Long time readers of this blog realize I occasionally revisit the streets of my youth, which seem idyllic in retrospect, although probably not at the time (certainly my shenanigans were not idyllic for my parents). My neighborhood was called Little Lehigh Parkway, and it was wedged between the southern top of the Parkway and Jefferson Street. Realtors now refer to this area as Little Lehigh Manor, but I have no recollection of that designation. The self-contained neighborhood even had it's own elementary school, where nursery rhymes of the time adorned the brick (they're still there)
As a little boy growing up, Spanky and Our Gang was a TV program, not an urban problem. When boys divided up to play cowboys and indians, being Hopalong was a coveted role. Our fathers experienced working in one of the most prosperous times in American history, post WW2. Children of Mack and Steel workers could well afford college if they so chose. Mothers could afford to stay home and watch their children grow and play.
Time has been most kind to my old neighborhood. A local leader told me that she is well satisfied with the current city government. The post war subdivisions, such as Midway Manor, remain oasis from the difficulties in central Allentown.
reprinted from March 2009
Mike,
ReplyDeleteThe only "local leaders" left are the team players. Those who thought differently are long gone.
Too bad
Scott Armstrong
Back then so many people in the area were employed by Mack and the Steel and were able to provide a better life for their children by sending them to college. My family benefited from my father working endless overtime at Mack's so my brother and I wouldn't be burdened with college loans throughout our 20's. Truly it was the American dream.
ReplyDeleteNow...so many people rail upon those same union workers who similarly only want better for their families.