Selling history: 150 years and counting
What better way to commemorate Slatington's Sesquicentennial than with a book that pays tribute to its namesake.
"Slatington at 150: More Stores to Share," is being published in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the borough's incorporation, and is expected to be completed by the fall.Once completed, the book will be available for Christmas delivery. Order forms may be found at the Slatington Library, 620 Main St., as well as the Slatington 150th Store, 647 Main St.Published by Chernay Publishing of Coopersburg, the cost will be $50 per copy, plus shipping, for non-Northern Lehigh residents. As of now, over 200 books have been preordered. The sale will be limited to 500 copies overall.Compiled by the Slatington 150th History Committee, the book will include sections on church and family histories; disasters to strike the borough, both natural and man-made, and will include train accidents, fires, floods, blizzards; notable residents; the Slatington automobile industry; civic and fraternal organizations that have served the area; biographies on Slatington luminaries; legendary sports figures; and histories on civic organizations and churches.More specifically, an "On this day in Slatington history" and "On this day in Slatington/Northern Lehigh Sports history" will be included in the book.These sections will include a snapshot of everyday life in Slatington and some of the issues, problems and events that occurred in the town during its history; while the sports on this day will include summaries of particular games or milestones reached by individual athletes or teams during a century-plus of high school sports.The committee hopes civic organizations, churches and families who will be in the book will consider sponsoring pages and becoming patrons.They are also allowing people to sponsor pages for $25. In addition, patrons will get their name listed for $15.Members of the committee who have contributed to its creation are Tim and Judy Snyder of Washington Township, along with Robert Stettner of Slatington, Candyce Mantz-Merkle of Slatington, Mike Hofmann Jr. of Washington Township, and Daniel Phillips, who resides in Whitehall and is a 1990 graduate of Northern Lehigh.The Snyders, who are genealogists, helped with the 1989 book "Slatington and Surrounding Communities," and are experienced writing family histories, while Merkle is equally passionate about family histories.Judy Snyder noted that members of the committee are originally from the area."We were born and raised here," she said. "I think that's an attribute; we have the knowledge to do a good job."Stettner concurred with Snyder's sentiment."We're all local," Stettner said. "So, there was that added inspiration, passion."Stettner said the idea for a book was a natural after a book on Slatington's 125th Anniversary was printed in 1989.The committee has come up with new ideas to make this book somewhat different from its predecessor, Stettner said."This time, we're doing some families that we didn't have last time, adding other families to update it, and also adding other categories, like sports, the history of," he said. "We're hoping to target some different buyers."Hofmann said the sports pages will include histories of each sport conducted at Slatington/Northern Lehigh, as well as yearly records and playoff appearances. Information on the leagues the school participated in, Division I collegiate and professional athletes from the area, members of the Northern Lehigh Ring of Honor, and the famous Smith Hall building will also be included."The publication is a perfect keepsake for individuals interested in the athletic accomplishments of the Slatington/Northern Lehigh squads since the turn of the 20th century, which include numerous league and district titles, as well as four state titles (two in wrestling and two in softball)," Hofmann said."Famous teams such as the 1954 'Iron Men' basketball squad, the 1981-82 Eastern Conference championship boys' basketball team, and the 2003 Eastern Conference championship football team will be discussed as well."Hofmann said he is looking for individuals who are willing to contribute stories or vintage photographs regarding Slatington athletics to be included in the book.Anyone with information may contact him at
phillyfan1960@aol.com.Stettner said money from the sale of the books will go toward "historical purposes. Proceeds will go back toward the Slatington community."Anyone interested in submitting information for use in the book may upload the information to the committee's Facebook page at "Slatington 150 History Committee" or email
stettner@ptd.net.For more information on book ordering, sponsorships, or submitting information and helping with the history book, use the above contact information.