Location Detail
Location Name
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Location Description
Founded by Gile J. Willson and his son Dr. Thomas A. Willson in 1871, Thomas A. Willson & Co. opened the first factory in the world to manufacture optical glass for lenses and reading glasses. In 1876, Thomas Willson patented the process for hardening glass, enabling the production of shatterproof protective eyeglasses. In 1939 Willson Products helped the war effort by making aviator goggles and high altitude oxygen masks for pilots in the military. By 1943, the factory was manufacturing all of the sunglasses issued to the U.S. Military during World War II.
After a 130 year history of manufacturing safety products, the factory closed in 2002 and was renovated as an arts center. At 145,000 square feet, the GoggleWorks campus features a number of teaching and artists studios including the 131-seat Boscov's theatre.
Current Use
Community art and cultural resource center
Location Address
201 Washington Street
Location City
Reading
Location Zip
19601
Latitude
40.337640329254114
Longitude
-75.93244061716237
Location Attributes
Downtown, Entertainment Venue
Main Image
Additional Images
