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 @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit 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 @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

VOTE The Patio Podcast  for BEST LOCAL PODCAST in the 2024 Best of the Lehigh Valley Survey! Best Local Podcast is category #134, type in "The Patio Podcast" Vote online at www.bestofthelehighvalley.comDeadline is Monday, February 5, 2024...(Part 1 is audio + Part 2 is a video on YouTube)Lois, Tina, and Lori are three members of a small tribe they fondly referred to as The Hess’s Girls. This group of seven friends had career paths at Hess’s that overlapped and intersected for anywhere from 18-months to many years. Ever since receiving pink-slips in 1995 when all employees were laid off, The Hess’s Girls have kept in touch over dinners, girls nights, and Christmas ornament exchanges.Lois, Tina, and Lori were all talented artists in Hess's Advertising Department, with college degrees in graphic design or fashion illustration. Their careers evolved from drawing high-end fashion by hand, to staging props, directing photographers, and developing film. Tina and Lois are the artists behind some of your favorite Hess’s ads of the late 80’s and early 90’s. They navigated long hours, high pressure deadlines, changing technology, and the uncommon practice (at that time) of returning to high pressure jobs after maternity leave.  Enjoy! **VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Watch Part 2 on YouTube!Tina and Lois's  show us their portfolios from their Hess's-days. Watch the video on YouTube.  https://youtu.be/nw2ebgL0EF0The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Mrs. Frances Ziegler’s 28-year career at Hess Brothers includes some of the most dynamic stories we have heard to date. If she had not spent years carefully assembling one scrapbook for her son, John Ziegler, it is very likely that her story would never have been told.  In this episode, John, adopted son of Mrs. Ziegler, and I comb through that scrapbook to share stories and theories about the golden years of Hess's.  Mrs. Frances Ziegler was best known as Hess Brothers Business Manager and Assistant to the President-- serving as one of Max Hess Jr.‘s most trusted executives up until the end.  Given those positions, John brings with him some of the most colorful memories/stories we have head about Mr. Hess.Between 1942 and 1968, her name shows up in the newspaper dozens of times. Sometimes her job titles change and overlap, but one of the most important details to know is that in 1956 she joined Hess Brothers Board of Directors as a newly elected member of the firm.  At that time, of the 12 members listed, only two were female. The other being Elizabeth Douglass Hess, Vice President, and wife of Mr. Hess.Francis traveled to Europe at least 22 times, often for weeks on end, with Hess’s famous fashion director, Jerry Golden.  Not only was she a highly respected leader amongst the personnel team, Mrs. Ziegler was often photographed wearing the first European fashions of their kind to be seen in the United States. She was a manager, a maverick and a mother. VIDEO: See Ziegler family Christmas cards that I gush about inside this episode! https://youtu.be/fRy4zuXmcqU?si=j9MsBtO-nglF8AlfAdditional photos and videos from John's scrapbook coming soon!!The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Caring DAM Hearts, a nonprofit organization with a mission of assisting and providing hope and kindness to homeless, veterans, and individuals in need throughout the Lehigh Valley region. Founded in 2016 by Denise "Neice Eie" Martinez after workplace stress nearly killed her, Neice Eie and a team of volunteers regularly visit homeless encampments and provide tents, tarps, propane, clothing, hygiene products and more to those in need. Inspired by her fashionable grandmothers and their many visits to Hess's together during her childhood, Neice Eie operates several retail locations that support their mission by providing clothing and hygiene products at NO-COST to shoppers. Each week, Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More gives away 1,000+ items in a safe, judgement-free, retail setting.   Facebook is the BEST WAY to keep up with Caring DAM Hearts week-to-week!  www.facebook.com/CaringDAMheartsContact: Denise "Neice Eie" Martinez at 484-240-9774, or email caringdamhearts@gmail.com***UPCOMING EVENTS***7th Annual Project Warm and CozySaturday, December 2, 2023 @ 12:00-5:30pmVictory Park, 1235 Main St, Slatington, PA 180801st ever Community Christmas Trees Lighting plus  "Blessing of The Trees" at approximately 4:15pm by Pastor Henry DistleSaturday, February 24, 2024 Hess's-Inspired Fashion Show @ Slatington Expo Center**Models, volunteers, and general assistance needed! To be involved, email caringdamhearts@gmail.comCARING HEARTS RETAIL LOCATIONS:Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More7935 PA ROUTE 873, Slatington, PA... No-cost clothing and hygiene supply retailer for homeless, anyone in transition, veterans, adult and youth selection. They hand out approximately 1,000 items a week, which is typically open 3 days. Check out Facebook for current hours. Caring Hearts Cache Booth @ the Slatington Farmers Market8281 PA-873, Slatington, PA 18080... Popular pre-owned fashions and accessories for sale, purchases offset the cost of free merchandise at Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More. COMING SOON! Caring Hearts Cache' Thrift Boutique is coming to the South Mall on Lehigh Street in mid-January 2024. Sales cover costs of operating free store, and general operating/supplies for all Caring Hearts work in the community. IN THIS EPISODE: At the start of 2023, the Lehigh Valley homeless report from the previous year depicted a 36% increase in people experiencing homelessness in the region since 2020, including 50% more families with children and almost twice as many veterans. Read more about that report here.YMCA Warming Station: Nov 15-April 15, from 7pm-7am,  The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Mark Keeler is the longest serving Puppeteer in the history of Allentown's beloved Pip the Mouse program; and owner of The Yippee Show Puppet Company. Pip the Mouse has been delighting audiences during the holiday season year after year. Starting inside the window displays of Hess’s Department Store, more recently, Pip resided at the Liberty Bell Museum in Allentown before the assets of that museum were absorbed by the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, the headquarters Museum of the Lehigh County Historical Society. After my conversation with Mark, stay tuned for a very special announcement about Pip’s plans for the 2023 holiday season from Jill Youngken, Assistant Director and Chief Curator at the Lehigh County Heritage Museum. **WATCH THE VIDEO WITH PIP ON YOUTUBE!!** https://www.youtube.com/@HessPatioPodcastPip the Mouse debuted in a front window of Hess Brothers Department store in Allentown on October 27, 1962 with its famous tale of “The Mouse Before Christmas” was created by Dr. George R. Creegan and his wife, along with the Bliss Company of New York. ...Contact Mark to learn more about The Yippee Show Puppets https://yippeeshowpuppets.com/index.htmlPhone: 6106536853, Email: yippeeshow@earthlink.net...The Return of Pip the Mouse at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, headquarters of the Lehigh County Historical Societyhttp://www.lehighcountyhistoricalsociety.org/ Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum 432 West Walnut Street Allentown, PA 18102Phone:  (610) 435-1074The Return of Pip the Mouse at the Lehigh Valley Heritage MuseumJoin us for a Holiday Puppet Show with a Special Appearance by Pip the Mouse, created by Dr. George Creegan.Show Dates & Times: Friday, November 24 & Saturday, November 25 Saturday, December 16 & Saturday December 23 Tuesday December 26 through Saturday December 30Shows at 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM & 2:30 PMMembers FREE, Non-Member Adults $10.00, ages 2-11 yrs. $3, under 2 FREEAll shows at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 West Walnut St. Allentown, PA 18102The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Steve Greenberg is the son of Hess’s last, local Chairman & CEO, Irwin Greenberg. The stories Steve shares speak for themselves, but the level of detail he recalls is one of the most remarkable things we've heard on The Patio Podcast.  There is no doubt that Irwin and Steve Greenberg experienced so much of this business together, and when they were not together, Irwin nurtured their relationship by sharing many ideas and decisions of running a business like Hess’s. Steve does not hesitate trying to recall a single detail, he seems to remember them all! TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE CAN BE FOUND HERE: www.hesspatiopodcast.com/steve-greenberg-transcriptionSteve has been a part of "retail royalty" his entire life. In this episode he shares the Greenberg family history at Hess's; how the store's many transitions shaped his father's career; memories of Mr. Max Hess Jr.; plus 30+ years of opportunity and mistakes inside the many locations of Hess's Department Store. Steve also shares an update on his dad today (hiya Irwin!!). Irwin Greenberg ended his career as president, CEO and chairman of Hess’s in 1990. Irwin worked there for 35-years, starting as merchandiser under the leadership of the great Max Hess Jr. At the time of his retirement, Hess’s had grown to 75 or 76 locations (both numbers have been reported) in the US.The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Former Hess’s employee, Bob Richter, is now America’s Vintage Lifestyle Expert! Bob is the author of A Very Vintage Christmas and Vintage Living.  Known for his starring role on the PBS series Market Warriors, Bob also hosted Flea Market Minute and Minute Makeover.  Bob’s vintage holiday expertise is often featured on TV and in print.WATCH THE VIDEO TOO: www.youtube.com/@HessPatioPodcast  Our complete interview with Bob Richter is on YouTube! See Bob's holiday decorations and Hess’s memorabilia that we discuss. PLUS BONUS FOOTAGE of Bob live-reacting to several historical photos from Hess’s Department Store. Enter to win a copy of Bob's latest book A Very Vintage Holiday  www.hesspatiopodcast.com/giveaway (more details below!)Bob Richter grew up in Allentown, PA and spent his formative years inside Hess’s, working nearby at his family’s business, and gathering with church-friends and family each week on Hamilton Street. During his college years, Bob landed a dream job as a Hess’s "Floater." Hess’s showed Bob everything that was possible for him, from work/life in New York City, a successful interior design career, and several TV popular roles. Learn more richterdesign.net and averyvintagechristmas.comFollow Bob’s daily vintage adventures on Instagram page @bob_richter...**Thursday 10/19/23- FINAL DAY TO WIN BOB'S NEW BOOK! ENTER THE GIVEAWAY NOW!**Go to www.hesspatiopodcast.com/giveaway and complete the form! We just need your name and email address to enter you to win one of TWO copies of A Very Vintage Holiday.  You can email to enter too-- hesspatiopod@gmail.com. ENTER BY 11:59PM Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

*Special Crossover Episode with The Rad Years Podcasthost, Ryan Kelly!* In the early 1990’s when some Hess’s chandeliers were sold off, and the Toy Department was removed from the flagship store, Lehigh Valley Native, Ryan Kelly, was just a kid who wanted to get THROUGH Hess’s in the mall as fast as possible. Ryan, like many of his peers, was a Mall Rat, who was more interested in the comic book section of Walden Books than Hess’s.Still, Ryan has done more to highlight the Lehigh Valley’s bygone retailers than most, as co-host of The Rad Years Podcast. Ryan and co-host, Squeezer, have released more than 400 episodes of The Rad Years Podcast. They knows a TON about the brands and pop-culture that defined the end of the 20th Century— an era that is wildly impacting the fashion and entertainment of 2023! Each week, Ryan and Squeezer talk about the things they loved growing up in the 1980‘s and 90‘s. From Retro Ice Cream, to summer music hits, to Wrestle Mania, to KB Toy Store.The Rad Years is a cool and casual podcast (somewhat inspired by the nationally syndicated Howard Stern show), and they were nice enough to have ME in the other half of this CROSSOVER EPISODE!Check that out by going to radyears.com, find them on your all favorite listening apps!Kate on The Rad Years LINKS:APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-patio-podcast-crossover/id1173264951?i=1000629402478SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/26yHiHo5tQF0cPEvrzEHNc?si=49bbe0c5f9434350Instagram: Follow The Rad Years @ https://www.instagram.com/the_rad_years/The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Glenn Koch loves local and urban history, and is a certified Hess’s aficionado! Glenn is also a collector of antique postcards, photographs, and ephemera, who has spent most of the 21st century thus far collecting Hess’s ephemera on eBay, which he uses to build and share his own online museum on Pinterest. Ephemera are items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to exist or be enjoyed for only a short time. Such as postcards, news bulletins, letters, stamps, ticket subs, vintage valentines and menus. Just search @glennkoch on Pinterest, or Google "hess's photos Pinterest" and you’ll find more than 4,400 “Pins” with hundreds he has contributed from Hess’s, Dorney Park, historic Allentown and more.Much of what we know about Hess's history, before our time, comes from the scenes that unfold within Glenn's postcards and photographs. Glenn's dedication to preserving Hess's legacy online is first class, and we appreciate him so much. The only thing more magical than Glenn’s online museum, is his description of areas inside Hess’s from his own memory. I found hearing him talk to be delightful and soothing. Thank you, Glenn! The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Shonda Moralis, MSW, LCSW is a psychotherapist, coach, and award-winning author, and Founder of Breathe Mama Breathe & Co.  In this episode, she talks me through the leading research on nostalgia, her own memories as a Hess’s employee, and how following curiosity lead to new purpose in my life— Hess’s! Together, we explore the purpose nostalgia plays in the human psyche, its benefits, and how to be sure we enjoy The Patio Podcast and all these new Hess's memories, without getting stuck in the past! **You will hear references of nostalgia facts and resources from true PhD physiologists, academics, and researchers -- all of which are listed below with links to the specific reference.** Learn more about Shonda on her website, www.shondamoralis.net. INSIDE THIS EPISODE:Shonda's Resources Mini-Mindfulness Course for New Moms with Shonda Moralis Don’t forget to Breathe by Shonda Moralis (2022)Breathe, Mama, Breathe by Shonda Moralis (2017)Nostalgia Research + ReferencesThe Nostalgia Bone, NPR’s Throughline (Oct. 2021)Dr. Krystine Batcho, PhD, professor of psychology at LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New YorkThe Nostalgia Inventory developed by psychologist Dr. Krystine Batcho (1995)Does Nostalgia Have a Psychological Purpose?  Episode 93 with Dr. Krystine Batcho: Speaking of Psychology Podcast, American Psychological Association Dr. Batcho’s published research can be found at www.researchgate.net/profile/Krystine-BatchoClay Routledge is an existential psychologist, a writer, and a consultant. www.clayroutledge.comWhy do we feel nostalgia? TED Talk by Clay Routledge (2016)Other Ideas + Media Mentionedwww.bluezones.com Created by Dan Buettner The Blue Zones on NetflixThe Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks founder of Hendricks Institute (referring to Zone of Genius)The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

We're back with SEASON TWO of The Patio Podcast. After thousands of downloads in Season One, we have even MORE stories and history to share about the Lehigh Valley's beloved Hess's Department Store! This is a sneak peek of some of the guests who are going to help us remember Hess's from the end of September 2023 through the very special Christmas season!  **NEW THIS SEASON! Record your own 5-minute memory, on your own time, and in your own words directly on our Community page! Use your built-in phone, tablet or computer microphone to record, listen back, then hit SUBMIT to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Patio Podcast.  www.hesspatiopodcast.com/communityVisit our website to learn more  www.hesspatiopodcast.com.About The Patio's music:Theme created and produced by Dave MeyersVocals by Sam CummingsFollow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastSign up for email alerts about upcoming episodes!The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

These nine short stories cover decades of Hess’s history. Each holds unique insider information that will close out this first season of The Patio Podcast! The stories come from members of Society of the Arts (SOTA), which include individuals who worked with Max Hess Jr.; regularly shopped in The French Room; were hand-picked for special projects by Mrs. Berman; attended many of the "Old Allentown" society events and pool parties; fought for merchandise during Hess’s Clearance Sales; and one who purchased the former Hess Mansion from the family and restored it to the landmark property we know today. As you will hear, they include:Shirlee NeumeyerMatilda “Tillie” VastineIlene Hochberg WoodPenny HolmanDonna LeibenspergerMerry LandisTrudy EganTerri BartholomewTeri JohnsonSociety of the Arts (SOTA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1964 with a mission to support the Allentown Art Museum's presentation of outstanding artistic programs. SOTA is dedicated to advancing and promoting the mission of the Museum in the community and beyond.Throughout their nearly 60-year history, SOTA has contributed generously to the Allentown Art Museum with gifts have included funds for the purchase of more than 350 works of art for the Museum’s collections through the SOTA Print Fund, the creation of the SOTA Education Endowment, and financial support for Special Exhibits, “Art Ways” and other Museum educational needs. SOTA's Executive Officers, led by President, Priti Merchant, welcomed me to a recent meeting to capture a multitude of Hess’s memories from their members. THANK YOU for having me!** THIS ENDS SEASON ONE OF THE PATIO PODCAST!** WE WILL TAKE A SHORT SUMMER BREAK TO MAKE NEW MEMORIES AND PREPARE FOR SEASON TWO.  CATCH UP ON ALL EPISODES AND SHARE WITH LOVED ONES BY VISITING HESSPATIOPODCAST.COM. The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

WATCH CARSON'S INTERVIEW at HessPatioPodcast.com!!www.hesspatiopodcast.comCarson Kressley is an American television personality, actor, designer, and Lehigh Valley native. Known for his Emmy Award winning part in Bravo’s ground-breaking series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Carson has held a special place in pop-culture ever since. From Dancing with the Stars to RuPaul's Drag Race, Carson has likely appeared on every major television network and streaming service from Good Morning America, to E!, the Food Network, Lifetime, VH1, to the red carpet at the Oscars and the Golden Globes. Carson is a NYT BestSelling Author, world champion equestrian, and describes himself as a Tastemaker, Stylist, Brand Champion, Retail Enthusiast and a Sass pot!Carson Kressley, just like Hess Brothers is a household name. It was a true honor to hear about Hess’s through his sophisticated, experienced, and very shiny lens! Please enjoy Lehigh Valley’s own, Carson Kressley! Keeping up with Carson:Instagram @carsonkressleyv.cameo.com/e/gqflq5vMwzbwww.carsonkressley.comwww.mtv.com/shows/rupauls-drag-race#video-guideJoin the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to pay homage to Hess's on Saturday, July 1 @ 6:35pm at Coca-Cola Park! Get a slice of Strawberry Pie with your ticket and let's paint the town red, blue and green.  TICKETS & INFORMATION: bit.ly/45HHORKThe Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs host City Series beginning with Allentown's Hess's!Saturday, July 1, 2023 @ 6:35pm vs. Rochester Red WingsTHE PATIO PODCAST WILL BE CHEERING ON OUR HOME TEAMThe Lehigh Valley IronPigs are excited to announce the introduction of their new annual “City Series,” theme nights beginning this season. The City Series will honor the Lehigh Valley one city at a time starting with the three primary cities that compose the region. Allentown will be spotlighted this season on July 1, paying homage to local past favorite Hess’s Department Store and The Patio Restaurant. FULL ARTICLE: https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/news/ironpigs-announce-start-of-city-series-beginning-with-allentown-hess-s?partnerID=web_article-shareShop IronPigs Strawberry Pie merchandise  (https://ironpigs.milbstore.com/collections/lehigh-valley-ironpigs-strawberry-pie)Buy Field Level Tickets $14, or $16 includes a slice of Strawberry Pie (bit.ly/45HHORK)Come celebrate Hess’s Department Store and Allentown, PA | Presented By Red Robin; includes Post-Game Fireworks______________In Part One of Babes in Toyland, we met a former Hess's co-workers, Donna and Neva. Their time at the store overlapped around 1980 or 81, Donna was hired in gift wrapping, but was transferred to the toy department, where she was asked to entertain children and their families live as Strawberry Shortcake. Neva came to Hess’s as a seasonal replacement, starting as a hostess in The Patio, before becoming a floater— seeing all different floors and departments. As a floater, everyone fell in love with her smiley-personality and she was recruited to be a Hess’s’s model. Listen to Part One to hear their stories directly from them!**STRAWBERRY PIE ALERT!!**Neva talks about the time she enjoys spending at The Fairgrounds Hotel in Allentown.  She has given her input to Owner & Chef, Dominic Germano, who has his well-thought-out  version of Hess's Strawberry Pie on the menu NOW. Try it this summer!  www.fairgroundshotel.comThe Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Former Hess's co-workers and friends for more than 40-years, Donna Reilly and Neva Kear, met in 1979-80 on the 4th floor of the 9th & Hamilton Store. Donna remembers everyone being treated with dignity and the look in the children's eyes when she transformed into THE Strawberry Shortcake. Neva remembers EVERYTHING, from the first and last name's of the Executives to her many roles as a "floater"-- a role that took her straight to the top of the store's pedestal as a  glamorous Hess's model. As they reminisced about the vibrant roles they held at Hess’s, we laughed, and laughed, and we also cried– more so me, than them. You’ll hear here in PART ONE of TWO conversations, as Donna and Neva become the sassy and supportive work-friends I was missing in this journey as a solo-podcaster. **STRAWBERRY PIE ALERT!!**In Part Two, Neva talks about the time she enjoys spending at The Fairgrounds Hotel in Allentown.  There, Neva has given her input to Owner & Chef, Dominic Germano, who has his well-thought-out  version of Hess's Strawberry Pie on the menu NOW. Try it this summer! The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Robbie Lawrence is one of the most active collectors of retail nostalgia in the Lehigh Valley. You may know him from the stage at Musikfest, or as a co-host of The Polka Show alongside Mike Mittman on Service Electric Network. He has been dubbed the "Prince of Polka" as frontman of Robbie Lawrence and the Steelworkers Polka Band. Robbie says he has a lot of life to live and spends his time pursuing his passions, which include collecting antique fans, clocks, Hess’s memorabilia, and performing Polka to the masses every week at various venues around the Lehigh Valley Region.  He is on the Board of Directors of the Antique Fan Collectors Association (AFCA).He is an old soul who lives life to the fullest in the present moment. Robbie is extremely generous with his time and energy. You can feel our passion for collecting antiques, collecting new friends, and even collecting stories throughout this episode! Please enjoy.  Referenced in this Episode:On Facebook, Robbie Lawrence and the Steelworkers Polka Band WATCH:  Live performance by Robbie Lawrence & the Steelworkers Polka Band from Wells Fargo Festplatz (source SECTV Musikfest 2022)The Service Electric Polka Show plays Monday-Friday @ 8pm, Enjoy hit polka band performances from the past 40 years in the Lehigh Valley.  Live events may alter air times.The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Flag down your Patio waitress, because we’re about to spill some Max Hess Jr. tea! (Since we have an amazing multi-generational audience, spill some tea is the same as spilling the beans. I, myself, have never used the phrase until today!)We have three short stories from historian and author, Frank Whelan, that he was told about Max Hess Jr., by the people who lived them. If you missed my full conversation with Frank, listen to Episode 6 posted on April 28th. It is packed with so much Hess’s history, that you’ll start to feel like the expert. Keep up with Frank, and keep learning about Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania history at WFMZ's History Headlines.Books by Frank A. Whelan:Hess's Department StoreLooking Back: A Pictorial View of the Lehigh Valley and Surrounding Counties, 1850 to 1920Harry C. Trexler: His Life and LegacyThe Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

May the 4th Be With You! Today we're bringing you a special STAR WARS episode featuring Donald Serfass. Don was hired as part of the Advertising & Public Relations department, and had a robust career at Hess's from 1976-1980. Star Wars was released in May 1977. It's hard for many people to remember a time before Star Wars, which revolutionized movie technology, franchising, and movie merchandise as we know it today.  It was impossible to overstate how big a phenomenon Star Wars has been for generations. No one expected it to be a hit, so while Hollywood-merchandisers scrambled to catch up with the demand for toys, Hess’s and other select stores around the country filled the galaxy-size gap in the market with The Force Beam-- just in time for Christmas 1977.  While it was not an official Lucas Film's toy, it satisfied many crazed Star Wars fans, and became one of many examples of how Hess's was able to see an "it-factor" from miles away-- keeping them on the cutting edge of merchandising for almost 100 years. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Under My Hat: The Best of Everything, by Donald Serfass (2021)About The Force Beam, by Cyriaque Lamar (2012)Episode Nothing Blog: The Force Beam (2017)The Real Story Behind the 'Star Wars' Opening Weekend 45 Years Ago, by Tom Brueggemann (Indie Wire 2022)The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

THIS IS THE GUY!!! Frank Whelan is a historian, author and educator. He is the author of WFMZ.com's weekly History's Headlines feature. To be clear, there would be no Patio Podcast if I did not first get Frank’s blessing back in the winter of 2022. Frank Whelan was a feature writer with the Morning Call newspaper in Allentown from 1981 to 2006 where he wrote over 2000 articles. He was the historian in residence, and director of community outreach and special projects at the Lehigh County Historical Society from 2006 to 2009.Whelan has written five books on Lehigh Valley history. He is the co-author with Kurt D. Zwikl of "Hess's Department Store." The book, currently in its fourth printing, is a part of Arcadia Press's Images of America series– which is the book that caused a Hess’s-frenzy, as he discusses here with The Patio Podcast. No one knows more than Frank, so sit back and get ready to geek-out on some Hess's History! Books by Frank A. Whelan:Hess's Department StoreLooking Back: A Pictorial View of the Lehigh Valley and Surrounding Counties, 1850 to 1920Harry C. Trexler: His Life and LegacyLearn more from Frank and other insiders in PBS 39's documentary, Hess's: Hollywood on Hamilton Street.The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcastConnect on Facebook with The Patio PodcastVisit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com