Informational Resources

THE READING PAGODA:  THE SYMBOL OF THE CITY FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY

The Reading Pagoda is an historic  public observatory that draws people to its inspirational setting and thirty-mile panoramic views from all over the world.  

HISTORIC TIMELINE

1906 - On August 10th the Reading Eagle announces Quarry owner William Abbott Whitman will build a luxury resort “building similar to a Japanese pagoda” on the site of his former quarry, using its stone.

1908 - The construction of the luxury resort is complete, but the liquor license is denied, dissolving plans to open.

1910 - The Farmer’s National Bank forecloses the property.  Jonathan Mould, a former director of the bank purchases the property and 10 surrounding acres to save the bank from a loss.

1911 - On April 21, Mould and his wife, Julia, present the Pagoda to the City of Reading.  The Pagoda has been under the care of the City of Reading and its residents since receiving this gift. 

Read more about the History of the Pagoda from the Berks History Center.