Imagine yourself living in Reading in the 1800s: watching horse-drawn carriages traveling down Centre Avenue and railways connecting one end of the city to the other. It was around this time in history that Centre Avenue experienced a boom in development, transforming into the posh location for wealthy industrialists looking to build up the residential area. The emergence and expansion of trolley services helped the area flourish. With this progression and more people moving to the area, the neighborhoods saw an increase in social activities. Neighbors gathered for dinner parties and more, creating a close-knit comradery. This same neighborhood togetherness is still alive today in the Centre Park Historic District.
One aspect of what makes this area special is the people who care for it so deeply. Years ago, a group with a passion for the neighborhood collected signatures from nearly 70 percent of residents in an effort to designate the area an established historic district. Soon after going through the official avenues of approval, the Centre Park Historic District, which we celebrate today in its 40th year, came to life in 1982. Executive Director Mike Lauter says, “Those same people then formed a neighborhood organization, which later became incorporated, and we’ve been an established neighborhood organization ever since.”
Organization members stay busy holding events and activities, from garden tours and neighborhood walk-throughs to the annual Christmas house tour, promoting the area and encouraging community involvement in the neighborhood. Other events include community meetings which bring special guest speakers, such as Reading’s mayor, to discuss important topics and to hold open discussions for the community. Lauter remarks, “We are a diverse community and a welcoming community. We welcome the diversity that we have. It’s something that’s been at our core.” Board member Tadd Casner continues, “The LGBT Center of Reading has recently moved into the neighborhood as well. Since 2007, the Reading Pride Celebration takes place every year right in the park, and that draws hundreds and hundreds of people into the neighborhood.”
IT’S A CELEBRATION!
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Centre Park Historic District, Inc., a video archive of the past 40 years of Centre Park was carefully curated. Highlighted are interviews with past and present board members, residents of the district and a few founding members of Centre Park. The video also speaks to why Centre Park was formed. Photos, videos and newspaper articles on Centre Park from the past 40 years are combined into this celebratory anniversary reel. And you can set up your lawn chairs and enjoy viewing this piece of history right in the park where it all began. Look for details to come. Other related events will be held throughout the year such as the 40th anniversary gala taking place at the Inn at Centre Park in October. For more info visit centreparkhistoricdistrict.org/events.
Fun Facts
History for sale. The Artifacts Bank contains architectural salvage for sale from buildings dating to 1950 and older, such as stained-glass windows, doorknobs and other structural pieces.
A Natural Landmark. In the 1800s, a tulip poplar tree was planted in front of the Wilhelm Mansion, known today as the Inn at Centre Park. This tree still stands tall and proud.
