Carbon County Fairgrounds Historical Site
The Carbon County Fairgrounds is a place full of history and community spirit. This iconic spot has been at the heart of the region for ages, starting all the way back in October 1858 when the Carbon County Agricultural Society held its first fair.Back then, the fair was held between 2nd and 4th Streets, right where Iron and Union Streets cross. Local farmers and artisans would show off their crops and crafts. As the town grew, so did the fairgrounds, and by 1870, the fair moved to the western part of the borough to keep up with the area's expansion.By 1900, the fairgrounds had some major upgrades, including a large grandstand for people to watch all the exciting events. An octagon-shaped judging stand also popped up, giving the fair a unique touch. Horse racing was a big draw for fairgoers, but things really changed in 1921 when auto racing was introduced. Unfortunately, a deadly accident in 1958 ended the auto racing tradition.For over 100 years, the Carbon County Fairgrounds was a go-to spot for entertainment and community fun. From 4H exhibits and local bands to amusement rides, games, and fireworks, there was always something to enjoy. Demolition derbies, beauty pageants, and stunt shows made it even more exciting, and the delicious food from local church and civic groups made the whole experience unforgettable.In the 1990s, things took a turn when the school district took over the land, marking the end of the Great Lehighton Fair after 134 years. But a group of dedicated people stepped up to keep the fair’s legacy alive. Today, the new Carbon County Fair continues to be a highlight, now held in Aquashicola.While the fairgrounds have changed over the years, one piece of history still stands—a restored judging stand in a nearby park, which is another stop on this tour. Standing by this historical relic, you can’t help but appreciate the generations of tradition that made the Carbon County Fairgrounds the beloved place it is today.www.lehightonheritage.org
The Boyhood Home of Franz Kline
Franz Kline, a prominent American painter and one of the pioneers of Abstract Expressionism. The boyhood home ofFranz Kline is considered a historic landmark in Lehighton, at this stop you will see the house and learn more about Kline's life and work. The house itself is a modest, two-story structure that dates back to the early 1900s. It was in this home that Franz Kline spent his formative years, developing his passion for art and honing his skills as a painter.If you were to walk through the rooms of the house, you would see the various artifacts and memorabilia that give insight into Kline's life and work. There are sketches and drawings that he made as a child, as well as more mature pieces that demonstrate his mastery of the medium.You can also see various personal items and mementos, such as family photographs and letters, that help to paint a picture of the artist's life and experiences. Moving outside, you can see the various landscapes and vistas that likely inspired Kline's artistic vision. From the rolling hills and verdant forests to the tranquil streams and meadows, the natural beauty of this region undoubtedly had a profound impact on Kline's art.As you walk through the town, you can also see various other sites and landmarks that are associated with Kline's life and work. For example, there is the historic train station that he would have used to travel to New York City, where he eventually established himself as an artist.You can also visit various other locations that were important to Kline, such as the local library and community center, where he likely spent many hours reading and learning about art and culture.
The Judge's Stand
The Judge's Stand, built in Victorian style, held a significant role as the focal point of the Great Lehighton Fair, later known as the Carbon County Fair. From 1858 to 1992, the fair was hosted in Lehighton, and the Stand always occupied a central position within the fairgrounds. Previously situated on the Lehighton Area School District grounds, this structure is believed to be the sole surviving example of its kind in the United States. Notably, its roof showcased remarkable engineering ingenuity, allowing it to be manually cranked upwards to provide sheltered seating for the judges during evaluations, effectively shielding them from the elements. When not in use, the roof could be lowered to enclose the area.In order to restore the Stand, the Borough secured a $20,000 grant from the DCED (Department of Community and Economic Development) with assistance from the DLNHC (Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor). Subsequently, in 2012, Lowe's expressed interest in supporting the project through their Lowe's Heroes Volunteer Program. Thanks to the collaboration with Lowe's, the project was successfully realized. Presently, the historic Judge's Stand has been relocated to Grove Park, situated at the intersection of Eighth and Iron Streets.
Colonial Court Mansion
Let’s take a trip back to 1901, when the Pan Am Exposition in Buffalo, New York, was buzzing with excitement. One of the standout attractions at the fairgrounds was the Michigan State Building, a jaw-dropping structure that wowed everyone who saw it. Fast forward to 1903, when a bold visionary named Theodore Allen Snyder decided to do something pretty audacious—he set out to bring that same building’s grandeur to Lehighton, piece by piece, via the Lehigh Valley Railroad.And so, the Colonial Court Mansion was born. It was soon dubbed “the most beautiful home in the Lehigh Valley,” and it wasn’t just because of its stunning architecture. There was something mysterious and intriguing about the place, a vibe that lingered for years after it was built. But as incredible as the mansion was, its time in Lehighton would be heartbreakingly brief.Theodore Snyder had big dreams even as a young guy. He came to Lehighton at just 20 years old to be the principal of the local schools. He married Emma Hauk in 1879, and by the time he was 28, he became the youngest Superintendent of Schools in Carbon County’s history. He was a key figure in the town’s growth, helping out with the Lehighton Savings and Loan, the Enterprise Building and Loan companies, and even bringing electric trolleys to the area. He also played a huge role in the Lehighton Land Development Association.But in 1907, things took a tragic turn. Snyder, who had been battling a liver tumor, went to St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem for an operation. He made it through the surgery but began to decline rapidly. By Wednesday, the family was called to his side, and just two days later, on May 16th, he passed away.Fast forward to the summer of 1915, when Charles and Phoebe Miller from Lehighton took over the Colonial Court Mansion, hoping to live in style and turn it into a boarding house. But things didn’t go according to plan, and by the next summer, the Millers were ready to leave. However, fate had other plans. In the middle of the night, around 1:30 AM, a fire broke out in the mansion. Boarder Robert Webb woke up to smoke pouring into his room from a closet and quickly alerted the Millers and their servant. The fire spread fast, and it was clear that nothing could be done. The fire hydrants in the area were useless—clogged with mud—and by 6:00 AM, the mansion was nothing but a pile of smoldering ruins. The iconic columns that had once stood proudly at the front of the building had fallen, burned to the ground. The Colonial Court Mansion was lost forever.
Baer Silk Mill
Hidden in the town of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, is the Baer Silk Mill, a piece of history that's still standing strong. The mill takes you back to the early 20th century, with its old walls telling stories of a different time.The mill’s story starts with Eugene Baer, a third-generation silk weaver from Switzerland. Born in 1868 in Patterson, New Jersey, Eugene learned the trade from his father, Jacob Baer, who had moved to the U.S. in 1856. In 1896, Eugene started his own company in Patterson, but by 1898, he decided to move his business to Lehighton. He set up shop in a large four-story brick building at the intersection of Seventh and Bridge Streets, where the mill became a key part of the local community and provided jobs for many.In 1912, the Baer Silk Mill was officially incorporated, and the Helvetica Silk Co. moved into its upper floors in 1913. Eugene’s son, Carlos Baer, eventually took over the business, continuing his family’s legacy until his retirement. The mill became a lasting part of the town’s history and a symbol of the Baer family's impact on the silk industry.THE BUILDING THAT ONCE HOUSED THE BAER SILK MILL IS NOW A THRIVING PART OF THE LEHIGHTON COMMUNITY, AND ITS HISTORY SERVES AS A REMINDER OF THE TOWN'S INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
Mission of Gnaden Huetten
In 1746, a group of courageous Moravian missionaries embarked on a perilous journey beyond the Blue Mountains, venturing into the territory of the formidable Bear Mountain tribe of the Delawares. These missionaries, hailing from Bethlehem, had previously established a successful colony and were now driven to extend their mission to the Mahoning Valley and its surrounding mountains. Count Zinzendorf, accompanied by two converted Indians serving as interpreters, ventured up the treacherous Lehigh River in 1742, engaging in peaceful discussions with the local Indians. The missionaries shared a peace pipe, fostering hope for a harmonious coexistence between the indigenous people and the settlers.Encouraged by their initial encounters and fueled by the growing immigrant population in Bethlehem, the Moravians intensified their efforts to convert the Indians in the region. After four arduous years, they established a mission house at Gnaden Huetten, a fortunate turn of events that bolstered their mission. Around 40 Mohegan Indians, who had already embraced Christianity through the efforts of Henry Rauch near Connecticut, sought refuge with the brethren at Bethlehem. These Mohegans were sent ahead to plant the symbolic "Standard of Peace" at Gnaden-Huetten, solidifying the bond between the Moravians and the indigenous community.Through years of dedicated work, the Moravians and the Indians forged a remarkable alliance. Prosperous farms flourished in the Lehigh Valley and its tributaries, and the congregation at Gnaden-Huetten swelled to over 500, comprising both Indians and colonists. A sense of amicability prevailed, and it seemed that a bright future awaited this diverse community.However, the peaceful times were abruptly shattered when the conflict between the French and English over their respective claims in the American Colonies escalated. Desperate to gain an advantage, both sides sought alliances with the Indians, manipulating their prejudices and making false promises. Resentment simmered among some tribes in the Mahoning Valley, fueled by unresolved land disputes and the perceived encroachment of the Moravian missionaries on their way of life.
Gnaden Huetten Massacre
On the fateful evening of November 24, the tranquility of Gnaden-Huetten was shattered by a horde of painted warriors. The unsuspecting settlement was ambushed, caught off guard by the brutal attack. The warriors showed no mercy, indiscriminately shooting and tomahawking men, women, and children. Flames engulfed every house, reducing the once-thriving community to ashes. Amidst the chaos, a handful of fortunate souls managed to escape, seeking refuge across the Lehigh River in New Gnaden-Huetten, now known as Weissport, where another mission house stood as a beacon of hope. The Mohegans, along with other friendly Indians, had already found safety there.The massacre inflicted profound grief and devastation upon the survivors and the neighboring settlers. The memory of the innocent lives lost on that tragic night was forever etched into the history of Gnaden-Huetten. A mound in the Gnaden-Huetten cemetery became a poignant symbol of the bloodshed, bearing a blue-gray marble slab erected in 1788 and a recent white obelisk standing on a red sandstone base. The inscriptions on these solemn markers served as reminders of the horrific events that unfolded, honoring the memory of those who perished.For weeks that followed, terror gripped the region. The Moravians, bound by their principles of non-violence, found themselves ill-prepared to defend against the relentless nightly assaults by the bloodthirsty Delawares. The desperate settlers petitioned Governor Robert H. Morris of the Pennsylvania colony for assistance. In response, he commissioned Benjamin Franklin, a prominent figure, to lead a force of 560 men and protect the embattled northwestern frontier.Franklin divided his troops into three divisions, one of which he personally led to the beleaguered people of Gnaden-Huetten. The arrival of reinforcements on January 1, 1756, brought a glimmer of hope to the survivors. Franklin, in his autobiography, recounts the grim scene that greeted their arrival—the partially buried bodies of the victims, attended to by the grief-stricken local populace. Their first task was to provide a proper burial for the fallen, paying tribute to their lives cut short by the savage onslaught.The tragic and suspenseful tale of Gnaden-Huetten serves as a haunting reminder of the fragile balance between peace and conflict, trust and betrayal. It is a chilling chapter in the history of the Lehigh Valley, where the echoes of past tragedies still resonate, urging future generations to remember the lessons learned and strive for a more peaceful and inclusive society.
Lehighton Engine Company No. 2
Lehighton's fire companies have a long history of protecting the town and its people. It all started on August 24, 1874, when the town’s first fire company was founded with fifty members. With leadership from H. V. Morthimer as president, C. F. Horn as secretary, and P. T. Bradley as chief, this group set the foundation for the fire services we know today.As the town grew, so did the need for more fire protection. In 1904, Lehighton Engine Company No. 2 was established, marking a big step forward. It kicked off with a meeting at Hochberg's Hotel on February 18, with James I. Blakslee as president, E. W. Moser as vice president, and A. J. Snyder as secretary—key figures in shaping the company's future.To get started, Engine Company No. 2 leased and converted an old schoolhouse on Third Street to house their equipment. The company didn’t just focus on fighting fires—they also brought the community together with fun Christmas events, giving out gifts to children and spreading some holiday cheer.Under the leadership of James I. Blakslee, the company continued to grow. Between 1910 and 1911, they built a new firehouse, spending $18,000 on a two-story building made of cement blocks and pressed brick. It wasn’t just a place to store fire equipment; the firehouse also included a library, gym, and space for social gatherings. The dedication ceremony on February 21, 1911, was a major milestone for the company.Engine Company No. 2 also had its own band, which became well-known for playing at firemen's events throughout the region and winning awards. The company’s success led to the creation of the Lehighton fire department, bringing all the fire companies under one central leadership. Harry Trainer was appointed as fire department chief, overseeing fire emergencies and ensuring the safety of Lehighton’s residents.The history of Lehighton’s fire companies is a story of hard work, growth, and commitment to the community. From their early days to the construction of important buildings and community efforts, these brave men and women have always been there to protect the town and its people.
Old Lehighton High School
Picture stepping back to the early 1800s, where a simple log schoolhouse stood on the historic mission grounds. Built around 1820, this small building was a place of learning and spiritual growth. It had just two rooms and served as both a school and a place of worship. Managed by a board of trustees, the school operated during the winter months for many years, leaving a lasting impact on the students who attended.As the community of Mahoning Township, which included Lehighton, grew, the need for more schools became clear. By the 1840s, the area began embracing the public school system, and new schools were built or repurposed to meet the growing demand. One such school was established on Iron Street in 1850, followed by another on the Town Square in 1853, which stayed in use until the new Second Ward school was built in 1873. Not long after that, another schoolhouse was built on Pine Street.Then, in July 1873, the school board made a big decision: they were going to build a three-story brick schoolhouse, which would include a third floor for public use. After selecting the site and hiring architect J. Boyd Henri from Allentown, construction began in May. The project moved quickly, and the building was completed at a cost of $45,000.With the final brick in place, the new Second Ward schoolhouse became the home for all three schools in the borough. This marked the beginning of a new era in education for Lehighton.Nearly 50 years later, the town needed an even larger school. In September 1918, the new high school was dedicated, becoming a symbol of the community’s pride. The Burroughs school board pushed forward with a bold plan in 1915 to raise $100,000 for the project, and the community supported it. In May 1917, voters approved the bond issue by a wide margin. The high school opened in the fall of 1917, becoming one of Pennsylvania's top secondary schools. This new institution would leave a lasting impact on Lehighton, shaping generations of students.Today, the history of those early schools is still present in Lehighton and Weissport, where the descendants of the original students continue to live and grow. The legacy of that first log schoolhouse is a reminder of the importance of education and the dedication of a community to supporting future generations.
The Historic Lehighton Library
On August 14, 1948, the library opened its doors for the first time, marking an important day that also coincided with VJ Day. Since then, the library has been an important part of the community, honoring the brave men who sacrificed for their country.The library began in the old Seaboldt homestead on South Third Street, which the Lehighton Lions Club bought to create a library. With support from the school board, money was raised through collections in local theaters to buy books. After 15 years, the original space became too small, so they decided to build a new library on land that was donated. In June 1966, during the town's Centennial Celebration, the new library opened. A human chain was formed to move the books from the old building to the new one on North Street.Today, the library continues to serve the community. With over 17,000 people benefiting from its programs, the library has grown in popularity. More people visit, use the computers, and attend events like story times, summer reading programs, and author visits. The library also helps with things like job applications, ancestry research, and tech support. All of this happens in a 2,300-square-foot building with just one public room.In 2018, the library received a matching grant from the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund. With that, plus donations from the community, the library expanded in 2020. The new addition, which is 1,400 square feet, includes a Youth Services Area, a Community Room, and ADA-compliant restrooms to make it accessible to everyone.So, if you're looking for a fun place to visit, the library is the spot. The librarian is full of energy and loves to tell exciting stories that will take you on adventures. Whether it’s folklore, history, or a great story, the library is a place to let your imagination run wild. Come check it out!
Lehigh Stove Works Building
In the small town of Lehighton, between the Lehigh River and the busy Lehigh Valley Railroad, a group of forward-thinking citizens had big dreams for their community. They wanted to create something that would provide jobs and help put their town on the map. They didn’t know it yet, but their dreams would soon become a reality in a big way.It all began with a few meetings where people shared ideas and made plans. Dr. G. B. Linderman, a respected man who had recently bought a farm near Lehighton, listened closely to the proposals from a committee that was working with manufacturers.After reviewing the ideas, Dr. Linderman saw a great opportunity. He suggested starting a foundry that would make stoves and hollow-ware. He believed this could really help the town, so he invested a large amount of his own money into the project and convinced others to join him.With the funds in place, the Lehigh Stove-Works was officially incorporated in 1867. They chose a prime location, right between the Lehigh River and the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The stage was set for something big to happen.That summer, construction of the stone building and engine- and boiler-rooms began. It was an exciting time for the town, and everyone could feel the promise of a brighter future as the new buildings took shape.Once the construction was done, the Lehigh Stove-Works opened its doors, and the sounds of molten metal and busy craftsmen became the heartbeat of the town. Over time, the company grew and more buildings were added to keep up with the expanding business.The smell of freshly cast iron filled the air, attracting curious visitors and skilled workers from nearby towns. Lehigh Stove-Works quickly gained a reputation for making high-quality stoves and hollow-ware, earning praise from customers and competitors alike.Under Dr. Linderman’s leadership, the company thrived, providing jobs for about thirty-five people. The foundry became a point of pride for Lehighton, contributing to the town’s prosperity and creating a strong sense of community among its workers.Over the years, the Lehigh Stove-Works became an important part of the town's history. It played a crucial role in the community's growth and success. Its impact lasted for generations, showing how hard work and vision could turn an idea into something meaningful.
Joseph Obert Packing Co.
In Lehighton, a 19th-century story of resilience and entrepreneurship highlights the American dream. Joseph Obert, a young man from a small town, left his home at age 20 in 1841 to seek new opportunities in America.When he arrived, Joseph began his career as a cabinet maker, creating beautiful furniture that showcased his skill and hard work. But he didn't stop there. Ambitious and driven, he moved into farming and later opened a grocery and dry goods store.As his business ventures grew, Joseph founded one of the region’s largest slaughterhouses in 1867, focusing on processing pigs. The Obert Packing Co. quickly became a major part of Lehighton's economy. Each week, railroad cars filled with hogs from places like Buffalo, Chicago, and St. Louis arrived in town, bringing pork products that were shipped all over the region.The pigs were brought to the "flats," near the Lehigh Valley Railroad station, where they were held in pens until they were processed into popular pork products like ham, sausage, and bacon. The Obert Packing Co. became a key industry in the town, and the hustle and bustle around the slaughterhouse was a familiar sight.However, in 1875, disaster struck when a fire destroyed the entire slaughterhouse. But Joseph wasn’t one to give up. He rebuilt the business, this time with a massive, four-story brick building that became a symbol of his determination. The new facility was unlike any other in the region, setting a new standard for success.When Joseph passed away in 1896, his five children took over the business, continuing the family legacy. The packing house employed around 30 people, processing all parts of the hog, with nothing wasted. Parts that weren’t used in food production were turned into fertilizer, and even the bristles were sold to brush manufacturers.In 1897, tragedy struck again when Joseph’s wife, Catherine, passed away. Despite this, their five children—John, Charles, William, Franklin, and Emma—kept the family business running for many years, upholding their father's dream.But in 1937, the plant closed for good, and two years later, the meat market on S. 1st Street shut down as well. After World War II, the town purchased the packing plant and tore down the old building, replacing it with a parking lot. Today, many people park in that lot without realizing it sits on the site where Carbon County's largest meatpacking industry once thrived.
