In this sixth column, we continue to share the memories of Mrs. Leona Sabia, a descendant of Heinrich Kohl, a former farmer and Revolutionary War veteran who resided north of Kreidersville.

While being employed at Vultee Aircraft in Allentown, she met a fellow employee, Thomas Sabia, who lived in Coplay. He would walk from Coplay each week to visit Leona. Tom didn’t have an automobile. They dated for five years.

One day, with a smile on her face, Leona said, “Tom, if you don’t buy a car, I won’t date you anymore.”

Well, he did purchase a car, and wedding bells rang Sept. 28, 1948. The wedding was held in Tom’s hometown of Hazleton.

When Vultee closed at the end of the war, the married couple moved to Penn Dixie Road in Nazareth. Mr. Sabia was fortunate to be hired by Penn Dixie Cement Company.

Leona recalled, “We moved into a company row home. The rent was $15 a month. Later, we moved into a two-story company home. The rent was $30 a month.”

Leona and Thomas had three children, Lila, Thomas Jr. and Timothy.

Lila said, “I attended and graduated from Nazareth High School.”

Her brother Timothy was a student of our loyal photographer, Larry Oberly, who taught in Nazareth for 35 years.

Mr. Sabia was a kiln burner at Plant No. 5 of the Penn Dixie. He was employed there for 20 years.

The historic company closed all their plants, so once again Thomas was unemployed. His last job would be at Kraemer Textiles in Nazareth.

The family moved back to Stagecoach Road in Kreidersville. Lila’s other brother, Thomas, would graduate from Northampton High School in 1979.

Leona would receive a $200 pension from Penn Dixie for his years of service at the plant.

Sadly, he would die Aug. 29, 2006. He was buried at Stone Church United Church of Christ cemetery.

Leona would spend many years working in the garment industry. Pensions were extremely low for garment workers. She received $100 a month for her many years of service. A hard worker, Leona’s last employment was at Burger King in Northampton at the age of 76.

Lila spent many years as a cashier in a number of stores. She worked at Redner’s Warehouse Markets for 18 years. Her brother Thomas worked at Kraemer Textiles. He passed away June 7, 1987, at age 35.

Lila’s brothers Timothy is the fifth generation to reside in the farmhouse on Stagecoach Road. He worked for Dunbar Armored/Brinks for 30 years. He married the former JoAnne Hager in Lehighton.

We thank Lila and her mother for their gracious cooperation. This writer called her on numerous occasions seeking more information. We wish the family continued health and thank Larry Oberly for all his patience and wonderful photographs.

The Sabias are proud of their heritage. Their family dates back to colonial America and the founding of our nation.

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