In the 1930's, the "New Deal" was good to Allentown. Our park system was enriched by monumental stone construction under the WPA. We also received one of the architectural gems of our area, the magnificent art deco post office. Constructed during 1933-34, no detail was spared in making the lobby an ageless classic. The floor is adorned with handmade Mercer tiles from Doylestown. Muralist Gifford Reynolds Beal worked thru 1939 portraying the Valley's cultural and industrial history.
Unfortunately for history and culture, this architectural gem is now being targeted for NIZ private/public enrichment. Several architectural treasures were demolished for the arena, along with Allentown's mercantile history. The Postal Service has signed off on the building, and the developer is chomping at the bit. The real tragedy is that the other new buildings are not even full, but with private construction being funded by taxpayers, there is no need to worry about such details as occupancy rates. Efforts to save this irreplaceable building may start and end on this blog. The Morning Call, itself a partner in the NIZ, has taken a back seat on such matters.
The 83 year old photograph, part of my private collection, is the contractor's documentation of the project's progress. The back of the photo states; Taken Sept 1 - 34 showing lobby, floor, screens, desks, completed & fixtures hung
photograph will enlarge when clicked
reprinted from previous years
ADDENDUM APRIL 28, 2022:I first published this photo and blog about the post office history in 2008. By 2018, I added the copy about the threat to the building and the NIZ. Although my posts at that time did generate some historical pangs, to my knowledge the fate of this gem remains in limbo.
Save that building. Do not destroy our past
ReplyDeleteThe Allentown Post Office is an architectural treasure and should be preserved. Across the street stands the Old Lehigh County Courthouse. Directly to the south majestically stands St. John's Lutheran Church. A Gothic treasure from the 1930"s that is an active congregation and hosts many musical events including concerts by the Bethlehem Bach Choir and Allentown Band accompanied by a superb pipe Organ all head 8n beautiful acoustics. What a shame for the post office to meet it's demise. replaced by yet another glass tower, and the other architectural treasures sandwiched on between. SAVE THE POST OFFICE, PLEASE!
ReplyDeletePlease don't destroy this beautiful and unique building. Make it a museum and display pictures from our historic past. How the town grew, the liberty bell, interesting points or places to visit, in the Allentown area. The WPA projects, the rich Penna Dutch culture. So many wonderful stories of Allentown and its growth. Please, don’t take away our history.
ReplyDeleteWe need to preserve our architectural gems.
ReplyDelete