In this concluding column, I am continuing to speak to Mr. Harold Smith, president of the Northampton Historical Society, historian of Zion Stone Church, who spent a half century in the food industry.

Harold started his career at the famous Miller's Department Store in Northampton in 1943 and as time passed he saw a number of flagship businesses disappear.

His second stop was at Mohr's Fruit Stand in Fogelsville. The stand opened seven days a week when we were the home to numerous orchards.

"The business was thriving and we served numerous customers," he recalls. "Christmas fruit baskets kept everyone busy."

Harold managed the stand with a number of friendly employees. He recalls Susan and Doris Mohr, Sally Kern and Don Simmons, a young man who became a Lutheran minister.

As a result of the seasonable nature of the business, Harold was hired by Kotsch's Market in Fullerton. He worked at the market at Third and Union streets in Fullerton until a new market was constructed.

"The store was and I think still is open seven days a week," he says. "I did quite a bit of merchandising with weekly specials. We were well known for our meats and folks came from as far as Tamaqua for our fresh meats and ham spread."

Some customers came for a soft drink called Moxie.

"It has a very unique taste but the drink had a loyal following," he says.

"At the store I met and became friends with a new cross-section of customers. We had a group of great, dedicated employees. I recall many of the following folks: Ernest Kotsch Sr. and Jr., David Kotsch, Dolores Kotsch, Diana Pursell, Bonnie Patrick, Nancy Track, Tony Hoffman, Don Hersh, Kelly Steele, Frances Bobiack, Frank Danweber, William Hart, Harold Binkley, Randy Heffelfinger and Mildred Buss.

"Also, Richard Mullins, John Lerch, Mark and Dwayne Towich, Linda Pammer, Diana Cramsey, Jo Ryan, Robert Kotsch, Jack Straversiky and Bob Kotsch. If I missed you I'm sorry.

"Although the market was not a giant box market, we retained customers with good products and, most of all, service with a smile, thanking the customers for their loyalty."

Harold has spent an entire lifetime serving the community. His resume of volunteer activities is difficult to comprehend.

At Zion Stone Church, he is the historian and was active with two cemeteries, the old and new, as president and board member for over 30 years. The "old" cemetery dates back to 1772. He continues to serve in an advisory capacity.

He also served on the board of the Phoebe Ministries and Phoebe Homes and was treasurer of the Men of Muhlenberg who for years were active in the operation of the Summer Festival. He was a member of Chapman Lodge 637 and Lehigh Consistory for over 50 years and was also a member of the board of the Pennsylvania Dutch Fersommling (gathering) from Bethlehem.

An expert genealogist, he has worked with the Smith and Hoffman families and has volunteered countless hours to those who need assistance in researching their family trees.

Mr. Smith has been very active with the Northampton Historical Society, serving as their president for the last eight years. The Society has conducted numerous open houses and is working to preserve Northampton's Siegfried Station which was a stop for the former New Jersey Central Railroad.

The community has recognized Harold for his dedication with the coveted Golden Deeds Award, presented by the Northampton Exchange Club.

In May 2006 the Borough of Northampton honored him with their Golden Cement Bag Award.

There is no "quit" in Harold Paul Smith. This writer has known Harold for many years. A humble, friendly gentleman and icon in his church and community. He is probably working on a new display for the Siegfried Station at this very moment, hoping you'll visit to view it.

A special thank you to Harold Paul Smith and my "always" photographer Larry Oberly for all their cooperation in preparing this series.

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For many years, the local garment industry employed thousands of our neighbors. In two weeks, we will remember the industry's most tragic day.