CENTER SQUARE - MAIN STREET AREA
The original 1755 section of town (the focus of this tour)
encompassed the area centered along Main Street between
present-day Union and Vine Streets and High and Water
Streets.
Union Street - Business District
Today's Union Street business district was once part of the
town of Portsmouth. Founded at the mouth of Swatara
Creek in 1809 as Harborton, the town became Portsmouth
in 1814. In 1857, Portsmouth merged with the nearby town
of Middletown. Although the exact reason for the street's
name is unknown, the road connecting the two towns appropriately
became known as Union Street.
B’nai Jacob Synagogue, constructed in 1906 by Middletown’s Jewish community, holds the distinction of being the town’s first and only synagogue. Lithuania settlers chose this quaint town for its resemblance to their homeland and its accessibility via the Pennsylvania Railroad. The synagogue, a modest one-story structure with stained gla
B’nai Jacob Synagogue, constructed in 1906 by Middletown’s Jewish community, holds the distinction of being the town’s first and only synagogue. Lithuania settlers chose this quaint town for its resemblance to their homeland and its accessibility via the Pennsylvania Railroad. The synagogue, a modest one-story structure with stained glass windows and original fixtures, is the oldest continuously used synagogue in Dauphin County and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Alfred's Victorian Restaurant is an 1888 Victorian Brownstone Mansion. Offering intimate dining rooms, decorated with antiques, carved wood and gingerbread accents. Located at 38 N Union St in downtown Middletown this beautiful home (now a restaurant) was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places August 1, 1979. This is one of
Alfred's Victorian Restaurant is an 1888 Victorian Brownstone Mansion. Offering intimate dining rooms, decorated with antiques, carved wood and gingerbread accents. Located at 38 N Union St in downtown Middletown this beautiful home (now a restaurant) was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places August 1, 1979. This is one of two Raymond Charles and Joseph Houses, its twin sits just across the street at 37 N Union St.
The land on which Sant Peter’s Kirch stands, northwest corner of North Union and West High streets—Lots No. 135, was presented by George and Hannah Fisher on September 18, 1764 to Peter Woltz, George Frey and Deterick Schob, in trust for the Lutheran Congregation. The consideration of the transfer was seven shillings and six pence, with
The land on which Sant Peter’s Kirch stands, northwest corner of North Union and West High streets—Lots No. 135, was presented by George and Hannah Fisher on September 18, 1764 to Peter Woltz, George Frey and Deterick Schob, in trust for the Lutheran Congregation. The consideration of the transfer was seven shillings and six pence, with the additional rental of one grain of wheat per annum, payable each May 1st.
Construction of the new church was begun in 1767 and the corner stone was laid on July 13th of the same year. Colonel James Burd and the Reverand John T. Engeland officiated at the ceremony in the presence of the Church Wardens and Elders; John C Roth, Gottlieb D. Ettele, John Metzger, George P. Shagge and Jacob King; along with the building committee: George Frey, Frederick Zebbernich, and Conrad Wofley. The first service in the partially completed building was on September 12, 1769. The pastor was the Reverend Henry Melchoir Mulhenberg.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
FIRST BELL TOWER 1902
Liberty Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1’sbrick building on Catherine Street was erected in 1891, and a bell tower was added in 1911. The company was organized on November 7, 1874, with 35 life members at the time. The fire company used the building until 1974. On January 8, 1978, after renovations, it was dedicated
FIRST BELL TOWER 1902
Liberty Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1’sbrick building on Catherine Street was erected in 1891, and a bell tower was added in 1911. The company was organized on November 7, 1874, with 35 life members at the time. The fire company used the building until 1974. On January 8, 1978, after renovations, it was dedicated as Liberty House, home of the Middletown Public Library and was once home to the Middletown Area Historical Society.
Kuppy’s Diner is located at the corner of Brown and Poplar Streets in Middletown. The extraordinary place is home away from home for many Middletown resident.
In 1933 Percy Kupp and his son Karl Kupp, Sr. started what is now Middletown’s only fourth generation diner.
Kuppy’s Diner did not get its excellent reputation overnight, but beca
Kuppy’s Diner is located at the corner of Brown and Poplar Streets in Middletown. The extraordinary place is home away from home for many Middletown resident.
In 1933 Percy Kupp and his son Karl Kupp, Sr. started what is now Middletown’s only fourth generation diner.
Kuppy’s Diner did not get its excellent reputation overnight, but because the diner has been there throughout the year when the people of Middletown were in their worst of times. Kuppy’s was always open and continued to operate successfully.
The diner thrived during WWII with the construction of the Olmsted Air Force Base and the trucking traffic; people from all over the country came to Kuppy’s.Say something interesting about your business here.
This diner has become synonymous with Middletown’s hospitality and small town warmth. The importance of this diner, cannot be underestimated. It is a forum for ideas– both political and social. Each morning people gather to drink coffee, eat and discuss national and local news.
The Diner is currently being operated by fourth generation Greg Kupp who began as a short order cook in 1975. Greg runs the business with his wife Carol and now the fifth generation is working at the diner as well.
The Milk & Honey Railroad (M&H) was organized in July, 1888, with actual construction beginning March 14, 1889. The firm’s first president was Mr. John Rife, owner of Middletown’s tannery. Also on that first board were H.B. Strickler, Edward Hoffer, George Grove who was involved with the Hummelstown brownstone quarry, and several others
The Milk & Honey Railroad (M&H) was organized in July, 1888, with actual construction beginning March 14, 1889. The firm’s first president was Mr. John Rife, owner of Middletown’s tannery. Also on that first board were H.B. Strickler, Edward Hoffer, George Grove who was involved with the Hummelstown brownstone quarry, and several others.
The first section of the railroad was built from Middletown to the Stoverdale Campmeeting. Sunday August 12, 1889 passenger service was begun with seven cars rented from the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was reported that 5,000 people road the M&H that day.
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