Whether you're a visitor or a local, learning about the history of an Allentown landmark can be a terrific way to learn about the city's history and culture. This article covers some of the city's notable structures and landmarks contributing to its rich past.
First National Bank of Allentown, founded in the mid-nineteenth century, was one of the largest banks in the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania. It had nine locations in the neighborhood. In 1954, it merged with Second National Bank.
The Allentown National Bank building was started in 1903. A local architectural firm designed it. Green marble wainscoting and a bronze grille on the countertops adorned the bank's foyer. There was also a board of directors meeting room.
The Allentown National Bank Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. It now houses a large number of senior people. Over its lengthy existence, the building financed several industrial and commercial projects in the neighborhood. The building was turned into 63 low-cost housing units for the elderly in addition to functioning as a bank.
The Allentown Art Museum, located in downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a cultural and educational institution with an extensive art collection. It features world-class art and exhibits for people of all ages and interests.
Over 8,000 works of art are part of the museum's permanent collection. Over 100 Old Master paintings and pieces in Decorative Arts, Sculpture, textiles, and & Costume are included. Furthermore, it has an extensive library. The museum has several public and outreach initiatives.
The Allentown Art Museum also has several programs available. On Thursdays and Sundays, entry is free. It maintains an active roster of public events and special exhibitions annually. There are additional programs available for people of all ages and abilities.
The museum is a charitable organization. It includes a full-scale reproduction of the Liberty Bell. It recognizes the significance of this important site in American history and celebrates Pennsylvania's participation in the war for independence.
The Allentown Fairgrounds, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is the yearly Great Allentown Fair site. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the city for the fair every year. It includes rides, contests, concerts, animals, vegetables, and demos, among other things. The fair is regarded as one of the top 50 in North America.
The Allentown Fairgrounds first opened its doors in 1852. Allentown was not the wealthiest city in the region at the time. William Allen was the city's first mayor. The fair was first hosted on a four-acre plot. The fair was relocated to a 14-acre site in 1853. The Lehigh County Agricultural Society ran the fair.
Following the Civil War, the fair was relocated to a more prominent location between Liberty and Chew Streets. The new site was three times the size of the previous one. There was also a band shell and fountains. The fair was held at the new location until 1917.
Patriots of the American cause hid the Liberty Bell from the British army at Allentown, Pennsylvania, during the Revolutionary War. For nearly a year, the bell lay hidden beneath the floorboards of Zion's Reformed Church. The stained glass art windows that interweave biblical images with a floral motif remain in the church's sanctuary.
Today, Zion's Reformed Church & Liberty Bell Shrine is one of Allentown's oldest churches. Its history dates back to 1762 when the church was first constructed. The current structure was built in 1905. The sanctuary of the existing system is the pinnacle of nineteenth-century church construction.
The Liberty Bell Museum is a separate non-profit entity from the church. Exhibits connected to the Revolutionary War and colonial America are available to museum visitors. It also contains a facsimile of the Liberty Bell. In addition, the museum hosts historical reenactments and lectures.
The Downtown Allentown Market, located in the heart of Allentown, is a place to enjoy excellent food and local artists. The market may be found along the ArtsWalk. There are 60 merchants from the area, including a few well-known eateries.
Local bands and craft beer are also available at the Downtown Allentown Market. Six days a week, the market is open. The market will send food to people during the Coronavirus restrictions.
The market's culinary selection provides innovative takes on classic meals. Gluten-free alternatives and sweets are also available.
The market's website includes a calendar of activities. It also serves as a resource for residents seeking food, health, and safety information. A newsletter is also available on the website.
Two more vendors will be joining the market soon. The famed Lehigh Valley food truck owners have created a Southern diner concept with Licensed 2 Grill At The Market. The market is next to Zachary's BBQ & Soul.