Gettysburg will forever be known as the town that changed the course of the American Civil War, but an emerging group of artisans also desire to grow its reputation as a cultural mecca. A local businesswoman, Timbrel Wallace, is helping them to achieve their dream. Wallace’s new store, Gettysburg Goods, solely features items made by the people who live and work in historic Adams County.
Gettysburg Goods latest Wallace venture
Wallace and her husband Scott began their life as downtown shopkeepers 12 years ago when they opened Lark – A Modern Marketplace. Lark, now on Lincoln Square, is located inside a former home that was built in 1885. The building rests on the foundation of one of the first homes built on the Square in 1799. Here shoppers can find almost anything, including home decor, whimsical socks, books, puzzles, treats, and practical items such as earbud cleaning kits and tick-removing tools.
The Wallaces then opened Nerd Herd Gifts & Games on York Street, a fun spot with a giant chessboard and cornhole games outside its entrance.
Being owner-operators gives the Wallaces the opportunity to talk to their customers about their shopping habits. They first heard a desire for more men-centric gifts, which led to the opening of Oh Man! Guy Gifts for Everyone in 2021.
The next calling centered around more items made in or featuring Gettysburg. When a storefront opened up at 19 Lincoln Square, adjacent to Lark, Timbrel saw it as an opportunity to meet another need.
“It just made a lot of sense for us to lease the space,” she said.
Bringing people together
Timbrel already had connections with many local artisans, such as fiber artist Joh Ricci and sketch artist Erin Brown. Jams made by Kathy Glahn of Wild Juniper Farms were a natural fit, as were signs by Marty Mummert.
But she still needed to fill a store, so once she secured the space, she hung a note on the door describing plans for the business and invited artists to contact her if they wanted to be a part of it. The response was strong, and Wallace now has a waiting list.
“I think it is a great way to get Gettysburg merchandise out into the world,” she said.
Art comes in many forms, even the liquid variety. The space Gettysburg Goods occupies was recently the home of a local winery, and the Wallaces’ landlord did not want to remove the bar. Timbrel saw that as an opportunity for Mason Dixon Distillery to open a tasting room.
“Yianni (Barakos, Mason Dixon owner) partners with the National Park Service by growing grains on their land. Having him in here is another way for everyone to work together,” Timbrel said.
And working together is what Timbrel is all about. She believes the Lincoln Square district is strong because many entrepreneurs create partnerships with each other. She is excited to add more people to the collaborative efforts through Gettysburg Goods.
“Gettysburg is not stale,” she said. “These artists are excited to share their pieces with the world.”
Featured image caption: Timbrel Wallace and sign artist Marty Mummert stand near some of Mummert’s signs that are for sale in Gettysburg Goods. (Photo by Alex J. Hayes)
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Alex J. Hayes, Editor, has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is heavily involved in the community through his volunteer roles at the Rotary Club of Gettysburg, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, United Way of Adams County, and Healthy Adams County. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania.
Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.
This is a fantastic idea. We have so many talented local people who create art in so many dimensions. Such a good idea to provide space for them to display. Now if we could only lower the insane onstreet parking rates…….
I filled out a form to tell you more about my rope and fabric bowls, but was unable to submit it as I do not have a website. I would be interested in sharing my handcrafted items.
How can I find out more info about space in this exciting new endeavor. Im a photographer and have won international kodak awards. I can meet pretty much anytime, since I am retired.
Pat, thanks for reading! You can complete an artist application at https://gettysburggoods.com/
This is wonderful! Congratulations!
Since finding a store called ‘Made in DC’ I have always wished we had something like this in Gettysburg. So excited to bring out of town guests, and buy one of a kind gifts here. Rukhsana