I have lived in the greater Reading area for most of my life and have never visited or even heard of the Jackson Democratic and Social Club. Although I agree with you about the city of Reading (proper) being destitute, sounds like you were hanging out with the wrong group of people. I think you could find these people in "anywhere USA". They still exist everywhere but usually reside in the shadows. My guess is that if you would have hung with my group of friends, you would have had a very different opinion of the area. Very nice piece on Pete and the taproom. I imagine we crossed paths once or twice.