The Mighty Atom

Years ago at the Allentown Fair, as one would push through a sea of carney delusion, tucked back by the 4H animals was an island of reality. There, in an old battered truck, an ancient Jewish strongman performed incredible feats of strength, to sell only homemade kosher soap. Standing on a platform on the rear of his truck, flanked by photographs from his performing youth, he would bent horse shoes and bite through nails. Many years earlier, my mother as a little girl in Bethlehem, saw him pull a truck uphill with his hair. Even as an old man, like a reincarnation of Samson, his grey hair was still long.
In the summers of 1964 and 1965, myself and a friend,(Fred Schoenk, retired Allentown art teacher) made and sold printed tee-shirts at the fair. We had the honor to know Joseph Greenstein(The Mighty Atom) and his wife. For those interested, there are various articles on the Mighty Atom and even at least one book. Enjoy the fair!

reprinted annually since 2007

The King Has Abdicated

In 1958 my father had a food stand at the fair. It took him about an hour to realize you cannot sell hot dogs in the King's back yard; Yocco, the Hot Dog King. When Yocco's claimed last year they were not at the fair because their canvas ripped, I was skeptical. This year it's official, they have abdicated their spot. Tonight the fair was jammed. In Ag Hall the granges still compete in vegetable canning. A wiseguy still incites you to dunk him. The world's smallest horse hasn't grown. Maybe Yocco's is gone, but the fair is still much more like 1958 than any other aspect of Allentown.

REPRINTED FROM AUG.28, 2007

UPDATE 2016: Yocco's has announced that they have closed their original location in the 600 block of Liberty Street.

What Is Allentown Always Celebrating?

Those who live in the Strata apartments across from  7-Eleven on 7th Street should take great consolation that Mayor Tuerk is disappointed in those shooters who made bad choices on Sunday evening. Likewise, they can take comfort in knowing that their state representative Josh Siegel was appalled by yet another incident of violence. He prescribes more investment in our youth to prevent future instances.

When you're locked down in your Strata apartment, who is actually living in a prison?  Apparently not those participating in yet another Allentown celebration of diversity. 

There is always a strong police presence at the 7-Eleven, sometimes up to three squad cars. Apparently that's not enough to deter the shooters. While eight people were shoot, one person was arrested. The police may have shot some themselves, when the victims pulled their guns to defend against the original shooter. Police chief Charles Roca said that this behavior by those who chose to engage in violence does not reflect who we are or what we are about as a community.  Actually chief, while all that chaos was confusing, what is clear is that we need the bad actors to be more intimidated by the police. We would be better served if you realized that the violence is becoming commonplace, and you need to response appropriately...enough with the kumbaya. What is also clear is that all money going to the anti-gun violence non-profits is going down the drain, at best. Despite that glaring reality, in its news report, the Morning Call continues to publicize Hasshan Batts and Promise Neighborhoods.

If I were mayor or state representative, my recommendation would be for less events and celebrations. If and when Allentown ever becomes safe again, then that would be an occasion to celebrate.

art by Mark Beyer

A Kitchen For Every Chicken

Herbert Hoover promised us a chicken for every pot. We are now being promised a kitchen for every chicken, and a prescription for free pot. When the term affordable housing is used, the real question becomes affordable for whom? The last time we were promised affordable housing, the middle class, as usual, eventually ended up enduring the consequences of that attempted manipulation of the mortgage market. 

This post is in no way intended as a political endorsement, but rather as a commentary on the cyclical nature of the real estate market. While the top of the curve currently does squeeze out some buyers, we should remember the crash we created in 2008.

As for politics, I wish there was someone I could endorse. While both parties are claiming profound doom if not elected, I'm fully expecting fresh lies for 2028.

Art In The Park

The West Park Art In The Park show has been occurring annually for about fifty years. It attracts both quality artists and an appreciative public.  This year the West Park 'Civic Association's endeavor is being promoted by two billboards on Rt. 22. The show will take place on Saturday September 14th.

Shown above is an artist in a park. Brandon Jones decided to take advantage of the weather and atmosphere to work on a commissioned portrait in Cedar Park.

A passing blogger decided to take advantage of Brandon to promote the visual arts in Allentown.

ADDENDUM: The show will be held in the park, rain or shine.

Allentown Memories

From low income sections of center city, to expensive suburbs, Allentown and the Lehigh Valley is becoming home to more and more outsiders. I'm afraid the time will soon come when local memorabilia will have little appeal. Fortunately, for those interested, some impressive collections still exist. This past year Robert Bungerz published Allentown Remembered, documenting his outstanding collection of historical postcards and other objects. David Bausch, former County Executor and authority on Automobile Art, is also a expert on things Allentown. Then there are the many small collections, home of the hidden treasures. Above is an early aerial photograph of the Allentown Fair. Those interested in the recent commotion concerning the 19TH Street Theater District may find the upper right of the photograph interesting. There is no theater, there are no houses on Saint George Street and most of the buildings seem to to garages and automobile in nature (don't tell Auto-Zone). This gem is probably from the late teens or early 20's, and comes from the Thomas Reed Collection. Thomas is aka Z1pyro, long time expert shooter for Zambelli Firework Company. He retired several years ago, and we who appreciate fireworks, notice his departure.

reprinted from July of 2008