Gruber Wagon Works Photo Trek
Schedule
Sat Apr 23 2022 at 09:30 am to 01:30 pm
Location
Berks County Heritage Center | Reading, PA
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The Gruber Wagon Works survives as one of the most complete examples of an integrated rural manufactory of its kind in the nation. Erected in 1882 by Franklin H. Gruber, the wagon works evolved from a single craftsman shop, having a variety of specialized hand tools, into a family-operated business which employed up to 20 men who utilized mass-production methods. Unlike a modern assembly process, wagon parts were transported back and forth between various rooms in order to complete a segment of the work.Wagon wheels were constructed in the bench shop, and wooden parts of the wagon were made from patterns in the wood shop. Wheels were “tired” and wagons were “ironed” and assembled in the blacksmith shop. The distinctive striping and scrollwork were applied by hand in the paint shop.
During the winter of 1976-77, the Gruber Wagon Works was moved by the Army Corps of Engineers from its original location near Mt. Pleasant. In 1978, the Gruber Wagon Works was designated as a National Historical Landmark by the United States Government, commemorating its historic significance as an industry from a bygone era of American craftsman.
Join us for our first ever photography workshop in this amazing place! We will have private access to the Wagon Works for 3 hours, then explore the other buildings which make up the Berks Heritage Center. This includes the Wertz’s Covered Bridge, a hidden cemetery with 100 year old tombstones, the very colorful Der Distelfink statue and more!
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Where is it happening?
Berks County Heritage Center, Red Bridge Road,Reading,PA,United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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