Click images to enlarge
Description
Here's some info on the company:
Reading Brewing Company was an American brewery established by Philip Bessinger in 1886. Headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, it ceased operations in 1976. On August 9, 1886, "stockholders of the Reading Brewing Company met ... at Bissinger's Cafe, for the purpose of effecting a permanent organization." Henry S. Eckert, Garrett B. Stevens, and Lewis Kemp were then elected as presidemt, secretary, and treasurer, respectively, while Philip Bissinger and George Pohlig were appointed as general manager and superintendent. The board's Committee on Subscription reported that "over three-fourths of the capital stock" of the company was already "subscribed," and the paperwork for the company's application for a charter was completed in anticipation of its submission to state government officials the next day. The president and general manager were then authorized to "proceed at once in making preparations for the erection of [the company's new brewery] buildings." Construction began the next morning at 9th and Laurel streets in Reading at 7 a.m. During its early years of operation, the Reading Brewing Company owned Mt. Penn Park, and produced a Pennsylvania Dutch Lager at a volume of 1,200 barrels per year. Before the turn of the century, the brewery was able to increase production so significantly that it was able to turn out approximately 50,000 barrels of beer per year, beginning in 1891. In 1901, local newspapers reported that "James Haring, driver of team No. 1, of the Reading Brewing Company, was the first brewery driver to deliver with a sleigh" on the snowy morning of January 31. In late October 1902, The Reading Eagle reported that the company "just completed extensive improvements to its plant at 9th and Laurel, which will give it a largely increased output." Noting that "no money has been spared in the improvements" and that "the plant today is as well equipped as any in the country for its size," the newspaper added that the "company's business has steadily advanced, owing to the improved quality of its beer," and that the company "does a large local trade" with a product that "is popular with the public." Among the improvements made that year, the kettle and fermenting tank capacity were both enlarged, a "new automatic weighing and counting machine" was "put in for the measuring of malt," and an improved keg washing machine and a cyclone filter mass washer where were installed, as were a "Colby automatic racker," a "Theurer filter with 20 cells," and "a new electric beer pressure regulating pump," which were expected to double the racking room's capacity. In addition, "Pawling & Harnischfeger, of Milwaukee, put in a model pitching machine, which pitches beer kegs, and is a labor saving arrangement." And the company also built a new beer storage facility across the street, and was in mid-construction of a new office building that would include a counting room and a directors' room. In 1918, the company's attorney, Joseph R. Dickinson, brought suit against the Muhlenberg Brewing Company for its failure to pay the Reading Brewing Company for its purchase of $1,396.53 of "beer, ale, porter and other brewery products." Even bigger challenges began for the company in 1920 with the start of Prohibition in the United States. On October 27, 1923, The Reading Eagle's front page carried the headline, "Beer Dumped Into Sewers Blows Off Manholes, Floods Two Streets: Populace Rushes to Scene with Kettles, Bottles and Pans for Free Refreshments." Beginning at 8:45 a.m. that morning, U.S. Treasury Department agent D.D. Gough began carrying out orders to destroy twenty-six of the company's 250-gallon tanks of beer in order to facilitate the brewery's sale to George W. Green of the Reading Tobacco Company. From 1934 to 1951, the company ran a "retro" advertising campaign that appealed to consumers' nostalgia for simpler times. Seven years later, Reading Brewing was forced to rebrand due to flagging sales. Adopting the slogan, "The Friendly Beer for Modern People," it then reversed its slump and continued to post strong sales figures into the early 1970s. In 1976, the Reading Brewing Company ceased operations due to increasing pressure from larger macro brewers. The company's last day of operation was April 15, 1976. Its brand and label were then purchased shortly afterwards by C. Schmidt & Sons. The brand changed hands several times until 1999, when it was again retired. In 2006, the label was revived by Legacy Brewing, which went on to produce original recipes from the revitalized brewery until 2009 when the label and its recipes were sold to Ruckus Brewing.
This is an ORIGINAL item, NOT A REPRODUCTION item! Postage information is listed at the bottom-$ 4.95 postage is required.
Payment
We accept Paypal payments.
Shipping
We will try and combine shipping on multiple purchases wherever possible. Please e-mail us with auction item numbers before sending payment. However, if the items are heavy or require special packing / tracking, the postal rates might not be significantly reduced. We no longer ship overseas first class mail. We will only ship Internationally by Priority Mail, and that starts at $30.00. So please be aware that we NO LONGER SHIP FIRST CLASS MAIL INTERNATIONALLY unless seller agrees to ship by USPS Priority mail at an increased rate. Postage rates are non-negotiable and non-refundable. We pack every item professionally using new packing materials and appropriate mailing supplies. We send all items via US Postal Service.The U.S.Postal service rates change fairly regularly every year and we don't make money on postage like some other ebay sellers. I think you'll find that we're quite fair. Thank-you!
Terms of Sale
I try and place a penny in every photo to help judge the size of the item, obviously it is there for size comparison and is not included with the item. The standard sized Lincoln head penny in the photograph is there for size comparison ONLY and is not included in the package. We're just trying to help you figure out how big the item is. We try and always be as accurate as we can in the item description and will gladly answer any question about item size & description when needed. Please e-mail us with any questions BEFORE the end of sale and BEFORE placing a bid. Postage is determined by the U.S. Postal service and is never refundable. Many of the items are VINTAGE and although they are in very fine condition, they may not function as well as when they were made decades ago. So if you intend on using the old item, please be aware that we are selling it for collector value only. In other words, if you intend on using a 50+ year old letter opener and it breaks, don't get mad at us. It may be hard to believe, but we have received a couple negatives because people broke vintage items while trying to use them.
About Us
Our Mission statement: We try to offer Ebay users unique additions to their collections. We comb the antique stores & malls as well as Antique shows & flea markets from Coast-to-coast in an effort to try and find that special addition to your collection. We travel hundreds of miles and wake up with the sun in search of these items. We truly have a love for our hobby / business. Please be aware of the postage rates BEFORE you bid! We pack professionally and do not try and make money off of postage. We generally charge the same postal rate that the US Post Office charges us. We'll respect you, but please respect us as well. Thanks & happy bidding to you! Good Luck!
Contact Us
Please e-mail us with any questions BEFORE the end of sale and BEFORE placing a bid. Postage is determined by the U.S. Postal service and is never refundable. Please be aware of the postage rates BEFORE you bid! We pack professionally and do not try and make money off of postage.
