Manheim: Glass History and the Red Rose

Manheim tells its story through glass, the railroad, and a red rose that remains part of a local tradition. The town was founded in 1762 by Henry William Stiegel and brothers Charles and Alexander Stedman. Those considering a stay in Manheim will find a distinct historical focus: its founding, glassworks, and Festival of the Red Rose offer different insights into the town’s development.

Glass History in Manheim

Manheim’s glassworks began making glass at the end of 1764. Later known as the American Flint Glass Manufactory, it continued production during the Revolutionary period. This sequence makes the glassmaking history more than just a single date: it spans the town’s early years and a period when the manufactory was already known by its own name. Stiegel, one of Manheim’s founders, is also connected to the story of the red rose, which remains part of the local calendar today.

Exhibition Rooms and Railroad History

The Historic Manheim Preservation Foundation has been located at Manheim’s original historic town square since 2001. It has exhibition rooms, a library, and a garden. The Keiffer Collection includes Stiegel glass, furniture, other antiques, and ephemera. The main exhibition room is currently accessible by appointment only, so plan ahead if you want to visit it.

Another part of local history is the 1881 Manheim Railroad Station. The one-and-a-half-story station is a wood-frame building in the Eastern Stick style, located at the intersection of Railroad Street and South Charlotte Street. The Manheim Historical Society uses it as a “time capsule” of railroad and transportation history. The Society also owns the Manheim Heritage Center in Manheim Borough and the Town Clock in Manheim Borough’s Mini Park. Together, these places represent different facets of local heritage; the station particularly highlights architecture and transportation history.

The Festival of the Red Rose

The Zion Lutheran Church observes the Festival of the Red Rose every year on the second Sunday in June. A red rose is presented to a descendant of Henry William Stiegel as rightful payment. The community’s annual rose payment to a Stiegel heir has continued since 1892. It is based on a 1772 deed: Stiegel transferred a plot of land to Manheim’s Lutheran congregation for the construction of a church. In this way, a recurring date, a specific act, and the community’s earlier history come together in a local tradition.

Nearby Market Dates

Near Manheim, Root’s Old Mill Flea Market has more than 175 vendors on Tuesdays year-round. An outdoor flea market is held there on Saturdays from April through November. The difference is useful for planning: the Tuesday market runs all year, while the outdoor market is seasonal. Along with the Festival’s set date in June, these offer several occasions to consider when planning a stay.

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Manheim, you can plan your stay around different interests: the history of glassmaking, architecture and railroads, or a local tradition with a set date. The seasonal flea market nearby offers another point of reference for timing your visit. This makes it possible to consider Manheim as a destination through its history and traditions, rather than basing your choice solely on accommodation type.

Discover more destinations: Gordonville, Ronks, Narvon, Leacock-Leola-Bareville, Christiana, Salunga-Landisville, Ephrata, Mountville

For the broader travel overview: Lancaster.