LoriAnn Wukitsch, President and CEO of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, shares the historical significance of Bethlehem's new Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe as well as a glimpse into what to expect in store!
Tell us about the journey to launching the Schropp Shoppe!
Opening the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe has been an incredible journey closely linked to efforts to update and adapt the previous Visitor Center to accommodate increased visitation. We sought to re-imagine 501 and 505 Main Street to provide a welcoming experience on Main Street in Bethlehem. Through the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe, we honor the heritage and history of the building, aligning our mission with merchandise and a layout that speaks to the space and its past.
What did that the process entail?
Using extensive records from the original dry goods store and the boarding school for girls in Bethlehem housed at Moravian Archives, we drew inspiration from an authentic 1800s shopping experience. With support from Keystone Savings Foundation and guidance from Alloy5, which provided the vision for the new space, we meticulously renovated the interior to reflect its historical roots. Now open for business, the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe offers a unique glimpse into Bethlehem's past, blending history with a delightful modern shopping experience. When visitors buy merchandise from the Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe, purchases directly support Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites' mission to preserve and share the stories of the people who lived and worked in Bethlehem.
Where did the inspiration for the shop come from?
After surveying the Schropp files and boarding school records, we realized that much of the merchandise historically sold at the shop is still bought today—everything from spices and stationery to hardware and kitchen supplies. We were inspired to create a shopping experience based on the building's history as a dry goods store that pays homage to Bethlehem's pivotal role in the history of commerce in the United States. We were lucky to have a building with many original features, including a tin ceiling and detailed historical records of the shop and its role in Bethlehem's community. Thanks to the early Moravian practice of intricate and detailed record-keeping, we know what was purchased and who was purchasing it.
Tell us a little bit about the history of the original dry goods store—and how the new shop celebrates that history.
Bethlehem's original dry goods store was built in the 19th century by John Sebastian Goundie as a connecting structure to his home. It was managed by Goundie's daughter and his son-in-law, John Schropp, who was a successful merchant in his own right. The store, detailed in various records, offered a diverse range of goods, from dried foods and hardware to groceries, crockery, books and fancy articles. Notably, it was a prominent supplier to the girls' boarding school in Bethlehem.
In 1852, Goundie sold the property to Louis Beckel, who added a third floor and incorporated decorative elements. In the mid-2000s, HBMS rediscovered and opened the original doorway between the house and the store, allowing guests to walk freely between the spaces. The new shop draws inspiration from Shropp's original dry goods shop by featuring items reminiscent of the historical past and incorporating 19th-century design items, like cabinetry, to give the atmosphere of a Victorian-era dry goods shop.
Describe the overall vibe of the store/shopping experience for customers.
The Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe features the atmosphere of a mid-19th-century dry goods shop with a curated selection of modern goods reminiscent of the historical past. Visitors will enjoy the charm and genuineness of a traditional dry goods shop, providing them with a tangible and immersive shopping experience while contributing to preserving and sharing Bethlehem's history. The Schropp Dry Goods Shoppe features merchandise from local vendors, demonstrations for visitors, and handmade materials, including Moravian Star tea towels, custom candles, and household hardware made by HBMS's blacksmiths and tinsmiths. Shoppers will also find leather cleaners, Badger organic body care and even a balm specially made for your dog's paws!
Tell us about the collaboration with Bethlehem-based architecture and design firm Alloy5.
We chose to work with Alloy5 because the firm has experience incorporating a building's rich history into contemporary designs. Through our collaboration with Alloy5, we recreated the feel of the original shop and improved the retail experience for local visitors and out-of-town guests. Design elements include built-in shelves, a feature wall with historic accent colors, and industrial metals tied into tin ceilings.
What can shoppers expect to find in store?
Shoppers can expect to find a variety of local vendors, including Herberry Candles, Paisley & Company and Mad Catter Coffee Roasters. The store is divided up into sections including Housewares, Gardening, Food & Sweets and Bath & Body among other sections. Visitors can buy soy candles, bags of coffee and unique body, bath and home products while supporting historic preservation and small businesses in Lehigh Valley.
505 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.691.6055 | historicbethlehem.org
Published as “Get the Goods” in the August 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
