Bethlehem Facts
Fact 1: On Christmas Eve, 1741, Bethlehem was named, and for nearly 200 years, it was known to residents as "The Christmas City." In December 1937, the local Chamber of Commerce decided that the entire United States needed a "Christmas City." A marketing and advertising campaign ensued, and people from around the country were urged to send holiday cards to Bethlehem for a special "Christmas City" stamp. More than 185,000 pieces of mail were handled; as a result, Bethlehem became America's "Christmas City."
Fact 2: The Moravian Church has had a marked impact on Bethlehem's life and culture. It was first founded more than five centuries ago in what is now the Czech Republic. In the 18th century, Moravian missionary settlements were planned for Georgia, but after an unsuccessful attempt at settling in the South, missionaries settled on the estate of George Whitefield in Bethlehem.
Fact 3: The Moravian Book Shop, founded on Main Street in 1745, is the oldest bookseller in the world and is still in operation today. In addition to an extensive selection of books, the shop sells home accents, gifts, gourmet foods, and cards. It's also been voted the Best Book and Gift Store in the Lehigh Valley by residents.
Fact 4: Since 1898, the Bach Choir of Bethlehem (the oldest choir of its kind in the country) has been performing the Baroque master's works. Even today, thousands of music lovers flock to the city annually to enjoy performances of Bach's music. During the past decade, the choir has performed at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, the Herkulessaal at Munich's Royal Residence, The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and Carnegie Hall in NYC.
Fact 5: Bethlehem residents enjoy telling visitors how the Banana Factory (an arts and culture center) got its name. As it happens, the historic building was home to many enterprises over the past century or so, including a wholesale fruit warehouse. It's from this incarnation that the fruit-related name was born. Today, Banana Factory promotes community arts and cultural education. It's also home to a performing and electronic media arts center.
Fact 6: Beer has been a popular product in Bethlehem since the 19th century, when local brewer John Sebastian Goundie perfected the fine art of hops. Goundie's home – believed to be the first brick house in Bethlehem – remains, along with the city's love of brewing. Many area restaurants serve local and regional brews, including the Bethlehem Brew Works. The Brew Works also offers dining and tours of its facility.
Fact 7: Bethlehem is among the Lehigh Valley's best locales for nature-related activities. Locals and nature lovers enjoy outdoor pursuits, and fly fishing is at the top of their simple pleasures. Several local companies offer guide services, and classes are available for novice fisherman.
Fact 8: Music and the arts play a vital role in the life of Bethlehem, which is renowned for its cultural and social offerings. One of the most popular annual events is the yearly Musikfest. This summertime event features 10 full days of live music, including pop, rock, classical, and jazz selections. The event takes place at 15 different indoor and outdoor venues.
Fact 9: Bethlehem remarkably mixes old and new, and the cityscape is peppered with historic locales. To maintain its history, the city boasts an involved Historic Bethlehem Partnership, which oversees local buildings and sites, important artifacts, and historical documents that showcase the city's storied 250-year history. In addition, the organization operates Burnside Plantation, the Colonial Industrial Quarter, Goundie House (1810), HistoryWorks!, Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem.
Fact 10: Lehigh University, a respected institution of higher learning, has called Bethlehem home since its founding in 1865 by wealthy industrialist Asa Packer. Today, Lehigh stands as a liberal and scientific leader in the region, thanks to professors and students who work to maintain its high principles.
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