click on photo to enlarge From low income sections of center city, to expensive suburbs, Allentown and the Lehigh Valley is becoming home to more and more outsiders. I'm afraid the time will soon come when local memorabilia will have little appeal. Fortunately, for those interested, some impressive collections still exist. This past year Robert Bungerz published Allentown Remembered, documenting his outstanding collection of historical postcards and other objects. David Bausch, former County Executor and authority on Automobile Art, is also a expert on things Allentown. Then there are the many small collections, home of the hidden treasures. Above is an early aerial photograph of the Allentown Fair. Those interested in the recent commotion concerning the 19TH Street Theater District may find the upper right of the photograph interesting. There is no theater, there are no houses on Saint George Street and most of the buildings seem to to garages and automobile in nature (don't tell Auto-Zone). This gem is probably from the late teens or early 20's, and comes from the Thomas Reed Collection. Thomas is aka Z1pyro, long time expert shooter for Zambelli Firework Company. He retired several years ago, and we who appreciate fireworks, notice his departure.
reprinted from July 8, 2008
I remember going to the sprint car races at the fairgrounds every year. USAC sprints came here, big names from across the country and the local boys, like Eddie Sacks, Johnny Thompson, Mario andretti and the greatest sprinter of all time Tommy Hinnershitz. It was an annual event with my father for many years.
ReplyDeleteI also remember Robert Bungerz, who often came to my antique shop on his bicycle. He was interested in antiques and old things from a very young age. He could tell a few interesting stories about his experiences at my shop. He is a unique person in today's world.
Looks like the photo may have been taken when the US Army was using it for training
ReplyDeleteI also went to the sprint car races with my father.Always remembered Tommy Hinnershitz.
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