The Tannery building. Bethlehem's first tannery was a log structure built in 1743. It was replaced by the present stone building in 1761 and was used until 1873. Therafter it became a tenement housing the Union Rescue Mission. From 1923 to 1962, the Electric Laundry occupied the building, making many interior changes to house its machinery. Historic Bethlehem Inc. restored it between 1968 and 1971. A fine example of German architecture, the tannery now houses exhibits describing the tanning process c. 1950.