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410 Delaware Avenue has a long history prior to it becoming the Heritage Center ...
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FROM ...
In the late 1920s, ??? people could walk through the door of the now historic building at 410 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, Pennsylvania, and enter what was known as "Tommie's" restaurant. There they would be treated to good conversation, a fountain coke, or an ice cream sundae. Today, those "goodies" are gone, but the visitor is offered other "treats" in their place. Visitors can still partake of good conversation, and in many cases, reminisce about times gone by, but now they also have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Palmerton area.
A long-time dream of the Palmerton Area Historical Society had been to have a Heritage Center where items from the archives could be displayed for the enjoyment of the public. When "Tommie's" became available for lease, the ink was barely dry, when the building went up for sale. The Horsehead Community Development Fund, the Hommer Foundation, local businesses, society members, and friends donated the funds necessary to purchase, renovate, and create the Center that now presents the history and the rich cultural diversity of the Palmerton area.
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PERMANENT EXHIBIT:
In the main room of the Heritage Center, text cards and photographs on display boards along with artifacts in corresponding display cases tell the area's story starting with the Indians and progressing to the early settlers. The story continues through the origin of the west and east plants of the New Jersey Zinc Company, the establishment of the town of Palmerton, and the development of the educational, the medical, the recreational, and the housing advantages set forth by the New Jersey Zinc Company for the community.
For more information about the Permanent Exhibit, click on that link from the Heritage Center main page.
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FEATURED EXHIBITS:
The second room features exhibits which change from time to time. The first exhibit focused on the New Jersey Zinc Company with displays of large original charts showing statistics of the importance of the manufacturing of zinc during World War II. The next series of exhibits were developed in coordination with various Churches from the Palmerton Area. According to a schedule planned by the volunteers at the Heritage Center, each church set up and took down the histories of their congregations. The Palmerton ethnic displays provided an insight to the rich culture of the immigrants using photographs, clothing, and other wearing apparel and household items. The featured exhibits included the Slovak/ Ukrainian, Portuguese, Polish, Mexican and Vintage with a Touch of Dutch cultures.
For more information about the Featured Exhibits, click on that link from the Heritage Center main page.
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ACTIVITIES / VOLUNTEERS:
All activities at the Heritage Center are under the direction of the Palmerton Area Heritage Center Steering Committee. The members are Jane Borbe, Betsy Burnhauser, Diane Danielson, Rita Goidich, Anita Harry, and Sue Steigerwalt.
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For additional information about the Heritage Center, return to the main page and click the various links, or call 610-824-6954, or Email: contactus@palmertonhistorical.org.
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