When George M. Meiser, IX was a young boy growing up in the northwest section of Reading across from Baer Park, he could not have envisioned what his life would become. But as he sat on neighborhood porches listening to stories about the old days, the seeds were sown for Meiser to grow into a custodian of Berks County history.

Meiser, and his wife, Gloria Jean Meiser, have just released “The Passing Scene - Volume 20,” the latest compilation of photos and Berks County history; the 30th anniversary of the series. With this volume, an estimated 7,145 pictures from around the county have been published in 5,452 pages of historical text. Featured in the latest edition are more than 300 photographs taken from Meiser’s collection or sent to him by people who have found photos in private collections or family photo albums.

As a teacher in the Schuylkill Valley School District in 1959, Meiser was unsatisfied with the textbook on local history he was provided, so he set out to create his own. In the years he taught, both in Schuylkill Valley and Wyomissing, Meiser would teach students using materials he had compiled.

As a teacher in the Schuylkill Valley School District in 1959, Meiser was unsatisfied with the textbook on local history he was provided, so he set out to create his own. In the years he taught, both in Schuylkill Valley and Wyomissing, Meiser would teach students using materials he had compiled.