Come Dine at Reinhold’s Inn

Educational Landscape in 1838

In 1838, Cocalico Township was divided into Ephrata, East Cocalico, and West Cocalico. At that time, the township maintained nine schools, each operating for six months annually. The schools enrolled 290 male and 255 female students, with an average daily attendance of 333. The cost per student was sixty-five cents per month, and teachers earned an annual salary of $1,944.

The Emergence of Reinholds Station

Reinholds began in the 1860s with the railroad’s arrival. Around 1863, Colonel Jesse Reinhold built a hotel that served as the town’s first station, post office, telegraph office, and waiting room. He acted as both postmaster and station agent. The hotel became a summer destination. After his death in 1875, the railroad built a station nearby, and new owners took over both roles and property.

Growth and Development

The arrival of the railroad spurred economic growth in Reinholds Station. Around 1880, Owen Brunner opened a general store, followed by John K. Bucker’s hardware store in 1883. Henry Brunner became a prominent coal and lumber merchant. In 1881, the Reinholds Station Creamery was established by Schaffer and Erb. These developments contributed to the village’s expansion, with the population reaching approximately 500 residents.

A Glimpse into West Cocalico in 1904

In 1904, W. U. Hensel described West Cocalico Township as remote yet impressive, with well-built red barns, gravel roads, and lush reclaimed land once known as “the Swamp.” Wildlife and fishing still thrived, and local lore spoke of Indian canoes on the Cocalico. The community was largely Lutheran and Reformed, with a strong, educated merchant serving both as landlord and shopkeeper at a rural crossroads.