Tuesday, September 30, 2025

History

What’s in a street name? The stories behind Reading’s roads

We pass them every day — Penn, Perkiomen, Mineral Spring, Cotton, Schuylkill. Some feel familiar, others sound unusual. But together, Reading’s street names form...

Stoneman Willie: The 128-year mystery finally solved in Reading, PA

In the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania, a peculiar figure known as "Stoneman Willie" captivated the community for over a century. His mummified remains, preserved...

The rise, fall, and return of rail at Franklin Street Station

For decades, the sight of a train pulling into Franklin Street Station was a symbol of movement, connection, and prosperity in Reading. The red-brick...

Life along Penn Street: A street that built a city

Long before shopping malls, big-box stores, or e-commerce, there was Penn Street. It was the heart of Reading — a place where parades rolled,...