Schedule a time to tour the historic Gruber Wagon Works or walk through the vast Union Canal artifact collection of the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center, both located at the Berks County Heritage Center.
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 that employed up to twenty men who utilized mass production methods. After World War I, the wagon works adapted to manufacture wooden truck bodies and socket wrenches for the Model A Ford. It was relocated to the Heritage Center by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the late 1970’s and, is recognized as the finest example of rural manufacturing in the United States.
Around 1927 when the Schuylkill Navigation Company closed its longtime central headquarters in Reading, tools, ledgers, and other materials were thrown into the canal bed for fill. C. Howard Hiester possessed a natural affinity for canals since childhood. Seeing the accumulated wealth and memorabilia about to be forever lost, Hiester began collecting artifacts and other items from the Schuylkill Navigation system. Ultimately, he acquired the largest private collection of 19th century canal memorabilia in America with over 1400 items. Hiester donated his collection to the County of Berks in 1976. The Canal Center officially opened to the public in 1986, displaying the unique and one-of-a-kind artifacts for all to see.
Hours of operation:
May 1st until the last Sunday of October
Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday.
Last tour leaves one hour before closing.
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