READ SIP EAT ENJOY
History of the Building
History of 125 Broadway Drive
"Martin Lohr, for whom Lohr's Memorial Evangelical United Brethren Church is named, moved to Hanover in the year 1829 and soon thereafter made his home available for preaching by the United Brethren Circuit riders. The Lohr home continued to be a United Brethren shrine until 1847, when the first church sanctuary was erected on what was then called Abbotstown St., now Broadway
In the year 1878 (some say 1879) fire destroyed the first church and the widow of Martin Lohr, at her own expense, had a second church home for this congregation constructed on the same site. This structure is still standing 125 Broadway in a slightly revised form."
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Prior to The Reader's Cafe, the building was a Flower Shop from 1994 to 1997. Derf and MaryAnn bought the building in 1997.
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The Reader's Cafe has been in business from 1997 to 2021 as an independent bookstore and coffeeshop- we are incredibly thankful for all those who have supported us over the last (almost) 25 years, and continue to support us today!
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About Us
Owners, Derf and MaryAnn, opened the Reader’s Café about 25 years ago. They opened because there was no where in town that you could sit down, read a book, and enjoy a good coffee. They were one of the first places with a cappuccino machine in Hanover. They picked a renovated church and made it a bookstore. They have 4 kids, 1 dog, and 3 grand dogs who they love dearly. Over the years, they have had poetry contests, book clubs, live music during the early evenings, featured authors, Saturday morning children’s book readings, and of course what we all know, love, and remember- the Harry Potter Parties. The years have had their fair share of highs and lows. The highs- the best customers and friendships, wonderful employees, many amazing stories, support from the town, fun memories, and great books and coffee. The lows- the recession, the boom of tablet related reading, the chain coffee shops, online ordering, possibilities of selling the bookstore, and the novel coronavirus. But, that hasn’t stopped them from continuing their dreams. As they continue their business during difficult times, please continue to support them! If you’ve never been in the Reader’s Café, come say hello!
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