This year, CHS Periscope took on another round of March Madness. We decided to take a look at iconic Carlisle Cornerstones, giving our viewers an opportunity to vote on their favorite Carlisle staples.
Antique Mall- Built in 1918 as an original department store, the Carlisle Antique Mall has seen many decades of history and has since become a historical landmark and member of the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce. Known for its vibrant manner and variety of antiques, clothing, and decor, the antique mall is a wonderful place to shop with friends and get cheap stuff or envision a different era for yourself.
Farmer’s on the Square- Farmer’s on the Square is a “producers-only farmers market” that is held every Wednesday. From May – December it is located in front of the First Presbyterian Church, and from January – April, in the Carlisle Theater. It was founded in 2009 and has attracted locals ever since, providing people with fresh goods going directly from farm to table.
Theater- Opening its doors for the first time in May of 1939 under the name The Comerford, the grand theatre was a hot spot for evening activity. It was the first centrally air-conditioned building in Carlisle. The first years were busy, hosting shows from 2:30 pm to 11:30 pm. Though it declined in the 1970s, it was refurbished after its purchase in 1991 and was reopened in 1993, giving you the brilliant shows you watch today (Carlisle Theatre).
Masseys- In 1949, Jim and Geraldine Massey converted a gas station into a small ice cream stand on West High Street. In 2024, the iconic ice cream parlor is still a staple of Carlisle’s business. In the summertime, the line will often be out the door of the small shop – children to students to seniors, eager for a respite from the heat in the form of a generously sized cone of soft serve and sprinkles. Massey’s even stays open through the winter, and more impressively; maintains the business. The shop is an embedded trademark of the downtown infrastructure, satisfying customers for over a decade.
Molly Pitcher- Molly Pitcher was the wife of a soldier during the Revolutionary War. Her role was to carry water to soldiers, but when her husband got injured at the cannon, she took his role, cementing her place in legend. Her real name was Mary Ludwig Hays and she lived and died in Carlisle after the war. She is buried in the Carlisle Old Graveyard where a statue of her stands in front of the American flag. She is also remembered through the local restaurant, Molly Pitcher Brewery, which shares her name.
Dickinson- Dickinson is a liberal arts college located in Carlisle. It was chartered in 1783 by Benjamin Rush and was the first college established in the new United States of America. The campus is gorgeous- aligned with beautiful architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. Dickinson is known for its diverse student body, strong sense of community, and drive for equal opportunity. They are recognized as a leader in global and sustainability education.
Letort- LeTort is the iconic park and playground we all visited as kids, providing a fun space with countless activities. The stream is a calming place to relax and watch the geese and ducks, leading to a trail, perfect for taking a stroll. The playset was reconstructed in October 2023 and has since been a safer environment for children to run and play. LeTort Park and Fort LeTort Playground | Carlisle, PA 17013
War College/ Carlisle Barracks- The Carlisle Barracks is one of our nation’s oldest military installations. The barracks placement in south central PA would make it a part of many early American militaristic endeavors. The Army War College was established in 1903 to train staff officers and provide advice to the president. After several closures due to wartime, the Army War College moved to The Carlisle Barracks after WWII to provide the Army with officers that have an advanced education in the academic studies of war. Today the College is still active and educates and develops leaders for service at the strategic level (Army War College).
Car shows- Since 1974, Carlisle Events has been home to some of the world’s biggest automotive gatherings. With car shows, swap meets, and collector car auctions, it has become a go-to destination for generations of enthusiasts. Something special about this iconic staple is that there is something for everyone, with eight main shows celebrating all types of cars, and they support the local economy by producing millions of dollars for surrounding small businesses. “The events bring in $97 million annually to the local economy,” (A Living History of Carlisle PA Blog) says officials at Carlisle Events. Talk about a cornerstone!
Electric boxes- In the summer of 2019, five Carlisle High School art students, and their teacher, Amie Bantz, took their paintbrushes to the streets for local nonprofit, Color Carlisle. They painted each of the electric boxes by the crosswalks in the center of Carlisle, with Carlisle icons, and other assorted doodles. The project, called “Art While You Wait,” brings a smile to pedestrian faces, and a little bit more life into Carlisle.
Old prison- The old prison in Carlisle was built in 1834 and served as the Cumberland County prison for 130 years, and it now holds county offices. It is rumored to have paranormal activity and was on an episode of Ghost Hunters. Due to its unique appearance, it stands out amongst its surroundings, making it one of Carlisle’s many landmarks.
Time Bomb- Circa 2003, Miss Ruth owned an online vintage fashion store, and Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb is her dream built up in brick and mortar. It is open between Wednesday and Saturday and open to purchase donations from Monday to Friday. The Time Bomb is your one-stop shop for everything vintage, from clothing, accessories, homeware, and beyond!
Hot-chee Dogs/Hamilton- Both Hamilton and its iconic Hochee dogs have been in town since 1938, and they are a staple of Carlisle. On the corner of West High Street and South Pitt Street, Hamilton has been owned by The Mazias family, a family of originally Greek immigrants, since the early 70s and is officially marked a historic landmark as a representation of the high Greek immigrant population in the town. The main attraction is the Hotchee dog, a chilli-cheese dog topped with diced onion.
Festivals- In Carlisle, Pennsylvania, there are various festivals throughout the year. Some include Ice Fest, Summer Fair, Bluegrass on the Grass, and more. While most are held in the summer, like Bluegrass, where people can go and sit and enjoy music and various food options, there are a few in the winter. Ice Fest is a weekend where there are many hand-sculpted ice sculptures and food vendors, along with organizations looking to raise money. If you’re bored and near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, these festivals are a great option!
Bosler- The Bosler Memorial Library on West High Street has remained an integral part of Carlisle since 1900. It boasts several engaging programs, video games, and more to check out! It’s over 43,000 square feet, with several floors. It also offers its services to over 50,000 people.
King’s Gap- King’s Gap is a staple for environment enthusiasts and anyone looking for a place to hike. This state park is located in the mountains and offers various educational services. The hiking trail spreads for sixteen miles and interconnects three main areas, giving a panoramic view of Cumberland County. The hiking trails are open year-round, and the various educational programs give King’s Gap a great rank for Carlisle’s staples.
