The Jewish Community Center recently announced that they plan on relocating from 22nd and Tilghman Streets, to a location yet determined, west of Allentown. I remember when they moved into their current location, in the late 1950's. The facility served the baby boomer generation with a superb gym and swimming pool. The pool was managed by Dennis McGinley, and his programs resulted in the numerous kids developing into competitive swimmers. Hal Grossman coached the basketball teams, and it was common for Allen High to have one or two center players on it's varsity team. In recent years, the early childhood programs were well received by the entire community. As someone noted, the move will be a tremendous loss of social capital in Allentown's west end.
Mar 6, 2013
JCC To Move
The Jewish Community Center recently announced that they plan on relocating from 22nd and Tilghman Streets, to a location yet determined, west of Allentown. I remember when they moved into their current location, in the late 1950's. The facility served the baby boomer generation with a superb gym and swimming pool. The pool was managed by Dennis McGinley, and his programs resulted in the numerous kids developing into competitive swimmers. Hal Grossman coached the basketball teams, and it was common for Allen High to have one or two center players on it's varsity team. In recent years, the early childhood programs were well received by the entire community. As someone noted, the move will be a tremendous loss of social capital in Allentown's west end.
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Mr. McGinley taught both my older brother and I to swim.
ReplyDeleteMy older brother went on to earn All-America honors at William Allen HS and was a member of the 1983 PIAA state champions coached by Dick Bleam.
It is highly, highly doubtful my brother was the only guy on that Allen title team who had spent some time in the JCC program with Mr. McGinley previously.
Thanks for everything, JCC, and good luck in the future!
APPRECIATIVE GENITLE
I love that shot!!
ReplyDeleteVery, nice. The upright jump shot with ball cocked directly overhead is reminiscent of a George Gervin or someone even earlier...
ReplyDeleteRemembering Earl, the fine cigar-smoking gent who oversaw the bowling alleys.
ReplyDeleteA huge loss for the city of Allentown
ReplyDeleteIn the mid-80's, the last surviving accordion school in Allentown (Accordion Academy, 10th St. Block of Turner) needed a place to assemble for their student band practices and, for a short while, found harbor here. My son & I were in the band.
ReplyDeleteOur United Veterans of Wars Allentown Chapter has been meeting there for years. Also I have been a member of the Health & Fitness Club for many years, lapping in that beautiful pool 3 to 4 times a week.
ReplyDeleteA number of us think there think it will be a goodly number of years before the 22nd & Tilghman Streets location shuts down, due to the economy. It's the best kept secret for health fitness in the Valley. It's a Gem that has shined since 1956.....PJF
Huge loss indeed. I'm a Gentile from the suburbs, played basketball and swam there for years.
ReplyDeleteIt will be missed. A treasure leaves the city while Pawlowski and his band ignores what made the city work and what could be so valuable going forward.
The Banker
I started to swim around 1940 at the old (original?) JCC on 6th St near Turner. Is that (white?) building gone?
ReplyDeleteArnie Fein
arnie @9:39, the building, which is at 6th and Chew, is still there. today it is call Alliance Hall, houses the Allentown Health Bureau, and some other community functions. that first center also contained a gym and swimming pool.
ReplyDeleteI still yell out "SWIMMING! IS! FUN!" when I stretch out before a workout.
ReplyDeletethe entire Jewish community has left Allentown why should it be there
ReplyDelete