Original: $17.49
-65%$17.49
$6.12The Story
As times changed, so did the Allentown Fairgrounds, and these early days are captured forever in photographs.
In 1889, those who organized the Allentown Fair decided to buy a lot at Seventeenth and Chew Streets in Allentownâthe new Allentown Fairgrounds. The area was large enough for a racetrack, a grandstand, exhibition buildings, stables, and a picnic grove. The racetrack and grandstand were built in time for the harness racehorse Dan Patch to set his world record there in 1905. The grassy midway gave a home to trapeze routines, psychic tents, Ferris wheels, and belly dancers. From 1917 to 1918, the fair paused, and the fairgrounds were used as a US Army Ambulance Corps training ground known as Camp Crane. When the fair returned, a stage was added for vaudeville acts and George Hamidâs dancing shows. Later, the stage began to book performers like Guy Lombardo, Roy Rogers, Cher, and the Osmonds. The new âMillion Dollar Midwayâ featured thrill rides, and the fairgrounds added year-round events, including a weekly indoor farmerâs market.
Kelly Ann Butterbaugh, a resident of Lehigh County, collated pictures from the Lehigh County Agricultural Societyâs collection as well as those involved in the fair over the years. An author of several local history books and an English teacher, she enjoys sharing her love of old photographs and local history.
Description
As times changed, so did the Allentown Fairgrounds, and these early days are captured forever in photographs.
In 1889, those who organized the Allentown Fair decided to buy a lot at Seventeenth and Chew Streets in Allentownâthe new Allentown Fairgrounds. The area was large enough for a racetrack, a grandstand, exhibition buildings, stables, and a picnic grove. The racetrack and grandstand were built in time for the harness racehorse Dan Patch to set his world record there in 1905. The grassy midway gave a home to trapeze routines, psychic tents, Ferris wheels, and belly dancers. From 1917 to 1918, the fair paused, and the fairgrounds were used as a US Army Ambulance Corps training ground known as Camp Crane. When the fair returned, a stage was added for vaudeville acts and George Hamidâs dancing shows. Later, the stage began to book performers like Guy Lombardo, Roy Rogers, Cher, and the Osmonds. The new âMillion Dollar Midwayâ featured thrill rides, and the fairgrounds added year-round events, including a weekly indoor farmerâs market.
Kelly Ann Butterbaugh, a resident of Lehigh County, collated pictures from the Lehigh County Agricultural Societyâs collection as well as those involved in the fair over the years. An author of several local history books and an English teacher, she enjoys sharing her love of old photographs and local history.
