Reading's Pagoda | Inside Walking Tour & History | Before Renovations

For nearly 120 years the Pagoda has served as a beacon to generations of us who have called Reading and greater Berks County home. What is its history? How does such a unique Japanese structure end up on a mountain in Pennsylvania? What’s happening now? You have likely noticed the building has been closed and in need of millions of dollars worth of repairs. Maybe most importantly what’s next? How can we navigate the future of this building and bring it into the 21st century so our children and grandchildren can enjoy it for another 120 years? I joined the board of the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda back in January 2024, and I hope to shed some light on these questions in this video.
Read the full article: berksnostalgia...
Donate to the Restoration Fund:
www.readingpag...
/ thereadingpagoda
/ visitreadingpagoda
/ readingpagoda
William Abbott Witman Bio: berkshistory.o...

[@llstarlight]

Excellent Documentary.

[@KGdiggler]

As a kid in the 70s & 80s I lived on 400 block of 12th and walked up here thousands of times. Had such a great childhood up at the Pagoda and the mountains below. People take the Pagoda for granted but not me because I will always be that kid who still loves driving by whenever I want. Thank you for the video

[@mustlovedogs1121]

The Pagoda was always a security blanket feeling when coming home from being away a while. It was always a welcoming beacon. Love it or hate it here in Reading, when i see it, i feel like im finally home where ever life takes me, and i cant imagine looking up at the mountain and not seeing it there at night. This is where i call home, this is where i came from and this is where ill always be.

[@barbaraZ-z9m]

I left the area about 25 years ago but this place was a favorite place to go when I was a kid and then with my first child. We spent many sunsets there together. I've seen it closed mostly but the times when it was open was special. I remember an art show that was on the first level once and I thought that it was such a great use of the space. It always seemed that there was so much potential for this unusual space that is positioned so well. Good luck and I hope everything turns out beyond expectations. I'm looking forward to the piece about the bell! I've always been curious.

[@gregeplerwood6534]

It’s notable how one person can change the course of history, but thrilling to know that a group of inspired individuals can maintain and sustain the original vision for generations to come. We’re preserving more than just an iconic structure-we’re also lifting the spirits of a community that’s in need of something to look up to, both literally and figuratively!

[@colleenhusko7954]

Thank you for becoming the voice for the Pagoda. I so hope this renovation can stay true to the buildings history architecturally and mechanically but with the necessary updates needed for its function and longevity. My family and I have frequently come to the Pagoda. My husband and I came here after we were married by way of our motorcycle and paid a donation to climb to the top. We brought our children later, and they take their friends who are either new to the area, or just visiting. Sometimes we just go for a quick view from the mountain. Even in passing on 422, at a distance, we look to see it still watching over the area, and say "hello". We are from Montgomery county, but moved to Berks in 2021. Hoping its full potential can be realized and maintained for future generations. Thank you for all you do in documenting important area features and history. I think you will be an awesome addition to the board.😊

[@MountaineerFPV]

Thanks Alexa and the Board for all the hard work on the Pagoda preservation & telling its story. 👍👍🇺🇸

[@anthonys.5653]

I live in Collegeville, and have shared a few sunsets with past girlfriends over the years at the Pagoda. Every time I'm passing through on 422, it's a habit to look over just to see the Pagoda.

[@monoralph1375]

Thank you for the video and history. I have walked all around and thru the Pagoda as a child. I hope the funds and priority are available to preserve our Pagoda.

[@tombiggs4687]

Wow. I've only stopped in at the Pagoda parking lot while out on motorcycle rides, never went in. It looks so peaceful, I never would have guessed it's chaotic and troubled history. I pray that you are able to restore it yet again, I would love to see the inside and go up to the observation level. Thanks for your work!

[@ZigZagMarquis]

Thank you so much for doing this video. Coming home to Reading just isn't complete until on sees The Pagoda.

[@jrthetravelingsalesman6357]

I went to Albright and played soccer there. Every year we would start off training camp with a run up the mountain to the Pagoda and down. I have many great memories with this area and the Pagoda. I wish Albright would purchase or help renovate and put some telescopes up there for astronomy classes.

[@BerksNostalgia]

That would be neat...but I'm not sure if you heard, Albright is having its own issues right now.

[@jrthetravelingsalesman6357]

@ oh no I didn’t hear that, although that fear has crossed my mind with a lot of smaller colleges closing in recent years. Your comment made my stomach turn at this thought again. 😔

[@Wiseguy58]

Great narration and job overall.

[@ttocselbag5054]

I love this!! Thank you so much for your efforts. To me, the preservation of where we came from is just as important as the creation of where we are going. 😊😊

[@dennisa.]

Great video. I saw the Pagoda many times from a distance but never up close. I always wondered what it looked like inside. My parents always said it was a "dangerous area" because of the crime in that area. My former supervisor was shot on Skyline Drive in 1987.

[@cmr189psu]

Thank you for another great video sharing history of Berks County. I have lived here my whole life and have gained so much more knowledge from your videos.

[@philipcollura2669]

Thanks!

[@BerksNostalgia]

Thank you, I will make sure this gets into the Restoration Fund

[@mjmorrill081]

I have fond memories as a kid in the 1970s. My boy scouts would visit the Pagoda. It's sad to see you close but it's great to hear you're working on it! I hope everything goes as planned best of luck

[@bobhink]

Thank You for sharing the Pagoda story

[@Britcarsmgb]

Worthwhile investment in Reading. My Grandfather remembered the Japanese garden around the base of the building and I recall when the garden with small bridges was still intact on the "island". I always thought it would be a great location for the Historical Society to have rotating displays. What ever ends up happening, it will need 24/7 security so that people who are actually interested in the Pagoda's history, the architecture, walking the paths or taking in the view of the City feel safe and welcomed doing so. That has not been the case for many years now. Decent people do not want to wade through trash, get stared down, or have their eardrums blown out by people who are just there to party, litter, yell, blast a different "song" from every car, look at lowlife graffiti...

[@timclark4272]

Thank you for doing this video and all the others in the past. Though Reading has become s shred of its' past, I am glad that there are projects such as this that are in the works and or have been completed . A shout out to Alan Shuman who has been instrumental in the restoration in many of the downtown city Landmarks! The Pagoda has been a "Landmark" for many years. There are many Reading residents who have showcased this incredible structure to out of town visitors over the years. I have taken many visitors over the years to the Pagoda. They all express amazement as to why it is located here Most of the visits have been merely drivebys since the interior was either closed or really did not have a whole lot to offer other than the views. At least I knew much about the background of the building to portray not just as an empty building. I wish you the best along with the other members of the committee to bring this iconic building back to its' grandeur it once was Thank you!

[@rickydrone9274]

Thanks so very, very much !! I am in southeastern Pa. and have seen the Pagoda from a distance, but never visited. The ironic thing is my mother, who is now deceased was Japanese, and grew up in Nagoya, Japan, and often talked about the historic Nagoya castle. Her and my father, also deceased, met while he was in the Air Force stationed in Japan, during the late forties, and early fifties. I have never been to Japan, but it is the dream of my wife and I to someday visit, as I actually have my mother's ashes and would love to take them to Nagoya, and possibly meet relatives there. My mother became a bit estranged after living in the USA for awhile, and severed contact with them. For what reason, I know not why, and she passed on holding on to those feelings. Possibly, severe home sickness, who knows? It has always been a mystery to me and a subject she never wanted to talk about. The only thing I know is she had a sister there and also her father. Probably just a dream, as I just turned 70 in June. But, hopefully someday, will be able to visit the Reading Pagoda.

[@richardyoder3646]

Very interesting, hope it's there forever

[@bhensel100]

It was our destination rides with our motorcycle club. Great ride and inspiring to see the pogoda up close. We didn't enter the structure but somehow purchased small pins replicating the pogoda for our vests. The ride up the mountain and back down was a welcomed challenged.

[@FPVFULLSEND]

Thank you for this. Obviously a lot of time and effort went into this video, not to mention shepherding the Pagoda's restoration.

[@albee6216]

Thank you for presenting such a wonderful in-depth insight to our beautiful Pagoda. I hope we can look forward to additional videos.

[@philipcollura2669]

As a volunteer at the museum at the Reading Airport, I've seen the Pagoda only from a distance. I'm floored, since I thought it was something like 10' high monument. I do need to see it up close, maybe in the spring. Did make a small donation, hope you get many more.

[@bernadettepratta7540]

Thank you for sharing and history too. I went there ,but was open there was special times it was open and day too. I would love to go there when it open back up.

[@icamatrix]

Thank you! The video was fabulous and intriguing as always-so detailed! This building is managed by the Foundation, and while I don’t mean to detract from their work, public funding for projects like this in a small city often lacks sufficient resources or political will, both of which can change direction more frequently than the wind. That’s why public buildings like this tend to fall into disrepair. Tools like deed restrictions or a long-term lease could allow private ownership to step in while ensuring its preservation. Either way, I hope this building has a bright future and remains a cherished part of Berks County history for generations to come.

[@PennStacker]

Thanks for another great video

[@silvanabliven9720]

Thank you for your amazing tour of this iconic structure. I listened to a young tour guide like yourself Alexa who stated this insight. "During World War 2 the people in the community petitioned to have the Pagoda torn down due to the horrendous suicide mission of the pilots that flew into ships containing American sailors at Pearl Harbor, but many defended the structure. They even produced the original postcard that inspired the building, proving the design was from the Philippines not Japan. It was closed until reopened in 1949." Financial assistance coming from individual donors is a large feat. We are in the last days as the prophecy written on the imported bell/gong reveal. It would be wise to sell the property to a wealthy humanitarian or historian and charge an entrance fee. Or have dual ownership between wealthy donors and local government assistance. The American people are in survival mode. Crime, natural disasters, food shortages, wars, fentanyl, crime, homelessness, antisemitism, sex trafficking, corrupt judges, corrupt politicians, mental illness, cancer, small business struggles, law enforcement reputation,😢 housing, etc ..need our financial contributions to build safe and healthier lives in our communities.❤

[@toddw6716]

Thank you

[@neilclaypoole7529]

Excellent video thank you for the great History Lesson

[@slappypumkineater8226]

I remember that and the giant peace symbol in the mountain

[@darnellharris6780]

It’s the motorcycle meet spot 😂

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Would be a great place to host private events when not available to the public. Charging an entrance fee also makes sense and adding parking meters. Some of these things may not be popular, but it has to have some sort of income to sustain itself.

[@sickboy8831]

lived in berks my whole life

[@berksfinest6660]

I'm not sure of what all funds are available from the city/state/federal. But I'm sure some merch and a GoFundMe would bring in a chunk.

[@BerksNostalgia]

We launched our merch store a few months ago 😊 www.readingpagoda.com/shop

[@berksfinest6660]

@BerksNostalgia thanks for what you're doing 🤙

[@Dp-hu8pr]

Soooo....46 yrs old, moved here when i was 7, watched this entire vid....still don't know what The Pagoda is/was/ever will be used for 😅

[@paulstauffer4548]

Great video. I would recommend contacting Alan Shuman and his team. They have done some wonderful work for landmarks around the city. Maybe he can help take some burden off of the city 5 million bucks is a lot of money the city really doesn't have

[@scarlettuwu9582]

It hasn’t been rented out as a wedding destination or even a tourist guest house? I think it could be cool to modernize the building, do something different with the flooring

[@johngrav2093]

Didn't the City of Reading Council waive the "vetting" process for the companies submitting bids? I have no idea how the contracts were awarded or the businesses that r getting a piece of the 5 million?

[@BerksNostalgia]

Council waved the RCO because no contractors initially bid on the project and the contracts needed to be awarded by the end of 2024 or the city risked losing $3 million in AARPA funds set aside for this project. I do not know specifics on what the problem was with the RCO that no contractors could meet the conditions but the companies were still vetted and are reputable local contractors.

[@Dp-hu8pr]

Continued operations as what? Reopened as what??

[@ocsrc]

AH !!!! DON'T SAY ALEXA IT TRIGGERS ALL ALEXAS IN RANGE

[@turinturambar8622]

Don't have an alexa, problem solved.

[@hunteracernese]

boba tea shop

[@streetwork5069]

Nice story.. why show the outside at the last minute of this video.. I got dizzy bored watching the footage from inside.