A drive through eastern Pennsylvania gives visitors the opportunity to see the PAGODA in Reading, a truly unique attraction that stands proudly atop Mt. Penn, overlooking the city.
The pagoda's story begins in the early 1900's. Mr. William A. Witman, Sr. realized that his stone quarry business was destroying the beauty of Mt. Penn. He immediately ceased operation and decided to build a mountaintop resort that would bring pleasure to the people of the area. In 1908 his 'resort' became reality. A red brick and tile pagoda, built in the style of a cattle castle of the Shogun Dynasty of Japan stood 610 feet above the city of 1200 feet above sea level. The interior had red and yellow tile floors and a majestic oak staircase leading to the upper floors. A shachihoko (dolphin) was poised on the rooftop and a Japanese temple gateway, known as a torii, graced the entrance. The original cost of construction was $50,000.
Unable to find a suitable access road to his pagoda, Mr. Witman sold the building to a local merchant, Mr. Jonathon Mould, who in 1911 donated the structure to the city in hopes that it would become an interesting stopping place for visitors to the area.
The pagoda was used at one time in its history as a signal center. Flashing lights corresponded to a code published in the newspapers to inform the people of election results, sports, and current events.
Weather and fire took their toll and the Pagoda was in desperate need of repair and restoration. The Pagoda Skyline, Inc., composed of private citizens, was given official city recognition in 1969 as the fund-raising group to work on the project of renewing the pagoda and developing Mt. Penn as a public recreation area.
Today, thousands of visitors, including representatives from many foreign countries, are thrilled by the oriental atmosphere of the Pagoda and the Bonsai Island. The torii was rebuilt (1972) with brass-plated Japanese characters designating the Pagoda as a five-story tower. Inside the Pagoda are the same red and yellow tiles and the original temple bell, cast in Obama, Japan in 1739 first hung in Shogenji (Buddhist Temple). In 1907 it was purchased by Mr. Witman, shipped via the Suez Canal, and installed on the top floor of the Pagoda. There is a gift shop (open on weekends) on the third floor and a porch surrounds the building on the second floor. The observation deck is on the sixth floor from which the visitors have a beautiful view of the city and the countryside. Japanese cherry trees surround the pagoda, adding the beauty of the area, and there are walking nature trails leading to and from the pagoda.
After extensive research by a local sculptor, two exact replicas of the shachihoko were created and again stand poised atop the pagoda. The dolphins stand 51 inches high and represent the water sign as a protection against fire. A new addition to this scenic area is the Bonsai Island (1973) which was developed with the help and cooperation of many civic groups. An oriental bridge, a gazebo, a Japanese stone lantern and appropriate planting will create the atmosphere of an orie ntal garden.
The pagoda has recently undergone extensive renovations. The Berks County Arts Council has displays on the first floor.
Duryea and Skyline Drives provide scenic routes to the only Japanese Pagoda east of California. The Pagoda is open all year for observation and picnicking.
