While the lights atop Mount Penn have dimmed for the time being, one of the Reading Pagoda’s most charming souvenirs continues to shine—now from a new location. The Pagoda-themed Penny Press machine, a nostalgic favorite for visitors and locals alike, has officially been relocated to Reading City Hall while the iconic landmark undergoes long-awaited renovations.
The move, according to Kevin Lerch of Pagoda-Skyline, Inc., was prompted by the city-led construction project that required the removal and storage of many items from inside the Pagoda. “Because the press belongs to PSI and generates some income, the decision was made to move it somewhere the public could still access it,” Lerch explained. “City Hall was chosen for its accessibility and expediency.”
Pagoda-Skyline, Inc. (PSI), a nonprofit volunteer group formed in the 1970s, owns the machine. Though separate from the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda, the two organizations work closely together to preserve Mount Penn’s historic landmarks. While the Foundation focuses exclusively on the Pagoda, PSI oversees care for the Pagoda, the William Penn Memorial Fire Tower, and Skyline Drive—with current efforts primarily centered on the Fire Tower.
The penny press has long been a fixture inside the Pagoda, though even long-time PSI members aren’t sure exactly when it arrived. Mark Ray, the group’s secretary, estimates it dates back to around 2008 and recalls that its four commemorative designs were selected through a student art contest held at Reading High School. “One boy submitted both the Pagoda and Tower design,” Ray said. “I made the hillclimb design because no one submitted something like that. The other design is the Reading Railroad locomotive.”
Though it may be small and mechanical, the Penny Press carries weight in meaning. “It’s a way to create souvenirs for visitors,” Lerch said, “so it’s not a huge moneymaker. But with the U.S. Mint no longer producing new pennies, these could become even more valuable keepsakes in the future.”
Funds collected from the machine go toward minor upkeep efforts related to the Pagoda and surrounding landmarks, while larger renovation efforts—like the current overhaul of electrical, lighting, and HVAC systems—are primarily funded through sources such as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
While the press does include signage about its purpose, PSI hopes to enhance that messaging soon. “We’d like to better explain how this connects to ongoing preservation efforts,” Lerch added.
Beyond coins and collectibles, both PSI and the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda are actively seeking support from the community—financially and otherwise. Each organization maintains its own website with options to donate or get involved. The Foundation’s site, readingpagoda.com, includes a public survey, a donation portal, and a merchandise shop. Meanwhile, pagodaskyline.org offers details on membership and volunteer opportunities, including their signature fundraiser: an annual chicken dinner sale each April.
“There has been a great deal of public interest since the renovations were announced,” Lerch said. “Online sales are increasing, and we’re seeing new volunteers come forward.”
As the Pagoda undergoes its transformation, both groups remain optimistic about the future—hoping not only to restore the beloved building but also to reengage the community around it. And while the Pagoda may be temporarily dark, the relocated Penny Press at City Hall offers a small but enduring connection to the landmark’s legacy—one penny at a time.