Mildred and Milton are upset. They lived and worked their entire lives in Allentown. They both started working in sewing factories after high school and spend their working lives there. During the late 60's they owned their only car, and always lived in apartments. They never sought any help from the government, their culture taught them to make it do, use it up, wear it out and do without. When they heard about these new apartments overlooking the Lehigh, they thought that would be a nice reward for a life of hard work. They were told it would take years,years they don't have, to get on the list. Its hard for them to understand how brandnew comers to the area, who don't even speak English, go to the head of the line. They don't know about the poverty pimps, the social organizations, funded by grants; The professional advocates who know what buttons to push, who make a career out of political correctness. Maybe we need a Pennsylvania Dutch American Organization.
reprinted from June 26, 2007
When they heard about these new apartments overlooking the Lehigh
ReplyDeleteWhat apts?
anon 8:03, i have added a link in the post to Overlook Park, which replaced hanover acres and riverview terrace
ReplyDeleteOH, We don't think of that development as apts. Aren't they single family homes? And we also heard to own them one must be of very modest means or have no income. But who pays the mortgage? Do you know what is being done with that former railroad building? Is it
ReplyDeletebeing turned into a community center? Thank you.
anon 10:25, i believe that you're correct, that they are townhouses, but most for rent, that is why i used the term "apartment". previous tenants of the project have first opportunity to return. i would imagine in not so many years the atmosphere will be very similar to before the new construction.
ReplyDeleteScrew the Pennsylvania Dutch.
ReplyDeleteScrew the ethnic Germans.
They are so yesterday it is ridiculous.
Hoeren Sie ueberhapt das Deutsch, das ueber die Strasse gesprochen wird?
(Do you ever hear German spoken on the street?)
Is there Pennsylvania Dutch Moving Forward Alliance?
Does Allentown has a PA Dutch Day Parade?
Enough said.
ROLF OELER
michael molovinsky said...
ReplyDeleteanon 10:25, i believe that you're correct, that they are townhouses, but most for rent, that is why i used the term "apartment". previous tenants of the project have first opportunity to return. i would imagine in not so many years the atmosphere will be very similar to before the new construction.
March 5, 2010 10:47 AM
You're absolutely right. If they are rentals, of course you would consider them apts. You mean your friends were "forbidden" to rent?
The intersection from Hanover Ave to this complex is very unattractive and the visibility and congestion cause concern.
The traffic pattern and pedestrian crossing situations especially for children are troubling too. Hope the city does something to improve these issues. We do not want to see anyone hurt!
Oh, I forgot to mention last year the Southern Lehigh school district dropped German from the cirriculum in favor of more Progressive languages such as Mandarin.
ReplyDeleteGoogle the Morning Call for verification of such.
The Dutch tradition and history of the Lehigh Valley is destined to become a thing of the past, particularly in Allentown; one doesn't need 20/20 vision to recognize that.
No Dutchmen Need Apply is about right!
RO
I think it only fair to point out the need for a Leni Lenape Advocacy Society. As you, Michael, must know (if not ask Carla) there were thousands of Leni Lenapes in Pennsylvania before the English and German settlers drove them out. They were living good and decent lives supporting each other and not needing any handouts from any government. The English and Germans, including the so called Pennsylvania Dutch, wanted their land, their streams and fields. The Leni-Lanapes contracted painful and horrible diseases from the interlopers. Finally the English and Germans moved them out, many at the point of a gun. Most now live in Oklahoma, in poverty. I don’t blame the English and Germans. As Mufasa reminds Simba in the Lion King (my youngest daughter’s favorite story) “we are all part of the 'circle of life.'”
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot to mention last year the Southern Lehigh school district dropped German from the cirriculum in favor of more Progressive languages such as Mandarin.
ReplyDelete.
Ni hao ma! "Chinese" for Hello, how are you doing? (detailed response welcomed).
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The Chinese are learning English as it is the international business language and it might be smart to pick up a little Chinese (Mandarin being the majority version of "Chinese").
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Like it or not, China and India are going to become economic giants, China is already getting there.
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Truth is Spanish speaking countries are economic back waters, European countries do not carry the economic fire power they used to.
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For my own amusement I have been picking up a little Chinese here and there. It's a tricky language but one that should be offered in our schools.
some reservation indians have gone from rags to riches. take the seminoles in florida, within ten years of gambling, they have gone from fighting alligators to untold wealth
ReplyDeleteseveral years ago there was a local court case in northampton county where some leni challenged a land grant going back to the 1700's, claiming it was their land given away.
Looking To Escape,
ReplyDeleteEs geht mir ganz gut - danke! Aber Deutschland hat alle Olympische Eishockey Spiele dieses Jahr verloren. Geist des Rudi Ball besuchens?
(It's going great - thanks! But Germany lost all their Olympic hockey games this year. Ghost of Rudi Ball visiting?)
With all due respect, I am aware China is a rising global economic power.
Once upon a time, I dated a Chinese girl. She was very pretty...
My point speaks to the decline of local Dutch tradition and culture, which I openly acknowledge.
Southern Lehigh, however, could have elected to bag French, that's all.
:) RO
Once upon a time, I dated a Chinese girl. She was very pretty...
ReplyDelete.
Some are a real eye massage.
My point speaks to the decline of local Dutch tradition and culture, which I openly acknowledge.
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Being an "outsider" myself, I admit to only a minor appreciation of them. From my observations it seems many of the Dutch high tailed it out of Lehigh County.
Southern Lehigh, however, could have elected to bag French, that's all.
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That wouldn't be the German in you talking, would it?