A self guided tour
9 N. MAIN STREET – COMMERCIAL BUILDING
This triangular building, completed in 1906, was known as The Farmer’s National Bank. It was the latest in banking facilities, and the pride of the Borough. The original chestnut woodwork and large walk-in safe are still preserved in the site. The bank operated here until 1956. The building has more recently been occupied by offices, however a fire has destroyed the roof and 2nd floor. Restoration is uncertain.
2 N. MAIN STREET - HOFFMANN'S BAKE SHOPPE
This Victorian commercial building was built in the mid-1880’s by Col. David Hay, a constable and justice of the peace, and his wife, Margaret Newell. For many years, it was his hatter’s shop and residence. During the past decades, it has been Bunting’s Store, several food markets, restaurants, and now a bakery.1 N. MAIN STREET – DiMATTIA’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Historically known as the Cunningham Hotel, this building was constructed in the mid-1700’s. For many years it was the town meeting place. The Hotel was the site for events such as court, auctions, polling, first aid and fire department. Located midway between New York and Philadelphia, the Hotel was a stagecoach stop. Travelers lodged at the Hotel, and their horses were boarded in the stables at the rear of the building. Benjamin Franklin is believed to have stayed here. A restaurant now operates at this site.
2 S. MAIN STREET – ALLENTOWN PHARMACY
Built by Captain Rogers, around 1859, this building was first occupied by Coward and Thompson, General Merchants, and continued to run as a general store until 1937. It then became a drug store, owned by A. Larry Byer, who operated the business until 1965. It was then purchased by Richard Walter and was known as Walter's Pharmacy. In 2004 it was sold to James J. Vizzoni and continues as an independent pharmacy.The second floor of this building, along with #4 and #6 S. Main Street, was once a public hall with a seating capacity for approximately 400 people. During the 1870’s and 1880’s, the hall was the site of many concerts, plays, dances and all kinds of public entertainment.
4 S. MAIN STREET – THE GARDEN TEA ROOM
Captain John Rogers constructed this building in 1861. It housed a millinery and the post office. About 1924, it became the popular Candy Kitchen, which remained in business for 50 years. The store featured handmade candy and ice cream.9 S. MAIN STREET – MANE STREET HAIRSTYLING
Built around 1880 and known as the M. Coward House, this building is one of the few examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture in Allentown. The W.C. Norton Taylor shop was located here until 1873, and it was also the office of the tannery. Today, the building houses a hair salon.13 S. MAIN STREET – JOHN CLUTCH HOUSE
Private Residence
Built in the early 1700’s in Vernacular Traditional style, this has been both
commercial and residential for more than 200 years. A cooper, harness maker, bakery,
and barber all flourished here.
27 S. MAIN STREET – WOODY’S TOWNE CAFÉ
Known as “The Lower Tavern,” this middle 1700’s building was the oldest tavern in Allentown. Having housed a variety of businesses over the years, it has now resumed its original function as an eating and gathering place by "Woody", a life long Allentown resident.28 S. MAIN STREET – IMLAY HOUSE
NECESSITIES FOR THE HEART AT WISTERIA and Private Residence
In 1790, John Imlay started construction of his retirement home, a 15
room mansion. He was born in New Sharon, and was a Philadelphia shipping merchant.
The building is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture on the East Coast.
The original wallpaper, purchased in 1794, was removed, and is on exhibit in the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. In addition, one complete room is
installed at Winterthur, the Dupont Estate in Wilmington, Delaware. The building became
a rooming house in 1900, and was owned by Miss Emma Gordon. In 1936, Dr. Walter D.
Farmer converted the house into his office and hospital, where he practiced until his death
a few years ago. The building now houses 2 fine shops: wisTeria, Neccessities of the
Heart; Liberty Insurance office, and the private residence of the present owner.
35 S. MAIN STREET – WEAVES
Circa 1800, Samuel Quay built his residence in front of his tanneries which operated from 1743-1888. The tanneries stretched out from behind this building along the creek, to 9 S. Main Street where the office was located. In 1839, George Middletown purchased the home and tannery. He was elected to Congress in 1861, and lost reelection to Dr. Newell. In recent years, the building served as a doctor’s office, a law office, and now as a gift shop.
37 S. MAIN STREET
Private Residence
Records dating as far back as 1777 identify this building as a
dry goods/mercantile store owned by James Rogers. The building and 31 acres was
purchased in 1792 by Phildelphia merchant Samuel Quay, for the sum of 189 pounds
King’s money. A pork processing plant operated in the present driveway area. It
remained a store and dwelling until the 1880’s. The building was remodeled and became
the home of local banker Elmer Hutchinson, from 1901-1945.
38 S. MAIN STREET – "THE MILL HOUSE"
Private Residence
This lovely 200 year old home is known historically as The
Steward-Cafferty House. The home was always owned by mill owners until it was sold to
a developer in the 1980’s. A concerned community halted the developer’s plans to
demolish the structure. The building is an excellent example of Federal Period
architecture in a one-half Georgian style. Many rare interior details are still intact. These
include the “South Jersey” glass fanlight over the door, and woodwork depicting a
waterfall and trailing vines. The house is said to have played an important part in the
“Underground Railroad”. The building is now a private residence.
42 S.MAIN STREET – THE ALLENTOWN FEED CO.
Commonly called the Old Mill, this mill was built in 1855 by Abel Cafferty with 300,000 bricks made on the premises. It replaced the original “old” mill built in 1706 by Nathan Allen. A grist mill operated on this site for more than 250 years, up until 1963. The mill was converted to house a restaurant and several shops by its 19th owner, Corky Danch, and has operated continuously since 1976. A wall in the corner of the restaurant, which was formerly the miller’s office, has many notations, in the form of jottings and personal notes, which were made more than 100 years ago. The annex, occupied by Off the Wall Craft Gallery, is a recycled army barracks from WWII from nearby Fort Dix. The small building at the base of the driveway, now being used as a kitchen remodeling showroom is a recycled part of a covered bridge.
81 S. MAIN STREET – THE GOVERNOR NEWELL HOUSE
Private Residence
Built in 1798 in the Federal Style, this house is best known as the
home of Dr. William A. Newell, who served as a NJ Governor from 1857 to 1867. Born
in Ohio, Dr. Newell is well known for establishing navigational safety practices on the
Jersey coast (later known as the Coast Guard).
A Look Back In Time
IMLAY Mansion
Historical Buildings of Allentown
Chairmaking
Early 1900's
Indian History
Last Veteran
Lenape Indians
Prisoners
Soldiers
Veterans
RETURN
Town or Shop Questions or Comments:
(Please include your e-mail address if a reply is requested.)