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Historical Sleigh Photo-Op
December 3rd, 2021 |
This year Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites is thrilled to share a special Christmas décor donation that is perfect for your holiday photo-op. We have an antique sleigh made by James Jacob Hoffman on display by the pottery wall next to the Blacksmith Shop on Main Street.
Visitors are encouraged to take photos around the sleigh but please do not climb inside. We extend a special thank you to Connie at Brownstone Designs for sharing this tangible piece of history with us for this holiday season.
This historic sleigh will make a perfect backdrop for your holiday greeting cards – make sure you take time to get your photo while celebrating the holiday season in Bethlehem – Christmas City, USA. While you are out, be sure to see the 27 creatively decorated Cinematic Christmas Trees that are located throughout five Historic Sites in the city. You can get a multi-site pass to visit the Kemerer Museum, The Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, Single Sisters House, Luckenbach Mill, and 1810 Goundie House for $25. In addition to the tours, you can add a Sun Inn combo that includes a beverage and ornament for $25. Christmas in Bethlehem runs November 19 through December check the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites website for a full list of events, dates, and times.
If you don’t know carriage maker, James Jacob Hoffman, was known as a leader and for his high-quality manufacture of carriages in Bethlehem during the 1800’s. Born in Allen Township from German immigrants, he passed away at the age of 82, after long life closely connected to the city of Bethlehem. He was raised on the family farm and at the age of 19 he began an apprenticeship to a coach-maker in Catasauqua for two and a half years. When he completed his apprenticeship in 1848, he came to Bethlehem. He entered a partnership with William F. Ritter and upon Mr. Ritter’s death, Hoffman became sole proprietor. His repository on 21 Broad Street housed a blacksmith department on the first floor, with woodwork trimming and painting on the 2nd and third floors. He employed 25-30 men regularly, and his carriage sold at a starting price of $125. By 1885 Mr. Hoffman formed a partnership with his son-in-law called Hoffman & Shimer.
Mr. Hoffman was also known for incorporating and serving on the board of the Lehigh Valley National Bank, serving as a Councilman for the Second Ward, and as a school board member. In addition to political service, he helped found the First Union Church on High Street, while serving as an Elder and participating in Sunday School and acting as Librarian.
The city of Bethlehem has a rich legacy, with Mr. Hoffman being an active member of that history. We are pleased to be able to share his carriage with the community, along with 60,000+ artifacts, 20 historic structures, and 2 National Historic Landmarks that make up Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites.
Historical information Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States. Chicago, Chapman Publishing Co., 1894; Pages 601-602.
