Downtown York Magazine | Fall 2022

A Message from Jonathan Desmarais

Peppermint Pattie, first medical use of oxygen, and the York Plan, York’s history is rich with significant economic and cultural firsts, but this maker’s spirit is not confined to just the past.

Today, Downtown York continues to serve as the area’s hub of ingenuity; from business, fashion, the arts, business, cuisine (and beer!), and so much more. There’s no better way to discover this than to plan your next visit.

In the meantime, I hope that this magazine edition provides you with a snapshot of the craft, creation, and celebration that awaits your discovery in Historically Edgy Downtown York. Each feature “has it made here” in Downtown York –some as an innovator or creator of handmade products, or some those chose to make their life in our community.

JONATHAN

Downtown Inc Team

Downtown Map

With its imaginative arts community, stunning architecture and restaurants that push the limits of flavor, DOWNTOWN YORK is the creative core of York County. It’s where the word revolutionary isn’t just a nod to the city’s past, but an indicator of its future. We invite you to visit today and soak in rich history, charming boutiques and a growing craft beer scene. You’ll find that Downtown York is HISTORICALLY EDGY, inside and out. This map will get you started!

CODORUSCREEK

Getting Here

DOWNTOWN YORK is easily accessible from all points north, south, east and west. Main arteries you want to look for? George Street and Queen Street from the north and south; Market Street and Philadelphia Street from the east and west.

FROM LANCASTER:

• Take Route 30 West to North George Street

• Turn left onto North George Street

• Follow straight

FROM HARRISBURG AND ALL POINTS NORTH:

• Take I-83 South to Route 30 West, Exit 22 (North George Street)

• Stay in the middle lane and turn right at the light onto North George Street

• Follow straight

Parking is plentiful in York City, with 350 on-street meters and 1,260 garage spaces in three garages conveniently located within walking distance to downtown attractions.

GARAGE LOCATIONS

• Market Street Garage (41 E. Market St.)

• Philadelphia Street Garage (25 W. Philadelphia St.)

• King Street Garage (15 W. King St.)

FROM GETTYSBURG:

• Take Route 30 East to North George Street

• Turn right onto North George Street

• Follow straight

FROM SOUTH/BALTIMORE:

• Take I-83 North to South George Street Exit

• Follow Business I-83/South George Street

Parking just got a whole lot easier with the ParkMobile App!

No more scrambling to find loose change, returning to your car to feed the meter, or difficulty finding a spot. Download it to your mobile device before your next trip to Downtown York for an easy, contactless payment option.

• Central Market Parking Deck (W. Philadelphia & N. Beaver St.)

PARKING METERS

Metered, on-street parking is available. Enforcement hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm (Free on Sundays and holidays observed by the City of York), and Saturday from 9am - 3pm for parking meters located in the "Retail Zone." Meters are marked with the hours of operation and enforcement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please direct all parking questions, concerns and comments to:

YORK CITY PARKING BUREAU: 717.815.0517

HOLISTIC, HANDMADE, HEALING Symmetry Holistic Collective

BY KATIE MAHONEY | VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

To Try:

Three like-minded friends with a passion for holistic healing and medicine launched Symmetry Holistic Collective in 2021. This collaboration of Brandy Boswell, Erin Shrader, and Stacy Tolbert plays to the strength of each, with Brandy’s expertise in tea making as a certified herbalist, Erin as a holistic nurse & herbalist focused on herbal medicine and wellness, and Stacy’s craft of crystal infused candles.

“Our business plays to our strengths,” shares Brandy. “We have a circular leadership style.” This style has proven successful for their retail store located at 15. N Beaver Street, in the heart of the Market District of Downtown York.

“Our store is a sanctuary,” shares Brandy. “We believe in people first, community first, and retail second.” Customers, some driving up to three hours to attend this unique collective, shop all handmade products, 80% of which are handmade in York County. All products are additive and preservative free, and intended to use the whole herb to reap all the benefits.

“There is a growing need to understand ourselves again,” explains Brandy. “Learning to self-care at the root and tap into who we are as a human, and tap into nature – it’s finite, but it’s a union. Our bodies will tell us what they need, they always have. If there’s an ailment out there, there is a plant for it.”

FAERIE TEA This blend yields a different color each time, from indigo blue, to greens, and (if you add a little lemon) pink, all while retaining a subtle white tea and floral flavor.

FAERIE RING Perfect for the seasonal approach of Fall and Winter, this blend mimics a minty hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Before you go, check out all the products online and “be curious,” encourages Brandy. “Ask yourself questions, ask your doctor questions, and explore the site and the store.”

15 N. Beaver St. in the Market District symmetryholisticcollective.com @symmetryholistic

SOOTHING SOULS & HELPING HANDS Our Sons and Daughters

BY BRITNEY WALKER | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

As you wander the aisles of Central Market York, you can’t miss the stand of Our Sons and Daughters, with brightly colored soaps, bath bombs, and shiny glass jars with beautiful labels. If you’re searching for products to treat yourself (or someone else), and preferring to shop local, then you’ve arrived at the right stand.

Based in York, Our Sons and Daughters LLC, owned by Philip and Cresha Drayden, has been providing high quality  bath and body products since October 2019. What started as Cresha experimenting with different soaps and oils to relieve her children’s skin condition eczema, has grown into her own business of helping others feel their best.

When it comes to keeping things local, Our Sons and Daughters recognizes that customers are adapting to the "have it made here" concept, opting to treat their skin issues with products absent of harmful colorings and fragrances.

With 10% of people experiencing eczema symptoms, the products from Our Sons and Daughters have demonstrated providing relief of itchy, dry, irritating skin with nourishing body butters and soaps.

The shelves of their stand at Central Market York are filled with more than just soaps and body products. Our Sons and Daughters also offers hand-poured soy candles, premium aromatic incense, sage for burning, as well as crystals and other holistic products.

Cresha is also working to help others live their best life with the newly developed Giver of Light LLC

As a Reiki Master and Life Coach, Cresha and her staff provide energy healing techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. Reiki practitioners use their

hands to deliver energy to clients' bodies, improving the flow and balance of their energy to support healing. Developed in the 1900's in Japan, reiki is now used all over the world, including hospitals and hospices, to complement other forms of treatments. Giver of Light LLC consultations aid clients in improving their relationships and daily lives by identifying obstacles and creating strategies for overcoming them.

“We believe that York is on the rise and we seek to improve our diverse community through offering alternative health and wellness services,” states Cresha. “We are humbled at the opportunity to interact with the visitors and locals,” adds Philip. “We intend to develop long lasting business relationships within the Downtown York area.”

34 West Philadelphia St. inside Central Market

From Ag to Industry, York has a Long History of Innovation HISTORIC YORK

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

1765

Since York’s Founding in 1741, the White Rose City has been a hub for industry and innovation. From its early days as a market-town at the center of a thriving agricultural community, York evolved into a center of innovation during the early industrial revolution. By the early 20th century, York was a manufacturing powerhouse that provided the material to win two world wars.

The legacy of York County’s Agricultural and Industrial Heritage lives on today. York County is second only to Lancaster in its number of farms, and the manufacturing sector employs 18% of York County’s workforce, far outpacing the state and national statistic. With this in mind, it’s worth reviewing a few of the things invented right here in York, PA.

The York Fair

Under a charter granted by Thomas Penn, the first York Fair was held eleven years prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence Originally held on the grounds of the town commons, which later became Penn Park, this is purportedly the first fair to be organized in the New World and the ancestor of America’s much beloved state fairs.

1820 York Imperial Apple

Experimenting with tree grafts which he acquired from John Kline, of Hellam Township, Johnathan Jessop developed a new variety of apple – the York Imperial which is distinct for its ability to be kept through the winter. This fact resulted in Andrew Jackson Downing, a noted landscape architect, granting the apple the moniker “Imperial of Keepers”

1825

1 st Iron Steam Boat

Launched in November 1825, the “Codorus” was the first iron-hulled ship built in America. The 60-foot vessel was designed to carry lumber down the notoriously shallow Susquehanna River. Despite several successful runs, the ship was only operable for few months out of the year and was soon sold. According to reporting by Stephen Smith, the Codorus eventually made its way to North Carolina before record of the vessel is lost to history.

1830

1 st Coal Burning Locomotive

In 1830, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad announced a competition for the design of a coal burning locomotive with a first prize award of $4,000 (in today’s dollars that’s well over $100,000). Davis, who had designed the engine for the Codorus, designed and built the “York” – a 3.5 ton locomotive capable of pulling 15 tons at speeds up to 35 miles an hour. A replica of the York is on display at the York County History Center’s Agricultural and Industrial Museum.

Continued on Page 14

CITATION: Sheets, G. R. (1991). Made in York: A survey of the Agricultural & Industrial Heritage of York County, Pennsylvania. Agricultural & Industrial Museum of York County.

PHOTO CREDIT: York County Postcards Collection, York County History Center, York, Pennsylvania, United States. https://www.yorkhistorycenter.org/

The York Plan

As early as 1938, S. Forry Laucks began preparations for what would become the York Plan an early coordinated industrial policy which made spread government work to a variety of local companies via subcontracting. The success of the transition from civilian to military production in York was lifted as a national best practice.

1839

Haupt Truss Bridge

Developed while he was serving as the engineer for overseeing the construction of the York and Wrightsville Railroad, this innovative design received a patent. Herman Haupt would go on to serve a chief engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad and pioneered the use of railroads for military purposes during the Civil War.

Through murals with tours, lectures, workshops, exhibits, research facilities and living history programs, the York County History Center continues collecting, preserving and interpreting more than 250 years of York County’s rich and diverse history. The Center includes the Historical Society Museum and Library/Archives, Agricultural and Industrial Museum, Colonial Complex, The Bonham House, and Fire Museum.

yorkhistorycenter.org

@York County History Center

The WeCo District’s Historic Farm to Table Restaurant

Keeps Local

BY HANNAH BEARD

MARKETING & MERCHANT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Owner and Executive Chef of The Roosevelt Tavern, Byron Kehr, is committed to sourcing locally grown, farm-raised ingredients that highlight seasonal flavors and regional favorites for the restaurant’s farm-to-table menu.

Byron grew up in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, and remembers The Roosevelt Tavern as a landmark restaurant in York since he was a kid. Though the property has changed owners and uses in the last 162 years, from cigar stores and speakeasies in the prohibition era to the local’s favorite Annie Tique’s bar in the ‘70s and later Archie’s Inn Towne in the ‘80’s, it has remained a place of gathering among friends.

When Byron and his wife purchased the restaurant in 2011, they recreated the menus to adapt to the farm-to-table mentality with the intention of utilizing the plethora of top-quality meats, cheeses, and seasonal produce available locally.

“That’s when we tried to use all the local farmers that we could,” Byron explains about

“Sourcing ingredients locally keeps the local economy stimulated,” Kehr says on the importance of supporting local farmers, “and people know where their meals are coming from and what the animals are being fed. It follows through in the quality of the meat.”

Meats, like pork and beef, are purchased from local farms that specialize in humane practices, vegetables and fruits are bought at York County markets and roadside stands based on what is needed for featured dishes, and cheeses are sourced from a York County goat farm. Even the desserts get in on the local action, with treats incorporating Beck’s Ice Cream and Wilbur’s Chocolate. Within walking distance from The Roosevelt Tavern is Penn Market, York County’s oldest farmer’s market, where Byron will also purchase fresh meats and cheeses from the market’s longest-standing vendor, Charles Ilyes Family Inc.

The Kehr’s commitment to celebrating fresh, local ingredients from nearby farms and family-owned businesses in the area is made apparent in The Roosevelt Tavern’s ever-evolving menu based on

CAMELOT VALLEY GOAT CHEESE SALAD:

Mixed greens, dried cranberries, candied walnuts & fried chevre with maple mustard vinaigrette

D hes try

PORK RIB EYE:

Bourbon glazed pork ribeye, wilted greens, oven-roasted fresh herb potatoes

WARM CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE:

“Wilbur’s” bronze medal chocolate, pecans, “Beck’s” French vanilla ice cream, chocolate drizzle

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH BIKING

BY DAVID GONZALEZ DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

Brandt Kingsley’s infectious energy is only matched by his tireless dedication to Pedal 4 Peace, a non-profit he founded. Pedal 4 Peace came to fruition via a Ride Against Violence that Kingsley embarked on in 2017. A nearly 30-hour bike ride took him to Ocean City, Maryland and through that journey, and a few conversations, Pedal 4 Peace was born.

Kingsley leads the organization with an approach that the kids tell him and the volunteers/board what they want. Kingsley notes, “the kids know what they want and what will help them. When given the opportunity to speak up, they’ll let you know what will be meaningful to them.”

Suggestions from the kids have included camping trips, ways to develop accountability, opportunities to fix bikes and even give some away to other kids who want them. To date, the group has given away nearly 500 bikes.

“The kids know what they want and what will help them. When given the opportunity to speak up, they’ll let you know what will be meaningful to them.”

~ BRANDT KINGSLEY, PEDAL 4 PEACE

Pedal 4 Peace has expanded from group rides on city streets to managing a BMX track, and has garnered both national and international attention. Knowing that many of the kids have only experienced bike riding on city streets, Pedal 4 Peace introduced mountain biking. Some of the kids have developed a passion for mountain biking and even participate in competitions, creating a pivot for the non-profit. There’s a curriculum that has been developed, which runs 7 days a week. The week includes BMX academy training, mountain bike training, practice for teams, preparing for weekend travels, and middle school and high school age competitions.

All the growth has been a surprise to Kingsley, but he knows the more important mission of Pedal 4 Peace is to develop young leaders, who have goals, perspectives, and skills that prepare them to contribute to their community. Kingsley notes that “bikes are the gateway to bring the kids into the program, but through their engagement with us they learn life lessons and improve their outlook on life.”

Q&A with

Jennifer Heasley

OWNER

SWEET MAMA’S MAMBO SAUCE/ COOKING WITH THE PROS LLC

QWhy did you expand your business in Downtown York?

A: Opening a stand in Central Market felt like the next organic step for the business. Also, as a retired York City School teacher and coach, many of my relationships in this area have been built within the city. Therefore, expanding in a downtown space felt most natural for me. Since opening, I’ve been able to participate in themed weeks such as Taco Week, Restaurant Week, and others that have grown my company’s brand and recognition in Downtown York.

QHow did you develop the events & catering part of the business?

A: While teaching at Hannah Penn, I (along with a fantastic staff) organized the "Soul Food Cook-Off", which featured families, teachers, students, and other community members cooking together, and was held in February in honor of Black History Month. This event was honestly one of the greatest things I have ever been a part of. Recently, I launched Sweet Mama's Soul Food Sundays, which is a concept based on the brunch atmosphere you see in larger markets. In November of 2021, I launched my first Sweet Mama's Soul Food Sunday at fellow Downtown business, Hamir's Indian Fusion and it was a big success!

Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce, part of Cooking with the Pros LLC, and owned by Jennifer Heasley, has been manufacturing flavorful dining sauces for over 4 years in Downtown York. In addition to the sauces, Jen has grown her company footprint to include catering, grab-and-go lunch options, and an events arm. All of this taking place right out of Central Market’s Yorkitchen, in the heart of the downtown.

QHow did you end up entering the sauce making environment?

A: The sauce part of the brand came out of the catering company. For several years, I wrote a food blog, “Cooking With The Pros” as well as produced  a cooking show of the same title. The platform of the blog/show was sports and food, and would often focus on foods that are traditional in different cities as it applies to their sports team. “Mambo” is unique to the DMV specifically to Washington DC and it took me about 6 months to master the sauce. When I retired from teaching and started to cater, I

QWhat’s on the horizon for your business?

A: I’m currently working on “York’s Greatest Tailgating Festival” as an inaugural event at PeoplesBank Park on October 29. This event will bring together sports fans, small business vendors and most importantly, provide a game day experience highlighting menu options from local food service businesses. Attendees will also have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Downtown York.

QWhere can someone find your sauces?

A: Initially, we only had the original flavor, but we now carry eight flavors. Our sauce is sold in Giant Grocery Stores, Superior Meats, Brewie Louie's, Amazon, our stand in Central Market, as well as our online store: sweetmamasmambosauce.com.

Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce was also a recent recipient of a Downtown York BLOOM Grant, along with 12 other businesses in the Business Improvement District. As you make your plans for shopping this season, please consider visiting any of these businesses and the many more thriving in our downtown!

34 West Philadelphia St Inside Central Market sweetmamasmambosauce.com

For more information about the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center, visit YCEApa.org/BLOOM

SCAN

BY JONATHAN DESMARAIS DIRECTOR OF DOWNTOWN INC

Local realtor Jason Phillips knows it’s all about “location, location, location,” which is why he has chosen to live right in the heart of Downtown York. Residing in the Codo 28 Building on North George Street, Jason is only a few steps away from it all. As he explains, “the residential market has been trending downtown and I got in at the right time.”

Whether it’s taking in world-class entertainment at the Appell Center or dining at York County’s finest seafood restaurant, Rockfish Public House, Jason and his girlfriend, Kiuana, never need to go far for date night, or even take the car out of the garage. When he needs a graphic designed for his thriving real estate business, he just heads down Market Street to DesignBots Media Firm

If he has to get some work done while enjoying the energy of the community, he grabs his laptop and finds a table at Prince Street Café. When his daughter visits for the weekend, he’s always showing her around town, especially on First Fridays. As Jason explains, “we’ll rearrange our whole schedule for First Fridays if the vibe is right.”

As for his living arrangements, the historic charm and modern amenities of the Codo 28 Building meets all of Jason’s needs. Three floors complete with two bedrooms and two full baths provide ample room for him and his daughter. Exposed brick, original hardwood floors, and vaulted ceilings, paired with eco-friendly and modern design elements match the Historically Edgy vibe of Downtown York that Jason loves.

However, you won’t just find Jason living his best life in Downtown York, you’ll also see him spreading the good word as well. He loves to volunteer as a tour guide for Downtown Inc’s bi-annual Sweetest Pint Tasting Tours and is a proud member of the Downtown Inc Ambassadors Program. As a graduate of Crispus Attucks Charter School and Penn State York, he has witnessed Downtown York’s recent transformation first hand, “there’s more vibrancy, more activity, and more energy than ever before.”

Explore York, ® York County’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, attracts travelers to our area through a variety of initiatives which showcase the many entrepreneurial makers that call York County home. Bringing the tagline, “have it made here” to life, they are leading the charge to share our county’s story by partnering with local businesses to adopt the destination brand.

Embracing York County’s history, economy, landscape and sense of community, the brand website, HaveItMadeHere.com promotes the makers spirit – highlighting independent businesses like Gusa by Victoria, Sunrise Soap Company and the Symmetry Holistic Collective.

As you travel around the 911 miles that comprise our amazing county, you will notice the destination logo on display. Our membership base includes a wide variety of business owners who embrace the vision of a unified mission to promote everything our county has to offer. From produce to products, fine food to fun – York County is the place to make things AND memories.

Visitors spent more than $1 billion and the tourism industry employed more than 6,500 people in York County in 2020. Explore York’s goal is to position our area as a sought-after destination through comprehensive tourism sales and marketing programs.

DowntownYorkPA.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

Sweetest Pint Tasting Tour presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Co. –York Vehicle Operations, Downtown York, 2-5:30 pm

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

First Friday presented by WellSpan Health, Downtown York, 5-9 pm

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

BLOOM Business Series Workshop presented by PNC, Zoom, 12-1 pm

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Hanging of the Greens Downtown York, 10 am -12 pm

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

First Friday presented by WellSpan Health, Downtown York, 5-9 pm

enrootyork.org

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18

York Story Slam: “Last Chance”

Archetype Pizza, 7-9pm

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Kable House Presents:

WXPN Welcomes Chris Pierce Central Market, 8-10 pm

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

PechaKucha Night York

Buchart Horn, 6-8 pm

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

York Story Slam: Grand Slam 2022

Capitol Theatre, 7 pm

144 Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 100 York, PA 17401