“Footsteps through the Village,” a presentation and walking tour, will be held on Saturday, May 21, in Oley.
The program will focus on the architecture and histories of properties along Main Street from Water Street to Jefferson Street.
Guest speakers will include Chris Miller, a realtor with experience on the boards of the Berks County Historical Society and Reading’s Centre Park Historic District and also Eleanor Shaner, a retired teacher and an active member of the Oley Valley Heritage Association.
Miller will speak of the styles of architecture and approximate building dates, as seen from the street. “Seeing the properties close up showed me what a great variety of properties exist on the Main Street of Oley”, he said, after walking a pre tour of the area to be discussed.
Shaner will add the history of some of the 30 sites as they are projected on a screen. Information will include caves used to protect cattle from Indians, a house built from plans out of a Sears and Roebach catlog, and names of prominent people who lived in the area.
After the program, participants are invited on a guided or self guided walking tour using a booklet provided with their tickets.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased in advance by emailing <amwolfe100@yahoo.com> or calling 610-927-4842. They will also be available at the door, however, seating is limited.
Doors open at 9 a.m. at Friedens UCC, Weidner Hall at 337 Main Street, Oley. The program begins at 10 a.m. Food will be available to purchase.
The program is presented by the Woman’s Club of Oley Valley as a fundraiser to help support its outreach and scholarships in the area. Members will have items for sale, as will the Oley Valley Heritage Association.
