Talk:Reading, Pennsylvania

History of Mt. Penn Pagoda

What's the history of the Pagoda on Mt. Penn? Use to go there as a kid from Pottsville. Thanks Scott 23:58, 29 September 2005 (UTC)

I found this history of the Reading Pagoda. Hope it addresses your curiosity. Joekoz451 21:16, 31 December 2005 (UTC)

Someone needs to add an arrow in the photo to show where the pagoda is. It's impossible to discern in this hazy wide shot of the city.Symphony Girl 06:15, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

The view is of the Greater Reading Expo Center, formerly the Reading Works. It is taken from the Pagoda. The Pagoda is not in the picture.–Rhodyman 23:39, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I just found this free image that someone had uploaded to wikipedia last Summer. I think it is better than the one in the article, but would prefer someone more active with the article decide. ~ BigrTex 05:25, 3 June 2007 (UTC)

The image is already used in the article, but thanks anyway! --Bossi (talk • gallery • contrib) 06:02, 3 June 2007 (UTC)

Updated

This article needs to be updated. The "just-opened" Wal-mart opened in the mid '90s. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 128.122.253.212 (talk • contribs) 10:53, 6 March 2006.

"A planned Wal-Mart Supercenter on the west side of the Schuylkill will, in any event, contribute to the economic redefinition of Greater Reading." Where is this from? They already built a super-center on 5th Street YEARS ago. Now they're planning a second one in Spring/Wyomissing. UPDATE! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.109.139.130 (talk) 21:59, 14 June 2006 (UTC)

you guys should add "Hyde Park" as a neighboorhood of Reading — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.139.79.78 (talk) 05:04, 15 January 2007 (UTC)

Hyde Park is situated completely within the confines of Muhlenberg Township. Thus, not be included in the Reading article. Northmont would be a better addition, which I might just do myself, considering I did most of the other sections myself. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.81.21.113 (talk) 01:39, 26 February 2007 (UTC)

Will expand the Greater Reading section to include Reading Works, the largest employer in the Reading Area and a major landmark for 45 years which today is a major landmark, the Greater Reading Expo Center.–Rhodyman 23:33, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

I hope you do not mind, but this is my two cents on the wal-mart thing.

There are Pros and Cons to this. Pros would be, it would make the Temple Wal-Mart less busy, which if you live in the area you know that it is always busy(unless you go at 3am) Cons First off the original plan was to build on farm land...Why the heck do you want to build up on MORE farm land. This is just estimated figures so don't get all in my face with wrong numbers. In 1995 about 35% of berks was farm land In 2008 about 10% of berks is farm land So more farm land gone would be a bad thing, considering that i live around it and i don't want to look out my front door and see some one else's front door.--Kopicz (talk) 13:01, 29 November 2008 (UTC)

Map Image

Could someone please correct the map image? It is appears to be depicting the location of Sunbury; not Reading. --Thisisbossi 10:54, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

I was relying on the x,y pixel coordinates from the previous image (left:190px; top:104px) but apparently those weren't relative to the image. I placed the dot based on this image of Reading's location I found in a google image search. —Jnk^[talk] 12:25, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

Looks good. Thanks! --Thisisbossi 21:01, 13 June 2006 (UTC)

Notable Residents

I am removing several names from this section which appear to have been added by anonymous users and I suspect that are vandalism/vanity. If someone provides a good reason why these people are renowned outside of Reading, then by all means post the reason and add them back in; but I will keep an eye out for potential vandals/vanity. If you're going to call yourself an actor, at least get a mention on IMDB -- that's why I'm OK with leaving Kelly Sebastian in the list, despite her thus-far small roles. --Thisisbossi 02:55, 22 November 2006 (UTC)

I was wondering if we should organize the notable residents by date of birth or last name. Either way, they need work. Also, maybe add Eric Scull of MuggleCast. --AnneliseW 13:29, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

Most other articles appear to sort alphabetically, so that approach should be safe. Skabat169 22:37, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

Jaid Barrymore needs to be removed, she was not a resident of Reading. It is widely known and was widely publish, in the 1980's when ET was released, that she was a one time resident of Allentown, Pa - 20 miles north of Reading. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.117.66.25 (talk) 21:38, 9 February 2008 (UTC)

I see that Chad Billingsley is now in the list. Berks county real estate records show Chad owning a property not in reading but rather South Heildelberg township. Here is the link to the property record.

http://ema.countyofberks.com/Parcel_Search/presentation/chameleon/results1.asp?nam=Billingsley —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.117.69.73 (talk) 23:15, 7 January 2009 (UTC)

Why does Brian Henion keep appearing as a notable person? He was not a standout football player, played at a little D3 school and has done nothing of significance in professional life.

Mike Pilot should be removed. Hosting a podcast hardly makes one notable, especially when you don't earn a living from that activity. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.235.40.202 (talk) 10:54, 19 September 2011 (UTC)

• Chip Kidd (b. 1964), book jacket designer at Knopf Publishing Group

is another one falsely listed as being a Reading Resident. Lincoln Park is a neighborhood in Spring Township, Pa. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.237.89.59 (talk) 16:12, 12 November 2013 (UTC)

References

Reads like a brochure

This article does not seem NPOV, it reads like a brochure written by the mayor's office. David s graff 14:18, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

What parts don't you like? It looks free of editorial comment to me.

Rawgreenbean 03:07, 26 December 2006 (UTC)

There was plenty, but I cut most of it. Needs more work. -- Butseriouslyfolks 04:02, 26 January 2007 (UTC)

Sorry for the vague complaint, but my boss had come in to tell me to stop working on Wikipedia at work. The article reads much better now. I'm taking off the NPOV sign.

Here's some information I would like to see: which neighborhoods of Reading are predominantly Hispanic?71.175.181.153 00:37, 15 March 2007 (UTC)

All are predominantly Hispanic, with the exception of Wyomissing Park area - around the museum. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.117.66.25 (talk) 21:01, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

If it reads like a brochure, then to me that means the individual that wrote this is really good at what he does on this website.--Kopicz (talk) 13:07, 29 November 2008 (UTC)

Greater Reading Area

If anyone feels that the Great Reading Area information should not be here on this page, then they should take the time to create a Wiki for the Greater Reading Area. And the truth shall set you free! 22:23, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Greater Reading Area is a media spin created by a Berks County Commissioner. Do you call townships surrounding Erie "Greater Erie". Please stick to facts. User:Dirtybirdy78

I assume you have proof that the Berks County Commissioners are behind this, right? No, I do not believe they refer to the area around Erie as the Greater Erie area, but there are other cities that do use the reference. For example: Pittsburgh (www.visitpittsburgh.com), Philadelphia (www.gophila.com), Miami (www.gmcvb.com/)

The fact is that the area around the city of Reading is directly affected by what goes on in the City of Reading, thus it is relevant material. If you have the time to create the new article you think it requires then do so and add a link to this page. If you have a problem with my opinion take it up with the Wiki Admins, otherwise I will continue to defend my position with facts. And the truth shall set you free! 22:23, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

Thanks to Dirty Birdy for creating the new page, but since it is related a reference in the Article was called for. I have added such a reference. It was nice to see you finally willing to compromise. And the truth shall set you free! 14:32, 10 April 2007 (UTC)

This whole page is full of factually inaccuracies. Many of the landmarks, employers, and other points of interest are not located within the municipal boundaries of the City of Reading. If this page is truly about the City of Reading then there is a serious clean up that needs to happen and not get reverted. One classic example is the Reading Hospital. Although the hospital has Reading in the name, it's actually based in West Reading (totally separate political entity). — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.237.89.59 (talk) 19:30, 1 August 2013 (UTC)

This is about Reading CITY; not the Reading area

This article contains an error. I'm not sure how to fix it, but Penn State Berks is not in Reading, it's in Spring Township. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.244.117.194 (talk) 10:01, 3 May 2007 (UTC)

Yep, you got it. Thanks! --Bossi (talk ;; contribs) 11:47, 3 May 2007 (UTC)

It seems like there is a lot of mixing the surrounding area with Reading City. In particular, the notable residents. Most of the notable resident are NOT residents of the city and never were. The argument of Wyomissing and Reading being similar because they border is a failed argument. This is like saying Manhattan and the Bronx are the same area because of a shared border, very much different places and different people. I think there is a lot of clean up that needs to be done, restricting the information to that which is specific to the city and not the surrounding area. March 2007 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.117.66.25 (talk) 21:07, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

Swift

Taylor Swift seems to be a point of disagreement on this page. Her wiki bio says that she was born in Reading, but grew up in Wyomissing. A quick look at the map shows that Wyomissing and Reading are contiguous. I assume that the hospital for this area is in Reading. What is the problem with including her on both pages? See Mike Mussina. Born in Williamsport but is from Montoursville. Williamsport and Montoursville lie in the same valley and are practically contiguous. It's not like someone is saying that Swift is from Allentown and Reading. So why not both? Dincher (talk) 01:34, 29 January 2008 (UTC)

the assumption is incorrect, Reading Hospital is actually in West Reading - a separate political entity. If you live in Wyomissing you would never tell someone you live in Reading. Reading is very much urban with urban problems, Wyomissing is an affluent area with much different issues and demographics. Just because the two share a small border does not mean they are on in the same. This hold true not just for Swift, most of the notable residents are not nor have been residents of the City of Reading. These individuals would be better placed in the towns where they actually lived or in the listing for Berks County, Pa. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.117.66.25 (talk) 21:12, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for the clarification! Dincher (talk) 21:49, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

An update on the Swift issue can be found here http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=116460 Can some clean this up and make a proper reference?

Taylor Swift has actually said she is from Reading, 55 seconds into this interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG2hANOUU2Y 85.197.139.129 (talk) 20:28, 7 July 2011 (UTC)

Swift is from Wyomissing, lived in Wyomissing, and went to Wyomissing schools. While most people say they're from Reading, it because it's the metro area and a place that can be found on the Map. In fact, the Reading hospital is not found within the city limits. If you really saw the city of Reading or have ever been here, you'd never get the two confused. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.92.98.89 (talk) 17:47, 12 July 2011 (UTC)

Do you have a source? A user, who seems to be from the area, specificly said "if you live in Wyomissing you would never tell someone you live in Reading". 85.197.139.129 (talk) 20:55, 12 July 2011 (UTC)

Yes, living here for 36 years is my source. Plus my nephew grew up with Swift before she moved to TN. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.235.38.101 (talk) 01:04, 27 July 2011 (UTC)

That's not a source, that's original research!!!!!

Again, the local newspaper calling it what it is "During Wyomissing native Taylor Swift's April 2007 bare-bones show at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center". But I guess the local newspaper, the one based in Reading couldn't possible get it right. I guess some of you just like wikipedia being full of inaccurate information.

http://readingeagle.com/Article.aspx?id=324760

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=185743

http://www.tv.com/taylor-swift/person/532085/summary.html

http://www.phillymag.com/arts_events/articles/exit_interview_taylor_swift

http://neworleans.backpage.com/TicketsForSale/taylor-swift-tickets-bossier-city-centurytel-center/4909739

http://www.biography.com/articles/Taylor-Swift-369608

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=326330

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=344863

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=518461 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.237.89.59 (talk) 12:32, 7 November 2013 (UTC)

http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/mc-cma-awards-20111110,0,193139.story — Preceding unsigned comment added by 174.55.181.10 (talk) 23:37, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

http://readingeagle.com/Article.aspx?id=338517 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.235.40.202 (talk) 11:04, 12 October 2011 (UTC)

http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/swift__taylor/bio.jhtml — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.92.98.89 (talk) 16:57, 9 August 2011 (UTC)

http://www.biography.com/people/taylor-swift-369608 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.147.237.11 (talk) 13:18, 11 November 2014 (UTC)

http://readingeagle.com/news/article/taylor-swift-superstar 174.60.62.7 (talk) 13:10, 7 December 2014 (UTC)

Why do we keep having to have this Swift debate every few months when someone comes along and keeps adding inaccurate information. Swift's career and life have been well documented by the local media, as seen above. Also, the Reading Eagle newspaper shows Swift's birth announcement in Reading Hospital (actually in West Reading) and her parents address (the recorder of deeds also confirms this with a public deed to the property) being in Cumru township. References coming shortly for that.174.60.34.171 (talk) 23:14, 11 November 2014 (UTC)

Well, Taylor Swift's page says specifically, with a link, that she was born in Reading. If you want to decrease the amount of reverts, then her name should be added to the correct articles and her own article should be corrected. Famartin (talk) 00:45, 12 November 2014 (UTC)

Or, maybe you should knock off the antics and reverts to factually inaccurate information. It's clearly documented above, but I guess that was something you ignored during all your reverts. Swift's page list both Reading and Wyomissing - oh and the page is conveniently locked as well. Again, her birth announcement shows her being born in a hospital not located in Reading, Pa. I'm much less concerned with Swift than I am the accuracy of the Reading Article. 205.147.237.11 (talk) 15:59, 12 November 2014 (UTC)

Its not antics. This is ONE encyclopedia, not a bunch of separate articles. It needs to be internally consistent. Anyway, since you refuse to make your own proper account, I made some adjustments to the Swift article to account to them. Though, why don't you have some guts and get a real account like the rest of us? Famartin (talk) 14:54, 7 December 2014 (UTC)

Rabbit novels

John Updike's Rabbit novels don't take place in Reading. They take place in the fictional town of Brewer. Just because it has some of the characteristics of Reading does not make it reading. It would be no more true to say Brewer=Reading than to say Batman's Gotham City=New York. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.246.73.209 (talk) 01:23, 18 April 2008 (UTC)

pictures?

There used to be some decent pictures of the actual city of reading here. Now, I haven't been back to Reading in a couple of months now, but since when was the Pagoda and a picture of the mountain from the Pagoda the only picture worthy things in Reading? Having grown up near the city, it's more than a tourist attraction, and I think some of the older pictures which showed the character of city (such as the old hotel building in downtown) should be put back in. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.101.238.238 (talk) 14:39, 30 April 2008 (UTC)

The Pagoda's pretty much the only thing left worth seeing. 64.9.27.98 (talk) 20:18, 30 October 2008 (UTC)

I think that the Old Fire Tower is also worth seeing. If I go up the mountain anytime soon, I will photograph the fire tower and upload it on to wiki for the use of this page. If there is not one already, I will even write a page on the fire tower, or someone else can, who is much better at writing up information, because it seems that any article I write gets rewriten by someone else.--Kopicz (talk) 13:13, 29 November 2008 (UTC)

Interesting contrast in crime

I found this 1915 New York Times story while looking for some info on crime in Reading. (It declared Reading the "safest" city in the United States, with a homicide rate of 1 in 100,000.) Our article barely mentions crime, even though Reading is infamous for vying with Philadelphia over the title of "most dangerous city in PA". It does seem like crime has been declining from the 20–30 murders/year peak in the early 2000s. —Mrwojo (talk) 05:27, 27 September 2009 (UTC)

Reading might be "infamous for vying with Philadelphia over the title of 'most dangerous city in PA,'" but that doesn't make it true. There are a number of jurisdictions in Eastern and Western PA that can claim that title even before Philadelphia, and Reading doesn't come close.

Furthermore, adding a section like this, particularly with such a tone, might not be a good idea anyway: [1] — Preceding unsigned comment added by Treeemont (talk • contribs) 15:00, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Domestic Architecture

Like its neighbouring city Allentown, Reading's central areas consist of many neighbourhoods of striking Victorian and turn-of-the-century row homes, quite different in style to Philadelphia, Baltimore and other cities which you would normally associate with row houses. The Wikipedia article on Allentown notes their architectural heritage and it would be nice to see Reading's page also cover this unique architectural legacy. --MichaelGG (talk) 05:51, 21 July 2010 (UTC)

Please Update Fire Department Information

Currently the Department operates with 7 Engine Companies, 3 Ladder Companies, 1 Rescue Company & 3 Paramedic Ambulances. Each shift is supervised by 1 deputy chief & 1 platoon chief. Firefighter manning is 2 firefighters or paramedics per unit. Paramedics are cross-trained as firefighter, and firefighters are cross-trained as Basic Emergency Medical Technicians. There is 1 EMS Lt. supervising EMS operations, as well as 1 fire Lt. on board the Rescue truck.

The address of Rescue 1 & Tower 1 is "PLUM" & Franklin streets. The platoon chief is also quartered there.

Engines 5 & 14 are located at Southwest Station, 101 Lancaster Ave

The department responded to over 22,000 emergency calls in 2010.

174.49.184.164 (talk) 21:12, 10 March 2011 (UTC)Reading Firefighter Jason Batz174.49.184.164 (talk) 21:12, 10 March 2011 (UTC)

References

13th Street Education

The article states that "It is possible to get a complete education, from kindergarten through college, on 13th Street." This is no longer true since Reading High was split into two schools: Reading Senior High School and Reading Intermediate High School. This happened in 2011 and was due to school crowding. The intermediate high school's address is 12th Street, although the back field of the property runs along 13th Street. So, should that statement on this article remain?Joel amos (talk) 21:02, 25 May 2011 (UTC)

Opening sentence

"Reading ( /ˈrɛdɪŋ/ red-ing) is a very poor city in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA, and seat of Berks County." Seriously? Fixing that right away. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Treeemont (talk • contribs) 14:40, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Update: This just in from the NYT. I never said it wasn't poor. Perhaps this is worth inserting, just not in the opening. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Treeemont (talk • contribs) 17:46, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Reading, UK

Does this city gets its name - or is there any other relation - to Reading (a city-sized town) in the county of Berkshire, in the UK? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Berkshire I wondered because of the double correlation of the town name and county name. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.130.252.117 (talk) 10:23, 7 April 2012 (UTC)

Yes, This area of Pennsylvania was laid out by British, German, and Sweedish settlers. In addition to Reading there are other towns/area derived from English cities (Exter, Lancaster, Bristol, Devon, Plymouth, and more.) Likewise, there are many areas/towns in PA that share a name with German areas/towns. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.163.178.241 (talk) 21:05, 28 February 2013 (UTC)

Reading Buccaneers

Would it be inappropriate to include a reference to the Reading Buccaneers drum and bugle corps here? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Justie1220 (talk • contribs) 17:55, 27 March 2013 (UTC)

Depends on where "here" is. That entity appears to be notable enough to have its own article, so if you can find a relevant place to mention them in this article, I wouldn't think it would be inappropriate. Other editors may disagree, of course. (Note that I said "mention", not "devote significant space to".) Rivertorch (talk) 18:18, 27 March 2013 (UTC)

Main Photo Caption

Why does the main photo read "View of The Ghetto"? This should be flagged for vandalism. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Jmeola75 (talk • contribs) 16:02, 10 November 2014 (UTC)

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good

Can't be both

In one place this article says the town is named after the Reading Railroad, then later it says it's named after the town of Reading, England. 8.9.85.28 (talk) 05:26, 17 January 2023 (UTC)

The city was not named after the railroad; it was founded 85 years before the railroad was. 2601:41:4200:BE:6155:A0EB:D30D:B6A5 (talk) 16:29, 17 January 2023 (UTC)

1976 in the 19th century?

I propose moving the entire paragraph beginning "Following more than a century of prosperity..." from the 19th Century section to the 20th Century section. I'll hold off for a little while to see if there's any feedback here. Dgndenver (talk) 06:29, 4 July 2023 (UTC)

Taylor Swift

Should Taylor Swift be in the Notable people list? She was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, not Reading. Aminabzz (talk) 20:32, 14 August 2023 (UTC)

There is already a discussion post about this from 8 years ago. BigCheddah (talk) 04:36, 12 October 2023 (UTC)