Details

Date: Sunday, May 17

Time: 4-7 p.m.

Location: The Farm at Eagles Ridge, 465 Long Lane, Lancaster

Tickets: $75 for members of the Historic Preservation Trust; $85 for non-members. Block of 10 tickets available at $650.

Information: 291-5861 or email joepatterson@hptrust.org.

The Cause

The James Anderson II House is on this year’s Watch List. Built by Anderson in the mid-1780s, the house, which is located in East Donegal Township, was willed to his grandson, James Anderson IV (he laid out the Waterford area of Marietta in 1812). The house was sold out of the family in 1803. Additions made to the house date to 1810 and 1835. Today it’s in need of significant repairs, hence its appearance on the Watch List.

Since its founding in 1966, the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County has been directly involved in preserving more than three dozen landmarks that are important to the county’s history. Its headquarters, the Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House (1787) at 123 N. Prince St., embodies that mission, as it was where Andrew Ellicott tutored Meriwether Lewis on navigational skills prior to the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

Now, almost 50 years later, the Trust utilizes a multifaceted approach to preservation – communication, education and collaboration – to create awareness of the architectural treasures that exist in Lancaster County. Thanks to volunteers who have been documenting historic structures since the 1970s, the Trust’s archives now include information on more than 10,000 properties.

Each January, the Trust issues its Watch List of the most threatened historic properties in the county. “Being on the Watch List is not a negative, because each of the 10 properties represents an opportunity to save a significant structure that helps define our Lancaster County history,” says Shirlie O’Leary, who heads the committee that assembles the Watch List. In fact, two of the properties on previous Watch Lists, the David Mayer Farmstead (Fruitville Pike) and the Long Funeral Home (Columbia), are being restored for adaptive reuse.

The Trust champions adaptive reuse; its Historic Preservation Awards Program honors property owners who have restored historically significant buildings and have given them new leases on life. Architectural Tours allow residents and visitors to explore historically significant properties and neighborhoods.

Such endeavors have helped to make the citizens of Lancaster County more aware of their architectural heritage. As a result, homeowners, business owners and government officials are turning to the Trust for advice, assistance and guidance in protecting historically significant homes, warehouses, barns and bridges.

The Gourmet Gala is vital to the work of the Historic Preservation Trust, as it is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

For more information, visit HPTrust.org.

The Vendors

ANNIE BAILEY’S

Modeled after a Victorian Dublin-style pub, Annie Bailey’s offers a wide-ranging menu that includes signature Irish dishes (Shepherd’s Pie), as well as American favorites (Memphis-style ribs). The beer selection – craft, imports and domestics – is also impressive.

28-30 W. King St., Lancaster. 393-4000 or anniebaileys.com.

BREAKING BREAD CATERING

Owner Sherill Wesolowski welcomes visitors to her table, where wholesome comfort food is taken to an exciting level, the company is treasured and hospitality is at its best.

380-4739.

BYERS BUTTERFLAKE BAKERY

Byers is acclaimed for its cakes. At the top of the flavor list is White Rhapsody: white cake dotted with chocolate, topped with two types of raspberry filling and enrobed in butter cream. Coconut cake is another specialty.

44 W. Main St., Leola. 656-6803 or byersbakery.com.

DUTCH HAVEN SHOO FLY PIE BAKERY

If you’ve driven along Route 30 in Ronks, then you’ve seen Dutch Haven’s distinctive windmill. The bakery has been selling and shipping shoo-fly pies for nearly 70 years.

2857-A Lincoln Hwy. East, Ronks. 687-0111 or dutchhaven.com.

FEDERAL TAPHOUSE

Celebrating its second anniversary in Lancaster, the taphouse is known for its beer selection – 100 craft beers on tap from as near as Lancaster County to as far away as Scandinavia – and coal-fired oven in which pizza, burgers and seafood are prepared.

201 N. Queen St., Lancaster. 490-6932 or federaltaphouse.com.

GRACIE’S ON WEST MAIN

Lancaster native Mariella “Gracie” Volker and Jim Rutolo of Berks County make just about everything from scratch – even jams, jellies and dressings – at their Leola eatery, using ingredients sourced as locally as possible. Catering is available, too.

264 W. Main St., Leola. 826-4314 or gracieslancaster.com.

GRANDMA JACK’S GOURMET POPCORN

Grandma Jack, aka Annetta Jackson White, was known for her homemade caramel corn. Her family was so convinced of its selling power that a company was born. The 22 flavors of kettle/caramel corn are enhanced by such ingredients as butter, cane sugar, Wilbur chocolate and fine nuts.

2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. 575-8510 or grandmajacks.com.

GYPSY KITCHEN

Ed and Ellen Diller, whose motto is “Dish the love and nourish the community,” operate this catering company out of Lancaster Theological Seminary’s Dietz Hall Refectory. In addition to catering, they also offer lunch (Mon.-Fri.) and dinner (Fri. & Sat.) eat-in or take-out.

555 W. James St., Lancaster. 824-2714 or eatgypsykitchen.com.

HESS’S BARBECUE CATERING

Owned by brothers Paul and Lloyd Hess, this multifaceted, all-things-barbecue company provides such services as catering, take-out (at various locations), butchering and deer processing. Hess’s is also a fixture at fairs/expos, and its owners have been award-winning regulars on the competition circuit for the past 30 years.

2635 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street. 464-3374 or hessbbq.com.

HORSE INN RESTAURANT

Located in a former stable, Lancaster’s oldest (1920), consecutively running restaurant is now owned by father/son Craig and Matthew Russell, a Johnson & Wales trained chef who moved back to his hometown after living/working in Charleston, South Carolina, since the mid-90s. And, yes, tenderloin tips on toast are still on the menu.

540 E. Fulton St., Lancaster. 392-5528 or Facebook.

THE INN AT BULLY’S RESTAURANT & PUB

The focus of this once-bustling railroad-era hotel continues to be rooted in hospitality. The first floor is home to Bully’s Restaurant & Pub, featuring American-style fare and its famous “Beer Bible.” The second-floor inn features 11 rooms with all the conveniences of modern day.

647 Union St., Columbia. 684-2854 or bullys-restaurant.com.

LA PETITE PATISSERIE

This boutique bakery is known for its French macarons – ganache or butter cream sandwiched between two meringues – but also offers delicate petit fours, tarts, caramels, cupcakes, cookies and dessert bars.
Soon to open on Gallery Row.

424-1631 or petitedessert.com.

LANCASTER BREWING COMPANY

Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the brewery, which initiated the renaissance of craft beer in Lancaster, produces 20-plus varieties of beers on an annual basis. Many pay homage to Lancaster and its agricultural roots: Chocolate Milk Stout, Strawberry Wheat, Hop Buggy, Baked Pumpkin Pie and Shoo-Fly Pie. Ten beers are always on tap at the brewpub.

302 N. Plum St., Lancaster. 391-6258 or lancasterbrewing.com.

LANCASTER COUNTYCOFFEE ROASTERS

Walk into any local office and you’re likely to find Lancaster County Coffee Roasters brewing in the break room. The family-owned business sources its beans and carefully roasts them in its Lancaster City facility.

747 E. Ross St., Lancaster. 392-2080 or lancastercountycoffee.com.

LANCASTER HUMMUS COMPANY

Here’s your chance to sample this family-owned company’s famous hummus dips that are derived from chickpeas. The gourmet spin delivers flavors such as Lemon Kale, Sweet Pumpkin, Chocolate Cherry, Garlic and many more. Guacamole and salsas are also a specialty. Look for their stands at farmer’s markets throughout the region.

Lancasterhummus.com.

LICKITY SPLIT

This family-owned eatery makes its home in New Holland’s historic Kauffman’s Hardware building. Lickity Split specializes in soups, sandwiches and decadent desserts, many of which entail ice cream. Catering is also offered: mobile ice cream trucks are a signature of the company.

209 E. Main St., New Holland. 354-4086 or lickitysplit.info.

LOMBARDO’S RESTAURANT

Established in 1946, Lombardo’s is still Lancaster’s go-to place for lasagna, manicotti, cannelloni, spaghetti & meatballs and other Italian-American comfort foods. Today, it’s owned and operated by a second generation of Lombardos.

216 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster. 394-3749 or lombardosrestaurant.com.

MIESSE CANDIES

What began in 1875 as a man selling vanilla caramels out of his horse-drawn wagon has grown into an indelible part of Lancaster’s confectionary history. Owner Tracy Artus emphasizes fresh, quality products that are made with ingredients such as pure vanilla, butter, fresh cream and cocoa butter.

118 N. Water St., Lancaster. 392-6011 or miessecandies.com.

MOO-DUCK BREWERY

In creating his handcrafted brews, Mike Brubaker aims to “make beer fun” through using non-traditional ingredients (March’s limited-edition offering was Mistopheles Chocolate Stout with Thai Chile Pepper). Six taps are always in operation, offering four flagship and two seasonal/limited-edition selections. The menu’s local flavor is courtesy of Groff’s Meats, Rooster St. Provisions, Hippy Hot Dogs and more.

79 Wilson Ave., Elizabethtown. Mooduckbrewery.com.

NISSLEY VINEYARDS AND WINERY ESTATE

Lancaster County’s premier winery for nearly 40 years, Nissley has added more honors to its trophy case: Nine medals (six silver and three bronze) for its 2013 vintages, including Fantasy and Masquerade, at this year’s Pennsylvania Wine Competition.

140 Vintage Dr., Bainbridge. 426-3514 or nissleywine.com.

PIERRE DERAGON PERSONAL CHEF

Armed with a lifelong passion for cooking, Pierre DeRagon offers a variety of elegantly effortless menus for any occasion. He credits his talents to his Southern roots and especially his mother, who let him roam freely in her kitchen.

610-689-8215 or pierrederegonpersonalchef.com.

RAILROAD HOUSE INN

If the online reviews are any indication, new owners Jerry Bowden and Freddy States have hit a homerun with the makeover of this Marietta restaurant that reopened in February. Everything is new from both a decorative and culinary perspective. The menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients.

20 W. Front St., Marietta. 426-4141 or railroadhouseinn.com.

RETTEW’S CATERING

A second generation of Rettews – Jennifer Rettew Bushey – now heads this 30-year-old company, whose focus continues to be on fresh/fine ingredients, simple elegance and flawless service. The kitchen is under the guidance of Executive Chef/Co-owner Steven Bushey, who is a CIA graduate.

309 S. Main St., Manheim. 665-9200 or rettewscatering.com.

ST. BONIFACE CRAFT BREWING COMPANY

What began as the county’s first one-barrel, nano-brewing company in 2011, has grown into a 15-barrel brewhouse that features a taproom and events such as food-truck weekends.

1701 W. Main St., Ephrata. 466-6900 or stbonifacebrewing.com.

THE SCARLET RUNNER

Classically trained Chef Hilary Mace uses seasonal ingredients from Lancaster County farms. She brings an international flair to her menus thanks to her experience working in restaurants along the East Coast.

435-3133 or thescarletrunner.com.

SEASONS OLIVE OIL & VINEGAR TAPROOM

This savory boutique treats its oils and vinegars like fine wines, and allows customers to taste before they buy. Stainless-steel Italian fustis help preserve the products’ quality, flavors and healthy antioxidants.

36 W. King St., Lancaster. 396-1380 or seasonstaproom.com.

SUGAR WHIPPED BAKERY

Owner Stephanie began augmenting her family’s income by baking for friends. Now, she is a full-time baker, operating a dessert truck and providing hostesses and brides with her sweet treats that are made from scratch and utilize fresh, local ingredients.

964-8705 or sugarwhippedbakery.com.

TOADALLY CARIBBEAN

Owners Ginny and Fernando Medina have created an island oasis in the heart of PA Dutch country. Family recipes are used to create fresh and fun island fare inspired by the cuisine of such destinations as Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Cuba.

114 E. Main St., New Holland. 610-401-4043 or toadallycaribbean.net.

TWIN BROOK WINERY AND STARGAZERS VINEYARD

Winemaker Tim Jobe became interested in grape-growing while still in high school, when he worked with his father on a Muscadine grape vineyard in Mississippi. His creations for Twin Brook have earned national accolades. Chester County-based Stargazers has joined Twin Brook at its wine shop in Lititz.

5697 Strasburg Rd., Gap. 442-4915 or twinbrookwinery.com.

WILLOW VALLEY COMMUNITIES CULINARY SERVICES

The goal of Willow Valley’s culinary staff is to provide residents and their guests with food that is both nutritious and delicious. Locally sourced ingredients ensure freshness and variety. From the cafés to the newest offering, The Local Table at The Clubhouse, menu options are always an adventure.

450 Willow Valley Lakes Dr., Willow Street. 464-6800 or willowvalleyretirement.com.

YARDS BREWERY

Founded in 1994, Yards has become one of the largest breweries in the Philadelphia area. Its ESA (extra-special ale) is one of the brews that helped start the craft-beer movement in Philadelphia and remains a local favorite.

215-634-2600 or yardsbrewing.com.

ZEST!

A foodie’s paradise! Herbs, spices, loose teas, kitchen gadgets, beautiful linens, specialty foods, cocktail mixes, wine accessories and now, a demo kitchen for cooking classes. Owner Sharon Landis will be presenting a cooking demo (paella) at the Gala and discussing the use of herbs/spices in cooking.

30 E. Main St., Lititz. 626-6002 or zestchef.com.

The Setting

“As part of our ongoing educational outreach effort, each year the Historic Preservation Trust selects a historic property to showcase and host our annual gala fundraiser,” explains Lisa Horst, president of the Trust’s board of directors. This year, that honor goes to The Farm at Eagles Ridge, which was the recipient of one of the Trust’s preservation awards in 2013.

The property was purchased in 1999 by Stuart and Cindy Herr. “Our home looks across the Conestoga River to Eagles Ridge,” Stuart explains. “It’s a unique property. We didn’t want to see it developed.” Part of the unique factor is the fact that the same pair of eagles has made the farm their nesting site since 1998. Stuart estimates 40 to 45 eaglets have hatched on the property.

The farm, which dates to the 1820s, includes a barn, farmhouse and several outbuildings. Today, it serves as an excellent example of adaptive reuse: You might call it a marriage of agriculture and life’s special moments. Ninety-eight of the farm’s 150 acres are preserved for agricultural purposes, while the rest functions as an events venue owned and operated by sisters Betsy Herr and Paige Flowers, with input provided by their parents and Paige’s husband, John Flowers. The “marriage” of purposes is a win-win for farmland and historic preservation, as well as for tourism. Betsy estimates that of the 14,000 guests who visited the farm through weddings and other special events in 2014, 60% utilized local hotels, not to mention patronized restaurants and took in the sights. “Promoting Lancaster is part of the package,” she says. “Out-of-town guests are usually flabbergasted by the farm and what the city has to offer.”

Stuart, who is a descendent of Hans Herr and grew up in a house that was built in 1792, became passionate about historic preservation when a neighboring farm was rezoned. “It ruined the entire valley,” he recalls. “It really bothered me.” Stuart is equally proud of the venue, which is fully booked with weddings through October. “We took buildings that were no longer feasible as a modern-day farming operation and transformed them into something that people can enjoy,” he says. “The barn is an outstanding example of Swiss-German architecture.”

And, like any successful business, the Herrs are always improving upon the farm’s amenities. “We’re reinvesting on a continual basis,” says Paige, adding that the most recent upgrades were of the “comfort and eye-candy” nature. For example, John spent the early spring on landscaping projects. Inside the barn, a small lounge was installed on the first floor, and a picture wall was added. The corn crib was also updated with fans and Plexiglass panels that will solve weather issues. In the farmhouse, air-conditioning was upgraded.

The Herrs are also community-minded; each year they plan to give back in some way. This year they are hosting the Gourmet Gala. “We’re really excited to host the event,” Betsy says. Information:

Farmateaglesridge.com.