Wyomissing: An American Dream

Just west of Reading lies the Berks County borough of Wyomissing. With tree-lined streets, well-appointed homes and ample amenities, the community serves a living legacy to its founding fathers: Ferdinand Thun and Henry Janssen. The two German immigrants came to Berks County as young men in the 1890’s, forged a partnership and created a textile company that would become a legend in Wyomissing Industries. The company became one of the biggest hosiery mills and machine shops in the world and employed thousands of people around the clock under the leadership of patriarchs who cared about the products they made, the people who made them and community they shared. Together with their families and community partners, Thun and Janssen built homes and hospitals, parks and playgrounds, libraries, museums and even universities. They made things to last whether it was a factory, a house, a business or a community, and in doing so, they left a legacy in Wyomissing: An American Dream.