SOUVENIR OF READING, PA. Published by G.A. Schlechter & J. Geo. Hintz. Compliments of Reading Fire Dep't.
Portland, Maine: Chisholm Bros. circa 1890s. First Edition. Hardcover. Contains 12 plates of views in leporello (accordion-fold) format. Based on photographs, the views include: Bird's Eye from St. Joseph's Hospital; East from Leinbach's Hill; Berks County Almshouse; Rajah Temple; Highland House and Incline Plane, Neversink Mt.; Summit Hotel; Black Bear Inn; Home for Widows and Single Women; Boys' High School; Schuylkill River Valley; Antietam Lake; various churches; etc. The rear pastedown is an illustrated ad for G.A. Schlechter, Diamond Dealer and maker of Firemen's Badges. Bound in embossed blue boards, gilt lettering on cover, 5" x 6". Spine "repaired" with transparent tape and boards lightly rubbed; contents near fine. Item #040971
Publication of this viewbook precedes a well-known Reading landmark, the Japanese Pagoda on Mt. Penn, built in 1908. [WorldCat locates only the Columbia U holding of this 12-plate viewbook, dating it as 1899, although it may be earlier.].
Price: $100.00