Today, I am reading a new publication of the Northampton Press - the year, 1999.

Some things change; some do not. The Coplay-Northampton Bridge was a feature story. After years of pleading by motorists and residents, the bridge was closed to traffic in order to have the bridge milled and the deck resurfaced with a fresh coat of blacktop. It was to be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic for four to six weeks. The bridge has detour signs on both sides in Northampton and Coplay.

Charles D. Herman Construction, of Stiles, is the general contractor. The cost for the project is $160,000. The project marks the first major work on the span in 40 years, although the bridge is more than 60 years old. A wooden span was replaced by the present bridge, so wrote Al Recker.

Construction of a new structure started in the spring of 2017 at an estimated cost of $30 million.

In Northampton, Mr. Frank Horwith donated land, so the borough could erect a new recreation center. Council President Charles Bodnar heads a committee to raise funds for the center, which is estimated to cost around $1 million.

The proposed recreation center will include facilities and programs for all ages - children to seniors.

The center has been a very successive venue, serving both Northampton and area residents.

Mrs. Joan Marinkovits served as district justice in Northampton. The former real estate broker prepared for the position by attending classes at Wilson College in Chambersburg. She holds the honor of being the first female justice in Northampton’s history.

As I said, some things do not change. Down at the Lehigh Valley Mall, 45 dresses and 25 pairs of khaki pants were stolen from Limited Too. The clothing was valued at $2,300 and was reported taken by unknown suspects. Sounds familiar today!

In Catasauqua, time was more relaxed. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association and Borough of Catasauqua have planned the dedication of an official marker commemorating the Dery Silk Mill on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2 p.m., at Dery Silk, 101 Race St.

Horwith Fuel was selling fuel oil at 63 cents a gallon.

Palace Gardens - remember that? - 3614 Lehigh St., Whitehall, was advertising facilities for funeral luncheons.

A feature traced the history of the Wuchter family. Daniel was raised in Whitehall. His brother Roy owned a chicken farm near Egypt. They developed a thriving poultry business, selling door to door in Northampton and Whitehall. Success on the road brought them to the Fairgrounds Farmers Market in Allentown. They purchased a lease, which grew into numerous outlets and continues to serve happy customers.