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 Thursday, 16-Oct-2008 21:07:52 EDT
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