Gruber Wagon Works, 19th-century wagon manufacturing facility in Bern Township, Pennsylvania, United States
The Gruber Wagon Works features a two-and-a-half-story wooden structure with multiple specialized areas including a wood shop, blacksmith shop, and paint shop.
Franklin H. Gruber established this wagon manufacturing business in 1882, which operated continuously until 1971, producing various types of horse-drawn vehicles and wooden implements.
The facility demonstrates the evolution of American manufacturing from individual craftsmanship to early mass production methods through its preserved machinery and tool collection.
The Berks County Heritage Center maintains regular visiting hours, providing guided tours that explain the wagon-making process and showcase the original manufacturing equipment.
The entire 86-ton structure was relocated five miles in 1976 to preserve it from the Blue Marsh Lake construction, maintaining all its original equipment and layout.
Location: Pennsylvania
GPS coordinates: 40.37060,-75.97960
Latest update: March 6, 2025 12:33
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