At the beginning of the last century, Allentonians could take a day trip out to Griesemerville and spend the day at the Duck Farm and Hotel. The trolley, operated by Reading Traction Company, actually went through the Duck Farm building. That same trolley would continue west and go through or under the Dorney Park roller coaster. Today, Griesemerville is known as Union Terrace, or more precisely, Joseph S. Daddona Lake and Terrace.
The Hotel portion still exists as an apartment house. Heading west, cross the Reading Road stone arch bridge, built in 1824, and the former hotel is the first building on your right.
Note the bridge in the lower left of the above news clipping. This blog is proud to have played a part in preserving the bridge, and my hope is that the County of Lehigh will formally recognize the bridge's historic value, and secure it's future. Collectors of Lehigh Valley historic memorabilia can still find Duck Farm postcards.
news clipping courtesy of Danny Ruth
reprinted from July of 2013
ADDENDUM JULY 4, 2022: The above post is reprinted to amend some recent posts on Allentown Chronicles concerning Griesemerville. The Pavilion featured in the clipping above was a dining destination, featuring duck from the farm. The separate hotel itself still stands, now as apartments.
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