Monoprints on Display in Hanover
Clay monoprints are on exhibit in Hanover, PA, through the month of February.
Monoprints by Andrew Smith (Visual Realia) on Display in Hanover, Pennsylvania through February, 2021
Monoprints by Andrew Smith of Visual Realia will be on display in the Hanover Area Arts Guild through the month of February, 2021.
Visitors may see the works during the Guild's regular hours:
Tuesday through Friday: Noon — 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM — 3:00 PM
The Guild is located at 32 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331.
A Working Kitchen in the Mansion
Food, food, and more food. Better yet, food in a working kitchen in one of Hanover's landmark buildings.
H.D. Sheppard and C.N. Myers started the Hanover Shoe Company in 1899 after planning to both manufacture and sell their own products via retail stores that their company would run. The first store was opened in 1900 in York, Pennsylvania.
Their families began construction of “twin” neoclassical mansions in 1911, designed by Philadelphia’s Herman Miller. The Athenaeum of Philadelphia holds numerous architectural drawings of the projects.
I was fortunate to photograph the working kitchen of their wonderful restaurant on three occasions during the period between 2009 and 2010 at Hanover's (Pennsylvania) former Sheppard Mansion. A gallery of photographs from these visits is available for viewing. All photographs were shot during typical evening food service, and plated items shown were as-prepared for guests. (Or “in progress’ photographs.) Lighting was limited to the room's lights and one flash unit, mounted on-camera.
Many thanks to the owners and kitchen staff for their indulgence. And here's the gallery!
Hanover Time
A mission to purchase a sundial instead ends with a customized Hanover project.
I've always been fascinated by sundials. Large ones, unique ones, small garden ones, all a testament to the human will to understand the world around them. Visually simple in appearance, but quite complex in their method.
In simplest form, a sundial is a device used to calculate time via the altitude of the sun. Classic sundials have a gnomon that casts a shadow onto a flat area, although there are many other variations of increasing complexity. These devices can display the local solar time, which varies from the time shown on our modern watches. (Variances include the non-circular nature of our orbit and the tilt of Earth's axis.)
Ancient Egyptians kept track of time via the length of shadows, and the Old Testament notes the "dial of Ahaz." Giovanni Padovani in the 1570s and later Giuseppe Biancani in the 1620s gave us the techniques still used today to create accurate timepieces, or at least as accurate as we can get with these techniques.
CAD drawing of calibration lines - courtesy of Chet Roberts/ANCR Sundials
CAD drawing of the custom gnomon - courtesy of Chet Roberts/ANCR Sundials
My interest led to an initial hunt for an antique decorative sundial, but after some thought, I realized that I'd much rather have a working device that can provide accurate information. Both latitude and longitude must be considered in the design. (Note the CAD drawings above.) Chet Roberts of ANCR Sundials was able to help.
As part of the project, I was able to choose some text and a background of my choice. As the end product would be tied to the Hanover area for accuracy, it seemed obvious to use Hanover as the focus of the theme.
The black rose used in a Hanover area advertisement.
'Hanover" and the year was an easy choice, but there were several directions for the background. The black rose has been associated with Hanover at times due to the use of the symbol by the German royal dynasty, the House of Hanover. The dynasty's rule reached into Great Britain and Ireland.
The Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce utilized the black rose shown above in a campaign starting in the late 1970s. My only source was a poor scan of an advertisement, but I was able to work with it to create the larger pattern necessary, and to modify the original design to work within the circular space of the sundial. (See the update below.)
Modified black rose design.
And the process began!
After discussion and sharing of my background image and home address for correct calculations by Mr. Roberts, a design was created and approved.
Approved design - courtesy of Chet Roberts/ANCR Sundials
After the mathematical calculations and design process, a CNC router cut the pattern in foam, a process that takes approximately 5 ½ hours. Errors can occur, as was the case in the first few attempts on the Hanover pattern. The good news? That left a pattern to capture in this photograph.
Foam pattern
The foam pattern is carefully cleaned up and placed in foundry sand. Aluminum is heated to 1450 degrees, which vaporizes the foam pattern.
Slag created when molten aluminum is skimmed off before making the pour.
Sundial and gnomons - courtesy of Chet Roberts/ANCR Sundials
After removal, the work is machined and polished.
Photo courtesy of Chet Roberts/ANCR Sundials.
Back of the sundial, showing the completion date.
Completed sundial and gnomon.
And the project was completed and shipped. With the gnomon pointed north, the sundial does indeed provide accurate time.
Completed work - courtesy of Chet Roberts/ANCR Sundials
Pointing north to provide accurate time for its unique location.
ANCR Sundials is named for Audrey 'N Chet Roberts. It was Chet's wife's desire for a sundial that led him on a journey to making them for others. Before his retirement from his full time career, he worked "behind the camera" in numerous positions for WEWS Channel 5 and WJW Channel 8, both located in Ohio. Chet's other interests include amateur radio and 1/8th size steam locomotives.
- Update, 10/5/20 -
Since publishing this article, I have learned that while the Hanover community utilized a black rose symbolically in the late 1970s and onward, the design shown in this article was not created and used until the mid-1990s and was designed by Doug West. A better view of the original design, as provided by the logo artist is below,
- Update, 08/8/21 -
Chet has retired from making custom sundials; his Hanover sundial will always be treasured!
Other photographs of the sundial continue below.
Hanover's "Caged" Lion
Herman Miller, architect for Hanover’s well-known Sheppard and Meyers homes, was also the architect for the grand, four column PNC Bank found in the first block of Carlisle Street, just a few footsteps away from our square. Traffic, both by car and foot, passes by this building daily, with very few knowing about Hanover’s “caged” lion. Read more and view our favorite feline by reading the complete post.
Hanover Saving Fund Society's Lion
Herman Miller, architect for Hanover’s well-known Sheppard and Myers homes, was also the architect for the grand, four column PNC Bank found in the first block of Carlisle Street, just a few footsteps away from our square. Traffic, both by car and foot, passes by this building daily, with very few knowing about Hanover’s “caged” lion.
Originally known as the home of Hanover Saving Fund Society, the institution was chartered on April 14, 1835, by “Matthias N. Forney, Henry Meyers, Peter Muller, Henry C. Wampler, David Diehl, Daniel Barnitz, William Bair, Daniel P. Lange, Peter Winebrenner, William D. Gobrecht, George Gitt, John L. Hinkle, Benjamin Welsh, Adam Alt, Samuel Trone, Jacob Hilt, and David Slagle of Hanover Borough and Samuel Hornish, George Eichelberger, and Charles Cremer of Heidelberg Township, York County…” (Source: Immigrant Entrepreneurship) Why include this list here? Hanover residents will note the familiarity of many of these surnames.
The cash capital at the time of charter was $10,000. Records show that deposits held in August of 1875 were $590,228, which received 5% interest. Interest in 1884 was listed as 3%.
The published “Reports of the Several Banks and Savings Institutions and Banks Organized under the Free banking Law of Pennsylvania,” published by the State Printer in Harrisburg in 1891, includes a report for the Hanover Savings Fund Society. The 1890 assessed value for the previous property in 1890 was $7,000. Bonds held and owned by the Society in 1890 included ones for various railroad companies and Western Union, as well as gas and water companies.
Originally known as the Hanover Saving Fund Society
Architect Herman Miller was born in the Roxborough area of Philadelphia, and helped design numerous respected facilities in that area. He went on to set out on his own by 1898, with a noted specialty in the design of hospitals and banks. In addition to Hanover’s, he is also the architect of our neighbor’s Gettysburg National Bank a few years later. The Philadelphia Architects and Buildings institution holds five drawings from Miller’s work on the Hanover project.
The Neoclassical concrete and brick structure we see downtown was erected in 1906 for approximately $100,000. It features Barre Vermont granite and American Pavanaza marble. The bank later was known as the Bank of Hanover, and is now owned by PNC Bank. The structure features a lion sculpture above the doorway, but later changes at the front have altered the view so the glass-encased figure is difficult to see by pedestrians at ground level. The photograph included here was captured from the roof of the Heritage and Conference Center, enabling a rare view of Hanover’s hidden feline.
Sources:
http://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/ar_display.cfm/27059
http://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/ho_display.cfm/57125
http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/history/gibson/hanover-sav-fund.txt
http://www.livingplaces.com/PA/York_County/Hanover_Borough/Hanover_Histo...
http://immigrantentrepreneurship.org/entry.php?rec=197
https://books.google.com/books?id=JQYWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA121&lpg=PA121&dq=han...
“York’s Historic Architecture” by Scott D. Butcher, The History Press, 2008
http://amzn.to/29D59vy
John's Burnt Bridge
John's Burnt Bridge (sometimes referred to as the Camelback Bridge) was built sometime around 1820, and is a beautiful structure that is often driven over without appreciating its excellent stonework. Read the article for more historical information.
John's Burnt Bridge, built between 1800-1824. Rehabilitation occurred in 2005-2006.
Located roughly six miles from Hanover, not far off of Centennial Road, is a small bridge easily driven over without noticing its beautiful structure and historical significance. John’s Burnt Mill Bridge, sometimes referred to locally as Camelback Bridge, was accepted into the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1974. (Its official designation for the county is Bridge No. 56.) It spans the south branch of the Conewago Creek in Mount Pleasant and Oxford Townships, Pennsylvania.
While there are some discrepancies regarding the construction date of the bridge, ranging from 1800 through 1824, the nomination form lists the range of 1800-1823. A plaque on the bridge marking its rehabilitation in 2005-2006 noted the original construction date as 1820.
Reconstruction Plaque
The roughly 75 foot long bridge has a main section approximately 50 feet in length with approaches (at the time of the nomination) twelve feet each in length, with walls four and a half feet higher than the road surface.
The style of the three arch structure, constructed from local fieldstone, predates the use of most covered bridges. Its seven and nine foot high arches were constructed using wooden frames, with seven visible metal tie rods (housed in metal shells) giving additional support. Once the arch keystones were placed, the wooden forms were removed. Two stone “icebreakers” jut from the area between the arches on each side.
Nine similar bridges were built in Adams County prior to 1825, but at the time of application, only two were surviving. The style is noted for its durability, but a newspaper article in 1972 noted consideration for replacing the structure with a modern structure. This was obviously not carried out, but major rehabilitation efforts in 2005-2006 were taken by Mechanicsburg’s Pennoni Associates, Inc., at a cost of $840,000.
From both a cost and historic perspective, rehabilitation was deemed preferable over replacement. The bridge’s location along a floodway provided challenges to the structure throughout its life, as well as to the rehabilitation process. Flooding probably led to much of the structural problems, and in particular, a weather event in January of 1996 led to a flooding and freezing cycle that led to numerous cracking issues. One of the primary improvements was the installation of precast concrete “backing blocks” that strengthened the arch structures and allowed the removal of a previous 15 ton weight limit on the bridge.
The project was deemed a success to the degree that the Association for Bridge Construction awarded it an Outstanding Rehabilitated Bridge designation. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program includes it as a case study in its guidelines for historic bridge work.
The bridge is noted in the NRHP nomination form for its representation of local stone architecture, as well as its part in a rural community centered around a mill and stream. It originally was located with twelve stone homes dating before 1850.
John’s Burnt Mill Bridge is one of 33 Adams County locations noted in the National Register of Historic Places, and one of five Adams County bridges on the list.
Informational Resources:
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form - #74001731
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Bridgehunter.com
http://bridgehunter.com/pa/adams/17216042830560/
Historic Bridge Foundation
http://historicbridgefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/burntmill...
Center for Environmental Excellence
http://environment.transportation.org/pdf/communities_of_practice/finalr...
Adams County
http://www.adamscounty.us/Munic/Documents/CompPlans/EasternAdamsCountyJo...
Hanover Restaurant Recommendations
Hanover (Pennsylvania) is a major retail hub in the area, and this brings with it a boatload of places to eat. But which are worth stopping at?
While there are many that I'm sure are worthwhile that I've not listed here, this list includes some of my favorites that I personally recommend. Facebook (restaurant name) and website links are included...
Submitted by visualrealia on Wed, 05/25/2016 - 12:35
Hanover (Pennsylvania) is a major retail hub in the area, and this brings with it a boatload of places to eat. But which are worth stopping at?
While there are many that I'm sure are worthwhile that I've not listed here, this list includes some of my favorites that I personally recommend. Facebook (restaurant name) and website links are included. (This list is updated frequently - last updated 1/27/24.)
Hanover Restaurants - My Suggestions:
• Coffee
Ghouls and Grinds
455 Carlisle Street - Takeout Only
701 Third Street - Seating
Ghouls is the popular “to go” spot and themed drinks are the strong point for many visitors. The name sets a matching, fun vibe. The new Third Street location adds seating options.
• Brewpubs & Contemporary Casual
Something Wicked Brewing Company
34 Broadway
Website
Hanover already has a good collection of breweries with more on the way. They all have their strong points and are worth a visit. Read more about this popular spot in this Culture On The Line article.
Warehouse Gourmet
7 Pennsylvania Avenue
Website
Good lunch spot for sandwiches and soups, as well as homemade breads. Nice place to meet with friends.
Fat Bat Brewing
10 North Railroad Street
Website
Family-owned microbrewery with a nice variety of styles. Right beside Something Wicked, so hit two spots in one trip.
Oak Artisan Cookery
40 Broadway
Website
Pizza and pasta from a wood-fired oven add a nice addition to the downtown area and right in the microbrewery neighborhood.
• Sandwich/Burger
Hanover has good food in a number of different categories, but perhaps the town’s traditional middle class background lends itself to burgers and hot dogs. If you can’t find a sandwich in Hanover that you like, you aren’t looking.
Hotel Hanover
15 Center Square
Website
Sandwiches, wings, salads—all great stuff. Large, homemade portions.
Texas Hot Weiner Lunch
38 Carlisle Street
Hanover is the home (I don’t care what anyone else says) of hotdogs and hamburgers with the works, including a (bean free) chili sauce and enough onions to kill a man. Hanover has two different longtime places, including this downtown icon. Awesome traditional fries.
Want to know a secret? Life is more than just burgers and hot dogs. Texas HWL bakes and slices its own hams for the ham and cheese sandwiches — with everything, of course!
Famous Hot Weiner
101 Broadway - and
160 Dart Drive
Website
And the other “weiner shop” in town is just as much a hit. When Hanoverians return to town, they stop at one of these two places within the first few minutes of crossing the border. While the hot dog seems to be mentioned the most, go for the cheeseburger with everything.
The Homedog
Mobile - Follow the Facebook page for location.
Very popular hot dog cart. Grab the local smoked dog with whatever toppings you love.
Shultz's Delicatessen
918 Carlisle Street
Website
In addition to a large variety of deli-style sandwiches, wraps and salads, take home a container of their cheddar, bacon and horseradish spread. This place is a Hanover institution, having served the town since 1939.
• Asian
Korean Gardens
in the Markets at Hanover
1649 Broadway
Website (Markets at Hanover)
Korean Gardens resides in the center section of the Markets at Hanover at the north end of Hanover as heading toward Abbottstown. Great spot for pho and bibimbap. The pho broth is amazing.
Full Moon
1418 Baltimore Street
Website
Full Moon has an excellent menu of sushi and sashimi, as well as intriguing special rolls.
Blue Koi
805 Baltimore Street
Website
Slightly more upscale, with a good selection of sushi.
Aki
1150 Carlisle Street
Website
Stop here for lunch and enjoy a bento box for a good value.
• Baked Goods
Jacquelyn's Bakeshop & Cafe
1785 Baltimore Pike
Grab a nice variety of baked goods and some very worthy wraps for a light lunch.
Cake Bar
22 Carlisle Street
Just want one slice? They can do that and serve it to you with coffee or milk!
• Diner/American
Dutch Country Restaurant (No FB Page)
946 Baltimore Street
Website
The parking lot is always full, which tells all when looking at where to go for good diner food.
• Chain
LongHorn Steakhouse
20 Wilson Avenue
I am definitely a local kind of guy, supporting locally-owned businesses. I can’t deny, however, that Hanover’s LongHorn location has given us consistently good meals and service. Go for the Flo’s Filet.
• Ice Cream
York Street Treat
881 York Street
Looking for soft ice cream? Raspberry ice cream on York Street is the answer.
Paleteria Y Neveria Tocumbo
1000 Carlisle Street
(Tucked in a corner near Subway.)
This Delaware company's hand-dipped ice cream and popsicles are the best in town. Try the coffee or vanilla flavored ice creams, as well as the wonderful aguas frescas.
• Must-Stop on Saturday Mornings
Moon’s Cafe
at the Hanover Market House
210 East Chestnut Street
Website (Hanover Market House)
My Saturday morning breakfast is a spring roll from Moon’s at Hanover’s Saturday market. Very friendly place with equally tasty egg rolls and wontons. Tell them Andy sent you.
• Not in Hanover, But Close Enough…
Gateau Monique Bakery
5 South Queen Street, Littlestown
Website
Scones, cupcakes, cheesecake, tarts, you name it... you'll love it here. Worth a morning drive from wherever you're at.
C&D Bar & Grill
6465 York Road, New Oxford
Website
A local favorite for higher end meals. Also very good at adapting or creating items for those with special dietary needs.
Inn 94
4805 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford
Website
Looking for a traditional steak and seafood place with consistently good food? You’ll find it here. The Greek desserts are a bonus.
This post will be updated as required. Stop back and share it with friends! Last updated 12/19/24.