Reading (Pennsylvania)

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READING

State : Pennsylvania

Blazon

Sable a fess or between in chief a beehive beset with bees volant of the last and in base a salamander in flames proper, over all an inescutch eon argent on a fess sable three plates.
Crest: Out of a mural crown the caduceus of Mercury.
Supporters: Dexter Thor, sinister Vulcan.
Motto: Deo adjuvante labor proficit.

Origin/meaning

The arms were designed in 1898.

The arms show in the upper half a beehive to indicate that Reading is a busy industrial centre. The golden bar shows the arms of the Penn family, founders of the State. The salamander in the base refers to the importance of furnaces for the development of the town. The colours are those of Germany, as most of the settlers were of German origin.

The supporters are Thor and Vulcan, both used as symbols for the iron industry. The crest with the staff of Mersury, also refers to the industry and trading in the town.

The motto "Deo Adjuvante Labor Proficit" means "Labor profits with the help of God".