Stephen Polaha, was born in 1891 in Cleveland, Ohio. He later moved to Reading, where he was employed at the textile Machine Works in Wyomissing until his retirement in 1956. He subsequently joined the custodial staff of the Berks County Courthouse. He enjoyed wearing coats and ties, and was known around town as "the Dappper Dan of South Eighth Street." He carved throught his life. He died in 1977 in Berks Heim, the county home at the age of 86. (Machmer, p.72)