South Temple is a census-designated place in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. It is located about 4 miles north of the city of Reading. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,424 residents. Originally a streetcar suburb of Reading, South Temple retains the look of a 1920s residential community, with decent-sized properties, mature trees, sidewalks, and much variation in housing styles. The houses are well-kept and the gardens meticulously groomed. The community was originally serviced by a street-running trolley on Kutztown Road and an interurban trolley stop.
Boundaries
The traditionally-accepted boundaries of South Temple are the 5th Street Highway on the west, Sharp Ave. on the south, 11th Ave on the east, and Darby Ave. on the north. South Temple lies entirely within the 19560 ZIP code and is served by the "Temple" post office. Residents use "Temple" as their mailing address. The community is served by the Muhlenberg School District.
History
South Temple was started by a local developer by the name of Sharp, as a "Restricted Residential Community" with distinctive custom-built homes targeted at the emerging upper-middle class. The houses that Sharp built are known for their wonderful curb appeal and architectural character. One of his houses along 7th Avenue even won a design award. Most of the houses are modest in size and have a Craftsman Bungalow style to them, which is distinctive of the 1920s. Some houses are more notable, including five U-shaped duplex houses that are almost Mediterranean in style. During World War II, development was halted and Sharp moved on to other projects, leaving many lots still open for development, particularly on the southern end of the town. In the 1950s, a builder by the name of Sheidy finished developing the area. Sheidy's homes are characterized as modest red-brick Cape Cods. Ironically, it was Sheidy that built the homes along Sharp Avenue.
Today
South Temple is still regarded as a very desirable and affordable area of Muhlenberg Township. South Temple is home to two churches, both on North Temple Blvd: the Faith Evangelical Congregationalist Church, and Epiphany Lutheran Church. There is a municipal swimming pool at 4th & Darby. Originally a public pool, built by William A. Sharp and named the "South Temple Pool," it became the members-only Muhlenberg Swimming Association until its closing in 2014. A favorite summer hangout of many families in Muhlenberg Township, the pool came under new ownership and reopened as a public pool in the summer of 2018. The town is adjacent to the campus of the Muhlenberg School District, making it within easy walking distance for students. The local elementary school, was at one time much smaller and named the "South Temple Elementary".
