Lititz Favorites

Favorite thing: For about a hundred years, Moravian church members were the only people permitted to live in the town. A Brothers’ House and Sisters’ House were erected for the unmarried men and women, although they did not live communally. It was not until 1855 that non-Moravians were allowed to own their own houses.

Favorite thing: Missionary work was integral to the faith, and preachers were sent from the Moravian community in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. A local resident, John Klein, was moved by hearing Zinzendorf’s preaching and, in the year 1755, Klein transferred his 491-acre farm to the church to establish a Moravian community. The following year the town was founded with the name of Lititz..

In addition to mission work, music and education were important to the Moravians. In fact, the Lititz schoolhouse erected in 1746 marked the beginnings of what was to be Linden Hall, the oldest residence school for girls in the United States.

Fondest memory: handsome baroque facade covered in dryvit

Favorite thing: block foundations and log construction filled in with mortar grout but not departing from the Federal style so beloved by the Pennsylvania Germans and English alike.

Fondest memory: Viktor C Doltz DMD
Entrance in the rear

Favorite thing: Visit during the 4th of July. They have an all-day carnival culminating in evening fireworks accompanied by music. The firework display is extremely impressive for small-town USA. Bring loads of citronella and/or bug repellent. And if staying overnight, book early since most lodging in the area is booked months in advance for the event.

Favorite thing: The great Finnish modern expressionist architect Alvar Aalto advised his students: When drawing a window, imagine the girl you love inside - that old romantic.