Port of Reading History Page5


	The Port of Reading History Page 5 Businesses and Homes on Long Island Schuylkill Navigation Compnay Office and Residence Located on Water Street between Sprce & Chestnut. A three story, two-door large brick building. The Superintendent was James F. Smith. The building also had extensive flower gardens and a lawn lines with shrub trees. Also one of the first indoor bathrooms in Reading. Reading Iron Rolling Mills Located at the northern end of the island, between Spruce & Chestnut Street. Formerly Lauth,Bong & Co; it was purchased by Reading Iron in 1865. A second blast furnace was built in 1874 with a capacity of 250 tons per week in 1880.
	Daniel Miller Coal and Lime Yard In 1885 three lime kilns were owned by Daniel Miller; in 1887 a coal company was added. Penn Hardware Company Note: Schuylkill Canal on left and Schuylkill River at top of picture Penn Hardware Company This company began in 1877, and was located below Chestnut on thecanal and railroad line. C. Raymond Heizmann was the President, Theodore I. Heizman was the Vice President, and Albert Heizman was the Secretary. In 1896 four acres were acquired and a seven-story warehouse was added in 1908. Penn Hardware manufactured builders hardware. In 1848 the firm had 500 employees with a yearly output of "the enourmous sum of $500,000, and maintained a large export trade. Berk County Machine Shop Located on Water Street. The owner was Franklin Adam Waid, he is listed in the 1860 city directory. The shop manufactured thrashing machines, horsepowered corn sheller horse racks, etc. William F. Remppis & Company The company was founded in 1885 and located on Water Street above Lancaster Bridge.They created ornamental wrought iron, worught iorn fencing, railing grates, doors, stable fitting lawn furniture, and more. William F. Remppis Reading Standard Company This establishment wad founded in 1903, below Spruce Street. By Frank W. Royer, President , and W.F. Remppis, Treasurer.The company had the distinction of building the first motorcycle, that climbed Pike's Peak. This 189 picture of Amos Kissinger's NELLIE, in front of the Reading and Southwestern Railroad (Trolley Bridge lcoated above the Bingaman Street Bridge) Thomas Penn Wrote to his brother John Penn concerning Reading: "...I really think this is a good location..." Sources The Passing Scene: George M. Meister IX and Gloria Jean Meister Volume 1-15, with special thanks to the George M. Meiser IX. Atlas of the City of Reading Elvino U. Smith Philadelphia 1912 Discovering the 6th Ward of Reading, Inc., Neighborhood Housing Services Montgomery, Morton History of Berks County, Philadelphia Events Peck & Richards 1886







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