Lost Mount Penn: Wineries, Railroads and Resorts of Reading, by Mike Madaio
lost mount penn book cover

Discover Pennsylvania’s Lost Food & Wine Culture!

Join me in exploring the fascinating society and culinary culture that made Mount Penn in Reading one of the best known resort regions in the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Learn about:

• How German immigrants created a vibrant winemaking industry using a combination of tradition and innovation.

• “The Hermit of Mount Penn,” a legendary character known for his Santa Claus beard and long-stemmed pipe, who founded a wine house where many flocked for feasts, literary soirees and free-flowing local wine.

• The vibrant resort scene—featuring mouthwatering cuisine, pleasure railroads and colorful characters—that formed on the slopes of mountains high above Reading.

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Praise for Lost Mount Penn

“Fabulous book, finding it hard to put down. Well researched and very well written. Had no idea that Reading, Pa had such a rich culinary past. Highly recommend to anyone interested in local Pennsylvania or winemaking history.” ~ Karl

“This is a well written and well researched book of Mount Penn in the late 19th and early 20th century. For those who enjoy local history or history of that era this is a must read book.” ~ Denise

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