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My South Side Photo Contest: Top Picks

The South Side of Bethlehem is many things. It is located in the Lehigh Valley, bounded by the rushing Lehigh River and scenic South Mountain, a monument to the historic power of Bethlehem Steel, and a lively multiethnic community with eclectic shops and restaurants.

It is also home to Lehigh University and a creative inspiration to our students. University Communications and Public Affairs sponsored a photo contest to find out how students see the South Side. This gallery consists of top picks from the photos that students submitted. It is a testament to the creativity of our students and the power and beauty of the South Side of Bethlehem.

Will Rackley ’11: One of the most poignant remains of Bethlehem Steel is the blast furnaces, which are visible from points around Bethlehem. Bethlehem’s steel plant closed in 1995.

Jennifer Thibault ’11: This is a view from an apartment on East 5th Street, looking onto Webster Street. On the left is Lehigh’s Campus Square complex, a gateway to the community.

Kwesi Kankam ’11: New Street runs from the Fahy Bridge to Lehigh’s campus and is lined with shops and restaurants. According to Kwesi, this photo “describes the South Side’s attitude.”

Karol Cyrklaff ’13: This is a photo of the greenway under construction. Students in Lehigh’s Integrated Learning Experience program are working with the city to design a portion of the rails-to-trails project.

Brian Berzin ’12: The blast furnaces are illuminated at night, adding to their unconventional beauty. This photo was taken on Webster Street, which runs from the river to Lehigh’s campus.

Bill Napier ’13: The hilly slopes of South Mountain are lined with rows of wood and brick houses, many of which once housed workers at the steel plant.

Linh Do ’12: Bethlehem hosts major special events and festivals throughout the year, including the Celtic Classic shown here.

Deme Yoo ’11: While the North Side of Bethlehem was founded by Moravian settlers in 1741, the South Side is largely influenced by the steel factory and has a more industrial character.

Amalia Hatalis ’14: The old steel plant occupies 163 acres of South Bethlehem. It is now home to Sands Casino, the forthcoming ArtsCenter complex and other developments.

Ashley Chase ’11: This bus stop is outside of the Banana Factory, a cultural arts and education center that houses galleries, classrooms and the Lehigh Valley’s only hot glass studio.

View all submissions to the My South Side Photo Contest >
Watch videos on how the photographers captured these images >

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