Bethlehem Historic District Association

During the Corona Virus emergency, some Local Businesses are open for Curbside Pickup. You must call first and pay by credit card on the phone.  The takeout menu is usually on line.  The hours vary.  Food Delivery Safety

Why Everyone Should Be a Member of the BHDA

by Terry Theman
When it comes to community involvement I suppose it is our human nature to ‘watch from the sidelines’ while our friends and neighbors carry out various civic duties. I certainly find it easier and less stressful. While we appreciate the work done on our behalf, it is rare that we feel the need to pitch in and offer help. Strange how this works, this all-too-human nature of ours. (more)

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With Our Appreciation

The BHDA Welcome Committee would like to express its sincere gratitude to the following merchants and service providers for participating in the new Welcome Program:

-Historic Hotel Bethlehem
-Franklin Hill Vineyards
-Just Born, Inc.
-Knobs ‘N Knockers
-Moravian Book Shop
-Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom
-Steel Fitness Riverport
-The Chocolate Lab
-The Granola Factory
*Photo courtesy of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites

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The Single Sister’s House of Historic Bethlehem
by LoriAnn Wukitsch

The next time you walk down Church Street just before Main, take time to look at your surroundings. You will see historic clapboard and stone buildings – all in the same Colonial Germanic style of architecture constructed by the Moravians between 1741 and 1772. These are the finest examples of this architectural style in all of America and curiously among the largest structures in Pennsylvania at that time found outside of Philadelphia.

In the 1700s, the Moravians lived according to a “Choir System” in groups corresponding to their age, gender and marital status and lived in communal housing known as Choir Houses. The Single Sisters’ House and Widows’ House are right across the street from each other. You can see the Single Brethren’s Choir House just down Church Street. For a time, the Bell House was for the Married People’s Choir. From its earliest days, Bethlehem was a very ethnically diverse community but only Moravians lived here until 1845.  More
Photo courtesy of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites

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From the Archives of the Bethlehem Daily Times

“Seats of Pantaloons Painted – For some time past, Marcus C. Fetter and family, residing at the corner of Main and Canal streets, have been considerably annoyed by rowdies who loaf nightly in that vicinity.  The loafers generally squat on the fence which surrounds the property.  Last evening the top of the fence received a fresh coat of paint, and the loafers who sat thereon will no doubt recall the sitting for months to come.” – September 23, 1885. More from the archives.

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Oral History Project: What We’re Learning from Our Neighbors

Did you know that…

During WWII, when Bethlehem Steel was booming night and day, our neighborhood was showered with so much soot that people had to sweep off their houses, cars, and porches every day. –

At one time, there was a reflecting pool on the south side of the library that was filled in because kids kept putting soap in it to make mountains of bubbles. (more)

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Important Information about Street Trees

Before you remove, plant, prune, or use pesticides on any trees along our city streets, please visit the Bethlehem’s Bureau of Urban Forestry website for important information including: a list of licensed city arborists, tree planting guidelines, and the list of trees approved for street use.

Permits, available for download, are required for nearly all tree work.

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Available Now: Historic Plaques 

Enhance the historical ambiance of our neighborhood with a date plaque for your home or business in Bethlehem’s Historic District. The cost for a plaque is $25 for BHDA Members and $45 for non-members. This cost covers the production of your plaque and does not include research or installation.

To apply for a plaque, click here for more information and to download printable versions of application materials including the Guide to Researching Your Home.

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Bethlehem Historic District Annual Sidewalk/Yard Sale
September 18, 2021 from 8am – 2pm (Rain date September 19)

Come to the downtown Bethlehem Historic District on Saturday, September 18th for our annual sidewalk and yard sale. We’ll have 40+ homeowners offering various items for sale. It’s always amazing to see the “treasures” that come out of these historic houses and available at bargain prices too! Enjoy a walk through the beautiful neighborhood.  Maps of participating home locations are available in the morning at the locations.

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The mission of the Bethlehem Historic District Association is to protect the historical character of our neighborhood and high quality-of-life by:

• supporting the preservation and restoration of original architectural features:
• offering programs that support safety and community beautification;
  
• hosting events that encourage a greater community bond among neighbors; and
• promoting cultural and civic engagement for residents that live within the District and beyond.