Former Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Mowrer received his just due as a monument commemorating his legacy, the 1970s revitalization of Main Street, was unveiled and dedicated in his honor Feb. 19.

Nearly 100 family members and friends braved the rainy and chilly weather to honor Mowrer, whom Mayor John Callahan said has "a servant heart." Among those in attendance were former Bethlehem Mayor Ken Smith, Easton Mayor Sal Panto and state representatives Steve Samuelson and Dan McNeill.

Mowrer reminisced about his decision to forego the traditional urban renewal efforts of the 1960s and 1970s, in which blocks were cleared and new structures built, in favor of preservation and capitalizing on downtown Bethlehem's ambience.

"We have one thing to sell down here," said Mowrer, "and that's history."

Victorian era street lamps, benches, bollards, brick and slate sidewalks and street trees were incorporated into the design that Mowrer's 1974 to 1977 administration advanced, and that today remain attractive to many visitors in Bethlehem.

"I love Bethlehem," Mowrer said. "We're different; we're special; we're unique."

The brick monument was constructed as part of the Main Street improvements completed in late 2012 at the intersection of Main and West Market streets. The project included underground utility replacement, rebuilt crosswalks and curb ramps, new brick roadway and a granite star set in the road surface.

A time capsule was added to the monument beneath a second bronze plaque that listed contributors and public officials. It is anticipated that the capsule will be opened in 2041 on the City's 300th anniversary and it's contents revealed. Included were letters from two Bethlehem Catholic HS students, a variety of public documents, several printed media, and a collection of local promotional materials.

According to Callahan, the improvement project cost $825,000, just over $494,000 of which came from private donations and a city grant. Liberty Property contributed more than $425,000 to the project. Utility work totaling nearly $300,000 was covered by city water and sewer funds.