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Writer's pictureMeghan Hirst

Historic Allentown, NJ - Part 1 History

Updated: Jun 26, 2021

Do a YouTube search to watch amazing drone footage of this location! Allentown NJ Facebook page rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

The Old Mill. The Allentown Feed Company is Inside it. So Timeworn That Some Letters Are Missing! Photo by Nature Photographer Pam Hirst at PKH Photography. Writing by Freelance Content Writer and Travel Blogger Meghan Hirst at Meghan Hirst, Writer.


Allentown is a neat little historic village! It was put on the National Register of Historic Places in NJ. It was established by Nathan Allen in 1706 and called Allen's Town. This was then changed to Allentown. This village actually played a key role in the Revolutionary War, as it was in a strategic location. It was near a road that connected New York and Pennsylvania called Old York Road. Allentown also played a large role in the function of the Underground Railroad in the 1800's. A Quaker named Enoch Middleton helped escaped slaves from New York and Pennsylvania by escorting them into the village at night. A denizen and U.S. Congressman provided refuge for them.


Other notable events happened in these centuries and beyond. A gristmill with a waterwheel that had been constructed by Nathan Allen was replaced with Abel Cafferty's more improved version called The Old Mill. Incredibly, this building is still intact today! The Allentown Feed Company was established inside it. Corky Danch, the company's founder, still owns the building along with one of his family members Kris.


There is A LOT more to the history of Allentown! We encourage you to do a Google search and visit Allentown's website and follow the link to The Old Mill's website in the "History" section. There are some misspellings on the first website and the second is outdated, but the background information is presented very well. There is a business directory on Allentown's website. If you are planning a trip here, please check this beforehand, as some facilities may have limited hours or be closed due to COVID-19. We will be discussing two places that are still open in parts 2 and 3. Stay tuned!


In your opinion, what is the coolest historical building that is still standing today?


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