1911
climbed . . . — — Map (db m25170) HM
Near North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
2016 Baseballtown Hall of Famer.
Led '00 Reading Phillies in HR, RBI, Walks, Runs and SLG Percentage.
Phillies Scout and Coach from '09-'17. — — Map (db m161096) HM
On Penn Street at 5th Street (Business U.S. 222), on the right when traveling west on Penn Street.
Site of Federal Inn, erected about 1754. George Washington, with military escort, was a guest here, October, 1794, when on his way to muster an armed force to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion. — — Map (db m25206) HM
On Rose Garden Road just west of Constitution Boulevard, on the left when traveling west.
Dedicated June 6, 1943
by the Firemen's Union
in
honor of the Volunteer Firemen
of Reading, Pennsylvania
serving in the Armed Forces
of the
United States of America
Reading Volunteer Fire Department
Memorial Service and . . . — — Map (db m160606) WM
On Washington Street (Business U.S. 422) at Reed Street, on the right when traveling west on Washington Street.
The heirs of Wm. Penn
donated and deeded the lots to
Conrad Weiser and Isaac Levan,
————Trustees.————
The first church was built of logs.
Rev. Wm. Stoy, 1755, was the first . . . — — Map (db m111824) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street.
Fred will forever be remembered for his leadership role in the re-naming of Reading Memorial Municipal Stadium to GPU Stadium in 1999 which marked a new era of Reading Phillies Baseball. — — Map (db m161091) HM
On North 4th Street at Oley Street, on the left when traveling north on North 4th Street. Reported damaged.
Gregg commanded the Cavalry Corps at the Army of the Potomac early 1864 until the arrival of Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan, who commanded the cavalry of the forces of Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in the Overland Campaign. The most important use of . . . — — Map (db m160643) HM
On North 4th Street at Oley Street, on the left when traveling north on North 4th Street. Reported damaged.
David Gregg resigned his army commission, in a letter dated January 25, 1865. Having for more than three years been on uninterrupted service in the field, commanding cavalry in the Army of the Potomac.
"I at this time find such an imperative . . . — — Map (db m160645) HM
On Centre Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 61) at Oley Street, on the right when traveling north on Centre Avenue. Reported damaged.
In the middle of the Gettysburg Campaign, Pleasonton reorganized his corps and Gregg now commanded the 2nd Division. He led it in cavalry engagements at Aldie, Middleburg, and Upperville. While his fellow, newly promoted division commander Maj. . . . — — Map (db m160653) HM
On Centre Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 61) just north of North 4th Street, on the right when traveling north. Reported damaged.
Gregg and the 8th Pennsylvania fought in the Peninsula Campaign, where he distinguished himself in the Seven Days Battles, expertly screening retreating Union Infantry. The Battle of Antietam was his next engagement, but cavalry played little . . . — — Map (db m203742) HM
On Centre Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 61) at Oley Street, on the right when traveling north on Centre Avenue.
As the Battle of Chancellorsville, Stoneman's Corps, including Gregg's Division, was dispatched on a raid around Lee's left flank to destroy facilities in his rear. The raid lasted nine days and caused a lot of destruction in the rear of the Army . . . — — Map (db m203743) HM
On North 4th Street just north of Centre Avenue ( Route 61), on the left when traveling north. Reported damaged.
Gregg was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He was the first cousin of future Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin and the grandson of Pennsylvania Congressman Andrew Gregg. He graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1855 . . . — — Map (db m203773) HM
Near Red Bridge Road 0.1 miles north of Union Canal Trail.
In the 1870's, Franklin H. Gruber, founder of the Gruber Wagon Works, began building wagons and repairing agricultural implements at a small shop on his farm. As demand for his services increased, Franklin decided to relocate and expand his business . . . — — Map (db m208901) HM
On Penn Street at 4th Street, on the left when traveling west on Penn Street.
Pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church from 1803 to 1829; Member of Congress, 1829-38; first U.S. Minister to Austria; Candidate for governor of Pennsylvania at the time of death in 1844. His home was on this site. — — Map (db m25222) HM
On Mineral Spring Road (Business U.S. 422) at Hessian Road, on the left when traveling east on Mineral Spring Road.
After Burgoyne's surrender, 1777, German mercenaries, mostly Hessian, were held prisoners at various places until end of war. Those brought to Reading, 1781, were encamped until 1783 in huts on the hillside a quarter-mile to the north. — — Map (db m273565) HM
Site of house occupied by Joseph Hiester from about 1792 until his death, 1832; a Lt. Col. in Continental Army; Delegate to Provincial Convention in 1776; Member of Congress for 14 years; Governor of Pennsylvania, 1820-23. — — Map (db m25211) HM
On 6th Street at Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling north on 6th Street.
Born here March 21, 1857. A graduate of West Point, 1879. He held commands in the Philippines, 1899-1901 and 1915-17, and rose to the rank of Lt. Gen in 1918. On Oct. 16, 1918, he succeeded Gen. Pershing as head of the American First Army in . . . — — Map (db m25214) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles south of Cathedral Street, on the right when traveling north.
In Memoriam
Emanuel "Manny" Jacobs
Chairman of the Reading Municipal Stadium Commission.
Director of physical education, Reading School District
His wise counsel, understanding and deep affection will ever inspire us.
1967 — — Map (db m207480) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles south of Cathedral Street, on the right when traveling north.
In Memoriam
Joe Buzas
Owner of the Reading Phillies 1977-1987
Member of the Reading Baseball Hall of Fame
Joe will forever be recognized as the person who saved professional baseball in Reading.
The "King of minor league baseball" will be . . . — — Map (db m207479) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
In 1987, Chuck Domino, a Pittsburgher, arrived in Reading PA wearing cowboy boots, and as the youngest General Manager in Minor League Baseball, weas responsible on a daily basis for engineering the success of the franchise. The restoration and . . . — — Map (db m161092) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
Craig Stein purchased the Reading Phillies in 1986. During Craig's ownership the reading franchise has received numerous Eastern League Awards and has been recognized nationally on several occasions for excellence in operation. Craig's leadership . . . — — Map (db m161093) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
Stadium Commission Member
1981 - 1999
Stadium Manager
1987 - 1999
Inducted into Reading Phillies Baseball Hall of Fame
1998
Presented in recognition of Ducky's dedication to the Reading . . . — — Map (db m161064) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
Stadium Commission Member
1962 - 1988
Stadium Manager
1963 - 1987
City Councilman
1987 - 1991
Presented in recognition of the dedication and hard work benefitting Reading Municipal . . . — — Map (db m161087) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of West Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
As the youngest mayor in the history of the City of Reading, Warren consistently championed numerous improvements to Memorial Municipal Stadium playing a significant role in the Stadium's present day moniker "America's Classic Ballpark". — — Map (db m161065) HM
The Port of Reading was one of a number of major inland port towns located along the navigable waterways in Pennsylvania. It was at Reading that the Union Canal joined with the Schuylkill Navigation System. The Union Canal extended along the . . . — — Map (db m84491) HM
On Canal Street at South 6th Street, on the right when traveling east on Canal Street.
The Junction between the Schuylkill Navigation System and the Union Canal
Jackson's Lock was Number 84 of the 120 original locks along the Schuylkill Navigation System. The Schuylkill Navigation System, created by the Schuylkill Navigation . . . — — Map (db m161103) HM
Labor leader and advocate for child labor reform, pensions, and the state's first workers compensation act. Self-educated, Maurer was elected president of the Pennsylvania Federation of Labor from 1912-1928. He served as state legislator from . . . — — Map (db m84490) HM
Near North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
Reading Phillies Shortstop in 1999, led the team with 145 hits with a .273 AVG, 24 SB and 81 R in 133 games. Would go on to win the '07 NL MVP, the NL Silver Slugger Award in . . . — — Map (db m161099) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
Owner of the Reading Phillies 1977 - 1987
Member of the Reading Baseball Hall of Fame
Joe will forever be recognized as the person who saved professional baseball in Reading. The "King of Minor League Baseball" will be remembered as a . . . — — Map (db m161089) HM
Near Hill Road just west of Constitution Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.
Korean War
In honor of those who
gave their lives
June 25, 1950
Charles W. Adams
Russell L. Rahn
Forest R. Werley
Kenneth G. Gerhard
Carl L. Sweigart
Wilbur D. Moore
Adam L. Rickenbach
Gerald N. . . . — — Map (db m160589) WM
Near Hill Road just west of Constitution Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.
This tree is dedicated to
The Veterans of
"The Forgotten War"
Korea, 1950-1953
"We remember"
those who served and those
who gave their lives
— — Map (db m160567) WM
On Howard Boulevard (Business U.S. 422) at Glen Road, on the right when traveling west on Howard Boulevard.
This structure provisionally known as Mineral Spring Road Viaduct is dedicated as a monument to Col. Charles A. Lindbergh and his memory as pioneer, non stop New York to Paris aviator, by resolution of City Council — — Map (db m160566) HM
Near River Road at Ashbourne Drive, on the left when traveling west.
The First Settlers
The Lenni-Lenape, or "original people", were the first to inhabit the banks of Ganshowahanna, or "falling waters", their name for the Schuylkill River. The Lenni-Lenapes in this area were members of the peaceful tribes . . . — — Map (db m161131) HM
On Centre Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 61) at North 4th Street, on the right when traveling north on Centre Avenue.
Commander Union Cavalry whose achievements contributed so largely to success and ultimate victory at Gettysburg July, 1863 turning the tide of war.
An upright Christian gentleman
A loyal citizen A staunch defender
of the . . . — — Map (db m160644) HM WM
On Red Bridge Road 0.1 miles north of Tulpehocken road, on the right when traveling south.
Melcher's Grist Mill was built c.1888 and represents a complete and rare example of a single family multi-purpose farm mill. Built
for Nicklos Melcher and moved from Bally, Pennsylvania, the mill had a water powered turbine in the basement.
On the . . . — — Map (db m208713) HM
Near Duryea Drive, on the right when traveling south.
This building
with 10 acres of land
was given to
the City of Reading
by Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Mould
April 21, 1911
In memory of
James Matz
Carpenter-Contractor & Builder
and sons
Chas. E. & Jas. A. Matz
Designers . . . — — Map (db m25229) HM
On Penn Street at South 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east on Penn Street.
Laid out 1748 by direction of Thomas Penn. Seat of Berks County since 1752. Incorporated borough, 1783. Soon became, and has remained, center of the Pennsylvania-Dutch area. An old and progressive industrial community. — — Map (db m161067) HM
On Schuylkill River Trail 0.2 miles east of Brentwood Drive, on the left when traveling east.
Birth of Berks County
Settlement began with the Lenni-Lenape of the Delaware Nation. In 1681 William Penn founded Pennsylvania and in 1748 his sons Thomas and Richard established Readingtown. It became the county seat when Berks County was . . . — — Map (db m160558) HM
Near North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street.
Brett Myers
Reading Phillies 2001 (Eastern League Champion)
Pitched for the Phillies from 2002 through 2009 and won a World Series ring with the Phillies in 2008.
Mike Spidale
Reading Phillies 2007-2012 (Team . . . — — Map (db m161097) HM
Near Parkside Drive North 0.2 miles west of Museum Road, on the right when traveling west.
History of the Reading Public Museum Wetland
On April 15, 1996, over 50 elementary students representing five school districts from Berks County participated in the creation of a westland on the grounds of the Reading Public Museum. This . . . — — Map (db m161120) HM
Near River Road at Tuckerton Road, on the left when traveling north.
"Too Thick to Navigate, Too Thin to Cultivate" — Unknown
To fuel the industrial revolution beginning around 1870, the Schuylkill County mines processed coal and dumped their culm, or waste, into huge piles in the . . . — — Map (db m161122) HM
Near River Road 0.1 miles north of Whitner Road, on the left when traveling north.
Boating and Swimming
The pool behind the Felix Dam was about four miles long, creating a 132 acre lake holding 480 million gallons of water. While popular for motor boating and water skiing from the 1960s to the 1990s, in the early 1900s . . . — — Map (db m161134) HM
Near Red Bridge Road 0.1 miles north of Union Canal Trail.
The Reeser house and farm at the Berks County Heritage Center survives as a witness to the agricultural lifestyle of early Berks County. First settled in the 1730s by English
Quakers, it was purchased by Abraham Reeser in 1774 and remained in the . . . — — Map (db m208905) HM
Near River Road at Georgetown Drive, on the left when traveling north.
The Second Felix Dam
The first Felix Dam was left to deteriorate underwater when construction of the second Dam was completed in 1855. Later, the Schuylkill Canal was abandoned in 1916 and commercial use of the second Felix Dam ended when . . . — — Map (db m161124) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street.
Played five seasons with Boston Red Sox organization from 1965-1969
President of Reading Area Community College from 2003 - 2007 — — Map (db m161094) HM
On Perkiomen Avenue (U.S. 422), on the left when traveling east.
To commemorate
the patriotism and promptitude
of the
Ringgold Light Artillery
of Reading, Pennsylvania,
which reported for duty at
Harrisburg, April 16, 1861,
arriving there first of the
Pennsylvania Companies;
and with the . . . — — Map (db m25234) HM
On Washington Street (Business U.S. 422) just east of North 9th Street.
Washington Camp
No. 163
Patriotic Order Sons
of America
who served in the
Great World War
1917 - 1918
"The right is more precious than peace. We shall fight for the things we have always carried nearest our hearts. To such a task . . . — — Map (db m160631) WM
Near North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
Reading Phillies First Baseman in 2004, hit .297/.386/.647 with 37 HR, 102 RBI, and 73 R in 102 games. Won the Eastern League MVP, Paul Owens award and USA Today's Minor . . . — — Map (db m161098) HM
Near River Road at Georgetown Drive, on the left when traveling north.
Birth of the Schuylkill Navigation Company
After a few false starts, the Schuylkill Navigation Company was chartered by the state legislature "to authorize the Governor to incorporate a Company to make lock navigation on the river Schuylkill" . . . — — Map (db m285848) HM
On North Front Street 0.2 miles north of Bern Street, on the right when traveling north.
Senator Michael O'Pake was a driving force in the restoration of FirstEnergy Stadium. Mike was proud to represent the Reading Phillies in the Pennsylvania Senate for 39 years. Citizens of Baseballtown are forever grateful to Senator O'Pake for his . . . — — Map (db m161086) HM
On North 5th Street (Business U.S. 522) just south of Walnut Street, on the right when traveling south.
Site of the
First Post Office
of Reading, Berks Co., Penna.
1793 - 1823
John Walter - Postmaster
Property of
The Woman's Club
of Reading, PA.
January 2, 1919
— — Map (db m160640) HM
Regarded best example of skew bridge in U.S. Designed by Richard Osborn for the P & R Railroad in 1857. Each course of the arch of 40 feet is laid in ellipsoidal curve, each stone properly curved. There is no keystone. — — Map (db m84503) HM
Dedicated by
The City of Reading
to those citizens who in a period
of economic depression labored to
build this boulevard,
1932 - 1935
Mayor
Heber Ermentrout
Councilmen
William J. Smith George M. Yocom
Jesse George . . . — — Map (db m25249) HM
On North 9th Street at Pike Street, on the right when traveling north on North 9th Street.
Founder of the family-owned department store chain. An immigrant from Russia, 1911, he came to Reading as a peddler. His first store began here after WWI and gradually expanded. New stores opened starting in 1962. In 1969 he died; thirty years . . . — — Map (db m71370) HM
Near Hill Road just west of Constitution Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.
"To you who first gave them life, nurtured and protected them, blessed are you in the sight of God and man, for such sacrifice and loss is beyond measure."
Anonymous — — Map (db m160575) WM
On Hill Road just west of Constitution Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.
We gratefully and humbly remember, those who strove and died to preserve our heritage.
In honor of
George F. Didyoung
Sgt. Major U.S. Army
— — Map (db m160607) WM
On Centre Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 61) 0.1 miles south of Spring Street, on the right when traveling south.
With men enlisted from Berks County, Nagel's Company was a part of the first battalion in the colonies authorized by Congress, in June 1775. After gathering at Reading the following month, this company and other companies of the battalion marched . . . — — Map (db m71371) HM
On Washington Street (Business U.S. 422) at 6th Street, on the right when traveling west on Washington Street.
This property has been
placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Beautiful Building of
Downtown Reading
2007
Carillon installed 1951 . . . — — Map (db m111830) HM
On Washington Street (U.S. 422) west of 6th Street, on the right when traveling west.
Dedicated to all who rest
in unmarked graves
One generation shall laud
thy works to another...
Psalm 145:4
———————————
Under this chapel lie the remains of
[Roll of . . . — — Map (db m111832) HM
This canal was operated from 1828-1884. It connected the Schuylkill at Reading with the Susquehanna at Middletown. Remains of tow path can be seen .3 mile southeast of here, along the Tulpehocken Creek. — — Map (db m84506) HM
On Union Canal Trail at Columbia Street, on the right when traveling north on Union Canal Trail.
Connecting Progress and History
In 1690, there were few navigable inland waterways in the Quaker colony established by William Penn. Penn recognized the need for a route by which to access and settle the lush countryside and harvest its . . . — — Map (db m160655) HM
