Letter Editor from the
Kate Chadwick
The Press
PUBLISHER
Back in our December 2017 issue, I wrote a feature story about Baldwin’s Book Barn. Soon after I submitted it, I received an email from our publisher, Dan Mathers. “You did a really great job with this story,” he said. “It’s very apparent that you love the subject matter.” He’s not real generous with the compliments, so this exchange really stuck in my mind; picture me pointing quizzically to my chest and looking over either shoulder for the Punk’d cameras. “Thank you,” I said. “Why don’t you buy the place, so I can live in it, and I’ll work there for free?” Alas, that fiendish plot never came to fruition, but I continue to visit Baldwin’s whenever I can. And these days, that cornerstone of West Chester bookstores has plenty of company.
The trope that print is dead is one that I’ve been hearing for the entirety of the 16 years I’ve been in this industry. People keep saying it, and other people just keep buying books, magazines, and newspapers. I recently attended a small business workshop. The instructor was giving a hypothetical situation. “Let’s say I’m opening up a small business—maybe it’s a bookstore.” He hesitated for a second, and then said “Wait—that’s a bad example,” as a chuckle rippled through the room. “People aren’t really opening bookstores anymore.”
This guy may know a thing or two about business, but he’s clearly not a book guy, and he’s obviously never been to West Chester. I should have invited him to tag along with me as I bounced from one bookstore to another—five in total—for one of the features in this issue. Check it out and meet some of my fellow bibliophiles who managed to make their own dream of running a bookstore come true. Oh, and if anyone does want to buy Baldwin’s for me, the offer to work there gratis still stands.
With cooler temperatures come warmer houses—literally but also figuratively and visually. We spent some time visiting your favorite home décor haunts (see what I did there?) to pick up inspiration for warming up your space. Some call it cuffing season; I call it pass me that faux fur blanket, light me a candle, pour me a cup of tea, and sit next to me while I curl up with my book season.
And while you can also buy clothes online, that doesn’t seem to stop people from opening retail stores, either. In this issue we meet Courtney McGee and visit her ridiculously cool new clothing store on Gay Street, DRK MTTR. She’s a ray of sunshine, dressed head-to-toe in black. And we visit with your friendly neighborhood mechanic, Glenn Lewis, and his crew over at Lewis Automotive, where they’re celebrating six decades as a family-owned business this year.
So if you don’t have a book handy, now you know where to buy one (or get to the library and borrow one). In the meantime, curl up under your favorite blanket with this issue. Welcome to autumn in West Chester, and we thank you for reading The WC Press. —kate@thewcpress.com
Dan Mathers dan@thewcpress.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Kate Chadwick kate@thewcpress.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Nick Vecchio nick@thewcpress.com
Myles Chadwick nick@thewcpress.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Jesse Piersol jpiersol@thewcpress.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Erik Weber @westchesterviews
COLUMNISTS
Becca Boyd bboyd@thewcpress.com
Andrea Mason amason@thewcpress.com
DJ Romeo romeo@thewcpress.com
Anne Walsh awalsh@thewcpress.com
Pachy Banks-Cabral volunteerpres@mycchc.org
Published By... Mathers Productions 1271 Phoenixville Pk West Chester, PA 19380 mathersproductions.com 610-299-1100
The WC Press is mailed to more than 3,000 homes throughout West Chester and dropped off to about 100 locations. For a free subscription, digital or mailed, visit thewcpress.com. Our no-nonsense table of contents
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WARMING UP FOR THE COOLDOWN
Seasonal touches for your home and the best places to find them
HUNGER GAMES
Jennifer Laurence lends advice on eating good and well
LOCAL TALENT
Meet Don Shoffner
ON THE SHELF
What’s happening at the WCPL
CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK
We’ll tell you where to find your next favorite read
DESIGNS OF THE TIMES
Andrea Mason helps you upgrade your space
HISTORY HAPPENED HERE
Diving into the important happenings in West Chester’s past
HOME BECCANOMICS
Becca Boyd shares tips on life and cooking
POPULAR MECHANICS
Lewis Automotive marks 60 years in business
NEW IN TOWN
Profiling exciting new businesses in the borough
TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD
We spotlight citizens for doing something swell
PHOTO HUNT
Spot the five differences and earn a Saloon 151 gift card
THE PLAYLIST
Songs that will take over the radio stations
Warming Up
FO R T H E C O O L D O W N
Seasonal touches for your home and the best places to find them in West Chester
by Kate Chadwick
Design and fashion icon Coco Chanel opined, “An interior is the natural projection of the soul.” And as we dress ourselves, so we dress our homes. Indeed, since the time of our cave-dwelling ancestors, humans have enhanced their spaces according to their tastes—and the weather.
Some of us pick up a pumpkin at Highland Orchards, stick it on the porch, and call it “fall décor.” Others pack up so many Halloween decorations that we require a dedicated section of a large basement to store them all. And still others know that there are plenty of places in West Chester where you can find the perfect touches for figuratively warming up your home when the temperature drops down. We checked in with some of your favorite spots for their ideas.
PINE & QUILL
23 N. Walnut Street
Pine & Quill manages to feel sunny and warm no matter the weather outside, thanks in large part to owner Dianna DiStefano’s upbeat attitude. One of her favorite ways to get the cozy vibes going is through fall-scented candles. “I carry tons of them and it's so hard to choose, but the Woodfire scent is by far my favorite now,” she says. Aside from Woodfire, Maple Chai—which is hand poured in West Chester -- is one that really invokes all the senses. “I also love switching things out to richer colors, especially deep browns and oranges, with little pops of cream. I put out an assortment of velvet and boucle pumpkins and fall colors—also mushrooms! I have cute felt mushrooms that add something different. Also, a cozy blanket in amazing plush fabric - I have cream and a rusty orange. You can't help but cozy up to it!” Her enthusiasm is contagious; on a recent visit we overheard her say to a customer “I’m so glad you picked this—I’m obsessed with it.”
At home, Dianna clusters pumpkins on her countertop in a contrasting color, and tree bristles during the winter holidays. “We forget about our countertops a lot of times,” she sighs. “But areas where you have plants, you can add a little pumpkin in the pot to make it
ONE OF PINE + QUILL OWNER DIANNA DISTEFANO’S FAVORITE WAYS TO GET THE COZY VIBES GOING IS THROUGH FALL-SCENTED CANDLES. “I CARRY TONS OF THEM AND IT’S SO HARD TO CHOOSE,” SHE SAYS, “BUT THE WOODFIRE SCENT IS BY FAR MY FAVORITE NOW,”
feel warm and fall-ish.” She likes to add organic elements such as feathers and handmade dahlias and lotus flowers in neutral tones to add a special texture to a room. Two words: feather flowers.
And whatever you do, don’t forget to stay warm, figuratively and literally. “Cozy blankets in rich hues are easy to throw over your lap when you're drinking your morning coffee.” And maybe jot
a few things down in the cool new journal you bought at Pine & Quill.
THE 5 SENSES
133 W. Market Street
“Color, texture, lighting, and scent are the ways I add warmth to my home,” says Michelle Guida of The 5 Senses, adding how she switches to a warmer and deeper color palette in the autumn.
“Think teal and navy instead of turquoise and sky blue, plum instead of lavender, burgundy instead of bright red, rust instead of orange.” She then adds heavier textured items, like a velvet duvet on the bed to replace the cotton quilt she uses in the spring and summer
and switches out decorative pillows and throw blankets to something velvety or faux fur.
Michelle identifies lighting as a prime opportunity to warm up a space. “I like to make sure all my light bulbs are warm or soft white, and I light candles a lot more,” she says. She also switches the scent of her candles, reed diffusers, and soaps from light and citrusy fragrances to something more amber or woody.
The Barrick brand of candles stocked at The 5 Senses come in a rainbow of colors, making them easy to switch out for a deeper color palette suitable for the colder months. Michelle also likes to pair their Northern Lights taper candles with wrought iron candlesticks, such as the ones they carry from Blackthorne Forge or Sekoya Originals. “Penn Candles and Rescued Wine Candles offer many cozy scent options,” she adds. “Pottery and glass vases, many from local artists like Bob Deane and Suzanne Kent, are perfect for fall flowers.” She loves to freshen up a space by hanging a new piece of wall art, like a rustic iron piece from Elizabeth Keith, or a hand-felted framed art
from Shades of Nature to add warmth and texture to walls.
“Kitchens are often overlooked,” she notes. “Changing the scent of the soap by the sink, burning a gourmand scented candle that smells like you just baked something delicious, switching out plain hand towels for something fun and seasonal, displaying wooden cutting boards for texture and a rustic pottery vase with fall flowers are all easy ways to add warmth to what can be a very cold and utilitarian space.”
MODERN MERCHANT at MELANGELL
1133 Pottstown Pike
“Herringbones, tartans, plaids.” So sayeth Lena Glover of Modern Merchant at Melangell when we asked about her fall vibe home suggestions. “Golds, terra cottas, browns, dark greens—rich colors. And what’s really in right now is moodier colors.” This can be achieved either by painting a whole room in a richer, darker color, or using moodier accents.
KITCHENS ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED. MICHELLE GUIDA OF THE 5 SENSES SUGGESTS ADDING SOME WARMTH TO AN OTHERWISE UTILITARIAN SPACE.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. If you haven’t visited Melangell, please remedy that. This magnificent former hunting lodge is tucked back from the road on Pottstown Pike at the outskirts of the borough. It’s a rambling stone building brimming with a mix of old and new treasures for your home, antique and modern pieces of furniture and home décor that is, in a word, dazzling. Co-owner Laura DePrisco is the mastermind of the layout here, which manages to burst with merchandise without feeling cluttered. Oversized ornate gilt-framed mirrors coexist with simple taper candles, glassware, record albums, and flatware. A bust of Shakespeare sits on a stack of books across from a smoked glass barware vignette. Laura’s husband and co-owner Sal, handles the rest. “I just do what she tells me,” Sal said when we remarked on a festive overhead light fixture. “She told me what she wanted, and I built it.”
MODERN MERCHANT’S LENA GLOVER’S SPACE AT MELANGELL “LEANS TOWARDS THE MASCULINE.” YOU’LL SEE A LOT OF HORSE HUNTS, ANTLERS, SKETCHES AND PRINTS OF WOLVES, FOXES, LIONS, AND OWLS. “YOU’RE NOT GOING TO CATCH ME WEARING PINK,” SHE SAYS.
Note: plan to spend some time here. There are several rooms over a couple of floors. Lena recently moved her own Modern Merchant wares into a space on the shop’s second floor. “I love to use natural elements,” she said. “I swap out lighter, warmer-weather things in my vases for pheasant feathers. It’s replacing fresh and light textures with warmer and darker ones. It’s cozy.”
Her own space at Melangell “leans towards the masculine. You’re not going to catch me wearing pink.” [Editor’s note: girl, same.] The room has tartans from Scotland, candles from England, and leatherbound books.
“You can even swap out your lampshades,” Lena suggests, “from a summery creamy linen to black, which looks amazing on a brass lamp.” She gestures towards a celery-green chair. “You can warm this up by throwing on a dark pillow that maybe has this shade running through it, toss a blanket over the arm, and you’re immediately snug.” Lena says you can store your seasonal swap items like you do your winter and summer clothes.
The store’s space—upstairs and down—is peppered with seasonal vignettes that offer lots of inspiration. “I love to use natural elements because nature doesn’t go away in fall and winter. It just changes colors.” Just like us, changing our clothes.
WOMAN’S EXCHANGE
10 S. Church Street
If you read our feature about Woman’s Exchange, This Woman’s Work, you know the deal (and if you haven’t, head to our website and read it in our Winter 2023 issue). In a nutshell, this is a volunteer-run operation with deep roots both in the community and nationally. Counting 15 shops across 10 states, Woman’s Exchange was founded in
1832 as a place for women to sell items they either made or no longer needed to earn money during a time when women working outside the home was socially frowned upon. Call it a thrift shop with a mission.
Today, having marked 80 years at this location, Woman’s Exchange West Chester is staffed entirely by volunteers. Further, all the money made from the sale of the donated merchandise that fills the two-story shop (first floor and basement) is put right back into the community in the form of donations to local charities. The trick here is donated, not curated. Or you can consign your items for a 50/50 split.
On our most recent trip, the window offered a glimpse of the cool weather finds we were looking for: a wool blanket with a graphic print in fall colors, a decorative basket bursting with pinecones and faux pumpkins, and a bold wall hanging in a pumpkin colored paisley print.
You’ll find some real…well, finds here. The windows are always charmingly decorated, and there are sweet vignettes of seasonal merchandise as you would find in any other retail store. The difference is in the price tags, where items range from a couple of bucks to $100 or so. You’ll find china to tchotchkes here;
framed prints to dog sweaters—you just really never know. This is the kind of place to go without an agenda; something almost invariably will jump out at you that you didn’t even know you needed. We found a four-piece set of festive gold, green, and red Ludwigsburg wine glasses marked down to four dollars—perfect for a holiday table. Cheers to that.
GIUNTA’S FURNITURE
513 E. Gay Street
“A fun way to refresh for fall is with color,” says Jenna Forte, manager of Giunta’s Furniture. “When we are filling up our carts looking ahead to the season, we think of a warmer color scheme and bring in a little of both fall neutrals and some muted shades of autumn. Simply changing out your tabletop accessories, like adding faux foliage and a sweet velvet pumpkin here and there, will completely rejuvenate your space for the season.”
Giunta’s has been a furniture go-to in the borough for years, but it’s not just
a cavernous space filled with couches and end tables. There’s lighting, tablescapes, vases, artwork and wall hangings, pillows, and other home décor that give the space more of a boutique-like vibe than a furniture store feel.
For fall, Jenna suggests simple changes like layering pillows for texture to add warmth to your space. For the winter, they add not only holiday décor, but unique accessories and distinctive gifts. “We carry Capri Blue candles, both the popular Volcano year-round scent along with seasonal scents like Pumpkin Spice and Apple Cinnamon,” Jenna said. “We also carry West Chester-specific gifts, like unique locally crafted pottery along with coasters and other accessories.”
Kitchens and family rooms tend to be the first rooms that people tackle when bringing in the fall décor, according to Jenna. A sweet vase with faux foliage and a Pumpkin Spice candle would be a simple switch in the powder room or any bathroom. “Add a gorgeous fall tea towel and you’re done!” she says. “In the dining room, we are always excited to
SIMPLY CHANGING OUT YOUR TABLETOP ACCESSORIES, LIKE ADDING FAUX FOLIAGE AND A SWEET VELVET PUMPKIN HERE AND THERE, WILL COMPLETELY REJUVENATE YOUR SPACE FOR THE SEASON,” SAYS JENNA FORTE, MANAGER OF GIUNTA’S FURNITURE.
help our customers restyle their tablescapes with runners, placemats, and of course, centerpieces.”
Their latest retail foray is clothing; warm yourself up as you would your house. “We consider Giunta’s West Chester the perfect spot for not only custom furniture but for uncommon gifts, accessories, and now your ‘outfit of the day’ with our gorgeous new boutique,” Jenna said. “We offer the complete package. We’re proud to sell gorgeous Marinella Jewelry, a local West Chester artist. We are carrying Risen Jeans, Kut from the Kloth, Susan Shaw jewelry, and much more.” Can’t forget the Eagles gear. “We have Eagles sweaters, sweatshirts, and the hats are a big seller. Phillies hats and bracelets are big hits as well.”
Whether it’s for your house or yourself, Giunta’s is a one-stop shop. “Our staff is always willing to help you put something together whether it’s your Friday night outfit, a housewarming gift, or completely restyling your family room.”
PAINTED PLATE
104 Market Street
“We are in our 24th year, and we are still amazed at some people’s creativity,” says Painted Plate owner Chet Reber.
If you’re not familiar with this paint your own pottery spot, it is a go-to hub for creatives, girls’ night gatherings, and unofficial Kids’ Birthday Party Central within the borough. You can choose from over 100 different ceramic items to personalize with over 60 different colors of paint. It can be as simple as a cat that I painted to look like my own (it’s close, but no cigar), or you can DIY platters and plates for your dining room décor. But things really ratchet up when the temps go down here. “The couple of weeks leading up to Halloween are easily our busiest time of the year,” said Maddie Cunningham, who has worked at Painted Plate for two years.
“The colder months are definitely busier than the warmer months overall,” Chet agreed. “I think we get busy at the end of October because the weather is changing, and people are looking to do more indoor activities. They are finally over all the distractions of summer and are getting back into some of their regular routines.” Chet says that from the middle of October until the end of December, they are very busy. “Christmas is by far our biggest holiday, and we sell a whole bunch of Christmas themed pottery starting in mid-October.” Oh, to be organized enough to be thinking ahead to Christmas décor prior to Halloween!
As for those Halloween themed items, “I would say that it is a pretty even split between ‘spooky’ and ‘cute’ items,” Chet said. “And it’s pretty cool to observe; people can get very creative with their Halloween projects.” You can go as benign as painting your own pumpkins and gourds, to ghosts, goblins and skulls to bring that Hallow-
AS FOR THOSE HALLOWEEN THEMED ITEMS, “I WOULD SAY THAT IT IS A PRETTY EVEN SPLIT BETWEEN ‘SPOOKY’ AND ‘CUTE’ ITEMS,” SAID THE PAINTED PLATE OWNER CHET REBER.
een charm into your space. But there’s something else at play here.
“I do think there’s a certain warmth dimension that comes from the fact that people are painting these home décor objects themselves,” Chet said. “I think our customers feel a bit more connected and more attached to something that they have created from their imagination.” Make sure you bring yours to Painted Plate, by the way. There are no rules here. Have you always wanted a
purple speckled pumpkin but can’t find it at the farmstand? Create your own here—and added bonus: it won’t go bad.
You can make a reservation, or they gladly take walk-ins here. Their prices, according to their website, range from $6 to $95, and once your autumn masterpiece is complete, they will fire and glaze it for you.
“Over the next couple of months there will be handprints painted into turkeys, and baby's footprints painted into Christmas trees and reindeer,” Chet said. “This time of year, especially, a hand-painted piece of pottery on your kitchen counter or you mantle definitely brings a special kind of warmth into your home!”
Hunger Games
Jennifer Laurence, Registered Dietitian and owner of RIght Balance Nutrition, on eating good—and well.
Autumn has always been one of my favorite seasons. You might think it’s because my birthday is in October, but what I love most about fall are the warm and bright colors and tastes associated with this time of year—winter squash in particular. Starting in September, you’ll begin to see varieties of these in your favorite grocery stores or at the West Chester Grower’s Market. While you might associate them as common decorative and holiday accents, they are packed with nutrition and are also hearty and flavorful vegetables to enjoy when the weather starts getting cooler.
While pumpkin is arguably the most recognized member of what is known as the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family, it is just one of many types of winter squash that you can add to your diet. Some of my favorites include delicata, kabocha, butternut, and acorn squash, but there are numerous others.
The nutritional benefits of squash are vast. Squash contains high amounts of fiber, which benefits heart health and digestion. The green, yellow, orange, and multi-toned varieties have flesh that contain antioxidants, such as beta carotene and vitamin C. Both can lower inflammation and boost the immune system, which is ideal as we head into cold and flu season. Squash is also high in minerals like potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, and Vitamin B6, which helps support the nervous system and mood regulation. Even the seeds of squash are nutrient dense. Pumpkin seeds are one of the highest sources of magnesium, which can lower the risk of diabetes. Magnesium is also a key nutrient for bone health. As a bonus, winter squash is typically low in calories compared to other starches, making it an ideal choice for maintaining a healthy weight.
It’s easy to get intimidated by winter squash because of the amount of prep that is involved. Some varieties have a thick skin that must be peeled, plus you have to scoop out the seeds. If you’ve never made squash before, I recommend starting with delicata. It’s small with fewer seeds and a thin skin that is edible, making it easier to work with. Other varieties like kabocha, butternut, and acorn can be roasted in the oven whole or even microwaved for a few minutes before peeling. The flesh of winter squash is dense and flavorful, which makes it the perfect ingredient for soups, stews, side dishes, and breads, or you can enjoy it on its own as a side dish. I like to mash it and then blend it with some cinnamon, olive oil, and a little maple syrup.
Another reason why I love winter squash is that it is affordable, and it typically yields several servings. Cooked squash can be frozen, and it reheats very well, allowing you to make extra that can be used in a variety of recipes. Winter squash will maintain its flavor whether it’s roasted or steamed, so I encourage you to be bold in the kitchen and explore the many ways you can include this in your weekly meal planning this season.
Get some winter squash into your kitchen this fall—both for décor and for eating! —jlaurence@thewcpress.com
LocalTalent
Meet regional artist Don Shoffner, by
Anne Walsh
Viewing Don Shoffner’s art is like taking a Sunday drive through the back roads of Chester County. A regional painter, Shoffner creates timeless images of local farms and roads, but it’s not all bucolic barns. His paintings of baby ducks are full of character, appealing to children and adults.
Born and raised in West Chester, Shoffner attended West Chester High School (now Henderson), and West Chester University—with some art classes on his roster. He worked during college at Willard’s Wallpaper and Paint, who sold art supplies and framing services, a skill that served him well.
Shoffner attended Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences in the 1980s, studying textile design, but “decided to stick with my day job and stopped after 24 credits.” In his mid-50s Don retired from a marketing career to risk exploring his artistic side. His talent made that risk worth taking.
His Art: Shoffner works mostly in watercolor, but challenges himself to experiment with other media, most recently with gouache and egg tempera, like artistic influence and legend, Andrew Wyeth. When Shoffner paints en plein air, he uses pastels and charcoal, “for the quick stuff,” a nod to the time-sensitivity of the method. Mostly, he prefers his studio, where he can concentrate on detail.
That focus on detail results in a crisp form. He “gets into a Zen zone”to achieve texture. “Sometimes I like to splash some wet paint onto the canvas, then I tailor it down, overlay it, and go for the texture I seek.”
He says that after eye surgery, greens became more visible. “I started using greens and other colors to make skies, adding water, swirling it, allowing it to set, eventually becoming the background sky.” Those swirly skies can steal the spotlight in an otherwise detailed subject.
One of his duck pieces, Marge the Duck, is in a line of cards by the Barnstone for Kids Foundation. “I just think they’re cute,” he said. “They’re light and whimsical.”
Latest project: “The Seasons of Chester County” will be on display at Sunset Hill Fine Arts Gallery through November 1.
Influences: Landscape watercolorist John Singer Sargent and James “art for art’s sake” Whistler are legendary influences, especially for their use of texture. Shoffner names local artist friends who influence him: painter Tom Bostelle and sculptor Bill Freeland. He likes Phil Jamison’s loose style. “I’m too rigid and detailed. [His] freedom of movement and style challenges me to explore.”
Advice for new artists: “Keep challenging yourself. Find a medium you’re comfortable with, hone those skills, then branch out with different surfaces, dimensions, styles, mediums. Try to get
into shows—small shows, charitable shows. Bigger shows will follow. Join your local art associations.”
Shoffner stresses the influence of the Chester County Art Association. “When I was a student at WCU, Professor Bob McKinney encouraged us to all become members. He was the best intro to art professor.”
And finally, “Be prepared for rejection but keep trying.”
Find his art:
Sunset Hill Fine Arts Gallery
Strodes Mill Gallery
Barbara Moore Fine Arts (previously Chadds Ford Gallery)
On the Shelf
Your favorite librarians provide a rundown of the fall fun and activities at the West Chester Public Library.
415 N Church Street, 610-696-1721, Wcpubliclibrary.org
While the weather is cooling down, things heat up at West Chester Public Library in the fall. New this year, you can take your friends and family on a spooky scavenger hunt through the Borough of West Chester while supporting our historic library. Make a donation of any size to get your digital scavenger hunt map and take the self-guided tour any time through October 31. (Printed maps available on request). Look for the yard sign at participating homes and be sure to vote for the scariest, funniest, and most creative decorations.
For the little kids in the family, fall Fridays offer 1-2-3 Play with Me sessions with Miss Suzanne. Registration is required for these popular free playtimes, which are a great opportunity for little ones and their caregivers to socialize.
Another great activity for children is our weekly Chess Club for ages 5-15 on Saturdays from 10-noon all season long. Have fun learning the game of chess or getting some serious practice with Coach Chuck Shaw! No registration is required.
The adult Book Club meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 1pm. Our October selection is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, a modern classic that won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize. Spanning nearly 100 years, this epic tale draws on the author’s Greek heritage and centers on the intersex character of Calliope/ Cal. It explores the immigrant experience and family secrets of the Stephanides family as they emigrate from Greece and Turkey in the 1920s to Detroit and Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
Every other Friday night at 7pm, our popular virtual Trivia Nights feature four different categories on every conceivable topic. Some of our players say they are challenging; we say even if you don’t know the answers you will learn something interesting to add to your personal store of useful and useless facts. Go to our online events calendar to register.
If you are looking for a new job or career guidance, the Pennsylvania CareerLink will be here the last Tuesday of the month from 10am to noon; no registration is required. Based on the “OneStop” concept, PA CareerLink® is a cooperative program where job seekers and employers share access to an array of job training, education, and employment services. Those services include job search assistance, career counseling and guidance, employer services, workshops and job fairs, and unemployment assistance. Finally, tickets for our 13th Annual Holiday Home Tour are now on sale. The Tour will take place on December 7 from 10am to 3pm and will feature eight great West Chester homes, big and small, decked out for the holidays. The tour offers free admission to the Chester County History Center and some holiday activities at Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center. Tour attendees are always amazed by the diversity, style, and character of West Chester’s housing stock. Open the door to nearly identical brick Victorian twins and see how the personality and taste of their owners create completely unique interiors.
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Aquick survey of downtown West Chester these days reveals that the print medium is anything but dead—never mind this very magazine you’re most likely holding in your actual hands. Three book purveyors dot Gay Street alone, with Baldwin’s Book Barn occupying its centuries-old barn home on Lenape Road a mere five-minute drive away from downtown. And no chains here; they are all independent.
Bookmarks co-owner Lisa Strohl asserts that printed books and newspapers are, indeed, alive and well, citing the demand of her customers as testament. “I think, generally speaking, people just get tired of staring at a screen (or screens) all day and they want that hard copy book instead,” she notes. “I think print books and e-books can coexist. E-books are great for travel, when you can’t carry a lot with you. But print books are perfect for relaxing—the end-of-day slow-down or a quiet morning with a cup of coffee.”
“The people who think that ‘print is dead’ clearly are not people who are into books,” agrees West Chester Books owner Kevin Tupitza. “There is a whole experience you get from reading a physical book that you miss out on if you were to read from an e-book. The feel of the paper, the illustrations: these and other aspects you just don’t get when reading from an e-book. Where some things like the news may be better accessed in a digital format, I will always enjoy reading from a physical book. I enjoy reading an expensive book or an antique book, and that is something the e-book marketplace simply can’t provide.”
Bookstore Bakery owner Jonathan Nunez points to his loyal following of readers as evidence of the enduring popularity of books. “We have a handful of regulars that purchase on average twoplus books a week,” he says. “I’m not sure how they do it, but they are my vanguard. They help me stay on top of what’s good and what’s not.”
Lisa Strohl sees plenty of opportunities for growth for books in the borough. “We believe there is enough space for everyone, and we want everyone to succeed,” she says. “We believe each business— whether it’s one of the many coffee shops or one of several bookstores—has something to offer the community.”
All the booksellers in this article are relative newcomers to West Chester save for one: the granddaddy that is Baldwin’s Book Barn has been in business since 1946, housed in a rustic stone bank barn built in 1822. If the average bookstore visit is a way to kill an hour or two, a visit to Baldwin’s is more like a day trip. Bucolic Chester County setting, historic building, creaky stairs, randomly
Baldwin's Book Barn feels ripped from the pages of its own fairy tale, as though you've been whisked away to a magical land of books that's been lost to time
placed chairs, and—this time of year at least—the smell of the wood burning stove in the front room wafting through the air. It’s a living Currier and Ives tableau of a Pennsylvania barn in its second chapter.
Carol Rauch is the longtime manager at Baldwin's, along with two other “old
timers”: Fred Dannaway, who has been there since September of 2011, and Joe Scott, on staff since 2001. Rounding out the team is newcomer Lucas Ballenger, a freshman at Penn State who started at Baldwin’s right out of Unionville High School. “Since we are all octogenarians—and I’m 91,” says Carol, “we needed young muscle in carrying the books up three flights, and Lucas is our man.”
Weekends generally see 100 plus patrons stopping by daily, and with weekday traffic just a bit lighter, at 30 to 50 bibliophiles, estimates Carol. Oh, and Instagrammers. This place is an IG dream.
WHAT SETS BALDWIN’S BOOK BARN APART?
“It is a step back in time, in that your senses are activated when you walk in with the old woodwork, the smell of the fireplace in winter, and the antiquity of the 200-year-old barn,” says Carol. “It is a unique structure and business with
25,000 square feet and over 300,000 books to explore on several floors.” And explore, you will. What other bookstore provides you with a map of the place when you walk in the door? This is a place to lose yourself in, and if that’s what you want to do, feel free to leave the map behind.
Baldwin’s Book Barn founder, William Baldwin, died in 1989 and his son, Thomas, took over until he died in June 2019. His wife, Kathleeen Baldwin, who lives in Florida, is the current Baldwin owner. Baldwin’s is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Bookstore Bakery offers up best seller's alongside banana pudding, on the off chance that treating yourself with a new book didn't quite feel rewarding enough
anyway. It could be the excellent selection of books; it could be Jessica’s baked goods; it could be the coffee. It’s most likely all of the above. We popped in on a recent Saturday afternoon to find a cluster of a half-dozen customers gathered in front of the black bookcases along the soft sage-colored walls. Jonathan was in the center of the group, engaged in animated conversation with them.
Although its snug but inviting space precludes Bookstore Bakery owners Jonathan and Jessica from having seating in their shop—either for eating/drinking or reading—their customer base of mostly zoomers and boomers tends to linger
“I don’t want to give away any trade secrets,” he teases, “but not having seating has created a space for people to actually interact with each other instead of isolating themselves in the corner of a café. Many great conversations have been had with and among complete strangers.”
Another pair arrived in the form of mother and child, and another lively conversation about the boy’s favorite
book ensued at the register while he rang up their purchase. The exchange ended with a fist bump between Jonathan and the boy, and the young man’s assertion that he “can’t wait to come back.” It was objectively adorable, and a great illustration of exactly the type of enthusiasm Jonathan displays for both sides of his two-pronged business.
WHAT SETS BOOKSTORE BAKERY APART?
Bookstore Bakery is the only purveyor in town serving up food along with books, including customer favorites like egg tarts, vegan muffins, and brown butter chocolate chip cookies. “However, we are constantly rotating our selection,” says Jonathan. “Jessica, our chef, will never stop experimenting.” Jonathan was serving double duty that day, zipping back behind the counter from the bookcases to grab us a couple of their addictive vanilla bean lemonades and an egg tart. And possibly a crème brûlée. And also, maybe a chocolate madeleine.
Since opening last winter, business has been steadily expanding. “Maybe by this time next year, you’ll be visiting us at a newer, larger location,” Jonathan told us when we remarked on the bustling environment. “Our book collection has grown; our food selection has grown—and my waistline has grown.”
On a road trip in July of 2023 to visit their daughter Kaleigh at the University of South Carolina, Lisa Strohl and her husband Ty hatched the idea of opening a bookstore. “A bookstore was something I could get behind. I can’t say it’s always been a goal of ours,” says Lisa. “But it was the right idea that came at the right time in our lives.”
“Once the concept took hold, the ideas just started rolling and, before we knew it, we were well on our way,” she recalls. They spoke with several other booksellers along the east coast to get advice and try to learn as much as they could about the business and the industry, joining the national American Booksellers Association and the regional
New Atlantic Independent Bookseller Association along the way. Lisa also took a course through the Professional Bookseller School to become certified in Basic Bookselling.
The pair met at Penn State University when they both worked at the student newspaper, The Daily Collegian. Lisa majored in journalism and minored in political science, and then spent most of the next 30 years working at or with newspapers in Pennsylvania, primarily in graphic design, marketing, and event planning.
WHAT SETS BOOKMARKS APART?
Bookmarks features a diverse collection of newly released books and a wide variety of other retail items that may be
Bookmarks' building is on the National Historic Registry, and the owners Lisa & Ty Sthrohl have tried to make that felt in their design for the space
different from what other retail shops in West Chester are offering. The Bookmarks building is on the National Historic Registry. “Since our building is historic, we have tried to arrange our store in that feel,” she says. “We want to be a community space where people feel welcome and cozy; where it feels more like browsing through a home library rather than a bookstore.”
The home library vibe features mantels and wingback chairs, antique doors and deep window sills, the quirky layout that only old buildings possess. In addi-
tion to their children’s books, fiction, and non-fiction collections, one of their rooms is dedicated to gifts and novelties such as stuffed animals, stickers, gift bags, bookmarks, greeting cards, mugs, journals, and candles. “If someone needs a birthday, hostess, or holiday gift, we want to have options available,” Lisa says. For sticker fans, there is a table filled with a fun selection, perfect for adorning laptops and water bottles.
Additionally, Bookmarks hosts a collection of books by local authors and about the Philadelphia region. “We can’t keep these in stock,” Ty said about their Good Night, Phillies and Good Night, Eagles children’s board books. There is also space in their non-fiction room for small, local organizations, such as book clubs, to meet. “We believe bookstores play an important role in the community, not just as a local small business,” says Lisa. “But in providing a carefully curated collection of books that the community finds engaging.”
West Chester Books owner Kevin Tupitza started in the book business back in 2008 when he got a job working at Baldwin’s Book Barn. “At the time, owner Tom Baldwin was having difficulties selling books online and I helped him with that problem,” Kevin recalls. He found the job to be fun and intellectually stimulating. In a short amount of time, he found himself helping Baldwin with some of the more complex parts of the business and spending many hours listening to his stories. The experience inspired him to incorporate West Chester Books in 2016.
Kevin has always had a passion for books, growing up watching shows like The Reading Rainbow. But he didn’t get into the more complex world of collectible works until after he worked with Tom Baldwin. “He taught me a lot about the business,” he says, “and I also read many books about book collecting.”
Kevin Tupiza's collection of rare and antiquarian books at West Chester Books is full of items you may literally find nowhere else in the world
Kevin enjoys reading about all types of subjects. “From rare poetry volumes to some of classic novels,” he says. “One of my favorite books is Forest Gump by Winston Groom. I read the entire novel cover to cover in one night.”
He finds being a rare book dealer to be a unique and enjoyable lifestyle. “I get to have amazing items, even if it is just for a short time.” Born in West Chester and living in Pennsylvania his entire life, Kevin also enjoys painting. “Although I must admit I am not very good at it,” he laughs. “But some of my friends have complimented my work.”
WHAT SETS WEST CHESTER BOOKS APART?
West Chester Books is an independent online-only bookstore, dealing specifically in antiquarian and collectible books. “We purchase individual volumes, or entire libraries,” says Kevin. “Most of the books we sell are at a higher price point than what you would expect from most bookstores.”
He comes across his fair share of truly rare items. “I have and have had unique one-of-a-kind pieces, from original 15th-century manuscripts to volumes of unpublished handwritten poetry,” he says. Kevin has also had a number of books that were once owned by famous or historically important people, including Mark Twain, Harry Houdini, and Ernest Hemingway. “I have the bookplate of Charles Dickens, which is on a front free endpaper that was removed from a book from Charles Dickens’ personal library. It is now in a small frame.”
If you go to Second Reading with an open mind, an interest in browsing and a desire to better your community, you can't leave disappointed
There is nothing like the smell of a new book. And there’s nothing like the smell of old books, either. Step into the aptly named Second Reading second-hand bookstore (or its second location, Second Reading II, on High Street at the Parkway Center) and the smell of books engulfs you. All kinds of second-hand treasures await, from fiction to cookbooks to classics and collectibles—even vintage tomes. There are also throwbacks in the form of CDs, VHS, and cassettes for sale here—and they’re cheap. Most items are in the $4 range. Yes, you read that right.
Eileen Donohoe has volunteered at Second Reading Bookstore for seven years and was holding court the last time we stopped by. The place was filled with sunshine via the broad front windows, Rod Stewart’s crooning version of the Billie Holiday jazz standard “Crazy He Calls Me” floated from the sound system, and several customers clutching books milled around the place, browsing the shelves. There are librarystyle wheeled carts on the sidewalk outside the store almost every day to tempt you inside. [Editor’s note: they work.]
WHAT SETS SECOND READING APART?
Second Reading is a nonprofit organization, entirely volunteer run (apply
online!), and it benefits the various programs at the West Chester Senior Center, which was established in 1975. “It’s a sweet job,” Eileen told us. “I see people walk in here and they look like they’re on vacation, like they forget about their troubles for a minute, and they just go right towards a book they want to read.”
This place gets a lot of foot traffic, given its location between Gay and Market Streets—and how hard it is to walk past those carts out front without something catching your eye. The demographic on our visit was all over the map, from children to elders to twentysomethings, all peacefully perusing, brought together by a shared love of the printed word.
Maybe we’re biased, but whether you’re looking for something specific, something hot off the press or a wellworn classic, or to while away a day browsing in a peaceful setting, it’s hard to beat a bookstore.
Designs Times
Andrea Mason of Andrea Mason Design is a professional interior designer who wants to help you upgrade your space of the
In houses big and small you will find a room that is limited in space and may appear to be difficult to decorate. These are some of my favorite places because of how intimate and cozy you can ultimately make them feel. By being strategic with your placement and mindful of the pieces purchased, you can create a room that is both functional and inviting.
The first thing when designing a small space is to list your needs and wants. This could be an entertaining space with plenty of seating, a functional office space, or even a bedroom that you want to maximize storage in. Make it clear what you want to accomplish before you set out on purchasing things. Create a floor plan listing the dimensions of each item. That way, when you buy your furniture or accessories you will know the proportions you are limited to. The better you plan, the more successful your end design will be.
If you are trying to maximize your seating, ottomans are a big help. You can tuck them nearly anywhere—under consoles, under coffee tables, and they easily push to unused corners. Benches are also a nice complement to any space—you can put one at the end of your bed, in entry ways, or against walls in social areas where more seating is needed. The bench can house more storage, or it can be open underneath to fit many different styles. You can neatly pile books under it for a collective look or try sliding baskets underneath to store shoes, blankets—whatever the room needs. Built-In seating is another great opportunity for a snug seating area. Fit your built-ins under windows or in between custom bookcases and storage units to complete the room and make it functional.
When looking for more storage, your tables are essential. Shop for end tables, coffee tables, and nightstands that are easy to access and have drawers or shelving for storage. They can be closed to hide toys for example, or open to display a collection. Use your wall space for even more shelves or floor-to-ceiling bookcases or cabinets. Built-Ins are a smart solution for function and beauty. Baskets and bins will be your best accessory. They can be perched on your shelves and under beds to help organize, store, or even hide items that are eyesores.
Small spaces work well when there are multiple purposes for items. For example, a coffee table that also works as an ottoman, or a console that you can also roll a chair over to for a desk. Your sofa can also be a pull-out guest bed, or a low bookcase can also act as your nightstand. A nice windowsill can be used for your potted plants or herb garden.
Even if your room is tiny, it can be mighty as well. Implement these tools to make the most of your small space and one you’ll be able to use to its fullest potential.
–andrea@andreamasondesign.com
History Happened Here
Diving into the important happenings in West Chester's past with the staff of the Chester County History Center
This Month: Signature Quilts
If you have lived in Chester County, you have probably seen its colorful quilts. Often featured in design magazines, displayed rightfully as works of art, quilts are filled with layers of bright colors, bold patterns, and unexpected textures. There is much more to them than meets the eye. They are documents that tell the stories of our region, communities, and families.
The art of quilting has long found sanctuary in the historic towns and communities of Chester County. Transcending their practical use, quilts have served as tangible expressions of community, creativity, and the passage of time. Signature quilts, adorned with carefully inscribed names and dates, provide a unique portal into the lives and connections of the generations of people who have called Chester County home.
Dating back to the 18th century, the tradition of signature quilts in Pennsylvania goes in tandem with the broader history of quilting in the state. While quilts primarily served a functional purpose of providing warmth, they also became opportunities for artistic expression and community connection. In the 19th century, signature quilts rose as a distinctive form of quilting, often commemorating special occasions like weddings, births, or farewells. They also served as fundraising tools for churches or community projects. Today, these quilts serve as valuable historical documents, offering insights into social customs, community life, and individual experiences of past generations.
These treasured textiles, often passed down through families as cherished heirlooms, offer a tangible link to the past. Each signature, a testament to an individual whose life intertwined with the quilt's creation, offers stories of friendship, love, and shared experiences. As we trace the
delicate stitches and intricate patterns, we uncover lives lived and a community bound together by the simple act of quilting.
The Kern family quilt, a recent acquisition by the Chester County History Center, is a prime example. Its journey from New Garden Township to Paradise, Lancaster County, mirrors the migration patterns of many families in the region. Believed to commemorate the wedding of Maris and Emma Jean in 1850, it encapsulates the family good wishes to a young couple embarking on a new chapter of life.
Today, Chester County's quilting tradition continues, with groups, and avid individuals actively preserving the craft and fostering new generations of quilters. These modern makers draw inspiration
Dating back to the 18th century, the tradition of signature quilts in Pennsylvania goes in tandem with the broader history of quilting in the state. Photos courtesy of CCHC.
from the past while adding their unique voices to the ongoing story of quilting. Their quilts reflect both the traditional and the contemporary spirit of the region, honoring the legacy of those who came before.
Don't miss the opportunity to delve deeper into this rich history. The "Signature Quilts,” exhibit currently on view at the Chester County History Center, promises a journey through time, displaying the artistry, history, and enduring spirit of Chester County's quilting tradition.
Becca Boyd shares tips on life and cooking on her blog at homebeccanomics.com
Beccanomics Home
Falling temperatures directly correlate with my desire to make (well, eat) these cookies. A staple in back-to-school baking for a decade, they never fail. If rolling and cutting cookie dough shapes makes you panic, this recipe is for you. Delicious cookies and a boost in self-confidence? Can’t buy that in the store. –bboyd@thewcpress.com
2/3 c. molasses
2/3 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. ground ginger
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. baking soda
2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 egg white
1 tsp. light corn syrup
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees..
2. Combine molasses, brown sugar and spices in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda–mixture will bubble.
4. Stir in butter, 1 chunk at a time.
5. Add flour and salt and stir.
6. Spread 2-3 tbsp. of flour on a clean countertop and turn out dough onto the counter.
7. Knead dough gently, about 1 minute to form a cohesive ball.
8. Divide the ball in half. Cover with plastic and let rest on the counter for about 30 minutes or until barely warm. Refrigerate if planning to bake later (then let sit out for 30 minutes before rolling). Roll out dough on lightly floured countertop to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes. If you are new to this, roll out dough on parchment paper to minimize sticking. At 1/4-inch thickness the cookies will be soft and slightly chewy – for crisp cookies roll the dough thinner.
9. Transfer cookies to baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Space 2 inches apart.
10. Bake. Cookies will look puffed but should be set before pulling out. For chewy, bake 6 minutes; for crisp, bake 8.
11. Let cool for several minutes on a sheet and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. For icing, whisk egg white and corn syrup until combined. Add powdered sugar 1/2 c. at a time until thick and smooth, adjusting water or sugar for thickness. Fill a Ziplock with icing, snip a corner, and pipe to decorate. Let cookies sit for an hour for the icing to set. To store, separate layers of cookies using waxed or parchment paper. Cookies keep up to a week, and freeze indefinitely.
Gingerbread Roll-Out Cookies about 44 cookies
LEWIS AUTOMOTIVE OF WEST CHESTER MARKS
60 YEARS IN BUSINESS
By Marjorie Preston
Since 1964, Lewis Automotive has kept local motorists up and running. The shop founded by Gordon Lewis Sr. is now in the hands of his son, Glenn.
In 1964, a young entrepreneur named Gordie Lewis opened a West Chester auto shop based on three guarantees: quality work, fair price, thoughtful service.
That formula proved a winner for the family man and former Chevy parts and service manager. More than 60 years later, Lewis Automotive, originally Gordie’s Auto Shop, is still going strong.
Now owned and operated by Gordie’s son, Glenn, this is the definition of a family business. Over the years, every member of the clan has worked here, including Glenn’s mother, Dottie, his sisters, Gail and Brenda, his brother, Gordie Jr., and his children, Shane and Ashlyn. Since 2013, his wife Donna has been in charge of the front office.
The family extends to the mechanics—some of whom have logged 20-plus years at the Bolmar Street location—as well as the customers. “We’re working on three or four generations” of regulars, according to the veteran mechanic. “Over time, they become personal friends—just like family.”
NUTS, BOLTS & COMPUTER CHIPS
“Since I was very young, I loved anything mechanical,” says Lewis. Among his earliest memories is sitting on the floor of his father’s shop, a three-yearold in coveralls, tinkering with a carburetor.
As a youngster, he spent after-school hours “sweeping floors, changing oil, learning how to turn a wrench. My passion was always for cars and trucks.”
Though his father was his inspiration and greatest teacher, Lewis believes in higher education for mechanics—especially today, when gearheads must also be computer geeks.
“In the late ’60s, early ’70s, we worked on cars with basic carburetors, ignition systems and points and condensers. In 1976, we moved to the HEI
(high-energy ignition) system. In the early ’80s, they started with computerized carburetors and sensors. After that, along came fuel-injection.” And the technology continues to evolve, with innovations like electric cars.
“So I tell young guys, ‘Go to school and learn how it all works,’” says Lewis. “You just can’t get that stuff on the fly.”
After graduating from Ferris State University in Michigan, with degrees in automotive applied science and automotive service, he spent 12 years running the family’s second auto shop on Boot Road.Then, in 2000, “I came back and took over 100 percent on Bolmar
Street, so Dad could retire without any headaches.”
While the maintenance and repair aspect of his business is essential, Lewis says, customer service remains paramount. “Dad founded the shop on the principle that he should treat his customers as he would want to be treated—as if he were the person on the other side of the counter. “That's how he conducted business, and we still use that philosophy today.”
The approach is not only good customer relations. It’s good business, leading to positive reviews, referrals, and repeat business.
CAR TALK
Word of mouth is “the No. 1 reason our customer base continues to grow,” says Pat Rooney, service manager at Lewis Automotive since 2018.
According to the U.S. consumer price index, the cost of repairs—for both old and new cars—is rising faster than inflation. As Rooney observes, “People are concerned when they walk into an automotive shop: ‘I don’t know anything about this. Is it going to cost $50 or $300? How long will my car be out of commission?’”
But when a shop or mechanic comes highly recommended, those fears are eased. “If I need a new laptop,” says Rooney, “I have to trust the guy at Best Buy to tell me what I need, because I don’t know that stuff. It’s the same with your mechanic. We’ve built trust over the years and over generations. That makes our job a whole lot easier, and our customers’ experience a whole lot better. They know we maintain their cars like they’re our own.”
While all cars share basic features— tires, brakes, steering, suspension— computerized components require specialized knowledge that changes from moment to moment. “Today, half the problem is when one car component isn’t talking to the other components,” says Rooney. “It’s not the hard parts, but communication software.”
To stay ahead of the trends, the shop team attends training classes and subscribes to networks that allow them to “get into the nitty gritty” of mechanical issues with manufacturers. “We’re always updating diagnostic tools and software to address concerns on newer cars,” says Rooney.
Lewis Automotive doesn’t do body work; for dings fender-benders, it can recommend a service provider. But for all things mechanical, Scott, Frank, Jeff and master technician Jason, a 25-year stalwart, make an unbeatable pit crew. “We’re specialists,” says Rooney. “For anything to do with how an engine runs, how the transmission shifts, the braking, there’s not too much we can’t do.”
STAYING POWER
Glenn’s mother Dottie Lewis, now retired, recalls the early days of her husband’s first auto shop: a one-man operation with just two service bays (there are now 13). “We sacrificed to get the business going. I’d go get the parts for him with four little ones in the car. Gordie worked every day and weekends, but he was a family man, and he was always home for dinner with the kids.”
The patriarch died in 2008, and his high school sweetheart, to whom he was married for 52 years, is proud to remember him as a man of integrity. “Gordie had a lot of older customers that he took care of and really looked out for,” Dottie says. “He was honest, and he never cheated anybody. He was one in a million.”
The definition of a family business, Donna Lewis has run the front office while her husband Glenn operates the shop.
Extraordinarily, he also had no problem creating his own competition. “A lot of guys who worked for my husband went out and got their own garages,” she says. “Gordie was really proud of that.”
The days of the mom-and-pop shop may be waning, but Lewis Automotive keeps on trucking. “Not to be corny about it,” says Rooney, “but we love helping people out of a jam and being fair. If they are not happy, we’re not happy.”
As for Glenn, the work he began as a kid is just as gratifying today. “Come Sunday night, I'm so excited,” he says. “I can't wait to come to work on Monday.”
PROFILING EXCITING NEW BUSINESSES IN THE BOROUGH
Courtney McGee doesn’t want you to be afraid of the dark—at least from a fashion perspective. Since opening DRK MTTR, her shop at 128 E. Gay Street, in April, she’s turned curiosity seekers (a store that only sells black clothing and accessories??) into repeat customers. Planning to be a retailer when she grew up may not have been the goal, but she has stuck the landing.
“Fashion has always been a huge part of my life starting from a very young age, but no, I haven’t always wanted to do retail,” Courtney recalled. “I was drawn to a unique and adventurous aesthetic as far back as I can remember. My mother told me that whenever I got a new pair of shoes, I’d have to sleep with them next to my pillow.” Soon after joining the retail workforce in her twenties and gaining some experience, she
also knew that her creativity was being restricted. “I realized I needed to be in a creative field in order to thrive and feel fulfilled and felt that working for myself someday is where I ultimately wanted to land.”
Before opening DRK MTTR, Courtney’s focus was on raising her children while obtaining a degree in fashion merchandising from the University of Delaware. “I definitely had a vision for quite
story KATE CHADWICK photos ERIK WEBER
a long time, but I didn’t know what to do with it. I ended up stockpiling amazing pieces for my personal collection and eventually realized that there was a great opportunity to share that with the community. The kind of aesthetic you see in DRK MTTR reflects how I live my life, so it was a very organic development to open it up to others and see how they react.”
The result is a gallery-like space, the white walls offsetting the racks of allblack clothing—and one that looks professionally designed. “Interior design has also been a passion for me, so I was excited to be able to design the layout of the shop myself,” Courtney said. “I’m drawn to sleek, modern design elements and was able to incorporate some of that with complementary elements, from the playlist to the smells that drift through the space. I was incredibly lucky to have found it; coincidentally it was a gallery before I moved in, so the bones were spot on.” She gives a shout out to “my terrific brother-in-law, Aaron, who built and installed the custom clothing racks for me.”
As for what’s on those racks, while it is all black, the similarities end there. The merchandise is a curated mix of vintage and new, designer and everyday wear. “[That was] definitely deliberate,” Courtney said. “One of my main objectives is to welcome everyone and make sure they feel genuinely included here when they walk through the door— whether that be through style, price, gender inclusivity, or sizing. I want everyone to feel like they can find something that speaks to them and them alone.”
That includes women of a certain age, held by a societal norm to avoid black as they get older, as it’s too harsh for paler, more mature skin. Courtney never got that memo. “I don’t recall ever hearing that advice—and I disagree! I don’t believe age should be a barrier to anything someone wants to do in their life. In fact, black is a powerful color for women in general, including those ‘of a certain age.’ Throughout history, color has played a big part in society’s interpretation of an individual’s self-presentation.”
That mindset extends past gender
norms as well. Although DRK MTTR began with women’s clothing, Coutney says “I’d always intended to stock garments that occupy all areas of the gender spectrum, so individuals exploring the shop can locate themselves wherever they feel comfortable. But it happened earlier than anticipated due to the numerous requests from my amazing customers. I’m proud to offer pieces that speak to everyone.”
Whatever you’d call the collection at DRK MTTR, please don’t call it goth, Courtney said. “It means something different to everyone, but I guess dark clothing is a constant. So, while I wouldn’t consider my aesthetic goth— more like “dark romantic”—it often happens that people associate the color black with goth, so I get it. I’ve just simply always been drawn to black and the associations it harbors, the feelings it
that comes in; everything is cleaned, steamed, and mended (if needed). I love visual merchandising, so I also design the look in my windows. Oh, and I also upcycle select pieces in the shop— hand-painted items, embroidered items, etc.).”
it can be demanding. This comes with the territory: I need the outlet the shop provides and have gained so much so quickly. I’m feeling fulfilled in a creative sense, but I’m learning how to keep the work-life balance in perspective. I think I’m getting better at that every day.”
evokes. I feel like it forces you to be more creative when putting a fit together. You need to vary texture, scale, accessories, etc., to add interest and depth to your look. But yes, I do remember, when I was young, being told that my closet looked like I was always going to a funeral and getting in trouble for painting my nails black.”
Courtney said that she really has no primary demographic at DRK MTTR. “Because black is so universal, it really lends itself to any age group, any aesthetic, any gender. It’s mutable and adapts so well to whatever the individual brings to it. So, my primary demographic is just… not well defined.”
Courtney is a one-woman show, at least for now. “I curate every single piece
She’s a one-woman show with a big support system, however. Married to her high school sweetheart, Kyle, “who is my absolute biggest supporter, my inspiration and my one true love,” the pair have “two amazing kids, a beagle named Cosmo, and a sphynx named Loki.” During her downtime, Courtney loves going to shows, both theatrical and rock concerts—she emailed us from a Sisters of Mercy show in Philly—and “doing anything that involves creating something new, being out in nature, and spending time with the people I love.”
While the shop obviously takes up a lot of Courtney’s time. “While I love everything about it, and the kids are both very supportive (my daughter can sometimes be found on register!),
The upside is “I really love everything about what I do. I realize that I’m very lucky to be doing something I love every day and when that is the case nothing seems like a burden. But the best part I’d say is getting to talk to my customers. I’m totally a people person and love getting to know someone and helping them define their unique style.”
With Courtney as your guide, you needn’t be afraid of the DRK MTTR. “Black—whether an all-black ensemble or a choice black piece complementing an otherwise colorful fit—can be leveraged to make a lot of unique statements. I truly feel that black is such a universal color, I would wager most people have something black in their closet. And yes, they need more!”
Courtney McGee — in black, obviously — poses in her shop, DRK MTTR, located at 128 E Gay St in the space formerly occupied by David Katz Gallery
Tell Me
Something Good
Anne Walsh spotlights citizens for doing something swell. This month, meet Barbara Kirby
Walking the walk down Gay Street, you’ll eventually find yourself at the grand 100-year-old neo-Gothic style St. Agnes Church at the west end of the road. In 1992, an unsung hero of a community resource was founded, Saint Agnes Dorothy Day Room. It’s a place that practices what is preached, walking the walk. “Something good” happens here daily.
Founder Barbara Kirby has been serving the community here for 32 years. The Day Room has evolved from providing basic needs to providing a health clinic and educational support programs, now called Saint Agnes Outreach Services (SAOS).
What she does: Barbara Kirby, Director of Saint Agnes Outreach Services, started as a volunteer. Working with the late Monsignor Thomas Craven, they dedicated parish space as a resource. The Dorothy Day Room provides basic needs to the underserved in the community. The Health Clinic Services. “Under direction of a volunteer local physician, Dr. Antonius Manos, this resource was established, now with nurse practitioners and RNs providing basic medical care.” The Educational Support Program provides daycare, after-school, and educational programs, critical for working parents and their families. Why she’s on this page: Barbara saw a need, devised a solution, and founded a valuable resource for West Chester’s underserved. She insists it’s all about dignity and respect. Everyone’s a guest.
What we admire about her: Her mission of helping people, she says, isn't possible without outreach staff. “When Angelica Pimental was six or seven years old, her family came to the dayroom. She’d follow me, asking questions,” Kirby said. “She’s back and is now a wonderful outreach worker. Maria Fuentes is compassionate, tender, and extremely competent. What a gift it is to have that combination of qualities! We’re lucky to have her. And Gabby Araujo, with wisdom and intimate knowledge of our community, her ability to access services for our guests, working overtime to complete her challenging tasks." What she likes about West Chester: “My husband and I are in love with West Chester! We love walking around town looking at the architecture and gardens. There’s goodness here, an outpouring and generosity that we witness daily. We truly enjoy this college town.”
Moral of the Story: Walk the walk! “Our door is always open. We just help those who need it,” Barbara said. The organization is 100% funded by donations. Their Holy Family Christmas Program benefitted 900 children last year. “Times are tough. We’re seeing a recent uptick of people in need, especially the elderly." From January through August 2024, 25,000 lunches were served—almost doubled from 2023.
For a full list of donation requests visit: saintagnesparish.org/st-agnes-day-room-1
Hours (Horario): M-F, 9am-3pm (Lunes a Viernes 9am-3pm)
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Autumn Hits List
DJ Romeo curates a list of the tracks you’ll be singing all season long
The following is a list of songs that will take over the radio stations in the next few months. You’ll soon know them by heart and play them ‘til they’re tired. And, you can now stream the list in its entirey at: www.thewcpress.com/playlist @DJRomeo24 | www.DJRomeo.fm
Alan Walker, Joe Jonas, Julia Michaels - Thick Of It All Kygo, Imagine Dragons - Stars Will Align Benson Boone - Pretty Slowly
Swedish House Mafia, Alicia Keys - Finally
Teddy Swims - Bad Dreams
Davied Guetta, Alesso, Madison Love - Never Going Home Tonight
Alessia Cara - Dead Man
Post Malone, Luke Combs - Guy For That Kaleena Zanders - All My Life
Wyatt Flores - Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight
Andy Grammer - Magic
KATSEYE - Touch
Calum Scott - Roots
Jason Derula, Jawsh 685 - Make Me Happy
Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe
Gigi Perez - Sailor Song
Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars - Die With A Smile
Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie, David Guetta - Cry Baby
The Weeknd - Dancing In The Flames
Katy Perry - LIFETIMES
Calvin Harris, Ellie GOulding - Free
The Chainsmokers, Kim Petras - Don’t Lie
Ava Max - Spot a Fake
BLOND:ISH, Stevie Appleton - Never Walk Alone
Zedd, Bava - No Gravity
OneRepublic - Hurt
Myles Smith - Wait For You
Oliver Heldens, David Guetta, FAST BOY - Chills (Feel My Love)
Tiesto, Alana Springsteen - Hot Honey
