Manheim: Railroad History, Glass, and the Red Rose

Manheim’s local history has several facets: early glassmaking, railroad history, and an annual rose tradition. If you’re looking for a hotel in Manheim, these themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests. The historic sites and collections each have their own focus; the Festival of the Red Rose takes place on a set date in June. Nearby, a flea market with different weekday and seasonal schedules adds another option.

Founding and Glassmaking History

Manheim was founded in 1762 by Henry William Stiegel and brothers Charles and Alexander Stedman. The local glassworks began production in late 1764; it later became known as the American Flint Glass Manufactory. Production continued during the Revolutionary period. Thus, the founding of the town was followed within a few years by the start of glassmaking and the manufactory’s later name. Henry William Stiegel links these chapters of history: he was one of Manheim’s three founders and is also associated with the town’s glassmaking history. For travelers interested in early local history, this sequence offers a tangible way to explore Manheim’s development.

Train Station and Transportation History

The Manheim Railroad Station dates from 1881 and stands at the intersection of Railroad Street and South Charlotte Street. The one-and-a-half-story, wood-frame station was built in the Eastern Stick style. The Manheim Historical Society uses the station as a “time capsule” of railroad and transportation history. Alongside glassmaking, this offers another perspective on local history: the focus here is on the development of railroads and transportation, conveyed through the station’s architecture and historic role. Its exact location at the street intersection also identifies the station as a specific place in Manheim.

The Manheim Historical Society also owns the Manheim Heritage Center in Manheim Borough and the Town Clock in Mini Park, also in Manheim Borough. These names add to the picture of local historic sites. When planning a stay, it’s worth distinguishing between their different themes: the station represents railroad and transportation history, while the Heritage Center and clock offer other links to local history.

Collection and Exhibition Spaces

The Historic Manheim Preservation Foundation has been located on Manheim’s original historic town square since 2001. Its facilities include exhibition spaces, a library, and a garden. The Foundation displays the Keiffer Collection, featuring Stiegel glass, furniture, other antiques, and ephemera. The collection offers a view beyond glassmaking, encompassing objects and materials from a variety of areas. The main exhibition room is currently accessible only by appointment. If you plan to visit this room, arrange your visit in advance. The appointment requirement applies to the main exhibition room.

Festival of the Red Rose

Zion Lutheran Church holds the Festival of the Red Rose annually on the second Sunday in June. During the celebration, a red rose is presented as rightful payment to a descendant of Henry William Stiegel. The tradition has a longer history: since 1892, the congregation has paid an annual red rose to one of Stiegel’s heirs. It is based on a 1772 deed in which Stiegel transferred a plot of land to Manheim’s Lutheran congregation for the construction of a church. The festival thus connects a recurring date in June with an older agreement and the history of the land. If you’d like to plan your trip around this occasion, check the dates for the relevant year in advance.

Flea Market Nearby

In the area around Manheim, Root’s Old Mill Flea Market offers two different market days. On Tuesdays, the market is open year-round and features more than 175 vendors. On Saturdays, there is an outdoor flea market from April through November. The main difference is the day of the week and the season: the Tuesday market runs year-round, while the Saturday market is limited to April through November. If the market is part of your travel plans, check the date in advance and keep the seasonal limitation in mind for Saturdays.

Discover more destinations: Leacock-Leola-Bareville, Ronks, Millersville, Lititz, Salunga-Landisville, Gordonville, Lancaster, Christiana.

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