Geography: Reading

A glass bottle from the Mendelsohn Bottling Works in Reading, Pennsylvania. The bottle dates from circa 1875. The bottle is part of the Judaica Americana collection.

Cast iron ash tray modeled as a book. The cover reads, "C CY COHEN IF ITS; INSURANCE I CAN PLACE IT...NOTARY PUBLIC" and "8TH & WASH STREETS". Undated.

This archival item is an advertisement for Philip Rosenbaum's men's furnishings store located at 7th and Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The advertisement, likely dating from the 1890s, features a photograph of the store and mentions "Great Handle Bar Moustache." The advertisement is in English. The physical location of the archival material is Arc.MS.56, Box 5, Folder 12.

A drawing depicting a stained glass window, executed by J. M. Kase & Co. The drawing notes that it was a gift from Aaron and Oscar Straus, founders of Macy's. The drawing is undated, but based on contextual information, it likely dates from the early to mid-20th century. The work's geographic context is Reading, Pennsylvania.

A drawing depicting a stained glass window design for Temple Oheb Shoam in Reading, Pennsylvania. Created by J. M. Case & Co. on July 24, 1930. The drawing shows the final design for the stained glass window execution. Two drawings are present on a single board.

A broadside advertisement for Rosenbaum's Star Clothing House, located at 702 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The broadside was printed by an Austrian, possibly a relative of the artist Ben Austrian. The date is unknown, but the provided metadata suggests around 1890.

A broadside advertisement for Stein's Drug Store in Reading, Pennsylvania, dated circa 1900. The broadside lists drugs and their prices for both human and animal use. Printed on thin yellow paper.

A business letter dated October 17, 1892, from D. Rosenbaum in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Porter Bros. & Co. Rosenbaum requests a sample dozen pants buttons, indicating an intention to sell them door-to-door.

A letter written by Herman Katz of 118 Prince Street, New York, New York, to J. B. Mercer in Reading, Pennsylvania, on April 5, 1893. The letter concerns the offer of buttons.

Trade card for the Berks County Clothing Store owned by Solomon Levi, located at 652 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card is undated, but circumstantial evidence suggests a date around 1885. Information about Solomon Levi's family and their burials is included on the card's reverse.

This trade card advertises the Union Clothing House owned by Daniel Epstein. The front of the card features a whimsical illustration of birds comically trying on shoes. The style of the illustration suggests a late 19th-century aesthetic. The back of the card contains the full advertisement for the Union Clothing House, located at 816 Penn Street, below the Farmers Market, in Reading, Pennsylvania. The back of the card also includes the address. [The provided text also includes a newspaper clipping about the death of Mrs. Julia Epstein, widow of Captain Daniel Epstein, a Civil War veteran. The Abe Golden Post, 170, Jewish War Veterans of the United States, honored Captain Daniel Epstein at Mt. Sinai Cemetery in 1938.]

This trade card advertises B. Levin's, a clothing store located in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features an illustration of a girl holding a cat. The girl is wearing a colorful dress and a large, pink hat. The illustration is surrounded by decorative borders and typography. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Levi, a clothier located in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features an illustration of a fairy holding a rose, a common design motif in the late 19th century. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Solomon Levi's Clothing House, located at 652 Penn Avenue in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a rose and a picturesque country scene. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Solomon Levi's clothing and furnishing business located at 652 Penn Ave., Reading, PA. The front of the card features an illustration of a baby lying in a crib. The name 'William Umbenhauer' and the word 'Salesman' are also visible on the front of the card, suggesting a connection to the business. The back of the card contains a full advertisement for Solomon Levi. [Solomon Levi is buried in the Jewish Cemetery in Reading. His first wife, Amelia née Sundheim, died September 25, 1880, at the age of 32 and was buried at the Hebrew Cemetery on Neversink Mt. in Reading. She was survived by Solomon, a son of about 9 years old, and a daughter of about 6 years old. The 1880 census lists Hannah Sondheim as Amelia's sister; she married her widowed brother-in-law, Solomon, after Amelia's death. Hannah and Solomon had one son, Abraham, in 1886.]

This trade card for S. Weil, a clothing merchant located at 521 Penn Avenue, Reading, Pennsylvania, features a black and white comical illustration. The card's front displays a comical illustration, most likely of Mr. Weil. The back of the card includes a biography of S. Weil. He is described as a member of numerous organizations and an independent voter.

Trade card advertising Solomon Levi's clothing store in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card depicts a boy playing ball with a dog and the text "READING'S CHEAPEST CLOTHIER". The card is circa 1885.

Trade card advertising L. Goldberg & Co., a clothing retailer located at 537 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features an image of a child in a bonnet and the text "NEW ONE PRICE" RELIABLE CLOTHING HOUSE." The reverse side contains a full advertisement. Circa 1885.

This trade card advertises the business of Solomon Levi, located at 652 Penn Ave., Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features an illustration of cats in a basket.  Below the illustration, the text indicates the address. The name "William Umbenhauer" appears, possibly identifying a salesman. The back of the card contains a full advertisement. [Solomon Levi is buried in the Jewish Cemetery in Reading, Pennsylvania. His first wife, Amelia née Sundheim, died September 25, 1880, at the age of 32 and was buried at the Hebrew Cemetery on Neversink Mt. in Reading. She was survived by Solomon, a son of about 9, and a daughter of about 6. The 1880 census shows that Hannah Sondheim was Amelia's sister. After Amelia's death, Hannah married her widowed brother-in-law, Solomon, and they had a son, Abraham, in 1886.]

This trade card advertises Rosenbaum, a millinery store located at the southeast corner of 7th and Penn Streets in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a die-cut design of leaves in the shape of a hat. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Solomon Levi, a clothing merchant located at 652 Penn Ave. in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features an image of roses and the name of a salesman, William Umbenhauer. The back of the card contains a full advertisement for Solomon Levi's business. [Solomon Levi is buried in the Jewish Cemetery. His first wife, Amelia née Sundheim, died September 25, 1880, at the age of 32 and is buried at the Hebrew Cemetery on Neversink Mt. in Reading. She was survived by Solomon, a son of about 9, and a daughter of about 6. The 1880 census lists Hannah Sondheim as Amelia's sister; Hannah married Solomon after Amelia's death and they had a son, Abraham, in 1886.]

This trade card advertises Solomon Levi, a clothier located at 652 Penn Ave., Reading, Pennsylvania. [Solomon Levi was buried in the Jewish Cemetery of Reading. His first wife, Amelia nee Sundheim, died September 25, 1880, at the age of 32. She was buried at the Hebrew Cemetery on Neversink Mt. in Reading. She was survived by Solomon and a son, who was about 9, and a daughter, who was about 6. Solomon later married his deceased wife's sister, Hannah Sondheim. Hannah and Solomon had one son, Abraham, in 1886]. The card features a fan with a bird, likely meant to represent the business name, 'Solomon Levi'. The text on the card indicates that the business is located 'just below 7th Street'. The back of the card features a listing of electoral votes.

This trade card advertises L. Levi's, a clothier located at 324 Penn Ave., Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a pink shoe filled with flowers. The design suggests this store sold women's clothing. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises L. Levi's, a clothier located at 324 Penn Avenue, Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features an illustration of an elaborate floral arrangement, a bouquet of flowers, placed inside a purple shoe. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises B. Levin's clothing store located at 317 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features an illustration of a girl sitting on a bench with a dog. The back of the card advertises the store with text, including the name 'Morris Levin, Manager'. The back of the card includes the phrase 'Men, Boys, Philadelphia Clothing House.'

This trade card advertises Heilman's, a clothing store located at 604 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features a stylish illustration of a young woman in a green dress with a white lace collar and a green hat. Her brown tie and mittens add a touch of elegance to her ensemble. The text on the card mentions a 'new store' and indicates that it is located next to Dive, Pomeroy, and Stewart, suggesting nearby businesses. The back of the card is not visible in the image.

This trade card advertises Solomon Levi, a clothing and furnishing merchant located at 652 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a colorful illustration of three kittens nestled inside a woven trunk. [Solomon Levi was buried in the Jewish Cemetery. His first wife, Amelia née Sundheim, died on September 25, 1880, at the age of 32. She was buried at the Hebrew Cemetery on Neversink Mountain in Reading. She was survived by Solomon, a son about 9 years old, and a daughter about 6 years old. The 1880 census shows that Hannah Sondheim was the sister of Amelia Sondheim Levi. After Amelia's death, Hannah married her widowed brother-in-law, Solomon. Hannah and Solomon had one son, Abraham, in 1886.] The back of the card provides a full advertisement and price list.

This trade card advertises Solomon Levi's clothing store. The front of the card (Image 1) features a simple design with a branch of red roses and the address, 652 Penn Street. The back of the card (Image 2) is a full advertisement for "Men's, Boys', Youths', and Children's Clothing." The design suggests a late 19th-century aesthetic. [Solomon Levi is buried in the Jewish Cemetery in Reading. His first wife, Amelia née Sundheim, died September 25, 1880, at age 32 and was buried in the Hebrew Cemetery on Neversink Mt. in Reading. She was survived by Solomon, a son of about 9, and a daughter of about 6. In 1880, Hannah Sondheim, Amelia's sister, is listed in the census. After Amelia's death, Hannah married her widowed brother-in-law, Solomon, and they had a son, Abraham, in 1886.]

This trade card advertises Henry Heilman, a ladies and misses cloak and suit dealer in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features an illustration of a girl in a pink dress and a blue overdress, with a matching hat. She is standing with a pug dog. The scene appears to take place on a fall day, possibly in a park. There are trees in the background. The back of the card is blank.

Trade card advertising the clothing, hats, and gentlemen's furnishings business of S. Weil, located at 521 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features an illustration of a girl and is dated circa 1885. The card is one of two in the collection.

This trade card advertises S. Weil's clothing store in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features a young boy wearing a blue jacket with a yellow and orange scarf. The text on the card indicates that S. Weil sells clothing, hats, caps, and gentlemen's furnishings. The address is 521 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. [Mr. Weil was unmarried and a member of Temple Oheb Sholem. He was a charter member of Reading Aerie, No. 66, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, one of the founders of the Eagles' Mountain Home, and a member of several other social and charitable organizations. He was an independent voter.]

This trade card advertises Henry Loeb, a clothier located at 346 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a stylized illustration of a child sitting in a fancy chair. The child is dressed in a striped dress with a red hat and is smoking. The child has a feather in her hat, a white collar, and white cuffs. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises the business of Henry Loeb, a clothier located at 346 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features a simple illustration of two dogs playing. One dog is attached to a post. There is no text on the card other than the address and the store's name. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Cohn & Goldman's Bon Ton Millinery Store in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card showcases a charming illustration of a stylishly dressed young woman in a fancy hat and dress. She is depicted holding flowers, and her attire is predominantly pinkish-red. The illustration is likely from the late 19th century, reflecting the fashion trends of the era.  The address, 436 Penn St., is prominently displayed. The back of the card features a poem, specifically written 'For Ladies Only'.

This trade card advertises Traugott & Goldman's Bon Ton Millinery Store, located at 436 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a charming illustration of a young woman standing in the water with a sailboat in the background. She is wearing a large, straw hat. The back of the card is blank, although the description notes that the full advertisement appears there.

This trade card advertises Rosenbaum's, a clothing store located at 702 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features an illustration of a house situated in a wooded scene. Two people are depicted talking in the foreground. The back of the card is blank. The trade card is printed on a cream colored cardstock, with black ink.

This trade card advertises Solomon Levi's clothing store in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card (Image 1) depicts a young girl in a pink dress holding a dog wearing a white collar. The text 'Headquarters for Ready-Made Clothing, Bargains' is prominently displayed, along with the address: 652 Penn St. The back of the card (Image 2) contains a full advertisement, though the details are not visible in the provided image. [Solomon Levi was buried in the Jewish Cemetery. His first wife, Amelia nee Sundheim, died September 25, 1880, at age 32. She was buried at the Hebrew Cemetery on Neversink Mt., Reading. She was survived by Solomon, a son (about 9 years old), and a daughter (about 6 years old). The 1880 census indicates that Hannah Sondheim was Amelia's sister. Hannah married her widowed brother-in-law, Solomon, after Amelia's death, and they had a son, Abraham, in 1886.]

This trade card advertises Austrian & Dreifoos, clothiers located at 705 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a black and white caricature with a racist depiction of a Black person. The illustration is in a comical style. The business's name and address are clearly printed on the card. The back of the card is blank. [Note: The image contains offensive imagery. The library does not endorse the racist depiction.]

This trade card advertises the business of Henry Loeb, a clothier located at 346 Penn Avenue in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features a large illustration of a pink rose, which is commonly associated with the clothing industry. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Henry Loeb, a clothier located at 346 Penn Avenue, Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features a single red rose with green leaves, displayed in a wicker basket, against a background of light green. The front of the card has a red border. The back is blank.

This trade card advertises Rosenbaum, a clothing and dry goods store located at 702 Penn Ave., Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a simple illustration of three children looking out of a window, possibly into the shop. The back of the card contains the store's full advertisement.

This trade card advertises the Famous Clothing House located at 642 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card depicts a drawing of a boy playing with a hoop. The back of the card (second image) contains a full advertisement with prices. The provided text gives biographical information about Morris Weil, whose father, Solomon Weil, founded the business. [Solomon Weil, born in 1830 in Oberlust, Bavaria, immigrated to America at age 20 and established a clothing business in Reading, PA. He was a prominent member of Temple Oheb Sholem. He died in Reading on December 9, 1900. His son, Morris, worked in the family business and later opened his own retail clothing store at 642 Penn Street in 1889, retiring in 1902. Morris was involved in real estate and various social and charitable organizations.]

This trade card advertises the clothing store of E. A. Auerbach, located at 530 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features an illustration of four dogs, resembling a postcard. The back of the card is blank. The card is a cream color with black and green lettering.

This trade card advertises Rosenbaum's, a clothing store located at 714 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card depicts a winter scene with a rose, potentially symbolizing the store's name. The back of the card contains a full advertisement for the business.

Trade card advertising the Lion Clothing House owned by H. Loeb, located at 346 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features a comical illustration of a female doctor on the front and a full advertisement with a lion illustration on the back. Circa 1885.

The front of the card advertises Rosenbaum, a clothier at 702 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. It depicts a bridge and stream, the details of which are hard to make out. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Austrian & Dreifoos, located at 707 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. The card features a scene of a farm with flowers in a field. There are also horses and buildings. The card has a brown border and is printed in shades of blue, brown, and white. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Austrian & Dreifoos, a business located at 707 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features an illustration of a cottage by a pond, with trees in the background. The back of the card is blank.

Autograph letter signed by Salomon Raphael, written in Philadelphia on June 18, 1792, to Daniel Clymer in Reading, Pennsylvania. The letter discusses business matters, specifically a financial transaction involving Mr. Zeanley and Mr. Coleman, and arrangements for payment via a stagecoach to Philadelphia. The letter is written on one page and measures 6.5" x 7.75", with an integral hand-carried cover.

This trade card advertises Henry Loeb, a clothier located at 346 Penn Avenue in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a charming illustration of a young girl holding a small puppy. She wears a long, white dress with a pink sash, and a matching pink hat. The puppy appears to be a brown and white terrier. The text on the card is in a simple script. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Austrian & Dreifoos, a dry goods store located at 705 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a decorative floral wreath surrounding a depiction of sailboats. The back of the card is a full advertisement for Austrian & Dreifoos at 705 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. [According to the donor's notes, Ben Austrian's father was involved in the business.]

This trade card advertises the Famous Clothing House, owned by Morris Weil, at 642 Penn St. in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card depicts a house covered in snow, with a large tree to the left and a smaller tree to the right. The back of the card provides a full advertisement with prices for various articles of clothing. [Morris Weil was born in Reading, Pennsylvania on June 9, 1862, to Solomon and Rosa (Levy) Weil.]

Two trade cards for Rosenbaum's Star Clothing House, located at 702 Penn Street, Reading, Pennsylvania. The cards are undated, but are circa 1885. One card features an image of a red bird and flowers; the other depicts flowers tied together with a blue ribbon. The cards are part of the Judaica Americana collection.

A one-page, stampless letter dated May 21, 1792, written by Solomon Raphael from Philadelphia to Daniel Clymer in Reading, Pennsylvania. The letter concerns the collection of a debt owed by a Mr. Zeanley. The body of the letter is in a hand other than Raphael's, but it is signed by him. The letter includes a docket by Clymer.

Trade card advertising Cohen Bros., diamond merchants, jewelers, and opticians, located at 528 Penn Square in Reading, Pennsylvania. Published in 1913.

This trade card advertises Isaac Goldsmith, a jeweler and men's furnisher, located at 654 Penn Street in Reading, Pennsylvania. The front of the card features a decorative border with stylized floral motifs. The text is set in a bold typeface. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises L. Goldberg & Co.'s "The New Clothing House." The front of the card features a comical illustration of a woman; the back of the card is a full advertisement. The front image shows a woman in a humorous pose, likely related to clothing or fashion. The style of the illustration suggests it was created in the late 19th century. The back of the card contains the business name, address (537 Penn Ave., Reading, Pa.), and likely additional details about their clothing offerings.

Trade card advertising Henry Loeb, clothier, located at 346 Penn Avenue in Reading, Pennsylvania. The card depicts a girl holding a book with the word "CAT" spelled out. The card is circa 1885.