Reading, PA – September 9, 2023 – A remarkable piece of brewing history has resurfaced in Reading, Pennsylvania; Chad Campbell, a dedicated local breweriana collector and owner of the website www.brewaf.com recently uncovered a large metal building facade sign dating back to 1886. This relic once adorned the front of the Reading Brewery’s brew house. This nostalgic find offers a fascinating glimpse into the past of Reading’s most iconic brewery.
The Reading Brewing Company, established in the same year as the sign’s creation, 1886, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and beer enthusiasts alike. The discovery of this sign has sparked excitement among collectors and local historians eager to piece together the brewery’s rich history.
The individual responsible for this extraordinary find was a gentleman by the name of John, who as a 14-year-old kid, lived near the brewery. Chad was able to get in touch with John through a friend who visited Chad’s Antique Stand at Booth A88 (behind door 72 in the back) at the Renninger’s Antique Market located in Adamstown, PA.
John fondly reminisced to Chad about his youth, he recalled that when the brewery ceased operations and closed its doors in 1976, he would frequently pass by the site on his way to and from school. His daily routine soon took on a mission as he kept a vigilant eye on the 1886 sign that adorned the brewery’s exterior.
Patience and persistence paid off when on one fateful day, John noticed that the sign had been dislodged during the demolition of the brewery building. Undeterred by the mangled state of the sign, he meticulously sifted through the rubble to retrieve the 1886 lettering and most of the metal backing. The sign remained astonishingly intact; on the back of the sign bears remnants of brick and mortar it was once firmly affixed to on the building’s exterior.
The 1886 sign isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a piece of our history, a symbol of the area’s brewing legacy. I watched over it for years, and when the moment came to save it from the rubble, I knew I was rescuing a part of Reading’s past. It’s more than just a sign; it’s a connection to the generations of hardworking people who crafted great beer here in Reading, Pennsylvania. I hope its story will inspire others to cherish and preserve our local history.
– John
The sign’s recovery opens doors to explore the brewery’s role in shaping Reading’s rich beer and brewing culture over the years. The Reading Brewing Company, a pioneering brewery in the region that boasted a rich brewing tradition. The rediscovery of this 1886 sign is nothing short of a treasure trove for breweriana enthusiasts and local historians alike.
In the world of breweriana collecting, such a find is considered exceptionally rare and invaluable. The sign’s preservation offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between past and present, allowing a deeper understanding of Reading’s brewing heritage. The sign serves as a reminder of the rich brewing traditions that have woven through the fabric of Reading, PA, for over a century.
This remarkable discovery invites us all to raise a glass in honor of the past while celebrating the enduring spirit of preservation that keeps history alive in our hearts and minds.
Below are a few images of the sign and old photos of the brewery:
