“Allemaengel” may ring a bell to some as a road running from the vicinity of Ontelaunee Park on the edge of the village of New Tripoli westward through the rural countryside toward Route 143 near Leaser Lake, but it is so much more!

In Colonial times, “Allemaengel” was the name of a vast area south of the Blue Mountain which today would likely encompass Lynn, Heidelberg, Weisenberg and Lowhill townships of the current Northwestern Lehigh School District and stretch into the Albany Township region of Berks County.

In the decades leading up to 1776 there were few decent roads leading out of Philadelphia and even fewer maps of Pennsylvania’s frontier and the remaining written word of this period is limited; thus today’s historians would be undoubtedly challenged to pinpoint concrete borders for this far-reaching rural “Allemaengel” region.

“Allemaengel” also was interpreted by some societies to refer to pioneer settlements with a high concentration of German immigrants.

This is also feasible considering these five townships are in the very heart of our Commonwealth’s unique Pennsylvania German/Dutch settlements.

Committee members wished to give unique distinction to our region as our Nation’s 250th Birthday arrives in 2026; thus, Allemaengel was an easy choice.

The committee is composed of members from the three local historical societies: Albany Township, Lynn-Heidelberg Townships and Weisenberg-Lowhill Townships.

Committee members are David Hunsicker, Jr., Jim Bachman, Nancy Handwerk, Ann Wertman, Pamela Peters, Sally Smith, Justine Bachman, Keith Nagle, Marge Hamm, Lucy Muth, Jon Bond, and Peter Glogovsky.

The local 250th committee’s mission is twofold; first, honoring these patriots and second, taking area students and families back to the social and political climate of the days leading up to and during our Nation’s Declaration of Independence.

Plans include placing a visual decoration locating and honoring the burial sites of the soldiers, militia and patriots in the five township area with the assistance of local churches and recorded private family burial plots.

Program focus will then shift to our youth and schools to reach our future leaders.

As fall arrives, you will begin to see yard signs and yard flags bearing the group’s colorful logo designed by local artist Jon Bond (pictured) designed to draw this region together for the exciting events to come and at the same time serve as the premier fundraiser for this local celebration.

Want to be the first on your street to show your patriotic spirit; plan to look for the Allemaengel Booth as we kick-off our colorful sign sale during the Pioneer Apple Festival at Ontelaunee Park between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4.

Three sizes are available at a cost each.

After this event, merchandise can be ordered by visiting the group’s Facebook page or at upcoming events at each society location.

As July 4, 2026 approaches there will be numerous events to enjoy in all municipalities and thus, our three Societies ask you to please mark your calendar for their combined celebration geared to all ages on April 11, 2026, at the Kempton Community Center.

Details will follow as events are finalized; also watch our Facebook page.

Contributed article