CELEBRATING LANCASTER COUNTY'S PEOPLE, SCENERY,

HERITAGE, STYLE & POINT OF VIEW SINCE 1987.

Rachael Lugo: Juliet’s Guiding Light

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Always interested in interior design, Rachael Lugo’s life and career path took a few detours before she fully embraced her talent. She credits her late daughter, Juliet, for showing her the way. 

For Christmas 2022, Rachael utilized metallics and sparkle to complement the neutral color scheme of the living areas of her home. She also decorated two identical 9-foot trees to balance the expansiveness of the living room. A self-confessed bargain shopper, she furnished the room with a white sectional sofa she found at Costco; the draperies were a find from Amazon.

As the daughter of missionaries, Rachael recalls a childhood that was spent on the move. “I was seven when we moved from Bucks County to Lancaster,” she explains of finally putting down roots. High school presented a challenge of another kind. Following graduation, Rachael became a teenaged mother with the birth of her daughter, Juliet Benson. Nonetheless, she mapped out a future that would allow her creativity to shine by enrolling at the Lancaster School of Cosmetology and later earning credentials through the Philadelphia Institute for Laser Medicine. She became part of the staff at Luxe Salon & Spa. 

Ten years ago, her life was drastically changed. In January 2013, Juliet’s father, Lucas Malmer, lost his battle with cancer. He was only 33. Following her father’s death, Juliet began dealing with depression, which was further exacerbated by bullying at school, which of course spilled over to social media. Counseling ensued. Medication helped somewhat. 

The family dog, Kai, lounges by the fire while Rachael puts the finishing touches on a tree.

In September 2014, Juliet sought a release from the turmoil she was enduring by taking her own life. She was 16 years old. As Rachael shared with WGAL and LNP, she had done her diligence as a mother and talked to school officials and even the mother of Juliet’s most ardent tormenter. At one point, she even confiscated Juliet’s phone so that she could not see the online bullying. As Rachael told WGAL’s Meredith Jorgenson, “High school is hard for all kids. I made it through, and I just assumed that she would too.”  

Rachael likes to change the color scheme for holiday décor from one year to the next. Bargain finds: décor from Hobby Lobby and Michaels.

Following Juliet’s death, Rachael, lost her will to engage in life. “I stopped working. I couldn’t get out of bed for a year,” she explains. 

Then, a lifeline came her way. An acquaintance called and asked if she could do her makeup for her engagement photos. Rachael agreed to the request. The photographer enjoyed working with Rachael and asked if she would be interested in working with her on weddings and other projects. “All I could say was, ‘I’ll try,’” Rachael recalls. Between the photography projects and being tagged on social media, bookings for Makeup Artistry by Rae filled her calendar. New avenues also opened for Rachael. “That got me into commercial and pageant work,” she says. 

Unexpected surfaces such as mirrors get decorated. Bargain find: greenery from Goodwill.

Filling her days with work helped to a degree. But she still felt the void that losing her daughter had created. “I needed something else to occupy my mind other than grief,” Rachael explains. “That’s when I decided to throw myself into my other interest, interior design.” 

Rachael proceeded to buy a house that needed some TLC. “I just threw myself into remodeling and decorating that house,” she recounts. She began posting pictures of the progress she was making and before she knew it, she had thousands of Instagram followers. Rachael had found her way out of darkness. Juliet Interiors was born. “I know she’s up there looking out for me,” Rachael shares. “She keeps putting things in front of us.” 

Splurges include tabletop décor from Beautiful Home Interiors that can be carried well into winter.

Us is Rachael and her husband, Mike Lugo, who is a real estate investor and the general manager at John Rock, Inc. (Coatesville), which is regarded as the country’s largest manufacturer of pallets and crates. The two met when Rachael was working for a local restaurant and one day was delivering pizza. They made eye contact as they were making their way through traffic. The next thing she knew, he began following her. “I left the house I was delivering to and found him blocking my car in the driveway,” Rachael says, admitting she was nervous. The ploy was an innocent one; Mike asked for her telephone number, but she suggested he order a pizza and they could see where that would lead. “He did exactly that the next day. That was 18 years ago, and the rest is history.” 

New marble floors lead the way from the foyer to both the living and dining/sitting rooms. Rachael says the makeover is a marriage of her style (glam contemporary) and Mike’s (modern with clean lines).

During Covid, Rachael honed her skills by taking online courses through the New York Institute of Art & Design. Subsequently, her next project materialized. “I found a house on Facebook Marketplace,” she explains. Built in 1998, its original occupant was the owner of a tile business. The current owners had been trying to sell it for 10 years. She immediately saw why it hadn’t sold: “There was tile everywhere!” Adding to that was the fact that it was very outdated from a design perspective. “Boxy” is the way Rachael describes the layout. 

The Lugos lived in the basement for five months while the first floor underwent a complete transformation in order to create an open-concept floorplan. The new kitchen features a waterfall-edge island. Sadly, the Lugos had to say goodbye to Pookie earlier this year.

When Mike saw the house, he thought Rachael had lost her mind. “I saw the potential,” she says. “My husband did not. ‘Trust me,’ I told him.” 

Against his better judgement, Mike instilled his trust in Rachael and the house was theirs. She set to work redesigning the layout, with the goal being to create an open concept first floor. “I think nine or 10 tons of tile was taken out of here,” she says. Walls came down. New flooring was installed. A new kitchen emerged. A combination dining room/sitting room was created that included a wine room that is tucked beneath the staircase. “The main floor was done in one shot,” she explains. “We lived in the basement for five months.” The new layout delivers a living area that is light, bright and airy. In Rachael’s estimation the redesign is a perfect marriage of her style (contemporary glam) and Mike’s (modern with clean lines). The recently completed second floor echoes the look and feel of the main floor. 

The breakfast room is outfitted with a table Rachael found on Facebook Marketplace. Originally painted brown, she transformed the base with white paint, giving it a new lease on life.

Rachael also employed her talents for ferreting out bargains to decorate the house. “I’m a sucker for a good deal,” she laughs. “You’ll see everything in my projects,” she says, referring to finds from Goodwill and consignment shops to discoveries made through Facebook Marketplace and Amazon. She also can’t resist splurging on items from local sources such as Beautiful Home Interiors.  

Sparkle is another must-have and complements Rachael’s love of glam design.

Over the years, Rachael has expanded her resumé to include commercial (restaurants and salons) and residential (homes and airbnbs) projects. “I’m at the point where I breathe and sleep interior design,” she reports. 

She also feels Juliet’s presence in the house. “I feel like this is her house,” Rachael says of the cathartic release she experienced through transforming the house into their home. 

The expansive dining/sitting room (and adjoining kitchen) is perfect for entertaining. The Lugo home has become the go-to place for holiday dinners that welcome family and friends. Last New Year’s, they hosted a party for neighbors. Tabletop décor is from At Home and Goodwill, while the chiffon runner is from Amazon, as is the lighting fixture.

Rachael has always loved to decorate for Christmas. “I’ve always loved the sparkle and magic of Christmas and because of Instagram, I knew it had to be a big deal,” she says of going into holiday mode by late October. For their first Christmas in the house, Rachael installed one tree in the living room. Last year, she invested in two 9-foot trees. She also situated one in the dining/sitting room. “I like a contemporary look for Christmas,” she elaborates. As you can see from last year’s décor, Rachael employed lots of sparkle and a variety of metallics to complement the neutral color scheme. “I like to change it up from year to year. This year I’m toying with doing red,” she said in early September of her plans for Christmas 2023. She names Michaels and Hobby Lobby as her go-to sources for holiday décor. 

Wanting to find a more creative use for a closet that was tucked beneath the staircase, Rachael and Mike came up with the idea of transforming it into a glass-enclosed wine room. “It just adds to the mood of the room,” she says. Since these photos were taken, the staircase was replaced and the second floor was remodeled to echo the look and feel of the main floor. Light-hued LVT flooring replaced the tons of tile that were removed.

Now that the house is finished, Rachael plans to do more entertaining. “It’s become the go-to place for family holiday dinners,” she notes, adding that by holiday, she means all of them. “They are kind of potluck affairs; everyone brings something.” For such dinners, the concept of family extends to friends who don’t have relatives in the area. “Last year, we had a New Year’s Eve party for our neighbors,” Rachael says. “That was a lot of fun. It was the first time we met some of them.” 

Follow Juliet Interiors on Instagram @Juliet_Interiors_Home. 

A Christmas Miracle! Michter’s Whiskey Cake 

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In early December 2018, I was invited to a celebration of Dick Stoll’s 85th birthday. The last master distiller at Michter’s Distillery in Schaefferstown had gone on to become the first half of the Stoll & Wolfe Distillery in Lititz, where the event was held. A concurrence of extraordinary rarities commemorated the occasion, including a 30-year-old bottle of whiskey, a peculiar birthday cake and the search for a nearly forgotten recipe.

A photographic recreation of the cover of Michter’s Recipe Notebook, featuring Michter’s Whiskey Cake and “Wonderful Good” Egg Nog. Also shown is a Michter’s 750 mL hex decanter, 1753 jug decanter (and candle holder), quart jug and a “Love and Romance” hex cup. The sealed 1970s Michter’s Sour Mash Whiskey bottle, distilled in Schaefferstown by Dick Stoll, is courtesy of Michter’s historian, Ethan Smith.

It was a laid-back evening at Stoll & Wolfe Distillery that saw many people stopping by to wish Dick a happy birthday. I pulled up a chair next to Ethan and Gretchen Smith, collectors and absolute historians of the storied Michter’s Distillery in Schaefferstown, Lebanon County. I perceive Ethan to be the ampersand in “Stoll & Wolfe,” as he is credited with having made the fortuitous introduction of Dick Stoll to Erik Wolfe.

Illustrated recipes from the Michter’s Recipe Notebook include Carriage House Mince Meat, Michter’s Amish Coffee, “Wonderful Good” Egg Nog, Blue Mountain Pumpkin Custard, Michter’s Whiskey Cake and Schapp’s Sauce. Just recently another Michter’s cookbook popped up on Ebay. Dating to 1959, its title is Michter’s Plain and Fancy Pennsylvania Dutch Cookbook.

Without ceremony, Ethan quietly produced a vintage bottle of Michter’s Whiskey. It was distilled by Dick and predated the Schaefferstown distillery’s closure on Valentine’s Day, 1990.

Unexpectedly, Ethan generously offered me a sip of the sour mash whiskey. In disbelief, I felt I should decline, understanding its rarity. But then again, it struck me that the opportunity might never present itself twice. His offer was sincere. I was restrained but no fool. The moment I took a sip, there was less Michter’s whiskey left in the world. It was wonderful and an experience made better by knowing I was sampling whiskey that’s about as old as I am, all the while I was seated next to the man who distilled it. I will never forget that once-in-a-lifetime gesture by Ethan.

Now having a flavor reference of the original Michter’s 86 Proof Sour Mash Whiskey, I asked Ethan what spirit he considers a modern facsimile. “Old Forester 86” was his reply, adding, “Old Forester is about the closest you’re going to get in flavor to the original Michter’s without spending serious coin.” This would quickly become a necessary anecdote.

The “Birthday Cake”

At the next table over sat Sam Komlenic, an editor at Whiskey Advocate. Sam has probably forgotten more about whiskey than I will ever hope to know. He had baked a birthday cake of sorts that was being passed around to those nearby. Prepared in a sheet pan covered in waxed paper, it was sliced into finger-food-sized portions. That isn’t how I typically approach cake, but hey, it’s still cake! 

Dick Stoll’s 85th birthday party was held at Stoll & Wolfe Distillery on December 8, 2018. Left to right are Sam Komlenic, Jordan Bush, Dick Stoll, Ethan and Gretchen Smith, and Erik Wolfe. Photograph courtesy of Jim Wolfe.

Dick and Elaine Stoll met through Michter’s, where he was a distiller and she conducted tours during the summer months. Their birthdays are a month apart (Elaine’s on October 30 and Dick’s on November 28). Dick would have been 90 this month. Photograph courtesy of Jim Wolfe.

Taking a bite, it became clear why the portions were small: it was a whiskey cake. And not just any whiskey cake, it was a Schaefferstown Michter’s Whiskey Cake, soaked in sour mash whiskey. Dense and flavorful, the whiskey contributed warmth and spice to the delicious, fruited cake. In amazement, Elaine Stoll, Dick’s wife, shared she had sampled many whiskey cakes over the years, but Sam’s was “the best by far.”

Naturally, I asked Sam about the origins and recipe of his whiskey cake. He instructed me to find a copy of Michter’s cookbook. I had no idea such a book existed, something he offered up as though the book and its information were common knowledge. He let me in on a secret, too: “Soak the cake in whiskey for a week or two, covered tightly in the fridge.”

Recipe Hunting

I was 30 years too late to walk into the Schaefferstown distillery to buy a copy of the recipe book. Instead, I saved an eBay search for “Michter’s” and waited. In the meantime, on August 13, 2020, Dick passed away at the age of 86. Four months after Dick left us for the angel’s share, my eBay search produced a listing for not one but five copies of the Michter’s recipe book. Of all places, the seller was in Lititz and offered local pickup. It was a Christmas Miracle! Clicking “Buy it Now,” all five copies were mine. Eager to retrieve my prize, I drove the windy, snow-covered backroads to Lititz, a short trip that felt like a lifetime.

The cake is baked with a pound each of candied cherries and dried dates, both of which I soaked in Old Forester 86 bourbon. Out of the oven, the cake weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces (before the final dose of whiskey was added)!

Collecting my package on the seller’s front porch, I couldn’t wait and opened the envelope while parked in their driveway. To my surprise, each copy of the recipe “book” was pristine, with crisp edges and tight binding. The fully embossed cover features a colorful spread of desserts and drinks that are accompanied by stoneware whiskey decanters sold by Michter’s. No author or publication date was listed. The only date shown – “1753” painted on a stoneware – alludes to the first distillery at that site, which was started by Swiss-Mennonite farmers, John and Michael Shenk, in the year 1753.

To my surprise, the recipe book isn’t in a traditional format. Instead, it’s a notepad titled, Michter’s Pennsylvania Dutch Whiskey Recipe Note Pad. Each tear-out page contains a recipe and illustration using Michter’s Whiskey, being careful to capitalize MICHTER’S, emphasizing the point of the handout. These notepads weren’t created to endure but to be consumed and shared like a good bottle of Michter’s whiskey. 

Carefully turning the pages, I scanned to find Michter’s Whiskey Cake recipe listed on page five. All told, there are six recipes repeated throughout the notepad, each using whiskey: Carriage House Mince Meat, Michter’s Amish Coffee, “Wonderful Good” Egg Nog, Blue Mountain Pumpkin Custard, Michter’s Whiskey Cake and Schapp’s Sauce. 

Arriving home, I messaged Elaine to let her know I finally found the collection of recipes. Back when the Schaefferstown distillery was open, Elaine, who was a teacher, worked as a summer tour guide at Michter’s, where she met Dick. Surprisingly, Elaine didn’t have the recipe book, so a copy went back to Lititz for her. Elaine recognized it, explaining they were offered for sale in the gift shop for a few years beginning in 1976.

Following Sage Advice

Taking the input of Ethan Smith, Sam Komlenic and Elaine Stoll into account, I made a few revisions to the recipe. Instead of using a rare, 30-year-old bottle of Michter’s Whiskey distilled in Schaefferstown, I took a cue from Ethan and used Old Forester 86. 

I candied cherries with a 1/2 cup of sugar and simmered them over low heat for roughly an hour, letting them cool before adding chopped, dried dates. 

Make sure to heavily grease the bundt pan; I used room temperature, unsalted butter.

I accidentally doubled the amount of dates and was pleased with the outcome. Covered, I let them sit out in a bowl overnight so as not to affect the baking temperature with a chilled ingredient. 

Four hours at 265 degrees and a broom cake tester produced a clean result. Still in the pan, the hot cake weighed 6 pounds and 10 ounces before one cup of whiskey was added to the cheesecloth. Adding a splash of whiskey every few days, the cake was kept covered tightly in the fridge for several days (or even weeks for a softer texture) before being enjoyed in excessive portions.

Whiskey Cake Trivia

Yes, the jokes about fruit cake are sure to begin soon. But, add whiskey, and I’m sure you’ll change your opinion. 

Curious about the origins of such cakes, I did a little digging and discovered some historical background through the website, Rabbit Hole. It seems that 200-plus years ago, whiskey provided such cakes with more than flavor and a kick. Whiskey also served as a preservative that allowed cakes to stay fresh long after their shelf life would have expired. It seems we have Ireland and Scotland to thank for the treat. 

According to Rabbit Hole, “Whiskey cake is a historical recipe that has withstood the test of time. The earliest writing about it extends as far back as the 1700s, with the delicious baked good providing a tasty treat for Irish families in the 18th century. 

The story of how whiskey cake came to the U.S. has something in common with how the country became a key player in the whiskey community. As with the drink that gives it its name, whiskey cake soon found its way across the Atlantic Ocean as European colonists migrated to the Americas, bringing their favorite dishes with them. Once imported to the colonies, whiskey cake proved to be just as much of a success with the colonists as it was with their relatives across the sea.”

The narrative went on to share that George Washington was one of whiskey cake’s biggest fans. In fact, the Emmy Award-winning show, A Taste of History, even provided a recipe that is thought to be the same one that was used at Mount Vernon. 

Congratulations!

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As we prepare to usher in 2024, we’d like to say “Cheers” to the following businesses, organizations and individuals that are marking milestone anniversaries in 2023. 

Railroad House Inn, 200 years 

Fulton Theatre, 170 years 

Lancaster NAACP, 100 years 

Junior League of Lancaster, 100 years 

Giant Food Stores, 100 years 

E.H. Gochnauer & Sons, Inc., 90 years 

New Holland Farmers Day Association, 90 years

The Log Cabin Restaurant, 90 years  

McCaskey High School, 85 years 

Metzler Home Builders, 70 years 

June Smith, organist at St. Paul’s UCC (Manheim) for 70 years 

Bill Rhoads, organist at Otterbein United Methodist Church (Lancaster) for 70 years 

Ephrata Cloister Museum Store, 65 years 

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s Greek Food Bazaar, 65 years 

Dutch Wonderland, 60 years 

George Grove & Son, Inc., 60 years 

Mountville Library, 60 years 

Spanish American Civic Association (SACA), 50 years 

Elizabethtown Fair, 50 years 

Martin Appliance, 50 years

Mount Joy Area Historical Society, 50 years 

MVE Group, 50 years 

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center, 50 years 

White Family Dental, 40 years 

Whitmoyer Auto Group, 40 years 

Joe Calhoun, chief meteorologist, WGAL, 40 years 

Coffee Co., 40 years 

Isaac’s Restaurants, 40 years 

Arch Street Center, 40 years 

Wolf Sanctuary of PA, 40 years 

Lancaster Farmland Trust, 35 years 

Schreiber Pediatric’s Rubber Duckie Race, 35 years 

Heart of Lancaster Art & Craft Show, 35 years 

Groff’s Plant Farm, 30 years 

Noah F. Boyle Cabinets, 30 years 

Phillips Paint & Decorating Center, 30 years  

The Belvedere Inn, 25 years 

Landmark Homes, 25 years 

Champ’s Barber Shop & School, 20 years 

Clemintines Boutique, 15 years 

Grandview Vineyard, 10 years 

Beau’s Dream Park, 10 years 

Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, 10 years 

Space, 10 years 

Walk-O-Taco, 5 years 

To Write of Architecture…

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Over coffee, on a sunny day in the city, two writers speak of the beauty of Lancaster’s architecture. I am chatting with architect turned author, Gregg Scott, about Cassius Emlen Urban. And I am discovering how deep another writer will dig to unearth a story with veins touching almost everyone who strides upon the Red Rose city’s sidewalks. 

Gregg Scott inspects the intricate moulding that distinguishes a period fireplace.

Anyone who has walked along the streets of Lancaster has met the work of architect C. Emlen Urban. There is Lancaster’s first “skyscraper,” the Griest Building; the Southern Market; and the Fulton Theatre. Tourists meet Urban through staying at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, its façade the remains of his Watt & Shand building. The pious know him as they walk past the St. James Parish House on North Duke Street. He created Roslyn, the mansion home of Peter T. Watt on Marietta Avenue. The list of Urban’s projects, I soon discover, stretches beyond my wildest suppositions.

November 15 marks the official release of Gregg Scott’s book on the life and work of architect C. Emlen Urban. Several book signings are planned for November and December. A portion of the proceeds will benefit LancasterHistory and the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.

Reynolds Middle School, which Urban created in 1927, is my closest appreciation for the architect’s work. The building was not only my junior high school, but also the view from my bedroom window. I always loved the building. My young hands traced the building’s tan bricks; we kicked soccer balls against its walls, skateboarded in its shadow. Wonder drove my thoughts on school days passing under the cast stone embellishments over the doorways. My mild curiosity with Urban pales in comparison to the connection Gregg has made with his fellow architect. He is now poised to release a detailed book on Urban. 

Finding Lancaster 

“Ever since I was a little kid, I loved art. Drawing was my passion. I was terrible at mathematics, except for geometry,” remembers Gregg, who was even tapped to help instruct his high school geometry classes. “So, when it came time to choose a career, I was bent on becoming a graphic designer. However, my father had a different idea because he was a mechanical and electrical engineer and couldn’t wrap his head around art as a way to make a living.”

Urban was a master of 21 different styles of architecture. His work can be seen across six states.

Gregg’s father started to bring home charts and graphs detailing possible careers. They agreed architecture was a blend of what they both wanted for a future. Gregg attended Penn State and graduated with honors in 1973. Originally from Bucks County, he now laughs at the seriousness of what brought him to Lancaster: unemployment. This was the ’70s, and the economy was mired in stagflation. A former professor connected him with Jim Reese, who was looking to fill a position at Haak Kaufman Reese and Beers Architects in Lancaster, which is now RLPS Architects.

“I became a partner four years later. My career was essentially designing retirement living, travelling throughout the United States, and I didn’t really have too much time to appreciate our community historically,” says Gregg. Nonetheless, Gregg embraced an opportunity to write a column on architecture for LNP. The idea was sparked by his newly discovered joy of Lancaster’s buildings.

Scott & Urban

“I was standing in Penn Square on a beautiful autumn afternoon enjoying the day when my attention was directed to the surrounding buildings,” he recalls. “I realized then that I wasn’t just looking at them, but was appreciating them. I said, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’” Even though Gregg was active in the community throughout his professional career, including 22 years of writing a monthly architectural column for LNP, it was not until 2018 that he began to focus on the brilliance of one particular architect who “benchmarked everything.” 

C. Emlen Urban was born in Conestoga Centre 160 years ago. Not the best of students (he tied for last in his class at Lancaster Boys High School), he launched his prolific career as an architect with an apprenticeship.

Thus began a mission to find out more about C. Emlen Urban. “I embarked on a quest to learn more about this guy. Who was he? Where was he born? Where did he grow up? What made him tick? The more I learned, I realized Urban was different than any other architect I have studied in terms of his ability and his moxie,” recalls Gregg.

He found two unheralded, historical pamphlets about Urban, which served as the perfect launching point for his research. Then, in 2019, Lancaster Newspapers released its archives to newspapers.com, opening a trove of information. He employed Deb Oesch, a research historian. The investigation took off, and he soon uncovered hundreds of architectural commissions assigned to Urban for buildings throughout six states. “It was like a Gatling gun of information. I didn’t know what to do,” explains Gregg. “All this information came flooding in, and no one was aware of it. It helped me to learn who he was and what he did.”

In 2016, there were 94 commissions accredited to Urban in those two publications. When we met for coffee in the spring of 2023, Greg reported the known total had boomed to 544 projects. Since then, Gregg’s work has continued, and the number has escalated to an architectural feat exceeding 760. Gregg has no problem declaring Urban as Lancaster’s most prolific architect of the 19th and 20th centuries. “How does one person with only a high school diploma and no partners produce that much work in 50 years, and quality work? It’s unheard of.”

C. Emlen

Cassius Emlen Urban, who always reduced his forename to C., was born in Conestoga Centre, Lancaster County, on February 20, 1863. His father was a successful carpenter by trade, a musician in the Civil War, and operated a mill in the city. The family moved to 544 South Queen Street with the young Urban, his three sisters and one brother; in 1880 the family built and moved to a home one block away. In that same year, Urban graduated from Lancaster Boys High School, where he tied for last place scholastically but nonetheless was invited to present a valedictorian address. He did not attend a college or university; instead he went straight into apprenticeship with a combined four years spent in Scranton and Philadelphia.

One of Urban’s more famous residential projects was Roslyn, whose story is detailed in the book.

At age 21, Urban moved back to Lancaster and set up his first office in the Urban & Burger’s Planing Mill. Soon after starting his practice, he was married to Jennie Olivia McMichael and moved to 141 East New Street. He and his wife had two children and moved to 212 East King Street in 1896, where the family lived until 1914.

“Through my research I have discovered not only was Urban prolific in his work, but he practiced in 21 different styles of architecture,” says Gregg. In Urban’s time, it was customary for an architect to specialize in a particular style, be it Romanesque, Victorian, Queen Anne, etc. – Gregg likes to call these “architectural languages.” Specialization means an architect will know every detail about the design. “He had to understand design details, colors, materials, proportions in 21 different languages. Not only that, but he was also able to design 54 different kinds of buildings,” Gregg elaborates.

Urban was, and still is, a force on the city skyline. Of his approximately 650 projects in the city, Gregg suspects about 85% are still standing today. One of Gregg’s favorite Urban buildings is the Kirk Johnson building on West King Street, which he calls “a toybox of lush, gooey architectural details,” followed closely by the former Stevens High School at the corner of West Chestnut and North Charlotte streets. One of the most respected and admired Urban works is the Watt & Shand façade. “He was a little unorthodox and bold. When he debuted Watt & Shand’s new department store in 1898, it was the only white building in the city. That takes courage. Every other building in Lancaster was red brick. He convinced Peter T. Watt and James Shand to introduce a Beaux-Arts French-inspired building in Lancaster County! I mean, we are as far removed from Paris as the man in the moon,” says Gregg. “He obviously had some persuasive power. He introduced Europe into this city.” 

Urban Legend

The culmination of Gregg’s acquired information will result in the first hard-cover book on Urban. Gregg’s goal is to pre-sell 500 copies of his book, Urban Legend: The Life & Legacy of C. Emlen Urban, before its release in mid-November. (He emailed me one month before the release date to let me know sales had just passed 425 copies.)

“Through 25 narratives, the book chronicles Urban’s life and his work with some of the most beautiful architectural photography you will ever see,” says Gregg. The book includes creative exterior visuals and photos of interior work not available to the public. Lancaster photographer, Matthew Tennison, presents Urban’s work “in ways you have never seen it before. He is able to catch the magic of the buildings,” Greg notes. 

The book will also include reproductions of ink-on-linen drawings and designs by Urban. Urban Legend will explore the facts surrounding some residential and commercial commissions designed by the architect. The photos are rich with captions that complement the narratives. In all, the book will detail 17 architectural styles while delving into the history of buildings and their owners. “It is not just about the architecture. That is only one part of the story. I will not put readers to sleep with architectural jargon. I aim to entertain and educate,” promises Gregg. 

Gregg chose the ancient Roman decoration, Egg & Dart, as the name of his publishing company and partnered with Fig Industries for the design and marketing. Preorder sales are discounted until November 14 and will be signed by the author. A purchase also comes with an invitation to an appreciation party on November 14 at the Southern Market. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be directed to LancasterHistory and the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. Preorders will be available for pickup beginning November 14, while shipped orders will commence on November 15. Urban Legend will retail for $120 and can be ordered online at egganddartbooks.com. Egg & Dart can be found on Instagram @egganddartbooks.

Greg’s research uncovered new Urban projects, but it also confirmed some suspicions. It turns out Urban was the designer of the arch leading into Lancaster Cemetery off Lemon Street. The Liberty House, which housed the soccer equipment when I was a kid playing in Buchanan Park, was designed by Urban and helped promote the sale of war bonds. A cowbarn for Milton S. Hershey, steeple tops on local churches, the Malta Boathouse interior on Boathouse Row in Philadelphia (which he completed at age 22) and other “curious commissions” have further piqued Gregg’s curiosity. He is already thinking of book two even before the first book has hit the shelves. 

Gregg Scott’s fascination with Urban began in 2018.

Scattered thundershowers rolled through Lancaster on a cloudy Monday, May 22, 1939. In the early hours, in a home he designed on Buchanan Avenue, Urban succumbed to a two-year illness. His architectural mark on Lancaster will live on forever, if not for the durability and quality of his designs but for the appreciation of fans and scholars like Gregg Scott.

Upcoming Events For Urban Legend: The Life & Legacy of C. Emlen Urban

November 15, 5-7 p.m. 

Release Party at Campus of LancasterHistory

230 N. President Ave.

November 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Book Signing at Pocket Books Shop

903 Wheatland Ave.

December 1, 5-7 p.m.

Book Signing at Lancaster City Welcome Center

38 Penn Square

December 5, 5-7 p.m. 

Book Signing at The Trust Performing Arts Center

37 N. Market St.

December 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Book Signing at Ellicott & Co.

45 N. Market St. 

For details, visit egganddartbooks.com.

Christmas Events at Stone Gables Estate

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The Star Barn will be decorated and illuminated for the series of dinners that will welcome guests to Stone Gables Estate during the month of December.

If Stone Gables’ events don’t put you in the Christmas spirit, we don’t know what will! Over the past several years, Stone Gables has become Christmas central, thanks to the array of events that are held between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year’s. They include: 

The Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1844 and moved to Stone Gables Estate in 2018. Originally located in the Ronks area, it spanned the Pequea Creek. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The Christmas Light Drive-Thru 

Select evenings, November 24-December 29
Fees vary by vehicle size 

Magical! Spectacular! That describes the 3-mile drive you take through the estate that is aglow with 800,000-plus LED lights. The adventure begins as you cross the festively decorated Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge and continues through a forest that twinkles with Moravian stars. You’ll also pass by the Star Barn Village, a life-sized Nativity and trees of all sizes. Oh, and there’s a scavenger hunt to take part in, too. New features will debut this year. 

Moravian stars and other lighting installations illuminate the interior of the covered bridge.

National Christmas Center

November 24-December 29 

Christmas Past is celebrated at this renowned museum that will one day make its home in a restored barn at Stone Gables Estate. For now, it has a temporary home near the estate. If you love Christmas, this is a must-see! 

Once you cross the bridge, a forest filled with decorated trees and Moravian stars awaits!

The Santa Express

Select dates, November 24-December 23 

Climb aboard the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad, which is pulled by a replica 1868 steam locomotive. Sing along to Christmas carols, greet St. Nick and more as the train makes its way across the estate. 

The 3-mile route is aglow with 800,000-plus LED lights.

Christmas Dinner & Show 

December 5, 7, 12-14, 19-21, 27 and 28

The Star Barn is the setting for this holiday event that features gorgeous decorations, a social hour, a buffet dinner prepared by Food for Thought Catering, entertainment, gift shops, the drive-thru light show and more. 

The Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch 

December 9, 16 and 23 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) 

An outdoor market will feature artisans, food trucks, kids’ activities, as well as indoor displays of trains. 

 

Stone Gables Estate is located at 1 Hollinger Lane in Elizabethtown. For details and to make reservations, visit stonegablesestate.com. 

Top November 2023 To-Dos

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The holiday season is upon us, which means the calendar is bursting with things to do and see. We’ve selected 13 events for the month of November that allow you to give back and support your community, enjoy the waning fall season and marvel at the creative talents of others. Our picks for December will be posted online later in November. 

Photo courtesy of Discover Lancaster

1.Lancaster County Craft & Cork Trail 

Ongoing 

Discover Lancaster recently unveiled yet another trail, with the focus of this one being breweries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries/vineyards. In total, there are 37 stops along the trail. An app that can be downloaded through Discover Lancaster’s website provides access to the trail. By checking in (via the app), you will earn 100 to 150 points at each stop, which accumulate and earn you prizes that can be picked up at Discover Lancaster’s Greenfield Road visitors center. In addition, participating businesses are offering discounts and promotions.

Information: DiscoverLancaster.com

Photo courtesy of Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County

2.Lancaster County Barn Tour 

Ongoing 

Unveiled last month, the tour is a collaborative effort of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and the Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley. The self-guided driving tour includes some of the county’s oldest and historically significant barns. Most are working barns located on private property and can be viewed from public roads. (The tour extends only to viewing the exteriors.) A few are located on public property. A full-color tour book serves as your guide and contains photographs, detailed descriptions and pertinent information about each barn.

Information: Books can be ordered through the Trust’s website at hptrust.org.  

Photo courtesy of IMDb

3.Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour: The Movie 

Through November 5
Theatres throughout Lancaster County 

Move over Barbie, there’s a new queen of filmdom. Not bad for a girl who grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Berks County! Taylor’s sold-out 52-city North American tour broke the internet and the hearts of Swifties who could not score tickets for the spectacle of what Architectural Digest called an unbelievable display of “architecture and fashion” in that the staging and costuming change for nearly every one of the 44 songs Taylor performs from her 17-year career. The concert debuted on the big screen last month and can be seen through November 5 at Penn Cinema (including IMAX) in Lititz, Regal Manor and Reels Cinemas in Lancaster, Kendig Square Movies in Willow Street, and The New Main in Ephrata.    

 

Photo courtesy of Samaritan Center

4.Silent Samaritan Luncheon

November 3
Calvary Church

The Silent Samaritans are a group of women whose goal is to empower other women. As part of the Samaritan Center, which offers counseling, business consulting and other services, the Silent Samaritans host a fundraising luncheon each year; proceeds are used to support women who are seeking counseling through the Samaritan Center but find the cost is beyond their means. This year’s keynote speaker will be Timbrel Chyatee, a downtown business owner (Chyatee), fashion designer, podcast host, philanthropist and advocate for the underprivileged. 1051 Landis Valley Rd., Lancaster. 11:30 a.m.

For tickets, visit samaritanlancaster.org.

Photo courtesy of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

5.Greek Food Bazaar  

November 4-5
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

It’s back in full swing, as this celebration of all-things Greek returns to its traditional option of offering dine-in or take-out. On the menu is a traditional platter that includes chicken in traditional Greek sauce, pastitsio, spanakopita, Greek salad and a roll. A selection of homemade Greek pastries and desserts will also be available for purchase, including baklava, kourambiethes, koulourakia, finikia, honey balls, rice pudding (16 oz) and a variety box. One-third of proceeds will be donated to various philanthropic organizations that benefit the Lancaster community. 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster. Hours are Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Information: 717-394-1735 or Annunciationorthodox.org/festival/bazaar 

Photo courtesy of Eastland Alpacas

6.Eastland Alpacas Open House 

November 4-5 & 11-12
Zurin Farm, Mount Joy 

A perfect family-friendly event (WJTL’s Kids Cookie Break will be on-site the morning of Nov. 4), the annual open house provides the opportunity to see alpacas up close and even lead and feed them. An alpaca obstacle course will be operated by members of Lancaster 4-H. Wagon rides around the 30-acre farm will be available. Learn more about alpacas through talks that will be held. Products at the gift shop are guaranteed to provide “a warm hug from nature.” Food will be available for purchase. 2089 Risser Mill Rd., Mount Joy. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

Information: eastlandalpacas.com. 

Photo courtesy of American Music Theatre

7.The First Noel

November 7-December 30
American Music Theatre 

The magic and splendor of the holidays are celebrated at AMT with its annual original production that features incredible singers, astonishing dancers, wondrous costumes, breathtaking sets, and all the endearment of a perfect fireside family moment! Bask in the beauty of the season and cherish the stories of spirit and love as AMT brings all your favorite sights and sounds to the stage. Even before the show starts, Christmas cheer welcomes you into the theatre’s festive lobby decorated with Christmas trees, garland, natural wreaths and more. 2425 Lincoln Hwy. East.

Information: amtshows.com or 717-397-7700.

Photos courtesy of ExtraGive

8.ExtraGive & One World Festival 

November 17

During this 24-hour fundraiser, join thousands of community members as they make online donations to more than 400 local organizations that directly impact the quality of life in Lancaster County. Launched in 2012, the ExtraGive is considered Lancaster County’s biggest day of giving. Last year saw 24,600 donors raise $10,180,000 that benefitted 452 nonprofit organizations. A festive countdown party is held at the Lancaster County Convention Center. Many participating organizations will host their own fundraisers and celebrations throughout the day, all of which can be found on the website.

This year’s event will be complemented by the One World Festival, a celebration of the various ethnic and cultural groups that have contributed to Lancaster’s diverse makeup. The festival will feature food and craft vendors, music and dance performances, as well as cultural and community organizations. 

The Lancaster County Convention Center is hosting both events. The One World Festival will be held from 12-8 p.m. The ExtraGive countdown festivities will be held from 8 p.m.-midnight.

Information: extragive.org and oneworldfestival.org 

Photo courtesy of ROOT’S Country Market & Auction, Inc.

9.Christmas Show

November 18
Root’s Country Market

Hundreds of makers and vendors will be offering unique holiday gifts including holiday décor, wreaths, hand-made toys, hand-knitted items, pottery, jewelry and more during this 19th-annual show. Also enjoy food vendors, live music and a visit with Santa. 705 Greystone Rd., Manheim. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Information: Facebook or 717-898-7811.

10.Holiday Shopping Fair 

November 18
Lancaster Farm & Home Center 

Furever Home Adoption Center and Pet Pantry of Lancaster County will be hosting their 9th annual Holiday Shopping Fair. The free, indoor, family-friendly public event will feature 100 local businesses, unique crafters, vendors and food! Shoppers can take a chance on a wide variety of raffle items donated by local businesses, donors and sponsors. The first 100 adult guests will receive a free raffle ticket entry into a special prize drawing.

Furever Home Adoption Center and Pet Pantry of Lancaster County share the mission to relieve the suffering and meet the needs of homeless animals in Lancaster County. Both organizations exist through public support and private fundraising, and this event is an integral part of their ability to help save more lives. 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Information: FureverHomeAdoptionCenter.com and PetPantryLC.org. 

Photo courtesy of Strasburg Scooters Tours

11.Thanksgiving Scooter Tour 

November 23
Strasburg Scooters 

Before Thanksgiving dinner is served and the games (football) begin, why not take a few hours to get outside and enjoy the crisp fall weather. Strasburg Scooters is hosting a guided tour of covered bridges and scenic backroads in that area of the county on Thanksgiving morning, with your transportation being a one- or two-seat scooter or scooter coup. It’s also the perfect way to share Lancaster County with out-of-town guests. 246 N. Decatur St., Strasburg. 9 a.m.

Information: Reservations are needed, visit strasburgscooters.com.  

Photo courtesy of American Express

12.Small Business Saturday 

November 25 

Founded by American Express in 2010 and cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to patronize locally owned restaurants, shops and businesses on the all-important Saturday after Thanksgiving. The groundswell of support saw 32 million such businesses across the country benefit from an estimated $17.9 billion in consumer spending in 2022. In Lancaster County, towns and small businesses are preparing fun promotions and events to get feet in the street for Small Business Saturday. Be sure to “think small” and patronize your favorite locally owned restaurant, café, shop or business on Saturday, November 25. 

Photo courtesy of Chanticleer

13.Chanticleer

November 29
The Trust Performing Arts Center  

This GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal ensemble has been hailed as “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker and is known around the globe as “an orchestra of voices” for its wide-ranging repertoire and dazzling virtuosity. This holiday concert will feature Chanticleer’s original interpretations of vocal literature … from Renaissance to jazz and from gospel to venturesome new music. 37 N. Market St., Lancaster. 7:30 p.m.

Information: reserve tickets at lancastertrust.com. 

13 Must-Dos for October 2023

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In the opinion of many, October is the unofficial start of the holiday season, as it entails decorating, social gatherings, food and drink and plenty of activities that celebrate the season. As October is marked by a Friday the 13th date, this month we’re providing you with 13 events to check out.  

Photo courtesy of Lancaster Creative Factory, Meals on Wheels of Lancaster

1.Empty Bowls

October 1 | Lancaster Creative Factory

Proceeds from this event will benefit Meals on Wheels of Lancaster. The unique aspect of this event centers on the fact that ticket holders will be able to select from more than 400 ceramic bowls – all made my artists associated with the Lancaster Creative Factory – which they can fill with soup made by local restaurants. Fresh bread and baked goods will round out the menu. Live music will be provided by Easily Amused. A live auction will be held, as will glass-blowing demonstrations. 4-7 p.m. 580 South Prince Street, Lancaster. For ticket information, visit Eventbrite.com/e/682156226637.

Photo courtesy of Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

2.Garden Railways Tour

October 1 | Sponsored by Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

This self-guided tour of operating model trains in various outdoor and garden settings explores an aspect of gardening that became popular in Britain at the turn of the 20th century and was ultimately embraced by America’s gardening and railroading enthusiasts. While its popularity waned in the U.S. during the ’50s and ’60s, garden railroading made a huge comeback in the ’80s and shows no signs of abating. This year marks the museum’s 16th-annual tour. It’s a fun outing for all ages! A roster of Garden Railways Tour homes and their addresses will be emailed to you following your ticket purchase. This event supports the nonprofit Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. 1-5 p.m. Information: Tickets available at Eventbrite.com/e/garden-railways-tour-tickets-681042766247.

Photo courtesy of Strasburg Rail Road

3.Legacy of Sleepy Hollow

Thursday-Sunday, October 7-November 5
Strasburg Rail Road

A professional cast of actors brings a new perspective to the classic tale, Legacy of Sleepy Hollow, with the help of grand special effects, live horses and the scariest train ride of the season. Join Isabel Crane, the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Ichabod Crane, as she takes you on a frightful journey filled with sword fights, ghosts and a centuries-old curse surrounding her family. Note: not recommended for children under the age of 8. 301 Gap Road, Ronks. Information: 1-866-725-9666 or strasburgrailroad.com/special-events/legacy-of-sleepy-hollow.

Photo courtesy of Historic Ephrata Cloister

4.Apple Dumpling Days

October 6-7 | Ephrata Cloister  

In Lancaster County, the quintessential fall treat is an apple dumpling, which is a warm, juicy apple wrapped in pastry and covered in sweet cinnamon syrup. Enjoy the delicious Pennsylvania Dutch treat (made by Achenbach’s Pastries) while supporting the Ephrata Cloister. All proceeds benefit the Back to the Cloister Fund, which is used to return original items to the historic site. Apple dumplings can be purchased for $5.50 each at the Museum Store. (Large orders can be made online.) The sale will run from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. until sold out on Saturday. 632 West Main Street, Ephrata. Information: 717-733-6600 or ephratacloister.org/events/apple-dumpling-sales.

Photo courtesy of The Lancaster Central Market

5.Harvest Breakfast

October 7 | Central Market

A culinary and social event all in one! Standholders will be preparing special seasonal breakfast fare, while outdoors, long tables provide seating and the opportunity to meet friends old and new and enjoy the food. Live music and face/pumpkin painting round out the festivities. 8 a.m.-12 noon (rain or shine). 23 North Market Street, Lancaster. Information: centralmarketlancaster.com

Photo courtesy of Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum.

6.Harvest Days

October 7-8 | Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

This celebration of a year’s worth of hard work is the oldest and largest family-friendly event held at Landis Valley. Festivities include food demonstrations (apple butter, sauerkraut, processing pork, bake oven and hearth cooking), exhibits, craft demonstrations (coopering, blacksmith, leather, brooms, pottery, millinery, weaving, woodwork and more), craft sales (jams & jellies, pottery, soap, candles and more), live music and children’s activities. Visit the pumpkin patch and decorate the pumpkin you have chosen. Tickets available at the gate. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster. Information: 717-569-9312 or landisvalleymuseum.org.

Photo courtesy of Millersville Parade Committee

7.Millersville Parade

October 14 | Millersville Borough

Travel the World is the theme of the 26th edition of the parade that was originally established by volunteers whose goal was to improve community relations among Millersville University, the borough and neighboring communities. Since then, the parade has grown into one of the county’s largest and most dynamic events of its kind. The parade features high-quality marching bands from across Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. You can also expect to see antique cars, animals, floats, civic organizations, clowns and more in the lineup. The route starts at Penn Manor High School, travels along Herr Avenue, turns onto Landis Avenue and continues to North George Street. Parking is available in university lots and on borough streets that are not on the parade route. 8:30 a.m. Information: Millersville.edu/parade.

Photo courtesy of Albatwitch Day

8.Albatwitch Day

October 14 | Columbia

What’s an albatwitch you ask? It’s a small, hairy, human-like creature that has a fondness for apples. (Albatwitches are known to throw apple cores at humans who pursue them.) Rooted in both Germanic and Susquehannock Indian folklore, the albatwitch’s favorite stomping grounds is the Columbia area, notably around Chiques Rock. Since 2014, Columbia has been the scene of a fall festival that pays homage to the albatwitch (and other things that go bump in the night) through lectures, author appearances, music, a wide range of vendors and food trucks. Trolley tours are offered, including those hosted by Chris Vera and Rick Fisher, who delve into the haunted history of the area. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Columbia River Park, 41 Walnut Street. Information: Albatwitchday.com.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Witt and Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

9.Halloween Days & Spooky Knights

Weekends, October 14-29
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

The PA Renaissance Faire will be hosting a Halloween spectacular that includes costume contests for adults, nipperkins and royal hounds, a Halloween treasure hunt for nipperkins, and trick-or-treating in the shire! 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim. Information: 717-665-7021 or parenfaire.com.

Photo courtesy of The Shank Shoppe

10.The Bust

October 21 | Columbia

The Shank Shoppe is reviving a favorite fall event, providing it with an abbreviated name (The Bust), a new home (Columbia River Park) and a new focus (maker’s market). The park will be brimming with 100 makers, artists, craftspeople, food trucks/vendors, music and more. Free parking/admission. Pumpkin painting for a donation. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 41 Walnut Street, Columbia. Information: Facebook/com/the shankshoppe/

Photo courtesy of LSJ Studios  and Lancaster City Arts Collective

11.Fall Artwalk

October 21-22
Lancaster City

Lancaster Artwalk is a self-guided tour of downtown galleries and other art-related venues in Lancaster City. Stroll around at your own pace and enjoy special exhibits, live demonstrations, meet-the-artist events, children’s activities and more. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Information: lancastercityartgalleries.com/lancaster-artwalk.

Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Engle

12.Corn Cob Acres

Weekends in October | Mountville

No doubt you are aware of Field of Screams, which can be squeamish for younger children. Several years ago, its owners opened a companion attraction – Corn Cob Acres, a Field of Fun – that offers more than 50 family-friendly activities and special events such as magic shows and a Halloween party (costumes are encouraged). There’s not a ghost or monster in sight! Instead, kids will experience a day of fun in the fresh air that allows them to mine for gems, pick and paint pumpkins, thrill to pig races and much more. New this year is the Hidden Acres Saloon, where parents can enjoy some downtime over an adult beverage. 191 College Avenue, Mountville. Information: corncobacres.com.

Photo courtesy of Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

13.Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Through November 4 | Ronks

The theme of this year’s corn maze – Bee A-Maized – pays homage to the important role bees play in the food chain. Choose from three levels of difficulty and don’t miss the always-popular flashlight-maze nights. But there’s so much more about Cherry Crest than a maze. You can pick your own flowers, pumpkins and ears of corn with which you can make popcorn. There are all sorts of attractions and activities for kids that are both fun and educational. Food? The selection is amazing! Local wineries/breweries are onsite each weekend. Musical entertainment is offered, too. Cherry Crest’s shops are filled with farmhouse-inspired décor, gifts and more. Did we mention there are adorable animals? The season ends with a Pumpkin Madness festival. 150 Cherry Crest Road, Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com.

Erin Gerlach: Fearless DIYer

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Erin Gerlach discovered a “passion for construction” when she and her husband, Justin, purchased their first home and found themselves dealing with the proverbial “champagne taste and beer budget” scenario where updating and furnishing the house were concerned. Erin elected to pick up a saw and hammer and tackle projects on her own. Now, the DIYer is a social media influencer, even receiving exposure in a national magazine. 

From a decorating perspective, fall is one of Erin’s favorite times of the year, as she fills indoor and outdoor spaces with pumpkins, gourds, mums and other colorful essentials. She shops the farmers markets and roadside stands in the Lampeter-Strasburg area to assemble her displays and create fall-themed containers.

No doubt, Erin’s talents are a genetic gift. Her mother, Carole Sheffield, is a master at interior design, decorating and gardening. Now a resident of Wilmington, North Carolina, Carole is a successful realtor and the owner of a condo (along the Cape Fear Riverwalk) she remodeled, furnished and decorated and markets through Vrbo. Erin’s father, Gary Greiner, is the service manager at Paradise Custom Kitchens. Of late, he has been helping her with the design/build of a combination laundry-mudroom-beverage nook. “I guess it’s in my blood,” Erin says of her creative talents. 

Nonetheless, her career path initially took a different (but creative) direction. “I was always interested in art, graphic design and videography,” Erin says of working for several different design firms before launching a freelance business she continues to operate. Fortunately, such skills aid her in creating content for her social media sites. 

The dining room demonstrates Erin’s DIY abilities. The china cabinet was inspired by one she spied in a store but was beyond her budget. So, she designed and built one, calling the six-month-long project “a learning experience.” The table was also inspired by a table that was out of her budget. She crafted her own design using white oak she purchased from a supplier. The chairs were purchased through Facebook Marketplace and refinished. The chandelier, from Generation Lighting, represents Erin’s ongoing efforts to swap out the original budget-conscious elements for more upscale designs.

Fifteen years ago, Erin married her high school (Manheim Central) sweetheart, Justin Gerlach. The two bought a small Cape Cod in the Hamilton Park area of Lancaster. “I loved that house. It’s where I discovered my passion for construction,” she says of the first projects she undertook in order to economically transform the house into a stylish home. YouTube and other tutorials helped her to achieve the desired results. “You can find how to do almost anything on YouTube,” she notes. “It’s a great resource, especially for people like me who tend to learn things visually.” More than a decade later, Erin still has fond memories of the house they called home for four years. “Sometimes I wish we could have hung onto that house,” she muses. “It would have made a great Airbnb.” 

Cement is one of Erin’s favorite creative mediums. Several years ago, she began experimenting with making pumpkins out of cement. Last year she experimented with adding color and liked the results.

Erin’s home in Hamilton Park also got her creative juices flowing in another way. “I started blogging there,” she explains. She called her site “Hamilton Park Home.” In view of the fact that Hamilton Park inspired new directions, Erin has continued to use the blog name for her social media sites. “I started posting consistently in 2020,” she recalls. In 2022, she further immersed herself in the home-related blogosphere by attending Haven, an annual conference that is held in Atlanta. “It was so nice to be around like-minded people,” she says of the experience. 

Her social media presence has also led to collaborations with home- and building-related companies. “That’s been a real experience,” Erin notes. “This is still a relatively new industry. I’m still learning,” she says of tasks such as setting rates, understanding legalities, etc.  She’s also learning to develop thick skin, as people will sometimes comment (negatively) on her techniques and the outcomes of projects. “I fully admit I’m not a pro,” she says of providing full disclosure on her sites. 

A fan of the look of natural wood – which is on trend – Erin tends not to paint vintage pieces of furniture. For this dresser that is in the foyer, she simply sanded it down and left it natural.

Still, Erin says she is having the time of her life. In fact, she traded her car for a truck that makes hauling materials and finds easier. “I’m at Lowe’s all the time,” she admits. And, when it comes to gift suggestions for birthdays, Mother’s Day or Christmas, tools are always at the top of her list. A cordless nail gun is currently high on her wish list. “Oh, I have lots of tools,” she says. “The garage has become my domain. I’m soon going to need to build a tool wall for myself!” 

The kitchen has been a major focus of upgrades, as Erin replaced the original lighting and hardware in order to introduce gold/brass hues to the space. She also installed lighting under the cabinetry, switched out the plumbing fixtures and painted the island a stone-gray color. Next, she plans to extend the cabinets to the ceiling by topping them with glass-fronted designs. The door next to the fridge leads to the laundry-mudroom-beverage center that is under construction.

The arrival of two sons prompted the Gerlachs to make a move to a larger home. “We found a vacant lot in the Lampeter-Strasburg School District and worked with Ironstone Builders to build a house,” she recalls. “We did what we could to stay within our budget,” she says of limiting the number of upgrades to the open-concept design of the two-story transitional-style house.

After moving in, Erin fully involved herself in DIY projects. “I began switching out the builder-grade elements, especially in the kitchen,” she says of replacing lighting, cabinetry hardware and plumbing fixtures. Next up is topping the existing cabinetry with glass-fronted designs, thus extending the cabinetry to the ceiling. 

Erin also began building her own furniture. The dining room holds a china cabinet whose design was inspired by an expensive piece she had seen in a store. Knowing the piece was beyond her budget, Erin went to work designing her own version. “It became a six-month project,” she says of a learning curve that required a great deal of patience. 

Comfortable was Erin’s gameplan in furnishing and decorating the living room. Again, it reflects her love of mixing styles and incorporating DIY projects. She built the coffee table and created the artwork on the wall, using fabric she purchased through Spoonflower. She even created the tree, using a fallen tree branch and silk leaves. The rugs seen here and in the dining room are from Loloi, a company she collaborated with to test the durability of their rugs. “At one point, I scrubbed one down in the driveway,” she says of putting it to the test. “Their rugs are awesome!”

A restored dining table that was beyond Erin’s budget also provided the inspiration for a DIY table she crafted from white oak. The chairs are a find from Facebook Marketplace. “I just refinished them,” she adds of the update she gave them. 

In the living room, the coffee table represents yet another DIY project. In all three areas, the mix of styling speaks of Erin’s aesthetics. “I like to mix things up. It makes for a more interesting room,” she says. On the agenda is finishing the laundry-mudroom-beverage nook and beyond that, redesigning her home office.  

Erin planned and designed the pergola that tops a stamped-concrete patio that was enlarged, but decided to leave the construction phase to a pro. The fence section on the wall (to the left of the pergola) is being used to grow and train wisteria to climb over the pergola. The TV (the framed “art” to the right of the sliding doors) was another project through which she created a canvas under which a waterproof box was installed to hold the TV.

She also transformed the outdoors by adding landscaping, designing a pergola over one patio (she left the construction phase to a pro), constructing a fire table, building an enclosure for the vegetable garden and designing/building a treehouse whose foundation came courtesy of an old playset she and Justin found. 

To transform the playset into a treehouse, Erin added a platform and what she calls “frou-frou.” It instantly became a favorite hangout for the neighborhood kids. It also landed her in the September 2021 issue of HGTV Magazine. “To this day, I don’t know how they found me,” she shares. “The contact just came out of nowhere. I suspect maybe it was through social media, maybe Pinterest. I know a lot of my blog traffic comes from it.” Erin keeps the treehouse in tip-tip condition. “One of these days, the boys will outgrow it. I’m thinking it would make a good wine bar or a ladies loft,” she says. 

The project that landed her on the pages of HGTV Magazine two years ago, entailed taking a discarded playset and using it as the basis for adding design elements such a covered platform and what she calls “frou-frou” to liven up the backyard. It’s been a favorite play area for Erin’s sons and their neighborhood friends.

Erin especially likes projects that entail cement. The fire table she built for the patio involved cement board and thin-set mortar. She outfitted the table with a firepit insert and a half-size propane tank. “We use it a lot,” she reports. “It throws a lot of heat.” That allows for the Gerlachs and their friends to watch football games on the outdoor television (another DIY project) well into the fall. 

The pumpkin Erin holds on the cover is one of her favorite concrete-related projects. To create the pumpkins, she mixes concrete and pours varying amounts into pantyhose in order to achieve a range of shapes and sizes. After tying off the legs and waist, she shapes the “pumpkins,” carves in ridges and lets them dry overnight. The next day, stems are attached to the faux pumpkins. “Last year I experimented with color by adding cement pigment to the mix,” she explains. “I really liked the results. I like that they look organic.” She uses them to decorate interior and exterior areas of the house. 

Erin also uses her artistic talents to transform mundane clay pots into works of art by applying paint and other finishes that provide the containers with an aged look. 

For fall decorating, Erin pays homage to the season with pumpkins, gourds and other autumnal elements. “Fall planters are my favorite,” she says. 

As for painting furniture, Erin practices restraint. “It really depends on the tone and graining whether I paint something. There’s just something about the look of natural wood that warms up a room,” she says. 

It seems that Erin’s fondness for natural wood is part of an emerging trend. Peruse the opinions and predictions of decorators and designers and they all agree that wood is staging a comeback. No, not the dark woods that defined the homes of our parents and grandparents, but rather lighter woods that are associated with Scandinavian design (the hygge effect). Lighter woods are versatile and complement vintage, mid-century, boho and modern styling. They also add a touch of earthiness to a home. 

Nate Berkus is an exception, telling domino.com that he is a  fan of dark wood – he refers to dark hues as “moody” – and shared that as of late, he likes to add a dark piece or two to each room. 

If the displays seen at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which was held in Las Vegas, are any indication – especially those from European and Asian exhibitors – natural-look wood finishes are the next trend in kitchens. According to both offthemarkt.com and woodworkingnetwork.com, rift-sewn white oak is in high demand in those markets, as it provides a clean grain and with it, a look of luxury. 

That is music to Erin’s ears. “I just love the look of wood,” she says. 

To follow Erin and her projects (and to see how to make concrete pumpkins), go to @hamiltonparkhome on Instagram. 

Kitchen Design: A Classic But Modern Choice

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It was inevitable. Our love affair with all-white kitchens seems to be waning. Peruse home-focused magazines, blogs and internet sites and the evidence is there. Kitchens are exhibiting bold shades of blue and peaceful hues of green. Wood cabinetry is going au naturel. And, as seen here, dramatic color schemes and touches of glam are enabling kitchens to really cook! 

Eileen Regester’s remodeled and enlarged kitchen was designed with elements that perfectly complement her sense of style: Classic (black-and-white color scheme) meets modern (the light hue of the hardwood flooring), with a touch of glam (the gold/champagne accents). The design delivered a kitchen that is not only beautiful and functional but is very much on trend.

 A black-and-white kitchen makes a serious style statement. Yes, taking such a direction requires a pinch of bravery and a large measure of courage, but according to Courtney Bird, a designer with Choice Home Remodeling in New Holland, her client, Eileen Regester, possesses both. “Eileen has a keen eye for design and can visualize a space,” Courtney notes, adding that her client enjoys carrying out remodeling projects in her own home, as well as helping friends with theirs. 

The multi-functional, miter-front island provides seating, workspace and storage in one sleek design. The beauty of quartz is seen in the island’s waterfall design.

Upon meeting Courtney, Eileen shared some sketches she had done of the kitchen she envisioned. Courtney then took the sketches and utilized her 20 years of experience as a certified kitchen and bath designer to further elevate Eileen’s ideas and create a design that is not only functional but most importantly, mirrors the aesthetic that her client wanted to achieve. “Eileen has amazing style,” says Courtney, who views the resulting “collaborative effort and great partnership” as one of the reasons why the project perfectly reflects Eileen’s taste and style. “She was involved every step of the way. If a problem arose, Eileen worked with us to arrive at a solution,” Courtney notes.  

Courtney Bird, CKBD, has been designing kitchens, baths and other spaces for 20 years. For this project, she valued homeowner Eileen Regester’s involvement and contributions.

As with many remodeling projects, one idea seems to lead to another and in this case, the kitchen remodel was part of a whole-house project, as it also entailed new flooring throughout, remodeling the primary bathroom and finishing the basement, which would involve the addition of a wine cellar and bar. “One request Eileen made was to create a unique wine cellar, which we accomplished by using the underutilized space under the staircase,” Courtney explains.

The Story in Black and White 

As it turns out, a black-and-white color scheme in a kitchen is very practical. Black and white is both timeless and versatile, as it lends itself to almost any style. For example, black and white can translate into a period look if a material such as marble is incorporated into the design. It can look thoroughly modern if metallics are added to the mix. The introduction of wood (as seen here in the flooring and beams) can take such a space in a very traditional direction or in an ultra-modern one. For example, cherry or mahogany would equate to traditional, while a light hue such as white oak would reflect the modern look of minimalistic Scandinavian design.    

The kitchen adjoins a sitting area whose wall of windows admits an abundance of natural light that illuminates both areas.

Another plus: The world is your oyster where the color of accessories, wallpaper and paint is concerned. Whether you go with bold colors or pastel hues, they’ll complement the black and white (and vice versa). 

As for Eileen’s kitchen, which is a blend of traditional and modern, Courtney describes it as “lending itself to transitional styling, with a splattering of glam that can be seen in the finishing touches.” The glam elements include mirrored cabinet inserts, the champagne-bronze-metallic hardware and the lighting that Eileen selected. 

An ILVE range is the crown jewel of the kitchen. Made in Italy, ILVE ranges provide a premier cooking experience, as they bring beauty and function to a kitchen through ergonomic design, innovative technology and a plethora of color choices.

The two were also conscious of carrying certain elements throughout the home to achieve a continuous and cohesive look and feel. The color black and the flooring obviously achieved those goals. Another connector is brick, as it is seen in the kitchen, wine cellar and bar area.   

In the lower level, the underutilized area under the staircase was repurposed to function as a wine cellar.

The color black, brick and hardwood flooring provide continuity between the areas on the first floor and lower level that were remodeled. The lower-level projects included the addition of a wine cellar and bar area.

On Trend 

Large, open kitchens are at the top of everyone’s wish list and Eileen was able to have hers granted, as the 135-square-foot kitchen was able to be doubled in size. Other features include open back wall cabinets, a miter-front island top with waterfall ends, warm metal finishes (champagne-bronze) for hardware and accents, hardwood flooring (throughout the house), faux beams, LED lighting, quartz counters and professional-inspired appliances, including an Italian-made ILVE Majestic range.  

Credits 

  • Designer: Courtney Bird, CKBD, Choice Home Remodeling, New Holland  
  • Designer: Eileen Regester (homeowner)
  • Cabinetry: Choice Home Remodeling 
  • Flooring: D&S Flooring, Lititz    
  • Electric: Iddings Electric, New Holland 
  • Quartz Counters: Lapp Tops, New Holland 
  • Plumbing: JM Lapp Plumbing & Heating, New Holland 

For more information, visit choicehomeremodeling.com

Kitchen Trends for 2024 and Beyond

The annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) was held earlier this year in Las Vegas. Bloggers and magazines such as Architectural Digest took note of trends and products they predict will be making an impact on kitchen design as we welcome 2024. 

 

Celebrating Our Agricultural Roots

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Beginning in late August in Elizabethtown and continuing through early October in Manheim, fair season remains a time-honored tradition in Lancaster County. While agriculture (and to a large degree, education) is the focus of the fairs, community pride is evidenced through the civic organizations, churches and local businesses that take part. 

In New Holland, where the photo seen here was taken, the roots of its fair can be traced to 1927, when five citizens met in August to discuss the feasibility of starting a Farmer’s Day Association that would host a community event dedicated to the area’s agricultural traditions. 

The group decided to move forward with the idea and announced public meetings during which plans for what was originally called the Farmer’s Day Exhibit would be revealed. The community-wide support for their efforts was unprecedented. To everyone’s (pleasant) surprise, the show, which was held October 21 and 22, was a hit, as it attracted an estimated 15,000 to 18,000 attendees. According to the fair’s website, the show was deemed to be “the biggest, cleanest and most elaborate affair ever held” in the borough.

New Holland Fair, Photographed by Jordan Bush, September 30, 2022

Buoyed by a net profit of $217.29, the newly formed association forged ahead and began making plans for 1928. The proposed three-day event would dovetail with the borough’s 200th anniversary. Thanks to the addition of more competitive categories and increased outdoor exhibit spaces, attendance doubled.   

The New Holland Farmer’s Day Association went on to receive its charter and was incorporated on May 5, 1933. Over the ensuing years, exhibit categories, competitions and other events – including the always anticipated Spectacle of Bands parade and the highly popular midway – have grown exponentially. 

As was pointed out in an article that appeared on Mindy Young’s Farm Fit Living website, rural communities across America are not as fortunate as those in Lancaster County and are finding support for their fairs declining. How can we ensure that doesn’t happen in Lancaster? You can show your support by attending a fair, becoming an exhibitor or by volunteering. Businesses can do so by becoming sponsors. 

2023 Fair Dates 

  • Elizabethtown Fair, est. 1973, August 21-26 
  • The Denver Fair, est. 1981, September 12-16 
  • Solanco Fair, est. 1950, September 20-22 
  • Ephrata Fair, est. 1919, September 26-30 
  • West Lampeter Community Fair, est. 1924, September 27-29 
  • New Holland Fair, est. 1927, October 4-7 
  • Manheim Community Farm Show, est. 1954, October 9-13 

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