Bethlehem in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Tawery
1768
In the early years of Bethlehem, the tawer processed sheepskins almost exclusively. However, after the 1760s, inventories indicate that deerskins became the primary source of leather for the tawing industry.
The tawer used sheepskins and deerskins to make soft, pliable leather for goods such as bookbindings, fine upholstery, gloves, pocketbooks, and knee breeches. This leather was white, buff, or light tan in color, in contrast to the red-colored, thicker leather produced in the tannery which stood on the opposite side of the raceway.
The first tawery appears on a map of Bethlehem dated 1752. In 1768, a second tawery was built of brick on this site. The tawing business ended around 1827 and the building was used for other purposes including a saloon and bowling alley, restaurant and concert hall.
The building was torn down in the early 1900s.
[Photo caption on marker]
In the late 1880s, William _althane_ [illegible] operated his “Summer Garden” here. Newspaper advertisements declared it to be the “coolest place in town.”
[Marker is damaged]
Erected by Historic Bethlehem, HistoryWorks!, and Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1752.
Location. 40° 37.188′ N, 75° 23.001′ W. Marker is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in Lehigh County. Marker is in the Colonial Industrial Quarter of Historic Bethlehem, along the former Ohio Road, about 50 feet SE of the Tannery and 50 feet SW of the Springhouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bethlehem PA 18018, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Springhouse (a few steps from this marker); Tannery (a few steps from this marker); Butchery (within shouting distance of this marker); Bark Shed (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Luckenbach Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Dye House (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonial Industrial Quarter (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bethlehem.
Also see . . . Colonial Industrial Quarter. (Submitted on February 2, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 947 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 2, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.