In the 1930's, the "New Deal" was good to Allentown. As I noted on earlier posts, 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. This incredible 74 year old photograph 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
UPDATE: I have reinstalled the photograph with a version that will enlarge when clicked.
Reprinted from Jan.15, 2010
ADDENDUM SEPTEMBER 28, 2022: While the NIZ-fueled new construction on Hamilton Street surges ahead, our architectural history continues to be destroyed. There is no more pathetic example of this than the magificant Art Deco post office languishing for sale. The irreplaceable front entrance lanterns on the eastern end of the building have vanished.
The new NIZ construction continues, because our state tax dollars are used to finance the private owner's mortgage (almost all the new buildings are owned by one man). However, the language and greed of the NIZ concentrates on new construction, not on the older buildings. That iconic post office masterpiece remaining in limbo this long is a stain on Allentown. Any pretense of museums, art, and culture are exposed as hollow jokes, as long as that For Sale sign on the post office remains, and its treasures disappear.
While the building is a indication of the nations decline, the fact that the post office system itself seems to be deteriorating with some of the offices unable to open during usual business hours.
ReplyDeleteYou very accurately note that the large lanterns on the east side of the post office are gone. The are likely a victim of vandalism or theft.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I would describe that side of the post office as the City Hall side.
Which brings up the question:
If the post office building, across the street from city hall isn’t safe from crime, what part of the city is?
Was at a yard sale several years ago, and a 94 year old retired postal worker had the original mail slot door for "Allentown" for sale. It was from the old post office. About three feet by two feet, solid oak Gold lettering. $3. Treasured!
ReplyDeleteI lived in the LV for 25 years -- during which time I resided in Bethelem, Allentown, and Easton.different cities. I am still stunned by the contrast between Bethlehem and Allentown. Bethlehem survived the demise of the steel industry and continues to find ways to preserve, honor, and build on its unique past. Allentown seems to continually make missteps and blunders. (FYI -- I will never forget my first foray into Allentown: the downtown portion of Hamilton Street was covered with plexiglass/bird droppings. "Blunder" seems a mild term for that decision.)
ReplyDelete