Fair Haven calls itself the "Slate Center of the Nation," boasting a thriving slate industry that goes back to the mid-1800s. So it's no wonder the Pennsylvania Borough of Slatington looked to Fair Haven when searching for a sister municipality.
Slatington is located near Allentown, PA. It is home to the Lehigh Slate Company‘s quarries. The borough was built around, and named for, those quarries and the transportation infrastructure that followed. The borough's website states:
...a large portion of Slatington’s growth and success is also directly tied to the opening of the Lehigh Canal, and the ease of shipping that resulted. The town further blossomed when the railroad was built in the late 19th century.
"Sister Cities" have become a popular way to draw connections between distant communities, especially around momentous occasions. In 2014 Slatington celebrates its sesquicentennial, or the 150th anniversary of its incorporation. Although neither community is a city, the name sister city seems to have stuck.
The Fair Haven Select Board adopted a sister city proclamation earlier this month. The meeting minutes state:
At the request of the Borough of Slatington, PA, Fair Haven has agreed to serve as a sister municipality with Slatington for 2014, the 150th anniversary of their incorporation. The communities have agreed to share some gifts and proclamations, along with some other forms of celebration to be determined.
Fair Haven's sister city status has also been discussed by the Fair Haven Historical Society. It's possible that group will be a part of any 2014 celebrations.
