Historical and Notable Sites in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Trout Hall, built in 1770 by James Allen (son of Allentown founder William Allen), is the oldest house in Allentown.
Location
Allentown, Pennsylvania
The city of Allentown, Pennsylvania is one of the oldest major cities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States, being established in 1762. It has deep roots in the history of the nation, being the hiding place of the Liberty Bell during the American Revolution, and its oldest city cemetery has graves of patriots who served in the Continental Army. Over its 250-year history, many people and things have played a part in the history of the City; numerous buildings, bridges, parks and other locations in the city have come and gone, but many remain, with no less than thirteen of them being on the National Register of Historic Places.
Below is a list of major historical and notable sites in the City. See the linked article for a full description and history of each site.
Large concrete multi-arch bridge first opened as a toll bridge in November 1913 by the Lehigh Valley Transit Company as a streetcar and inter-urban trolley bridge. Construction began in 1911, and when opened, it was the longest and highest reinforced concrete arch bridge in the world. Automobile traffic was charged a toll to cross the bridge until the mid 1950s. Commonly called the 8th Street Bridge, its current name honors the one-time Allentown Band director, Albertus ("Bert") L. Meyers, who played in the band at the bridge's opening.[1]
Historic Masonic Temple built between 1923 and 1925. Built in the Classical Revival style, it features elaborate stone and Terra cotta trim and four large and imposing fluted composite columns at its main entrance.[2]
Historic bank building built in 1905, and is a large eight-story, steel frame and masonry-clad building in the Beaux-Arts style. The building was vacated in the 1990s, however in the early 2000s, it was re-developed into apartments for independent living senior citizens.[2]
classic 1920s Jazz Age hotel built by a group of Allentown businessmen who wanted a first-class hotel in the central business district. It was not to be palatial private "pleasure dome" like those of the 19th-century robber barons. Rather, it would be a hotel, a public facility that provided the best that world-class service and up-to-date technology could offer.[3]
Historic wooden covered bridge located at Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It is a 145-foot-long (44 m), Burr Truss bridge, constructed in 1841. It has vertical plank siding and a gable roof. It was restored by the Allentown Parks Department.[2]
Historic bank building built in 1925, and is a "T"-shaped, five-story red brick building. The base is sheathed in limestone, and the distinctive brick and limestone attic level is reflective of the Art Deco style. The building is currently under reconstruction/restoration as part of the PPL Center project, and is being incorporated into the project.[2]
Historical Victorian architecture home featuring a wraparound porch, third floor balcony, a polygonal turret, and a hipped roof with multiple gables and dormers.[2]
Victorian era hotel built in the Romanesque Revival style with Queen Anne and Eastlake influences. It is three bays wide, with a gabled parapet at the middle bay. When nominated in 1980, the hotel had 33 sleeping rooms. Today, the hotel is used as a nightclub, having karaoke and live music, not to mention relatively inexpensive food and drinks, as well as nightly specials. The bar spans two levels, one of which includes a large dance floor, and spills onto a covered deck off of the second floor.[2]
Historic brewery complex located at Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The complex was built between 1911 and 1913, and consists of the office building, brew house, stock house, pump house, wash house, chemistry lab building, boiler room, bottling house, garage, fermenting cellar, and smokestack with the name "Neuweiler" on it. The office building is a two-story, brick and granite building. The remaining buildings in the complex are built of brick. The brew house stands six-stories, and has a copper hipped roof with cupola. The stock house is a long, narrow four-story building. The brewery closed in 1968, and the property is currently in a derelict condition. Many proposals have been made to redevelop the property, the last in 2013 now under review by the Allentown Planning Commission.[2]
Historic county courthouse. The original section was built between 1814 and 1819, and was a 2 1/2-story, stone building with a hipped roof. It was remodeled and enlarged in 1864 in the Italianate style. An addition on the west was added in 1880-1881, and the addition to the north was built in 1914-1916, in the Beaux-Arts style.[2]
It is the oldest home in Allentown, built between 1768 and 1770, and is a 2 1/2-story, stone dwelling in the Georgian architecture style. It was built as a summer home by James Allen, the third son of William Allen, founder of Allentown. Today, it houses the library and museum of the Lehigh County Historical Society.[2]
Oldest church in Allentown. In 1777, while the British occupied Philadelphia, this church was used to hide the Liberty Bell as well as the chimes from Philadelphia's Christ Church. This clandestine act of patriotism prevented the British from melting down these treasures for use as ammunition.[4] In 1838 the church was enlarged and may have incorporated the 1762 structure into the building, inside the walls of the current boiler room. The building was doubled in size in from 1886 to 1888 in the Gothic Revival style, to the designs of architect Lewis Jacoby.[2]
Classic 20th-Century Department Store, built in 1925-1926, and is a three-story, seven bay wide building with Classical Revival style influences. It features architectural terra cotta panels and richly detailed bronze display window surrounds. Zollinger-Harned Department Store went bankrupt in 1978, property sold and redeveloped as Sovereign Building, used for class-A office space.[2]
Major regional art museum founded in 1934 by a group organized by noted Pennsylvania impressionist painter, Walter Emerson Baum. Currently has a collection of over 13,000 works. In addition, its library and archives of more than 16,000 titles and 40 current periodicals make it an important cultural resource.[5]
The Allentown Cemetery Park was established by city founder William Allen as the graveyard for his community. The first person recorded as being buried in the cemetery was Mary Huber in 1765. The older stones have epitaphs written in ornate German Gothic script. There are many graves here of Allentown men who fought in the American Revolution. A large memorial at the corner of 10th and Linden lists them as well as the veterans of the War of 1812. Among the most famous interred here is Peter Rhoads Sr., a local storekeeper and member of the Revolutionary-era Committee for Public Safety.
The adjacent Old Allentown Cemetery is the city's second oldest cemetery, located next to Allentown Cemetery Park. Burial site of Tilghman Good (1830–87), two-term mayor and commander of the 47th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers during the American Civil War.[1]
Home of the Great Allentown Fair, an annual fair and agricultural show operated by the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. It is one of the oldest fairs in the United States, and one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Also home of the Allentown Farmers Market and Ritz Barbeque.[6]
Built in 1933-1934, the Art Deco design adds a touch of distinction to a rather simple building. On the interior is a series of murals produced in 1937-1938 by New York artist Gifford Beal (1879-1956). Each deals with a theme from Allentown history.[7]
Municipal library open to the general public. Opened on November 25, 1912 at 914 Hamilton Street; origins date to 1810 at corner of 6th and Hamilton Streets which burned in 1893. The general alarm fire which destroyed the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church on October 24th 1972 (Built 1921)[8] led to the purchase of the land by the city. The Allentown School District purchased the former church site at Jefferson and Hamilton Streets on behalf of the Allentown Library board in the Spring of 1974. The Library constructed a modern facility utilizing the entire block, and the current library opened in 1976. It has a large research room, computer access, newspaper microfilm library[9]
A Rose Garden, with many beautiful flowers and ponds filled with water lilies, are known for their All America Rose Selections. The garden itself is meticulously tended, laid out in symmetry and dotted with vined trellises, statuary and a white gazebo. The garden overlooks a pair of lilly-padded ponds, shaded by willow trees and bound by the wandering Cedar Creek. Location of many weddings in the late spring and summer.
Erected 1926-1928 as Allentown's first Jewish Community Center. Built on site of 19th century mansion owned by the Siebert family, merchants who made a small fortune manufacturing rugs and dry goods, then shipping them to California during the 1848 California Gold Rush. The 19th century mansion was sold and became the temporary headquarters of the Jewish Community Center in 1920, however plans were made for a bigger facility with a gym and swimming pool. The current structure was designed by David Levy, the city's first Jewish architect, who also designed the Colonial Theater and the redone facade of the Lyric Theater, now Symphony Hall. Alliance hall opened in May 1928, became major focal point of Allentown's Jewish Community until 1958 when the new (and current) Jewish Community Center was opened at North 22d and West Tilghman Streets. Sold to Catholic Diocese of Allentown, became Carroll Annex, used as classroom space for Central Catholic High School. Sold in 1969 to African-American community as a community center; sold again in 1990 to Allentown Health Bureau. Current use is as multipurpose facility for AHB, basement as winter homeless shelter managed by Lehigh Conference of Churches.[10][11][12]
An over-the-road transportation museum. The 43,000 square feet (4,000 m2) museum offers over 23,000 square feet (2,100 m2) of exhibit space divided into three main galleries and several smaller exhibits. The museum's collection features over 75 bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles and trucks in exhibits telling the story of people and products on the move from the days of the carriage to the vehicles of tomorrow .[13]
Non-profit community art school established in the summer of 1926, when artist Walter Emerson Baum was recruited by Blanche Lucas to provided art instruction to art teachers of the Allentown School District. Feedback was so positive that Baum was asked to return again and again. The classes became known as "The Baum School."[14]
Philip and Muriel Berman Sculpture Park (1980)
1243 South Cedar Crest Blvd., Lehigh Valley Hospital
Originally Fairview Field, home to the city's Minor League Baseball teams, 1939–47. As Bicentennial Park, hosted the Allentown Ambassadors, 1997–2003 and home of the Allentown Patriots softball team. Rebuilt 1976. Currently the home of the Philadelphia Force of National Pro Fastpitch at the Elite Championship Tournament Baseball (ECTB) Stadium.[16][17]
Victorian-era row house was the home of Frank Buchman (1878-1961), the founder of the Moral Rearmament Movement. He maintained the Allentown home until his death in West Germany. Today it is administered as a house museum by the Lehigh County Historical Society.[1]
Built by attorney Samuel A. Butz, this dark stone Victorian home was once the center of Allentown's most fashionable residential district. Butz, a long time member of the board of Allentown College of Women, now Cedar Crest College, practiced law up to the day of his death in 1930. From 1930 to 1975, it was the home of Butz's grandson, Joseph C. Groff and his family. It was purchased by Allentown entrepreneur Ray Holland and renovated to house his antique car memorabilia collection. Not open to the public.[1]
Home of the Diocese of Allentown The building was designed in a colonial style. The exterior is faced with a variegated salmon brick trimmed with Salem limestone. At the crossing formed by the transept, there is a tall spire topped with a cross. The windows are colonial glazed antique glass.
Private liberal arts women's college. During the 2006-2007 academic year, the college had 1,000 full-time and 800 part-time undergraduates and 85 graduate students. It also admits male students for evening classes. The college is historically tied to the United Church of Christ, though it remains academically independent.[18]
Focal point of the community as it was conceived by William Allen in 1762. Central point in Allentown's Central Business District. Two National Register of Historic Places buildings are on the north side of the square. Location of Soldier's and Sailors monument (1899) honoring American Civil War veterans from the 47th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.[19]
An 8,200-seat baseball park. It is the home field for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A level minor league baseball affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Coca-Cola Park accommodates 10,100 fans, including auxiliary areas (Capital BlueCross Lawn, Dugout Suites and Red Robin Tiki Terrace), and cost $50.25 million to build.[20]
Science museum and nonprofit organization that has been a leader in bringing science to life and lives to science since 1992. Its slogan is Open for ExSCIting Possibilities.[21]
Large amusement and water park. The park features eight roller coasters, other adult and children's rides, and a waterpark, Wildwater Kingdom. It features some of the world's most prominent roller coasters, including Steel Force, the ninth longest steel roller coaster in the world and the longest on the U.S. East Coast.[22]
Large, early 20th-Century office building and retail store in Hamilton Street Central Business District. Farr company manufactured, distributed and sold high quality men's and women's shoes from 1862-1986. Redeveloped in the 2000s, now used for both retail and residential apartments. A historical plaque on the side of the building along North 8th Street states that "On this site was located one of four hospitals for soldiers of the Continental Army." The plaque was placed on the building in 1925 by the "Citizens of Allentown and Liberty Bell Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution".[3]
Marks the location of the world's first medical college exclusively devoted to the practice of homeopathic medicine. Established in 1835, the college went bankrupt in 1845 and relocated to Philadelphia, where it developed into what is today Hahnemann University Hospital.
A multi-purpose stadium that seats 15,000 and is used by several area high schools and the Pennsylvania Stoners of the NPSL (men) and the Northampton Laurels of the WPSL (women) soccer teams. Also known as Allentown School District Stadium. In addition, the stadium also hosts the annual Drum Corps International Eastern Championships, with drum and bugle corps from all over the country, and a large Fourth of July fireworks display that typically draws tens of thousands of spectators.[24]
Major focal point of Allentown's Jewish Community. Construction began in September 1955, opened 13 April 1958. Provides athletic facilities, day care, social events and other activities. About 1,000 people a week using the facility for one activity or another. Significant percentage of its membership at this point is non-Jewish.[25]
Nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the history of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. The Lehigh County Historical Society's library, the Scott Andrew Trexerl II Research Library and Archive, houses 70,000 vintage photographs and nearly three million historical documents.[26]
Large public park along the Little Lehigh River. It is the most prominent park of the city and follows the Little Lehigh for three miles from the center of the city to Cedar Crest Boulevard. The park features many scenic exercising trails in addition to bridle paths, a shooting range, and many fishing locations.[3]
Oldest continuously operating trout nursery in the nation. There are several pools with different sized trout with one long one that stretches alongside the Little Lehigh River. . Food for the trout can be purchased in the small shop on the far end of the hatchery. The trout know when humans are nearby and gather, waiting to be fed. Feeding the trout can cause the fish to frenzy and jump. Picnic tables and benches are available.[3]
Lehigh Portland Cement Company (Portland Place) (1902)
Headquarters of company. Known as the Young Building after one of the company's founders, Edward M. Young. It was extensively remodeled in the late Art-Modern style in 1939-1940. Over the front door is a glass relief sculpture designed by the Italian American artist Oronzio Maldarelli (1892-1964). At that time it was the largest glass mural panel in the world. Cast at the Pittsburgh Corning Company's glass works, its three stylized allegorical figures represent the strength, durability, and permanence of cement.[1]
Ornate columns in the front with Beaux Arts festoons of stone garlands. Early 20th Century bank, closed in the 1990s. Currently vacant, planned for re-use.[1]
Jazz age apartment building, built in 1928. The Livingston is Beaux Arts architecture of the pre-depression era style. The local newspapers featured large articles hailing the Livingston’s opening. Called “the largest apartment structure in Eastern Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia,” it had been built at a cost of $475,000. the exquisite marble work, the handsome wrought iron fittings, the lighting effects, the stained glass windows hung with charming draperies made it one of the most sought-after addresses. As the years passed the Livingston lost its status. The wealthy wanted homes in the suburbs not apartments in downtown Allentown. Completely renovated in the 2010s, currently in use as in-town condominiums.[28]
Repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer. Many antique vehicles on display, along with a large collection of more than 80,000 photos, along with records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed there. Recently expanded (2013) to include the Mack Shop, selling many souvenirs from the company.[29][30]
Model Train exhibit which contains more than 1,000 structures, some handmade from scratch, and more than 40 model trains running continuously on 18,000 feet of track.[32]
Premier performing arts facility in Allentown, home of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, as well as Pennsylvania Sinfonia, Community Concerts of Allentown, Allentown Band and Community Music School of the Lehigh Valley. Built around 1896 as the Central Market Hall, the structure was converted to a theater in 1899 by the architectural firm of J.B. McElfatrick and renamed the Lyric Theater. Perhaps one of only a dozen of the famous McElfatrick designs still standing, for many years it was one of the leading burlesque halls in the eastern United States. Fully renovated with nearly $10 million in improvements, the project concluded during the 2005-06 season with a complete upgrade of the Symphony Hall stage and the construction of a new acoustical shell.[1][33]
Non-profit organization and educational center dedicated to presenting, preserving, and perpetuating the history of the Lenape and other Northeastern Woodland Indian cultures.[36]
The oldest movie theater in Allentown, opened as a silent film theater on 17 September 1928. Today, also home of the Civic Theatre of Allentown, a historic community center that hosts theater, arts education and film and is a major part of the 19th Street Theater District, a mixed use neighborhood home to nearly 140 businesses.[37]
Local restaurant, notable for being the first and oldest pizza restaurant in the area. First located at 2231 Walbert Avenue, moved to current location in 1957, although the restaurant possibly dates back to the 1930s.[38]
Nationally famous gymnasim and school for gymnastics talent, trains future Olympians. Over 100 members have made the US National Gymnastics Team, Pan-American team, and World Championship Teams Several US Olympic team members. Serves the area with a wide range of classes for all ages and skill levels. [39]
Tallest building in Allentown at 23 stories, headquarters to PPL Corporation. Built between 1926-1928. This classic Art-Deco skyscraper was designed by architect Harvey Wiley Corbett (1873-1954) of the firm of Helme & Corbett. A pioneer in skyscraper design, Corbett was one of several architects who planned Rockefeller Center in the 1930s. His assistant, the late Walter K. Harrison (1895-1984), who later went on to design the United Nations Building, Lincoln Center, and many other projects for the Rockefeller family, was the on-site architect. In 2008, PPL created a Peregrin Falcon nesting platform outside its 23rd floor.[41]
Historic hotel, built by businessman Samuel Traylor, Sr. in 1917, addition wing added in 1929. Traylor kept his office there and also lived there in the later years of his life. In its early to mid-20th-century heyday, the Hotel Traylor was popular with prominent visitors to the city, including ex-president William Howard Taft, conductor and composer John Philip Sousa, baseball great Babe Ruth and movie star Joan Crawford. Remained in operation as a hotel until the 1970s, then became a rooming house and went into a decline. Renovated and restored in the early 2000s.[44][45]
Union and West End Cemetery (1854)
Between North 10th and 12th Streets along West Chew Street
Established in April 1954, purchased for $200 per acre from farmers Jacob Miller and Jacob Hagenbach. The cemetery grounds cover 19.6 acres and is the final resting place for over 22,000 departed souls. There are more than 700 Civil War Veterans buried in the cemetery as well as a few Revolutionary War soldiers and veterans from the War of 1812, Spanish-American and World War I are also interred there. Civil War Medal of Honor recipient, Ignatz Gresser, is buried in the cemetery. Also final resting place of Allentown's first mayor, Samuel McHose. From the 1870s to the early 1930s, Allentown's Memorial Day services were held at the site. In 2004, the 150th anniversary of the cemetery was celebrated with a Civil War funeral that incorporated a horse-drawn hearse and Civil War re-enactors.[46][47]
The land was purchased by the City of Allentown in the 1880s with intentions of creating a reservoir. Unused until March 1906 when the city began to move on the creation of the park by acquiring additional acreage. General Harry C. Trexler, a local businessman and philanthropist contributed money to build the park. This included a community bandshell, now home of the Allentown Band as well as local theater and religious groups that perform throughout the summer. More of a town square, this was Allentown's first park and today provides a breath of fresh air in the center of the West Park Historic District. The park includes ornamental trees and walks, and a large central fountain.[48]
Local restaurant chain known for its hot dogs, founded by Theodore Iacocca, uncle of former Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca. Yocco’s also serves the standard fare of hamburgers, cheeseburgers and cheesesteaks
Early 20th Century hotel built in 1910. Initially catered to farmers, cattle drivers and auctioneers who came to Allentown to do business at the Allentown Horse Exchange and Bazaar. Behind the Acorn, the Horse Exchange flourished from the late 1800s to 1925. Later served industrial Allentown during the city's manufacturing era of the mid 20th Century. With the end of most of the industry in the Little Lehigh Creek basin, the Acorn's clientele dwindled and was basically derelict by the 1970s. Renovated in the 1980s into a music and dance facility, was unsuccessful and was closed about 1995. Building remains with old sign on front, however its current status is undetermined.[50]
Later known as Phoenix Mills, the Adeliade Silk Mill became one of the largest producers of silk products in the United States. By 1900, there were twenty-three silk establishments in Allentown, making Pennsylvania second only to New Jersey in silk production. The silk industry in Pennsylvania and the United States peaked in the late 1920s. After that the Great Depression, increasing labor unrest, and competition from rayon began to affect the industry locally and nationally. During World War II the supply of silk disappeared because nearly all of it had been imported from Japan. After the war, new synthetic fibers, especially nylon, replaced silk in many garments. The Adeliade Mill remained in production until about 1985. It later became a large storage facility. Current plans for the empty mill is for it to be totally renovated into a apartments[51][52]
Classic local neighborhood theater, catering to second-run films at reduced prices. Operated for over 70 years until closed when final owner died. Raised in 2000 to provide local parking for area.[3]
Established by J. George Snyder in 1870. Large livery stable, located in the Little Lehigh Creek basin. Usually having about 60 horses, as well as horses and carriages. Was the largest of several stables in Allentown, extending 120 feet along Maple Street and 90 feet along Church Street. As late as 1917 at the beginning of World War I, there were still well over 1,300 horses in Allentown, and only the main streets had been paved. Closed in 1925, now a parking lot behind the Acorn Hotel.[3][53]
Passenger rail stations for Allentown, consisting of the Allentown Terminal Railroad Station served patrons of the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) and the Philadelphia and Reading Rail Roads (Reading) who jointly operated it. It was constructed in 1888 and 1889. The second station, the Lehigh Valley Railroad Station (LVRR), was built in 1889 and was located directly west of the CNJ station. It served the patrons of the LVRR. Passenger rail service ended in Allentown during the 1960s, the stations became derelict and the Lehigh Valley station was torn down in the 1972. The CNJ/Reading station was restored into a restaurant (since closed). Today, the primary right of way of the LVRR is now the northeast segment of American Parkway.[3]
In addition to the passenger stations, Allentown had a large LVRR freight yard 40°36′26″N075°27′49″W / 40.60722°N 75.46361°W / 40.60722; -75.46361 (Allentown LVRR FreightYard) and two very productive railroad branch lines; The West End, and the Barber Quarry. The Barber Quarry, for the most part, began as a spur breaking off the LVRR main line at about 3d and Union Streets, and ran along the Little Lehigh Creek. It continued west until it turned north along Union Terrace, crossing Hamilton and ending at 20th and Linden Streets. The West End, for the most part, began at Furnace and Ridge Avenue, running northwest to North 4th and Sumner Avenue, running along Sumner Avenue, turning south and looping past 17th and Liberty Streets then to just north of Gordon Street (The old right of way is now called Scott Street), terminating at North 12th Street. Sumner Avenue was later extended along the old right of way to Ridge Aenue. The Barber Quarry spur ended operation about 1977; the West End Spur about 1971.[54]
Psychiatric hospital that served the counties of Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and occasionally eastern Schuylkill. Due to the sharp decline in the need for psychiatric hospitals was closed in 2010.[55]
Established as the Iowa Barb Wire Company in 1885, produced barb wire primarily for shipment to the midwest. Taken over by United States Steel in 1901. During World War I, the plant operated 24 hours a day producing barb wire to ship to the Western Front in France. In 1915, it was a major producer for the Allies, operating 24 hours a day producing producing more than 100,000 tons of barb wire, staples and nails. to ship to the Western Front in France. The heyday of the plant ended during the Great Depression. When the nation entered World War II, a number of contracts were awarded to the company. But the Allentown mill's distance from the major steel suppliers in Pittsburgh made it unprofitable to operate. In 1943, U.S. Steel closed the wire mill for good. The plant was vacant until the late 1960s when most of the buildings were torn down; one large structure remains along Lehigh Street.[56]
Opened in 1962 as a local winter ski area, in Kernsville, about 10 miles northwest of Allentown. Offered beginner and moderate slopes, rope tow and two T-bar ski lifts, night skiing, snowmaking and a lodge. Also offered a ski school. Closed in 1978, now abandoned and overgrown; ski lodge and other facilities appears to be still standing but very run-down and vandalized[57][58]
Opened in 1887 as a smokehouse by Wilson Arbogast and Morris Clinton Bastian. Produced ready-cured meat for sale. Expanded into a meat packing plant for cattle and hogs, producing a wide variey of meat products for sale at local grocery stores, later supermarkets. Once a national leader in hog slaughtering, the company had the capacity to process most of the 850,000 hogs raised annually in Pennsylvania for slaughtering. In its heyday, Arbogast & Bastian slaughtered an average of 4,000 hogs daily. Filed for bankruptcy in 1984, plant closed in January 1985. The main plant was torn down in the 1990s, today the old main office is the administrative offices for the America On Wheels museum.[59][60]
Grand 1920s cinema, originally opened as Embassy Theater. Had a stage for vaudeville and stage shows, two balconies and main floor seating. Renamed Boyd Theater about 1934. The Boyd was the 2d largest theater in the Downtown Allentown area in the 1960s, behind the Colonial Theater. It was closed in 1972 when property was sold to PP&L Company for expansion of their headquarters building. Torn down and subsequently rebuilt as office building.[61]
World War I use of Allentown Fairgrounds, used by the United States Army Ambulance Service (USAAS) as a training camp. Its mission was to train ambulance drivers to evacuate casualties on the Western Front in France and also in Italy. Returned to fairgrounds use in 1919.[3]
Center Square Comfort Stations (1919-1972)
Southeast corner, North 7th and West Hamilton Streets
Legacy of the early 20th Century when most stores in the Central Business District did not offer public rest rooms. Along with rest room facilities, the Comfort Stations also provided showers for men and bath facilities for women, along with a small store and a shoe shine stand up through World War II. Music was initially provided by a record player, later a radio. By the 1960s, the facilities were simplified to public rest rooms and closed in 1963 by the Board of Health. Re-opened in 1965 by request of the Downtown Merchants, finally closed for good in 1972 as part of the Hamilton Mall renovation of Center Square. Presumably still existing below street level today below extended sidewalk on the SE corner of the Square.[62]
Amusement park in the Rittersville section of East Allentown. Opened in 1892. Offered 40 acres of shady walks and ample park benches. It was built in a wooded area with picnic groves, walking paths, a few amusements, theaters and food stands. The first rides were a carousel, a toboggan chute, and the "Razzle-Dazzle". Closed in 1951 after a series of fires, land redeveloped in the early 1960s, last parts of the park torn down in 1964.[63]
Golden era stage and cinema in Allentown Central Business district. Over 1,000 seats with two balconies. Initially silent theater, was also host for traveling jazz spectaculars, specializing in touring groups from Harlem's Cotton Club. In 1929, the theater installed sound equipment for talking pictures. In February 1935, it was the site of a live national radio network broadcast of "Amos and Andy". An extensive renovation in 1963 made it the premiere first-run movie theater in downtown Allentown during the 1960s-1970s. Closed in 1988 and became derelict. Torn down in 2005.[3]
Classic, post World War II outdoor Drive-in theaters in Allentown. Open from about April though the end of October of each year, being closed during the winter months. The theaters opened about an hour before sunset each night, and normally showed two films on an average evening, the first being a first-run film, the second being either a "B" movie or a second-run film.
The Airport closed in 1962, torn down in 1963 and the land was redeveloped. It's now part of the cloverleaf intersection of Airport Road and US 22; also the Scottish Inn and Suites/Valley Plaza Shopping Center. Catasauqua Road goes right though it.[64]
The Boulevard closed in 1985. Its ticket booth, projection/refreshment building and the metal speaker posts were torn down and removed about 1990. Property is currently vacant, however projection screen remains in a derelict state. Private Property.[3]
The Super Skyway closed in 1979. Sat vacant for decades. A fire burned down the concession stand and projection booth in 2003. It finally sold in 2004 and in 2005 the property was torn down. Today it's an empty field.[65][66]
The West End was closed about 1975, property redeveloped. Now Rothrock Nissan.[67]
First cinema in Allentown to be equipped for synchronized sound films. It opened on 16 December 1927, showing "The Prince of Headwaiters", starring Lewis Stone, a mostly silent film which had scenes in sound. The four-story cinema (its upper floors were professional offices, the 3d and 4th floor having a two-story windowed atrium in the front) operated until February 1961, when it was closed. The last film shown was The Great Impostor, with Tony Curtis. Eventually the property was sold and the theater torn down. Today it is an Allentown Parking Authority parking lot.[68]
Site of mid-1800's brewery and hotel in Center City Allentown. Established as the Däufer Brewery in 1869 by Henry Köenig and his brother-in-law George and Francis Däufer. Was also a saloon and barber shop, becoming one of the most popular destinations in Allentown. Although the beer was produced at the site, Köenig's beer vault was at Jefferson and Larwence Streets at the "Beer Vaults and Sommer Garden", now near the Allentown Water Works. After Köenig's death in 1874, brewery was moved to the Larwence Street site and the building was turned into the "Fountain Brewery Hotel", although small amounts of beer were brewed at the site (although not during Prohibition) until 1948. Building raised in 1990 and turned into city parking lot.[69]
Largest and most famous Department Store in Allentown, nationally known. Founded by Max and Charles Hess, the store consisted of five floors and over 400,000 square feet of retail space. Became landmark department store with magnificent crystal chandeliers gracing the main hall. It was well known for its fashion apparel as a result of introducing the latest trends from Europe. Extravagant window displays along exterior of main floor. Children delighted at the giant toy soldiers Hess’s used as Christmas decorations in addition to "Pip the Mouse" in a puppet show. Shoppers were treated to the annual May flower show, fashion shows, and celebrity appearances. Hess's Patio restaurant was well known for its strawberry pie and other delicacies. Closed 1994. Building torn down 2000, land redeveloped as The Plaza at PPL Center.[3]
Large landmark hotel on Center Square opened in the gilded era. Included a large lobby with a luxurious sitting room. All rooms also had electric lighting, and some rooms even had private baths. Hosted businessmen, wealthy travelers, political figures and other important guests to the city, including three former Presidents of the United States. Closed 1954. Raised in 1956, site became First National Bank building (1958-1995), now being redeveloped as Two City Center office complex.[3]
Former high school football facility, opened on 28 September 1929 adjacent to city's Allentown High School. Named for A. Jack Coffield, high school football player who died during a football practice on 26 September 1928. Interscholastic football had begin at Allentown High School in 1896, the team playing on any open field that was available.[70] The 15,000 seat capacity Coffield Stadium was the the first permanent home for the football team. Over a six year period from 1941 to 1946, the AHS teams went 60-3-3, outscoring the opposition 1,801 points to only 239. Forty of the sixty wins were by shutouts. Replaced by larger Allentown School District Stadium in 1948. Eventually the seats at Coffield Stadium were removed in 1955 and became the visitor's stand on south side of the ASD stadium along Linden Street. The facility became an athletic field for the high school for many years, with various buildings for industrial shop classes and the Linden Street Wing of the high school being erected on parts of the old football field. In 1970 the athletic field was redeveloped and the new Wiliam Allen High School basketball/natatorium was erected on the site. The Coffield Stadium seats that were moved to the ASD stadium were torn down in 2002 as part of the renovation of J. Birney Crumb Stadium. [71][72]
The company was formed in 1919 during the height of Allentown's industrial era. Its facilities occupied 55 acres along the Lehigh River, consisting of heavy fabrication buildings, tower fabrication and tower galvanizing. Lehigh Steel was the only major steel manufacturer located in Allentown. Steel plant closed 1992, site now part of Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). Plans announced in 2013 to redevelop the site into a mixed office and residential complex known as The Waterfront.[3]
First Department store in Allentown, opened in 1850 as shoe and boot retailer. Henry Leh manufactured large numbers of boots for Union Army troops during the Civil War, expanded into dry goods and opened a large department store in 1912. Christmas season found the store packed. The arrival of Santa Claus was a major event. Although not quite as flamboyant as Max Hess's showplace at 9th and Hamilton, Leh's still held its own. In the late 1950s an appearance by pop singing idol Frankie Avalon packed the store with teenagers. Closed in 1996 as part of decline of retail shopping in Allentown Central Business District. Redeveloped into Lehigh County Government Center for government office use.[1][3]
Manufacturer of heavy industrial trucks, trollies and buses. Company headquarters moved to Allentown from Brooklyn, New York, in 1905. Mack trucks have been sold in 45 countries. Company headquarters moved to Greensboro, North Carolina in 2009, however manufacturing plant remains in Macungie, a suburb in southwest Allentown. Allentown World Headquarters building, erected in 1970, was sold to New Jersey-based J.G. Petrucci Co., who leases out office space in the building.
The last Mack production plant in Allentown (5C) closed on 23 October 1987. Production, however continues at the Macungie plant which opened in 1976.[73]
Colonial gunsmith factory established by American Patriot Johannes (John) Moll about 1764. Moll moved to Northampton Town from Goshenhoppen, 40 miles north of Philadelphia. Moll manufactured Pennsylvania Flintlock Rifles (later known as Kentucky Rifles) for settlers in the local area. During the Revolutionary War, he enlisted as a Private, Eighth Class, of the Third Company of the First Battalion of Northampton County Militia on June 18, 1777. He was never called to active duty, as he was assigned to manufacture and repair rifles, pistols and bayonets and to manufacture saddles for the Continental Army. After the Revolution, Moll's son and later descendants remained in the gun manufacturing bushiness, producing flintlocks used in the War of 1812. The family remained in Allentown and operated the Gunsmith factory, switching to percussion cap rifles and pistols in the 1820s until John Moll III died in 1883 when it was sold for $7,500, and was possibly torn down. In 1924 the Lafyette Hotel Fire which destroyed several properties on North 7th Street which were all torn down afterwards. Today it's a parking lot.[74]
Allentown's first cinema, opened on April 1, 1921, Had a stage for vaudeville and stage shows, two balconies and main floor seating. Lobby section was the site of a general alarm fire on 1 April 1946 causing the death of Assistant Fire Chief Marcus "Mark" Good. Cinema rebuilt and continued as a first run theater until 1971, later turned into adult film venue. Closed in 1980, auditorium demolished and replaced by a parking deck. Lobby section turned into offices for PP&L, still in use.[75][76]
2d oldest building in Allentown, built by American Patriot Peter Rhodes in 1762. Tailor and storekeeper, later served on the Committee for Public Safety in Northampton Town during the Revolutionary War. Later Rhodes was a judge of the local courts. He was the President Judge of the newly formed Lehigh County, also the first Burgess of Northampton Town in 1811. Died in 1814. Home was re-built in 1890, a 3d story added and turned into a rooming house. Was later reduced in size about 1924 after the Lafyette Hotel Fire and Sears Roebuck established a store in Allentown afterward in the 100 block of North 7th Street. Today the south part of the home (about half) still stands as part of a townhouse/local business.[3]
Originally Hooks Diner, built in 1947 on West Tilghman Street from Paramount pre-manufactured aluminum diner based on World War II lunch wagons. Owned by Al Hook it was originally a classic American Diner in the Cubist style wide with a lunch counter and booths along the front windows, glass brick curved corners and sheathed in aluminum or stainless steel. It was designed to serve lunches and dinners during the diner's golden age. After World War II, Tilghman street expanded into major thoroughfare, first known as the Penn Highway (US 22), and Hooks was one of many similar Diners along the highway going though Allentown. When Rt. 22 was rebuilt north of Allentown into locally known "Lehigh Valley Thruway" in 1955, the diner remained popular with the local residents. The Diner was sold to Russel Saylor in 1966 and the building was expanded greatly into a brick and steel structure, renamed Saylor's Restaurant. Offered Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, became local landmark restaurant. Originally the aluminum diner was visible along Tilghman Street, later bricked over and incorporated into its permanent structure as the front dining area, the diner booths along the front window were retained while the lunch counter was taken out for additional patron table space. Michael Saylor took over operations in 1992. Closed in 2005, re-opened as "West Side Diner" in 2011 .[77]
Opened as large (1,000 seat) silent movie theater in 1917 as spinoff of Lyric Theater so Lyric could concentrate on stage plays and vaudeville acts. Had a large organ with full-time organist for playing silent film music scores. Adapted to sound films about 1929. The Strand was one of several large ornate movie theaters in Allentown Central Business District, providing Saturday morning matinees, serials, and multiple film showings daily. The movie theater was closed in 1953 due to the popularity of Television. Theater lobby became retail space, auditorium became warehouse and distribution center for Farr Shoes. For decades after its closure as a movie theater, its large theater marquee remained attached to the front of the building, used for advertizing of the retail store in the front lobby section. Sold 1986, auditorium torn down for parking lot use. Lobby section renovated during the early 2000s, now used for retail and office space.[3]
Former industrial plant comprising seven buildings totaling over 260,000 square feet on over 17 acres of land. Dominated by a 121,000 square foot principal site. Initially a manufacturing plant for large mining industry equipment which was sold worldwide. After the start of World War I, Traylor Engineering provided artillery shells for the British military during World War I. Later manufactured ship engines, boilers and other marine parts for the United States after the US entry into the War. Was again a vital defense contractor during World War II. Sold in 1959 to the Fuller Company, manufactured mining and crushing equipment until the early 2000s.[78]Last tenant was Allentown Metal Works which took over the plant in 2008. Visited by President Barack Obama in December 2009 as part of his effort to stimulate the economy, the plant closed in January 2011 after a dispute between the owners and the Allentown Commercial and Industrial Development Authority. The vacant site was visited by Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney in June 2011 and filmed a campaign commercial there. Facility now closed, owned by Allentown Redevelopment Authority, although the buildings at the site are now over 100 years old.[79][80][81]
Large lumber yard, origins dating to 1856. One of the largest lumber yards of its kind in the eastern United States, formerly owned by General Harry C Trexler, was primary family business and fortune. Its roofed lumber shed was called the largest of its kind in the world. Destroyed by fire in General Alarm blaze on March 31, 1973, one of the largest and most intense fires in Allentown history. During the fire, the thermometer on a home at 437 N. 16th St recorded 120 degrees. Spectators a block away could feel the heat on their faces. On Sept. 25, 1973, the Charles Kline Lodge of Allentown's B'nai B'rith purchased for $70,000 the former lumber yard for the construction of what are now the B'nai B'rith Apartments.[82]
Notable Pennsylvania Dutch restaurants. Both built before World War II on Tilghman Street when it was still designated as US 22. The Village Inn was in far West Allentown, Walps in East Allentown, about 6 miles apart. Both restaurants were family-owned and welcomed thousands of families celebrating milestone birthdays and anniversaries and toasting newlyweds at wedding receptions, high school reunions and other occasions. Many local and out-of-town celebrities dined at the restaurants. Both were purchased by Rite-Aid and closed day after Thanksgiving in 1998. Both buildings were torn down about 2002. Walps was replaced by super-pumper convenience store. Village Inn torn down and property redeveloped into several small business buildings.[83][84]
Electrical engineering and manufacturing company, the supplier to American Telephone and Telegraph of telephone equipment from 1881 to 1995. It was the scene of a number of technological innovations and also some seminal developments in industrial management. It also served as the purchasing agent for the member companies of the Bell System. Western Electric came to an end in 1995 when AT&T changed the name of AT&T Technologies to Lucent Technologies. Lucent was merged with Alcatel SA of France in 2006, Allentown manufacturing facility was subsequently closed and is currently vacant.
^ abcdefghijklmnopAllentown, 1762–1987, a 225 Year history, Volume II, 1921–1987, Lehigh County Historical Society, 1987.
^Bloom, Ken; Wolbers, Marian (1984). Allentown A Pictorial History (Special Edition ed.). Norfolk, VA: The Donning Company/Publishers. pp. 18–19. ((cite book)): |edition= has extra text (help)
^"Allentown Fair". Official website. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-01. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^Hartman, William L. (1908). "The Mayors of Allentown"(PDF). Proceedings of the Lehigh County Historical Society (1st). Allentown, Pennsylvania: Lehigh County Historical Society: 205–218. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2008-06-26. Retrieved 2008-05-30.
^"PPL History: 1920s". PPL Corporation official website. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-30. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
