William M. Delong Park is in the small town of Bowers, PA. It hosts a Chile Pepper festival every year in early September. The park has the usual small town amenities, such as a band shell, a few pavilions, a basketball court, a playground and a walking path. It is a nice place to visit and just chill.
But, who is William M. Delong, and why is this park named after him? It seems as though he is a great individual who gave a lot back to this little part of eastern Pennsylvania.
I suspect his obituary will shed some light (source: (
visit link)
"William DeLong, 68, founder of Reading law firm, civic leader.
William L.(sic) DeLong, 68, founder of the Reading law firm of DeLong, Dry and Binder, died Tuesday in St. Joseph Hospital, Reading. He was the husband of Jane (Eaches) DeLong.
He founded his practice with John W. Dry and Martin W. Binder, and later Daniel H. Huyett. DeLong was last associated with DeLong, Dry, Cranco and Beitzner, with offices in the Abraham Lincoln Building, Reading.
DeLong received a bachelor's degree from Duke University in 1942 and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1946, where he was managing editor of the Law Review.
Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Edwin L. and Caroline L. (Marsh) DeLong.
He served as solicitor for the Brandywine Heights, Maxatawny and District townships and Kutztown Area school boards. He also was solicitor of the Reading Recreation Board.
He was chairman of the Law Journal committee for 10 years, and was a trustee and former board president of Kutztown University. He was former president of the Pennsylvania Association of College Trustees.
DeLong was a member of Christ (DeLong's) United Church of Christ, Bowers, which his ancestors founded 200 years ago. He was scoutmaster of the Boy Scout troop at the church for 15 years.
In addition, he was founder and president of the Star Sign Co., Bowers, founder of the Berks County Athletic Club, and a former director, trustee and board president of the Reading YMCA. Also he was swimming coach for the Kutztown YMCA.
He was a director and former president of Campfire Girls of Berks County and director of the Crystal Cave Co."