photograph by Bob WiltA&B (Abogast&Bastian), dominated the local meat packing industry for almost 100 years. At its peak, they employed 700 people and could process 4,000 hogs a day. The huge plant was at the foot of Hamilton Street, at the Lehigh River. All that remains is their free standing office building, which has been incorporated into America on Wheels. Front and Hamilton was Allentown's meatpacking district. Within one block, two national Chicago meatpackers, Swift and Wilson, had distribution centers. Also in the area were several small independents, among them M. Feder, Becker Brothers and Allentown Meat Packing Company.
reprinted from February 2013
I remember it well,I grew up on 2nd Street
ReplyDeleteMy Grandfather's sister and husband, my great aunt and uncle Verna and Dick owned a corner store at 8th and Washington for many years, and as I remember, Uncle Dick did all the meat cutting. I wonder if they were customers of your Father's??? It wouldn't surprise me. I seem to recall when my uncle had his practice on Hanover Ave, he would buy meats there on his way home after office hours. Geez, it seems so many folks are connected in this town!!!
ReplyDeleteI grew up on Cedar St. in the 60s & 70s and went to Dick&Verna's all the time. Such kind folks. Thanks for that memory.
ReplyDeleteInteresting... my Uncle Joe had his barbershop at 7th and Cedar for over 50 years... Dick and Verna were great fun even for this youngster... at the time... I'm an oldster now... LOL!!!
DeleteI lived in Hanover Acres on the East side of the Lehigh. The odor was horrendous most days. (prevailing winds)
ReplyDeleteI remember A&B meats , my Uncle worked in the bats shoveling the hot dog meat out that was left on the sides n bottom. I was raised in Tilghman
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