Allentown was a big textile producer before, during and after WW2. Among the biggest local manufacturers was Royal. Started by Lithuanian immigrant Morris Senderowitz in 1910, it employed over 400 workers in Allentown, and that many more in plants elsewhere.
Morris was joined in the business by several brothers, including Joe, who lived on the Hassen Creek west of Guthsville. When I was about 12 years old, I visited Joe's rural home and was introduced to Jack Sharkey, a former heavyweight champion from the 1930's. Recently, while driving by the property, I wondered what a former champion was doing visiting an underwear maker outside of Allentown?
It turns out that both men were from Lithuania, and that Sharkey became a champion fly fisherman after hanging up the boxing gloves. Senderowitz was a sportsman, who volunteered use of his property to a nearby rod and gun club when it was starting up.
Exactly what brought Sharkey to Senderowitz's farmette is somewhat speculative on my part. I try to produce snippets on this blog which are a blend of local history and personal experience.
City of Allentown's Sticky Tax Grabbing If you work outside of The city of Allentown, and not live there either, check out your pay stub! If your company's payroll is processed in the fabulous ADP NIZ building, you will see "City of Allentown LST" on your pay stub! It stands for "local services tax".and you have the "privilege" of paying a paltry $2.00 per paycheck! ADP processes a lot of paychecks at $2.00 a pop!
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