South Temple, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
South Temple, Pennsylvania
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 South Temple, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
South Temple, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Berks |
| Township | Muhlenberg |
| Elevation | 791 ft (241 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 1,424 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
19560
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| Area code(s) | 610 and 484 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1188114 |
South Temple is a small community in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. It is located about four miles north of the city of Reading. In 2010, about 1,424 people lived there.
South Temple was originally a "streetcar suburb" of Reading. This means it was a neighborhood built along a trolley line, making it easy for people to travel to the city. The community still looks like a 1920s neighborhood. It has nice-sized yards, old trees, sidewalks, and many different styles of houses. A trolley line on Kutztown Road and an "interurban" trolley stop used to serve the area. The old pavilion at 11th & Park is still there today.
Contents
Where is South Temple Located?
The main borders of South Temple are the 5th Street Highway (U.S. Route 222 Business) to the west, Sharp Avenue to the south, 11th Avenue to the east, and Darby Avenue to the north.
South Temple is entirely within the 19560 ZIP code. The local post office is called "Temple," and residents use "Temple" as their mailing address. The Muhlenberg School District serves the community.
The History of South Temple
South Temple was started by a local builder named Sharp. He wanted to create a "Restricted Residential Community" with special, custom-built homes. These homes were for families who were becoming part of the upper-middle class.
Early Homes and Design
The houses Sharp built are known for their attractive look and unique architectural style. One of his houses on 7th Avenue even won a design award! Most of these homes are not huge, and they often have a Craftsman Bungalow style. This style was very popular in the 1920s. Some houses are even more unique, like five U-shaped duplex homes that look almost Mediterranean.
Development Pauses and Continues
During World War II, building stopped everywhere, including in South Temple. Sharp then moved on to other projects. This left many empty lots, especially on the southern side of the town. In the 1950s, another builder named Sheidy finished developing the area. Sheidy's homes are usually modest red-brick Cape Cod-style houses. Interestingly, Sheidy, not Sharp, built the homes along Sharp Avenue.
South Temple Today
South Temple was once home to two churches on North Temple Boulevard. The Faith Evangelical Congregationalist Church is still there. Epiphany Lutheran Church has since been turned into a day care center.
The Community Pool
The original swimming pool at 4th & Darby Avenues served the community for many years. It was first a public pool built by William A. Sharp, called the "South Temple Pool." Later, it became a membership-based pool, like other local pools in Berks County. The Muhlenberg Swimming Association allowed anyone to join by buying a "share" and paying a yearly fee.
The pool eventually fell into disrepair and closed in 2014. It was a popular summer spot for many families in Muhlenberg Township. In 2018, Windsor Industries bought the pool and reopened it as a private, for-profit pool. It was later managed by Aqua Pool and aimed at the Latino community. Instead of a yearly membership, people paid a $20 daily fee. As of spring 2023, Aqua Pool no longer exists, and the township is tearing down the pool.
Schools and Community Life
South Temple is located just north of the Muhlenberg Township School District campus. This means children living in the community can easily walk to the public schools.
See also
In Spanish: South Temple para niños
