Martin Tower, 1972-2019: Readers share their memories, photos

On Sunday, the Lehigh Valley will say goodbye to Martin Tower.The building, which for 47 years has stood as the tallest building in the Valley, is scheduled for implosion at 7 a.m.For some it will be a sad day. Those who love the building believe it’s a part of the Valley, something that should have been preserved or reused in some way.For others, it’s time for the building to go, as it represents Bethlehem Steel’s demise, a relic of the past.We asked our readers to share their memories of Martin Tower and any photos they may have taken over the years.Paul Reitmeir of Bethlehem It was a clear and beautiful evening. Thursday May 8, 1984, 7:30 p.m. I am driving with my buddy, Phil, who is in the passenger seat.Paul Reitmeir of Bethlehem took this photo of Martin Tower in 1984. (Paul Reitmeir /)Martin Tower, with lights on, [was] very visible. As I stopped my auto in the entrance, my camera ready, [I] click [my] first photo.My buddy says, “There is a guy across the street in front of his house yelling at us.”A quick glance showed me a frumpy, 50ish guy in shorts, waving his arms and screaming, “I’m calling the police.”Phil excitedly says, “We gotta get out of here.”I take two more photos, even making a lens change, and we scoot off with me feeling like the getaway driver after robbing a bank.P.S.: My auto did block the entrance. Whew, what an escape from justice!’As a Lehigh Valley resident and photographer for almost 50 years, Martin Tower has been a landmark for as long as I can remember,’ says John Weber. (Courtesy of John Weber/)John Weber, AllentownAs a Lehigh Valley resident and photographer for almost 50 years, Martin Tower has been a landmark for as long as I can remember.As a historian on local industrial history, [for me] the Bethlehem Steel Corp. tower’s demise takes on added significance. It’s almost hard to imagine Bethlehem’s skyline without Martin Tower. This photograph was taken early on a hot summer morning a few years ago as the fog was lifting. I always carry some type of camera and was glad I had one that day to capture this.Susan Ritter of Bethlehem I have many memories of Bethlehem Steel and Martin Tower.I worked at Bethlehem Steel for 12 years in lobby service. Many of those years were spent as the receptionist at the Martin Tower reception desk. I knew most people that worked at the building, including the executives.I also worked at many special events, including retirements of executives at Saucon Valley Country Club and Weyhill.I enjoyed meeting a diverse group of visitors to the Bethlehem Steel.Martin Tower was a very busy location, a dynamic business, and filled with visitors and guests.Although there are many reasons why and why not, it was very disheartening to hear that Martin Tower will be demolished. It was built to last 100 years. A beautiful building!Matt Metz of Allentown took this shot. Martin Tower has been part of the City of Bethlehem’s skyline since 1972. (Courtesy of Matt Metz/)Matt Metz, AllentownAs long as we can remember, Martin Tower has been on the horizon, either from our homes, work place, or the road. But today, it is OK to let the tower go. As with time and polemics going by, it became more of an idling, aging giant, standing there for nothing.Something new will replace it, bringing fresh life to the city of Bethlehem, its skyline and people.Donna Kosteva of Bethlehem took this photo of Martin Tower. (Courtesy of Donna Kosteva/)Donna Kosteva, BethlehlemI took this picture last fall from the Lowe’s parking lot after coming out of the store. The foreboding sky combined with the rainbow say it all.Thomas A. Smith Jr. of Bethlehem Smith, who worked in industrial relations in the coal mining division, was among several Bethlehem Steel employees selected for a flag raising to mark the 75th anniversary of Bethlehem Steel’s incorporation. Among those standing with him were Carol G. Voorhees , personnel division; Eugene R. Kline, vice president of public affairs; Susan K. Raczenbek, lobby services; and Martin L. Kolb of steel operations.I came to the Martin Tower in May, 1973 after serving three years and eight months in the U.S. Air Force. Back then, I was fortunate to return back to my industrial relations job after being drafted in 1969. Back then, the Coal Mining Office was on New Street. Being the only African American male in my office, I was given all the administrative opportunities and became an administrative supervisor while at Martin Tower on the 18th floor. I had a good view of Bethlehem. I remained at Martin Tower until I was transferred in 1980 to my hometown of Johnstown, Pa., and assigned to the Cambria Division Operations in Ebensburg, PA. as a Labor Relations Representative, retiring in April 1995.Always had great memories at Martin Tower and will miss the many employees and Rudy’s Store by the escalator.Megan Faver, formerly of Bethlehem, took this photo when visiting her family last month. (Courtesy of Megan Faver/)Megan Faver, formerly of BethlehemFaver, who lives in San Diego, took this photo when she was visiting her family last month. This is about as creative as I can get holding my phone out of a window with it pouring rain to catch a glimpse of Martin Tower before it is no more as of Sunday, May 19.I took this when I was at home last month, not only saying goodbye to Martin Tower but goodbye to my hometown as my parents make their way to Arizona for their retirement.The tower is a part of Bethlehem history, and the skyline (for better or worse.) Martin Tower was the home of Bethlehem Steel executives. Bethlehem steel produced most of the Manhattan skyline as well as the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.RIP Martin Tower (1972-2019).Morning Call features reporter Jennifer Sheehan can be reached at 610-820-6628 or jennifer.sheehan@mcall.com
Source: Morningcall