Peter Bubel+ by | Apr 1, 2017 | Blog, PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Reading, Travel
The Pennsylvanian Pagoda: A History
In the early 1900’s, a businessman by the name of William Abbott Witman Sr., hired a father and son contracting team to design and construct a 5-story luxury hotel in the likeness of a pagoda. The location for this pagoda wasn’t in Japan or China, nor was it in a predominantly Asian country. This large pagoda structure was actually to be built in the United States, atop the beautiful mountains of Pennsylvania, in a small town named Reading.
Curious and charming, this Pennsylvanian pagoda still stands today, and has brought joy and tourism to Reading, PA for over 100 years. Even with its true history shrouded in rumors and legend, the Pagoda is one of Reading’s most recognizable buildings, rising 886 feet above the city. Although residents are now incredibly fond of the unique structure, its journey to popularity is what makes the Pagoda so intriguing and worth exploring.
Origins of a Landmark Uncovered
On August 10, 1906, a simple headline gracing the Reading Eagle started it all: “Reading to Have Japanese Pagoda,” the paper read. As mentioned above, William Abbot Witman, Sr. was the man behind this construction. Amidst outcries that Witman’s stone quarry business was defacing portions of Mt. Penn, Witman decided to construct the Pagoda atop his quarry and restore the faith of the locals. The project wasn’t completely founded in a pure-of-heart fashion, however. Witman was actually a mayoral candidate, and with his quarry business closing due to the amount of complaints surrounding it, he also saw the Pagoda as a way to win favor with voters.
The inspiration for the design still remains a bit of a mystery. James and Charles Matz, the father and son team Witman hired to take on the Pagoda project, are said to have played a big part in the design of the Pagoda. Rumor has it that Charles Matz used a photograph he acquired while on a tour of duty in the far east as inspiration. With no real proof on record, others have claimed the building was designed from an image in a book about the Shogun dynasty. In fact, records obtained from the Historical Society of Berks County reference a postcard, only perpetuating rumors of the true inspiration.
A Change of Hands and a Change of Plans
Sadly, Witman’s hopes of a mountaintop resort were crushed when he was denied a liquor license, seemingly in a political move by the local Judge. With the absence of a liquor license, Witman was unable to successfully open the resort, and the Pagoda suffered a foreclosure by the Farmer’s National Bank.
It’s at this point of the story that things start to get even more interesting.
The director of that same bank, Jonathon Mould, was facing difficult circumstances as the bank was on the brink of severe losses. Mould decided to purchase the failed Pagoda and its 10 acres of land to help save the bank. A year later, Mould and his wife sold the property to the city of Reading for $1. The sale was seen as a gift to the city and as an opportunity to improve Reading’s parks and boulevards initiative.
The Pagoda was immediately put under construction with many of the improvement projects, including the planting of 10,000 trees and the addition of running water and electricity, lasting for the next several decades.
Wartime Speculation
With the country in the midst of World War II in the early 1940’s, all of the improvements came to an end. The Pagoda was neglected for some time and was under threat of demolition as many, biased against the Japanese from the war, wanted nothing to do with Japanese culture. A debate on the design origins began, and although parts of the Pagoda were considered a safety hazard because of neglect, the Pagoda was saved by a team of Berks Countians that wanted to see the Pagoda repaired.
To save the reputation and future of the Pagoda, rumors began surfacing that the design was of Korean origin. This helped to cloud the truth behind the Pagoda’s design, inherently keeping the building safe from demolition.
The Fate of the Reading Pagoda
To this day, the city of Reading continues to care for the Pagoda; equipping it with a gift shop and restoring the facade of the building. There are many mysterious things about the Pagoda that still go unanswered, including the apparent Buddhist origins of its massive bell. Only adding the appeal, these mysteries are what make Reading’s Pagoda one of a kind. Full of interesting history and placed upon a beautiful plot of acreage, the Pagoda of Reading, PA is a landmark that can still be enjoyed today and is certainly one not to be missed.
Peter Bubel+ by | Mar 7, 2017 | PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Sports
As is the case in so many walks of life, how you feel about a baseball team dedicated to rebuilding will often boil down to your perspective.
If you’re in the front office, the media, or a scout for a farm team, the term “rebuilding” likely conjures up a feeling of excitement, fast-paced deals, and an eye for the future. Watching prospects come into their own, making that adjustment that adds 25 points to their batting average or 5 MPH to their fastball gives hope for the future of a team.
From the bleachers, though, watching a rebuilding team can be, in a word, dull. You’d have to go back to 2011 to find the last season in which the Phillies finished above .500. The team’s 71-91 record in 2016 was a small step forward from the 63-99 finish the 2015 team was able to produce. The Phillies are, in every sense of the word, rebuilding. And the future looks like it may be bright.
JP Crawford
Entering 2017, Crawford is ranked as the sixth best prospect across Major League Baseball, and for good reason. Despite not hitting for power or stealing many bases, the Phils’ number one prospect has a knack for getting on base, walking at a good clip while limiting strikeouts. At just 22 years of age, the 2013 first round pick has plenty of time for growth and maturity before he breaks into the bigs, an event that many anticipate taking place this season.
Scott Kingery
While 22 year old Kingery has big shoes to fill at second base with many fans still mourning the loss of Chase Utley and the glory days of 2008, the youngster’s skillset and promising spring training have helped ease the fears of many. With a short, compact swing and the ability to put the ball into gaps all over the field, Kingery has shown himself able to approach each at bat with the patience and keen eye one would expect from a veteran. Though we likely won’t see him on a MLB roster until 2018 or so, Kingery is one of a few prospects to keep an eye on this season.
Mickey Moniak
At just 18 years old, Moniak is still a ways away from a big league appearance. The outfielder, drafted with the first overall pick in 2016, has a lot of hype and promise to live up to, and many scouts expect him to pass with flying colors. The speedy OF has been praised again and again for his high baseball IQ and fantastic instincts. Though he hasn’t shown much pop at the plate to this point, he has worked closely with trainers to tack on muscle mass and reach the “middle of the road power” plateau many expected of him after seeing him play in high school.
Sixto Sanchez
When the Phillies signed Sixto Sanchez for about $35,000 in 2015, fairly few people stopped to take notice. Despite his fairly small size, Sanchez has shown the ability to bring it on the mound, throwing his fastball in the low to mid 90s, topping out at 96-97. And what Sixto lacks in mound presence he makes up for in control; unlike other hard throwers around the league, Sanchez has shown incredible command of his fastball. At just 18, Sanchez has ample time to improve the parts of his game that fall a bit short (offspeed stuff, stamina), but his 0.50 ERA in 54 innings pitched last season warrants some close attention from those interested in the future of the Phillies.
Peter Bubel+ by | Mar 4, 2017 | Blog, PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Travel
When you consider all of the hubbub and sights to see all along the East Coast of the United States, Pennsylvania may not seem like it has much to offer. Sure, it’s home to metropolises like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but outside of those it’s mostly just farmland and Amish country, right? Well, that’s where you’re mistaken. Tucked within those 46,055 square miles are countless adventures to be had and sights to unfurl, both within the big cities and in the middle of nowhere. Take a look at some of the best travel destinations you can find within Pennsylvania’s cities and rural areas, and start planning a trip to one of them today!
Cities:
Philadelphia
Independence Hall
- If you want to witness an iconic piece of American history, look no further than Independence Hall. Not only does this building currently house the original Liberty Bell, in 1787 Independence Hall was where the United States Constitution was signed. You can view artifacts and pieces of American culture in this historic hall.
Citizen’s Bank Park
- Planning to visit Philadelphia between April and October? Why not consider catching a game at Citizen’s Bank Park to see the Philadelphia Phillies play baseball. The games are always fun, and the
Lincoln Financial Field
- If you have a couple hundred bucks lying around and you’re a football fanatic, your next trip to Philadelphia should include plans to see the Eagles play a game on their home turf.
The Mütter Museum
- This stop might not be one for the kids; the Mütter Museum is a collection of medical marvels and anomalies throughout time, most of which are equal parts horrifying and fascinating. Visitors can gaze upon exhibits like Einstein’s brain and John Wilkes Booth’s vertebrae in this collection of medical history.
Reading Terminal Market
- Located downtown, this indoor public market hosts more than a hundred vendors offering everything from local produce and fresh seafood to flowers and housewares – although the food is the biggest selling point. Stop by for lunch or take a few hours to explore it in its entirety.
Pittsburgh
Heinz Field
- You can’t talk about Pittsburgh without talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pennsylvania’s other NFL team. If you’re planning on visiting Pittsburgh and you’re a fan of the Steelers, this stop is likely already on your list.
The Andy Warhol Museum
- American artist Andy Warhol was a leading force in the pop art movement in the United States, and this museum is a curation of his greatest works. It boasts a collection of “900 paintings, 100 sculptures, almost 2,000 works on paper, 1,000 prints, and 4,000 photographs.” Fans of his works will enjoy seeing them in person.
PPG Paints Arena
- Yet another sports venue, the PPG Paints Arena is home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, one of Pennsylvania’s two professional ice hockey teams. The team was founded in 1967, and holds 4 Stanley Cup victories: 1991, 1992, 2009, 2016.
Gettysburg
Battlefields
- Civil War buffs will have likely already visited this area, site of the largest, bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. Even though it lasted only three days, nearly 10,000 soldiers were killed and another 30,000 were injured during that time. Due to the number of casualties caused in such a small area, Gettysburg has also become famous as a hotbed for paranormal activity. There have been enough sightings over the years for some ghosts to have become iconic.
Monuments
- Woven into the history of the battlefields, Gettysburg is also home to numerous monuments and landmarks scattered around the surrounding area. There are statues and monuments constructed to honor numerous states and individuals, as well as historic landmarks like Devil’s Den or The Copse of Trees.
Lancaster
Lancaster City
- Dubbed by some as the next Brooklyn, this small city nestled inside its eponymous county is packed full of art, music, and history. Lancaster is the oldest inland city in America, founded in 1729, and served briefly as the capital city of Pennsylvania from 1799 to 1813. Now, it is home to numerous art galleries, local music venue The Chameleon Club, and more varieties of cuisine than you can count, including Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, Puerto Rican, and more.
Lancaster County
- Venture into a world where it seems as though time stands still by visiting “Amish Country” in the heart of Lancaster County. Visit one of the countless farmer’s markets, vegetable stands, or fruit stalls during the summer, and check out the amazing homemade quilts to keep you warm on the coldest winter nights. Chances are you’ll drive right by a number of horses and buggies as they make their way down the streets.
Hershey
Hersheypark
- For a day packed with thrills and chills, Hersheypark is your one-stop shop. The park is home to 13 different roller coasters; the Storm Runner is a hydraulic powered coaster that goes from 0 mph to 72 mph in just 2 seconds and Fahrenheit has a 97 degree drop that actually doubles back under itself, just to give you an idea. Hersheypark is also home to the Boardwalk, a water park within the amusement park that’s included in the price of admission and features numerous slides, rides, and aquatic jungle gyms.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
- Chances are that at some point in your life you’ve eaten (or at least seen) Hershey’s chocolate. See where it was born with a trip to the sweetest place on earth: Hershey’s Chocolate World. You can meet the candy mascots, design your own candy bar, and take a tour to see how Hershey’s produces all of its delicious candy. As a bonus, you get a free candy bar after the ride.
Other Attractions:
Fallingwater
- Also known as the Kaufmann Residence, this architectural marvel was made possible by the most famous architect in America: Frank Lloyd Wright. Fallingwater is built overtop of a waterfall and took three years to complete. The building is now a National Historic Landmark, revered for its unique placement and aesthetic.
Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
- Located in the middle of the Tioga State Forest, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is officially known as the Pine Creek Gorge. It runs for 45 miles along the Allegheny Plateau throughout Northern Pennsylvania with depths reaching up to 1,500 feet.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
- If you ever find yourself in the area between Harrisburg and Williamsport, chances are that you’re not too far from the country’s largest free admission amusement park: Knoebels. Opened in 1926, this little treasure found in Elysburg, PA is equal parts park and campground, with people flocking from all over the country to take advantage of the free admission. Park-goers must acquire tickets or an all-day handstamp to ride the rides.
Peter Bubel+ by | Feb 21, 2017 | Blog, PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Reading, Travel
Reading, PA is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 47 miles from Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania. The town acts as the county seat of Berks County and boasts of having a population approaching 99,000. The city was established in 1733 at the current intersection of the Schuylkill River and the East Penn Lebanon Valley. During the American Revolution, Reading was a leading producer of iron ore, which was used to make cannons, rifles and ammunition for the Washington troops. Agriculture, especially dairy and beef production are vital industries in the area.
Some of the best hidden secrets in Reading, PA include the Reading Public Museum, Santander Arena, Berks County Heritage Center, Berks Jazz Fest, Balloon Rides, Mid Atlantic Air Museum and the Reading Pagoda. The high standing Pagoda is located atop Mt. Penn and includes a café and a gift shop. The building has stood for over 100 years and remains the greatest attraction in the city. The Pagoda is preserved and managed by the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda and is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
Berks Jazz Festival is an annual, 10 day jazz festival that takes place during spring throughout the Greater Reading area. The other attractions revolving around the festival include scheduled public events, dining and shopping. The Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center is located at the city’s downtown. The venue offers state-of-the art entertainment throughout the year for people of all ages. The events that take place here include concerts, family shows, comedy and sporting events. Another captivating event in Reading is the daily balloon rides by the US Hot Air Balloon Team.
The exhilarating air rides take place over the beautiful Schuylkill River Valley. The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum that is located at 11 Museum Drive operates, preserves, restores historical aircrafts from various ages. The collection of includes bombers, transporters and military crafts. The Reading Public Museum is a major educational and artistic resource with numerous attractions for kids and adults. The attractions include natural science exhibition, art galleries, a planetarium and arboretum. The museum is located on the busy 500 Museum road in Reading.
The real estate market in Reading, PA is once again thriving after the shock of the 2008 economic crisis. According to Trulia.com, the median sales price for homes in Reading stood at $113,450 between November 2016 and February 2017. The market is replete with a wide range of housing units, including townhouses, detached houses, mobile homes, and in-unit structures. The Average price per sq ft was $75 during the same period. The number of residents who are homeowners stands at 66% while the median household income is $45,700.
Peter Bubel+ by | Apr 27, 2016 | Blog, PA, Pennsylvania, Peter Bubel, Reading
As the fifth largest city in Pennsylvania with a population of almost 88,000, Reading is a city thriving with art, culture, delicious food and lots to do. But sometimes you just need to escape for a day. Reading is conveniently located just a short drive from many amazing destinations that are perfect for a day trip.
Philadelphia
Travel time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Just a short drive from Reading, Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful, fun and historical cities in America. There are so many things to do in Philadelphia that you might want to extend your day trip to become a weekend trip! From Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and LOVE Park, you will never be bored in Philadelphia. Whether you want to explore the history of the city, spend the entire day in museums or even go shopping, Philadelphia has something to offer for everyone.
New York City
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Not much needs to be said about New York City. It is one of the centers of the world. Being slightly removed yet close enough to enjoy a day in NYC is one of the things that makes Reading, PA so great. Maybe you just want to go into the city for dinner and a show. Maybe you want to go in and do all of the touristy things like visit the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Maybe you want to go shopping. Maybe you have friends visiting and you want to show them around. Or maybe you just want to go in and discover all of the things that the city has to offer. There are countless reasons for wanting to take a day trip to New York City. And being just a short 2 and a half hour drive away from it makes it very easy for those living in Reading.
Hershey
Travel time: 1 hour
When most people hear the name Hershey they think of Hersheypark. The amusement park filled with fun rides and delicious chocolate treats. One of the best amusement parks in the Northeast, Hersheypark is home to all of the typical things you’d find in a park: games, roller coasters, water rides, family rides and rides for children of all ages. However, Hersheypark has the added bonus of being Hershey themed. Everywhere you turn you can find delicious candy, chocolate and treats! While Hershey, PA is home to Hersheypark there are other fun things to do in the city as well. The Indian Echo Caverns are cool caves that you can explore and there is an arena for concerts. For those without children there are resorts with golf and spas that you can relax in on your day trip escape.
