Earlier this year, thanks to a grant from the Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (LVACA), I took my microphones inside several Allentown community centers focused on retired adults and seniors, specifically asking for stories from Lehigh Valley local who, when it comes to Hess’s department store, are the true legacy-holders.

IN THIS EPISODE: You will hear Hess Brother's memories from members and friends of the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley. These individuals stepped up to the mic, some with memorabilia to share, to contribute their stories to Hess's legacy. We are so grateful for them!

Dominic Germano, Owner of The Fairgrounds Hotel, was there to serve 80+ slices of Strawberry Pie to attendees. He shares his family history in the restaurant business and how Max and Elizabeth Hess played a role in supporting them many years ago!

To learn more about programs for adults at the JCC, including their Friendship Circle, please contact Simon Katz, Event and Membership Coordinator, at skatz@lvjcc.org.

...

ABOUT THIS SERIES:

These upcoming episodes are part of a Community Conversations series, which is a continuation of Season 3! Each episode captures the spirit of Hess’s from our friends and neighbors, ages approximately 65 to 96. The project grant from LVACA is titled, Preserving Hess's Department Store History Through the Art of Conversation.

Although, the people you’ll meet and I have enjoyed somewhat different versions of the same downtown Allentown, simply asking them about their version has connected our generations in ways that few other things can.

Uncovering our connection through Hess’s isn’t just meaningful, in this case, it’s medicinal. Research for healthy aging tells us that meaningful social connections can boost well-being and even extend someone’s life expectancy by up to 50%.

By recording and sharing these memories through a podcast, we are not only preserving local history— but we’re giving our aging friends and neighbors a voice in digital spaces where they are far too often overlooked.

RESOURCES + POINTS OF CONNECTIONS FOR LV SENIORS:

• Healthy Aging- United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
  • https://www.unitedwayglv.org/healthy-aging/
• Friendship Circle at the JCC, Ages: 50+
  • https://lvjcc.org/friendshipcircle
• Lehigh Valley Active Life
  • https://lvactivelife.org/
• Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services
  • https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Aging-and-Adult-Services

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Earlier this year, thanks to a grant from the Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (LVACA), I took my microphones inside several Allentown community centers focused on retired adults and seniors, specifically asking for stories from Lehigh Valley local who, when it comes to Hess’s department store, are the true legacy-holders.

In this first episode, you will hear me at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, as I wanted to record Hess’s memories from their adult members. As you listen, you will hear about Simon Katz’s work as the Event and Membership Coordinator, and I get a very different kind of lesson in local history from Executive Director, Eric Lightman.

As I began this grant project, I knew the topic of Hess’s could open most doors around here— but in order to gain people’s trust enough to step up to the microphone and tell their story, I first had to share mine.

...

These upcoming episodes are part of a Community Conversations series, which is a continuation of Season 3! Each episode captures the spirit of Hess’s from our friends and neighbors, ages approximately 65 to 96. The project grant from LVACA is titled, Preserving Hess's Department Store History Through the Art of Conversation.

Although, the people you’ll meet and I have enjoyed somewhat different versions of the same downtown Allentown, simply asking them about their version has connected our generations in ways that few other things can.

Uncovering our connection through Hess’s isn’t just meaningful, in this case, it’s medicinal. Research for healthy aging tells us that meaningful social connections can boost well-being and even extend someone’s life expectancy by up to 50%.

By recording and sharing these memories through a podcast, we are not only preserving local history— but we’re giving our aging friends and neighbors a voice in digital spaces where they are far too often overlooked.

RESOURCES + POINTS OF CONNECTIONS FOR LV SENIORS:

• Healthy Aging- United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
  • https://www.unitedwayglv.org/healthy-aging/
• Friendship Circle at the JCC, Ages: 50+
  • https://lvjcc.org/friendshipcircle
• Lehigh Valley Active Life
  • https://lvactivelife.org/
• Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services
  • https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Aging-and-Adult-Services

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Brand New Episodes are on their way thanks to the Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance's (LVACA) Allentown Arts & Culture Project Grants program, which supports independent artists and small nonprofit organizations offering impactful, community-centered creative projects in the Lehigh Valley. Grants are are awarded to new or reimagined projects across all creative disciplines—music, visual art, dance, theater, writing, digital media, film, and more.

The Patio Podcast is thrilled to be one the their 2025 recipients!

Title of Project Grant: Preserving Hess’s Department Store History Through The Art Of Conversation

Enjoy a sneak peak into just a few very special conversations we had with some amazing Hess's-lovers and senior citizens in Allentown.

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Don't flirt, and ALWAYS speak well of the house... Continuing with a complete reading of pages 19-29 inside, "Rules and Regulations for the Government of the Employees of Hess Brothers; Allentown, PA." This episode will get you inside the minds of Max and Charles Hess, trusted Members of the Firm, and department leaders. As the rule book states, MERIT WINS. The proof is on the pages-- Hess Brothers Department Store had high expectations for staff, and even higher regard for the customer-experience.
...

Starting NOW I want to speak with members of your organization, social club, church, apartment complex, alumni association, nursing home, and neighborhood-watch for new episodes of The Patio Podcast. Capturing as many stories as possible, small but mighty vignette’s of what it was like to shop and work at Hess Brother’s, is sure to keep its legacy alive.

If you are someone who can help make this happen for members of your group, please send an email to Kate at HessPatioPod@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!

Episode Sources:

• Glenn Koch's Pinterest: Rules & Regulations book photo
• EPISODE ART: Original photo source- 1974 - Phillippe Petit - High Wire Walk, Self Scanned, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

There was nothing like the Christmas season at Hess Brothers flagship store in Allentown! So cozy up by the fire to hear some of my favorite Christmas stories from seasons one and two! These Hess's holiday highlights will jog your own memory AND warm your heart. Share them, as well as your own memories, while gathering with family this season. Happy Holidays to all!

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

We're back with Season 3! After an unintended hiatus, I am so excited to be bringing you new episodes of The Patio Podcast.

Starting NOW I want to speak with members of your organization, social club, church, apartment complex, alumni association, nursing home, and neighborhood-watch for new episodes of The Patio Podcast. Capturing as many stories as possible, small but mighty vignette’s of what it was like to shop and work at Hess Brother’s, is sure to keep its legacy alive.

If you are someone who can help make this happen for members of your group, please send an email to Kate at HessPatioPod@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!

Episode Links:

• Glenn Koch's Pinterest: Rules & Regulations book photo
• Wikimedia: 1929 Rules & Regulations photo
  (Credit: self scanned, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Episode Art, Original Image Credit:
"1965 - Hess Brothers Department Store - Models Turning Heads On Sidewalk" Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

This is the Season Two Finale, but there is so much more ahead as we approach the One-Year Anniversary of The Patio Podcast! Thank you to all the cheerleaders, listeners, and guests who made this incredible project possible. You're responsible for preserving your local history and Hess's legacy-- I can't think of a greater gift we could possibly share!

During his 25-years at Hess's, Wayne Holben worked his way up to Director of Public Relations. His longest stretch as a Hess’s co-worker began in 1973, one week after he returned from three-years of serving overseas in the Army. Prior to that, Wayne had various roles as a stock-boy, then worked in merchandising.

Before he was old enough to work, often at the request of Mr. Hess, Wayne ran odd-jobs with his father, Wayne Holben Sr. Wayne Sr. worked at Hess’s from 1951 until he passed away in March of 1968. He was the sales promotions manager, and during his 11th year with Hess Brothers he was elected Secretary of the firm’s Board of Directors.

My guest, Wayne Jr., had the tough job in the early 1990’s of making many public announcements as Hess’s closed stores, removed chandeliers, and sold Max Hess Jr.’s in-store antique collection at auction.

But for years prior, Wayne was responsible for the team of moment-makers who brought you some of your most cherished Hess’s memories. From product promotions, to celebrity visits, to car and vacation give-aways— it was Wayne’s job to engage and entertain Hess’s shoppers 365-days a year. All while doing what the best PR men and women do— remaining invisible and behind the scenes, at all times!

I knew Wayne was highly respected before I met him, and as I think back to our conversation, I know that I would have really enjoyed working for him too.

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

During his 25-years at Hess's, Wayne Holben worked his way up to Director of Public Relations. His longest stretch as a Hess’s co-worker began in 1973, one week after he returned from three-years of serving overseas in the Army. Prior to that, Wayne had various roles as a stock-boy, then worked in merchandising.

Before he was old enough to work, often at the request of Mr. Hess, Wayne ran odd-jobs with his father, Wayne Holben Sr. Wayne Sr. worked at Hess’s from 1951 until he passed away in March of 1968. He was the sales promotions manager, and during his 11th year with Hess Brothers he was elected Secretary of the firm’s Board of Directors.

My guest, Wayne Jr., had the tough job in the early 1990’s of making many public announcements as Hess’s closed stores, removed chandeliers, and sold Max Hess Jr.’s in-store antique collection at auction.

But for years prior, Wayne was responsible for the team of moment-makers who brought you some of your most cherished Hess’s memories. From product promotions, to celebrity visits, to car and vacation give-aways— it was Wayne’s job to engage and entertain Hess’s shoppers 365-days a year. All while doing what the best PR men and women do— remaining invisible and behind the scenes, at all times!

I knew Wayne was highly respected before I met him, and as I think back to our conversation, I know that I would have really enjoyed working for him too.

Please enjoy PART ONE of our conversation. Stay tuned for the second and final part, and the Season Two finale of The Patio Podcast!

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com