Hyde Park Began as “Frymire”

For well over a century preceding the founding of Hyde Park, the Kutztown Road was a major artery to and from the city of Reading - via North Ninth Street. It was only a matter of time before a settlement would materialize here.

A blacksmith by the name of Jacob Lutz secured a parcel of land in 1838 and there upon erected two stone buildings along the "Kutztown Pike." His improvements to the site were probably the first to be made at what is now known as Hyde Park. The two structures Lutz built can still be seen on the northeast corner of Kutztown Road and Madison Avenue, opposite Freymoyer's Hotel.

Historian Montgomery recorded that John Frymire and William Umbenhauer bought and divided 16 acres of land that ran north from Kutztown Road and Madison Avenue.

At that intersection, Frymire erected a large twenty room hotel in 1876. Hyde Park traces its beginnings to the completion and opening of this public house, built to cater to those who would move into the area, as well as established residents.

Hyde Park's first post office came into existence as a result of an application filed by Frymire. It opened for business on June 16, 1886. Not surprisingly, it was designated "Frymire." According to postal records, the office was "...to be kept by John Frymire at Frymire's Hotel in the village of Hyde Park." Frymire and his wife operated the hotel until his death in 1895. John's legacy to history has weathered the decades remarkably - his hotel is still operating after 130 years, five wars, Prohibition, two depressions and numerous recessions.

Following the Great Depression and Prohibition, the hotel was sold at sheriff’s sale in 1935 to Jacob Rothermel.  He died within a few years but his daughters continued until 1948.  That year the hotel was sold to John and Callie Strauss.  John Strauss died in 1952.  From 1953, Freymoyer’s was still owned by Harold “Bud” Poley and his wife Callie (Strauss) until her death in 1988.

In 1991 the hotel was purchased from "Bud" Poley by Chuck Koch.  In the legacy of John Frymire, my philosophy is to cater to the residents of Hyde Park as well as members of the surrounding communities. I believe in a fun family atmosphere, serving quality food and drinks at reasonable prices.  Sit back, Relax, and ENJOY!!

                                                                                                       -Chuck

2700 Kutztown Road, Hyde Park, Reading, PA 19605

610-921-1448