Mark's Mechanicsburg Musings
---------------------------------------------
July 1, 2010
Deed transfers
236 E. Main Street - $126,850
506 North Market Street - $132,000
417 W. Main Street - $162,500
200 W. Locust Street - $160,000
214 S. York Street - $116,000
117 S. Washington - $82,360
701 S. Broad Street - $187,750
---------------------------------------------
June 25, 2010
243 E. Main Street
Part of the overhang at the Casablanca Salon was sideswiped by an 18 wheeler
trying to make an illegal right turn. Repairs should start in the middle
of July after HARB approval.
-------------------------------------------------
May 22, 2010
An amazing story of three friends all from the Mechanicsburg class of 1939, all three became lawyers. All three practiced in Mechanicsburg and now all three in their mid 80s are doing well and two are still in business. You probably know of these fine gentlemen; Bob Stouffer, John Aiken and Bill Sunday.
---------------------------------------------------
May 21, 2010
How do you lose a house on Main Street without a demolition?
Well, just leave it to the Post Office. 711 W. Main Street could become 711 West
Trindle or 711 Longmeadow. I sold this beautiful stone home to the current
owners, who asked me if 711 W. Main is more valuable than 711 W. Trindle? My
answer was "Yes". What do you think?
-----------------------------------------------------
April 2, 2010
Beauty Salon #13 has been located Suzie's Beauty Salon is located at 21 W. Simpson.
March 3, 2010
16 South Market Street
Coming soon - "Sugar Frankenstein" (candy, candy, candy)
---------------------------------------------------
March 3, 2010
The West Main Street Restaurant is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
------------------------------------------------------
March 1, 2010
Ten things I like about Mechanicsburg
Rakestraws
Ritters Hardware and Mayor Jack Ritter
Executive Bookstore
Civil Ware & More Bookstore
Warm Hearts Cafe
The Walnut Cafe
Snappers
Jubilee Day
The Halloween Parade
Melting snow
-------------------------------------------------------
March 1, 2010
Tremendous Jones reminds me of Ben Cain. Ben, who died about 10 years ago lived on Main Street. He was one of the 1st teachers of the Dale Carnegie Courses. He was also a dynamic and inspirational man! Early in my real estate career, I hired him to start off my free investment seminars. Ben would get the attendees fired up to buy real estate, then I would teach and explain the nuts and bolts of why real estate was and is such a great investment! One of his sayings which has stayed with me is "there is a right way, a wrong way, a long way and a hard way"!
-------------------------------------------------------
February 28, 2010
Executive Bookstore is soon to be renamed Tremendous Bookstore in honor of Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, who recently passed on. Charlie was well known locally and nationally on the lecture circuit. He was such a dynamic and inspirational speaker. He will be missed by all!
------------------------------------------------------------
February 25, 2010
The Bookstores of Mechanicsburg
When you think of a bookstore you probably think of Borders and/or Barnes and Nobles. Recently I have been patronizing Executive Books on West Allen Street, which has a great quantity of motivational and inspirational books as well as history and biographies. Many books are ONLY $1.00! The other bookstore in town is the Civil War and More Bookstore at 10 S. Market Street. I was pleasantly surprised to find books on Colonial America, the Revolutionary War, the French and Indian War as well as World War II. Of course the vast majority of the books are concerning the Civil War! Check out both of these stores. You'll be pleasantly surprised!
----------------------------------------------------------
February 24, 2010
The old maples fronting on Keller Street at St. Joseph's church and school have been cut down. They had become diseased and had to go. The stumps are to be removed and new trees will be planted
-----------------------------------------------------------
February 16, 2010
Update on Allen Street and North Market
3 new attached homes are now well under construction. This is the site of
the unfortunate recent fire which destroyed the 100 year+/- homes at the site.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
February 5, 2010
~Mechanicsburg Recent Real Estate Transactions~
301 E. Elmwood Avenue - $225,000
707 S. Market Street - $75,000
601 E. Coover and E. Marble Street - $165,000, $153,350
602 E. Marble Street - $156,000
130 W. Portland Street - $82,000
205 W. Marble Street - $114,300
---------------------------------------------------------------
February 2, 2010
My December 3rd musing noted eleven beauty salons in the borough. Well I have discovered number twelve at 33 W. Main Street, a new business named "Hair we are" operated by Robert Dallara. Casablanca Beauty Salon had a wonderful grand opening. The food was terrific and Khadya has the shop looking great. Her entire beautiful smiling family was there to help her celebrate!
January 28, 2010
~ 417 W. Main ~
This old Victorian is now under contract and assuming settlement takes place, the prospective owners are planning to return this home to its former glory!
----------------------------------------------
January 27, 2010
~ 416 W. Main ~
This gem is now settled. I noticed that the new owners are making improvements and repairs!
-------------------------------------------------
January 26, 2010
231-233 W. Main
This is one of the prime properties in Historic Mechanicsburg at the corner of Main and York. The owner is my brother and he is making improvements and will eventually be reinstalling the front porch railing. I recently checked out the fabulous stair case and stained glass windows on the 233 side!
----------------------------------------------------
January 19, 2010
~ 410 E. Main ~
Treat yourself by taking a look at 410 E. Main Street! The owners are doing the total job...roof, siding and windows...ALL keeping within the historic integrity...even the fish scale decorative siding has been beautifully replicated!
------------------------------------------------------
January 8, 2010
The End of and Era
Colbans Sweet Shop 1 E. Main Street,
Jimmy Colban recently passed away and he was the owner of the restaurant business on the square. Jimmy told me a while back that his father had started the business in 1929. That is 80 years and one of the oldest businesses in town. Jimmy was always very courteous and just a nice guy! About 30 years ago he allowed my wife to display some artwork in his display window. He said, "You can leave the artwork there as long as you like" As many of you know, he also made a great hot dog! He will be missed by all!
---------------------------------------------------------
December 4, 2009
107 W. Main - I recently listed for lease the 1st floor of this classic property. 1200 square feet of Professional office space. The entrance is dramatic with the open staircase (one of the nicest that I have seen in town). Stained glass windows, pocket door, all natural wood work and a cozy bay area at the front. Another significant feature is the fireplace and mantel with the original metal baffle still in place!
-------------------------------------------------------
December 3, 2009
The women of Mechanicsburg will be more beautiful than every, judging from the abundance of beauty salons in town. Below is a partial list I recently compiled of salons in Mechanicsburg.
1) Salon on Main 52 W. Main --2) Salon Elenz 28 N. Market -- 3) Dalasandros 103 N. York --4) Casablanca Hair Salon 245 E. Main St. --- 5) Moda Salon 56 W. Main --6) The Nails First 32 W. Main -- 7) Blondies on Main 21 E. Main -- 8) Revelations Day Spa 17 Railroad Aveue -- 9) Devona McKinny Beauty Salon 23 E. Locust -- 10) New Creation Hair Design 209 S. Market -- 11) The Sue Witters Beauty Salon on Allendale.
-----------------------------------------------------------
December 2, 2009
Most of us old-timers know that the old jail is at 36 W. Main Street (the cells are still in the basement) but do you know where the original jail is? Amazingly it is still intact (although in bad condition). You can ride by it if you can locate it on Long Alley (between West Factory and Portland, behind the Senior Citizen Center. This building is an ideal candidate for restoration. Hurry before it falls into the ravine behind it. Another odd piece of real estate in Mechanicsburg is the fenced-in reservoir also on Long Alley at Walnut Street surrounded by the fence and many trees, I usually see ducks swimming around. It measures approximately 100 yards by 50 yards (a football field!)
----------------------------------------------------------
December 1, 2009
The new diner at the West End of Main Street should open around December 15th! Also the Casablanca Salon has an "opening soon" sign in their front door at 245 E. Main Street.
Rental Vacancies; 33-35 W. Main - Next to Ritters hardware, former site of Replogue Home decorations, which is now located at 39 E. Main St. 126 W. Main - Mad Mike has moved to 71 W. Main. 143 W. Main currently a residence, but owner is trying to attract a commercial user. This tower home is brick and built around 1865. The arched windows are topped by molded semi-circular headers. The tower was not original, but was added about 1912. This property is in the Commercial Central Business District which is zoned for many uses.
------------------------------------------------------------
November 30, 2009
The Holly Trail House Tour was Today, my wife Lorie and I toured 4 homes;
29 W. Marble Street - built in 1877, this home is in great condition with many large windows. It looks and feels like a newer home inside, perhaps due to the terrific floor plan.
433 W. Main Street - built in 1908. Wow, what a gem! Brian and Deb Haines have lovingly restored this grand old Victorian. The parquet floors are very intricate and exquisite as are the stained glass windows. This home is on a large lot which is also a labor of love.
425 W. Main Street - Built in 1905. This home has a cozy wrap around porch. Inside features include; a built in hutch, archways, a very nice mantel and stained glass windows and the back yard has many birdhouses and birdfeeders!
74 W. Main Street - Built in the late 1700s. A log building, one of the few remaining in town. I especially enjoyed viewing the library, the fireplace and baffle are one of a kind. The center staircase came from an Illinois gangster's wine cellar. Floor to ceiling windows in the library look out to a beautiful garden!
--------------------------------------------------------
November 28, 2009
Today I viewed two Main Street properties showing them to a prospect looking for an old Victorian. The first home was 518 W. Main Street, a solid brick 2.5 story a Queen Anne style Victorian in good condition with all original chestnut wood work, 9 foot ceilings with original wood columns, front and rear staircase and original slate roof. The fireplace mantel is outstanding! The second home we viewed at 417 West Main Street was showing years of neglect and was converted to a 2 unit years ago. The potential is still there! The home has a terrific wrap around front porch and the original staircase is still intact but presently blocked off from the first floor.
--------------------------------------------
November 26, 2009
I stopped by The Warm Hearts Cafe for lunch yesterday. I continue to marvel at the good food, pleasant environment and great service from the owners' Pete and Tis and also the great coffee! When going out for breakfast or lunch, try the Warm Hearts Cafe, you won't regret it!
-------------------------------------------------------------
November 25, 2009
Dickens of a Christmas
My favorite night in Mechanicsburg except the Wrench drop...oops and also Jubilee day, is the Christmas Tree lighting, which is Friday November 27th from 5:30 to 9pm.
Tree Lighting at 5:30, Sing-a-long at 5:30, Santa and Mrs. Clause from 6-8pm, Carriage Rides from 6-8pm and the Cumberland singers 6:30-7pm.
----------------------------------------------------------------
November 24, 2009
Recent Real Estate Transactions;
22 S. Chestnut 80,000
122 W. Green 114,000
31 E. Coover 131,500
27 E. Coover 136,000
18 S. Chestnut 139,900
711 S. Markets 140,000
418 S. Frederick 145,000
427 W. Main 150,000
21 E. Maplewood 165,000
201 W. Main 179,000
302 S. York 199,000
307 E. Marble 206,900
720 S. Market 210,000
7-11 W. Main 333,000
---------------------------------------------------------------
November 23, 2009
I recently talked to Mrs. Hartung (AKA Mrs. Artz) and she is doing well and so is her tower home in the tower hill section of Mechanicsburg. Mrs. Hartung is a Mechanicsburg original who has a wealth of knowledge about Mechanicsburg. A couple years ago I did an oral history interview with her and was able to capture on tape some excellent historical information about her early years in Mechanicsburg, the 40s and 50s. She was lamenting to me about the removal of two large trees on the Coover Street side of the house. (but the trees were old and rotting).
----------------------------------------------------------------
November 18. 2009
In a recent drive of the entire length of Main Street. I was surprised to find that there is only one location where the trees intermingled from the North and South sides; 503 and 504 West Main Street!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
November 17, 2009
Noteworthy houses in Old Town
- 240 East Main - A large 2 story addition to the rear of this home was recently completed. The new "fan" attic window matches the two original fan windows in the main house. This home also is noteworthy since it still has one of the few "busybody" mirrors installed on a 2nd floor window. At one time these were very popular around town. When I sold this house many years ago, the owner was adamant that the busybody mirror forever stay with the house.
The homes on the West Side of 600 and 700 South Market Street are worth taking a long look at. These homes are elevated and many trees hide them from easy view. But each one is a gem. All are large lots and very well maintained and each has a distinct personality.
A noteworthy tree at 720 South Market is one of the largest Cooper Beech trees in Cumberland County!
------------------------------------------------------------
November 16, 2009
I constantly hear that our downtown is suffering from vacancies and poor business. Well I guess everything is relative. Prior to my parents moving to Mechanicsburg, I spent the first 5 years of my life in Carbondale, PA, which was then and is still a downtown in trouble with many vacancies and a depressing environment. Yes, everything is relative. Presently, downtown Mechanicsburg has a few office vacancies, but retail space is almost at 100%. Now if we could just entice another upscale Restaurant/Tavern to join the downtown scene.
--------------------------------------------------------------
November 15, 2009
The oldest building in town - The Union Church was the site of a wedding on 11-14. No doubt Mayor Jack Ritter performed the ceremony!
------------------------------------------------------------------
November 12, 2009
Recent Real Estate activity in old town;
Currently on the market for sale is"
124 South Market Street. The outstanding Victorian building that houses Veronica's Antique shop has been for sale. This would be a perfect purchase for an antique dealer or any type of retail space. This property is worth every penny of the $239,000 asking price. The natural wood (oak and chestnut) is beautifully preserved. On the first floor there are oak pillars that are a delight. On the 2nd floor there are wraparound window seats in a bedroom that are remarkable. The 3rd floor attic could be a great work area for an artist or craftsman. I'm also happy to report that all of the offices at 71 and 73 W. Main Street are now rented with an accounting firm and a small call center moving in soon!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
November 11, 2009
I love that German Shepard which is always at the front door at Joy's Ceramic's shop at 119 E. Main Street. That dog can be described as very big, very hairy, very docile and totally harmless! Does anyone know its name? The dog reminds me of the rental application we received for an apartment, the prospective tenant had a dog. Knowing we were leery of dogs the tenant described the animal like this; very friendly, will eat anything and loves children.
Two other quick observations;
134 East Main Street, Dave Russell has done an amazing job with his love for trains. The train tracks cover his entire yard
Walking by Jumpers Shoe Store at 106 E. Main Street, I noticed a thank you photo from professional baseball player Mike Edwards. I know Mike and his parents. Now they are fine folks. I believe Mike is about to get married and is completing his education. He is one of the finest athletes to come out of the Mechanicsburg Area. Another great one unfortunately, just passed away recently, Steve Sauve. Like Mike, Steve was all State in multiple sports. As a young lad, I remember playing pick up football on Friday nights at Memorial Park, while the high school team played the real game!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
November 2, 2009
On a recent walk up Main Street, I noticed that a new business named Hennessey Fabrications is moving in to 123 East Main Street, the former site of Cabin Crafts. Also, another salon, Moda Salon, is operating at 56 West Main Street, the former site of the Mechanicsburg Health Food Store. Notice the newly exposed brick wall inside. And on West Main Street at 422, treat yourself at the exterior restoration of this Mechanicsburg gem!
----------------------------------------------------------------
October 27, 2009
- Check out 13-15 W. Main, (Black Thorn Gallery and Just Clogs) A terrific paint job by Signature painting!
- The former bar/restaurant at 710 West Main Street will soon open as a Diner.
- Like Pumpkins? Try the pumpkin spice coffee at The Warm Hearts Cafe and the Pumpkin ice-cream at Rakestraws!
- The front 2 offices of 73 West Main Street will soon be occupied by an accounting firm. It was formerly Mechanicsburg Insurance.
- Still no word on the date for the grand opening of Casablanca Beauty Salon at 245 East Main Street.
- Reminder to all -- Support your local Mechanicsburg Businesses!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Tree Update
October 23, 2009
How about those Sycamore Trees on West Marble. Check out the canopy of trees on West Main Street and don't forget East Maplewood for some great fall colors! There is also a GORGEOUS Maple Tree just South of the corner of Coover and Arch. The reds and oranges of this tree are spectacular!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trees of Mechanicsburg
October 19, 2009
As a concerned tree steward and a Real Estate Broker, I fully recognize the connection between the value of Real Estate and Trees. A neighborhood with mature trees increases the value of the homes. Moreover, now with the Green movement, the value of a tree to the environment and the community is more important than ever.
A tree shaded development on a hot summer day can be 7-8 degrees cooler than a non-shaded area nearby. That difference of 7-8 degrees could possibly cut your cooling bill in half!
Just for the fun of it, I will be attempting to locate and identify the notable Trees of Mechanicsburg. Notable trees can be tall trees (where is the tallest tree), big trees, old trees, trees of special significance (the Christmas tree on the square), even trees of personal significance can be listed. I could sure use your help, so if you would like to nominate a tree or a group of trees, please let me know. So here are a few impressive trees to start the Mechanicsburg Borough notable tree listing;
Group of Trees;
1 - The Sycamores on West Marble Street adjoining the cemetery
2 - The Pine Grove in Memorial Park
3 - The Canopy of Trees over West Main Street
4 - The two Hinoki Pines on Coover Street (side of 318 S. Market)
Single Trees;
1 - The Red Maple Tree at 37 West Coover Street
2 - The Copper Beech Tree at South market and Mumma Avenue
3 - The Oak Tree on West Keller Street near Broad Street Elementary School
4 - The Southern Magnolia Tree at 315 East Main Street
Trees of Significance
1 - The Christmas Tree on the square
Trees of Personal Significance;
1 - The Redbud Tree in front of 55 East Main was planted to memorialize the birth of my first Grandson!
2 - The row of White Pines in the rear parking lot at 14 North Walnut Street along the Railroad tracks
3 - The Blue Spruce at 37 West Coover
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Walk Downtown
October 3, 2009
I recently attended the Main Street committee monthly meeting at the Orris House Inn. An amazing group of dedicated folks were there trying to improve the business environment in town. By the way, Kevin and Barb Jackson have done a fabulous job with improvements to the Orris House Bed and Breakfast. After the meeting at 8:30pm, I walked back down Main Street and had the pleasure of catching glimpses of quite a few business properties with lights on inside. I enjoyed an exterior tour of the Potomac Bead Company at 52 W. Main, The Replogle House Interiors and Gardens at 39 W. Main and the Citizen's Bank on the square. Interestingly, I walked by about 10 people going the opposite direction and all 10 made eye contact and returned my "Hello"!
One of the themes of the Main Street committee is to support local business. It is so easy to do! Recently on October 2nd, I purchased a great cup of pumpkin spice coffee at Warm Hearts Cafe, got a haircut at Bob's Barber Shop, then ordered a bowl of G-man's famous Black Bean Soup to go and followed by a purchase of caulk at Ritters (the best hardware store of the West Shore).
