YORK TOWN SQUARE

Photos: What is beyond the beautiful arched stone gate north of York?

Many people have never seen what is beyond these landmark gates between Emigsville and Manchester. Well, they lead to the estate, a former distillery site, known as Historic Shady Lane. Its story is told, in part, in captions with this gallery based on information from this event venue's website: https://www.historicshadylane.com. York County's Diane Bowders captured this scene. 'I've been fascinated with this property ever since I was a little girl,' one Shady Lane visitor said in 2012. 'It's like a secret garden back here.' - Jim McClure
Many people have never seen what is beyond these landmark gates between Emigsville and Manchester. Well, they lead to the estate, a former distillery site, known as Historic Shady Lane. Its story is told, in part, in captions with this gallery based on information from this event venue's website: https://www.historicshadylane.com. York County's Diane Bowders captured this scene. 'I've been fascinated with this property ever since I was a little girl,' one Shady Lane visitor said in 2012. 'It's like a secret garden back here.' - Jim McClure
Dianne Bowders, Submitted
Historic Shady Lane in East Manchester Township is owned by Steve Kohr and his wife. Sue. The first owner was named Hake. From the Shady Lane website: "One year after George Washington took his first oath of office, the Hake family built a distillery above a spring-fed stream, which was essential for brewing whiskey and other spirits."
Historic Shady Lane in East Manchester Township is owned by Steve Kohr and his wife. Sue. The first owner was named Hake. From the Shady Lane website: "One year after George Washington took his first oath of office, the Hake family built a distillery above a spring-fed stream, which was essential for brewing whiskey and other spirits."
York Daily Record File
From the website: "That distillery was built on what would become Historic Shady Lane over 220 years later. In 1825, the Hake family constructed a large stone farmhouse for their family. The estate passed through many hands, but none were arguably as great as its owner from 1905 to 1948."
From the website: "That distillery was built on what would become Historic Shady Lane over 220 years later. In 1825, the Hake family constructed a large stone farmhouse for their family. The estate passed through many hands, but none were arguably as great as its owner from 1905 to 1948."
James McClure
From the Shady Lane website; "Over one hundred years ago, Frederick Small, a Yale graduate, York industrialist, and the developer of York's Elmwood commmunity, purchased the estate grounds and farmland. Mr. Small owned a mansion in York City and used the estate for his summer home where his family could entertain their vast network of friends."
From the Shady Lane website; "Over one hundred years ago, Frederick Small, a Yale graduate, York industrialist, and the developer of York's Elmwood commmunity, purchased the estate grounds and farmland. Mr. Small owned a mansion in York City and used the estate for his summer home where his family could entertain their vast network of friends."
Submitted
From the Shady Lane website: "In 1948, after Mr. Small had passed, his estate sold to a family from the Emigsville area who owned it until 2003. The estate at that time was used as a nature preserve and a private residence. Since then, the estate has been preserved through The Farm and Natural Land Trust and its new owners, Steve and Sue Kohr have been quietly restoring the buildings and grounds."
From the Shady Lane website: "In 1948, after Mr. Small had passed, his estate sold to a family from the Emigsville area who owned it until 2003. The estate at that time was used as a nature preserve and a private residence. Since then, the estate has been preserved through The Farm and Natural Land Trust and its new owners, Steve and Sue Kohr have been quietly restoring the buildings and grounds."
James McClure
The Kohrs began renovations with the 1825 farmhouse, then the 1790 distillery was restored as a private residence. Also, the Brownstone Cottage built in 1911 serves as the venue for events and small parties.
The Kohrs began renovations with the 1825 farmhouse, then the 1790 distillery was restored as a private residence. Also, the Brownstone Cottage built in 1911 serves as the venue for events and small parties.
James McClure
The owner has been generous in hosting community events. Preserving York Facebook Group organizer Blake Stough organized an actual community benefit event in 2012. He is seen here guiding a tour at the picnic..
The owner has been generous in hosting community events. Preserving York Facebook Group organizer Blake Stough organized an actual community benefit event in 2012. He is seen here guiding a tour at the picnic..
York Daily Record File
Stewart Peiffer, left, of York Township, and Pam Reardon of Lititz listen to a tour by Preserving York's Blake Stough from under the porch arches of the main house.
Stewart Peiffer, left, of York Township, and Pam Reardon of Lititz listen to a tour by Preserving York's Blake Stough from under the porch arches of the main house.
York Daily Record File
The stone arch design so prevalent throughout the estate is also evident in the North George Street entrance.
The stone arch design so prevalent throughout the estate is also evident in the North George Street entrance.
Paul Kuehnel
Steve Kohr also is involved in other preservation projects. Here is one, this 1895 schoolhouse at 3100 Grandview Drive, York Haven.
Steve Kohr also is involved in other preservation projects. Here is one, this 1895 schoolhouse at 3100 Grandview Drive, York Haven.
Steve Kohr, Submitted
The one-room school's bell tower on the way to the York Haven job site from the shop
The one-room school's bell tower on the way to the York Haven job site from the shop
Steve Kohr, Submitted
Years ago, Historic Shady Lane also hosted a Braille Trail for the visually impaired. The trail is long closed. Here, Steve Kohr is seen Braille Trail site.
Years ago, Historic Shady Lane also hosted a Braille Trail for the visually impaired. The trail is long closed. Here, Steve Kohr is seen Braille Trail site.
York Daily Record File
A placard along the former Braille Trail.
A placard along the former Braille Trail.
York Daily Record File
This Braille Trail placard tells about fungus on a tree trunk.
This Braille Trail placard tells about fungus on a tree trunk.
York Daily Record File
About three quarters of a mile of rope on the Braille Trail connected the signs of with knots to alert walkers about a spot to stop.
About three quarters of a mile of rope on the Braille Trail connected the signs of with knots to alert walkers about a spot to stop.
York Daily Record File
The shady lane that gives Historic Shady Lane its name.
The shady lane that gives Historic Shady Lane its name.
York Daily Record File
The Historic Shady Lane website concludes: "Today, the estate is enjoying a new era. From family to family and into its third century, Historic Shady Lane welcomes you and your spouse, family, and friends to create your own history."
The Historic Shady Lane website concludes: "Today, the estate is enjoying a new era. From family to family and into its third century, Historic Shady Lane welcomes you and your spouse, family, and friends to create your own history."
Dianne Bowders, Submitted