Built on land of the Conway family farm. This yard was put in operation April 1887 under the ownership of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. The yards are over four miles in length with 100 tracks. Holding 5000 cars by 1957 it was largest automated . . . — — Map (db m44491) HM
Settled in 1795. Named for the Cannel coal found here. Mine opened 1838. Homestead of Ira Mansfield, mine owner, author and state senator. Producer of shale oil for many years. Harmony Society built a railroad in 1850 to ship coal and oil to distant . . . — — Map (db m49422) HM
In 1808 Samuel Caughey bought from Peter Crowl 15 acres of land house stables and saw mill for 1200 dollars here on the Little Beaver. In 1812 he built a grist mill. He gave it to sons James and Samuel Jr in 1820. It was in operation until 1876. — — Map (db m51799) HM
In 1821 Matthew Elder built the first woolen factory in this area and bought wool from miles around. He ran a large general store with an extensive trade. He also ran a flax seed oil mill. In connection with his brother William, he ran a grist mill. — — Map (db m49424) HM
George Foulks frontiersman built saw and gristmaills. Jesse Martin owned for some years. Reuben Watt and sons James and Thomas also ran it. The iron bridge placed on National Register June 22, 1988. — — Map (db m62684) HM
Captured by Indians in 1780. Escaped to help country. Outstanding character bold woodsman. Furbuyer Indian Scout and thrifty businessman. Married C. Ullery 1796. Built stone house, mills, and first brick house in area later known as Fennel House. — — Map (db m49423) HM
Site of one of the first mills built on the Little Beaver River. Erected by Robert and Mary McMinn in 1796-1797. Mary was said to be the first white woman to settle in the Darlington area following the treaty with the Indians in 1795. — — Map (db m49417) HM
Founded in Cannelton by John White in late 1800's. Owner of coal and clay mines, friend of Harmonists, he was superintendent of Darlington Cannal Coal Railroad. Cemetery marked by Italian marble statue depicting White's daughter. — — Map (db m49421) HM
Founded 1816 by Robert Townsend in Pittsburgh. Moved to Fallston in 1828 to make rivets and wire. The company added other product lines and became a leader in the fastener industry with twelve plants in the United States and Canada. Products were . . . — — Map (db m45793) HM
One of the first charcoal blast furnaces in western Pennsylvania. It was built by Baron Dettmar Basse in 1814 and out of production in 1824 - it supplied iron for pioneer industries and was one unit of a self-contained community. — — Map (db m49416) HM
Built 1829 by Alexander Fombell on land purchased from Stephen Stone. Later passed into Phillis family. First Fombell Post Office located in house. Later moved to adjacent store, built in 1894. The kilns remain where handmade bricks were fired to . . . — — Map (db m51137) HM
In 1780 John White ran a grist mill on Raccoon Creek. Water power ran the mill until a 1912 flood destroyed the dam then steam power until 1920. White's Mill decided the boundary of Beaver County in 1800 to become the village of Murdocksville. — — Map (db m51604) HM
Moving from Phillipsburg, Stephen Phillips and Jonathan Betz built a three acre yard for building of steamboats and barges in 1832, on land bought from Abner Lacock. The firm changed ownership many times in the next forty years. 138 boats and . . . — — Map (db m47392) HM
Build 1851 on 1796 land grant called Chestnut Flats. Fourth house on this site. Tannery was operated here 1819-1860. Littells were among first settlers in area. Significant example of 19th century architecture. Named to National Historic Register . . . — — Map (db m49698) HM
During the term of Thomas Jefferson, the Embargo Act of 1807 was passed ending the importation of iron from England and Europe. Iron furnaces sprang up immediately in western Pennsylvania to supply the needs of the pioneers and cash-in on the high . . . — — Map (db m167530) HM
Mill Creek was an important part of pioneer life during the early settlement of Hookstown and the surrounding area. Numerous saw mills, woolen mills and grain mills utilized the water power of Mill Creek to operate, thus the basis for its name. — — Map (db m53892) HM
A 19th century industrialist, philanthropist, Civil War Veteran and founder of Merrick Art Gallery in New Brighton in 1880. Built in 1847 for his parents, Silas and Fanny Miner Merrick and family. — — Map (db m50282) HM
Oil boom town in 1860s-1870s. Oil shipped here on trains and river boats from wells in the Upper Dry Run and Island Run oilfields. Town had a hotel store post office and train station. All gone today. Rockport School remains. Neaby Glasgow had oil . . . — — Map (db m44179) HM
Founded in Rochester by Henry Clay Fry President of the Rochester Tumbler and National Glass Company. Hundreds of skilled workers produced world renowned glass including cut, tableware, ovenware, art, industrial and optical glass of the finest . . . — — Map (db m45786) HM
In the 1880s, the heart of Rochester lay on the flat stretch of land along the Ohio River. The main road, Water Street, was a perfect location for businesses for many reasons. Proximity to the rivers and railroads meant heavy supplies could . . . — — Map (db m55906) HM
A log structure, built prior to 1761, stood on this site. Known, also, as the Commandants House; later as “Rising Sun Inn.” Occupied by British officers until close of French and Indian War. Destroyed by fire, Dec. 14, 1885. — — Map (db m14004) HM
Built in 1815. East room housed the first bank in Bedford, known as the Allegheny Bank of Pennsylvania, from 1815 to 1832. Original vault can still be seen. Since 1924, used as public library and community center. — — Map (db m13986) HM
Site of lots on which John Fraser and his wife established an inn and trading post in 1758. Fraser had been a guide and interpreter for Colonel Washington. The inn provided meals for army officers at Fort Raystown (Bedford). — — Map (db m166918) HM
This millstone, which dates prior to the American Revolution, came from Dutch Corner in Bedford County. Jim Karns found it in 1985 while doing construction work near Imlertown. The mill from which it came is unknown. This stone, which weighs about . . . — — Map (db m91117) HM
Settled about 1750, known then as Raystown. Site of an early trading post and Fort Bedford, 1758. Base for Forbes, Bouquet expeditions. In 1794 Washington here reviewed forces in Whiskey Rebellion. — — Map (db m13995) HM
Generating pristine water for centuries, The Black Spring is named for the Black family who lived on the land over 200 years ago. Producing over 600,000 gallons of water per day, it supplies nearby Red Oak Lake as well as potable water used to . . . — — Map (db m224848) HM
This is one of the original service plazas for the nation's first long-distance superhighway. On October 1, 1940, the Turnpike opened, stretching 160 miles from Irwin to Carlisle. The Turnpike Commission had been created in 1937; construction . . . — — Map (db m8188) HM
This is one of the original service plazas for the nation's first long-distance superhighway. On October 1, 1940, the Turnpike opened, stretching 160 miles from Irwin to Carlisle. The Turnpike Commission had been created in 1937; construction . . . — — Map (db m8816) HM
In 1936 seventy-five percent of Pennsylvania farms had no electric service. During the next five years, with Federal support, 14 consumer-owned cooperatives were formed in this State. Bedford Rural Electric Cooperative, which serves members in . . . — — Map (db m52665) HM
The increased number of automobiles during the Lincoln Highway era (1912-1940) led to the development of programmatic architecture. Proprietors took daring approaches to appeal to the new motoring public.
All across the country, oversized . . . — — Map (db m13998) HM
This inn at the junction of the Forbes and Burd Roads was operated, 1779-1815, by Jean Bonnet and his heirs. In mid-1794, during the Whiskey Rebellion, embattled farmers met here and raised a liberty pole to protest the federal excise tax on . . . — — Map (db m60115) HM
Shortly after the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1941, Snyder's Gateway Inn was one of the first businesses to appear. Merle and Marian Snyder opened the restaurant shortly before World War II began and eventually supplied fuel to the military . . . — — Map (db m167357) HM
Located just a stone's throw from the Forbes Road (later the Lincoln Highway), the Everett Foundry and Machine Shop was the place to go for machine parts, welded pieces, molds or bells. The business was started in 1854 by Josiah and Jeremiah . . . — — Map (db m134810) HM
In the early 1900s two local boys made a name for themselves in the automobile world. Chester (Chet) and Clayton Karns of Everett were pioneers in the automobile industry. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recognized the brothers as the . . . — — Map (db m134815) HM
The village of Bloody Run, later named Everett, was planned by Michael Barndollar in 1785. Barndollar also built the Union Hotel at this site in 1808. It was known as one of the finest hotels in existence at that time. During the flood of 1936 . . . — — Map (db m134813) HM
At the end of the 1800s, most people lived less than 20 miles from a railroad station. By the early 1900s new paving techniques created opportunities for improved roads, like the Lincoln Highway. With automobile travel there were new levels of . . . — — Map (db m134812) HM
Travel reached its peak with the birth of automobiles. For the sake of convenience and price, motor camping was soon the latest trend. However, it wasn't long that travelers wanted heat, water, food and gas. As a result, entrepreneurs had the . . . — — Map (db m166739) HM
In 1936 seventy-five percent of Pennsylvania farms had no electric service. Over the next five years, in response to their needs, 14 consumer-owned cooperatives were formed in this State. Serving users in Bedford, Fulton and Huntingdon counties, New . . . — — Map (db m91087) HM
In the early days of the automobile, owning a car was considered a novelty. It was also considered a major expense. People had to buy cars outright in cash. As a result it was not surprising that owners wanted to protect their investment by parking . . . — — Map (db m122137) HM
William Bird c 1706-1761
In 1751, William Bird, pioneer ironmaster, built the stone mansion which now houses the Birdsboro Community Memorial Center. The home which faced the Schuylkill River, was conveniently situated across . . . — — Map (db m160550) HM
Why steel in Birdsboro?
Edward and George Brooke, descendants of Ironmaster William Bird, established the Birdsboro Iron Foundry Company in 1867. With the advent of steel, the name was changed to Birdsboro Steel Foundry and Machine Company . . . — — Map (db m160549) HM
Birdsboro Trailhead
The trailhead here at Birdsboro was developed for use by trail users through the efforts of the Community of Birdsboro and Schuylkill River Heritage Area. The trailhead provides visitors with easy access and . . . — — Map (db m160540) HM
By the early 1870s, the company store at the Bird Mansion outgrew its allotted space. To solve the problem, the Brooke interest, which had taken over the local iron business, authorized the construction of a larger facility on the southwest . . . — — Map (db m160555) HM
Hopewell Forge, 1744, and Furnace, 1770, were seven miles south. The furnace and the remains of an iron making community of the era are administered by the National Park Service, with recreation areas. — — Map (db m23784) HM
Established here in 1893 by C.A. Mory and Associates, it was among the largest casket manufacturers in the world and earliest traded on the N.Y. and Phila. stock exchanges. The company secured numerous patents for innovative improvements and designs . . . — — Map (db m84547) HM
The evolution of the business located here mirrors America's changing transportation scene. In the factory begun by Mr. Sweinhart in 1872, horse-drawn carriages, farm and delivery vehicles, and sleighs were built. After 1914, bus and truck bodies, . . . — — Map (db m84546) HM
Established on Iron Stone Creek, one half mile to the east, by James Lewis, Anthony Morris, Thomas Potts, and Thomas Rutter. Called after Colebrookdale Furnace in England, it is considered the first blast furnace to be erected in Pennsylvania, c. . . . — — Map (db m84544) HM
Pioneer ironmaster and opponent of slavery who died 1730. Built Pennsylvania's first ironworks nearby, 1716. In ensuing decade he erected Pine Forge and built this mansion; in 19th century it was an Underground Railroad stop. Academy was founded . . . — — Map (db m84540) HM
In memory of
Anthony Sadowski
Born c.1669 in Poland
Died April 22, 1736
Whether or not he opened an Indian trading post on the shores of Lake Erie, and gave his name to Sandusky, Ohio, here lies the greatest Polish frontiersman of . . . — — Map (db m25276) HM
A Country Manor
George Douglass (1726-1799) was from a prosperous Chester County farm family. After working as a saddler and innkeeper in Reading, he moved to Morlatton by 1762 with his wife, Mary Piersol Douglass (1731-1798). Douglas soon . . . — — Map (db m160505) HM
A Humble Dwelling
This modest stone house was built for Michael Fulk (c. 1743 - 1808) around 1783. Unlike the mansion owned by Fulp's wealthier neighbors, such as the Douglass family just up the lane, it offers insight into the lives of the . . . — — Map (db m160527) HM
A Wayside Inn
The first innkeepers on the White Horse tract were Swedish settler Marcus Huling and his wife, Margareta, a daughter of Mouns and Ingeborg Jones, the area's earliest European settlers. The Hulings' inn was established in the . . . — — Map (db m160503) HM
In 1853, the Hopewell partners built a hot-blast anthracite furnace here. This new furnace did not burn charcoal but used anthracite coal to smelt iron — an attempt to reduce fuel costs and increase iron production.
Hopewell's anthracite . . . — — Map (db m23867) HM
In the mid-1800s, brick ovens or kilns were built here in an attempt to modernize the charcoal-making process. Believed to be economically beneficial, these kilns fired and produced charcoal but proved unsuccessful. Today the only indication of . . . — — Map (db m23868) HM
Throughout surrounding hills are remains of hundreds of pits such as this one in front of you. Workers, or colliers, tended these pits to transform wood into charcoal — a pure carbon fuel.
Colliers ignited stacked wood covered with leaves and . . . — — Map (db m23977) HM
Teamsters drove wagonloads of hot, newly made charcoal to this cooling shed. Paid by the load delivered, workers dumped charcoal here by removing wagon floorboards. Once charcoal cooled, it was moved and piled in the stone storage house in front of . . . — — Map (db m23980) HM
Ahead of you is a large wooden trough called a flume, part of the west headrace. Water from surrounding Hopewell land flowed down this flume and spilled into buckets on the water wheel, providing a reliable source of water to power the blast . . . — — Map (db m24027) HM
An elaborate arrangement of flowers, herbs, and fruits once decorated these terraces. Violets, poppies, roses, daffodils, and hollyhocks were formally arranged in the ironmaster's garden. Rosemary and thyme scented the air as Hopewell's gardener . . . — — Map (db m23988) HM
Established in 1909 by Harry C. Urich, the firm designed and fabricated custom auto bodies for the finest domestic and foreign automobile manufacturers, notably Cadillac, Duesenberg, Packard, Mercedes-Benz, ALCO, SGV, and Rolls-Royce. It was . . . — — Map (db m191838) HM
Blowing Engine House & Hot Blast Area
The mid-19th century style building with its Gothic windows housed a Weimer model 1889 steam engine to help power the Furnace.
This new hot blast method of producing super heated air replaced the giant . . . — — Map (db m158051) HM
The Ironmaster's House
Constructed around 1792 [,] the Joanna Furnace Mansion was the home to the ironmaster and his family. Originally, a federal style home, the house was Victorianized in 1877 by the last ironmaster and his wife -- L. Heber . . . — — Map (db m158257) HM
The Ore Roaster was added in the Fall of 1888 to help reduce the sulfur content of lower grade ore. This processed ore greatly reduced the smelting time when placed in the Furnace. The end result was a better quality iron.
Charged with . . . — — Map (db m158253) HM
This is a photo of the canal and tow path approaching Jacob Geiger’s mill. Mr. Geiger’s mill was steam operated and located on Schuylkill Avenue, the street that angles off just below the WWII monument north of State Street. The mill was later . . . — — Map (db m138473) HM
Martin Kaercher Sr. from Germany purchased 250 acres of land called "Hamburg" in 1772. Its natural wonders made it an ideal area for agriculture and farming. Because of this attribute, "milling" is a prevalent theme in the region's history, . . . — — Map (db m138471) HM
Established by Thomas Maybury in 1745 on the west bank of the Perkiomen Creek for the purpose of manufacturing iron. Maybury is credited with producing here in 1767 the first cast-iron cooking-stove in North America. — — Map (db m84571) HM
The first step in making cider in the days gone by was to grind the apples into pulp, called pomace in English and "dreschter" in the dialect. Then the "dreschter" was imbedded in layers of flailed rye straw. The cider press was operated by two . . . — — Map (db m105315) HM
During the 18th century, every Pa. Dutch farmscape included an outdoor bake oven. Since Pa. Dutch farm women did not yet have woodstoves, they had to devise a way to bake. Most farm kitchens contained large open-hearth fireplaces, over which . . . — — Map (db m105516) HM
Prospects of marriage: after a quilt was completed at a quilting party, four unmarried girls would each take a corner of the new quilt and hold it so it sagged in the middle. A cat was put into the quilt, and then with a little jolting would run . . . — — Map (db m105356) HM
Prospects of marriage: after a quilt was completed at a quilting party, four unmarried girls would each take a corner of the new quilt and hold it so it sagged in the middle. A cat was put into the quilt, and then with a little jolting would run . . . — — Map (db m105515) HM
"Der licht macher" means light maker or candlemaker, who used beeswax or bayberry wax for his candles. Professional candlemakers were usually found in large towns & cities. The candlemaker hung a wick, with a small weight at the bottom from a piece . . . — — Map (db m105399) HM
In Colonial America, the Dutchman of eastern Pa. grew the nation's wheat & the Scotch-Irishman of western Pa. made the nation's rye whiskey. Both the flour from the wheat & the whiskey were barreled for shipment to eastern seaboard markets. To . . . — — Map (db m105360) HM
Leesport Lock House has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 by the United States Department of the Interior — — Map (db m161052) HM
Originally built as a charcoal furnace by
Valentine Eckert 1791
Nicholas Hunter owner 1803
Operated by
Nicholas Hunter and Son 1804-1825
Jacob Van Reed Hunter (son) 1825-1861
J.Nicholas Hunter and Henry A. Hunter 1861-1869
(Changed . . . — — Map (db m216394) HM
The Blacksmith Shop is a small frame building with a slate roof as was the case with most of the buildings that stood close to the Furnace Stack. This slate roof protected the building from the spewing of hot sparks from the Furnace Stack. . . . — — Map (db m158374) HM
This is where the furnace fuel, charcoal, was
stored. The fuel was made from hardwood trees
cut from the forest that surrounded the furnace
complex. Why charcoal? Charcoal provided
much greater heat than wood. Temperatures
of 3,000 degrees . . . — — Map (db m158371) HM
The Office/Store was the hub of the iron works. Food, hardware, dry goods, medicinal supplies and various sundries were available. The Furnace's work ledgers were maintained here.
Surviving store ledgers list eggs, dried beef, beef, . . . — — Map (db m158358) HM
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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
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 m161123) 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
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