Pike Township
Honoring the Past, Building for the Future:
A New Chapter for Pike Township
Pike Township, located in eastern Berks County, was officially established in August 1813 from portions of Oley, Rockland, Earl, and District townships. The township was named for the pike fish that once thrived in local streams. However, the township’s roots stretch even deeper — Lobachsville, its oldest village, was founded decades earlier, and early settlers like John Keim were already calling the area home by 1718.
In its early years, Pike Township thrived on the lumber industry, fueled by the area’s mature walnut trees. Over time, farming became the township’s primary livelihood — a tradition that continues today. Remnants of the past can still be found throughout the landscape: stone houses, historic mills, and church buildings. One particularly meaningful structure was the former one-room schoolhouse that served for years as the Pike Township Municipal Building. For decades, township meetings and daily operations took place in Drumheller’s School, a one-room schoolhouse built in the 1870s. With no running water, little privacy, and very limited space, the building could no longer meet the community’s needs.
Fleetwood Bank is proud to have financed the construction of a brand-new Township Building for the residents of Pike Township. The township was able to construct a brand-new 2,982-square-foot facility directly across the street from their old building. The new space now houses the Township Secretary/Treasurer, Tax Collector, and Road Master, offering much-needed room for public meetings, administrative work, and record storage.
In 2023, Pike Township made the decision to move its deposit accounts — including checking and money market — to Fleetwood Bank. The decision was driven by convenience, longstanding community ties, and trust in our local service.
We were having issues with our previous bank and needed a change. Fleetwood Bank had a convenient location, and we already knew Kevin — it made the decision very simple. Communication with Kevin was as simple as an email. Being a local bank, Fleetwood Bank also made it convenient and timely to check on the progress of the building construction."
Soon after, the Township inquired about financing for their building project. “This was a project we started to discuss in early 2022,” reflects Culp, who mentions they “had received money from AARP, The American Rescue Plan Act, which needed to be used on something within the township.”
Throughout the process, the township worked closely with Kevin Bieber, Relationship Manager at Fleetwood Bank. Having known Kevin through his involvement with the Oley Fire Company and Fairgrounds, the township felt confident in the partnership. Communication was easy, the loan process was smooth, and the local proximity allowed for consistent support throughout construction.
Fleetwood Bank provided a $600,000 construction loan to support the $1 million project, allowing Pike Township to break ground in November 2024. Just eight months later, in April 2025, they received their occupancy permit for a beautiful new 2,982 square-foot facility. This was a great way for Culp to end his fourteenth and last year as a Supervisor of Pike Township.
Project Timeline
- September 3, 2024 – Bids opened
- September 20, 2024 – Contract awarded
- November 11, 2024 – Groundbreaking
- April 24, 2025 – Occupancy permit received
- June 25, 2025 – Ribbon Cutting
Built by the Community, For the Community
The project was truly a local collaboration. Architect Jeff Biehn of Watkins Architect, LTD in Fleetwood and L&K Construction of Pottsville led the build. Culp describes Biehn as “a pleasure to work with,” being very hands on. Foreman Bill McCarthy and Job Superintendent Jason Fanelli were on site from day one, ensuring everything ran smoothly. The weather vane in the boardroom — a 150-year-old fish from the original schoolhouse — connects the new building to Pike’s past. A stained-glass fish, created by resident Paul Myles in 1991, adds another personal touch.
Many additional community members and businesses contributed to the project, including:
- Rolling Rock Building Stone – Provided beautiful Mountain Mary stone for the building (Special thanks to Joe Zimring)
- Houp Landscaping – Craig and Heather Houp (Read about why they bank local here)
- All-Fab, Inc. – The township’s neighbor, who donated the new weather vane
- Tamara Haring Design – Created the signage on the new township building
Cynthia shared a heartfelt thank-you: “We had been in the same building since the 1960s. It was time. This change is significant — and indoor plumbing doesn’t hurt either!” She also gave a personal shout-out to Cecily, Universal Banker III from Fleetwood Bank’s Oley Branch:
When Cecily left our previous bank, I wondered where she went. When I found out she was with Fleetwood, I knew we wanted to follow her. Her great customer service made all the difference.
Fleetwood Bank is proud to have been part of this chapter in Pike Township’s history — helping our neighbors build a space that supports their present needs and future goals. “It was a pleasure to work with the township’s leadership team throughout this project. Thank you all for allowing us to help make it happen for you,” says Kevin Bieber, VP, Relationship Manager of Fleetwood Bank.
