[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14700]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE READING PAGODA

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 2008

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join the residents of 
Reading, Pennsylvania in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 
City's most recognizable landmark.
  The Reading Pagoda has stood on roughly 10 acres on the southern tip 
of Mount Penn overlooking Reading since 1908. The seven- story, red 
brick and tile building is usually the first thing that catches the 
eyes of visitors as they cross the Penn Street Bridge leading into 
downtown Reading. At night, the glow of the Pagoda's red lights 
transform the building into a beacon easily seen for miles.
  Most visitors are curious about why a building associated with 
Japanese culture is in the middle of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. A 
postcard from the Philippines with a pagoda on it inspired William 
Abbott Witman Sr. to build one in Reading at a cost of $50,000. In 
1911, the City of Reading purchased the Pagoda for $1 after plans to 
open a luxury resort in the building fell through.
  Today, the Pagoda remains a proud symbol of Reading thanks to the 
dedication and countless hours of work by members of Pagoda Skyline 
Inc. This group of private citizens uses donations to maintain the 
building and grounds and organizes events, such as the planting of 
perennials each spring.
  Pagoda Skyline will help the City mark the 100th Anniversary of the 
Pagoda on Saturday, July 12, 2008 during a car show atop Mount Penn.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in 
congratulating the City of Reading and Pagoda Skyline Inc. on the 
historic anniversary of the treasured Pagoda.

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