Most items in this collection were generously donated to the Library by Henry "Spud" Murphy ("The Murphy Postcard Collection). Others smaller portions were donated by Carl Soule, Jr., Beverly Stone, and other individual donations. Digitized with the support of a grant from the Reading Celebration Trust's Historical Preservation Fund.
"The First Congregational Church of Reading was founded in 1770. The present edifice was built in 1910 and stands on the site of the old Bethesda Church which was built in 1849 and destroyed by fire in 1909."
"This typical 17th century salt box is the town's oldest house. During the Revolutionary War British prisoners were housed here among them Sir Archibald Campbell. The house is now headquarters of the Reading Antiquarian Society."
From handwritten card accompanying postcard: "The houses in the foreground are on the corner of Summer Avenue and King Street. The open space behind the homes on the far side of Summer Avenue is now the site of Walter S. Parker Middle School."; Frank Parker E.A. Carpenter
"The door leading to the inside of Sailor Tom's home designed with nautical hardware ship's lights on either side. Come aboard and pay us a visit. Tom and Polly"
"Surrounded by a sea of rhododendrons and mountain laurel. Home consists of seven rooms: length overall 80 feet with a 15-foot beam. Route 28 Reading, Mass. You are welcome pay us a visit. Tom and Polly"
"Drop anchor at Sailor Tom's. Route 28 Reading, MAss-12 miles north of Boston. Food you like at prices you like to pay. Glad you came folks. Hope you will come again. Thanks a million. Sailor Tom. For reservations call Reading 2-7026."