: 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.<ref name="HA"/>
: 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.<ref name="HA"/>
: Repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer.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.<ref>[http://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/4299/play/attractions/mack-trucks-historical-museum-2 Mack Trucks Historical Museum website]</ref>
: Repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer.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.<ref>[http://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/4299/play/attractions/mack-trucks-historical-museum-2 Mack Trucks Historical Museum website]</ref><ref>[http://www.mcall.com/business/retailwatch/mc-mack-shop-allentown-opening-20130831,0,4804862.column Mack Shop pulls into Allentown]</ref>
* '''[[Miller Symphony Hall]]''' (1896)
* '''[[Miller Symphony Hall]]''' (1896)
Revision as of 08:19, 4 September 2013
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 erected as a toll bridge by the Lehigh Valley Transit Company as a streetcar and inter-urban trolley bridge. 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.[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]
A Rose Garden, with many beautiful flowers and ponds filled with water lilies, are known for their All America Rose Selections. It contains many various types of hybrid roses. Location of many weddings in the late spring and summer.
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 .[8]
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."[9]
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.[10][11]
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.[12]
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.[13]
A 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.[14]
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.[15]
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.[16]
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 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.[17]
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.[18]
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]
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.[19][20]
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][21]
Non-profit organization and educational center dedicated to presenting, preserving, and perpetuating the history of the Lenape and other Northeastern Woodland Indian cultures.[24]
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.[25]
Pennsylvania Power and Light Building (1928)
Northwest Corner of 9th Street and West Hamilton Street
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 it's 23rd floor. [26]
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. The park includes ornamental trees and walks, and a large central fountain. [27]
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]
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, stations became derelict and were torn down in 1972 [3]
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.[29]
One of two 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 Boulevard 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. Closed 1985, 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]
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 causalities on the Western Front in France and also in Italy. Returned to fairgrounds use in 1919.[3]
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 early 1960s, last parts of the park torn down in 1964.[30]
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]
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]
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. [3][1]
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.
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 early 2000s, now used for retail and office space.[3]
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.
^ abcdefghijklmnAllentown, 1762–1987, a 225 Year history, Volume II, 1921–1987, Lehigh County Historical Society, 1987.
^Bloom, Ken (1984). Allentown A Pictorial History (Special Edition ed.). Norfolk, VA: The Donning Company/Publishers. pp. 18–19. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (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)
