Like a spunky old man, the building that was home to the Badorf Shoe Company worked hard in its day, refusing to conform to modern-day comforts and fancy-schmancy updates. That’s exactly what drew Melody and Chris Strayer to the 1929-era shoe factory at 101 West Lincoln Avenue in Lititz.
Chris and Melody Strayer are the new owners of the former Badorf Shoe Company building in Lititz. The 95-year-old building has been reinvented as Lincoln Shoe Co. The event venue opened last August.
“We saw the ‘good bones’ of the building,” says Melody. “On our late-night walks through Lititz, we kept coming back to it, talking about how we could possibly afford to take on the project. I was starry-eyed,” she laughs. “When I look back at the before photos, I didn’t realize how extensive the transformation would be.”
The lounge near the bar offers guests a quiet place to converse.
All you need is love. And money. And creative vision. And elbow grease. And more money. OK, so you need a lot more than love to transform an old factory into an events venue. For the Strayers, the love part was easy. Their 20-year marriage has survived the entrepreneurial stresses of building a thriving business as Stray Production Services, raising three daughters and working side-by-side on a daily basis, with Melody as president and Chris as a very hands-on CEO.
The former Badorf Shoe Company has been transformed into an events venue. Inside, original exposed brick and plaster walls create a texture-rich background. Pendant lamps were added to create an authentic vintage vibe.
The Strayers’ combined talents resulted in a vintage-inspired space with a distinctively retro edge. With enough space for 175 seated guests, or 150 seats and a dance floor, the Lincoln Shoe Co is perfectly sized for intimately sized weddings, business gatherings and life’s celebrations. “This is an accessible, affordable space,” says Melody, whose eye for décor leans to the nostalgic. She remained true to the building’s 1929 era by adding suspended pendant lighting that features blown glass from molds of that time, locally sourced from Olde Brick Lighting of Lititz. Even the functional exit signs are charmingly vintage.
The recent wedding of Rachel and James Geissel featured a charming bride-and-groom’s table. The space is perfect for an intimate wedding. “Gathering is important,” says Melody. Shelby Lynne Photography
Deconstructed plaster blends with brick walls and the original rock maple flooring for a rustic backdrop to the bentwood black chairs and couches that invite guests to settle into a comfy spot. “People want an elevated space with a cool bar, lounge areas and lots of natural light,” Melody notes. The bar area is indeed cool; its back wall is decorated with dozens of shoe lasts from the building’s previous life. The ceiling’s fiberboard was removed to expose the pipes and ductwork, now painted industrial-chic black.
Live music welcomed guests to the grand opening of Lincoln Shoe Co. The private reception held for local business associates, friends and family served as a thank-you. Melody praises the Lititz community with “rallying around us with its support,” from zoning board to vendors to neighbors. “This community collaborates instead of competes,” she notes.
A storage closet full of lanterns, brass candlesticks, arches, linens and glass votives is also available to clients for their décor needs. “Not everyone can afford elaborate florals. It’s nice to have those ‘fillers’ available,” she adds.
Those “fillers” are constantly being added to under the talented eye of venue manager, Leah Zubik. Having planned events for many years with Melody for Stray Productions, Leah is in sync with Melody’s carefully curated sense of style. “It’s such a pleasure to have the role I have,” she says. “It’s fun to brainstorm; it feels like play with Melody.”
A nod to the shoe factory’s past is seen in the copper-topped bar’s back wall that is decorated with shoe lasts, once used to shape and size the children’s shoes in the manufacturing process.
Leah enjoys seeing prospective clients’ eyes light up when they enter the space for their first tour. Recent corporate clients quickly changed their party theme from fire-and-ice to the 1920s when they saw the potential.
As for weddings, Melody has sensed a shift in couples’ priorities post-covid. “People don’t value the same things now. They are more intentional with their money and their circle of guests. This venue is a great fit for that. The space is classic and can be decorated but it’s also pretty on its own.”
For more information about the Lincoln Shoe Co, visit Lincolnshoe.co.
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