If you’re a typical bank customer, you’ve probably experienced merger after merger after merger. Take the former First National Bank of Allentown. After it joined with American Bank and Trust Co., it was known as Meridian Bank. That is, of course, until Meridian was swallowed by Corestates, which First Union bought. A little while later, it merged with Wachovia, and, fina... »
The years 1920-1933 spanned a peculiar time in American history. Thanks to the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages was strictly prohibited. Of course, that didn’t mean people couldn’t get their hands on alcohol. Wealthy people stockpiled it before the 18th Amendment was ratified. “Bathtub gin” and other homem... »
Insurance. If you’re like most people, that word elicits a good solid “blech!” whenever you read it or hear it. But that’s unfortunate, says Jane O’Malley, a co-owner of Coringrato Insurance Agency, because everyone will need some type of coverage sooner or later. She should know. O’Malley and her sister/co-owner Joan Shafer practically grew up in their father’s business. ... »
Nestled along Route 512 in Northampton County, the tiny borough of Bath is experiencing a resurgence – the once-sleepy community is transforming itself into a haven for local artisans. It’s easy to miss Bath (the entire community covers less than a square mile), and is home to about 2,700 people. Named for a community in Somerset, England, Bath was founded in 1737 – which ... »
When the rather prosaically named Hotel Easton opened its doors on February 10, 1927, visitors discovered a hostelry that was anything but prosaic. Designed by Philadelphia architect Thomas, Martin & Kirkpatrick, the Hotel Easton towered a full 10 stories above street level, and combined modern forms with classic architectural styling. According to then-contemporary re... »
Everywhere you turn, you see witches, warlocks and werewolves. Shelves are overflowing with black-and-orange themed candy. Streamers! Decorations! Party favors! Lights! Streets lined with princesses, superheroes, cartoon characters, animals, and even vegetables. And somewhere, a DJ is spinning “The Monster Mash.” Again. Yes, it’s time for Halloween. There’s no need to knoc... »
Many of us have dreams that remain tantalizingly out-of-reach, no matter how hard we chase them. Mardochee Dade’s dreams of playing cello began when he discovered the instrument in third grade. Just 10 years later, thanks to innate skill, determination, and enthusiastic community support, he’s become one of our region’s most accomplished young string players. It started wi... »
At the age of 18, Madeline Rose Link has already compiled a list of accomplishments that would be the envy of someone twice her age: Honors student from elementary through high school World traveler (England, Spain, China, Africa, Canada) Professional musician Model UN participant for four years Participant in the University of Notre Dame’s Pre-College Leadership Seminar F... »
The arts have power. Films and plays can bring us to tears – whether through comedy or tragedy. Photographs and paintings can hold us transfixed by their colors, composition, even their subjects. And playwright William Congreve knew that “Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast, To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak.” … a place where those who are healing find st... »
Most of us are pretty healthy. We skate through life with assorted cuts and bruises, perhaps a broken bone or a bout with the flu. I couldn’t walk more than one block without leaning against a building and trying to catch my breath. But over 122,000 people nationwide (and many in the Lehigh Valley) aren’t so lucky. Their survival depends on receiving a desperately needed o... »
