Extraordinary Stories From An Ordinary Guy: The "Lititz: Traditional Americana: Part I" Story

Foreword: I made a recent trip to the town of Lititz, PA which is to the North of Lancaster. My intentions were to visit with my mother, but it turned into something larger than just a visit. Today's and tomorrow's stories will show you a town that is a real gem in the heartland of the Amish country. A few photos will be in today's story with many more tomorrow.

It was an ordinary day. Taking mom's wash back to her at Moravian Manor in Lititz, PA. Beautiful late summer afternoon. Sun is warm, but a slight breeze cools the air. Just before entering Lititz I noticed a marker on the side of the road. Looked like a tombstone, but it was clearly a road marker telling the viewer that it was 7 M to LA. My guess was it was 7 miles to Lancaster. Then under that it looked like a number 2 and M to LIZ which probably meant 2 miles to Lititz. Anyway, I was close to Lititz. I turned left on Lemon Street and drove past the entrance to Moravian Manor to find parking. As I did so I noticed how beautiful the outside of the place really was in the afternoon light. Took a photo to share with my mom. About a half hour later I was back on the road again and had some time to spare and thought I would head to the center of Lititz to take in the views of the historical small town. Lititz was founded by Moravian people who settled in the town as early as the 1740s. The original settlers hailed from Bohemia and Moravia, what we now recognize as the Czech Republic. These peaceful people, trying to escape religious persecution as far back as the 15th century found their way to Germany where, through missionary work, made their way to the United States and specifically Warwick Township where they formed their new settlement in 1756 and named it Lititz. For over 200 years the town prospered. During some of that time only Moravians were permitted to live in Lititz and only members of the congregation could own houses; others were required to lease. In 1855 the lease-system was abolished. Lititz is home to many famous and interesting landmarks. The Brethren's House, built in 1759, was used as a hospital during the American Revolution. Linden Hall is the oldest all-girls boarding school in the US. It is located next to the Moravian Church on East Main Street and was founded by the Moravians in 1746. Lititz has celebrated the 4th of July longer than any other town since the tradition was started in 1813. Much of the celebration is carried on in Lititz Springs Park. For over 200 years the Lititz Moravian Church maintained the park, but in 1956, due in part to the cost of maintenance, that duty was turned over to the community of Lititz. Part of the July 4th celebration includes the Queen of the Candles pageant and the yearly fireworks. Naturally there is a holiday parade that travels through the town which I have had the pleasure to drive my Corvette in for a few years. Matter of fact, my wife even drove the Vette one year. More tomorrow in Part II ....... It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - See photos below which will help illustrate the first part of my story.

Road marker showing distances between the marker and Lancaster as well as the distance between the marker and Lititz.