photograph by Bob WiltA&B (Abogast&Bastian), dominated the local meat packing industry for almost 100 years. At it's peak, they employed 700 people and could process 4,000 hogs a day. The huge plant was at the foot of Hamilton Street, at the Lehigh River. All that remains is their free standing office building, which has been incorporated into America on Wheels. Front and Hamilton was Allentown's meatpacking district. Within one block, two national Chicago meatpackers, Swift and Wilson, had distribution centers. Also in the area were several small independents, among them M. Feder and Allentown Meat Packing Company.
reprinted from January 17, 2011
the old A&B logo on the truck brings back memories ... outstanding
ReplyDeleteSaid it before and I'll say it again - you should either put a book together or do an exhibit at the Art Museum. The photography you have of the history of Allentown is staggering.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it.
The Banker
...as is the LVRR switch engine pulling at least one visible boxcar or stockcar.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the banker
ReplyDeletewe are indebted in the valley to the late trolley historian gerald salomon, and railroad expert mark rabenold, for taking photographs and assembling collections from other rail fans. this photo of A&B by bob wilt, will enlarge if clicked. my father operated allentown meat packing, nearby on union street. both the swift and wilson meat distributors also had railroad sidings. that section of lower hamilton, union and front streets was crisscrossed with rail tracks.
ReplyDeletei have an interest in both local history and photography, and this blog allows me to interrupt my local political commentary with such images.
i occasionally repeat a posting, for the benefit of new readers.
I came across your blog while searching for old railroad photographs. I agree with "The Banker" also. Thank you very much for sharing these photos. I am too young to have seen these trolleys and trains with my own eyes but my parents and grandmother were around and these pictures help bring their stories to life
ReplyDeleteAgree with banker.
ReplyDelete