History & local legend
Reading Central Catholic High School occupied William Luden’s former Bon Air estate, including a carriage house used by the jazz band. A former student writing as Kevin recalled two unexplained experiences from his 1976–1979 years at the school.
One night, he and friends headed downstairs to see the old bowling alley. As they approached, they heard a ball rolling and striking the pins. The group turned and ran before investigating further.
The other incident followed a Broadway show. Kevin had switched off the amplifiers below the stage, and he and band director Mr. Arnold were leaving the gymnasium last. Near the door, they heard a hum. Turning back, Kevin saw the amplifiers’ red indicators glowing again.
Sources
- Alexa Freyman, Berksiana, Bon Air history and signed recollection by former band leader Kevin in the comments
- GoReadingBerks, history of the school, Bon Air purchase and Hill Road location
- City of Reading, 2024 State of the City identifies the former school at 1400 Hill Road
- Esri, former school’s Hill Road address
