It has been justly observed, that Reading is distinguished for the number of its societies, and the facility with which a society, for any purpose, may be started. An incredible number of associations have at one time or another had an existence, some of which were of an absurd or ludicrous character. A large portion of them, however, were as readily abandoned as they were inconsiderately formed; insomuch that now, when a new association is announced, it is scarcely expected to sustain more than an ephemeral existence. This, however, is not the case with all;—a part of those that were valuable, have survived for a number of years; and a few perhaps that are not of much value.
In enumerating the societies of Reading, I shall follow the excellent classification of a writer in the Berks and Schuylkill Journal whom I have already had occasion to quote:—"In Reading," he says, "we have now, or have had, the Masonic Fraternity and the Dorcas Society. The Red Men and the Soup Society. The Native Men and the Female Coterie. The Odd Fellows and the Sewing Society. The Masonic Fraternity and the Maternal Association. The Concert Club and the Tea Party jollifications. The Garrick Association and the Thespian Board. The Benevolent Society and the Free Trades Union."—The Franklin, Cordwainers, and Berks County Beneficial Societies. The Cabinet, Youth's Institute, Junior Association, Apprentice's Company, Mechanics' Institute, Mechanics' and Workingmen's Society, William Penn Institute, besides Bible, Education, Missionary Sabbath School, Tract, Temperance, Colonization, Debating and other Societies.
A large number of the above societies are long since defunct; and many more are in a very sickly condition. A few of them deserve a more particular notice.
Masonic Fraternity.—The following account of this institution in Reading, was politely furnished by a gentleman who stands high in the Order. "The Masonic Order, was established in Reading as early as 1794, under a warrant from the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The late William Bell, Esq. had the honor of being its first presiding officer.—Lodge No. 69, has ever embraced in its members some of the most respectable persons of Reading, and the county of Berks. There are now eighty-eight active members of the Lodge, besides a number of honorary members.—Chapter No. 152, holds its warrant from the Right Worshipful Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania. This body is also in a very flourishing condition.—The members of the Order contemplate erecting a Masonic Temple for their greater convenience, and the ornament of the Borough."
The Garrick Association of Reading.—This Dramatic Association was formed several years ago, and has been continued in operation with a good share of prosperity to the present time. They have a hall in the old academy building, neatly fitted up and furnished for their performances. The society numbers about twenty members—all young men of the borough of Reading, of very respectable families and good standing in society.
The Cabinet.—This association was formed about three years ago. Its design was to promote research and diffuse information upon scientific subjects, through the medium of lectures by the members. A small, but well chosen, chemical and other apparatus, and a collection of minerals, were obtained; and the exertions of the association have been attended with interest and profit, to the members and others. Lectures are delivered regularly every Thursday evening during the fall and winter, and meetings for the transaction of business are held once a month during the remainder of the year. Several members have occasionally assisted in lecturing, but this duty has fallen principally upon Dr. J.P. Hiester, whose lectures and experiments upon chemistry have proved peculiarly interesting to the young, to whose interest and apprehension he has the happy faculty of explaining the most abstruse parts of the science.
William Penn Institute.—This association has been in existence several years, under the name of the Junior Association. A short time since, the plan and constitution of the society were somewhat altered, and the present title adopted. It is composed principally of clerks in our stores, and young mechanics, and embraces a large number of young men, who are anxious for their own and each other's intellectual improvement. The debates of this society are held weekly in a convenient room, which they have elegantly furnished for their use, and which also serves them as a reading room. They have the present season got up a course of popular lectures, delivered by eminent men of this and other places, the avails of which are to be appropriated to increasing the library of the Institution.
Mechanic's Institute.—This Society was formed between one and two years ago, and is composed chiefly of mechanics and apprentices. Feeling the importance of mental cultivation to them as men and members of society, and acknowledging their deficiencies in this respect, they associated themselves with the view of promoting their mutual improvement. They are organized under an appropriate constitution and by-laws, to which strict obedience is rendered. Debates, Lectures, Essays and Recitations are among their weekly exercises, and are conducted with a zeal and good feeling honorable to the members, and ensuring a high degree of success in the object for which they are associated. The formation of a library is embraced in the plan of this society.
There are three libraries in Reading, one German and two English.
The German Library contains a large number of well selected works, but is not at the present time open to the use of the public. It is said that the Company is indebted to two or three individuals who have adopted the course of sequestering the library for the security of their money. How long this valuable collection of books will be suffered to remain in its present precarious condition, or what disposition will finally be made of it, it is difficult to conjecture.
The Reading Library, is a large collection, containing many valuable and standard works. There are however entirely too many novels; and a, large portion of the other works are rather ancient. These however are valuable, and if some of the trashy novels and romances were cleared from the shelves, and their places supplied with judiciously chosen modern works, this would become a most excellent library.
Franklin Library.-This library was formed to supply a want that had been for many years seriously felt in Reading, of some collection of useful books, which, by the low terms of access, might be placed within the reach of all, especially of the young, who have a desire to lead. The expense of membership is only fifty-cents a year, which admits the individual to the use of a choice selection of about two hundred volumes—all useful and instructive works. This trifling sum may be easily afforded by every person, and serves, through mere force of the idea of possessing a share, to give the members a greater interest in the library, and make them more likely to improve its benefits, than if admission were gratuitous;—and at the same time, being carefully applied to the purchase of new books, it is sufficient to procure, in the course of a few years, an extensive and most valuable library. This institution has been in operation a little more than a year, and from the number of members and the extent to which the books are read, it seems to be well answering the purpose for which it was designed.
Besides the above, there is a Circulating Library, kept by Mr. Harper, There are a good many excellent books in this collection, but a much larger share of novels and other light reading; and, unfortunately, this is the portion most read.
Submitted by: Nancy.
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