Today we’ll be traversing the streets of the Southside, learning its history while making our way up to the campus of Lehigh University.

Union Station Plaza

Named for Bethlehem Union Station, a former train station which was built in 1924. Now used by St. Luke’s, the building replaced the earlier Union Depot which opened for use in 1867. On this site stood the historic Crown Inn, Bethlehem’s first public house.

Tree names

Before consolidation, South Bethlehem’s streets were laid out with tree names: Birch (Adams Street), Buttonwood (Evans Street), Daisy (Hayes Street), Elm (Webster Street), Linden (Pierce Street), Locust (Taylor Street), Oak (Monroe Street), Pine (Polk Street), Poplar (Buchanan Street), Spruce (Fillmore Street), Walnut (Carlton Avenue), Wood (Summit Street).

Brodhead Avenue – Named for Hon. Charles Brodhead (1824-1904), one of Bethlehem’s most prominent and prosperous citizens. In 1854 he purchased 100 acres of Moravian farmland and laid out a great extent of South Bethlehem. He was influential in securing South Bethlehem for the location of the Bethlehem Iron Works.

Birkel Avenue

Named for contractor Benedict H. Birkel (1861-1934) who had been one of Bethlehem’s leading residents. Birkel had extensive real estate holdings and built up much of Bethlehem’s residential sections, including a row on Birkel Avenue. He also erected SS. Simon and Jude on West Broad Street.

Pfeifle Street

Named for Robert Pfeifle (1880-1958) who served as mayor from 1930 to 1950. He came to Bethlehem as a carpenter in 1902, erecting more than 600 buildings across the city. Elected as a reform mayor, Pfeifle cleaned up Bethlehem’s crime and corruption. His leadership guided Bethlehem through the tumult of the Great Depression and World War II.

Brinker Avenue

Adam Brinker (1846-1928) was a prominent member of South Bethlehem who was active in many affairs. He opened a prosperous harness shop in 1867, was a member of borough council for 40 years, became president of South Bethlehem National Bank and was the sole owner of the Artificial Ice Company.

Sayre Drive

Robert H. Sayre (1824-1907), a well-known engineer and philanthropist, was vice president and chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Sayre was a major figure in the early history of the Bethlehem Iron Company. He served as a trustee of St. Luke’s Hospital and as a Charter Trustee of Lehigh University.

Packer Avenue

Named for Asa Packer (1805-1879), founder of Lehigh University and Father of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Packer began his career in the canal industry before switching to railroads as a more efficient way to move cargo. He was an influential figure in the Bethlehem Iron Company, which assured him a steady supply of high quality iron rails.

Coppee Drive

Henry Coppee (1821-1895) was selected by Asa Packer as the first president of Lehigh University, serving from 1866-1875. Coppee was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served in the Mexican-American War. Before coming to Lehigh, he had been a professor of English literature and history at the University of Pennsylvania.

Lamberton Drive

Lt. Col. Robert A. Lamberton (1824-1893) was the third president of Lehigh University, serving from 1880-1893. He was a graduate of Dickinson College. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Lamberton enlisted in the First Regiment, Pennsylvania militia.

Williams Drive

Named for Edward H. Williams Jr. (1849-1933), who became professor of mining engineering and geology at Lehigh University in 1881. He is best known as the donor of Williams Hall and the founder of Tau Beta Phi, the oldest engineering honor society. Williams lived in a large home in the Mt. Airy section of West Bethlehem. Eugene Grace would later move into this mansion and today it is Holy Family Manor.

Please share your comments by writing to me at bethlehemhistory@gmail.com