The first program in the series will discuss Octavius Catto, a young black man who became an early civil rights advocate. Daniel R. Biddle and Murray Dubin of the Philadelphia Inquirer will present the program.
Catto was schooled at Allentown’s all-white academy in 1853 and led an exemplary life dedicated to the individual rights of all Americans. The program will also include the story of Catto’s father, the Rev. William Catto, minister of Allentown’s Union African Methodist Episcopal Church, and his early struggles as a free black man in the slave state of South Carolina. The event will be held at the Allentown Library Oct. 10 at 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Allentown’s Fall Harvest
Festival Oct. 9 and 10
The 21st annual Allentown Fall Harvest Festival is scheduled for Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.
This year’s festival will include artisans and crafters from all over the tri-state area, displaying and selling their wares on Main Street. Food vendors will be on hand to lend their special flavor to the festival, including American favorites a well as food with an international flare.
There will be a Moonwalk and a balloon bounce, a petting zoo with pony rides, tabletop games of chance, spin art, and a character artist for the family to enjoy.
Saturday will feature a classic car show on South Main Street, and Sunday will bring hot rod cars, also on South Main Street. The weekend also will include a Civil War encampment in Heritage Park, accessible from the festival, just a short walk away. The encampment this year will include an 1800s-style baseball game, bayonet demonstration, a rifle firing contest, as well as the battle re-enactment. Nighttime will bring a candlelight tour of the battlefield.
Live entertainment will be provided throughout the festival. Parking will be available at the high school and the first aid station with free shuttle service to and from the festival, which will be held on Main Street between Church and High streets. Main Street will be closed to all traffic during festival hours.
Historical society seeks
items for market sale
The Allentown-Upper Freehold Historical Society will hold a Lakeside Market Oct. 9 as part of the festivities of Allentown’s Harvest Festival Weekend.
In lieu of the “Tea Party” fund-raiser the historical society usually holds in the back yard of Betsy Poinsett, members will conduct an 18th-century market similar to the Markethouse that once stood in the middle of Main Street. Members are seeking items to include in the market, and will accept “ancient assets” to be sold or bartered to benefit the historical society. In deference to market attendees, donors are asked to limit the size of their gift, although nothing will be denied. Donors are asked to assign a dollar value to each item, and a receipt will be provided.
Items may be brought to either Poinsett or John Fabiano, president of the historical society, prior to Saturday morning. Call Fabiano, (609) 259-9127.