When the Lehigh Valley Railroad went bankrupt in 1976, its rolling stock and track went to Conrail. However its other assets, such as real estate, were tied up in bankruptcy. The Orange Car building was owned by LVRR. Many years ago there was a small six track rail yard between the Orange Car and the meat packing business to its east. Carloads of fresh citrus fruit would arrive weekly from Florida. After the rail service ended, the lessee continued operating the fruit stand for another twenty years.
I labeled this post Allentown's Orange Car, because there was an identical looking sister store in Reading. That location also had a major event in 1976, a flood from which it never recovered.
above reprinted from April of 2021
I used to take my Great Aunt out every Tuesday and, during the spring, summer and fall, we always stopped at the Orange Car for delicious fresh fruit. My kids loved going there as well.
ReplyDeleteAlways bought oranges there!
ReplyDeleteWas operated by the Kern family
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. It brought back so many memories. Do you by chance have any pictures of that small track rail yard.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom ,Dad and I and my Grandma and Great Grandma would always go there for our oranges.
ReplyDeleteThank You Michael, For all the good memories....One a week, we shopped there for fresh fruit.....PJF
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