A. J. Reach Factory in Philadelphia

[ErikV]

Not sure if anyone knew, or for that matter cares to know, but there were
actually two A.J. Reach sporting good factories in Philadelphia back in the
day. The one discussed in Mr. Fitzpatrick piece is/was located at 1721-1731
Tulip Street. http://www.workshopoftheworld.com/fishtown/reach.html

The second factory predates the Tulip location by about 20 years. Their original
plant was located at 1219 Beach Street, near Penn Treaty Park. Below is a
picture of their original location.

As a footnote, in the 1870's (prior to the Reach company using the Beach
Street location), this location was used by a young confectioner who was just
starting up in the candy industry. His name was Milton Hershey. In 1900
Hershey sold his Lancaster Caramel Company to Daniel Lefean who was
president of the American Caramel Company.

In 1900 this same Beach Street location was also used by the newly established
Philadelphia Caramel Company.

I absolutely loved these little tidbits about the hobby. By the way, I thought
Mr. Fitzpatrick's article was great! He definitely has the skill of writing.

ErikV