History of Bern Township
The following information is from The History of Berks County, Pennsylvania by F.W.
Balthaser (1925), pages 190-191:
Bern was settled in 1733 and erected into a township in 1738. It was named
after Bern in Switerland, whence many of its settlers came. At the time of
the erection of the county the township extended beyond the Blue Mountains.
The HIESTERs, who later became prominent in the affairs of the nation, were
among the early settlers. They located near the Tulpehocken Creek, where
they operated a mill.
The chief occupation is farming. In the southern part the surface is level
and the soil very productive. Along the Schuylkill are numerous limestone
quarries. Canal boats were at one time built rather extensively at
RICKENBACH Station, a little south of West Leesport. Several mills were
operated along the Tulpehocken at an early period. PARVIN’s tannery, near
Fairview, was one of the earliest industries, and RIESER’s Mill, about one
mile south of West Leesport, has been the center of business activities for
many years.
Contributed by: Diane Klopp.
Last Modified
About Author
