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Archiver > PABERKS > 2003-08 > 1060181081


From: "purrysburg" <>
Subject: Re: [PABERKS] Lutheran Orphans Home in Longswamp
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2003 10:44:41 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
References: <BAY3-DAV30RXf2LTrpw0000013c@hotmail.com>


Diana,

What is the name of the widows home in Reading?

Thanks,
Elida


-------Original Message-------

From: Diana Quinones
Date: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 05:00:08
To:
Subject: Re: [PABERKS] Lutheran Orphans Home in Longswamp

Sandy,
In the book 'The Story of Berks County' by F W Baltheiser, pub 1925, there
is a brief mention on page 286 with a picture of the orphanage.

"In 1897, the Lutheran Orphans' Home was erected on an elevation a short
distance south of the borough (Topton). It has now about two hundred inmates
and is well supported. Every year, Anniversary Day is observed. The
visitors on these occasions bring liberal contributions."

In 'The Passing Scene' by George Meiser IX, page 184, is mention that Martin
S Croll, brother of Rev. Philip S Croll, was instrumental in having the
Lutheran Home situated at Topton. He had erected a home in Topton in early
1890s and was very involved in community matters, organized the National
Bank of Topton and was president of the bank, also senior partner in Croll
and Smith, wholesale hat dealers, and was deputy revenue collector of the
district for 6 years.

In Morton Montgomerys 'Hx of Berks Co', p 263, mentions the home which was
started in 1897 'with 3 inmates, and now has 90 (assume in 1909 when book
was published), 49 boys and 41 girls. Annual excursions in the fall of the
year for the benefit of this worthy institution are very largely patronized.
A similar home is maintained by the Reformed Church at Womelsdorf.'

There were seven 'homes' in all in the county mostly in the Reading area, 3
operated by the Catholic Church and even a Widow's Home in Reading for
widows and single women.

Diana in AL
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 3:33 PM
Subject: [PABERKS] Lutheran Orphans Home in Longswamp


Hi Fellow Genies,

I recently found 2 young relatives in the 1910 census who were residents of
the Lutheran Orphans Home in Longswamp Twp. I didn't realize such a home
existed. Does anyone have more information about the orphanage or suggest
where I can find more information.

Thanks a bunch,
Sandy

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