Until sometime in the 1950's you could. I think they went to Norristown to the former elevated station that SEPTA later shortened when they built a new station for the High Speed Line to 69th St. Station. The trolley system in the Lehigh Valley was all dismantled because LV Transit Co. switched to buses. LANTA the current bus operator started in 1972. SEPTA still has a few trolley lines in Philly. They still have some old PCC cars as well as newer light rail vehicles. After June 1981 the LV area no longer had any kind of passenger rail service. Conrail exited the passenger business in 1983 and SEPTA took direct control of the electric regional rail lines. The diesel lines like to Bethlehem (and Allentown June 4, 1978-Aug 1979) were cut in 1981 during Conrail operation. SEPTA doesn't really operate outside the five county region. And the part from Bethlehem to north of Quakertown is a rail trail now, with tracks gone. Quakertown to Telford is operated by East Penn and Telford to Lansdale is operated by Penn Northeastern. They might have rights onto SEPTA electric lines. There's a lot of rare pics on here. I ate at the Gingerbread Man in the ex-CNJ/Reading Allentown station around 1981 soon after it opened. It didn't last long, it was closed a few years and reopened as The Depot in 1987. Then, in the 90's it was B&G Station, then it became a nightclub Boca Joe's, then Jillian's, then Banana Joe's, then Bananas, then it closed several years ago. I hope somebody buys it and preserves it. The whole area around the station looks run down, and the parking lot is overgrown.
I spoke to you at the railroading show yesterday. I was the tall, bald guy with glasses. I as a AV Director for my school system during my teaching career, I had 6 schools to do AV work at as well as fliming the many high school football games as well as other sports events. I started using 16 mm and then we switched to video. So when I look at your films and videos I see the work of an excellent photographer and modeler. just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your work and it has given me a good sense of what the Lehigh Valley is all about now and in the past. Many thanks for your great work and I wish you well . Regards, Richard Sappelli, Bethlehem,
Another Great video Ron! It brought a smile seeing the Church model and knowing it was built for my aunt, Veronica "Ronnie" Wynkoop. She was a great lady. As were all the people featured in your video, they all were great in their own ways. They were part of the fabric of the Lehigh Valley for years and definitely left their mark. Thank you for keeping their memories alive along with all the great photos of the past. In a way, you continue the legacy of Ronald Wynkoop's local book series, thru videos of days gone by! Keep it up!!
Another informative video in the series! I have been looking forward to this installment and it hasn’t been a disappointment. Thanks for keeping this series going! I’m now very homesick for the Lehigh Valley
Great video. How I happened upon your latest video instead of the first I guess AI is dumber than we realize. Anyway glad I found them. Lots and lots of history here. I knew Jim the Car Host/trainman up at R&N when I rode behind steam there. He will be sadly missed. He was one of the guys who was nice to all of us steam enthusiasts. Great guy.
CNJ station was turned into Boca Joe's night club then turned into Gillians Night club and last turned into Banana Joe's Night Club. Any video or info on Allentown Double Hump Yard and Engine Roundtable ?
It was also Gingerbread Man restaurant in 1981, the Depot in 1987, and B&G Station in the 90's before those night clubs. After Banana Joe's it was simply Bananas until it closed several years ago.
Great stuff! I knew Ken Bealer on the railroad. Never knew you could go from A'town to Philadelpha on the trolley. Thanks Ron and Pete.
Until sometime in the 1950's you could. I think they went to Norristown to the former elevated station that SEPTA later shortened when they built a new station for the High Speed Line to 69th St. Station. The trolley system in the Lehigh Valley was all dismantled because LV Transit Co. switched to buses. LANTA the current bus operator started in 1972. SEPTA still has a few trolley lines in Philly. They still have some old PCC cars as well as newer light rail vehicles. After June 1981 the LV area no longer had any kind of passenger rail service. Conrail exited the passenger business in 1983 and SEPTA took direct control of the electric regional rail lines. The diesel lines like to Bethlehem (and Allentown June 4, 1978-Aug 1979) were cut in 1981 during Conrail operation. SEPTA doesn't really operate outside the five county region. And the part from Bethlehem to north of Quakertown is a rail trail now, with tracks gone. Quakertown to Telford is operated by East Penn and Telford to Lansdale is operated by Penn Northeastern. They might have rights onto SEPTA electric lines. There's a lot of rare pics on here. I ate at the Gingerbread Man in the ex-CNJ/Reading Allentown station around 1981 soon after it opened. It didn't last long, it was closed a few years and reopened as The Depot in 1987. Then, in the 90's it was B&G Station, then it became a nightclub Boca Joe's, then Jillian's, then Banana Joe's, then Bananas, then it closed several years ago. I hope somebody buys it and preserves it. The whole area around the station looks run down, and the parking lot is overgrown.
I spoke to you at the railroading show yesterday. I was the tall, bald guy with glasses. I as a AV Director for my school system during my teaching career, I had 6 schools to do AV work at as well as fliming the many high school football games as well as other sports events. I started using 16 mm and then we switched to video. So when I look at your films and videos I see the work of an excellent photographer and modeler. just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your work and it has given me a good sense of what the Lehigh Valley is all about now and in the past. Many thanks for your great work and I wish you well
. Regards, Richard Sappelli, Bethlehem,
Great job putting this together for rail fans
Stunning photos. We are all so lucky to have your knowledge, photos and fantastic models to convey us back to the historical past.
Another Great video Ron! It brought a smile seeing the Church model and knowing it was built for my aunt, Veronica "Ronnie" Wynkoop. She was a great lady. As were all the people featured in your video, they all were great in their own ways. They were part of the fabric of the Lehigh Valley for years and definitely left their mark. Thank you for keeping their memories alive along with all the great photos of the past. In a way, you continue the legacy of Ronald Wynkoop's local book series, thru videos of days gone by! Keep it up!!
Fantastic video as always keep them coming please
I love this series and watch them over from time to time. Cheers Rob
Thank you!!
Excellent! 👍👍
Another informative video in the series! I have been looking forward to this installment and it hasn’t been a disappointment. Thanks for keeping this series going! I’m now very homesick for the Lehigh Valley
Your voice, your photos, and your narration all make this a great production. Your layout is still on my bucket list.
My Great grandfather Kermit Brown worked at the CNJ station in Allentown. I forgot what his role was for the railroad
Everyone of these can be considered a history lesson
Great video. How I happened upon your latest video instead of the first I guess AI is dumber than we realize. Anyway glad I found them. Lots and lots of history here. I knew Jim the Car Host/trainman up at R&N when I rode behind steam there. He will be sadly missed. He was one of the guys who was nice to all of us steam enthusiasts. Great guy.
CNJ station was turned into Boca Joe's night club then turned into Gillians Night club and last turned into Banana Joe's Night Club. Any video or info on Allentown Double Hump Yard and Engine Roundtable ?
It was also Gingerbread Man restaurant in 1981, the Depot in 1987, and B&G Station in the 90's before those night clubs. After Banana Joe's it was simply Bananas until it closed several years ago.