When I was growing up my parents lived on two ends of Allentown, first the south side and then the west end. I was fortunate to have experienced two great independent markets of Allentown's past.
The Lehigh Street Superette had a great section of small inexpensive toys for a small boy. An easy walk from Little Lehigh Manor, I could keep my Hopalong Casidy six shooter in caps, and replace my lost water pistol each summer. The ice cream fountain featured hand dipped Breyers. While the kids took a cone, the parents would have a quart or gallon scooped and weighed to take home.
Before Food Fair was built farther west on Lehigh Street, my mother would do all her shopping, except for meat, at Lehigh Market. Although I didn't pay too much attention, I do remember the cookie selection.
In the late 1950's my parents moved to the west end, and my times at Deiley's West Gate Market began. Although too old to notice the toy selection, the soda fountain became a hangout.
In addition to numerous corner markets, every section of Allentown had a popular larger independent, like Lehigh or Deiley's. A few like Hersh's Market, have survived to this day.
photo of Deiley's Market in 1938
I probably sat at the counter in Deilly’s with you, Michael. I know We used to eat lunch they are often. Why do I remember sausage and mashed potatoes?
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