The other day I noticed a ball peen hammer head for sale. It was stamped 521 N 7 Allentown PA Although I've seen machinist stamp their tools with their initials and even work ID numbers, usually a stamping like this means that the hammer was made at 521, or at least sold there. Allentown has a long tradition in iron, steel and hardware. In the next block, C.F. Wolfertz, knife maker, was in business from 1862 to 1989.
Although I have yet to identify the hammer head, 521 has its own story. Over the years many people lived in the apartments over the store. Although I won't mention people by name, there were births, deaths, accidents, robberies, marriages and arrests. Although the walls don't talk, the newspaper archives do.
Over the years many people worked in the storeroom, in many businesses. In the mid 1940's, Clements Variety Store had about everything, but I suspect the hammer is from before then. In 1958 a business called Niagara offered a good living to good salesman, but apparently you had to apply before learning what you sold. I suppose not that many people applied, because the storeroom was for rent in 1959. By 1961 Melody Organs gave the space a try. However, by 1962 you could buy a whirlpool by Jacuzzi there. In 1963 a dry cleaner gave it a shot. The 1960's must have been slow on 7th, because the space was again vacant in 1964.
In 1971 the building was offered for sale at $22,500. Filmlab operated there throughout the decade and into the 80's, until they moved up to the corner on Liberty. Today that storeroom, at 445, is owned by Peter Lewnes, current 7th Street Development Director.
Back at 521, rough times were coming again. In 1991 Unique Treasures opened. Apparently, the merchandize wasn't unique enough, because by 1993 it was the People's Choice Store. They were ahead of the times by about 25 years, and were dispensing marijuana, until the police thought better of it. Years later, in 2012, a barber shop fronted for an after-hours club in the basement.
Peter Lewnes is doing a terrific job managing the street. Over the decades I had many favorite eating spots on 7th Street. I look forward to the continued development of the street, and I will learn more about that hammer.
Michael... thank you for the great story and kind words... i bought 445 n 7th from the owner of film labs and he still owns 521 n 7th. I had heard that the sign in the building was a Kodak neon sign...I have have a few old wooden store signs from 513 n 7th... I'll have to snap a few pics and send them to you...one is triangle tv.. the other is a candle store.
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