Needless to say that when I was a kid downtown Allentown was bustling. There was nothing that you couldn't find or buy on Hamilton Street. The mercantile district was so vigorous that it could support stores and businesses two blocks out in either direction. Across the street from the Earl Theater on 8th Street, the Look Steak Shop did a hardy business. Also in that block was Stangl's Jewelry, Goodin's Optical and a hearing aid business.
It is a little difficult to recognize those businesses in the photograph above. While the city and newspaper was lauding the progress of the upcoming arena, I was documenting the demolition of the city's history. The buildings were not the only victims. The last group of owner operators were also roughed up by the city...I also documented that.
I apologize to those of you who are happy season ticket holders at the new arena. While you can read about the progress at numerous other sites, including the city web page, City Center Realty, and The Morning Call, this blog commenorates the past.
When I was back home for a visit I couldn’t believe how the city changed to this ugly site of crappy looking buildings and nothing but places to drink your troubles away or drink to forget what was lost with this so called new development of Allentown’s downtown area !!!it just made me sick to see how drastically the city changed and how everything is moving out ! Even from the malls they are fleeing ! Look at Whitehall mall there’s only one main store there and for how much longer who knows ?. Shares is on the cusp of going out of business and the what’s going to happen to the mall ??
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