This Book is SIGNED on the title page by the author!
Book Title ~ Pioneers Along The Manatawny
Author ~ W.E. Claussen
Publisher ~ W.E. Claussen.
© Date ~ 1968, probably a First Edition but not stated, no other date present.
Cover ~ Spiral Bound Softcover.
Number of Pages ~ 52 pages.
Illustrated ~ Yes, with drawings.
Book measures about ~ 9 inches X 6 inches X 1/8 inch.
Condition ~ Good. There is a ghost mark on pages 40 and 41 (see photo) from an old newspaper clipping that was left in the book. There is an old, small price sticker on the back cover. Otherwise the Book is in Good condition! Except where noted, the pages ARE clean and bright!
About the Book ~
This book tells some of the history of the area of Berks County, Pennsylvania along the Manatawny Creek.
"Manatawny Creek is an 18-mile~long tributary of the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania, with a history rooted in Lenape heritage, early colonial iron plantations, and industrial milling."
Indigenous Origins and Name
The Lenape Name: The stream takes its name from the Lenape Indian word Man'en'tau'wata'wik, meaning "the place where we meet to drink" (or "place where we drink").
Early Presence: Archaeological digs near sites like Pottsgrove Manor show a native presence along the banks dating back thousands of years.
Colonial Era and Industry
Iron and Mills: In the 18th century, the creek's waterpower drove numerous gristmills and iron works, such as the Pottsgrove Forge and Spott's Mill.
Land Grants: William Penn's family and later local industrialists like John Potts acquired vast tracts of land surrounding the creek in the 1700s to fuel iron plantations.