ABOUT US

With  members located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Georgia, Florida, and Indiana, the York Town Craft Guild is a chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and is one of the most notable in the state due to its distinguished workshops and programs. We are also the only chapter to have our own building. We conduct our meetings and offer classes in our building and other locations; and  provide studio and bus tours.

We are artisans with varying degrees of skill and talent, including hobbyists, professional artisans, and patrons of the arts. Our membership consists of men and women of all ages who want to nurture creativity and preserve heritage crafts for future generations. A wide variety of crafts ranging from traditional to contemporary are enjoyed by our members.

Monthly programs are held to bring craftsmen and the community together to exchange thoughts and ideas which usually provide inspiration for future projects or classes. Guest speakers are invited to present demonstrations in their area of expertise. Most activities are held at our location, however, bus trips and studio tours are offered or the meeting time is changed so it is best to confirm the date, location, and time.  Free parking is available on the vacant lot next to our building.

World War II Memorial        

This bronze statue (photo on right) stands in the center square of York PA as a tribute to the soldiers. The sculpted monument is an original creation by Lorann Jacobs. More of her creations can be seen on her website at www.lorannjacobs.com.

LATEST NEWS - posted Oct 2011

Presenting a plaque to Attorney Jeffrey Rehmeyer II

Presenting a plaque to Attorney Jeffrey Rehmeyer II of CGA Law Firm for his service to York Town Craft Guild are (L.-R.) Joanne Bast,  Bonnie Lenkner, Attorney Rehmeyer, Gloria Oldenburg and Ray Billet.  Attorney Rehmeyer provided services to the non-profit organization over a two year period to acquire the deed for the organization’s facility at 639 N. Franklin Street, York.  Billet is a trustee of the Friendship Fire Company which owned the building before the fire company was dissolved and combined with Springettsbury Township. Lenkner is current President of the York Town Craft Guild which is a chapter of the PA Guild of Craftsmen, which was holding the deed. Oldenburg, Bast, and Lenkner met with the full state guild board in Lancaster taking a letter from Billet to discuss that the Friendship Fire Company had intended the facility be for the use of the York chapter, but was deeded to the state guild at the time (30 years ago) as the local chapter did not have the necessary 501 c (3) IRS non-profit status. Under  PA law, on dissolution of a non-profit, property must be given only to an organization with non-profit status. Oldenburg and Bast each have been members of both the local chapter and state guild organization for almost 20 years.

Billet had previously attended a meeting in York with the Executive Director, Sherry Boyer  and Board president Brian Cunfer  of the PA Guild of Craftsmen.  Also attending that meeting   with Lenkner and Billet were local chapter members  Frank Shaffer, vice-president, Donna Leiphart, secretary, Marge Dexheimer, Mary Diehl, and Rachael Tracey.  Lenkner feels the goal would not have been accomplished without the excellent verbal and written comments of  Billet on behalf of the former Friendship Fire Company as well as efforts of local chapter members.

“York Town Craft Guild, comprised of approximately 100 members, is very appreciative of the counsel, patience and legal services provided by Attorney Rehmeyer over the two year period,” according to Lenkner, chapter president.  With his counsel, the local group succeeded in convincing the PA Guild of Craftsmen board to relinquish the deed.  “It could not have been done without the pro bono services of Mr. Rehmeyer and CGA law firm,” stated Lenkner,  “we barely had enough funds to cover legal and transfer fees connected with the deed transmittal.”

“York Town Craft Guild has used the Franklin Street facility since the dissolution of the Friendship Fire Company 30 years ago, but our members were always in a quandary about how much money to put into a building that was not owned by the chapter,” Lenkner said.

York Town Craft Guild has been in York County for 63 years (formerly renting space on Philadelphia Street) with the mission of promoting, encouraging, and developing one of Pennsylvania’s finest resources…quality heritage and contemporary handcraft.  To achieve these goals, the York Town Craft Guild sponsors workshops and other educational activities as well as an annual Christmas sales gallery for its artisans to create a greater awareness and appreciation for local handcraft.

HISTORY

The York Town Craft Guild was formed in 1948 as a chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and incorporated in 1958 as a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote participation in and appreciation of quality traditional and contemporary crafts. 

To achieve this goal YTCG sponsors programs, seminars, workshops  and other educational activities.  The chapter constantly strives to create a greater awareness of the heritage of crafts. 

Membership in the York Town Craft Guild is open to any person  who will help in carrying out these purposes. A monthly newsletter provides members with program information and relevant items of interest. Our members meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Friendship Craft Center located in the old Friendship Fire Hall at 639 North Franklin Street, York Click here for a listing of Board Members of the York Town Craft Guild.

The York Town Craft Guild is an IRS  501 (c) 3 organization for charitable and educational purposes.  Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Contributions of $500 or more are recognized on a Tree of Life on a wall at our facility. 

As an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, we are among a group of regional chapters with a common objective to promote, encourage, and develop one of Pennsylvania's finest resources . . . quality traditional and contemporary crafts.

In order to join the York Town Craft Guild, membership with the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen is required. The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen is located at 252 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603.  For more information, contact 215-579-5997 or visit www.pacrafts.org