A biographical history of Lancaster County : being a history of early settlers and eminent men of the county : as also much other unpublished historical information, chiefly of a local character
Industrial Berks County, 1748-1948. Presented to: the people of Reading and Berks County on the occasion of the two hundredth anniversary of the city of Reading
35 p. : illus., map (on lining-papers) ; 23 x 28 cm.
Notes
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Appropriate for juvenile literature.
Illustrations for Sally Ann Furnace, Robesonia Slag Bank, Fisher Mansion, Canal locks at Leesport, The Bernville stage.
Contents
The giant's ribs: the iron industry--To milady's taste: clothing--Not only for today: shelter--Shoofly: food--An omer for everyman: agriculture--Berks County speaking: communication--Two hours to anywhere: transportation.
"Thomas R. Winpenny examines the formative years of the factory system in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the impact of industrialization on the community.The study focuses on the establishment of the Conestoga Steam Mills in the late 1840's and the following three decades. Professor Winpenny maintains that this industrial revolution brought progress and economic benefits without social upheaval and labor strife...Lancaster was able to absorb the factory system without discord because of local circumstances such as the wealth of the countryside, the stability of the long-established town, and the ready supply of resident workers. In a narrower variation of Thomas C. Cochran's geo-cultural concept, Winpenny argues that the character of the industrialization experience is molded by local conditions and that problems often associated with industrial progress are rooted in the environment in which industrialization occurs." [from a review of the book by Robert M. Blackson, Kutztown State College]
