Reading, Pennsylvania: Der Distelfink Statue
Stylized Pennsylvania Dutch bird, a familiar regional icon. The 11-ft. long statue in front of the Heritage Center is by artist Ramon Lago (1984).
Berks County Heritage Center
- Address:
- 1102 Red Bridge Rd, Reading, PA
- Directions:
- Berks County Heritage Center, NW of Reading, US Hwy 222 exit onto Hwy 183 Bernville Rd., turn right onto Red Bridge Rd. Heritage Center is at the end of the road past the Hospital.
- Hours:
- Statue visible dawn to dusk. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 610-374-8839
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Distlefink isn't as bright as it used to be, but still worth a stop.
[Lindsey, 04/19/2022]
The Distelfink is the stylized bird that appears frequently on Deitsch (Pennsylvania Dutch or Pennsylvania German) art. Inspirations for the bird are the goldfinch or the painted bunting. Distelfinks appear in hex signs (also called barn stars), Himmelsbriefs, birth certificates, and many other manuscripts. They are also sacred in the Urglaawe religion. The Distelfink represents fortune, luck, and the soul of the Deitsch people. The statue at Grings Mill is an excellent physical representation of the artistic styling.
The statue was created by Ramon Lago in 1984. It is approximately 6 ft. tall and 11 ft. long.
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