PRINTER'S NO. 3357
No. 439 Session of 2002
INTRODUCED BY S. MILLER, ALLEN, ARGALL, J. BAKER, CALTAGIRONE,
LEH, ROHRER, SANTONI AND SEMMEL, MARCH 7, 2002
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
MARCH 7, 2002
A RESOLUTION
1 Recognizing the 250th anniversary of Berks County.
2 WHEREAS, Berks County was incorporated March 11, 1752; and
3 WHEREAS, Berks County is today a thriving county, comprised
4 of 75 municipalities with approximately 370,000 residents; and
5 WHEREAS, The rich soil of Berks County, aided by a favorable
6 climate and centralized Mid-Atlantic location, has contributed
7 to a strong agrarian tradition; and
8 WHEREAS, Today, agriculture, both in terms of food production
9 and processing, is the county's number one industry; and
10 WHEREAS, The outlet industry, which has its roots in Reading,
11 remains so strong that Reading/Berks is known as "The Outlet
12 Capital of the World"; and
13 WHEREAS, Tourism, spawned by the county's heritage and
14 culture, as well as shopping opportunities, injects millions of
15 dollars annually into the local economy; and
16 WHEREAS, At the start of the 18th century, European
17 immigrants were attracted to Berks County due to its mild
1 climate, fertile soil and the Schuylkill River; and
2 WHEREAS, The area was originally settled by Swedes, followed
3 by Quakers, German, Amish, French Huguenots, Mennonites and the
4 English; and
5 WHEREAS, Conrad Weiser, who emigrated from Afstaad, Germany,
6 was an important figure in Berks County's history; and
7 WHEREAS, In 1952, Berks County became a third class county;
8 and
9 WHEREAS, The county population has more than doubled since
10 1900, with concentrated development in the City of Reading and
11 the immediate surrounding municipalities; and
12 WHEREAS, Berks County also has an important history as an
13 industrialized county; and
14 WHEREAS, The early industries had their inception in
15 manufacturing of iron and its products; and
16 WHEREAS, Over the years, metal production and fabrication
17 became a major industry; and
18 WHEREAS, During the Industrial Revolution, the county also
19 became a leader in the manufacturing of textiles and apparel;
20 and
21 WHEREAS, Both metal production and fabrication and the
22 manufacture of textiles and apparel remained important to the
23 county economy for years; and
24 WHEREAS, The 250th anniversary of Berks County is a matter
25 for celebration and commemoration throughout this Commonwealth;
26 therefore be it
27 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives shall hereby
28 recognize Berks County on its 250th anniversary and commend its
29 success.
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