Made In Lancaster County Premiers At Heritage Center Museum LOU ANN GOOD Food And Family Features Editor LANCASTER (Lancaster Co.) Lancaster has long been known for quality craftmaship and the preservation of many heirloom pieces. But finding nu merous pieces in one setting and the history attached to each one is rare. That’s why the Heritage Cen ter Museum of Lancaster County unveiled a new exhibition, “Made in Lancaster.” The exhibit fo cuses on 200 years of craftsman ship by tradesmen and business es. The exhibit would not be complete without a collection of Amish pieces that reflect its people’s simple lifestyles for which Lancaster County is so well known. A display of clothing from the 19th century shows colorful and varied patterns. Lancaster Peter Seibert, executive direc tor of the Heritage Center, said “Lancaster was the largest inland city. Many of its residents were wealthy and had money to spend on having elaborate furniture made. Colonists from England and Germany reflected the life styles of their countries.” The evolution of style, from the pre-Revolutionary era to the 19th century is also noticeable in a display of four chairs and four secretaries. It’s fascinating to see pieces of furniture side by side, one made by a craftsman with influence from Germany and the other from England. The German style, which is simple and sturdy contrasts with the elaborately carved furniture by craftsmen from England. On display is a collection of Amish furniture. An embroidered towel shows the handiwork of three generations, grandmother, daughter, and grandchild. These towels were hung as guest towels for decorative purposes. A criterion for the display re quire that the maker was clearly identified. Some of the pieces were identified with a pencil scrawl signature on the bottom of a drawer, some a stamp of the Lancaster Farming, Saturday, April 27, 2002-B2: Peter Seibert, executive director of the Heritage Cen ter Museum of Lancaster County, explains the difference between wagon shafts built in the 18th and 21st centu ries. The earlier ones were fashioned from wood. Today the hydraulic brakes are made from fiberglass which makes them more durable. Notice the mural painted wall that reflects a real carriage shop. company by which it was manu factures, some an identifying stencil or other mark. Like today, many former busi nesses evolved because the work of a skilled tradesman was ad mired and desired by acquain tances.. Business often increased through word-of-mouth advertis ing, Successful businesses looked for alternative ways to make more money. Such was the case of a skilled cabinet maker in Strasburg during the 18th cen tury. The cabinet maker extend ed his services by making coffins. The need for coffins evolved into a prosperous family business that continues today as the Bachman Funeral Home. On display are several pieces by the Bachmans such as a desk with J. Bachman’s signature. The desk features a secret compart ment for important papers that is hid behind document drawers. A chest of drawers by Christian Bachman is believed to have been made between 1830-1840. Demuth Tobacco Shop was one of the longest running tobac co shops in the county. A 1775 display of old barrels, snuff mill with own brand of chewing to bacco, and trade signs and even a tabletop figure of a man holding snuff. Rohrer’s Liquors started in the late 19th century. They retailed and made wild cherry extract tonic and even published a popu lar songster that touted the quali ties of the tonic. Rohrers was a This 1767 blanket chest shows how local craftsmen added personal touches by embellishing with hand paint ed decorations. profitable business until the Pro hibition shut it down. A. B. Rote manufactured wrought iron fencing and cast metals, and later used structural steel. On display are many artifacts by Anna Weber, professional seamstress from 1830-1870 s. Al though there were many seam stresses from that era, Weber is unique in that she kept detailed accounts and diaries. Fifty years of recorded history have been preserved and are on display. Seibert said that few people in previous centuries saved items because they did not realize the importance it would have in fu ture generations. Today, people are prone to save too much, which, Seibert fears, may result in items not being as valued in upcoming generations. Because photographs of cloth ing from the 18th century are often printed in black and white, people often have the tendency to believe people wore drab colors. Made in Lancaster shows many colorful outfits. Admission to the Heritage Center Museum is free. The Made in Lancaster exhibit is on display from now through Dec. 31. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adjoin ing the museum is the Museum Store filled with folk art and the work of many talented artists of today. For more information, call the Heritage Center Museum (717) 299-6440. !3
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