Back in the day, the titans of Allentown would fill the five barberchairs of the Colonial Barbershop, 538 Hamilton Street. That was when the town had three department stores. That was when Wetherhold and Metzger had two shoe stores on Hamilton Street. That was when Harvey Farr would meet Donald Miller and John Leh at the Livingston Club for lunch, and discuss acquiring more lots for Park & Shop. By 1995 all that was gone, but Frank Gallucci, 82, would still give some old timers a trim. The Colonial Barbershop property, closed for many years, has been purchased by J.B. Reilly. It is my pleasure to present this previously unseen portrait of Gallucci, toward the end of his career.
photocredit:molovinsky
reprinted since 2013
Given the large number of apartments on Hamilton street today, with what looks like many more to come, you would think that personal care companies like a barbershop and hairdresser would find a home and be successful in one of the many new storefronts.
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate to participate in those good old days of years gone by, as a wholesaler to the above mentioned establishments.
ReplyDeleteCities across the Country, including Allentown, are now riddled with crime, lousy management, & "pay to play".....As an old man of nearly 85 years...I feel sorry for the hard working youth of today.....PJF