Joseph Obert Packing Co.

Here in Lehighton, a 19th-century tale of resilience and entrepreneurship unfolds, embodying the American dream. Meet Joseph Obert, a young man who embarked on a journey of a lifetime. In 1841, at the age of 20, he left behind the familiarity of his homeland to seek new horizons in the land of opportunity.

Upon his arrival in America, Joseph commenced his journey as a cabinet maker, fashioning exquisite pieces of furniture that served as a testament to his craftsmanship and unwavering dedication. However, his aspirations did not cease there. Driven by ambition, he ventured into farming and subsequently delved into the realm of commerce, establishing a grocery and dry goods store.

As time passed, Joseph's entrepreneurial spirit continued to propel him forward. In 1867, he embarked on a fresh endeavor by founding one of the largest slaughterhouses in the region, with a primary focus on processing pigs. His business empire displayed steady growth, and he acquired an extensive range of property holdings that stretched along the vibrant First Street in our downtown area.

In those days, the townsfolk were accustomed to the clamor of hogs echoing through the streets, their destination being the renowned Joseph Obert Packing Co., a cornerstone of the community's history. It rapidly emerged as one of the town's most prosperous industries. Weekly, five or six railroad cars filled with western hogs rolled into Lehighton, bearing the promise of delicious pork products that would soon make their way to tables far and wide. From Allentown to Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, the Obert Packing Co. made wholesale deliveries that had folks savoring their fine meats.

These hogs made their way to Lehighton's "flats," arriving from distant locations like Buffalo, Chicago, and St. Louis. This location, situated near the Lehigh Valley Railroad station, served as the final stop on their journey. Enclosed within pens, they patiently awaited their destiny, which would ultimately lead to the creation of various pork delights such as ham, sausage, chops, and other appetizing pork products.

However, in 1875, disaster struck Joseph Obert. The entire slaughterhouse was consumed by a devastating fire. Many would have given up, but not Joseph Obert. With unwavering determination, he rebuilt his empire from the ashes, creating a four-story mammoth brick building that stood as a testament to his tenacity. This new facility was unlike any other in the Lehigh Valley, a symbol of Joseph's relentless pursuit of success.

In 1896, Joseph Obert passed away, leaving the company in the capable hands of his five children, ensuring the continuation of the business as a family legacy. Throughout its existence, the packing house employed an average of 30 dedicated individuals, who labored in the processing of pork and pork products exclusively. It was often said that the only part of a hog lost in the processing was its squeal. Not a bit was wasted, with unused parts transformed into valuable fertilizer and even the bristles sold to brush manufacturers. Ham and bacon were also carefully cured within the plant's walls.

Tragedy touched the Oberts again in 1897, when his beloved wife, Catherine Heberling, left this world. Yet, their legacy lived on through their five children: John, Charles, William, Franklin, and Emma. These children were the keepers of their father's dream, following in his footsteps as they managed and led the family corporation for decades. Their hard work and dedication echoed their father's spirit, and they too, found their final resting place in Lehighton Cemetery.

In 1937, the plant closed its doors for the last time. Two years later, the company's meat market on S. 1st Street followed suit. It was the end of an era. During World War II, Lehighton purchased the packing plant and razed the old structure, making way for a parking lot that now occupies the site where the Joseph Obert Packing Co. once stood. The town's history was forever transformed, and many who now frequent the parking lot are oblivious to the fact that they tread upon the grounds once occupied by Carbon County's largest meat packing industry.