In 1956, Northampton Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner at Northampton Community Center, now Northampton Banquet & Event Center. The draw of the annual event was the prominent speakers invited to address the Chamber’s business and other local leaders.

Although no record of the speakers was found, newsprint at the time reported one year Norman Vincent Peale addressed the Chamber. Peale was a charismatic minister and author who wrote the best-selling book “The Power of Positive Thinking.”

Another dignitary of distinction who spoke at the dinner was Alben William Barkley. A politician of note and merit, Barkley served in both houses of Congress and was the 35th vice president of the United States, serving under President Harry S. Truman.

The dinner in 1956 was no exception. The Chamber secured a nationally renowned speaker - none other than the former U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Roosevelt kept a very busy speaking schedule at that time, sometimes making three speeches a day at different locations.

Roosevelt was active after she departed the White House. She advocated for expanded roles for women in the workplace, civil rights of African and Asian Americans and the rights of World War II refugees.

On Dec. 19, 1956, Roosevelt addressed Northampton Chamber of Commerce. After the event, she stayed and answered questions from the attendees. It was widely considered by attendees as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Afterward, Roosevelt slept in Northampton at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Schisler on East 19th Street.

The honored house is currently owned by the estate of Wasyl and Elaine Hewko and is currently for sale. The Hewkos preserved the room where Roosevelt slept.

A brass plaque was placed in the room commemorating Roosevelt’s time there.

“While in town, Mrs. Roosevelt stayed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Schisler on East 19th Street. The home is presently owned by Mr. and Mrs. Wasyl Hewko who have preserved the room where Mrs. Roosevelt slept,” the plaque reads.

It is worth noting the Northampton home she slept in was later owned by a Northampton family member who also had some historical significance.

The Hewko family emigrated to the United States from Ukraine early in the 20th century. Like many families, they were attracted to the freedom offered in the United States and the opportunities in the Lehigh Valley’s cement mills, garment mills and the local steel industry. There were five Hewko brothers - Alex, Wasyl, John, Peter and Ben.

World War II shaped the lives of millions of Americans, including the Hewko brothers who all served. Four were in the U.S. Navy and one a Marine. They received numerous service medals - some of great distinction - and accolades for their service.

Fortunately, they all survived the war and lived in the freedom they helped maintain through their military service to see the 21st century.

Their story was chronicled in a special program about the Northampton Memorial Day services in 2002 on ABC News and with coverage in a few newspapers.

Roosevelt was involved in the war effort with her husband and agonized with him about momentous life-or-death decisions. She worked with her husband to hold the country together and help guide the war effort.

Roosevelt’s life and the five Hewko boys’ lives unknowingly aligned during World War II and later in the Hewko’s hometown of Northampton where she slept in a house later to be owned by Wasyl Hewko.

All six figures have since died, with Wasyl Hewko passing July 27, 2019.

The memory of the great works all six accomplished during their lives live on through those who choose to remember, talk about and write about them.