Mike and Linda  both grew up in Willow Street. He lived west of the Willow Street Pike, while she lived east of it. Hence, Mike went to Penn Manor, and Linda went to Lampeter-Strasburg. Mutual friends brought them together. “I went from hanging out with the guys to spending all my time with Linda,” Mike recalls. They were married in 1973.

Two years later, they decided to buy a house. Linda had always loved Strasburg, so they concentrated their search there and found a house that needed some TLC. “Saying that it needed work is an understatement,” Mike admits. “We bought it as is, figuring we were young and energetic and could remodel it.” That was completely doable: Mike, who is a kitchen designer with Paradise Custom Kitchens, hails from a family of creative people. His father, Maris, is a retired industrial arts teacher; his older brother Jim (who lives at the other end of Strasburg) formerly owned a design/fabrication awning business, and his other brother, Larry, is a master carpenter and owns a construction business.

The family, which had grown to include son Jason, moved in around Thanksgiving 1975. “My mother was horrified that we were taking a 6-month-old baby to such a place,” says Linda, who is the director of Lampeter-Strasburg School District’s before/after school program.

The house soon became a home, and the family grew with the arrival of two daughters, April and Carrie. “We did so much to this house,” Mike says. “Larry transformed the rickety porch into a sunroom. We moved walls around both upstairs and down. We added bathrooms, closets and a laundry. Linda’s grandfather got the landscaping under control.” A new kitchen was added several years ago. “We’re always doing something around here,” Mike says. “That’s the thing about owning an old house; you have to be committed. Maintenance is an on-going issue.” He says that the one and only time he painted the exterior of the house himself convinced him to hire professionals for the job.

At one point, the McCulloughs purchased a lot in a Strasburg-area development with the intent of building a house, but in the end they just couldn’t imagine leaving their home and the convenience of living in a small town. So, they sold the lot and bought a parcel of land behind their property, which they refer to as “the meadow,” and filled it with swings and other kid-friendly entertainment.

Now, with six grandchildren, who range in age from 5 to 20, and one doted-upon granddog, the McCulloughs say downsizing is not in their future. “We feel we need the space,” says Linda, explaining that theirs is still the go-to place for holiday dinners and that Carrie and her family, who live in Pittsburgh, often visit. For the McCulloughs, Strasburg is and always will be home.

History

Before the arrival of settlers, the area was home to Native Americans who traveled along a path that became known as the Great Conestoga Road. Today, Main and Miller streets follow that route through Strasburg. The first Europeans settled there in 1729. Edward Dougherty purchased 150 acres east of what is now Jackson Street. Dougherty opened a tavern and trading post. Subsequently, Mary Kendig Herr and Christian Herr inherited 150 acres that stretched west from present day Jackson Street. In 1751, the two families subdivided their tracts of land and a village was born. Named in honor of Strasboug in the Alcase region that borders on France, Germany and Switzerland, Strasburg expanded, becoming the second largest town in Lancaster County by the end of the 1700s. Prosperity came courtesy of the Great Conestoga Road; travelers, freight, wagons and animals made it a busy thoroughfare. Businesses that catered to their needs lined the route.

A new road – the Philadelphia to Lancaster Turnpike – prompted a decrease in travel through Strasburg in the late 1700s. A savior arrived in the form of the railroad. The Strasburg Rail Road was chartered in 1832, prompting a revitalization of Strasburg. New buildings began to emerge along Main Street.

That railroading tradition continues today, as Strasburg is known the world over as Train Town USA. In addition to the Strasburg Rail Road, the area is home to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum and the Choo Choo Barn. Sight and Sound Theatres is also a major draw, attracting visitors to the area to witness its Biblical-based productions. And, speaking of “witness,” the Harrison Ford film still generates interest and questions from tourists.

Visitors are also enamored by Strasburg’s architectural history. The historic district, which stretches nearly the full length of Main and Miller streets, is filled with structures that date from the 1700s through the late 19th century. The Strasburg Heritage Society, which was formed in 1977, is the keeper of Strasburg’s history. The organization hosts fundraising events throughout the year that allows them to continue restoring properties it owns along South Decatur Street, including the Shroy House, which is destined to become a museum. For more information, visit strasburgheritagesociety.org.

Scenes from a Small Town

The Simple Things in Life:

Mike and Linda like the fact that Strasburg is very walkable. “When Rambo [their Scottish Terrier granddog] is here, we like to walk down to the square for ice cream,” Mike notes.

The Food:

There’s nothing like being able to walk your dinner off! Mike and Linda like the fact that whatever they crave is just a walk away. Favorite destinations are Pizza City, Isaac’s, Sugar on Top, Strasburg Creamery, Fireside Tavern and the Speckled Hen.

Kids at Play:

Linda says she has always felt safe about letting her children ride their bikes or walk to such destinations as the library or the pool. Their grandchildren have developed friendships with kids in the neighborhood and are always back and forth between their grandparents’ home and their friends’ homes.

Where Everyone Knows Your Name:

Mike likes the fact that small-town living allows him to develop casual acquaintances. “It’s nice to walk down the street and chat with your neighbors, or walk into the hardware store and the people working there know you,” he says. He also feels comfortable going to the fireman’s breakfasts solo, as he’s sure to bump into someone he knows.

The Tourists:

Strasburg is a tourist mecca, and the McCulloughs report meeting people from all over the world. “They mostly stop and ask for directions or recommendations,” Mike says. Both agree that the new by-pass has made living in Strasburg much quieter. Before the bypass, exiting the driveway was a challenge. “Gap Road used to be backed up for miles,” Mike says, noting that locals heading home from the shore only added to the congestion. “Now, we don’t even know when Thomas the Tank is in town,” Linda says of the popular visitor to the Strasburg Rail Road.

The Countryside:

Mike loves to ride his bicycle along the country roads that wind their way through the farmland and wooded areas that surround Strasburg.

The Red, White & Blue: Strasburg’s Memorial Day Parade is a must-see event. “Our grandkids spent days decorating their scooters for the parade,” Mike notes. Jim and Maris McCullough also participated in the parade; they were in the front seat of a 1952 Dodge pick-up they restored. “They both can still fit in their Army uniforms,” Mike says.

Real Estate:

As in many small towns, Mike and Linda notice that quite a few homes in the historic district pass from one generation to the next without being put on the market. Over the last two decades, new homes have been built west of town. Strasburg is also home to a 55+ community developed by Charter Homes.

The Convenience Factor:

Mike’s office is in Paradise, while Linda travels to Lampeter. Both have 10-minute commutes. “A lot of my clients are in Chester County and the Main Line, so living in Strasburg is really convenient,” he points out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“When we first moved here, Andy [her husband] knew everybody, everywhere we went. And, now it’s funny because I go to the grocery store, and it’s like, ‘OK, I know everybody here,’” Jamie laughs. “… I feel like it’s my hometown now. It’s great.”

Jamie is originally from Lebanon. After graduating from Cedar Crest High School, she continued her education at Penn State, where she studied photography and advertising. After working for a stint in the Washington, D.C., area for National Geographic, Jamie found herself moving back to Pennsylvania.

“I wanted to move to Philadelphia. All of my friends lived in Philadelphia,” she says. “I was going back to Pennsylvania every weekend.”

Shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Jamie moved to Philly. She was unable to find a job in her career field. “No one was hiring because of 9/11. I hit every magazine I could think of. So, that’s how Epic started.”

She had always dreamed of  opening her own photography studio but says she never really had a “push” to get started.  But in 2002, her dream became a reality.

“Since I was just starting Epic, I began waitressing at Maggiano’s [in King of Prussia] for income. I thought ‘Oh, I’ll only be here for a few months,’ and then that turned into a few years,” she muses.  “On the bright side, this is where I met Andy;  he was the restaurant manager there. When we started dating three years later, he was like, ‘If you’re going to do photography, then you just need to focus on it.’ So, he was really the push I needed to take a leap of faith and make it my full-time gig.”

In 2007, the couple moved to Elizabethtown, Andy’s hometown, and had a quaint backyard wedding a few months later. Now the pair have three children – Isla, 9, Siena, 6, and Lucca, 3 – and own three businesses (Epic Photography, Pita Pit and Fresh Cafe). They couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

“We love everything local. We shop as much as we can in town; we eat out as much as we can in town. We get the girls enrolled in activities in Elizabethtown as much as is available,” Jamie says. “ … I can probably go a good three weeks without ever having to leave Elizabethtown. Everything I need is right here.”

Epic Photography: “What’s In a Name?”

“I almost can’t look at life without my camera because I feel like I’m missing something. I feel like there are these moments you capture in photographs that just live on and on and on, forever,” she says. “I feel that when I have my camera, it’s just part of me. Also, no matter how bad I feel or if I’m having a bad day, as soon as I pick up that camera, after 10 minutes go by, it’s like the whole world doesn’t exist.

It’s just me and that camera and whatever I see through it. It’s almost like therapy.”

The name “epic” came as the result of a contest.

“So, when I first started Epic, it was with my friend. She was going to do the marketing side, and I was going to be the photographer. We couldn’t figure out a name, so we decided to have a contest with friends,” she recalls. “It was a friend of a friend [who won the contest], and her definition of epic was ‘telling a story that’s beyond ordinary,’ and we just thought that was great; like we’re telling a story beyond ordinary photos.”

Fourteen years later, Epic Photography has accumulated numerous awards, continues to be published in several publications, and takes epic photographs of weddings, engagements, senior portraits, newborns, infants, toddlers, family, and even now branching into commercial photography. “Epic wouldn’t be where it is without the opportunities Elizabethtown has afforded us,” Jamie remarks. “From the people and other businesses to the location and beautiful settings, Elizabethtown has helped make Epic what it is today.” Epicphotostudio.com.

What Led Us Here?

Andy took over as owner of the Pita Pit in Elizabethtown in 2014, and his other fresh-eating endeavor, Fresh Café, joined forces with Pita Pit and Funk Brewing that same year. Andy has more than 20 years in the food industry, but what led to the creation of these healthy-eating establishments was his second-born daughter, Siena.

“I had a restaurant out in Annville called Fresh Café, and that’s what it was. It was geared toward what can I serve my daughter and how can I get food on the go to be healthier. That’s where the concept came from,” says Andy. “Then, I saw Pita Pit, and it was great. Now I’m proud that my kids can eat at a place like this. Every step kind of led into that, because of Siena.”

Siena was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome two days before her first birthday. Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder that occurs in approximately one out of every 15,000 births and is caused by an abnormality of chromosome 15.

Signs and symptoms of PWS may include poor muscle tone, distinct facial features, poor growth and physical development, food craving and weight gain, speech problems and more. The Schoenbergers always have to keep a check on Siena’s daily food regimen, and Jamie says she usually spends hours on Sunday preparing the family’s lunches and dinners for the following week.

Andy says when Siena was born, she weighed a little over 3.5 pounds. Her muscles were extremely weak, causing her to be in the neonatal intensive-care unit for 17 days; she had trouble breathing, eating and had to undergo numerous tests. At the time, there was not a lot of information about her diagnosis, which prompted Andy and Jamie to start Siena’s HUGS Foundation.

According to the foundation’s website, “Siena’s HUGS is working to develop special programs for physical activity, artistic and musical expression and healthy living workshops. It is our dream to one day open a facility where all of these programs can operate under one roof.” For more information about PWS and Siena, visit youcanhug.com.

History

The early settlers of Elizabethtown were primarily Scots-Irish and Pennsylvania Dutch. Peter Bezaillion, a French explorer and fur trader, built “Old Peter’s Road,” which journeyed east from Bainbridge to Chester County. For a while, it was considered the main route between Philadelphia and the west. It caused Elizabethtown to play an important factor in the westward expansion of the nation during the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 1753, Barnabus Hughes purchased the Sign of the Bear Tavern, which was a public house, before moving to Baltimore in 1761. While living in Baltimore, Hughes divided the acreage that surrounded the tavern and eventually laid out a small town, which he named Elizabeth (Towne) in honor of his wife.

Construction of the first railroad began in the 1830s. The first station was built on West High Street. In 1915, a new station was constructed out of Indiana Limestone in a similar style to the Masonic Homes. Renovations started in August 2009 and were funded by $9.3 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The station was completed in 2011 and is now  a source of pride in the area. Elizabethtown’s Amtrak Station averages annually a ridership of approximately 109,834, and it is a stop for the Keystone Service that connects Philadelphia and Harrisburg, as well as for the Pennsylvanian, which runs between New York City and Pittsburgh.

Getting to Know Elizabethtown

Masonic Village

According to its website, the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown was founded as the Masonic Homes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1910, offering services to aging Freemasons and their spouses. The 1,400-acre campus has grown into a continuing care retirement community, including on-site farms, a farmers’ market, health care center, children’s home, childcare center, adult day care, short-term rehabilitation, hospice services and residences for more than 1,880 individuals.

The Masonic Village in Elizabethtown has evolved so much from its early beginnings. What started with a series of farms on Conoy Creek has blossomed into a highly regarded establishment that intertwines itself with the entire community of Elizabethtown.

The Masonic Village orchard has been a feature of the land for 100 years, and the farm market and bakery are open all year to the public. The Orchard View Cafe is the most recent addition to the Masonic Villages Farm Market, and it features treats for all ages.

The Masonic Village allows guests to visit its campus and view the lush gardens, take photographs (engagement, wedding, prom and other occasions), and even conduct wedding ceremonies on the grounds. It also plays host to the Elizabethtown Area High School’s senior prom annually. (Please, contact Masonic Village’s event planning department for assistance and scheduling of any commercial photo shoots or special events.)

The Masonic Children’s Home has been in operation since 1913. The Pennsylvania Freemasons have since provided “a safe haven and changed the lives of more than 2,100 children,” according to its website. Today, the children’s home provides care for up to 40 school-age children. All youth from Masonic Village receive financial support to attain higher education if they choose to do so at their preferred institution. Masonicvillages.org.

Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown College was chartered in 1899 by members of the Church of the Brethren. The purpose of the College was “to give such harmonious development to the physical, mental, and moral powers of both sexes as will best fit them for the duties of life and promote their spiritual interests,” as expressed by the founders. The Church of the Brethren relinquished its governance role at the College in 1993.
Today, and even then, Elizabethtown College’s commitment is to “educate for service,” believing that learning is most noble when used to benefit others. The college is an independent, selective and residential coeducational college located on 203 acres. The college boasts approximately 1,800 undergraduates from nearly 30 states and 40 foreign countries.

The college’s location makes it a short drive to Harrisburg and Hershey. Elizabethtown College also has more than 80 clubs and organizations, a large number of intramural and clubs sports, and 22 NCAA Division III athletic teams. Also of note, 85% of the student population lives on campus, meaning inevitable expansion for the campus in the future.

The college continues to carry on its commitment of service within the community through various traditions, such as Campus Improvement Day, which has continued annually for more than a century. Since 1994, hundreds of college students have participated in the “Into the Streets” event, which is a service-learning experience that involves helping local residents in need. Etown.edu.

Mars, inc.

Brothers William and Frederick Klein founded the Klein Chocolate Company in 1913. Klein Chocolate was the largest milk chocolate factory in the nation by 1922, producing 250,000 bars a day. Emigration records suggest that their father, Gottfried Klein, a married brick maker, came from a small village near Lubawa, roughly 70 miles east of Gdansk in modern-day Poland. An online article states that the Kleins were part of the largest German immigrant wave that brought more than 1 million Germans to the United States.

The brothers began their chocolate entrepreneurship after working for the Hershey Chocolate Company. They became members of Milton Hershey’s research team and worked under him until they had learned enough to establish a company of their own.

Mars, Inc., purchased the Klein Chocolate Company in 1970. The original structure dates back to 1915, but because of production demand, it has been renovated and expanded several times. Today, the company employs approximately 75,000 worldwide, and it continues to contribute to the local economy, as well. Mars.com.

 

 

 

 

The Smeckers began visiting Lancaster County in the late 60s. “We came here for the horse sales in New Holland,” Ray explains. Both are animal lovers – dogs, cats, horses, sheep, birds. You name it; they have it.

After serving in the Air Force, Ray married Megan. A job with Sears put him on the fast track to the executive suite. “One day they told me I’d have to relocate to Chicago,” he continues. “No way did I want to live in Chicago.” What he really wanted to do was be a farmer. So, he tendered his resignation, cashed out his Sears stock and bought a farm in Bucks County. “People thought I was crazy,” he says. He also found a job with MAB Paints and became the company’s credit manager. Life was good.

By the 1980s, Ray was beginning to feel fenced in. “The area of Bucks County where we lived was starting to lose that small-town feel,” he says. And, commuting to his job in Broomall was taking longer with each passing year. They decided to move closer to his workplace. Ray studied the map, and a small town in Lancaster County piqued his interest. So, one weekend the Smeckers scheduled a getaway to Lancaster County. “We came off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and drove along Route 23 and came into Churchtown. It reminded me of Sleepy Hollow,” he recalls. They kept returning. The Churchtown Inn became their home away from home. Their daughter Christine and her husband, Rick, accompanied them on one trip and instantly decided to move to Lancaster. “They beat us to it,” Ray says.

While they were exploring an antiques shop, Ray asked the owner if she was aware of any land that was for sale. She explained that most of the farmland is owned by the Amish. However, she did provide the name of a knowledgeable realtor, who in turn told him to talk to a local builder. The builder shared news of an Amish farmer who might be willing to sell him a tract of land that wasn’t conducive to farming. The Smeckers bought the 1.5 acres and set to work designing a house that was inspired by Williamsburg.

After being on and off the market due to a late 80s recession, the Smeckers suddenly received an offer for their Bucks County property. “We had 30 days to move,” Ray recalls. Finding a rental property in Churchtown was all but impossible due to the menagerie of animals that would be accompanying them. The man who sold them the land heard of their plight through what Ray calls the “Amish grapevine” and offered them a vacant farmhouse on his property. “Then he found temporary homes for all our animals,” Ray reports, still shaking his head at the Amish community’s generosity.

Once their house was finished, the Amish helped them move. “It was incredible,” says Ray. “Our neighbors packed our furnishings and belongings onto a wagon and moved us in.”

Being the only English in the valley made the Smeckers somewhat uncertain of how to go about being neighborly. “I thought all they did was pray and do laundry,” Megan admits.

“So, we sat inside our house and watched the buggies drive by,” Ray recalls. Then, an idea occurred to them. Their Morgan horses could bridge the cultural gap. “We’d ride or walk our horses up and down the road,” Ray explains. Soon, buggies were stopping and their occupants were asking, “What for kind of horse is that?”

One day there was a knock at the door. A resident of the valley stopped to invite them to a block party. Ray was hesitant, speculating, “We won’t know anyone.” The visitor assured them, “That’s alright. Everyone knows you.”

Living Among the Amish

Ray and Megan sometimes think they were destined to live in Churchtown, which they describe as a “close-knit community.” They believe they relate to the Amish due to their strong religious beliefs and love of family. Ray reports that the Amish have come to their aid more times than he can count. When he was still commuting to his job in Broomall, Ray was involved in a head-on crash that left him seriously injured. “The Amish just took over,” he says, explaining they carried out his chores around the property and tended to the animals. “To this day, they won’t let us shovel snow.”

And, according to Ray, when Megan faced a serious health issue, “the Amish did everything they could to help us get through it. They are simply wonderful people.”

The Four Seasons of Lancaster County

Ray has always enjoyed photography and writing, and he parlayed those interests into a book titled The Four Seasons of Lancaster County (Masthof Press), which is available at local bookstores, shops and bed-and-breakfasts. The book is filled with photos of the Churchtown area. It’s also filled with stories of his Amish neighbors (names have been changed, of course). “It’s been well received, especially among the Amish,” Ray reports. “They’re buying them for their family and friends. They enjoy the stories, and one woman was so proud to have a picture of her peaches in it.”

As with all his literary works, Ray is donating the proceeds to a charitable cause; Autism Awareness (autism-society.org) will be the beneficiary of the book’s proceeds. Ray is hard at work on Volume 2. For more information, visit masthof.com.

History

Megan Smecker feels at home in Churchtown for another reason: She is a first-generation American who boasts a Welsh heritage. This area of the county was predominately settled by the Welsh, who were drawn by the rolling hills and waterways that reminded them of home. Located in Caernarvon (which translates as the “fort on the river” in Welsh) Township, this mile-long town is brimming with history. While many assume the town’s name refers to a church-filled town, it was actually derived from one in particular – the Bangor Episcopal Church, which was founded in 1722 and was one of the Church of England’s first outposts in the American Colonies. The church owned all the land that comprises modern-day Churchtown and sold parcels to newly arrived settlers to generate income.

Other historical tidbits include a tale that George Washington once tied his horse to a sycamore tree in town, which has credence as hammers for rifles were made in Churchtown during the Revolutionary War.

Churchtown prospered in the late 1700s thanks in part to the iron industry. Windsor, Poole and Spring Grove forges processed pig iron that was used to make charcoal blooms and bar iron. By the 1860s, demand for pig iron diminished, and the forges closed.

However, Churchtown adapted. Small businesses emerged that catered to the farming community and met the needs of the town’s residents. General stores opened, while shoemakers, potters, cabinetmakers, seamstresses, hat makers, etc., created cottage industries.

By the late 19th century, Americans were enjoying leisure time, with travel becoming a favorite way to get away from it all. The quaint and quiet Churchtown became a favorite destination for travelers from Philadelphia and New York. Inns and boarding houses flourished.

Churchtown was also the home of the famous sculptress Blanch Nevin, whose father, Rev. John Williamson, was a president of Franklin & Marshall College, and whose mother was the daughter of Robert Jenkins, who owned Windsor Forge and served in Congress. Blanch’s statue of Gen. John Muhlenberg can be seen in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

And, how’s this for longevity: On May 30, Churchtown hosted its 150th Memorial Day Parade!

The history of the area is championed by the Caernarvon Historical Society of Lancaster County. Established in 1975, the organization is headquartered in the Caernarvon Presbyterian Church, which was founded in 1843 and restored in the 1970s. In addition to monthly meetings and “Let’s Talk History” seminars, the Society sponsors social, educational and fundraising events throughout the year. 2148 Main St., caernarvonhistoricalsociety.org.

Getting to Know Churchtown

Employment

Many area residents are engaged in agriculture, construction and manufacturing (New Holland Agriculture). The area’s accessibility to the PA Turnpike makes commuting to the Main Line and Philadelphia relatively easy. Churchtown is also attractive to artists, entrepreneurs and those engaged in cottage industries.

Real Estate

As the Smeckers discovered, homes in Churchtown proper rarely go on the market. Not that they don’t change hands, but rather there’s a gentleman’s agreement that seems to drive the market. Residents let it be known that should someone want to sell his or her house, they have first dibs. “I can’t tell you how many people say if we want to sell, keep them in mind,” Ray says. In many cases, historic properties – as well as farms – stay within families. Indeed, a search of Zillow revealed no properties for sale in Churchtown proper; however, a number of properties well to the east and west of town were on the market as of late May. Ray also notes that the area has once again become a favorite of people looking to start cottage industries. They can work in rural Lancaster County, yet have easy access to markets up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

Churchtown/Caernarvon/East Earl are served by the Eastern Lancaster County School District, with Garden Spot High School located in New Holland. Several private schools are located in the area.

Churchtown To-Dos

Explore

Several years ago, Route 23 in Caernarvon Township – Chestnut Ridge Road – was named one of the state’s Scenic Byways. The ride is beautiful. The road follows along the crest of a ridge; valleys of fertile farmland border it to the east and west. The Welsh Mountains are beyond. Take any of the side roads to discover Mennonite- and Amish-owned shops and market stands. Continue into Churchtown, where you’ll see homes and other structures built from sandstone, which sets the town apart from the look of other Lancaster County destinations. You’ll see everything from cottages to mansions along the 1-mile stretch.

Plan a Getaway

Churchtown is home to two well-known inns. The Churchtown Inn Bed and Breakfast, which was at the forefront of the B&B phenomenon in Lancaster County, has been owned by Jim and Chris Farr since 2005. It makes its home in the historic Edward Davies Mansion. The Farrs, who are from the Philadelphia area, fell in love with B&Bs while touring Europe. After retiring from their jobs, the two decided to launch a shared second career and began searching for a suitable property on the East Coast. The property features beautiful public rooms, cozy suites and cottages, gardens, a four-course breakfast and special events such as murder mystery weekends, Amish dinners, and vow renewal weekends. 2100 Main St. Churchtowninn.com.

Also along Main Street you will find the Inn at Twin Linden, which is now owned by Laurie Bushnell and her daughter Kendal. For Laurie, owning an inn is a dream come true. The Twin Linden is also a part of Lancaster County’s culinary history, as former owner Donna Leahy championed the farm-to-table movement long before it became part of the culinary lingo. In addition to serving her guests farm-fresh breakfasts, Donna opened her dining room to the public for dinner. Donna, who now lives in Florida, authored several cookbooks and frequently appeared on the Today show (among others) to not only promote her cookbooks but also Lancaster County.

Laurie and Kendal continue that tradition, serving gourmet breakfast fare and opening the inn to special events such as milestone celebrations and weddings. The inn’s rooms are beautifully appointed. Window-filled dining rooms offer views of the gardens and farmland. 2092 Main St. Innattwinlinden.com.

Historic Poole Forge

This park seamlessly combines history and natural beauty, making it one of the county’s most unique destinations. Features include the iron master’s mansion, a paymaster’s house, tenant houses, lime kilns, a pavilion, a playground, gardens and a covered bridge that was built in 1859.

In 2005, the 26-acre property was taken over by Caernarvon Township. Extensive renovations have brought the mansion back to life. The covered bridge, which spans the Conestoga, is now restricted to foot traffic. Poole Forge is available for weddings, social gatherings and plays host to community events throughout the year.

Dawn Rise Eckdahl, Poole Forge’s executive director, credits dedicated volunteers for the property’s revival and success. “All I need to do is send an email or make a phone call, and volunteers are here to help,” she says. 1940 Main St. Historicpooleforge.org.

Cottage Industry

Smucker Harness Company might just qualify as the Churchtown area’s ultimate success story. Started by Amish craftsman Daniel Smucker in 1962, the company creates finely crafted leather harnesses, pads, collars, bridles and other accessories for pleasure and show horses. Now owned by Mr. Smucker’s namesake grandson, the shop is under the direction of another grandson, Moses, who was working on a project for Colonial Williamsburg on the day we visited. You’ve undoubtedly seen the company’s work on holiday commercials that feature the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. The “Smucker Bells” have proven to be popular with horse people and tourists alike. Smucker’s now sells mini-versions that can be hung on door handles. Smuckersharness.com.

 

 

Cle looks around the building on South Second Street that sits just a few doors down from the historic Wright’s Ferry Mansion. Windows on the upper floor provide views of the Susquehanna River. The purpose of the building seems to always be evolving. Appropriately, it mirrors the fact that Columbia is in the midst of recreating itself, all the while it embraces its past. “I think we’re at the point where we are accepting Columbia’s history, and by that I mean all of it: the good, the bad and the ugly,” Cle maintains. “I feel like we’ve been climbing a hill for what seems like forever,” he says of Columbia’s search for an identity. “But you know what? I think we’ve finally crested the hill. Change is in the air. People are excited about what’s happening.” Indeed, walk around Columbia, and signs in vacant buildings announce what’s on the horizon.

Ever the entrepreneur, Cle has taken the Garth Frame Shop beyond his wildest dreams. Garth now stands for a collective enterprise that encompasses a frame shop, art gallery, café, community gathering place and events venue.

Originally a five-and-dime store, its owners rented the upper floor to the American Legion for $1 per year. Cle’s great-grandfather, along with Gen. Edward Shannon (another Columbian), founded the Amerian Legion in Paris in 1918. “To know that my great-grandfather once walked around this building is very special,” Cle says.

“Columbia was a great place to grow up,” Cle reminisces. “All the neighborhood kids played together. I remember how happy I was to finally get permission to ride my bike to Locust Heights Swimming Pool.” His parents’ words of warning stay with him to this day: “I might not see what you’re up to, but someone will.”

A graduate of Columbia High School, Cle attended the York Academy of the Arts, majoring in commercial advertising. After graduating, he moved to New York where he was a model, bartender, bouncer and graphic designer. By 1987, he was considering his next move. “I had given myself a five-year window to make it in New York,” Cle says. “I decided I had met too many people who were still waiting for their big breaks. That wasn’t for me. I had a good run, had a lot of fun and met a lot of people. Still, you’re always reminded of how special home is.”

Cle packed his bags and came home to Columbia. He married a Columbia girl (he’s single once again), bought an old house on Chestnut Street (it’s a work in progress), and opened a framing shop in the basement. He also became active in the community by serving on boards and committees dedicated to Columbia’s revitalization, as well as the borough’s zoning board and city council. He became one of Columbia’s most vocal and dedicated advocates.

Then, he took a break to concentrate on his own business. “I really wanted to get out of the basement,” he says. A friend owned the building at 22 South Second Street and offered Cle a rent-to-buy proposal. Cle jumped at the opportunity. In addition to framing, he began hosting exhibits of both established and up-and-coming artists. It became a Fourth Friday hot spot. The café and events venue spun off that success.

Garth Gallery & Cafe: 22 S. Second St. Tue.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The work of Christine Ott and Marie Wohlfahrt will be exhibited through July 16. 684-0651 or garthgallery.net.

Columbia’s Revitalization

It seems good things are coming Columbia’s way, too. It began with the Turkey Hill Experience, which attracts tourists and locals alike and provides a unique gateway from the north. Instead of seeing a blighted factory building, visitors can see adaptive reuse at its finest. Antiques shops have popped up on that side of town, most taking over vacant buildings that once served other purposes.

Artists have also discovered Columbia. “We have seven galleries of varying levels,” Cle reports. “Art and antiques have created a nice mix. We’re in our fifth year of Fourth Friday and like all things, it’s taken time for it to become a success.” A Facebook page, Create Columbia, has generated lots of buzz. “It’s exciting to have so many creative people settling in Columbia,” he observes.

Then there’s the river. “Columbia is really the only borough in Lancaster County that has access to the Susquehanna River,” he says. “Finally, we’re taking advantage of it.” He’s referring to Columbia Crossing, the beautiful visitor’s center and park area that sits in the shadow of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The center provides access to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. A few miles south of town, at Turkey Hill, you’ll find the popular Enola Low Grade Rail Trail.

History

For being a sleepy river town, Columbia has certainly been a player in this country’s history. The tagline of Columbia’s latest visitor’s brochure – Museums, Treasures & Riverlore – says it all: “With a history that includes smuggling slaves, running whiskey, and burning our own bridge, you know you’ll have a good time.”

Columbia’s history dates to 1726, when Quakers from Chester County arrived on the shores of the Susquehanna. John Wright established the first commercial ferry service along the river, which inspired the town’s first name, Wright’s Ferry. The Wrights, as well as other Quakers, played an integral role in helping escaped slaves make their way along the Underground Railroad.

The Civil War would have crossed the Susquehanna River were it not for Union troops and townspeople purposely burning the covered bridge that connected Columbia and Wrightsville. A week later, the Battle of Gettysburg was waged.

Throughout the 19th century, Columbia played a major role in the industrialization of America. Manufacturing and transportation (the railroad and river traffic) made Columbia a vital part of the nation’s economy.

Getting to Know Columbia

Its  Name

Samuel Wright proposed the name “Columbia” in 1788. It honors Christopher Columbus. The name was officially adopted a year later.

A Vote Short

The name change was part of the ploy to have Columbia become the nation’s capital. Alas, members of Congress voted, and Columbia fell one vote short to the swampland along the Potomac River that was christened Washington, D.C. (ironically D.C. stands for District of Columbia). Another close vote saw Columbia lose out to Harrisburg as Pennsylvania’s state capital.

Columbia’s Historian

Spend any amount of time with Chris Vera, the director of the Columbia History Preservation Society, and you’ll discover just how fascinating history can be. According to Chris, Columbia just might qualify as “grand central” for the Underground Railroad. He credits Stephen Smith and William Whipper (two black businessmen) for the role Columbia played in helping escaped slaves make their way to Canada. “They had the money, power and means to make people disappear,” Chris explains. By the way, Chris leads Underground Railroad walking tours of Columbia. They are offered Saturday and Sunday by reservation only. Call 572-7149 or visit columbiahistory.net.

Rebuild Our Bridge

In June 1863, Columbia was instructed by the Federal Government to use any means necessary to hold the covered bridge that spanned the Susquehanna between Columbia and Wrightsville. The government ensured its restoration or replacement should it be necessary. “We’re still waiting,” Cle remarks, referring to the June night the bridge was burned in order to thwart the advancing Confederate troops. “The last time the measure came to the floor [of Congress] was in the 1920s, and it was tabled,” Cle reports. So Columbia has an idea: Reimburse the town for its bridge, and they will use the funds to build a pedestrian bridge atop the bridge supports that remain in place. “It would connect the trails that travel through York and Lancaster counties,” Cle says.

Real Estate

Cle calls the real estate scene “amazing” and reports that inventory ranges from historic properties (Federal to Victorian) to row homes and mid-centuries on the outer edges of town. “If you’re into history, old homes, great architecture and are willing to take a chance on a town that’s growing, Columbia is for you,” he says. Admittedly, because Columbia is “land locked,” the tax base cannot expand, which challenges services and the school district. Cle, who is once again a member of the city council, hopes an increase in tourism and entrepreneurism can aid the cause.

Columbia is served by the Columbia School District (Park Elementary, two middle-school campuses and Columbia High School). A private school, Our Lady of the Angels, is also located in Columbia.

Let the Driving to Us

See the town via a trolley, which is operating thanks to a partnership between the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center and Columbia Borough. The restored Victorian-era trolley is operated by RiverTowne Trolley Co., which is owned by Andre and Kelly Underhill. The trolley stops at 10 attractions. Tour guides are on board to share information about the town’s history. Days/hours of operation: Thursday-Saturday (through September 4), 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. All-day access is available for $2. Parivertowns.com for details.