Orefield, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Orefield, Pennsylvania
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Unincorporated community
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Homes in Orefield in January 2013
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 Orefield, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Pennsylvania |
| County | Lehigh |
| Township | North Whitehall and South Whitehall |
| Elevation | 138 m (453 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Metro | 865,310 (US: 68th) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
18069
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| Area code(s) | 610 and 484 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1183034 |
| Primary airport | Lehigh Valley International Airport |
| Major hospital | Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest |
| School district | Parkland |
Orefield is a small community in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It is not a city or town with its own government. Instead, it is split between two larger areas called North Whitehall and South Whitehall townships. Orefield is part of a bigger region known as the Lehigh Valley. This area is home to many people, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.
Orefield is located along Pennsylvania Route 309. Its name comes from the large amounts of limonite (a type of iron ore) that were once mined here. Long ago, a railroad called the Ironton Railroad ended here. It was used to carry the ore away. Orefield used to be the home of Parkland High School. It is found just outside of Allentown. Many suburban homes now surround Orefield. These homes were often built on land that used to be farms. You can also find several covered bridges nearby that cross the Jordan Creek.
Local Landmarks and Businesses
Orefield is home to some interesting places. A large factory for Alpo dog food is located nearby. This company has been owned by Ralston Purina Company since the 1990s. The Jaindl turkey farms are also close by. These farms are famous for providing the turkeys that are given to the President of the United States each Thanksgiving. The turkeys that are pardoned (saved) by the President come from different farms each year.
Orefield is also home to Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre. This drive-in movie theater was built in 1934. It is the second drive-in ever built and is America's oldest operating drive-in theater.
Education in Orefield
Students in Orefield attend schools in the Parkland School District. Orefield Middle School is located right in the community. The district's high school was in Orefield until 1999. It then moved to Cedar Crest Boulevard to the east. Kernsville Elementary School is just west of Orefield. Students in grades nine through 12 go to Parkland High School. This high school is located in South Whitehall Township. It is the fourth-largest public high school in Pennsylvania.
Famous People from Orefield
Some well-known people have lived in Orefield:
- Greg DeLong: A former professional football player. He played for teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens.
- Carson Kressley: A television personality, author, and designer.
- Brant Weidner: A former professional basketball player. He played for the San Antonio Spurs.
