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74-494: The borough is recognized as a Tree City USA and selected as a "Contender" for the best places to live in Pennsylvania by Money magazine. Wyomissing is located in central Berks County at 40°19′58″N 75°57′53″W  /  40.33278°N 75.96472°W  / 40.33278; -75.96472 (40.332742, −75.964603). It is bordered by the city of Reading to the northeast and southeast, by West Reading directly to

148-751: A Japanese-style pagoda was built on Mount Penn, where it overlooks the city and is visible from almost everywhere in town. The Pagoda remains a popular tourist attraction. Reading's City Park is home to several monuments and works of public art, including the Frederick Lauer Monument . Another fixture in Reading's skyline is the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower , one mile from the Pagoda on Skyline Drive. Built in 1939 for fire department and forestry observation,

222-485: A borough government. Eventually petitions were filed with the courts for the establishment of a borough, signed by 61 resident property owners and 39 non-resident property owners. On July 2, 1906, the court issued the final decree of the incorporation of the Borough of Wyomissing. Between 1906 and the 1940s, several additional tracts of land were annexed to the borough from Spring and Cumru townships. However, 1949–1950 saw

296-530: A female householder with no husband present, and 37.6 percent were non-families. 34.1 percent of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.7 percent had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.88. In the borough, the population was spread out, with 18.2 percent under the age of 18, 12.6 percent from 18 to 24, 17.6 percent from 25 to 44, 22.7 percent from 45 to 64, and 28.8 percent who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

370-536: A few miles south of Harrisburg , the state capital. Railroads forced the abandonment of the canals by the 1880s. The naturalist Spencer Fullerton Baird was born in Reading in 1823. The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad (P&R) was incorporated in 1833. During the Long Depression following the Panic of 1873 , a statewide railroad strike in 1877 over delayed wages led to a violent protest and clash with

444-460: A former Bed Bath & Beyond store. This is the company's first store in Berks County. As of the 2000 census, there were 8,587 people, 3,359 households, and 2,096 families residing in the borough. The population density was 2,246.0 inhabitants per square mile (867.2/km). There were 3,539 housing units at an average density of 925.7 per square mile (357.4/km). The racial makeup of the borough

518-584: A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame , was born in Reading. The open-wheel racing portion of Penske Racing had been based in Reading, Pennsylvania since 1973 with the cars, during the F1 and CART era, being constructed in Poole , Dorset, England as well as being the base for the F1 team. On October 31, 2005, Penske Racing announced after the 2006 IRL season, they would consolidate IRL and NASCAR operations at

592-445: A population of 95,112. Of which, 68.9% were Hispanic/Latino, 18.9% were non-Hispanic White, 8.5% were non-Hispanic Black, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Native American or Pacific Islander, and 2.9% mixed or other. As of the 2010 census, the city was 48.4% White, 13.2% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian, and 6.1% were two or more races. 58.2% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry. As of

666-889: A project of Penn State Berks , are programs intended to provide office space and support to entrepreneurs in the area. According to the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest employers in the Berks county area as of 2017 were: The city's cultural institutions include the Reading Symphony Orchestra and its education project the Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra , the Reading Choral Society, Opus One: Berks Chamber Choir , Berks Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra, Vox Philia Chamber Choir,

740-517: A subsequent financial endowment upon his death in 1847, which provided for future improvements to the grounds, the cemetery became a primary gathering point for annual Memorial Day activities from the late 19th through the late 20th centuries due to the presence of the Grand Army of the Republic monument, which was dedicated there in 1887. In the early 20th century, the city participated in

814-598: A tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $ 2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day. Today, in all fifty states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico nearly 155 million Americans are living in Tree City USA towns and cities. In 2018, the Arbor Day Foundation launched the Time for Trees initiative to plant 100 million trees in forests and communities around

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888-590: A vital role in transporting anthracite coal from Pennsylvania's Coal Region to major East Coast markets through the Port of Philadelphia for much of the 19th and 20th centuries. Reading Railroad is one of the four railroad properties in the classic U.S. version of the Monopoly board game. Reading was one of the first localities where outlet shopping became a tourist industry. It has been known as "The Pretzel City" because numerous local pretzel bakeries are based in

962-558: A western tract, which were divided by a northwesterly line in the vicinity of Lake Avenue. One of the earliest industries in the area was the Evans Grist Mill. This building still stands at the corner of Old Mill Road and Old Wyomissing Road. In 1896, present-day Wyomissing began to take form when Reading lumber dealer Thomas P. Merritt acquired 600 acres (240 ha). Albert Thalheimer, David H. Keiser, Marthias Mengel, and Levi Walter Mengel joined Thomas R. Merrit in organizing

1036-504: A zip code look-up tool to find your hardiness zone. ARBOR DAY FARM This natural educational center in Nebraska City , Nebraska , is the birthplace of Arbor Day, with 260 acres of land and outdoor exploration. Arbor Day Farm is home to Lied Lodge & Conference Center, an environmentally sustainable hotel with 136 guest rooms and a full-service meeting center dedicated to supporting tree planting, conservation, and stewardship around

1110-462: Is 23.0 °F (−5.0 °C), but it is quite common for winter temperatures to undergo much variance from the averages. The all-time record low air temperature (not including wind chill) was −20 °F (−29 °C) during a widespread cold wave in January 1994 . Annual snowfall is variable, but averages around 25 inches (64 cm). Spring temperatures vary widely between freezing temperatures and

1184-541: Is 7a, bordering on 6b. The original inhabitants of Wyomissing are Lenape Native Americans, who lived along the banks of Wyomissing Creek. The name Wyomissing is from the Delaware language , meaning "peaceful/long fish/pike". Much of Berks County was transferred from the Native Americans to William Penn in 1685. Title to the land that much of Wyomissing is built upon was in two parcels, an eastern tract and

1258-508: Is a Northrop P-61 Black Widow under active restoration since its recovery from Mount Cyclops, New Guinea in 1989. Beginning in 1990, the museum has hosted "World War II Weekend Air Show", scheduled to coincide with D-Day . On display are period wartime aircraft (many of which fly throughout the show) vehicles, and weapons. The mechanical ice cream scoop was invented in Reading by William Clewell in 1876. The 5th Avenue candy bar and York Peppermint Pattie were invented in Reading. In 1908,

1332-628: Is a first-class borough with a council-manager form of government . The manager is Pat Brandenburg. The council consists of nine members and elects a mayor from its ranks, who is Fred Levering. The following legislators represent the borough: As of 2019, there were 59.90 miles (96.40 km) of public roads in Wyomissing, of which 9.01 miles (14.50 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and 50.89 miles (81.90 km) were maintained by

1406-641: Is land and 0.019 square miles (0.05 km), or 0.47 percent, is water. In the vicinity of the Knitting Mills, formerly the Vanity Fair complex, average monthly temperatures range from 30.6 °F in January to 75.9 °F in July. The climate locally and in the surrounding area is classified by the Köppen climate classification system as hot-summer humid continental ( Dfa ). The local hardiness zone

1480-531: Is located at 40°20′30″N 75°55′35″W  /  40.34167°N 75.92639°W  / 40.34167; -75.92639 (40.341692, −75.926301) in southeastern Pennsylvania , roughly 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Philadelphia . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 10.1 square miles (26 km ). 9.8 square miles (25 km ) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km ) of it (2.39%)

1554-532: Is the fourth-most populous city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia , Pittsburgh , and Allentown . Reading is located in the southeastern part of the state and is the principal city of the Greater Reading area , which had 420,152 residents in 2020. Reading gives its name to the now-defunct Reading Company , also known as the Reading Railroad and since acquired by Conrail , that played

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1628-448: Is variable, but relatively mild compared to areas further north. The Reading area falls under the southern periphery of the hot-summer humid continental climate ( Dfa ), with areas just to the south designated as a humid subtropical climate zone (Köppen Cfa ). Summers are warm and humid with average July highs around 86.5 °F (30.3 °C). Extended periods of heat and high humidity occur. On average, there are 27 days per year where

1702-518: Is water. The city is largely bounded on the west by the Schuylkill River , on the east by Mount Penn, and on the south by Neversink Mountain. The Reading Prong , the mountain formation stretching northeast into New Jersey , has come to be associated with naturally occurring radon gas; however, homes in Reading are not particularly affected . The surrounding county is home to a number of family-owned farms. The climate in and around Reading

1776-677: The GoggleWorks Art Gallery, the Reading Public Museum and the Historical Society of Berks County . Reading is the birthplace of graphic artist Jim Steranko , guitar virtuoso Richie Kotzen , novelist and poet John Updike , and poet Wallace Stevens . Marching band composer and writer John Philip Sousa , the March King, died in Reading's Abraham Lincoln Hotel in 1932. Artist Keith Haring

1850-520: The Schuylkill River . A similar, though not as devastating, flood occurred during June 2006. In December 2007, NBC 's Today show featured Reading as one of the top four "Up and Coming Neighborhoods" in the U.S. as showing potential for a real estate boom. The interviewee, Barbara Corcoran , chose the city by looking for areas of big change, renovations, cleanups of parks, waterfronts, and warehouses. Corcoran also noted Reading's proximity to Philadelphia , New York City, and other cities . Reading

1924-422: The 1990s, companies and corporations relocated from the city to newer, Class A office space in the borough. In addition to a suburban layout, the greater Wyomissing area is at the crossroads of U.S. Routes 422 and 222 , providing immediate highway access to the rest of the greater Philadelphia and Berks County region. Several large corporations are headquartered in Wyomissing, including Penn Entertainment ,

1998-584: The 3,000 inhabitants. According to census data, Reading was among the nation's most-populous 100 cities in the nation from 1810 to 1950. The Schuylkill Canal , a north–south canal completed in 1825, paralleled the Schuylkill River and connected Reading with Philadelphia and the Delaware River . The Union Canal , an east–west canal completed in 1828, connected the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Rivers , and ran from Reading to Middletown, Pennsylvania,

2072-414: The 80s or even 90s (around 30 °C) later in spring. The last killing frost usually is in early to mid April. Total precipitation for the entire year is 45.21 inches (114.8 cm). January is the only month averaging below freezing while two to three months average above 22 °C (71.6 °F) and seven-months average above 50 °F (10 °C). As of the 2020 United States census , Reading had

2146-525: The Arts features eight teaching studios in ceramics, hot and warm glass, metalsmithing, photography, printmaking, woodworking and virtual reality; 35 juried artist studios; and headquarters of over 40 cultural organizations. GoggleWorks also includes several exhibition galleries, a 130-seat film theatre, a bar/restaurant, and store featuring handcrafted works by over 200 artists working within the building and beyond. Admission and parking are always free. The building

2220-519: The National Guard in which six Reading men were killed. The Reading Brewing Company was also established around this same time, and was officially chartered in 1886. The Charles Evans Cemetery is the non-sectarian cemetery where many of the city's prominent business and community leaders have been buried since the cemetery's opening in the 1840s. Established through the donation of land by Reading attorney and philanthropist Charles Evans and

2294-793: The Reading Suburban Real Estate Company. Shortly afterwards Wyomissing Industries, manufacturer of textile machinery, was established by the firm of Thun and Janssen along the Reading Railroad just west of Van Reed Road (today named Park Road). Ferdinand Thun, Henry K Janssen, and Gustav Oberlaender became known as "The Big Three of Wyomissing Industries. Wyomissing Industries comprised Narrow Fabric Co., Textile Machine Works and Berkshire Knitting Mills. This spurred development, and soon there were many developers working to build Wyomissing. In 1904 and 1905, Thun and Janssen called town meetings to discuss setting up

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2368-455: The Reading area prior to European settlement of the region in the 17th century. The Colony of Pennsylvania was a 1680 land grant from King Charles II of England to William Penn . Comprising more than 45,000 square miles (120,000 km2), it was named for his father, Sir William Penn . In 1743, Richard and Thomas Penn, both sons of William Penn, mapped out the town of Reading with Conrad Weiser . Taking its name from Reading, Berkshire , England,

2442-760: The United States and around the world. These rejuvenated forests help to protect watersheds, stabilize soil, restore wildlife habitats, improve air quality and create jobs. Founded in 1976 and co-sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters and the United States Forest Service , the Tree City USA program provides a framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees. More than 3,900 communities have achieved Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining

2516-645: The United States. The team most recently played in the first PDL Championship in team history in 2018. Notable alumni include multiple players with United States men's national soccer team experience, including Matt Hedges , Alex Bono , CJ Sapong , Ben Sweat , and Keegan Rosenberry . Over 110 alumni from the team have gone on to play soccer professionally. The city has been the residence of numerous professional athletes. Among these native to Reading are Brooklyn Dodgers outfielder Carl Furillo , Baltimore Colts running back Lenny Moore , and Philadelphia 76ers forward Donyell Marshall . Pro golfer Betsy King ,

2590-625: The Warren Street Bypass toward the northern part of Reading and Pricetown . U.S. Route 422 Business passes through the center of Wyomissing on Penn Avenue, beginning at US 222/US 422 before heading east to West Reading and the central part of Reading. Other notable local roads in Wyomissing include Park Road, Paper Mill Road, State Hill Road, and Wyomissing Boulevard. Wyomissing is served by multiple Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) bus routes including 12, 14, 15, and 16, which serve residential and business areas in

2664-679: The Western Berks Water Authority. Wyomissing Hills receives water from Pennsylvania American Water , a subsidiary of American Water . Sewer service in Wyomissing is provided by the borough's Public Works Department. The borough provides trash and recycling collection for residences. Tree City USA The Arbor Day Foundation is an American 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. The Arbor Day Foundation has more than one million members and has planted more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout

2738-405: The average family size was 3.33. In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 17.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males. The median income for a household in the city

2812-684: The borough and connect the borough to the BARTA Transportation Center in Reading and other points in Berks County. Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) operates freight trains through Wyomissing. The borough is home to the Wyomissing Junction between the Harrisburg Line running from Harrisburg to Philadelphia and the Reading Line running from Wyomissing to Bethlehem . Wyomissing was proposed to be

2886-627: The borough is served by the Wilson School District . There are several Catholic schools just outside Wyomissing that serve area students. Among them are St. Ignatius Loyola (K–8) in Spring Township and Sacred Heart (K–8) in West Reading. As of the fall of 2011, the newly formed Berks Catholic High School at 955 E Wyomissing Blvd in Reading (formerly Holy Name High School) serves students in grades 9–12. Wyomissing

2960-651: The borough. Wyomissing is located at the junction of U.S. Route 222 and U.S. Route 422 , which pass concurrent through the borough on the Warren Street Bypass freeway. US 222 heads south as a freeway toward Lancaster and north as a freeway toward Allentown while US 422 heads west on Penn Avenue toward Lebanon and east on the West Shore Bypass freeway toward the central part of Reading and Pottstown . Pennsylvania Route 12 begins at US 222/US 422 in Wyomissing and continues northeast along

3034-399: The burgeoning automobile and motorcycle industry as home to the pioneer "Brass Era" companies, Daniels Motor Company , Duryea Motor Wagon Company , and Reading-Standard Company. Reading experienced continuous growth until the 1930s, when its population reached nearly 120,000. From the 1940s to the 1970s, however, the city saw a sharp downturn in prosperity, largely owing to the decline of

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3108-410: The census of 2000, there were 30,113 households, out of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.4% were married couples living together, 20.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.8% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and

3182-508: The city and its suburbs; currently, Bachman, Dieffenbach, Tom Sturgis, and Unique Pretzel bakeries call the Reading area home. In recent years, the Reading area has become a destination for cyclists with more than 125 miles of trails in five major preserves; the region is an International Mountain Bicycling Association ride center. According to 2010 census data, Reading had the highest share of citizens living in poverty in

3256-580: The early 1970s, the original factories were developed to create the VF Outlet Village , the first outlet mall in the United States. The VF Outlet closed in 2020. GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a community art and cultural resource center located in Reading, Pennsylvania. The mission of the GoggleWorks is "to transform lives through unique interactions with art." Located in the former Willson Goggle Factory building, GoggleWorks Center for

3330-454: The early 1990s. This includes the area now called "Woodmill Commons". In 2002, Wyomissing merged with its smaller neighbor, Wyomissing Hills. Wyomissing is a thriving commercial office and retail center, in large part due to its proximity to Reading and its highway access. The Berkshire Mall is located in Wyomissing along with several other large shopping centers with their retail giants and restaurants. As crime soared in Reading throughout

3404-464: The east, by the borough of Shillington and Cumru Township to the south, by Spring Township to the west and northwest, and by Bern Township to the north. From south to north, the west side of Wyomissing is bordered by the unincorporated communities of Montrose Manor , Lincoln Park , West Wyomissing , West Lawn , Whitfield , and Colony Park . Directly to the north, in Bern Township, is

3478-690: The existing NS line, with service terminating either at the Franklin Street Station in Reading or in Wyomissing. Electricity to most of Wyomissing is provided by PPL Corporation in Allentown ; with the Berkshire Heights portion of the borough receiving electricity from Met-Ed , a subsidiary of FirstEnergy . Natural gas service in Wyomissing is provided by UGI Utilities . The borough's Public Works Department provides water service to most of Wyomisisng, purchasing water from

3552-405: The globe. Tree Adventure, an award-winning nature-themed attraction, and Arbor Lodge State Historical Park are also part of Arbor Day Farm. Reading, Pennsylvania Reading ( / ˈ r ɛ d ɪ ŋ / RED -ing ; ( Pennsylvania Dutch : Reddin) is a city in and the county seat of Berks County, Pennsylvania , United States. The city had a population of 95,112 at the 2020 census and

3626-482: The heavy industry and railroads, on which Reading had been built, and a national trend of urban decline. Following more than a century of prosperity, the Reading Company was forced to file for bankruptcy protection in 1971. The bankruptcy was a result of dwindling coal shipping revenues and strict government regulations that denied railroads the ability to set competitive prices, required high taxes, and forced

3700-489: The largest annexation, with the addition of the area north of the railroad tracts known as Berkshire Heights. This drastically changed the borough map. The borough evolved during this period from farmland to a large residential and commercial community. The last farmland worked in the borough was part of the Hartman Farm at the intersection of Woodland and Papermill roads. This land was sold into commercial development in

3774-563: The nation among cities with populations exceeding 65,000. Reading's poverty rate fell over the next decade. Reading's poverty rate in the five-year American Community Survey , published in 2018, showed that 35.4% of the city's residents were below the poverty line, or less "than the infamous 41.3% from 2011, when Reading was declared the poorest small city in the nation." Reading is located 38.8 miles (62.4 km) southwest of Allentown and 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Philadelphia. Lenape people, also known as Delaware Indians, inhabited

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3848-508: The population were below the poverty line , including 2.9 percent of those under age 18 and 5.9 percent of those age 65 or over. The borough is served by the Wyomissing Area School District , which includes Wyomissing Hills Elementary Center, serving grades K–4, West Reading Elementary Center, serving grades 5–6, and Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School , serving grades 7–12. The Berkshire Heights portion of

3922-453: The poverty level, including 45.7% of those under 18. Reading's unemployment rate in May 2010 was 14.7%, while Berks County's unemployment rate was 9.9%. Large employers based in Reading and surrounding communities include Boscov's , EnerSys , Carpenter , Penske Truck Leasing , and Redner's Markets . Jump Start Incubator, a program of Berks County Community Foundation , and Berks LaunchBox,

3996-478: The railroads to continue to operate money-losing passenger service lines. On April 1, 1976, the Reading Company sold its current railroad interests to the newly formed Consolidated Railroad Corporation ( Conrail ). That same month, the Reading Brewing Company closed. In 1972, Hurricane Agnes caused extensive flooding in the city, not the last time the lower precincts of Reading were inundated by

4070-437: The record for the biggest YouTube collaboration and fundraiser in history notable donors such as Elon Musk and Tobias Lütke , who each donated over a million dollars. The goal to reach 20,000,000 trees was reached on December 19, 2019. and as of October 2023 #TeamTrees has raised $ 24 million Arborday.org has a comprehensive set of guides and extensive information about tree species, selection, planting, and care, including

4144-551: The rest of the Southeastern Pennsylvania region in job growth, registering an average job growth of 13.3% per year from 2000 to 2006. Financial giants Merrill Lynch , Goldman Sachs , and Citibank are developing data backup centers using the region's close proximity to major fiber optic lines running down the East Coast . In 2024, Macy's opened a new store in Wyomissing at Broadcasting Square replacing

4218-427: The second-largest gaming company in the U.S., Boscov's , one of the last family-owned department store chains in the nation, and Carpenter Technology Corporation . UGI and VF Corporation have major operations in the borough. Sovereign Bank was previously headquartered here. Sovereign was acquired by Santander Group , which maintains its regional office at the same location in the borough. Wyomissing has outpaced

4292-405: The temperature exceeds 90 °F (32 °C). Reading becomes milder in the autumn, as the heat and humidity of summer relent to lower humidity and temperatures. The first killing frost generally occurs in late October. Winters bring freezing temperatures, but usually move above freezing during the day's warmest point. The average January high is 38.6 °F (3.7 °C); the average January low

4366-499: The theatre and arena were rebranded as the Santander Performing Arts Center and Santander Arena respectively after Santander Bank purchased Sovereign. The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum is a membership-supported museum and restoration facility located at Carl A. Spaatz Field. The museum actively displays and restores historic and rare war aircraft and civilian airliners. Most notable to their collection

4440-400: The tower is 120 feet tall, and rises 950 feet above the intersection of fifth and Penn streets. From the top of the tower, it offers a 60-mile panoramic view. The Reading Glove and Mitten Manufacturing Company founded in 1899, just outside Reading city limits, in West Reading and Wyomissing boroughs changed its name to Vanity Fair in 1911 and is now the major clothing manufacturer VF Corp. In

4514-657: The town was established in 1748. Upon the creation of Berks County in 1752, Reading became the county seat. The region was settled by emigrants from southern and western Germany, who bought land from the Penns. The first Amish community in the New World was established in Greater Reading, Berks County. The Pennsylvanian German dialect was spoken in the area well into the 1950s. During the French and Indian War , Reading

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4588-451: The unincorporated community of Greenfields . The northeastern boundary of Wyomissing with Reading is formed by Tulpehocken Creek and a small portion of the Schuylkill River . Wyomissing Creek flows from southwest to northeast towards the Schuylkill, through the southern part of the borough. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the borough has a total area of 4.50 square miles (11.65 km), of which 4.48 square miles (11.60 km)

4662-806: The western terminus of a section of the Schuylkill Valley Metro (SVM) passenger rail service. The SVM project would have extended both ends of SEPTA 's Manayunk/Norristown Line , with one end extended from the Philadelphia area to Berks County. The project was ultimately rejected by the Federal Transit Administration New Starts program. In 2018, a panel led by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance pushed for an extension of SEPTA's Manayunk/Norristown Line to Reading along

4736-459: The world and engage 5 million tree planters by the 50th Anniversary of the Foundation in 2022. In 2019, Team Trees was formed when YouTube creators MrBeast and Mark Rober joined with the Arbor Day Foundation to raise $ 20 million to plant 20 million trees. The campaign crowdfunded $ 20 million in 56 days. More than 800,000 people donated from 200 countries and territories. The campaign set

4810-404: The world. The Foundation's stated mission is "to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees." The Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1969, the centennial of the first Arbor Day observance. Through the global reforestation program, the Arbor Day Foundation and international partners have replanted more than 108 million trees lost to fire, insects, disease, and weather in forests in

4884-424: Was $ 26,698, and the median income for a family was $ 31,067. Males had a median income of $ 28,114 versus $ 21,993 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 13,086. 26.1% of the population and 22.3% of families were below the poverty line. 36.5% of those under the age of 18 and 15.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 32.9% of all residents live below

4958-399: Was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 83.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.9 males. The median income for a household in the borough was $ 54,681, and the median income for a family was $ 78,112. Males had a median income of $ 54,167 versus $ 34,815 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 37,313. About 1.4 percent of families and 3.4 percent of

5032-460: Was 94.76% White , 1.50 percent African American , 0.07 percent Native American , 1.90 percent Asian , 0.02 percent Pacific Islander , 0.89 percent from other races , and 0.86 percent from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.83 percent of the population. There were 3,359 households, out of which 23.7 percent had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1 percent were married couples living together, 5.9 percent had

5106-604: Was a military base for a chain of forts along the Blue Mountain . By the time of the American Revolution , the area's iron industry had a total production exceeding England's. There were several prominent Ironmasters like Samuel Van Leer who helped supply George Washington 's troops with cannons, rifles, and ammunition in the Revolutionary War. During the early period of the conflict, Reading

5180-675: Was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. The Reading Fightin Phils , minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies , play at FirstEnergy Stadium . Notable alumni are Larry Bowa , Ryne Sandberg , Mike Schmidt , Ryan Howard , and Jimmy Rollins . Reading United AC , USL League Two affiliate of the Philadelphia Union , are considered one of the top amateur soccer teams in

5254-576: Was again a depot for military supply. Hessian prisoners from the Battle of Trenton were also detained here. Philadelphia was the nation's capital at the time of the 1793 Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic . President George Washington traveled to Reading, and considered making it the emergency national capital, but chose Germantown instead. In 1809, Susanna Cox was tried and convicted for infanticide in Reading. Her case attracted tremendous sympathy; 20,000 viewers came to view her hanging, swamping

5328-607: Was born in Reading. In 1935, comedian Jackie Gleason began his professional career in Tiny's Chateau Nightclub, located inside Reading's Black Bear Inn. Reading is home to the 17-time DCA world champion drum and bugle corps, The Reading Buccaneers . In 1914, one of the anchors of the Battleship Maine was delivered from the Washington Navy Yard to City Park, off of Perkiomen Avenue. The anchor

5402-482: Was dedicated during a ceremony presided over by Franklin D. Roosevelt , who was then assistant secretary of the navy. Reading was home to several movie and theater palaces in the early 20th century. The Astor, Embassy, Loew's Colonial, and Rajah Shrine Theater were grand monuments of architecture and entertainment. Today, after depression, recession, and urban renewal, the Rajah is the only one to remain. The Astor Theater

5476-639: Was demolished in 1998 to make way for The Sovereign Center . Certain steps were taken to retain mementos of the Astor, including its ornate Art Deco chandelier and gates. These are on display and in use inside the arena corridors, allowing insight into the ambiance of the former movie house. In 2000, the Rajah was purchased from the Shriners . After a much needed restoration, it was renamed the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. In 2013

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