Brian's Callaway's story on the Whitehall Historic District made me feel my age. I clearly remember when the buildings mentioned were brand new. The District lies between Allentown's border, at the bridge over Sumner Ave. on 7th Street, and Route 22.
The photo, by Monica Cabrera, which accompanied the story, showed a supermarket from the early 1950's. Disturbing, was the fact that the story didn't mention that the structure was built as a Penn Fruit Supermarket, known for the distinctive barrel roof design. Although several people were quoted in the story, apparently such historical facts predate them all. Perhaps I should buy the hair dye while I still have some hair.
We never considered this small commercial district to be in Whitehall, but of course it is. Nevertheless, we have a renovation suggestion. Capture the essence of what Moravian College has done on Main Street with its expanse of sidewalks, lots of greenery, trees, flowers and new more attractive street lights and give the area a welcoming feel to encourage a sense of neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteDye it bright red. That will give em' something to talk about.
ReplyDeleteI also remember when the store was a Penn Fruit.
ReplyDeleteIs the Jordan Lanes bowling alley still there?
Seems like an example of zoning gone wild. There are many such examples throughout LV and beyond. No ryhme or reason...the sprawl began in the mid to late forties and continues more or less unabated. Look at the strange collection of architectural styles and the strange "variety" of businesses and services. And it's all arranged in a most unpleasing fashion with a mishmash of set backs, unrelated posts, signage...ugh!
ReplyDeleteWhether it's actually Allentown or Whitehall, it certainly is a poor "gateway" into either community.
Love the Penn Fruit photo...didn't Acme also use that roof style?
VOR
"I'm Historical". is that a nice way of saying that you have finally hit the backside of middle age?
ReplyDeleteAside from the dairy complex, this stretch was relatively occupied about 10 years ago before PennDot re-did the road and made it faster to go through. Makes you wonder if the change in transportation did in a couple of these businesses (sound familiar). I remember a Dairy Queen where the tire place was (now boarded up). I remember a CVS were the furniture rental place was.
The real irony in all this talk about historic districts is that the one building that is truly historic is being demolished. The grocery store, the Park Inn and the corresponding service station are all historic as are the jordan lanes, but everything else has been altered beyond their historic fabric or replaced enough to compromise the historic character of the district. Heck, even the presense of sidewalks where they are alters the historic landscape of this district.
Geoff
Zimmermann's was always a treat for me. I'd score my football cards there...
ReplyDeletetalking about treats, the Lehigh Valley Diary had an ice cream parlor.
ReplyDelete