When I was growing up my parents lived on two ends of Allentown, first the south side and then the west end. I was fortunate to have experienced two great independent markets of Allentown's past.
The Lehigh Super Market had a great section of small inexpensive toys for a small boy. An easy walk from Little Lehigh Manor, I could keep my Hopalong Casidy six shooter in caps, and replace my lost water pistol each summer. The ice cream fountain featured hand dipped Breyers. While the kids took a cone, the parents would have a quart or gallon scooped and weighed to take home.
Before Food Fair was built farther west on Lehigh Street, my mother would do all her shopping, except for meat, at Lehigh Market. Although I didn't pay too much attention, I do remember the cookie selection.
In the late 1950's my parents moved to the west end, and my times at Deiley's West Gate Market began. Although too old to notice the toy selection, the soda fountain became a hangout.
In addition to numerous corner markets, every section of Allentown had a popular larger independent, like Lehigh or Deiley's. A few like Hersh's Market, have survived to this day.
photo of Deiley's Market in 1938
reprinted from April of 2020
Let’s not for the Lehigh Supermarket between Superette & Food Fair. Very similar to Superette but great meats produce & other things like a soda fountain with ice cream etc. they also hired the local teenagers. It was a great hangout for us South siders. Those were the days❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteanon@8:23, we are referring to the same store at 1236 Lehigh St. I have corrected the name in the post. thank you
ReplyDeleteSeibert's Market on Lehigh and 31st SW is now a used car lot
ReplyDeleteAh, memories... I seem to recall when Deiley's became a 7-11 and later a 7-10 and now a coin and stamp shop. Not sure of the timetable for these changes, but surely would like to know. My Mother shopped Deiley's and liked it!
ReplyDeleteAnybody remember 'Table Supply' and (I think) 'Mosser's' both near each other on Walbert Avenue in what was then known as 'Woodlawn' back in the day? (1950's)
ReplyDeleteHow about the old Tropical supermarket on Union Boulevard?
ReplyDelete