The
Pagoda in Reading, Pennsylvania has been a treasured city landmark since it was built to be a hotel and restaurant over 100 years ago.
The Pagoda was commissioned in 1906 by William A Witman, Sr. to cover a stone quarry he owned. The Pagoda was finished in 1908. Witman's plan to make the Pagoda a hotel and resort atop Mt Penn fell apart due to a bank foreclosure and lack of a liquor license.
By 1910 the Pagoda and the surrounding land were deeded to Jonathan Mould and his wife who didn't hold onto the property long. In 1911 they "sold" the Pagoda and surrounding 10 acres to the City of Reading.
Today the
Reading Pagoda is open to the public. Admission is free, except for a $1.00 donation to use the top floor which is the observation deck.
