Priceless Vintage:
Before
After
Hilda, the infamous mannequin that stood outside Zap &Co., was saved by local shop owner Debbie Serdy and a fireman. She is currently being restored.
18
The 300 Block Loses Zap & Co. To A Fire
The enchanting sounds of 60s French music plays over the loudspeakers enticing you to peruse through racks of delicious crinoline 50s prom dresses, classic herringbone blazers and charming silk shirts reminiscent of a time gone by. The glass cases up front showcase stunning rhinestone necklaces, layers of candy-colored plastic beads and Lucite bangles like your mother used to wear. This is what Zap & Co. used to be—a one-of-a-kind vintage treasure trove that once stood at 315 N. Queen St. in Lancaster, PA. Today all that stands is the brick façade of a condemned building. Hilda—the famous fashionable mannequin that once stood outside the storefront—is now burnt to a dark black. Owner Steve Murray, “the grandfather of downtown retail,” is now in a medically induced coma as a result of thirddegree burns that cover 30 percent of his body. The landmark boutique of Lancaster’s 300 block shopping district is now mere remnants of a devastating fire. Around 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 27th, the building that housed Zap & Co. and two other apartments went up in flames due to unknown causes. Owner Steve Murray, who resides in the basement apartment, was immediately flown out of the burning building to Crozer Hospital in Chester for treatment of severe burns. Rachel Adams, owner of Rachel’s Creperie, which neighbors Zap & Co., vividly recalls the horrific night saying, “We had just closed up for the night and gone home. Right after I got home and was putting my daughter to bed my phone started lighting up with calls and texts. Since I had just left the restaurant I was confused since we didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary as we are leaving, but it must have started at that point.” Fellow neighbor Marty Hulse, owner of Building Character, a warehouse of 30+ shops ranging from architectural salvage to recycled clothing, located at 342 N. Queen St., had a similar experience. “A friend of mine called and said there was a fire on the block. At the time, nobody knew what store it was. I was immediately concerned. I came down and it was completely gone by the time I got here,” he said. Hulse and Adams both arrived on the scene the same time and saw the fire in full force. Adams, who is a longtime friend of Murray’s, accounts, “It was terrifying to watch. The flames were huge and thinking about all the fabulous inventory he had collected over the years was so sad.” Murray first opened Zap & Co. in 1973 and has since collected more than 30 years of “true wearable vintage” including barware, books, furniture, fashion and costume jewelry from the 1930s through the 1990s. Murray’s impressive
collection of antique wares from the Victorian and Edwardian eras even gained him celebrity fame, helping outfit television shows, network appearances, indie films and music videos. The retro department store helped costume the casts of James Cameron’s “Titanic,” Robert Redford’s “The Natural,” television sitcom “That 70’s Show” and comedy show “Saturday Night Live,” among many others. In addition to Murray’s priceless vintage merchandise, fellow business owners say they miss his invaluable expertise the most. “It’s going to be a huge loss in terms of what he offered and what he brought to the 300 block, which was experience,” Hulse comments. Before opening Zap & Co., Murray owned a record store, as well as an army surplus store. “There have been economic downturns and he’s weathered all those storms,” Hulse adds. The 300 block, which is arguably the most tight-knit district in downtown Lancaster, is home to many eateries, galleries, vintage and antique stores and fine art. Many of the owners are close friends of Murray’s and have been working with the James Street Improvement District to help raise money for Steve’s medical bills, including hosting various events around the city and promotions. At Rachel’s Creperie, Adams has been promoting the “Steve Murray Special,” which includes a black coffee and crepe.. Adams adds, “Steve Murray makes you feel cool-by -association just by knowing him! He’s always been such a wonderful neighbor to me! He supported me and my crazy crepe idea from day one when most people were skeptical. Steve is just a wonderful man and things just aren’t the same without him here!” Despite such a tragedy, 300 block business owners are doing their best to carry on Steve’s spirit by providing a personal and meaningful experience for their customers. “What the 300 block offers is an opportunity to see small business in action. Nine times out of ten you meet the owner. That’s the kind of shopping experience we offer. This is an experience you’re not going to get anywhere else,” Hulse adds. Adams reflects, saying, “As for the future… well, that remains to be seen. As a block we’re doing what we can to raise money and support for our friend Steve and we’ll continue doing that until we’re told to stop. As for the future of Zap? That’s for Steve to decide. Of course I want my neighbor back, it’s not the same without him; but I also understand if he chooses not to rebuild. My biggest concern is just that he gets himself healthy again.”