Visiting Cambridge General Store in White Horse

A beautiful drive down Rt. 10 to Honey Brook, then through Amish Country where sprawling farms and pastoral landscapes reveal a road heavily traveled with Amish buggies, will lead you to a unique and quaint cottage on Cambridge Road in Gap – the Cambridge General Store, an Antique and Fine Craft Gallery.

Ellen Geisel, the owner, said, “It is like coming home after 16 years.”

Ellen is the proverbial ‘do what you love; your hobby can become your business’ individual. As a young girl, Ellen was fond of sewing and designing crafts. Those talents were translated into her opening a craft store in 1995 (at the same Cambridge Rd. location) when the Knittery, a popular retail women’s clothing store, occupied the White Horse Mill Antiques store.

Shortly after settling into the store, The Knittery moved and Ellen soon followed when business slacked off. Over the years she continued at different locations until June 1 of this year when she returned ‘home’.

“The owners, Deb and Chris Doyle, of the popular White Horse Mill Antiques (with whom she shares the parking lot) have proven to be great supporters and mentors,” she said.

The charm and ambiance of the store feel like you have entered a little ‘tea for two’ gallery. Your gracious hostess invites you to share cookies and a cup of tea or ‘joe’. Ellen said, “We have 14 different vendor booths filled with vintage, primitives, antiques, collectibles, shabby chic, crafts and wonderful garage sale finds.”

If you are looking for antique linens, bottles, dishes, framed art, handmade teddy bears, tin ware, handcut lampshades or other treasures you will not be disappointed. Ellen added, “My husband and partner, Randy Geisel, has his own furniture booth. In addition to his display he also does furniture refinishing.”

Her customers are tourists and regional business from the entire East coast who flock to Lancaster County. Her market includes Wilmington, Chadds Ford, Downingtown, and all of Lancaster, Berks, and Chester counties. Her local market is White Horse, Gap, Intercourse, and Coatesville.

Last Saturday the shop celebrated “Christmas in July” with trimmed trees, homemade Christmas cookies, Christmas music and decorations.

Ellen plans to keep it lively and fun. The second Saturday of each month a scheduled event will incorporate a theme.

For August a vintage and antique event is planned; September is Mum Fest; October features a two day event in celebration with White Horse Antique’s anniversary. Look for crafts, food, mums, pumpkins, and music-- Yes always music! November and December usher in a Christmas theme.

You can stay in touch via Facebook by searching for Cambridge General Store.

For hours, directions and events go to the web: www.cambridgegeneralstore.com

The Cambridge General Store is located at 107 W. Cambridge Road, Gap (White Horse), Pa 17527.

The store can be reached by phone at 717-768-0840.