Thanks to the repeated efforts of Glendon Borough resident Kenneth Teske, Northampton County recently began taking an interest in the long vacant Glendon Hotel. In addition to being in a state of disrepair, the building is only 10' from Main Street. Teske has repeatedly argued blighted, which the above picture makes clear. Glendon cited owner Albert Rutherford * in 2013 for code violations. Rutherford paid a $1,000 fine,but has failed to remediate the problem. Northampton County's General Purpose Authority (GPA) was beginning to consider the possibility of demolishing the building and replacing it with affordable housing, which for some reason is now called obtainable housing. But at a meeting earlier this week, Glendon Borough Council President Richard Young made a pitch for saving the old property.
According to Young, the Glendon Hotel dates back to 1740, and might be the oldest building in Northampton County. He claims it operated as a tavern and was a meeting place. He'd like to see it restored.
The Library of Congress appears to confirm some of what Young said. Its Historic American Buildings Survey states initial construction was in 1740. Young said it was a tavern, but the Survey states it was built "as place of refuge from and defense against the Native Americans, the doors were 6 inches thick and the walls perforated with loop holes from which occupants could fire."
Instead of being a refuge for anyone, it is now a safety hazard. But it's highly unlikely the County or GPA will do anything unless borough officials reach a consensus.
*) (Albert is incorrectly referred to as Arthur Rutherford in a recent Morning Call story)
they should turn it into a halfway house based on the 12 step program where hot meth addicted twinks can be expedited to the 13th step by the main st Nazareth golem.who lives in squalor above the army navy
ReplyDeleteWith respect to Mr. Young, the original structure may have existed in 1740, but it was undoubtedly razed at some point over the last 280 years to make way for the existing building seen today.
ReplyDeleteGlendon does not have the money for a restoration project which means they will be looking for funding elsewhere. Something they shouldn't be expecting since the building is privately owned, unless it was quietly transferred to Glendon in the last 6 years.
The building isn't worth restoring. Nobody wants to buy the lot it sits on because setback restrictions prevent building on it.
Use it as a training exercise for local fire departments. Put a match to it and end its misery.
It is a mess, an eyesore and dangerous, scrap it.
ReplyDeleteHow sad.
ReplyDeleteThe valley that we love is dying.
I echo 5:46am's comment....The Glendon Hotel used to be one of my restaurant accounts in the 1980's.
ReplyDeleteAll the locals used to gather there, It is Very Sad!
"The Old Allentown Curmudgeon".....PJF
"... refuge from and defense against the Native Americans ..."
ReplyDeleteThe place represents the worst of colonial aggression and white privilege. It's an affront to common decency and a symbol of oppression. It should be demolished by hand, using white slaves and indentured servants who should be whipped with free-trade, organic, and biodegradable lashes. They should receive minimal rations of water served in reusable containers, and maize to remind them of their dastardly cultural appropriation. Done correctly, this project can achieve a number of important objectives.
I remember this place as a child. It was a family friendly place a that time. Tear it down, save any parts that might be of interest and plant some nice trees or a low maintenance native plant area. That site could stand something pleasing to the eye.
ReplyDeleteI remember it as a dive. Back in my drinking days, I avoided it, and that's saying a lot. Maybe I have it mixed up with another place, but don't think so.
ReplyDelete"The place represents the worst of colonial aggression and white privilege. It's an affront to common decency and a symbol of oppression. It should be demolished by hand, using white slaves and indentured servants who should be whipped with free-trade, organic, and biodegradable lashes. They should receive minimal rations of water served in reusable containers, and maize to remind them of their dastardly cultural appropriation. Done correctly, this project can achieve a number of important objectives."
ReplyDeleteI laughed my ass off when I read this.
Sounds sounds racist to me & you wouldn’t be laughing Bernie if they suggested black slaves should tear it down. Hypocrite?
ReplyDelete2:51, Lighten up, Francis.
ReplyDeleteThat was the exact line that ran through my head!
DeleteMaybe when it falls down, they will sell the bricks as paperweights. My collection is getting bigger and bigger; Martin tower, milides building, days in motel, all the Lafayette college buildings on McCartney., wow. Ignatz city!
ReplyDelete"wow. Ignatz city!"
ReplyDeleteUnderrated comment.
Glendon Borough Council may look at the publicity being exhibited upon the hotel as an opportunity. The borough is uniquely located and parallels the Hugh Moore Park, Canal Boat & Museum, bike trail, and Lehigh River. Because of this and Glendon’s strategic location, it could be marketed accordingly, and the blighted hotel serving as a catalyst for locating a developer. The success of Hugh Moore Park should make any other surrounding improvements in the area a strong marketing point.
ReplyDeleteAs for the hotel repairs, since it has not completely collapsed, plausibility dictates with the proper financial resources it may be saved. Remember, the former Simon Silk Mill on 13th St. was facing the same fate prior to the VM Development Group recognizing a treasure hiding in the open. The City of Easton was also instrumental in reaching out and creating an environment for their renaissance, and Glendon has the same power to take advantage of their Victorian charm. Additionally, by making the necessary repairs to one of the two bridges currently closed spanning the canal into Hugh Moore Park would be a positive step in the right direction.
I envision this building renovated to include and eatery on the first level, and returning the upper levels to upscale apartments with scenic Lehigh Canal and River views.
Paul Altenbach
Glendon
Tear it down or not, there still money to be made here out of feigning indecision.
ReplyDeleteYou’re too generous about Glendon. I have more money in my checking account than the borough’s balance sheet shows. The have zero dollars.
ReplyDeleteThis should be studied at great cost.
ReplyDeletethe County should take instetest in the property they own at 152 S Union St. The roof is missing in the back and Sal Panto's squad refuses to do anything about it.
ReplyDeletefire drill for the local FD. Then remove the rest. Cheaper !
ReplyDeleteI ventured over to the Glendon Hotel and took photos, today. I wanted to capture the old hotel before it's demise. I got some interesting shots.
ReplyDeleteI would be interested in the shots. Having the GH be a part of my family's history, it will be a very sad day to see it torn down.
ReplyDelete