Celebrating St. Patrick and the ArtsFirst Friday, Gettysburg Style has become a downtown Gettysburg/GARMA tradition ever since it was first introduced over 20 years ago by the late Jennifer LeVan. Every month has a theme that GARMA merchants can expand upon to create a festive, entertaining, enjoyable shopping experience. A lot of the themes are centered around holidays or observances that occur during that particular month. GARMA also likes to feature a local non-profit each month to heighten awareness as to what they do in the community, their operating needs and opportunities to become involved with their organization.
St. Patrick’s Day is the theme for First Friday on March 6. If you ask anyone what they associate with this holiday you can be assured most answers will be the color green and lots of alcohol consumption. What St. Patrick’s Day really is about is the observance of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and the color green. While Gettysburg doesn’t have a parade, many of our restaurants, bars and pubs have their own traditions for celebrating. A wee bit of Irish resides in Gettysburg in the form of The Garryowen Irish Pub on Chambersburg St. For authentic Irish delights, whether it be beverages such as Smithwick’s or Magners Irish Cider or Irish Nachos and Bangers & Mash to tempt your palate, you definitely feel like you are “across the pond”. The Adams County Arts Counciladamsarts.org/ is our featured non-profit. Located on S. Washington St., the ACAC offers a variety of classes that help you find the inner artist that you may not have known was in you. Art is such an important part of our academic curriculum and self-development. Art instruction helps children with the development of motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision making, risk taking and inventiveness. There is no right or wrong in art because it’s an expression of yourself. An artist communicates with their audience through their expressions and visions. Everyone is an artist in their own way, whether they realize it or not. Whether it’s painting, singing or playing an instrument, you are sharing your special craft or skill with the world and saying “this is me, this is who I am and what I can do”. I was very fortunate to have had an extremely artistic, influential woman in my schooling that made me believe in myself and my abilities. Judy Pyle was my Gettysburg High School art teacher. She impacted my life, and I’m sure the lives of many of her students, by encouraging us to express ourselves through our art without conforming to social normalcies. Personally, Judy, a heartfelt thank you for believing in me and my abilities. Gettysburg is a work of art. This town has so much to offer its residents and visitors culturally, artistically and historically. Explore the opportunities that Gettysburg has to offer. I’m sure you’ll be glad you did. To find out about future First Friday themes and events, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks on York St. and the Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center. January 2020 RetrospectI honestly don’t think I recall there being a January this year. I feel like 2020 is already flying by and here we are in February; typically the shortest month. However, 2020 is a Leap Year, so savor the extra day we get this month (especially if it’s your birthday!).
February 7th First Friday, Gettysburg Style kicks of a new event for GARMA. Join us for our First Annual Cocoa Crawl. This family friendly event kicks off at our two “warming stations” located at ABC on Steinwehr Ave. and The Gettysburg Hotel Atrium. There you will receive a map and list of participating businesses and can also purchase your souvenir GARMA First Friday mug to take along with you on your journey to sampling cocoa inspired treats. While you’re checking in at a "warming station" you can enter to win prizes that will be drawn that evening during First Friday. Crawlers can also vote for their favorite GARMA Member Cocoa-inspired treat on Facebook and win prizes! We hope to see you out and about that night enjoying some great cocoa treats! How can I write about events in February without acknowledging the most celebrated of all; Valentine’s Day. It is a festival of romance that celebrates love and relationships. Celebrated on February 14th, it is often marked by giving gifts to, and spending time with, loved ones. Valentine’s Day traditions include exchanging gifts such as chocolates or roses and having a romantic night out on the town. Obviously, the color we associate with Valentine’s Day is Red. Hearts are red, but you can have a “heart of gold”. So what exactly does the phrase “heart of gold” mean? Generally, it means someone who is very kind and good natured. The expression alludes to gold in the sense of “something valued for its goodness”. I’m sure we all know someone who fits this meaning. Other phrases that are related to the heart are “getting to the heart of the matter”, “wearing your heart on your sleeve” and “having a heart of stone”. Some heart phrases you may not want to hear such as “heart murmur”, “heart disease”, “heart attack” and “heart failure”. February is also American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. A great opportunity to learn about heart disease and other heart health issues is to register to attend “Love Your Heart”, a FREE educational event being sponsored by Wellspan, Gettysburg Hospital on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Free blood pressure screenings are provided at the event. Visit www.wellspan.org/programs/heartvascular/ and click on the link for Adams County. February takeaways: Take care of yourself – there’s only one YOU! Celebrate yourself and your loved ones this Valentine’s Day (and every day). Get out and have fun on First Friday at GARMA’s First Annual Cocoa Crawl! For more information visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St., Vice President of GARMA and Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center. New Year brings about new resolutionsA New Year brings about new resolutions (or familiar resolutions that we forget by the end of each January but swear we’ll follow through on next year). I think my biggest resolution will be that I will take some time for myself. I started the New Year with sinusitis. Not a great way to start 2020, let alone each and every day. About this time of year I’ve run out of steam and my body and illnesses catch up to me. However, I have so many people I need to thank for making this Gettysburg holiday season one of the most beautiful we’ve had.
GARMA starts the holiday season with the annual tree lighting festival the day after Thanksgiving. In chronological order, this is what happens to make it all a success. The first thank you goes to Leonard Loski (The Gettysburg Experience magazine) for bringing his team of wonderful volunteers to the GARMA shed to check/replace each and every lightbulb on every wreath and tree panel before they are hung for the holidays. This crew is truly a family of friends who have made my light bulb checking day easier for the past 2 years. I can’t thank them enough. By the time we leave the shed our hands are filthy and we’ve inhaled a lot of generator gas fumes. I look forward to working with this team again this coming October, but please, let me be the ones to buy the chocolate milk and donuts!! Ross Brownley (Brownley & Sons) and his team are up bright and early the Monday of Thanksgiving week hanging the beautiful wreaths throughout the downtown and Steinwehr Ave. This year Ross and his team took on a new challenge - draping the lights in the trees in the planters of each corner of the square. I think he and I scratched our heads a bit as to how it would work, but he figured out a way to hang the lights so that they can stay up year round without worry of them growing into, or harming, the trees. Thank you Ross for the wreaths and tackling the new challenge I gave you this year. It’s not Christmas without a tree! I can’t thank Rob Harbaugh enough when it comes to the task of assembling the tree. He and his crew have been doing this for years for GARMA and they have it down to a science. Once the tree is up it’s only a matter of days until it is lit to kick off the Christmas season. The first two years that I was in charge of Christmas for GARMA we kept the tree lights on a timer. The new, existing, tree was purchased with LED lights. The decision was made by the GARMA board members to leave the tree lit 24 hours a day. Since LED lights are very economical and we didn’t see a huge rise in the electric bill (GARMA pays the electric for the tree/wreaths) after the first year, the tree stayed lit. I thank Rob for putting up with my text messages and phone calls asking if the tree timer was off so the lights would stay on. The Public Works crew also hangs the holiday banners you see on poles that don’t have a wreath. Gettysburg Rental Center takes care of bringing Santa’s Shanty to town. It’s about a four person effort to make sure that the shanty safely rolls off its trailer. Gary DeCroes, owner of the Rental Center, makes sure the fireplace in the Shanty is cleaned and ready for use (sorry mice, you have to go!). The Rental Center donates the propane to keep the fireplace roaring and the Shanty nice and cozy. Gary also is tasked with flipping the switch the night of the tree lighting when Santa says “light that tree”. I am also tasked with hiring Santa (or Santa’s as was the case this year). Our Santa’s this year were Ben Oelker (second year), Cary Shirley and Jason Officer. These three balanced out the schedule and made sure that Santa was on hand to greet all with a hearty ‘ho, ho, ho’ and listen to their requests. Don’t worry Mom and Dad – Santa always tells the kids ‘I’ll do my best’, that way they’re not expecting that pony in the yard that they asked for. Thank you Santa’s, you were great! Thank you to the board members of GARMA for their support during all of this craziness, MY craziness, of pulling this all together. Thank you to Gettysburg Hotel (John Berendt and Andrea Proulx) for supplying the free hot chocolate that was served the night of the tree lighting. Thank you Steve Smith (Dual FX/Ultimix DJs) for providing the inviting holiday music as people gathered to the square (and personally, thank you for working in some Barry Manilow holiday songs for me). Many thanks to all that I didn’t name but thank yous can be found on our website, www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Thank you to the town of Gettysburg for making this such a great occasion. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks and Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center. Creating Lasting TraditionsDuring the holidays we tend to use the word ‘tradition’, or variations of the word. “It’s tradition that we put the tree up Christmas Eve”. “Traditionally we have ham for Christmas dinner”. A tradition is a belief or behavior that is passed down from generation to generation. Growing up in Gettysburg it was a tradition to watch the parade and see the town Christmas Tree on the square come to life with lights. Traditionally, Santa’s Shanty always sat in the corner of the square by the Blue & Gray Bar. In more recent years it moved to where it sits now, by the grand ACNB building. So how did some of our holiday traditions get started and what do they mean?
The tradition of Mistletoe at Christmas – This goes back to the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and wards off evil spirits. Norse mythology used it as a sign of love and friendship. The custom of kissing under the Mistletoe comes from England. The original custom was that a berry was picked from the sprig of Misteltoe before the person could be kissed and when all the berries had gone, there could be no more kissing. The laying or placing of a Wreath – Its circular shape represents eternity, as it has no beginning and no end. From a Christian religious perspective, it represents an unending circle of life. The evergreen, which is most often used in making holiday wreaths, symbolizes growth and everlasting life. Leaving Milk and Cookies for Santa – Another tradition that dates back to ancient Norse mythology. According to legend, Odin had an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. Kids would leave treats for Sleipnir hoping that Odin would favor them with gifts in return. The practice of leaving cookies on a plate for Santa, accompanied by a cold glass of milk, became popular again during the Great Depression. Parents tried to impress upon their children the importance of being grateful for anything they were lucky enough to receive for Christmas. There are so many things to do in Gettysburg throughout the month of December that can surely become new memories and traditions. The first Saturday in December is the annual ‘Breakfast with Santa’ at The Gettysburg Hotel. From 7am-11am you can have breakfast in the Grand Ballroom with Santa and have your picture taken with Santa and his star reindeer, Rudolph. There is no registration required. The event is $5 per person, kids under 5 eat free. Proceeds from this event benefit the United Way of Adams County. If you aren’t able to have breakfast with Santa then visit Santa at his Shanty on the square. Santa is there every weekend waiting to hear the wants of every little boy and girl. Have fun creating a wish list with the kids to present to Santa. He can’t guarantee they’ll get everything on their list, but he loves to listen. If you appreciate good holiday music, then come to the Annual Holiday Tuba Carol Fest. Held this year on December 13 you can hear tuba players from around the country join together to play Christmas carols. Crowds gather on Lincoln Square to hear young and old playing all the familiar Christmas songs. Hot chocolate is served to keep you toasty while outside (rain site will be Prince of Peace Episcopal Church). For even more music, you can experience A Christmas Offering held December 15 at the United Lutheran Seminary Chapel. This is part of a series of performances called Music, Gettysburg! It is a premier concert series that features international, regional and local musical artists for the greater South Central PA region. Both events are free of charge. It’s not about the amount of money you spend. You can certainly create holiday traditions that don’t cost a thing. Whether it’s passing on Grandma’s chocolate chip cookie recipe to the next generation or hunkering down on the floor with the kids with paper and crayons to create a Christmas list, it’s all what you make it to be. It should be fun, memorable and everlasting. Traditions that will endure through the years. For Santa’s Shanty hours, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks on York St., and Office and Events Manager of Gettysburg Rental Center Shop Brick and Mortar Stores This SeasonIt’s November. A lot of people have already started the countdowns of how many days and weeks until Christmas. Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. November holds some great holidays and traditions that shouldn’t be overlooked.
November 19th is an historical day for Gettysburg. On this hallowed ground, 156 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln delivered The Gettysburg Address. A speech consisting of a mere 271 words that only took two minutes to deliver has become one of the best known speeches in American history. When Lincoln said “four score and seven years ago” he was referring to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. If you do the math, a ‘score’ is 20 years. Four score and seven years is 87 years. Gettysburg attorney David Wills wrote to the President inviting him to the dedication ceremonies and asked that Lincoln give “a few appropriate remarks” after the Oration by Edward Everett. It was Everett’s two-hour, 13,607 word oration that was slated to be the “Gettysburg Address”. What a difference two minutes can make. With a “few appropriate remarks” Lincoln was able to summarize his view of the war in just ten sentences. Because of those 271 words, those two minutes, those ten sentences, every November 19th Gettysburg celebrates Dedication Day in the National Cemetery. This year’s guest speaker is award winning presidential historian Michael Beschloss. The following Saturday will be the Remembrance Day parade. It’s such a beautiful weekend throughout the battlefield as people place beautiful flower arrangements at the various monuments. We remember President Lincoln for his time and words in Gettysburg. However we should also remember him as the president who, by a presidential proclamation in 1863, called for a national Thanksgiving to be the final Thursday in November. In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt changed the date of Thanksgiving to be the next to last Thursday in November, for business reasons. Then in 1941, FDR changed the date to the fourth Thursday in November. No matter what Thursday in November the holiday falls, there is one thing that is certain – the Friday after is “Black Friday”. The day after Thanksgiving has been thought of as the beginning of America’s shopping season since 1952. The term “Black Friday” didn’t come into use until more recent decades. In Gettysburg the day after Thanksgiving is also the official kickoff to Christmas in Gettysburg. For over 30 years the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA) has been the proprietor of Christmas in Gettysburg. GARMA owns and houses the town Christmas Tree, wreaths, banners and Santa’s Shanty. The day after Thanksgiving GARMA brings Christmas to Gettysburg with the annual lighting of the Gettysburg Christmas Tree. This year, Friday, November 29, the square will be blocked from 5:30pm – 7pm so all can safely enjoy the festivities. Santa will arrive and light the tree at 6pm and then walk to his Shanty and open it to greet all the girls and boys (four legged friends are welcome also). Holiday music will be playing through the streets courtesy of Ultimix DJ’s. One Lincoln and Blue & Gray Bar and Grill will be open serving warm, tasty food. The Gettysburg Hotel will graciously be serving free hot chocolate from 5:30pm – 6pm. The David Wills House will be open and admission is free that evening. Many GARMA members will be open later hours that evening. This is such a wonderful family friendly event that has become a great tradition for Gettysburg. Another tradition that has been in place since 2010 is Small Business Saturday. This is always the Saturday after Thanksgiving. American Express first coined this phrase and came up with the idea of Small Business Saturday to encourage people to shop at brick and mortar stores that are small and local. This is in contrast to Black Friday and Cyber Monday which primarily encourage on-line sales luring shoppers with incredible deals. Gettysburg is still a small town where the merchants rely on the locals to sustain them year round, especially during the winter season. There are so many wonderful shops and eateries in Gettysburg that there’s really no need to leave town to get your shopping done. Chambersburg St. boasts A&A Village Treasures, The Spirited Ladies, Fresh Boutique, Adams County Winery and Lord Nelson’s for shopping and The Gettysburger, Mamma Ventura’s and Ernies for lunch or dinner. York St. offers Gallery 30, Artworks, NerdHerd and Codori’s on the corner with dining at El Costeno or The Upper Crust. Baltimore St. has True Friend’s Boutique, The Christmas Haus, Union Cigar Club, Martin’s Family Shoes, Red Bud House and J&P Winery for shopping and Blue & Gray Bar and Grill for lunch or dinner. Don’t forget Lark and One Lincoln tucked in their corners of the square. Those are just your downtown brick and mortar’s that you can support on Small Business Saturday and year round. GARMA has many other members to shop that are within 5 short miles from downtown Gettysburg. For a complete list of GARMA members visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Shopping local is the responsible thing to do. Promote our town, promote our businesses and be proud to say you bought it in Gettysburg. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks on York St. and the Office & Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center. The Beauty of Adams CountyWhen I think of October I think about the leaves on the trees changing colors, the crisp smell of the morning air, fall festivals, apples and pumpkins. Adams County certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to all of those things. The first two weekends of October host the National Apple Harvest Festival held at the South Mountain Fairgrounds above Arendtsville. There you’ll find a diverse gathering of vendors selling the latest gift ideas, hand-crafted items and homemade foods. Every Saturday in October you can also visit the Adams County Farmers Market located on Carlisle St. at the Gettysburg Transit Center. You will be sure to find an abundance of fresh, homegrown produce and can shop knowing that you’ve supported the local farming community of Adams County.
October has also become a busy wedding month for the Gettysburg area. Traditionally, May and June were the most popular months for weddings. However, with the beauty of the natural backdrop the fall provides, October has been increasingly popular with brides. Gettysburg itself has become known as a “Destination Wedding” location. Couples from all over choose to wed in Gettysburg, whether it’s because of the beauty of the area or because it’s a central location to all parties. Barn weddings have been the trend for the last few years. It’s quaint to get married in an old, rustic barn with all of the creaks of the wood and ambiance of the setting. Barn venues such as Battlefield Bed & Breakfast, Beech Springs Farm, Rock Creek Farm, Wilson’s Bittersweet Barn and The Barn at Herr Ridge are just some of the places to choose from. If you’re not interested in a barn, but would rather have an outside tent wedding, contact Gettysburg Rental Center. For almost 40 years they have catered to the needs of brides on their special day. Fall is a great time to get out of the house and walk the town and see it for all its beauty. There are plenty of walking tours available that will get you plenty of exercise. The United Lutheran Seminary offers a “Sunset at The Seminary” walking tour that meets at the Seminary Ridge Museum. The tour examines an aspect of the fighting before, during and after the battle with a special focus on the people who lived and fought here. There is no charge, however donations are appreciated. As you’re walking down Steinwehr Ave., you can enjoy a free guided tour of the Dobbin House and learn how the occupants lived during the 18th and 19th centuries. Further down Steinwehr Ave. stop at the Gettysburg Heritage Center for “Night at the Museum, 1863”. You will hear first person accounts of the battle and stories of how those who struggled and survived were able to rebuild and carry on. Other walks about town include the Historic Downtown Food Tour where you can eat your way through Gettysburg and the Grape Escape Walking Wine Tour where you can discover the local food and wine scene. This month wouldn’t be complete without something said about Halloween and the Annual Gettysburg Halloween Parade held October 22 (rain date is the 23rd) graciously sponsored by the Gettysburg Eagles, F.O.E. 1562. Gather along the parade route to see the hard work that everyone has put into their floats and routines to make this parade one of Gettysburg’s best. As the month comes to a close don’t miss out on a great production of The Rocky Horror Show Live, put on by the Gettysburg Community Theatre. This is the 5th annual production of the 1975 pop art rock opera. As the show says, “Don’t Dream It, Be It”. Costumes and audience participation are encouraged. Be a part of a live, spectacular show. For more information on events around the area you can visit GARMA’s website at www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Remember, breathe in and breathe out and take in the beauty that is Gettysburg, Adams County. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, the owner of Artworks on 30 York St., and the Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center. Celebrate Those Who Celebrate YouIt always seems that there’s an event or holiday to celebrate each month. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or National Pancake Day, we have all kinds of things we can celebrate. September doesn’t have many holidays and if you were to ask someone to name a holiday in September they’d most likely answer with Labor Day. However, little may know of, or celebrate, September’s other holiday – National Grandparent’s Day.
So how did this national holiday come to be? It started with a 9 year old boy writing a letter to President Nixon in 1969 suggesting that a day be set aside for Grandparents. Unfortunately, the President didn’t agree. However, President Carter did. On August 3, 1978, President Carter signed the proclamation that the first Sunday after Labor Day was to be declared National Grandparent’s Day. The statute cites the day's purpose: "...to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer". The flower chosen to represent this day is the Forget-Me-Not but seasonal flowers are also a popular choice to give. What gifts could you give for Grandparent’s Day? It’s always easy to buy a greeting card, but flowers are great too. Whether it’s Forget-Me-Nots or seasonal flowers, The Flower Boutique on N. Washington St. can certainly help you with choosing just the right arrangement. Gift cards are also great gifts because Grandma and Grandpa can use them at their leisure. Let’s start with a day to celebrate Grandma. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so take her to Ragged Edge Coffee Shop on Chambersburg St. for some of Pat’s homemade treats and a great coffee. Grandma could certainly use some pampering with a pedicure or manicure at Gettysburg Day Spa, housed in the old Gettysburg Country Club building on the Chambersburg Rd. Splurge a little extra and give her the gift of a massage, too. She’s sure to appreciate all that pampering. Grandma will certainly want to show off her manicure when you treat her to lunch at the Dobbin House on Steinwehr Ave. Whether eating upstairs or downstairs in the tavern, the food is delicious (my personal favorite is their French Onion soup). With a great breakfast and lunch, now it’s time to explore the streets of Gettysburg (and walk off all that great food). Women love shoes. At least that’s what people say, and believe me, I do love shoe shopping. Stop at Martin’s Family Shoes on Baltimore St. They have a great variety of shoes to keep your feet healthy and happy. Clark’s, New Balance and Merrell are just a few of their choices. While you’re on Baltimore St. stop in True Friends Boutique and choose from beautiful beads, scarves and bags. Another ‘do not miss’ shop is The Spirited Ladies on Chambersburg St. They have a beautiful selection of jewelry and ladies tops. Now on to celebrating Grandpa. After a great breakfast at One Lincoln adjacent to the Gettysburg Hotel on Lincoln Square, Grandpa would probably appreciate a haircut at Town & Campus on Carlisle St. Stop and pick out an aromatic stogie at Union Cigar Club on Baltimore St. and sit for a while out front and watch the traffic pass by. A hardy lunch and glass of Smithwick’s Red Irish Ale at Garryowen Irish Pub is a perfect way to treat Grandpa on his special day. What a whirlwind day of celebrating those truly special people in your life - your grandparents. There are so many places to take them in this historic little ‘burg. Gettysburg has so much to offer not only the tourists, but especially the locals. You live here, work here and shop here. We truly do appreciate you. For a complete listing of GARMA businesses visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks on York St. and Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center. Back In The Summer of ‘69It was August 15, 1969 when thousands of people converged on a 600 acre farm near Bethel, NY to take part in a musical festival that was billed as “3 Days of Peace & Music”. We now refer to this event by its common name – Woodstock. On this 50th anniversary of what has been called ‘a pivotal moment in music history’, it’s a time to look back and think of where we were then and where we are now. Think about standing in that massive crowd, that reached up to 400,000 people at the pinnacle of the festival, and wondering how on earth you would’ve found someone you were separated from without having a cell phone to call or text them. In 1969 the word text was a noun, not a verb. It’s hard sometimes to think about what we have now that we didn’t have then and wonder how we ever got by.
Gettysburg has witnessed much change since 1969. I was looking at a 1969 GHS yearbook and was saddened at the names of businesses who advertised that are no longer in existence. However, I was excited to see familiar names like Kennie’s Market, Ernie’s Texas Lunch, Town & Campus, Reddings Hardware, to name a few, that are all still here. 50 years later and these businesses are still going strong. What a great testament to these businesses and to our community for continuing to patronize and support them. I started looking at the addresses of the businesses that were no longer around and thinking about what is there now. I must say that it’s impressive how much Gettysburg has grown in 50 years, especially culturally. What was once a Pontiac car dealership at 125 S. Washington St. is now home to our treasured Adams County Arts Council. Not only does ACAC offer culinary, dance, art and photography classes, you can also rent their reception hall to hold your next performance or community event. The Elks was a member’s only social club at 49 York St. that has been transformed into the Gettysburg Community Theatre. Their moniker ‘Find Your Stage Door and Open It’ encourages all ages to try their hand at acting, singing and dancing. You may discover a talent you never knew you had. One of the other familiar addresses in those old advertisements is 90 Buford Ave. What was Glenn’s Diner has now been home to Dunlap’s Restaurant for 20 years. Just as I’m sure it was 50 years ago, you can walk into Dunlap’s any morning and see a row of ‘regulars’ sitting at the counter, enjoying a good cup of coffee and discussing what’s happening in Gettysburg and the world today. With so many changes in the past 50 years globally, it’s nice to reminisce about the changes that have happened locally. In 1969 you could purchase your ‘Spring Coats and Wool Suits’ at Tobey’s on Baltimore St. or put your dress on layaway at the Carol Ann Shoppe. In 2019 you can purchase name brand fashions at shops like Fresh Boutique on Chambersburg St. or Rosie’s Collection on Steinwehr Ave. Dinner at The Plaza is now dinner at The Blue & Gray. Lunch at the Varsity Diner is now lunch at the Lincoln Diner. And I’d certainly be remiss if I didn’t mention my own location, 30 York St. The original home of Redding’s Hardware and Gallery 30, and now home to my store, Artworks. A variety of ‘unique finds’ await you at Artworks varying from handbags, candles, metal works, Fair Trade items and local art. So many changes, but so much great shopping and dining in downtown Gettysburg. I’d love to put this article in a time capsule to be opened in 50 years so the next generations can see what this big, little town had to offer. I can only wish us all the best and hope that the names I mentioned above are still here in 2069. Promote small business in Gettysburg - visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, Owner of Artworks on 30 York St., and Office and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center A Little Old, A Little NewThe Gettysburg Times has resurrected and brought new life to a column I loved to read a few years back called “Getting To Know…”. This column introduces you to some of the faces in our community. One of the questions asked is “What event would you have liked to have witnessed in history?”. That question resonated with me because our community has the good fortune to witness history every year with the reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg. Those first few days in July were one of the most significant, poignant moments in this country’s history. Reenactors and living historians dedicate their time and knowledge for us; to teach us what we have only heard about, read about, but have not seen. It is imperative that this generation, and those to come, understand what has made us the “Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave”.
However, as I mentioned in last month’s article, Gettysburg is more than just a battlefield town. Did you know that a Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher called Gettysburg his home? Edward S. Plank, known affectionately as “Gettysburg Eddie” was born on a farm near Gettysburg in August 1875, just 12 years after the battle. Eddie was one of the best left-handed pitchers ever in the major leagues. Gettysburg area resident Bill Wills chose to remember Eddie Plank with a restaurant bearing his nickname. Adorning the walls are many pictures of the pitcher. Bill also sponsors the 19th Century Baseball Festival where vintage baseball comes to life. Vintage uniforms and 19th Century rules come to the 21st century and Gettysburg July 19-21. July 11-14 brings a massive convergence of motorcyclists and enthusiasts from all over the country to Gettysburg for the 18th annual “Gettysburg Bike Week”. There are many activities to experience such as tattoo events, live music, field events, fireworks and much more. New this year is the 2019 Harley Davidson Demo Experience. Test ride your dream bike. If you don’t find your dream bike there, venture out east of town to Battlefield Harley Davidson. Join them July 10 for their “Kick-Off to Bike Week” event. Let’s not forget the Parade of Chrome that takes place through historic Gettysburg Saturday evening starting at 5pm. A great way to show off your motorcycle wares. If you still would like to experience some history while in town, step into many of the beautiful stores and restaurants. Many of these buildings were here during the Battle of Gettysburg, some designated with plaques. While admiring the beautiful exteriors of these buildings, step inside to admire the interiors. Original, exposed brick walls, creaky hardware floors, great food and great shopping await you. Business owners are also making vast improvements to properties in the downtown. Roger Lund has beautifully restored the façade of 13 Baltimore St., once a hardware store, into The Christmas Haus where you can find many handmade, handpicked ornaments from Germany. Most of us remember 19 York St. as the home of the Moose Lodge for many years. Most would agree that it wasn’t the most attractive building in town. After a lengthy renovation project inside and out, it is now home to The Upper Crust, a wood-fire pizza restaurant using fresh, local ingredients. Owner, Linda Atiyeh envisioned a fun, family friendly atmosphere with great food and great spirits. A welcome addition to our downtown. GARMA is an advocate of small business and shopping local. One way that we promote local shopping is with GARMA Gift Certificates. These are purchasable at Artworks, Gettysburg Heritage Center and Goin’ Postal. You can redeem your gift certificates at participating GARMA businesses. For a complete listing of GARMA businesses visit our website, www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St. and Vice President of GARMA Summer Fun In GettysburgGettysburg is a tourist town. I’ve heard that statement all my life and it really bothers me. Gettysburg is more than JUST a tourist town. Yes, we all are aware of what happened here July 1-3, 1863, but we are so much more. As a born and bred local I’ve heard the stories, been on the battlefield and have ample knowledge of the battle. So what else is there to do in Gettysburg?
June is filled with so many great things to see and do in our historic town that don’t necessarily focus around the battle. Gettysburg, and Adams County, is becoming known not just for our apples, but also for our wineries. Many of the wineries have events held at their farm or downtown locations. If you want to visit the wineries but would like to leave the driving to someone else, contact the Gettysburg Tour Center and take the Adams County Pour Tour. This tour will take you to the countryside to see the wineries and their vineyards or downtown to visit the many retail wine shops. If wine isn’t your thing, then take a downtown Food Tour (because everybody has to eat, right?). Experience the culinary delights that only Gettysburg has to offer. So now you’ve had plenty to eat and drink, so why not catch a movie? The Majestic Theatre offers wonderful entertainment year round including their lineup of Summer Movie Classics. If you want to experience local talent at its best, then spend an evening taking in a play at the Gettysburg Community Theatre. If you’re interested in art, want to learn how to cook, paint, or learn the fundamentals of belly dance (yes, I just said belly dance) then you need to visit the Adams County Arts Council. Do you enjoy reading? Renew your library card, or sign up for one, and visit the Adams County Library. However, the library does more than just house books. Join them in June for their annual Fun Fest that takes place at the Gettysburg Area Rec Park. If you’re looking to spend a beautiful, peaceful evening in Gettysburg then you must attend an evening of 100 Nights of Taps. Brought to you by The Lincoln Fellowship of PA, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Taps for Veterans this incredible event is held every day at 7pm at the Soldier’s National Monument in the Gettysburg National Cemetery. As locals, we have the privilege and honor to listen to this beautiful memorial to “these honored dead…for which they gave the last full measure of devotion” every evening through September 2nd. As always, GARMA presents First Friday, Gettysburg Style every month. June 7 is the date to be downtown to experience all of the fun filled shopping and surprises that many local GARMA merchants are planning. June’s theme is all about being eco-friendly and recycling. The phrase “think globally, act locally” is practiced by some of our local businesses. Gettysburg Day Spa, Gettysburg Eddies, and Battlefield Bed & Breakfast are just a few who are “green”. Most businesses will proudly advertise as such on their websites or in store. To see what GARMA members are doing for First Friday visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com. Hopefully, this helps you plan some fun filled summer days. Jennie Dillon is the owner of Artworks on York St. and Vice President of GARMA |
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