“…of the most
benefit to humanity…
of the City of Allentown
and the County of Lehigh”
— from the will of Harry C. Trexler

Begun in 1935, the Trexler Trust has awarded nearly $185 million to the city of Allentown’s Parks and charitable Lehigh County organizations serving children, elders, and adults in the areas of education, social services, and the arts.

In January of 1885, Harry C. Trexler married Mary Mosser. The only daughter of a wealthy tanner, Mrs. Trexler managed the household affairs and founded the Needlework Guild of Allentown. The Trexlers established the tradition of Romper Day for Allentown’s children.

In addition to establishing West Park, General Trexler began the development of Lehigh Parkway with the gift of 30 ½ acres along the Little Lehigh. The Trexler 144-acre estate, Springwood Park, is now Allentown’s Trexler Memorial Park.

General Trexler’s Game Preserve began with 1,100 acres. Bequeathed to the Citizens of Lehigh County for use as a public park, the Trexler Nature Preserve boasts nearly 20 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.