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The Patio Podcast
The Patio Podcast is a wistful exploration of my hometown's enduring attachment to Hess’s Department Store. In candid conversations with residents, historians, collectors, former shoppers and employees, The Patio hopes to shed light on Allentown, Pennsylvania’s multigenerational interest in one single place.
Does nostalgia this visceral unite a city, or hold it back? How has Max Hess Jr.’s marketing genius endured? What happened to his famous chandeliers? And how good was all that whipped cream pie, really? The Patio Podcast is a new collection of Hess’s memories, meant for the here and now!
The Patio Podcast's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers with Vocals by Sam Cummings
The Patio Podcast
Episode 9: Donna & Neva, Babes in Toyland (PART 1)
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.
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Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com