Posted by dgetx
Texas’s Oldest Bakery Is On Its Way To Complete Restoration
Palestine- After 113 years, the oldest bakery in Texas is getting a facelift. Eilenberger’s Bakery in historic downtown Palestine received a facade improvement grant from the Palestine Economic Development Corporation (PEDC), however, these improvements run a bit deeper than the facade. Eilenberger’s is on the way to complete restoration.
The local Main Street Office provided the financial tools through the city to enable the bakery to get a jump start on their preservation project.
“They are an incredible resource,” said Eilenberger General Manager Sarah Rogers Pryor.
Pryor has worked for the bakery for over 15 years. She started as a temporary employee over the bustling holiday season of 1997. She has worked at nearly every level in the bakery, and worked her way up over the years into the position she now holds. Although Pryor is the general manager, she continues to assist in every area of the bakery.
Pryor explained that Eilenberger’s reached out to PEDC regarding the restoration of the century-plus old building. In turn, Palestine Main Street Manager Laura Westgate contacted the Texas Historic Commission (THC) for design assistance. THC then sent Rogers a rendering offered as part of the Design Assistance Program available through the Texas Main Street Center.
THC artist rendering of Eilenberger’s Bakery restoration project.
The first phase of restoration includes, repainting, replacing the awning on the two-story, pressed metal building, and uncovering and restoring the transom windows on the large two-story, brick building. Colors suggested for the building were a rustic red, tan and cream. Future work could include restoring the storefronts on the central, two-story building.
THC recommended the historic Sherwin Williams Exterior Preservation Palette for the colors. Three main colors were chosen for all of the buildings- a rustic red, a tan and a cream.
Other improvements the bakery has made include multiple interior improvements such as painting and sanding that occurred over the summer. Eilenberger’s is going above and beyond to restore the historic bakery.
For over a century, Eilenberger’s has been delivering baked goods to area residents from the same location. Eilenberger’s has kept an East Texas baking tradition alive by not only providing favorite hometown desserts to area residents, but by shipping East Texas made products worldwide.
Anyone who has not visited Eilenberger’s Bakery in historic downtown Palestine, located at 512 North John Street, is encouraged to stop by for a treat, in every sense of the word. Indulge in East Texas history while treating yourself, family, or friends to the baked goodness of Eilenberger’s Bakery. If you have discovered the East Texas gem, but have not seen the improvements, stop by and see the amazing transformation and ask Pryor for a tour!
For more information about Eilenberger’s Bakery log on to eilenbergerbakery.com. To request a catalog call 1-800-788-2996.
