Customer Reviews

The Book of Bern, A History of Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania 1738-1988

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Review by: George Meiser IX
Historical Society of Berks County PA

"The Book of Bern, A History of Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, 1738-1988" is again available!

This is a book of true substance. It's well indexed, has 325+ pages, and is handsomely hardbound. Moreover, it has been reformatted to make it more user friendly. Most of the views were rescanned to bring out detail in the photographs.
And best of all, you can actually read the maps.

Unlike some township histories that were prepared in years gone by, this is not a superficial overview of the area.
It contains a GREAT DEAL of depth---and illustrations of value.
Like the recently issued Muhlenberg Twp. history, those involved in the project really went digging, so that impressive quantities of fresh new material was unearthed for posterity.

These chapter titles give an idea of what is presented:
First occupants, early settlers, first taxables,
family histories:
(Baer/Barr/Bare....Blatt....Cullum....Epler....Herbein...Hiester....
Kauffman....Kissinger....Kramer....Kramer.... Leinbach....
Reeser/Rieser....Reichenbach...Rick....Stoudt)

historic homes, along the Schuylkill (good canal info and photos), along the Tulpehocken, early occupations, hotels, churches, schools, county properties, Reading Airport, ghosts, clubs and organizations, the township, soldiers of Bern, businesses, the Bern Song, maps, etc.

Content-wise, this volume ranks as one of the best township histories ever prepared.
Those really into local history will value the photographs, as there are some real gems interwoven within the text. The original Fairview Hotel and lock-tender's shanty at Buck's Lock come instantly to mind.

After centuries of Native American habitation, the Township of Bern was settled by German farmers and established by 1738. Initially encompassing most of north-central Berks County, the history of this area echos many of the historical themes in much of southeastern Pennsylvania.

This book delves into great detail on early families and taxables, historic architecture, the Schuylkill and Union Canals, mills, schools, and churches amoung other things. It also addresses the relatively newer aspects of the Reading Airport, Berks County properties, Blue Marsh Lake, and local business that were active during the first printing for the 250th year celebration of its founding. Now in its third edition, fully indexed, with additional maps, photos, and new format, this book provides an exceptional example of what a group of dedicated citizens can do who care about the special place that they live in.

I highly recommend this book not just to armchair enthusiasts, but to professional Historians who work in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Geneologists from around the country, and people interested in visiting the Schuylkill River State and National Heritage Area.